Tuesday, 20 March 2012

Truly, Madly, Deeply, You Release Day Party


Hey Friends!

Today is Truly, Madly, Deeply, You, or as a very good author friend of mine calls it TMDY, release party. Yay! I'm way up there floating in the air. :D 

Aah, so this is my Oscar moment... sort of :D

For the last month, I've been lucky enough to have wonderful bloggers who really helped me put word out there about Truly, Madly, read and reviewed it. Thank you doesn't begin to say how much I appreciate all you have done, joy doesn't begin to express how I feel. 

Thank you.

A special thank you to Majanka Vestraete - my publicist- as well as Inkspell team for the wonderful support. Truly, Madly, Deeply, You wouldn't be without you. :)

And for today's release party, I'd like to thank the following bloggers and friends took time to host me. My heartfelt appreciation.  If you have time, please take time to visit them. :)




Thank you Kasonndra Leigh and Liz Grace Davis for taking part in the release party as well. 

Do you enjoy  friends to lovers stories, a second chance at love, and would like to win Truly, Madly, Deeply, You ecopy, please enter the contest using the rafflecopter below. 








a Rafflecopter giveaway



Truly, Madly, Deeply, You can be purchased in the following sites:


Inkspell Webstore   Amazon   B&N  Kobo Books  All Romance Ebooks


 Let's raise our glasses *Clink Clink* and enjoy the party. :)

Author Feature: Patsy Collins



Today I have the pleasure of having Patsy Collins. She's about to share with us what inspired her to write her book 'Escape To The Country' which will be released on 26th March, 2012. So, without further ado, let's welcome Patsy.


Thank you for inviting me over to talk about 'Escape to the Country', Cecilia!

This is the first of my novels to be published. I'm hoping it won't be the last - I have others I hope will get there someday! It's the story of Leah, a city girl who escapes her problems, and finds love, on her aunt's farm.

You asked me, "What inspired you to write this story?"

I like to write the sort of books (and short stories) I enjoy reading. That means characters I can relate to, doing things I enjoy, in locations I like. Fortunately that makes for pleasant research. Observant readers will spot several scenes involving slightly odd people eating a lot in picturesque countryside!



We're told to write what we know and I think that's good advice (although there are plenty of cases where writers successfully write about things they didn't know about before starting their books) Often we think the things we know about are boring and feel we should research exotic locations, extreme characters and unusual occupations to add colour. We forget other people will have different life experiences to us and what seems ordinary to me - driving a tractor, milking cows and delivering calves might be new and interesting to others.

You also wanted to know, "If there is a story behind the story?"

I suppose so in a way although it hadn't occurred to me until you asked.

I grew up on a farm and worked there for a time after I left school. My life is now very different Although I never had any need to escape the farm I'm now almost a townie. I guess I'm trying to show it's OK for people to change.

Were you hoping for a confession involving my own Dishy Duncan and a hay barn? Sorry, but I'm keeping some of my research methods to myself!


There you have it! And yes, I was really hoping Patsy would dish out more about Duncan. There's always a next time. :D



It was a pleasure having you on my blog, Patsy.

Like to know more about Patsy, and what she is up to? http://patsy-collins.blogspot.com/ and http://www.facebook.com/PatsyCollins.writer




Sunday, 18 March 2012

Review of Tiger's Curse by Colleen Houck

  
Tiger's Curse (The Tiger Saga, #1)

Author: Colleen Houck
Book Title: Tiger's Curse (Tiger Saga 1)
Source: Kindle bought
Date of Publish: January 11, 2011
Rating: 4/5 stars













Book Summary

The last thing teenager Kelsey Hayes thought she'd be doing over the summer was meeting Ren, a mysterious white tiger and cursed Indian prince when she learns she alone can break the Tiger's curse, Kelsey's life is turned upside-down. The unlikely duo journeys halfway around the world to piece together an Indian prophecy, find a way to free the man trapped by a centuries-old spell, and discover the path to their true destiny


My Review:

I truly enjoyed this book.It has it all: curses, gorgeous old fashioned tiger princes, the setting is completely different from most books I've read (India), Indiana Jones kind of adventure, gods, magic, romance, myths....

