The Priest And The Peaches Blog Tour

Date of Publish: January 1, 2012

Book Source: Tribute Books 

eBook
ISBN: 978-0-9837418-4-8
ISBN: 978-1-4658-6327-0
Pages: 285

Rating: 4/5 Stars

 Book Summary

Historical fiction novel set in the Bronx in the mid-1960s

Take a seven day journey with the five, newly orphaned Peach kids, as they begin their struggle to remain a family while planning their dad's funeral.

They find an ally in the local parish priest, Father Tim Sullivan, who tries his best to guide them through the strange, unchartered and turbulent waters of "grown-up world." A story that is sad, funny, and inspiring as it shows how the power of family love and faith can overcome seemingly insurmountable obstacles.


Larry Peterson's Bio:

 Larry Peterson was born and raised in the Bronx, New York. A former Metal Lather/Reinforcing Iron-worker, he left that business after coming down with MS. He, his wife and three kids moved to Florida 30 years ago. Larry began doing freelance newspaper commentary after graduating from Tampa College in 1984.

His first children's picture book, Slippery Willie's Stupid, Ugly Shoes was published in 2011. In 2012, his full length novel, The Priest and the Peaches was released and he is presently working on the sequel.

He also has a blog (http://www.ThePriestandthePeaches.com) where he posts weekly commentary. He lives in Pinellas Park, Florida and his kids and six grandchildren all live within three miles of each other. 

Larry Peterson's blog:
http://www.ThePriestandthePeaches.com

Larry Peterson's Facebook:
http://www.facebook.com/#!/larrytpbx

Larry Peterson's Twitter:
http://www.twitter.com/slipperywillie

Tribute Books website:
http://www.tribute-books.com

Tribute Books Facebook:
http://www.facebook.com/pages/Archbald-PA/Tribute-Books/171628704176

Tribute Books Twitter:
http://www.twitter.com/TributeBooks

My thoughts:

The 5 children from the Peach family lost their mother a while back, and just a few pages into the book lose their father. Without the guidance of their parents, they struggle to survive as a family. Teddy the oldest assumes responsibility  Luckily Father Tim Sullivan steps in and acts as a guidance, playing a big role by helping them in difficulties they encounter.

The week after Pops (their father dies) the kids go through a lot, things one wouldn’t want their children to go through. The book is about loving your neighbor (L.Y.N.) acceptance, and learning how to stick together as a family. I enjoyed reading this book, and the message it carried all though. Love and faith can go a long way to healing  and providing strength needed to face hardships.

*I received this copy for review as part of the blog tour*

Kindle buy link
http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B006P0EYI8/ref=as_li_tf_tl?ie=UTF8&tag=tributebooks-20&linkCode=as2&camp=1789&creative=9325&creativeASIN=B006P0EYI8



Nook buy link
http://click.linksynergy.com/fs-bin/click?id=dcSBhG3Rj8w&subid=&offerid=239662.1&type=10&tmpid=8432&RD_PARM1=http%253A%252F%252Fwww.barnesandnoble.com%252Fw%252Fthe-priest-and-the-peaches-larry-peterson%252F1108051518%253Fean%253D2940013858190%2526itm%253D1%2526usri%253Dthe%252Bpriest%252Band%252Bthe%252Bpeaches



iBookstore buy link
http://click.linksynergy.com/fs-bin/stat?id=dcSBhG3Rj8w&offerid=146261&type=3&subid=0&tmpid=1826&RD_PARM1=http%253A%252F%252Fitunes.apple.com%252Fus%252Fbook%252Fthe-priest-and-the-peaches%252Fid491711271%253Fmt%253D11%2526uo%253D4%2526partnerId%253D30
Smashwords buy link
https://www.smashwords.com/books/view/116166?ref=tributebooks

PDF buy link
https://www.payloadz.com/go/sip?id=1538819

Caressed by Night Book Tour

Author: Amanda J. Greene

Book Title: Caressed by Night (Rulers Of The Darkness #2)

Date of Publish: February 29th, 2012

Source: Philia Book Tours

Rating: 4/5 stars

Book Summary

Dimitri Arsov, the last remaining pure vampire, was thought to be dead for the past four hundreds years. Now, he is back and has a score to settle with the traitor that had tried to kill him centuries ago. But as he waits for his prey to blindly step into his carefully laid trap, his overwhelming hunger for blood is triggered when he saves a beautiful art historian.

