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Thursday, April 12, 2012

Review: Broken Wings by Alexandrea Weis


Publisher: World Castle Publishing
Published: Novemeber 15, 2011
Genre: Adult, Contemporary Romance

About the Author:

Alexandrea Weis is a registered nurse from New Orleans who has been writing novels and screenplays for over twenty years. Her first novel, To My Senses, was a finalist for commercial fiction in Eric Hofer Book Awards, a finalist for romance in the Foreword Magazine Book of the Year awards, and a finalist for romance in the USA Book Awards. Her second novel, Recovery, was ranked #1 on the Amazon top rated for romantic suspense in kindle books. Buyer Group International, an independent production company in Austin, has optioned the motion picture rights for Recovery. Ms. Weis is also a permitted wildlife rehabber with the Louisiana Wildlife and Fisheries and when she is not writing, Ms. Weis is rescuing orphaned and injured wildlife. She lives outside of New Orleans with her husband and a menagerie of pets.

About the Book:

As a wildlife rehabilitator in southeast Louisiana, Pamela Wells has dealt with her fair share of wild animals, but her reclusive life is forever changed when she meets an elusive former soldier named Daniel Phillips. Sent to Pamela’s wildlife sanctuary as part of his parole requirements, Daniel and Pamela quickly clash until Daniel’s troubled past unexpectedly comes to light. After serving in Iraq, Daniel suffers from post-traumatic stress disorder. Pamela tries to help ease his condition by introducing him to the healing power of animals. Daniel begins to find peace, and an unexpected kindred spirit in Pamela. Fearing one day she will be forced to give up her beloved sanctuary, Pamela confides in Daniel about her debilitating health. United by their misfortunes, the relationship turns romantic.

Just when Pamela has found someone to love and share her burdens, Daniel skips town, crushing her heart. Suddenly Pamela finds herself alone and in a desperate situation. She has no choice but to turn to a ruthless Louisiana attorney, Bob Patrick, for help. Bob promises Pamela financial security in exchange for a life as his obedient wife. When Daniel unexpectedly returns, Bob is not willing to give Pamela up. Like an ensnared bird, Pamela struggles to free herself of her cruel capture. The fight may prove deadly, but Daniel is willing to do anything to save her. Can two broken souls eventually find happiness or, like the broken wings of a dove, will they be forever kept from reaching the heights of heaven.

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My Review:


I highly recommend this book.
Broken Wings by Alexandrea Weis is the kind of book you cant put down, and not think of it. It keeps you wanting more...
Broken Wings is a story about a woman named Pamela Wells who is struggling to keep her wildlife rescue center going. She loves the animals she cares for so much that she doesnt mind having to ask her mean, manipulating ex husband for help.
Soon she meets Daniel Phillips, a man sent to help her as part of his parole requirement. At first their personalities clash, but as they begin to spend more and more time together, they realize that they have fallen for eachother....
I dont like to ruin my reviews with too much details of the story, but all I can say is that Alexandrea Weis did an awesome job with this book. The characters are very well developed and likeable...You will find yourself rooting for Pamela and Daniel's romance, the wildlife sanctuary and hating her ex husband...

*The love scenes maybe a bit too intense for Young Adult readers and there is some profanity used in the book so I would recommend this book for adult readers.

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Where to buy this book:

Amazon

Wednesday, April 11, 2012

Author Interview: Alexandrea Weis

Today I would love to welcome Alexandrea Weis, author of Broken Wings to my blog. Why don't you tell us a bit about yourself...

I am a nurse from New Orleans who is also a permitted wildlife rehabber with the La. Wildlife and Fisheries. When I am not writing books, I am rescuing orphaned and injured wildlife. Broken Wings is my fourth novel. I have also written the Nicci Beauvoir series: To My Senses, Recovery and Sacrifice. I am married and live with a menagerie of pets in New Orleans.



Who or what inspired you to become a writer?
I have to say no one inspired me. I started writing at the age of eight, not because of something I read or one particular person, but because I felt the desire to write. I have no idea why such an impulse came to me at that age, but it did and I have been writing ever since.



