☆~Down to Earth and Honest Book Reviews from a Free-Spirited and Custom Bilbliophile~☆

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Reads & Reels Tour for Father Figure by James J. Cudney

Book Reviews by Dani

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About the Book_1

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Father Figure

Publication Date: April 2, 2018

Genre:

Drama

Romance

Suspense

 

 

Between the fast-paced New York City, a rural Mississippi town, and a charming Pennsylvania college campus filled with secrets, two young girls learn the consequences of growing up too quickly. Struggling to survive in a claustrophobic, unforgiving world, they embark on a journey to overcome all the pain, disappointment, and horror of their experiences.

Amalia Graeme, abused by her mother for most of her life, longs to escape her desolate hometown, connect with others, and fall in love. Contemplating an impending loss of innocence and conflicting feelings between her boyfriend and the dangerous attraction she’s developed for an older man, Amalia suffers devastating, life-altering tragedies. No matter where she turns, someone or something always steals her hope of finding happiness, protection, and love.

Brianna Porter, a sassy yet angst-ridden teenager raised in New York City, yearns to determine her life’s true purpose, conquer her fear of abandonment, and interpret an intimidating desire for her best friend, Shanelle. All the confusion stems from desperately needing to find the father whom her mother refuses to reveal, but an unexpected discovery of a journal leads Brianna to a shocking revelation about her missing parent. Unfortunately, by casting the net to find him, she’s unleashed a tragic history that was meant to stay buried and might now completely change everyone’s futures.

Through alternating chapters set two decades apart, each girl’s plight unfolds revealing the parallels between their lives and the subsequent collision that is bound to happen. In an emotional story filled with mystery, romance, and suspense, fate intervenes forcing someone to make a dreadful decision that will leave permanent scars.

Add To Goodreads:

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Excerpt (Brianna’s Complicated Feelings)

Brianna and Shanelle have been best friends for years, but something more is brewing and Brianna doesn’t know how to handle it. She’s debating whether to sleep with her boyfriend after prom, but finds herself drawn back to a gift.

– James J. Cudney

“What are we gonna do about Doug?” Shanelle grabbed Brianna’s wrist, led her to the bathroom, and situated her on the toilet seat. She opened one of the boxes from the heaviest bag and considered what to do with a few curlers. “He’s gonna push you to sleep with him. Maybe I should show up to protect you. I could taser him if he does anything wrong.” Shanelle rifled through her cosmetics bag pulling out three types of eyeliner. “Choose.”

“Does it matter?”

“If I taser him? Probably not, though that asshole may get turned on. Hell, I might enjoy watching him piss himself from the electric shock.” She freakishly shook her body and feigned surprise after pretending to become incontinent.

“Not Doug, the eyeliner.” Brianna held up the makeup clueless about which color to select. She’d worn very little of her own following in her mother’s footsteps. Less is more is a motto often chanted around their apartment.

“Oh, my lovely little Bree. We’ll make a woman out of you someday.” Shanelle chose the thickest one and applied a generous line around Brianna’s eyes. “I’m jealous of these high cheekbones. They so perfectly shape your face.”

“Umm, thanks.” Brianna, often incapable of accepting praise, glanced at the mirror, then updated Shanelle about the information she discovered on Lenny’s mail in the jazz club. “Maybe I’ve got a new lead, huh?”

“It’s possible. That would be a big help.” Shanelle shrugged her shoulders, then excitedly changed the subject. “Ooh, grab the bag on the floor.”

Brianna tried to reach for it but couldn’t without bending forward. Shanelle’s hand slipped and traced a line of dark black liquid across her cheeks. “Bree, you’re such an awkward mess.”

“Just finish, will you?” Brianna grabbed the bag and shook a small blue box with a white bow. “You bought me something from Tiffany’s?”

“Yeah, even though you don’t deserve it.” Shanelle capped the eyeliner and opened a tray of varying shades of blue eyeshadow. “You need a darker, smokier color to highlight your eyes.”

“You shouldn’t have bought me anything after the way I behaved last night.” Brianna pulled the bow off the box and removed the lid. A pair of diamond teardrop earrings caused her to swoon. “They’re beautiful. You really are amazing.”

 

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My Thoughts_1

Wow, what a read!!! I knew Jay was a hell of a writer but this one really had me up all night and knew how to hit me with all the right feels to continue reading even though I cried like a baby during some scenes. I have to be honest that there is two things that triggered slightly but they were brief things but felt I needed to bring up there is a quick scene where an animal is hurt and their is some abuse that happened to one of the main characters but even though I had a little bit of anxiety for a moment, I still wanted more and I felt more attached to the characters. I became greatly invested in them and I think that the triggers even made me more attached to them because I felt their pain.

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I have been through similar experiences with being abused as a child and have experienced other similar things that the characters also experienced. I became attached, the suspense thrilled me, the drama had my heart and mind going through a whirlwind but best of all it also made me smile at times too. I loved Shanelle and Brianna! They were great characters and Mr. Cudney was brilliant at portraying what young girls go through at a time when they are of legal age but still have so much to learn. Shanelle and Brianna’s friendship and the feelings they I had for each other just made me swoon at times. They were just the cutest and I couldn’t get enough of them together. This has to be one of the best books that I have ever read ever! So relatable, so intense, heartbreaking, but a book that is a must read that you definitely don’t want to miss out on! Another thing I want to comment on with concluding is that the way the dual time lines broke down and you have no idea how things all fall into place is brilliant! I can’t wait to see what James Cudney comes out with next!

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Big thanks to Reads & Reels & James Cudney for providing me with an eARC in exchange for an honest review and to be able to receive this opportunity.