Kerstyn Ingmar’s life was normal and straight up boring until the night she is rescued by the dangerously sexy, powerfully mesmerizing, Dimitri. Unable to resist his diamond blue eyes and intense kisses, she is drawn into his world of darkness and closer to her impending doom.

While their desire consumes them, Dimitri is haunted by images of a bloody and deadly future. As his enemies draw near, he must find a way to save his mate from her destiny before fate destroys them both.

from Goodreads

My Review

I received a copy of this book for the blog tour, and I have to say I’m glad I got to read it. I liked Ms Greene’s take on how vampires are created –The Ancient Vampires(Purebloods) that is. Completely unique.

Dmitri Arsov is a the last Pureblood with unfathomable powers. Many years ago Ven, his would be successor arranged to have him killed by Red Order witch. Thankfully for Dmitri’s ability to see the future, he played along, and let Ven think he was dead. Centuries later Dmitri decides it is time to claim his rightful place as the King, as well as claim his mate.

I love a good vampire story, and this one is good. Kerstin is a strong character, and stands her own ground. Oh yeah, she does faint once, but who wouldn’t be overwhelmed after finding out so much about things hidden from mortal’s world, as well as event’s that would really change everything? As she said, Ignorance is bliss.

 Mmh, I wonder who Ms. Greene will write about next. Hopefully Gabriel? Among the minor characters, he is my fave. He is just soo tortured. 

I’ll be sure to pick the first book in the series ‘Caressed by Moonlight’ and read Dorian’s story. He does seem like an interesting character.

Recommended for fans of vampire stories which have a healthy dose of steaminess. 

Inkpsell Free Reads Week

Inkspell Publishing's is offering a free reads week which started on March12th, until March 16th. I'll be hosting from 14th to 16th. Yay! Check out the dates below.

On March 12th, -  Forever Yours by Shilpa Mudiganti, the author of contemporary romance novella Always You. In Forever Yours, main character Amelia loves Aaron, her fiancé. But she also loves Damon. Can one be in love with two men at the same time? How do you define infidelity? Or fidelity?

On March 13th -  InkSpell Lies and Other Distasters Like Love, a contemporary romance short story by Cecilia Robert, the author of Truly, Madly, Deeply You. In Love, Lies and other Disasters, the one person Celina fought so hard to get over five years ago is back, and has kidnapped her. He says he wants a second chance to prove his love. Will she allow him to glide back into her life and heart?

On March 14th - Beyond The Hidden Gate by Debbie Peterson, the author of paranormal romance novel Shadow of the Witte Wieven. In Beyond The Gate, Aynia doesn’t remember anything, save her name. Can Aeden help her remember who she is, the love they shared and the importance of the quest for which she risked her life? Or will the power of an evil warlock shatter all they hold dear?

On March 15th - InkSpell releases yet another contemporary romance short story, this time Coming Together by Naya Nikki, author of Familiar Ties. Life is complicated when you are pregnant at 17. But when the father doesn’t know and he’s marrying another right in front of you, it is bound to break your heart. What does Ellie do? Cry on her daughter’s shoulders?

Last but not least, on March 16th, author Stephanie Lawton’s short story After Taste will be released. In After Taste, nothing can shield him from the horrible dream. Nothing can protect her from a danger she can’t see.

If you want to read these mix of romantic, tense and suspenseful stories, then head over to theInkSpell Publishing website. And there’s more. Not only is InkSpell Publishing handing out free short stories to their readers, they’re also organizing a contest at the end of the week. Participants in the contest need to answer one question from each story correctly, and in return they can win a $10 Amazon Gift Card and an InkSpell novel of their choosing! 

For a chance to win the above mentioned, please click on the rafflecopter below.

 Good luck and have fun reading! :

 

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Interview with Shilpa Mudiganti - Always You Book Tour

Today I have the pleasure of having Shilpa Mudiganti on board for an interview. Her book Always You was released on released on March 6th, by Inkspell Publishing.  

Shilpa M Mirza grew up making up stories in her head. Starting with innocent babbling, genre of her stories changed with lessons growing up teaches us all. She thought life would be all about her stories until she completed her technical degree. Security of an IT job lured her leaving her stories to continue brew up in her head. Yet soon she had to fall in step with what fate had planned for her and she penned her first romance novella, Always You to be published by Inkspell Publishing. There has been no looking back since then. Juggling her day job as an IT geek, she has penned down her pet project, an exciting fantasy story of lions and wolves which, to her utter delight, is going to see the light of the day early next year. She says you would fall in love with her wonderful hero and heroine.

