Giveaway, Guest Author, JKS Communications

Guest Author Judy Walters, Book Feature and Giveaway ENDED

CMash March 17, 2013 2 Comments

Glad to see you came back to visit. Guessing that means you want to hear more about our guest, Ms. Judy Walters and her book, Child Of Mine. I invite you to take a seat, grab a coffee and enjoy!! Welcome back, Judy Walters!!

JUDY WALTERS

After many years working as an editor in non-fiction publishing, Judy became a Stay-at-Home Mother to her two girls, conceived via infertility treatment. She wrote Child of Mine as an homage to the struggle nearly 1 in 6 couples go through in order to have their families.
Visit Judy at her website website, or at FB, Twitter, GoodReads and LibraryThing.

ABOUT THE BOOK

What lengths would you go to in order to become a mother? Midwife Katie Cohen-Langer delivers babies for a living, but despite years of intensive infertility treatments and growing desperation, she can’t have her own child.

As families grow under Katie’s careful watch, her husband wants to move on to adoption. But Katie, who was adopted as a newborn, can’t bear the thought of never having a biological connection to anyone.

So she sets off on a journey to the other side of the country, along with her emotionally unstable sister, to find her biological relatives.

What she discovers about her roots –and about the parents who adopted her — rocks her world in a way she never could have expected. And even as she deals with what she finds, she still needs to figure out a way to become a mother.

THANKS TO SAMANTHA FROM JKS COMMUNICATION, I
HAVE ONE (1) EBOOK TO GIVE AWAY.
EBOOK–OPEN TO ALL

FILL OUT RAFFLECOPTER ENTRY FORM BELOW

GIVEAWAY ENDS MARCH 31st AT 6PM EST

WINNER WILL BE CHOSEN BY RAFFLECOPTER AND NOTIFIED
VIA EMAIL AND WILL HAVE 48 HOURS TO RESPOND
OR ANOTHER NAME WILL BE CHOSEN

a Rafflecopter giveaway

YOUR JAVA SCRIPT MAY NEED TO BE UPDATED
IF YOU AR EXPERIENCING DIFFICULTY
USING THE RAFFLECOPTER ENTRY FORM

DISCLAIMER
No items that I receive
are ever sold…they are kept by me,
or given to family and/or friends.
ADDENDUM
I do not have any affiliation with Amazon.com or
Barnes & Noble. I am an IndieBound affiliate.
I am providing link(s) solely for visitors
that may be interested in purchasing this Book/EBook.

Holiday

Happy St. Patrick’s

CMash March 17, 2013 Leave a Comment

Guest Author, JKS Communications

Guest Author Judy Walters

CMash March 16, 2013 Leave a Comment

When Samantha at JKS Communications sent me the synopsis of the book written by today’s guest, I knew that I had to share it with you. Not only is she stopping by today, but will be here tomorrow to tell you more about her book and has offered to give away a copy to one of my readers. Please help me welcome Ms. Judy Walters.

JUDY WALTERS

After many years working as an editor in non-fiction publishing, Judy became a Stay-at-Home Mother to her two girls, conceived via infertility treatment. She wrote Child of Mine as an homage to the struggle nearly 1 in 6 couples go through in order to have their families.

GUEST POST

Thank you, Cheryl, for allowing me to guest post on your blog today! I am so excited.

When my younger daughter was three, an idea for a book came to me. The idea bothered me for a long time, so while my daughter was at preschool, I wrote it.

I had a book in four months – or so I thought. I gave it to a couple of friends to read, and luckily for me, they were honest. It was terrible. I put it away and forgot about it. I was busy being a fulltime mother and didn’t have time to be a fulltime writer, too. I was glad I’d gotten it out of my system.

A few years later, another idea came to me. I wrote that book, and it got much more praise from friends than the previous. I wondered if it could be something, but after searching for an agent and coming up empty, I put that book aside. This time though, instead of forgetting about it, I forged ahead and wrote another book. I searched again for an agent. More agents than ever wanted to see it, but still, I did not get an offer of representation.