How long did it take you to write Broken Wings?
I wrote Broken Wings in about a month. When I am into a book I have to get it out as quickly as possible so the rest of my life tends to shut down. My friends have gotten used to it, but my husband is still warming up to the idea of losing his wife for a time.

"Rodney" the Raccoon from the book, Broken Wings reading his favorite book! ^-^

While writing how many times do you go back and rewrite a plot?
When I was writing book III, Sacrifice, in the Nicci Beauvoir series, I went back a few times and reworked portions of the story to answer questions from the first and second books in the series. But generally, I never work out the plot. Honestly I have an idea for a story and then I just begin writing. Much of what I write comes while typing. I surprise myself sometimes by what I come up with.


You run into a bookstore, where do you go first?
That’s easy, The history section! I am a lover of all things about ancient Greek, Roman and Near East history. If I had not become a nurse, I would have probably been a classical history teacher or, even better, and archeologist.



How many books in a month do you tend to read?
It depends on what I am writing. Lately I have been writing more than reading. Sometimes up to five to six books a month.



In all the books you've read. Who is your most favorite character and why?
In the Mary Renault trilogy on Alexander the Great, I loved the character of Alexander. I think she nailed the historical figure of Alexander of Macedon. Those books are still some of my all time favorites.

State 5 random facts about yourself.
-I am a vegetarian.
-I love to bake cookies, cakes and sweet breads and have a small seasonal business at Christmas making cookie trays for gifts.
-I am a runner.
-I am a workaholic.
-And I think squirrels are the most adorable creatures on the planet.


Your favorite Genre?
Anything historical. Romance, biography and non-fiction.

What are you currently reading?
Actually it is a technical book about caring for wildlife. I am getting ready for spring baby season in Louisiana.


What is the best book you've read?
The Persian Boy by Mary Renault. It’s an Alexander the Great thing.

Any new projects coming up?
I have just finished writing a romantic suspense novel called Acadian Waltz. It’s about family secrets, love, Cajuns, smugglers, swindlers and is set against the backdrop of the Louisiana swamps. Acadian Waltz will be out later this year. The next book about to hit bookstores in May is called The Secret Brokers and it takes Dallas August from the Nicci Beauvoir series into his own romantic suspense series. Dallas is a dealer in highly desired information and runs an organization of specialist trained in gathering secrets from the wealthy and powerful.

Here’s your chance to market your book. Describe it. And why readers should pick it up?

Broken Wings is a very special story about the healing power of animals and all that they bring into our lives. The books is about a solider home from Iraq with post traumatic stress disorder who is sent to do community service at the wildlife facility of Pamela Wells, a wildlife rehabber. Pamela rescues orphaned and injured wildlife and rehabilitates them for release back into the wild. She helps Daniel Phillips recover from his post traumatic stress disorder by teaching him how to care for the animals in her facility. The two fall in love during their time together, but there is much more with a lot of plot twists and turns thrown in that keep you guessing if these two broken souls will eventually find happiness together. I wanted to write something about rehabbing wildlife to not only show the public what we do as rehabbers, but to also highlight the amazing healing power of animals in our everyday lives. This is a very special book for me. It allowed me to put my devotion and adoration for all animals into words. If you love animals, love helping animals, or just want to read a touching story about how love can overcome all obstacles and disabilities, pick up Broken Wings. It really is a touching and heartfelt story.




Where you can find author Alexandea Weis:

Facebook ~ Twitter ~ Goodreads ~ Website ~ Amazon

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Be sure to visit again on Thursday, April 12 for my review on Broken Wings




Monday, April 9, 2012

Blog tour host: From Zero to Four Kids in thirty seconds, by Amy L. Peterson


Today I'm hosting a virtual book tour for Amy L. Peterson's book titled: From zero to four kids in thirty seconds.