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Where to Buy It_1

Available on Amazon and from Creativia

About the Author_1

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James is my given name; most call me Jay. I grew up on Long Island and currently live in New York City, but I’ve traveled all across the US (and various parts of the world). After college, I spent 15 years working in technology and business operations in the sports, entertainment and media industries. Although I enjoyed my job, I left in 2016 to focus on my passion: telling stories and connecting people through words. My debut novel is ‘Watching Glass Shatter,’ a contemporary fiction family drama with elements of mystery, suspense, humor and romance. To see samples or receive news from my current and upcoming books, please subscribe with your email address at my website: https://jamesjcudney.com

What do I do outside of writing: I’m an avid genealogist (discovered 2K family members going back about 250 years) and cook (I find it so hard to follow a recipe). I love to read; between Goodreads and my blog at https://thisismytruthnow.com, I have over 500 book reviews which will give you a full flavor for my voice and style. On my blog, I started the 365 Daily Challenge, where I post a word each day that has some meaning to me, then converse with everyone about life. There is humor, tears, love, friendship, advice and bloopers. Lots of bloopers where I poke fun at myself all the time. Even my dog has a weekly segment called “Ryder’s Rants” where he complains about me. All these things make up who I am; none of them are very fancy or magnanimous, but they are real and show how I live every day.

A bit of humor: Everything doubles as something else when you live in NYC. For me, it’s the dining room, my favorite space in the apartment, where more than just my cooking is on display! As I look out the windows onto a 12th floor terrace, various parts of nature (trees, bushes, flowers, bugs & animals) inspire me to write. Ryder, my 10-year old shiba inu, usually lays on my feet, growling when I shift positions too many times or when I forget to share my food! Although he’s only 20 pounds, he’s quite strong and pushy. But how else can you pen the best story possible without these things by your side?

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Blog | James J. Cudney | Amazon| Twitter

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Tour Organizer_1

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R&R Book Tours


Tour Stops_1

Schedule

June 4th
Reads & Reels (Promo) http://www.readsandreels.com
Valerie’s Musings (Review & Interview) http://valeriesmusings76.wordpress.com
Julia’s Picks (Review) http://juliapicks1.wordpress.com
Splashes into Books (Review) http://splashesintobooks.wordpress.com
Bri’s Book Nook (Review) http://brisbooknook.wordpress.com

June 5th
The Scribbling Site (Review) https://thescribblingssite.wordpress.com
Brizzlelass Books (Promo) https://brizzlelassbooks.com/
The Voluptuous Book Diva (Excerpt) http://www.thevoluptuousbookdiva.com/
Jessica Rachow (Review) http://jessicarachow.wordpress.com
The Book Collective (Review) http://thebookcollective.net

June 6th
Kim Knight (Review & Interview) http://kimknightauthor.wordpress.com
Finding Life Through Pain (Review) http://lynnetteok.wordpress.com
Beware of the Reader (Review) http://bewareofthereader.com/
Nesie’s Place (Excerpt) https://nesiesplace.wordpress.com
Run Wright (Review) http://www.runwright.net

June 7th
Audio Killed the Bookmark (Review) http://audiokilledthebookmark.wordpress.com
Jennie Reads (Review) http://jenniereads.wordpress.com
Touch My Spine Book Reviews (Review) https://touchmyspinebookreviews.com
Bobo’s Book Bank (Excerpt) http://bobosbookbank.com
Crystal’s Book World (Review) http://crystalsbookworld.wordpress.com
Dash Fan Book Reviews (Review) https://dashfan81.blogspot.com/
By Hook or By Book (Review) http://cadburypom.WordPress.com

June 8th
Life at 17 (Review) https://lifeat17.wordpress.com
Port Jerricho (Review) http://www.aislynndmerricksson.com
Sinfully Wicked Reviews (Review) https://sinfullywickedbookreviews.com
Globe Flowers Blog (Review) https://globeflower.co.uk

 

 

43 Comments

#CoverReveal Summer at the Little Duck Pond Cafe by Rosie Green

Cover Reveal

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Summer at The Little Duck Pond Café

about-the-book

Genre:

Cover Reveal Date: 29th May 2018

Publication Date: 18th June 201818th June 2018

Estimated Page Count – 130 ( approx 30, 000 words)– 130 ( approx 30, 000 words)

Jaz Winters stuck a pin in a map and fled to the village of Sunnybrook, looking for a brand new life – and after a rocky start, it’s beginning to look as if she made the right decision. Her blossoming friendship with Ellie and Fen has seen her through some dark times, and she’s managed to land two jobs – waitress at The Little Duck Pond Café and working as a weekend tour guide at Brambleberry Manor, the country house that’s been in Fen’s family for generations.

Sure, life isn’t totally perfect. There’s the irritating know-it-all guy who keeps popping up on her manor tours, for a start. He seems determined to get under Jaz’s skin whether she likes it or not. But she supposes it’s a small price to pay for the relative peace she’s found, living in Sunnybrook.

But just as Jaz is beginning to think rosier times are on the horizon, a shock encounter looks set to shatter her fragile happiness.

Will she be forced to flee from Sunnybrook and everyone she’s grown so fond of? Or will she find the strength to stand her ground and finally face up to the nightmares of the past?

This novella is part of a trilogy:

Spring at The Little Duck Pond Café

Summer at The Little Duck Pond Café

Winter at The Little Duck Pond Café

Where to Buy It

Pre-order on Amazon UK –

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Author Bio

Rosie Green has been scribbling stories ever since she was little. Back then they were rip-roaring adventure tales with a young heroine in perilous danger of falling off a cliff or being tied up by ‘the baddies’. Thankfully, Rosie has moved on somewhat, and now much prefers to write romantic comedies that melt your heart and make you smile, with really not much perilous danger involved at all, unless you count the heroine losing her heart in love.

Rosie’s brand new series of novellas is centred on life in a village café. Summer at The Little Duck Pond Café, published on 18th June 2018, follows the first in the series, Spring at The Little Duck Pond Café.