Please tell us your name 

 Shilpa Mudiganti

Please tell us about your book. 

When will it be released and by which publisher - My debut novella Always You published on March 6th by Inkspell Publishing. It is contemporary romance and is about Lyla and Alex who are torn by prejudice and misunderstandings. But fate gets them together again in the form of colleagues and Lyla is forced to work with Alex. It is romantic tale of love and forgiveness.

What project are you working on?

 I am working on two books now. Painting Ethan, a contemporary Romance and The Dark Morning, a paranormal romance. 

How much research did you do for this project? 

 Research varies for both the books. I have to do more research for Painting Ethan as it is about a recovering drug addict. I have no idea about the drugs, effects, behaviour. So, I take my time to research more in to their behaviour, the treatments they can undergo, they outlook on life. It is pretty interesting and really sad that people go through so much to recover.

How did you come up with the story idea? 

 Songs. Songs are my biggest inspirations. Music gives me wonderful story ideas. For Always You, my debut novella, it was Turn Around Bright Eyes, that really influenced me. 

Which genre is the book?

 Contemporary Romance

Connect with Shilpa on Twitter (shilpammirza), and Facebook (Shilpa Mudiganti).

And if you have time to spare, she would be delighted to have you on her blog: www.smmirza.blogspot.com

Amethyst Eyes Book Tour

Author: Debbie Brown
Pages: 292 paperback
Source: Making Connections Book tour
Rating: 4 stars


Book Summary:


The biggest thing on 15-year-old Tommy's mind is convincing Mom to let him go to the drive-in, but when an accident claims his mother's life and puts him in the hospital, the arrival of his estranged, alien father brings more changes than he had bargained for.It doesn't take his father long to figure out that Tommy knows nothing about who or what he is. Without any explanation, Tommy finds himself onboard his father's spaceship where he is forced to trust a man he does not know in a world he knows even less about. Adapting to his new life seems overwhelming, and his father's solution may prove to be Tommy's finest challenge yet...Jayden. A few months younger than Tommy, high strung and always in a mood, the doctor's daughter definitely didn't like being 'told' to help Tommy fit in. Jayden is not the most welcoming or patient of tutors, let alone a friend.As fate would have it, Tommy quickly learns that none of these things compare to the peril that comes from being born with amethyst eyes

Excerpt

     “Hold on!” Tommy’s mother yelled as she tried to steer their old Cherokee from the truck’s path. Tommy never saw it coming. It was just there, on the wrong side of the road and out of control.

     “Mom?” Closing his eyes tight, he grabbed hold of the arm she placed across his chest to shield him from the crash, and as suddenly as the truck had appeared, his world went black.

     The smell of the smoke was the first thing he noticed. Opening his eyes, he saw that they were still in the jeep. What was left of it. His entire body screamed with pain as he tried to move. “Mom,” he called. She was pinned to her seat by the steering wheel. A trickle of blood ran from the corner of her mouth.

     “T-om-my,” she managed.

     Tears filled his eyes. Don’t die, he thought to himself. Removing his seatbelt, he attempted to slide closer to her. A sharp stab of pain surprised him, releasing a wave of dizziness. Sweat beaded on his forehead. “Mom…”

     Stirring ever so slightly, she tried to speak. Her voice was barely a whisper. “Join…the…p-pen-dant.” The effort seemed to cost her greatly. She coughed and let out a small cry as she slipped into unconsciousness.

     Tommy’s mind raced. The pendant, the pendant. He knew what she meant, he just never believed it. He thought she was joking when she said it was their 911 line to his father. Forcing himself to focus, he pulled on her chain until he located the clasp. Sliding it open and removing the chain, he secured it around his neck. Then he proceeded to join the two stone halves. Would his father come? Where was he? What had Mom meant when she told me ‘you will know your father’s world soon enough’?

     A burst of coloured light filled the car. Tommy dropped the pendant as if it had suddenly become too hot to handle. Before the pendant hit his chest, the molecules shifted, rendering it invisible. He knew now that his father would come. Another wave of dizziness hit as he gazed one last time at his mother.

     “I love you, Mom,” he whispered as darkness claimed him.

     Tommy’s stomach knotted as he recognized the antiseptic smell that could only belong to a hospital. Opening his eyes, the memory of the accident came slowly back. He began to cry. The heart monitor raced in response to the sudden onrush of emotion, and he couldn’t control the sobs that took hold of his body. He didn’t try to either.