About the author:

Amy has been published in numerous magazines and does weekly, light-hearted blog postings at amylpeterson.com about nature, pets and life. She became a stepmother to four great kids in 1994, and wrote From Zero to Four Kids in Thirty Seconds because so many other stories about stepmoms are as uplifting as three-legged frogs or downright scary. Her casual, entertaining style and real experience come together to tell an amusing story filled with some fairly sound advice. She includes upbeat chapter titles like "Can't We Just Duct Tape Them Together and Send Them Outside?" and offers 70 tips which are both fun and useful. Amy manages a grant program by day and spends her evenings and weekends writing, taking outdoor photos and taking care of over a dozen fuzzy animals. She lives in Michigan with her husband, an obsessed fisherman with enough tackle to sink a small boat. Actually, probably now, a large boat.

About the Book:

Amy is a 30-year-old woman who spent many years polishing an unapproachable outer shell and maintaining a long list of reasons why not to have children. She keeps a canoe on her front porch, a mountain bike in her kitchen and a balance in her checking account.

Mark is an older, divorced man with four kids. He sleeps on an Army cot and eats out of pots and pans given to him by his therapist. He has a Ph.D. in stream ecology, a VW Rabbit with 285,000 miles on it and enough fishing tackle to sink a small boat.

Amy falls for Mark hook, line and hundreds of dollars in sinkers.

This is Amy’s humorous and compelling story of becoming a stepmother. The book has catchy chapter titles like "Can't We Just Duct Tape Them Together and Send Them Outside?" And it contains over 70 tips including "Tip #44 You can't exchange a bad child for a good head of lettuce." This book is a must read for stepmothers and future stepmothers, and a fun romance that might just make you giggle somewhere along the way.

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My Review:


An entertaining story of a woman who thought she had her life figured out, and then falls in love with a much older man with four kids...It's an honest story, humerous at times and filled with advice to anyone who finds themselves in a similar situation.
It's narration could have used a little more work. I felt like it was rushed, or maybe some parts of the story was left out...
Overall I liked the book I recommend it to anyone looking for a light read that will make you laugh out loud and smile. Oh and it's a true story! ^-^



Where to buy Zero to Four Kids in thirty seconds:

Amazon- Paperback ~ Kindle

Authors Blog:

Natural Wonderings

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Next Blog stop:

Literary Corner

Saturday, April 7, 2012

Classic Novel of the month: Pride & Prejudice by Jane Austen


Publication Date: January 28 1813
Publisher: T. Egert / Whithall
Genre: Literary Novel

About the Book:

The story follows the main character Elizabeth Bennet as she deals with issues of manners, upbringing, morality, education, and marriage in the society of the landed gentry of early 19th-century England. Elizabeth is the second of five daughters of a country gentleman living near the fictional town of Meryton in Hertfordshire, near London. It has become one of the most popular novels in English literature and receives considerable attention from literary scholars. Modern interest in the book has resulted in a number of dramatic adaptations and an abundance of novels and stories imitating Austen's memorable characters or themes. To date, the book has sold some 20 million copies worldwide.

About the Author:

Jane Austen (16 December 1775 – 18 July 1817) was an English novelist whose works of romantic fiction, set among the landed gentry, earned her a place as one of the most widely read writers in English literature. Her realism and biting social commentary has gained her historical importance among scholars and critics. She's written countless novels as well as poetry and short stories that include: Sense and Sensibility (1811) Mansfield Park (1814) and Lady Susan (1794, 1805)

My Review:


I can't say anything fascinating about Pride and Prejudice that hasn't already been said a thousand times. It is one of the best books I've ever read. That's why I chose it to be this months Classic novel of the month. ^-^



Thursday, April 5, 2012

Review: Excelsior by George Sirois


Publisher: Infinity Publishing
Published: July 30, 2010
Genre:Young Adult, Sci-fi Adventure

About the Book:

High school wallflower Matthew Peters has spent the past seven years developing his own web comic about the adventures of a character named Excelsior. With only his uncle looking after him, Matthew has constantly ditched his school assignments in favor of his dreams of seeing Excelsior become an Internet sensation, and it is finally gaining attention outside his school. Now with his burgeoning success, he is ready to reveal his character to a larger audience.