Twitter – https://twitter.com/Rosie_Green1988

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27 Comments

#BlogTour The Phoenix Cycle by Bob Collopy

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about-the-book

phoenixcyclefrontcover.pngThe Phoenix Cycle: The Best Shall Rise

Publication Date: June 23, 2017

Published By: The Department of Smoke

Genre: Dystopian/ YA/ Sci-Fi

DystopianSciFi

New San Francisco is the last city standing on a world ravaged by storms of ash and debris. The city survived by putting the ideals of the American dream on steroids and inspiring its people to persevere, though they have become ruthless in the process. Its citizens are ruled by the General, who has made sure that his people understand that gentleness and pity have become weaknesses that nature no longer tolerates.

Now Steve and Leslie must choose whether they will apply for the General’s once in a lifetime opportunity to “Rise from the Ashes” and join the Inner Circle that rules the city. If they don’t, they will be damned to spend the rest of their lives in the ghettos of Edingburg, a place where virtual reality has become a government-subsidized addiction.

For Steve, the choice is easy. His loyalties lie with the IRA, a revolutionary army led by a voice only known as “Mom.” They are trying to overthrow the General and free the people of New San Francisco from the cruelties of the City Guard. Steve’s mission is to broadcast a recording of a speech that a famous philosopher died to tell. Many thousands have and will perish to get this message out, but is anyone willing to listen?

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Every wrist in the stadium beeped. Every boy and girl glanced down at the face of their watch. “00:10” then “:09” then “:08.” Everyone turned their heads to the west. There it was. Right on time, as always. The nightly storm. A wall of blackness had lurched up into the sky, swallowing the setting sun. The hairs on Steve’s neck stood up, urging him to get the hell out
of there.

Instead he grabbed Leslie’s hand, who sat quietly quivering next to him, instinctively pressing her bow into her head for comfort. Steve knew her shaking wasn’t coming from Line’s yelling, the storm, or even the tank pointing at them. Her quivers never came from the barrel of a gun, no, the ragging agony she held within her was the very same thing that pushed him back into the sheets when the sun finally rose—are we going to lose each other?

Leslie’s mind pushed the feeling away for at least another moment. “It’ll be all right,” she whispered. Her brown eyes guided him to the dozens of mortar tubes pointing upward and outward on the vibrant green field and then to the perfect line of churning ash that approached the stands.

“Unity can only be achieved and be maintained when it is the STRONG who come together and fly under one flag! We, like no other in the world, have created a unity that has never broken, has never FLINCHED! When the rest of the world saw THAT—” Line’s long arm pointed at the coming avalanche of black— “They all fell to pieces!”

The earth began to quake as the wall rose over them. Someone screamed. The mortars on the field fired as one at the roiling sky. The blackness spilled over the stadium, then slid over the perimeter of the frizzing wall of static that had encapsulated the field. No Phoenix Cycler had seen—only heard rumors from past Cycle Pref parties—this blackness that was sliding over and them whispering their deaths.

– The Phoenix Cycle: The Best Shall Rise

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Book Review

I really enjoyed reading this novel. This novel makes you think about disasters that could be possible in this messed up world.  This book was enjoyable to read between other novels and at a slow pace. Reading this book, I started thinking about different concepts and how things in the world really are. I enjoyed the author’s concepts and ideas and found some things definitely relateable. I have to admit that I enjoy thinking about the “What Ifs” and enjoy reading dystopian novels and about some conspiracy theories so when I listened to this book on my kindle, my son’s father just loved it.*tin foil hats in hand, ready to go* He was the one that gobbled it up and read it the most. He is a big fanImage result for dystopian gif of Sy-fy and Dystopian fiction. Some of the things mentioned in this book went over my head a little but this was just an ARC so I am sure there will be tweaks to be fixed but I found that this dystopian  novel quite enjoyable and am excited to see what the author comes out with next. Big thanks for this opportunity to the author and Reads & Reels Blog Tours!

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About the Author

Author Pic

Bob is pretty dope. Firstly, his name is Bob, so…yea. Second, have you seen him rock that suit while in a maximum security prison? Epic.

Yea. That’s Bob. No psychological scarring with that author. Nope. Totally fine.

Gosh he looks good in suits.

Hey Have you read The Phoenix Cycle? He wrote that.

One suggestion before you read it and become one of those fans that leaves him roses by his doormat. Read her slowly. This book is not Twilight. She’s deeper than that. Take your time with her. Show the book you care. Cradle it and make it feel loved. If you do, she’ll be good to you. Go too fast and you’ll have no idea why she’s acting so crazy.

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Philosophies Dead | Facebook | Twitter | YouTube | Goodreads

Giveaway

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The author is giving away 10 print copies (That’s right 10) and 5 Digital copies of his book so make sure you enter as the odds are definitely in your favor! (Runs from May 21st to May 30th)

a Rafflecopter giveaway

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Blog Tour Schedule

May 21st

Reads & Reels (Kick-Off Promo)

Just for My Books (Excerpt)

The Lit Cottage (Review)

Adventures Thu Wonderland (Review)

The Midwest Ladies Who Lit (Excerpt)

May 22nd

IAMAGEEKINGGINGER (Review)

Tranquil Dreams (Review)

On the Shelf Reviews (Excerpt)

May 23rd

Didi Oviatt (Excerpt)

The Genre Minx (Excerpt)

The Cozy Pages (Excerpt)

Valerie’s Musings (Excerpt)

The YA Book Divas (Interview)

May 24th

J Bronder Reviews (Review)

Banshee Irish Horror Blog (Interview)

Bri’s Book Nook (Review)

The Cozy Pages (Excerpt)

Wicked Good Reads (Review)

May 25th

Afire Pages (Excerpt)

Port Jerricho (Excerpt)