The character's were likeable, and well rounded. And the plot - original and refreshing. Kelsey's was sometimes too much. Some parts of the story were hard to believe, but she made me laugh. It was wonderful to live the adventure through Kelsey's eyes, from caves full of traps, to rivers full of vampire-like monkeys (Kappa I think), and interesting temples. Dhiren - Ren and his brother Kishan - who are the cursed princes. The romance between Ren and Kelsey was plus.

I look forward to read the next book in the series. Recommended for fans of paranormal romance, filled with adventure, mystery and romance.

Review of The Guardian Duke by Jamie Carie

The Guardian Duke: A Forgotten Castles Novel


Book Title: The Guardian Duke (The Forgotten Castle #1)
Author: Jamie Carie
Publisher: B&H Publishing Group
Source: Netgalley
Genre: Historical
Rating: 4/5 Stars










Book Summary

The Guardian Duke is award-winning novelist Jamie Carie’s most exciting story yet, a uniquely arranged Regency-era romantic adventure where hero and heroine know each other through written letters but have yet to meet.Gabriel, the Duke of St. Easton, is ordered by the King to take guardianship over Lady Alexandria Featherstone whose parents are presumed dead after failing to return from a high profile treasure hunt. But Alexandria ignores this royal reassignment, believing her parents are still alive and duly following clues that may lead to their whereabouts. Gabriel, pressured by what are actually the King’s ulterior motives, pursues her across windswept England and the rolling green hills of Ireland but is always one step behind.When they do meet, the search for earthly treasure will pale in comparison to what God has planned for both of them.

Source: Goodreads




My Review


I've never read an of Jamie Carie books, but I'm glad I got to read this one. 
Gabriel, the Duke of Easton is appointed by the King to be the guardian to Lady Alexander Featherstone. At around the same time, Gabriel mysteriously becomes deaf.


On the other side, Lady Alexander receives word that her parents are dead. In desperate need to prove that the king is wrong, she makes plans to go find her parents herself. 


Gabriel receives word that it is urgent to protect Alexander, so he decides to go and bring her back himself. Alexander gets wind of the dukes plans. A game of cat and mouse ensues, with Alexander trying as much as she can to put a great distance between herself and the duke.


I truly enjoyed this book, the letters Gabriel and Alexander sent to each other.


One thing though - and I'm not sure it was explained. What caused the duke to become deaf? 


I'd recommend this book to fans of regency stories. I look forward to reading the second book in the series. Probably will answer some questions. 

Saturday, 17 March 2012

Liebster Blog Award


Thank you so much Ann Marie Walker for this lovely award. Liebster in german means - Sweetheart - So, I am really honoured. :) Be sure to check Anne's blog out. It's fairly new but awesome nonetheless. 

I am really happy to present this award plus a warm virtual hug to the following:

1. Martina @ http://martinabookaholic.wordpress.com/ Have you seen her blog? It's just wow! And she makes me laugh besides being a wonderful friend and fellow Viennese. 

2.Shilpa @ http://smmirza.blogspot.com/ A fellow author and a friend. The author of Always You which was released on 6th March 2012. 

3. Najla @ http://unputdownablebookies.blogspot.com/ A friend and from my point of view, Midas on heels. Probably better that Midas. Have you see the covers she designs? She's AMAZING! 

4.KaSonndra @ http://kasonndraleigh.blogspot.com/ the author of 'When Copper Suns Fall' a fantastic read and a wonderful and supportive friend. 

5. Sasha @ http://sashasummers.com/ A fellow Inkspeller and she brings a smile on my face. She is the author of Medusa, A love story to be pubished through Crescent Moon Press. Another of her titles will be published through Inkspell Publishing.

There you go! Now, let's raise our glasses. *clink clink* 

Friday, 16 March 2012

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. 




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



Thursday, 15 March 2012

Caressed by Night Book Tour




Caressed by Night (Rulers of Darkness, #2)

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.