Excelsior is a living beacon of hope for the planet Denab IV. A god in human form, he is the ultimate personification of strength, leadership and innovation. He has fought alongside his fellow Denarians against their tyrannical oppressors, the Krunations. He wields a powerful sword made from the purest elements on the planet, he guides the hands of the leaders and inspires them to create technology advanced enough to reach neighboring galaxies and he lives within the imagination of Matthew Peters.
Or so Matthew thinks.
One day, an intriguing older woman comes into this young man’s life with news that changes his life forever. Not only is she from the planet Denab IV, but that everything Matthew has written and drawn over the past seven years actually happened. They are Excelsior’s memories from thousands of years ago and the lifeforce of this mighty warrior lies dormant within Matthew.

Now, with a skeptical uncle anxious to redeem himself in his nephew’s eyes and Excelsior’s worst enemies returning to power on both Denab IV and Earth, Matthew must bring the legend back to life from within and become his greatest creation.

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About the Author:


George H. Sirois began creating his own characters in 1985 and has since written various short stories, screenplays and one-act plays. He co-wrote the book to “Halloween at Belvedere: A Monster Musical Adventure,” which was performed in New York City’s Central Park on Halloween weekend from 2002 - 2004. His first novel, “From Parts Unknown,” was published by iUniverse in 2002, and it is currently being re-written for a re-release exclusively as an eBook.

George joined the pop culture web site 411Mania.com in 2004, writing over 100 news reports and 200 weekly columns, and contributing to the Movies Zone’s weekly podcast. His news posts can be seen every Monday, Thursday and Saturday.

A New Yorker always in his heart, he currently lives in St. Louis, MO with his wife Cheryl.

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My Review:



First off I have to tell you that I'm not much of a sci-fi fan. So when I began reading this book I thought to myself that I wouldn't be able to get into the story, thus not be able to give it a good rating...but I kept on reading...And I'm glad I did!

George Sirois did an excellent job creating a book that keeps you captivited and wanting more, even if you're not a sci-fi fan.

Matthew Peters is your typical, nerdy and shy teenager who isn't interested in being part of the "popular" crowd. He's too busy with Excelsior, the comic book hero he created and maybe even aspires to be like.
Excelsior is a leader, he's tough, brave, loved by everyone in his home planet, Denab IV while Matthew is the total opposite.
Matthew creates a webpage where he features Excelsior and his many adventures and soon becomes a big hit! And that is when his life begins to change...
He discovers that this world he thought only existed in his mind really exists and the character he thought he created needs his help to defend his people against his enemy, Nocterar. I don't like to spoil a good read with too many details, but I will tell you that you will really enjoy reading this book even if Sci-Fi books are not your cup of tea. I know I did! ^-^

This book is not only filled with action and adventure, but it also has a great spiritual element to it. I really enjoyed reading the AFTERWORD: An Abriged Life at the end of the book. We learn that the author, George Sirois named the main character of the book after his cousin Matthew Peter Henkel who passed away eight years ago. Tears filled my eyes when I read about Matthew's real life struggles, how he overcame them and how he inspired George Sirois.

If you like a great story... this one wont disappoint. From begining to end.

Where to buy Excelsior

Amazon: Paperback ~ Kindle


Wednesday, April 4, 2012

Author Interview: George Sirois
















Today I would like to welcome author George Sirois to my blog. Why don't we begin with you telling us a bit about yourself...


I was born in New York City, and grew up in both Poughkeepsie, NY and Richmond, VA. I came back to NYC for college and stayed in that area until this past August, when my wife & I moved to St. Louis, MO. I graduated from college with a Theatre Arts degree, and I’m about to graduate from Webster University to get my MA in Communication Arts. I’ve been writing stories – or at least jotting down ideas for stories – since high school, and my heart fell to writing while I was in college.

What inspired you to write “Excelsior?”
When I was in grade school, my friends & I wrote and drew about characters we created that were loosely based on TransFormers, Star Wars and other shows and films we enjoyed. I eventually lost touch with those classmates when I moved to Richmond, but I kept working on those characters. In 1992, I wanted to create someone new, someone with a mythic element to him, and after seeing John Boorman’s 1981 movie Excalibur, I realized that my new character would be a mix of King Arthur, Jesus Christ and my childhood hero Optimus Prime. The name “Excelsior” came from the word on the NY state flag, and I had experience seeing that word in a lot of pop culture while I was growing up.