Touch My Spine Book Reviews (Review)

 

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R&R Book Tours

 

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Y6xs2eGzOm4GQ.gifLove you guys and thank the Heavens that I have internet again!!! Woot! Luckily there is a discount program for low income families with our local internet service is only 10$ a month with the first month free! YAY! So I am LIVE you guys and will be catching up on reviews and annoying the shit out of you!!!! Thanks so much for stopping by my blog and for those have been following up with the happenings of my family we are slowly but surely doing better. We are facing some big battles but we have hope, food and a roof over our heads, many thanks to you! Love ya guys!!!JdGmFNQISiPTi.gif

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25 Comments

Author Interview Featuring Author Candace Robinson

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Hey guys I am super excited to feature this awesome author/blogger on my blog today! She is such an amazing lady with a sweet presence and beautiful soul. I was so glad I connected with Author Candace Robinson!!!

So I am going to shut my babbling mouth up and start this interview because I am so excited to feature her on my blog! Woot!

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Will you please tell us a little bit about yourself?

I’m a writer or at least try to be. I have the tendency to fight with the little demon in my head who constantly tells me that I’m not good enough. Besides that, I live with my husband and daughter who support me through all my insanity. I also have a migraine condition and sometimes they are in the form known as hemiplegic migraines which are utterly debilitating.

Can you tell us about one or more of your novels?

I wrote Quinsey Wolfe’s Glass Vault back in 2016 and ended up self publishing. After one of my new books, Clouded by Envy, got picked up by The Parliament House, I submitted Quinsey and the sequel to them in which they picked them up. After the new editing process, Quinsey is now how it should have been the first time. It’s full of retellings because I absolutely love them, and I chose the ones that shaped me as I grew up. Other than Quinsey, another of my books that I co-wrote titled Bacon Pie also just released. It has bacon and pie and some romance.

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Are the characters in your stories that are based off yourself or anyone else?

So, I have two manuscripts I just finished that aren’t published and I put a little of myself in there. I sometimes use moments that have happened in my life and sprinkle that in as well. In Hearts Are Like Balloons, the opening chapter about my dad ending his life is the same way it happened to me, except I wasn’t a teen when it occurred. Writing that book helped me get through things a little more easily.

What has been the hardest part of becoming/being a published author?

Marketing! Also trying to get an agent. I’ve been on a mission for a while now to find one, and I’m hoping eventually one will fall in love with my words.

When did you first start writing stories or any other kind of writings?

I wrote poems a little after my senior year in high school, but I didn’t actually write anything until I wrote Quinsey in 2016 right after my dad died. I figured life is always unexpected, and you can’t sit there and keep waiting to do something about it.

What inspired you to become an author?

I don’t really have a great answer for that. I just always have little images in my head that are waiting to be pulled together into a story. It knocks, knocks, and knocks some more at my head until they are written down.

Did you take writing classes or are you self taught?

No writing classes! I’m sure someone would argue that I need to! Lol!

What is the most difficult part of writing?

Believing that what I’m writing isn’t a big mess. In all honesty, the first draft is most likely always a catastrophe, but then you can go in there and sew it all back together with new words and removing words. Eventually, it all comes together!

What are your hobbies?

Reading and taking care of my daughter. She’s a huge Harry Potter fan so I’m pretty sure that makes Harry Potter my hobby!

Are there any authors that have inspired your love for writing?

I haven’t read a lot of the classics, so it’s mainly YA for me. And that would be Tahereh Mafi and Sarah J. Maas. I just can’t put their books down!

What is your favorite book? I know this can be a difficult question for readers!

The Shatter Me series by Tahereh Mafi and Under the Never Sky series by Veronica Rossi

Can you share with us your favorite literary quote?

It’s not literary lol, but my favorite quote is actually by the singer Jewel back in the 90’s “I’d rather see the world from another angle”

If you could give young writers (who’s dream is to be published) a piece of advice that has anything to do with the writing process, what would that be?

Just keep at it. If you want to get published, it is probably going to take a while, but there is someone out there who will love your work. We all just have to find them.

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Author Bio:

Candace Robinson spends her days consumed by words. When she’s not writing stories, she maintains a book review blog. Her life consists of avoiding migraines, admiring Bonsai trees, and living with her husband and daughter in Texas—where it can be forty degrees one day and eighty the next.

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Website: http://authorcandacerobinson.wordpress.com

Blog: http://literarydust.wordpress.com

Twitter: http://twitter.com/literarydust

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/literarydust/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/literarydust

32 Comments

Author Interview Featuring Didi Oviatt

I am so glad that today I get to feature one of my all time favorite authors and friend, Didi Oviatt! Not only is she super talented, she is also kind, inspiring and has a free-spirit that you can’t help but to love!💖 From my beginning days as being a book blogger, Didi was one of the few people who made me instantly feel at home and after reading two of her books and reading her blog and magazine, I was in awe because of the way she had with words. I hope that when I finish my novel that I am able to become atleast half of the author Didi is!😀 So enough of my babbles. about my innoncent girl crush on Didi Let’s get to the Q&As with her and yours truly!💖🎊🎉

Didi with her latest novel, Search for Maylee

Will you please tell us a little bit about yourself?

My two terrorising, bugar-faced children hold the key to my heart. Writing suspense novels leaves me to feel empowered, grounded, and utterly beside myself all at once.

And…………….

My idea of a perfect evening is to be is standing around a booming campfire, with a cold beer in hand, and in a place where the stars are so bright and beautiful it feels like I can reach up and grab them! I’m a small town girl surrounded by mountain ranges that are to die for. So yes, I totally get to experience this phenomenon often!

Can you tell us about one or more of your novels?