     A nurse stepped in to check on him. After a quick evaluation, she wrapped her arms around him tight, and without saying a word, let him grieve over his loss.

     When the tears were all but spent, Jenna (according to her name tag) brushed the hair from his forehead. He felt so empty and alone, even in the comfort of her arms. His breaths caught sharply when she gently repositioned the brace around his shattered leg, but he said nothing.        

     “I’m so sorry for your loss,” she said in a soft voice. She helped him settle back in the bed, stood and checked on his various tubes and wires. “Your father has contacted us

and will arrive in a few days.” Pulling a pad from her pocket, she checked her notes.

 “You aren’t due for more pain medication for another hour.” She shoved the paper back in her pocket. “But if the pain is too intense, I can-”

     “I don’t want it.” He cut her off.

     She smiled in a gentle manner. “Well, we’ll wait and see, ok?”

     On the day of his father’s arrival, Tommy stood in the bathroom with the help of his crutches and examined his features closely. He wondered how much he looked like his father. Did he have the same amethyst eyes, or the strange gold highlights in his hair? The glow of the overhead bulb seemed to accentuate the unearthliness of his most prominent features.

     Jenna poked her head into the room. “Are you ready?”

     He avoided her gaze. “I still have a few things to pack.”

     “To meet your father, I mean.” Without missing a beat, she walked over to him, placed his hair quickly and proceeded to escort him to the door.

     “I can’t.” He stopped before stepping out into the hall. “He left almost thirteen years ago. I don’t even remember what he looks like. I was only two...” his voice trailed off.

     Jenna placed a comforting hand on his arm. “He’s as nervous as you are, and I don’t think you’ll have any trouble recognizing him. Let’s go, gorgeous.” She winked at him in an attempt to lighten the mood, but her support and reassurance were genuine.

Jenna led Tommy to a private lounge where a tall, uniformed man stood by the window, looking out over the city. Tommy didn’t recognize the blue-and-black uniform but thought nothing of it. The commander turned at the sound of the door opening, and two sets of amethyst eyes met for the first time in years. A silent exchange of acknowledgement passed between the two.

     Jenna stood, hands on hips. “Now don’t tell me you’re one of those cold military types who can’t risk an emotional display by hugging a son you haven’t seen in years.”

Jenna’s outburst caused the commander to blush ever so slightly. He made his way over to his son. Tommy let his crutches fall to the floor as he held tight to his father.

     “Leave us,” the commander ordered with no room for discussion. He lifted Tommy’s chin and examined him closely. “I am saddened at the loss of your mother. This was not how we had planned it.”

     “What do you mean?” Tommy’s could barely get the words out.

     “Come, sit.” A strong arm held Tommy by the waist, and guided him to the couch.    Taking a deep breath the commander continued, “As you know, your mother and I are of different origins. She chose not to follow me but to remain here and raise you until the age of eighteen. At this point, I was to return and give you the choice of worlds.”

     “The choice of worlds?” Tommy repeated. “I’d never even thought about a military career.” Why would his father talk about this now?  “How far were you stationed that you couldn’t even write?” Painful questions Tommy usually avoided were beginning to stir inside.
     A look of surprise crossed the commander’s face. Releasing the breath he had been holding he said, “I see your mother has not prepared you for this at all.” He passed a hand over his mouth and then tapped his watch twice.

     “Yes, Commander?” A man’s voice filled the room.

     “Molecular transport, on my mark.” Standing, he helped Tommy to his feet and collected the crutches. “I will show you my world, and I will explain.”

     Confused, Tommy nervously accepted his father’s support.

     Holding his son tight, the commander gave the order.

     Tommy blinked as everything around him faded. He was no longer in the hospital lounge but on a raised platform at the back of a square, unadorned room. A shimmering glass wall separated them from the two men who sat at some kind of computer console. He froze in place. This was not possible. “Father…” Tommy whispered.

     “All clear, Commander,” one of the two men said.

     His father nodded to the officer. “Follow me,” he said to Tommy.

     Tommy couldn’t move, couldn’t speak. He was trying to process what had just happened, but his mind wasn’t able to accept it. His heart rate shot up and his legs felt weak.

     “Do you require assistance?” his father asked.

     Forcing himself to focus, Tommy shook his head ‘no’ and hobbled forward.

     “We will take it slow, one step at a time.” His father helped him down from the platform, and they stepped out of the room into a brightly lit, ice-blue corridor. “Are you able to walk, or would you prefer we-”

     Tommy cut him off. “I can walk.” He took a few unsteady steps forward. “A bit.”