How long did it take you to write Excelsior?
It took me one month to write the first draft (thank you Chris Baty and National Novel Writing Month) and about 2 years and change rewriting and working with my friend and editor JeriAnn Geller.

While writing how many times do you go back and rewrite a plot?
The plot pretty much stayed intact from the first day, but the more the rewriting went on, the more both my editor and I realized that certain elements could be compressed so that the book wouldn’t drag and so that we weren’t creating something new just to feed a plot point.
For instance, originally, I had developed a new piece of technology that would be a key factor in getting our villain on Earth involved in the story. But after my editor and I went back and forth on that part, we concluded that instead, we would ditch the technology and have the villain get involved on his own. It’s like the original drafts of Freddy Vs. Jason, how there was a secondary character that would stir up the spirit of Freddy Krueger. Once the story was rewritten, that secondary character disappeared and Freddy was the one creating the conflict. It made him a stronger character, just as this change made our villain more powerful and more dangerous.

You run into a bookstore, where do you go first?
My first stop would be the “Reference – Writing” section. I’m of the mindset that you can never stop learning. Someone always has something to offer you to make you a better writer. If you’re convinced, you know everything about it, then why keep going?

How many books in a month do you tend to read?
My book-reading is not as frequent as I’d like it to be. When I’m on a roll, I can get about a book read per week.

In all the books you've read, who is your most favorite character and why?
I’ve always loved a good “everyman going on an incredible adventure” type of character, so for me, my favorite would have to be Arthur Dent from Douglas Adams’ “The Hitchhiker’s Guide to the Galaxy.” He comes off as very identifiable with any kind of reader, but at the same time, we meet him at a very critical point in his life: his house is being threatened. And to risk his life by dropping in front of the bulldozer makes him endearing from the start. From that moment on, you’re ready to follow him anywhere and the way he tries to get himself and Ford out of the situations that follow is a real treat.

State 5 random facts about yourself.
– I proposed to my wife on the 70th floor of New York City’s Top of the Rock Observation Deck. Almost 4 years later, I would start working there.
– My favorite film is Network.
– My father raised me to be a New York sports fan: Giants, Yankees, Rangers, Knicks (in that order).
– My main inspiration comes from listening to film scores.
– Since November, I’ve been getting into West Coast Swing dancing. It’s been a blast, and I’m getting better, but I still have a long way to go.

What are you currently reading?
I’m reading two books right now: I’m finishing A.K. Taylor’s “Neiko’s Five-Land Adventure” and having a lot of fun with that so far. The other’s “11/22/63” by Stephen King, and that’s just… wow.

What particular place do you write in?
Sometimes I would get a good amount done at my desk at home, but more often than not, I do well writing at various St. Louis Bread Company restaurants. They offer a mug of coffee with free refills for a little over two dollars, and their food is really good.
Yes, I’m one of those guys who HAVE to be pounding away on their NetBooks in a public place, but since I’m in St. Louis, it feels like I’m cornering the market since there’s barely anyone doing that here.

What's your favorite Genre?
In terms of fiction, I enjoy both Young Adult and Science-Fiction. However, since I grew up as a movie fanatic, I find myself reading a lot of books about the behind-the-scenes world of film and television. I think it’s a matter of reading other people’s success stories; it becomes inspiring for me and it makes me yearn to be at that place, where my source of income and my love of writing come together.

Paperback, Hardcover, eBook? Why?
All 3. They all have their places and the only advantage that one format has over the other is portability. The paperbacks are obviously much more manageable than hardcover when you’re at work or on your way to work (I miss the subways!), and eBooks are MUCH more manageable than both.

The perfect example is Peter Bracke’s “Crystal Lake Memories,” his coffee table book about the Friday the 13th series. I wanted to get it so badly when it first came out, but it’s huge and not compatible for on-the-go reading. But at the end of last month, it FINALLY came out on eBook and that’s when I got it.