I think I’ll to go with Aggravated Momentum to ramble about today. Mostly because you’re yet to read it, Dani *wink. wink.* This was my first ever Physcological Thriller. It was the first book I wrote that made me realize I have the kind of potential to actually pursue writing as a lifelong career. The premise is centered around a family with dark secrets, and a killer with a knack for psychological torture. The main victim doesn’t die right off, in this creepy little slasher… No, no, that would be too easy. Instead, the people she cares about are picked off around her, one by one, while her tormentor watches her dismay from a distance. I could go on, but I’d rather you find out for yourselves! 😉

Are there characters in your stories based off yourself or anyone else?

For the most part, no. However, I do have a short story collection that is based on myself, and some elaborated silly memories of my younger years. There are six stories total, and the series is titled Time Wasters.

What has been the hardest part of becoming/being a published author?

Time management!! Hands down, juggling life as a (excellent) mommy and (incomparable) wife (lol), working part time outside the home and writing full time inside the home. It’s hard not to get a little ran down in finding the time. I’ve definitely learned a thing or two over the last couple of years about prioritizing over stressing. Sometimes you have to take a breath and slow yourself down! Becoming a successful writer is huge, but that can never be accomplished without at least trying to keep your sanity intact.

When did you first start writing stories or any other kind of writings?

I’ve always dabbled some in poetry, and excelled in creative writing projects up through high school, but it wasn’t until I was in my mid-twenties and going through a bit of medical struggles, that I found my love to create literature. I had to stop drinking, and spent a lot of time on bed-rest… so, naturally I was bored! I decided that I needed a hobby that was constructive, and might help me to feel capable and competent again despite my body’s pitfalls. I turned to writing as an outlet, something to help pull me me away from self-pity and boost my overall health in general. Ultimately, writing turned into a passion much bigger than I’d ever dreamed it could! In a way, you could say writing changed my life.

If you wrote an autobiography, what would the title be?

Making Mind Over Matter a Reality

Did you take writing classes or are you self taught?

I’m completely self taught. Although, I like to think of the novels read as the best teaching tool available to writers. In my opinion, creativity can rarely be taught, and everyday choices in life itself can offer the biggest lessons. You just need to pay attention, open your mind, and allow yourself to learn.

What is the most difficult part of writing?

Edit. Edit. Edit.

What do you enjoy most about being a published author?

I love the feedback and the growth in it. I guess you could say the whole process of self-improvement is absolutely addicting!

What are your hobbies?

OMG where to start! I probably have too many hobbies, that’s why I’m always strapped for time, and utterly behind on my promised reads and writing projects! I’m very outdoorsy. If it involves fresh open air, the sun and the wilderness, then consider me in! I’m like the most opposite of a ‘city girl’ one can possibly get. Some might even go as far as to call me a redneck… and so be it! That said, I spend a lot of time getting dirty. I hike, ride ATV’s, hunt (my favorite is archery), lots and lots of fishing, swimming/boating. I also love Native American artifacts, so I spend a lot of time looking for arrowheads etc, mostly in desert ranges. I also LOVE to take the time teaching my kids dance, sports, and music!

Are there any authors that have inspired your love for writing?

Every single book I’ve ever read has inspired me in one way or another. I pick up on the qualities I love, and I take note of what I don’t. BUT, if I have to pick just one author then I’m going with Colleen Hoover. Not only because her writing is absolutely amazing, but because she’s a beautiful person in general. She’s a giver, an absolute inspiration in every way. She donates and raises money for charities often, and is a pillar of the community. I actually got to interview her for The Conscious Talk Magazine and it was absolutely a dream come true!

If you could give young writers (who’s dream is to be published) a piece of advice that has anything to do with the writing process, what would that be?

Take your time, and take breaks before you do any rounds of edits and revisions. Once you’ve stepped away from a project for a while, you’ll come back with a clean slate and a fresh perspective. Overall this will help your piece to be better rounded and prettier polished.

Here’s a bio on Didi with links and about her books! I got this bio from her author/book blog. You can connect with Didi on her blog @ https://didioviatt.wordpress.com/about/

Growing up in a small town had more than several advantages and disadvantages. Saying that my childhood was sheltered is nothing short of an understatement. Unlocked doors, cleared streets, and the quiet of a trustworthy neighborhood were all welcomed features of my hometown. As a small child I baked cookies with the old lady down the road. I sat next to my kindergarten crush in sun day school, and literally rode my bike in the middle of the road without a care in the world. We didn’t have what kids have today. We actually had to use our imaginations to have a good time. There were no smart phones, tablets, or 64s to keep us occupied. We were perfectly content to play with our stick guns and a water hose for hours on end… And I loved it! Along with my scrapes and bruises I also maintained a simple, happy for the little things attitude, and of course a great tan.

Now that I have made my childhood out to be nothing but cherries and smiles, I have to point out the disadvantages that came with the small town upbringing– before the world of electronics took over the young mind. One word distinctively comes to mind… Boredom! As I grew into adolescence I no longer cared much for silly toys, dancing, baking, or crafts. I rebelled like many young adults do. With a sever chip on my shoulder and a lack of coordination in the sports department, I spent the majority of my time partying. Nothing too outrageous, mostly close friends, fires, and beer.

As much as I would love to say that living in a small town gave me an overactive imagination and love for books, that is unfortunately not the case. I cared more about having a good time than I did about school. I was voted wild child twice in high school. I cheated my way to passing grades.

It wasn’t until I was settled and married with a child on the way that I found my love for the literary world. Rearing out of my mid twenties left me a bit more mature, having to find more important things to do with my time than re-occurring nights at the bar. This is when it started – I read one book after another for a few short years, then decided to give writing a bash. I’m completely amazed at the love I developed! Once I started putting the world of imagination that has long been trapped in my overactive mind into a keyboard, the transformation of self began. A new aspiration in life has formed. I want nothing more than to be known as the unexpected novelist who took the literary world by storm!