     “Do you know where we are?” his father asked as they moved slowly down the corridor. The answer came as they made their way to the large, oval port hole at the end of the corridor. It showed Earth in all her glory, directly below them.

A little about me

     For as long as she can remember, Debbie has been creating stories in her head. She hated to go anywhere without a pen and paper, just in case. As a graduate of the Institute of Children's literature, while pursuing yet another writing course, she finds herself doing what she loves . . . learning and writing. The course gives her an excuse to just sit down and write. Over the years she has worked as a nurse, a teacher, a martial arts instructor and a CIC officer in the Canadian Forces. Her hobbies have varied from woodworking, to auto-mechanics, with music, painting, karate, holistic medicine, gardening and camping thrown into the mix. Let's not forget reading. Debbie's perfect cure for a long winter's night is curling up in front of a fire with a good book while snowflakes drift slowly past the window. Never having been much of a city girl, she lives with two of her four children, her husband Jean-Pierre and their pets in the Laurentian Mountains of Quebec. She couldn't imagine life without the beauty found in the trees, mountains and lakes that surround her.

My Review: 


Oh, this was like a breath of fresh air from the books I've been reading recently. Loved it.


 For 15 year old Tommy, life changes completely after his mom dies. His father takes him to live with him. And the cool thing is his dad lives in a ship, how cool is that? 


The story takes us through Tommy's journey as he tries to adjust to this new life, a life he was never prepared for (his dad is this feared ship commander). We see through his eyes, how he sees the world around him. There is a legend about Amethyst eyes, and a certain tribe is after him because of that. I wont say much about this, as I would be giving away too much.


The author did a wonderful job with creating character, and descriptive writing. The pacing was well done. I recommend this book to fans of Sci-fi, or anyone looking to begin on the sci-fi genre, both YA and adults.

Contact info:

Facebook Book Page: https://www.facebook.com/pages/Amethyst-Eyes/169207996492385

Goodreads Author Page: http://www.goodreads.com/author/show/5370747.Debbie_Brown

Blog: http://amethysteyesauthor.blogspot.com/

Book Trailer: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QaSQLuUkHeo

Email: amethysteyes01@yahoo.ca

Buy Links:

Amazon: http://www.amazon.com/Amethyst-Eyes-Debbie-Brown/dp/1462050158

Chapters Indigo: http://www.chapters.indigo.ca/books/Amethyst-Eyes-Debbie-Brown/9781462050154-item.html?ikwid=amethyst+eyes&ikwsec=Home

Powell’s: http://www.powells.com/biblio?show=TRADE%20PAPER:NEW:9781462050154:18.95

Barnes & Noble: http://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/amethyst-eyes-debbie-brown/1105283804

SONY Reader Store: http://ebookstore.sony.com/ebook/debbie-brown/amethyst-eyes/_/R-400000000000000563319

The book is available through over 100 online bookstores worldwide; you just have to Google it to find it!

If you like the book, feel free to LIKE its facebook page.

If you have any questions feel free to ask and I promise to get back to you.  Feel free to post comments and reviews.

Thank you for reading!

Liebster Blog Award

Hi guys!

Hope you all had a great weekend. 


I've been awarded the Liebster Blog award by the lovelyAnn Marie WalkerI will be posting my nominations later on today. Ready to join me on this celebration? . :)




Liebster-lly Yours,


Cece

Insecure Writer's Support Group - Confessions, Confessions.

First of all, I'd like to thank Alex Cavanaugh for hosting this group. I'm really looking forward to meet other authors, as well as learn what challenges they face. It sort of like drawing strength from each other. Writing is not easy. 


And from time to time, I realise I need someone to talk to about my writing projects like when I am uncertain if the story is working the way it should, if it is enticing enough to draw readers to it, or even it is worth writing it. Sometimes doubts attack from all sides, and I just feel like I'll drop the current project, especially in this world of writing trends when you have an idea for a story, then the next thing, you find that someone has been there and done that.

Right now, I have like three books I use as my writing references to improve on my writing. I also enjoy reading in many genres and different writers in the attempt of developing my own style, what I don't like about a particular style and in general learn something from books. On top of that there are so many writing rules to follow I end up confused.

What I'm trying to say, sometimes I'm afraid of never living up to what readers expect from me, from my story.  I understand everyone has their own tastes/thoughts about a story and how it works for them. But still, there is that nagging thought...will the readers like/enjoy this story?

What are you afraid of? What makes you insecure?