What is the best book you’ve read?
So many great books, but a big one for me that my heart fell to right from the beginning is “Good Omens” by Neil Gaiman and Terry Pratchett. It’s a Douglas Adams / Monty Python type take on the apocalypse and it’s absolutely brilliant. I would name this one the best based on the amount of people I recommended the book to over the years.

Here’s your chance to market your book. Describe it and why readers should pick it up?
There is something truly universal about Campbell’s “Hero’s Journey,” as well as the different stories that came from that same cloth. “Excelsior” is my nod to that, my tribute to the stories that inspired me. Whether people love it or hate it, that’s obviously up to them, but I know I had a lot of fun writing it since it allowed me to tap into my memories of grade school, middle school and high school, when I was first writing these stories and creating these characters. Plus, it allowed me to give a proper tribute to my cousin Matthew, who passed away seven years ago (March 19, 2005). He was my personal hero, and it was a chance to give him some immortality so I named my main character of Matthew Peters after him.

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Book Blurb:

High school wallflower Matthew Peters has spent the past seven years developing his own web comic about the adventures of a character named Excelsior. With only his uncle looking after him, Matthew has constantly ditched his school assignments in favor of his dreams of seeing Excelsior become an Internet sensation, and it is finally gaining attention outside his school. Now with his burgeoning success, he is ready to reveal his character to a larger audience.

Excelsior is a living beacon of hope for the planet Denab IV. A god in human form, he is the ultimate personification of strength, leadership and innovation. He has fought alongside his fellow Denarians against their tyrannical oppressors, the Krunations. He wields a powerful sword made from the purest elements on the planet, he guides the hands of the leaders and inspires them to create technology advanced enough to reach neighboring galaxies and he lives within the imagination of Matthew Peters.
Or so Matthew thinks.
One day, an intriguing older woman comes into this young man’s life with news that changes his life forever. Not only is she from the planet Denab IV, but that everything Matthew has written and drawn over the past seven years actually happened. They are Excelsior’s memories from thousands of years ago and the lifeforce of this mighty warrior lies dormant within Matthew.

Now, with a skeptical uncle anxious to redeem himself in his nephew’s eyes and Excelsior’s worst enemies returning to power on both Denab IV and Earth, Matthew must bring the legend back to life from within and become his greatest creation.

Any new projects coming up?
I am currently at work rewriting my 2002 novel “From Parts Unknown.” It’s a SF / Action story that was originally published through iUniverse. I’m giving the story a full overhaul and I plan to re-release it exclusively as an eBook this Spring.

Who does your cover art? Did you design it yourself?
My friend Jason Goodman and I came up with the original artwork, and he took the ideas and ran with them. He was unable to update it due to time constraints, so another friend – Ilya Arbit – took the design and enhanced it for its 2012 eBook-exclusive “special edition.”

What advice can you give someone who is thinking on writing a novel?
The main thing I can say about writing is that it’s not as easy as one would think. Just because you get through the 30-day 50,000-word goal from National Novel Writing Month, that doesn’t mean that your book is ready to go. You have to put a whole lot of work into the editing, the rewriting, the cover design, the marketing, etc. And you absolutely cannot do this alone. If you have a great team around you, they’ll be able to see any mistakes you miss and they’ll help you reach a more universal audience. I can’t stress the importance enough of having help with your novel. It can be done, if you’re willing to put in the work.

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Where you can find author George Sirois:

Facebook ~ Twitter: @GeorgeSirois ~ Goodreads ~ Website / Blog

Book Trailer on YouTube:



Be sure to come back again Friday, April 6 to read my review on Excelsior!

Sunday, April 1, 2012

Author Interview: Sara Flower


Today I would like to welcome Sara Flower, author of BY THE SWORD. Can you tell us a bit about yourself?
I'm a twenty-something Canadian author who drinks too much tea and has a passion for fashion.


Who or what inspired you to become a writer?
I started writing stories when I was five. I think what inspired me then, as well as now, was seeing interesting movies and books –I felt this huge drive to create stories with unique characters of my own.