My novels include three stand alone thrillers, Search For Maylee, Aggravated Momentum, and The Stix. I’ve released the start to a YA dystopian trilogy New Age Lamians (books 2 and 3 are intended to be released in 2018). I also have a few short story anthologies, Time Wasters, and The Suspenseful Collectionpartnered with Kim Knight.

Follow me on Amazon: Didi’s Amazon Authors Page

Follow me on Facebook: Didi’s Facebook Author Page

Follow me on Twitter: Didi’s Twitter

Follow me on Goodreads: Didi’s Goodreads

Follow me on Instagram: Didi’s Instagramthree

One of Didi’s quotes which she likes to share on her Bookstagram!

Thanks so much everyone for stopping by and reading my interview with the lovely Didi Oviatt!😀📚 Until next time, lovelies!Xoxoxo!

71 Comments

*~Book Quotes~*Updates~*

Hello friends! I am sorry I haven’t been on line to show you the proper love. I have been bouncing off a neighbors Wi-Fi for the time being

I have an update though. I was able to get all my medication for my seizures. I havent had a seizure in days so I am eternally grateful to everyone whom has donated shared, liked and/or prayed/sent vibes. The only bad news is that I received a visit from social services yesterday and today. I have been crazy stressed out this and have been trying to re-call every place I have before and working on more churches. Social Services will be involved until they make sure that everything is stable for the kids so I am praying I get it figured out but haven’t lost hope.

Thank you again for all the help that you have given me. We appreciate you more words can express and I hope to be online soon!😀 I hope everyone is having a great week.❤❤❤

Now for some bookish shenanigans…

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Reads & Reels Tours: Backdoor Storytelling – And Sidetellings. And Retellings. Featuring Chauncey Rogers, Author Of Happily

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I would like to thank Reads and Reels Blog Tours and Chauncey Rogers for providing me with this opportunity!😍

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I’m was beyond excited that I was able to be part of this blog tour! I was happy dancing majorly(insert cabbage patch) when I received the invite about this tour  and it popped up in my inbox from the lovely Shannanigans @ Reads and Reels Blog Tours!!💃 Woot, Woot!!!😍

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I have to admit I fangirl a bit too much over this novel and I am shamelessly guilty that I have already read this book twice. I loved it like that crazy fun kind of love the first time around and loved it just as much the next time around, if not more!
I have been battling that nasty thing called grief and this was the perfect story to read to help push me back into my obsession love of my books and blogging!😍 I highly recommend this book to anyone for any mood and/or occasion  It’s simply one you won’t want to put down! You can find my review of Happily by Chauncey Rogers here. Okay, Okay enough with me my mouth  , let’s get back to the tour!

 

  • Today’s blog tour is a bit different today. Chauncey has been celebrating his release of his newest novel by sharing something similar to the story but also unique as well with every tour stop. I will be sharing the synopsis of Happily and then you will get to hear from Chauncey himself!😁 Hope you enjoy and thank you for stopping by.😉💖💯

 

 



Publication Information: 

Title: Happily

Author: Chauncey Rogers

Pages: 299

Publication Date: April 3, 2018

Genre: YA (MG-friendly) Fantasy/Fairy-Tale Retelling

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If the shoe fits, wear it.
If it doesn’t, make it.

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Laure is a teenage street urchin just trying to get away. Where the rest of the world sees an enchanting love story, Laure sees royal incompetence and an opportunity to exploit it. She’ll have wealth and a way out of a life she detests, if she can only manage to hoodwink the royal family and survive to tell the tale.

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Backdoor Storytelling – And Sidetellings. And Retellings.

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Thank you Dani! It’s great to be on your blog today!

We’re talking about the different variations of retellings today, and what it is about them that charms us so much. I’m going to make up some of my own definitions, because I’m of the type of person that does that.

So let’s start with the made up definitions for retellings, backdoortellings, and sidetellings.

A retelling follows the same character as the original tale, but twists major elements of the story.
A backdoortelling follows a lesser character through the same events, offering a new perspecitve.
A sidetelling follows an equivalent character, offering a new perspective andpossible twists.

The film A.I. is a retelling of Pinocchio.
The novel Ender’s Shadow is a backdoortelling of Ender’s Game.
The picture book The True Story of the Three Little Pigs! is a sidetelling of The Three Little Pigs and the Big, Bad Wolf.

Think I’m making these definitions up just to look smart and unnecessarily subcategorize Happily?
You’re probably right.

But anyways, what is it about these new approaches to traditional stories that we love so much? Why do readers and viewers love to see a story they already know, told in new ways?

I’m sure there are many different reasons. One I’d like to talk about is predictability. We like these retellings because of their predictability.

It might sound slightly counter intuitive. Normally, when you hear “predictable” ascribed to a story, it’s a bad mark against it. And yet, there is a certain degree of predictability that we want to see in stories.

We can usually guess the ending—we still don’t want people to tell it to us and spoil it, but we have a hunch that the good guys are going to win, the lost dog will be found, the lovers will be ruineted, the athlete will overcome, etc. Does this always happen? Of course not. Is that okay? Of course it is. But generally, we can guess the outcome.

For example, in Star Wars: A New Hope, we know right from the beginning that there’s an evil empire, a group of rebels opposing them, a battlestation that can destroy planets, and plans that will reveal its weakness.

Does it take a genius to predict that the rebels will (spoiler alert, I guess) blow up the Death Star? Hardly.

But how will they do it? That’s what we don’tknow, and that’s what’s exciting to find out. It’s exciting to see our predictions be correct, and it’s exciting to see the twists that will make it happen (or will delay it happening).