I told my husband I was going to write one more book, and if I did not get agent representation, I was going to stop. Truly stop. I was going to get a job. My kids were older by then, and we needed more income. It was ridiculous to keep this up. Writing a book and then revising and editing it nonstop for months or even years was exhausting, and if nothing would come of it, then I was done. Truly done.

This time a couple of people I knew who had editing skills gave me valuable feedback. I thought, “This is finally it.” When I queried agents more responded positively than ever before. They all wanted to read it.

Months later, after dozens of rejections, one agent offered to represent me. I was ecstatic. My Mother-in-Law had died only a few weeks before, and I was desperate for some good news. Within twenty four hours of that offer, shockingly, another agent offered to represent me. I was in an enviable position: I would get to choose between two agents.

I chose the one with the bigger name and bigger agency, based in New York. She asked me to make some revisions, which is not unusual, and those took about three months. I sent the manuscript back to her on a cold February day. Three weeks later, she sent me a one line email. “I am not the right agent for you.” I was shocked. Wasn’t she already my agent? I had a signed contract.

After weeks of feeling sorry for myself, I made more revisions and started to query again. Eight months later, I got another offer of representation, from my current agent. We made even more revisions and then we sent that manuscript out to editors, hoping one would want to publish the book.

A year later, none did. I had started writing Child of Mine by then, and felt good about it. It took about a year and a half altogether, and this time, I paid a developmental editor to help me. My agent and I went through the agonizing process of trying to find a publishing company again, and again, it didn’t happen. Maybe it was changes in the industry, maybe it was just bad luck, but my agent really believed in my book. She said, “Let’s publish this as an ebook through my company’s ebook division.” That was last October, and now here I am, five months later, Child of Mine is finally published, and my younger daughter just turned 15!

Can’t wait until tomorrow to hear more? If not, check out these sites:

Judy’s website, FB, Twitter, GoodReads and LibraryThing.

Don’t forget to visit tomorrow when you can have a chance to win a copy of Child Of Mine.

Guest Author, Showcase

Guest Author Jo Linsdell

CMash March 14, 2013 Leave a Comment

It has been many years since I have had the opportunity to read a children’s book to a little one. So when today’s guest asked if I would read and review her latest book, her previous visit here can be seen here, it was a definite yes! Please, help me welcome back, Ms. Jo Linsdell!!

JO LINSDELL

Jo Linsdell is a best selling author and illustrator, award winning blogger and freelance writer. Originally from the UK, she now lives in Rome, Italy with her husband and their two young sons.
Visit Jo at her website, Facebook, Twitter, and Goodreads.

ABOUT THE BOOK

Fairy May dreams of one day becoming a tooth fairy but she struggles at school and always seems to get things wrong. With hard work and determination she prepares for her test. Will she realize her dream and become a tooth fairy?
See my review here.

Purchasing links: Amazon Createspace

DISCLAIMER
I received a copy of this book, at no charge to me,
in exchange for my honest review.
No items that I receive
are ever sold…they are kept by me,
or given to family and/or friends.
ADDENDUM
I do not have any affiliation with Amazon.com or
Barnes & Noble. I am an IndieBound.
I am providing link(s) solely for visitors
that may be interested in purchasing this Book/EBook.

Author, Book Review

Review “Fairy May” by Jo Linsdell

CMash March 14, 2013 2 Comments

FAIRY MAY by Jo Linsdell
Published by CreateSpace Independent Publishing
Publication Date: Feb. 1, 2013
ISBN-10: 1481951424
ISBN-13: 978-1481951425
Pages: 32
Review Copy from: Author
Edition: ARC PDF
My Rating: 5

Synopsis:

Fairy May dreams of one day becoming a tooth fairy but she struggles at school and always seems to get things wrong. With hard work and determination she prepares for her test. Will she realize her dream and become a tooth fairy?

My Thoughts and Opinion:

When my sons were young I would read to them every day, being it for pleasure and/or a learning tool. Books were an important element in their development and growth. We had fun books and then there were the “teaching” books on a particular subject for their appropriate age group. Some examples were books on sharing, being a big brother, starting school, potty training and even where do babies come from. And because it has been many years since I have had the opportunity to read such a book, I was delighted when the author asked me to read and review her book.