How long did it take you to write By the Sword?
It took me three months to write the first draft of By the Sword – and then another two years to polish it.


While writing, how many times do you go back and rewrite a plot?
I had to go back a couple of times with By the Sword, especially near the ending. With my other stories, it also takes a couple of edits to get the plot exactly how I (Well, actually, often times the characters) want it.


You run into a bookstore, where do you go first?
The young adult section.


How many books in a month do you tend to read?
I try to read at least one book every month.


In all the books you've read. Who is your most favorite character and why?
Great question! Well, I would have to say Helen from the book When Heaven Weeps by Ted Dekker. She is a bright person and just wants to be loved, but she also suffers with an addiction and keeps having relapses. The story takes place in the 60’s and she’s something of a hippie. I’m really drawn to her whenever I go back to the story.


State 5 random facts about yourself.

~I am fitness nut.
~I can’t leave the house without black eyeliner.
~My favourite films are war movies.
~I wish I lived in the country.
~And I didn’t start drinking coffee until this year.


What is your favorite Genre?
A tie between fantasy and thrillers.


What are you currently reading?
The Hunger Games!


What is the best book you've read?
When Heaven Weeps


Any new projects coming up?
Yes. I am almost finished a supernatural thriller novel, coming out this summer. And I have another fantasy book in the rough draft stage.


Here’s your chance to market your book. Describe it. And why readers should pick it up?

Talya, a seventeen-year-old knight, and Jalarn, a prodigy general of the expanding Malinorian Empire, first meet when the imperial army invades Talya's country. After a brutal defeat, Talya has to flee along with the other survivors to their sister nation of Sanctus. Sanctus declares war on the empire.
In the meantime, being a military general is not enough for Jalarn. He seeks to become a master of the dark arts. Talya is not happy when she finds out from a respected visiting prophet that she is not to fight in the war, but God has called her on a mission to the dangerous Hunter Forest. The journey turns out to be more than she bargained for, especially when she runs into Jalarn again - and it turns out he is not the monster she originally thought.
Readers who love strong female leads and adventurous tales set in a fantastical land will enjoy By the Sword.



Friend & Follow Sara Flower:

Facebook ~ Twitter ~
Blog

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Book Promo:




Genre: Fantasy, Young-adult
Publisher: Violet Sword Publishing
Ebook
Pages: 240

Book Description:
Seventeen-year-old Talya's main goal is to bring down the Malinorian Empire. And Jalarn, the empire's prodigy general, is at the top of her list of enemies to kill. Not only has Jalarn murdered Talya's king, he's almost killed her. Twice.
But things don't go as Talya planned when a visiting prophet sends her on a mission to the highly feared Hunter Forest. It is there that she must gain the allegiance of the forest's inhabitants before Jalarn and his men do.
Then, memories of a haunting vision resurface when Talya comes face to face with Jalarn. She makes a rash decision that sends her down a path she never imagined she would follow.

Purchase book on Amazon


Excerpt:
Jalarn could sense that the sword maiden was in the forest. The feeling had intensified after he had finished his meal. He left his men to their games and walked through the dark forest in search of her. She was most likely there to sway the giants’ allegiance before he got to them – the fool. It would be the last time that she would get in his way. She would not escape him this time.
“Show me where she is, lord. I will not fail to kill her for you this time.”
Jalarn’s eyes adjusted to the dimly lit woods. He would find her. He would not sleep until her blood soaked the ground.
He came to a clearing. No sign of her. He backed up and went the other way. He found one set of human tracks. They were definitely not a giant’s. He followed them. It had to be her foot prints. No one would choose to enter that place alone unless they were crazy or forced to.
Why had she come to Hunter Forest by herself? She was asking for death being in the same forest as him. Like a hungry predator stalking his prey, Jalarn knew that he would soon kill her. And then he could finally forget about her.


About the Author:

Sara is a twenty-something Canadian who has enjoyed writing stories since kindergarten. She likes good music & inspiring films, which fuel her creativity. She also happens to be something of a fitness nut and fashion is her passion.

For FULL Tour Schdedule:



*This Tour was put together by FULL MOON BITES blog tour's