And that is a rather roundabout way of explaining one reason why we enjoy retellings as much as we do. It’s because the audience has an even higher ability to predict what might happen, because we already know one version of the story. The fun, then, is in seeing how the storyteller is going to introduce the elements we’ve predicted. If they’re not creative or surprising enough, it feels bland. If they’re too creative or surprising, it comes off as untrue to the original story. But if it hits the sweet spot, where it provides the perfect twist on the reader’s expectations—a masterpiece!

There are other reasons, I’m sure, why we love retellings—nostalgia or familiarity being one, I’m sure, but I wanted to discuss one that people might not have considered, as well as a concept that applies to storytelling in general. It isn’t the often predictable outcomes that surprise and delight audiences. It’s how they got there.

Have your own theory of why people love retellings? Have a favorite retelling yourself? Or maybe want to say how upset you are with me for spoiling the ending of Star Wars: A New Hope? Let us know in the comments!


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Bio:

Chauncey Rogers was born in Arizona, and since then has hopped back and forth between the mid-western and western United States. He married in 2012 while attending school in Utah. His favorite movie since he was three is Jurassic Park, and he wishes very badly that Bigfoot and the Loch Ness Monster were real, though he doesn’t believe in them as much as he used to.

In March 2017, he published his first novel,Home To Roost. In October 2017, he published Cleaving Souls.

He currently lives in Kansas City with his wife and two children.

You can find Chauncey Rogers on his WordPress blog and author website @ chaunceyrogers.com

Day 9 of 13 of Happily’s Release Blog Tour. See the full schedule here.

Happily on GoodReads
Purchase Happily on Amazon!

25 Comments

Free Kindle Books Feature: Snapped(An Agent Jade Monroe FBI Thriller #1) by C.M. Sutter

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Title: Snapped: (A Jade Monroe FBI Thriller #1)

Author: C.M. Sutter

Genre:

Thriller

Suspense

Goodreads:

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*Please note that prices changed often so always check your cart when you check out to make sure it’s the correct price. The following images take you to the Amazon page where you can download the book for free. I am an Amazon affiliate so have to let you know that if you decide to make any purchases while on my links I get a small fraction and you help a sista out!😋*

Blurb

Murder happens in Houston, but when the most recent murders take on disturbing similarities, local law enforcement officers fear a serial killer is roaming their streets.

Former sheriff’s department sergeant Jade Monroe has just graduated from the FBI’s serial crimes unit in homicide and is called to Houston with her partner, J.T. Harper, to take on her first assignment—apprehending the person responsible for these gruesome crimes.

With victims piling up and the clock ticking, Jade and J.T. need to intensify their search because there’s no sign the killer is slowing down.

After a late-night epiphany while she’s alone, Jade suddenly comes face to face with the killer, and now Jade is missing. The clock continues to tick—but this time it’s for her.

Note: All Jade Monroe books are standalone stories but since characters carry over, they are best read in chronological order.

Series One – Detective Jade Monroe Crime Thriller Series
#1 Maniacal
#2 Captive
#3 Fallacy
#4 Premonition
#5 Exposed

Note: The Jade Monroe FBI Thriller books follow on the heels of the conclusion of Exposed, Book 5 in the Detective Jade Monroe Crime Thriller Series.

Series Two – Agent Jade Monroe FBI Thriller Series
#1 Snapped
#2 Justified

Thanks for checking out my post, lovelies! I have missed everyone and sorry I haven’t been so active lately. I am trying to get back into the groove of things but grief and chronic pain are some nasty things. I love all of your faces! You guys ROCK!😍💜💙💚💖

19 Comments

Manipulative Lives by H.A. Leuschel Tour

 

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I want thank Rachel’s Random Resources and H.A. Herschel for providing me with an eARC in exchange for an honest review. I appreciate this opportunity and all views expressed are my own.

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wp-1522864949726.jpgTitle: Manipulative Lives

Author: H.A. Herschel

Publication Date: June 8, 2016

Page Count: 273 pages

Categories and Genre:

Purchase Link – https://books2read.com/u/49P2MJ
 

Manipulated Lives

Five stories – Five Lives

Have you ever felt confused or at a loss for words in front of a spouse, colleague or parent, to the extent that you have felt inadequate or, worse, a failure? Do you ever wonder why someone close to you seems to endure humiliation without resistance?  Manipulators are everywhere. At first these devious and calculating people can be hard to spot, because that is their way. They are often masters of disguise: witty, disarming, even charming in public – tricks to snare their prey – but then they revert to their true self of being controlling and angry in private. Their main aim: to dominate and use others to satisfy their needs, with a complete lack of compassion and empathy for their victim.   In this collection of short novellas, you meet people like you and me, intent on living happy lives, yet each of them, in one way or another, is caught up and damaged by a manipulative individual. First you meet Tess, whose past is haunted by a wrong decision, then young, successful and well balanced Sophie, who is drawn into the life of a little boy and his troubled father. Next, there is teenage Holly, who is intent on making a better life for herself, followed by a manipulator himself, trying to make sense of his irreversible incarceration. Lastly, there is Lisa, who has to face a parent’s biggest regret. All stories highlight to what extent abusive manipulation can distort lives and threaten our very feeling of self-worth.

 


I absolutely loved this book and how each of the five stories brought a unique group of characters and a steady paced plot to keep you hooked from start to finish. I’m going to be honest, I devoured this whole book in one night and stayed up all night with it! #WorthIt! 


I really enjoyed the different backgrounds of each character and how it brought a fresh perspective to the table for every one of the five stories. I became heavily invested in the characters and I ended up scrolling through my kindle as fast as I could so that I could discover the twists and outcome. Out of all the stories, I really adored Tess and Tattoos. It was a bittersweet story but like the rest of the novellas, it really made you think of the effects that abuse has on someone and what they all go through.

 As a woman who has been in a couple of emotionally abusive relationships, I really felt Tess’s pain but in the same sense I felt her joy!💖 Even though I faced abuse throughout my life, I thankfully didn’t find these psychological dramas a trigger. This beautiful collection of novellas are full of depth, heart-wrenching and heartwarming moments that I am sure many readers will love! I highly recommend these stories and am excited to see what the author comes out with next!






Author Bio – 

Helene Andrea Leuschel grew up in Belgium where she gained a Licentiate in Journalism & Communication, which led to a career in radio and television in Brussels, London and Edinburgh. She now lives with her husband and two children in Portugal and recently acquired a Master of Philosophy with the OU, deepening her passion for the study of the mind. When she is not writing, Helene works as a freelance journalist and teaches Yoga.

Social Media Links – 

www.facebook.com/HALeuschel/

https://twitter.com/HALeuschel

https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/15337013.H_A_Leuschel

http://www.heleneleuschel.com



Giveaway – Win a signed copy of Manipulated Lives by H.A. Leuschel (Open Internationally)

*Terms and Conditions –Worldwide entries welcome.  Please enter using the Rafflecopter box below.  The winner will be selected at random via Rafflecopter from all valid entries and will be notified by Twitter and/or email. If no response is received within 7 days then I reserve the right to select an alternative winner. Open to all entrants aged 18 or over.  Any personal data given as part of the competition entry is used for this purpose only and will not be shared with third parties, with the exception of the winners’ information. This will passed to the giveaway organiser and used only for fulfilment of the prize, after which time I will delete the data.  I am not responsible for despatch or delivery of the prize.

http://www.rafflecopter.com/rafl/display/33c6949473/?



Rachel’s Random Resources

20 Comments

Author Interview with Nonieqa Ramos~Author of The Disturbed Girl’s Dictionary

What’s up guys!? Today I am hosting an interview with author of The Disturbed Girl’s Dictionary, Nonieqa Ramos! I just LOVED this book and it was relatable in so many ways! Heck Yes to all the Macy’s of the World! You can find my review of The Disturbed Girl’s Dictionary here. I hope everyone has a badass weekend and I hope to catch up on everyone’s blog soon. I have been having a killer case of vertigo this last week so it’s been difficult to read everyone’s posts but you guys are the shizit! So enough about me let’s learn more about this author and this book!

Macy’s school officially classifies her as “disturbed,” but Macy isn’t interested in how others define her. She’s got more pressing problems: her mom can’t move off the couch, her dad’s in prison, her brother’s been kidnapped by Child Protective Services, and now her best friend isn’t speaking to her. Writing in a dictionary format, Macy explains the world in her own terms—complete with gritty characters and outrageous endeavors. With an honesty that’s both hilarious and fearsome, slowly Macy reveals why she acts out, why she can’t tell her incarcerated father that her mom’s cheating on him, and why her best friend needs protection . . . the kind of protection that involves Macy’s machete.

Will you please tell us a little bit about yourself?
Sure! I’m betrothed to my soulmate and have two lovely beasties, Margot and Langston. I’m a Latinx writer of picture books (stay tuned!) and YA, an educator of about fourteen years specializing in the Macys of the world, and a breast cancer
survivor frustrated that my hair will only grow up and out but not down. Actually, I am a survivor of many things.
Can you tell us about your new novel, The Disturbed Girl’s Dictionary?
My novel is about fifteen-year-old Macy who has been defined as emotionally disturbed, ADHD, OCD. You name it–she’s got it. Her father’s in jail and expects Macy to spy on her promiscuous mother. Nothing in her life is certain, not food, not
heat, not love. Her true family are her friends George and Alma.
Macy writes the dictionary to take control of her life and define herself.
Macy’s situation at the end of the book is how kids like her walk in the door when they enter the foster care system.
Are the characters in your story based off yourself or anyone else?
Macy is that kid every one wants to give up on. Their anger is ferocious. Toxic. You wish she were absent, but she’s at school every damn day. She is the destroyer of lesson plans. Of plans, in general. She’s also the kid that needs us the most.
The kid who needs us to see the bigger picture. The kind of world that makes little girls like her into tigers.
What inspired you to become an author?
Being an author is in my DNA. I started writing stories in marble composition notebooks wrapped in old Christmas wrapping paper. Writing has always been my refuge, my escape, my catharsis, and now my platform. Right now I’m watching poetry taking
it’s proper place in YA literature–off the bottom and back shelves and on the end caps, and I’m feeling grateful to be writing at the right time. My roots are in poetry.
If you wrote an autobiography, what would the title be?
My title might be The DEFINITION of INSANITY, a novel-in-verse.
Did you take writing classes or are you self taught?
I graduated from the University of Notre Dame with an M.F.A and an M.ed. That being said, the MFA was one rung on a very long ladder to learning my craft. I’m still climbing. I’m studying authors like Kelly Link and Tomi Adeyemi before I attempt
to write my first fantasy book.
What is the hardest part of writing?
To be honest, the waiting is the hardest part. I’m brimming over with ideas, but I need a thirty hour day. I have to wait to have the energy and time to write because I work full-time. I have to wait to get responses about projects because glaciers
move faster than the publishing world.
What are your hobbies?
I love making our house into a sort of Jumanjiesque museum and filling it with plants, cats, dolls, books, candles, records, and art from our favorite magazine Hi Fructose.
What is your favorite book? I know this can be a difficult question for readers.
As a reader, my favorite childhood books were Edith Hamilton’s GREEK MYTHOLOGY. JANE EYRE, LITTLE WOMEN, LITTLE HOUSE on the PRAIRIE, WHERE the SIDEWALK ENDS, and NANCY DREW. As a reader and writer, I am forever indebted to Gabriel Garcia-Marquez
and Pablo Neruda. My big recommends for YA debut reads right now are Kiersi Birkhart’s HONOR CODE and Fred Aceves’ THE CLOSEST I’VE COME.

28 Comments
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