Fairy May is a story of a little fairy who’s dream is to become a tooth fairy. However, she is too young and inexperienced, but learns if she works hard, she could attain her goals.

This is a book that definitely would have been on our shelves when my boys were young. The message is of working hard to make dreams become reality. The illustrations, also by the author, were phenomenal and the colors appealing. I know that when the day comes, and I start a library for my grandchildren, this book will be on the shelf. I highly recommend this to all that have a little one in their lives.

(2013 Challenges: Count The Ways, A-Z, FreeReads, 52 in 52, Outdo Yourself, Read-A-Latte)

REVIEW DISCLAIMER
This blog was founded on the premise to write honest reviews, to the
best of my ability, no matter who from, where from and/or how the book
was obtained, and will continue to do so, even if it is through PICT or PBP.
DISCLAIMER
I received a copy of this book, at no charge to me,
in exchange for my honest review.
No items that I receive
are ever sold…they are kept by me,
or given to family and/or friends.

Giveaway, Guest Author, Showcase, The Book Trib/Media Muscle, The Book Trib/Media Muscle

Guest Author Susan Mallery and giveaway ENDED

CMash March 13, 2013 38 Comments

I have another treat for you today that I know you are going to enjoy!!! Alissa from Media Muscle/The Book Trib is stopping by with guest author Susan Mallery!! So without further ado, I ask that you help me in welcoming them to the group!!

SUSAN MALLERY

With more than 25 million books sold worldwide, New York Times bestselling author Susan Mallery is known for creating characters who feel as real as the folks next door, and for putting them into emotional, often funny situations readers recognize from their own lives. Susan’s books have made Booklist’s Top 10 Romances list in four out of five consecutive years. RT Book Reviews says, “When it comes to heartfelt contemporary romance, Mallery is in a class by herself.” With her popular, ongoing Fool’s Gold series, Susan has reached new heights on the bestsellers lists and has won the hearts of countless new fans.

Susan grew up in southern California, moved so many times that her friends stopped writing her address in pen, and now has settled in Seattle with her husband and the most delightfully spoiled little dog who ever lived. Visit Susan online at www.SusanMallery.com and www.facebook.com/susanmallery

Q & A with SUSAN MALLERY

1) What are some writing quirks or rituals that you have in order to keep you focused?
I’m not sure I’d call it a quirk or a ritual, but looking at my mortgage statement helps me focus. Writing is a joy – I love it – but it’s also my job, and I have a lot of people depending on me to meet my deadlines. A good work ethic is something I admire in others, and it’s something I require of myself.

2) What does your writing space look like?
I work at a big wooden desk in my home office. One of the biggest luxuries of working at home is that my dog Nikki comes with me to the office every day. She snoozes while I write, but still, she’s good company. When the characters make me laugh, Nikki will run over to join the fun. She’s very wiggly when she’s excited.

By the time I reach the end of a book, the desk surface is littered with sticky notes, reminding me of something that needs to happen. Then I clear it all away and start the next book.

3) The Three Sisters Queen Anne houses and Andi Gordon’s home restoration play a large role in your new book. How are architecture and home renovation a part of your real life?
I’ve moved so many times that my friends stopped writing my address in pen. (Not as much of an issue now as it was before we saved all our addresses digitally.) Which means I’ve spent many a happy hour staring at paint swatches, trying to decide between shades of taupe. I never had a contractor as sexy as Wade, though, I’m sorry to say.

I’m addicted to HGTV. My new favorite show is the Property Brothers. You can’t go wrong with two cute brothers. I’m especially fond of the one who knows his way around power tools.

However, I’m not sure I’d have the patience to take on a renovation project as extensive as Andi’s. She was in a bad state when she bought the house on Blackberry Island. She had just been left at the altar by a man she’d dated for ten years. He wasn’t ready, he said. After ten years. So when she saw this beautiful old Queen Anne house in need of love, it called to her.

4) What do you love about writing romance novels?
I love the happy endings. As a reader, I get angry when I’ve invested my emotions into a book and then it ends badly for the characters. I have been known to throw a book against the wall. I don’t think an unhappy resolution makes a book deeper or more realistic. When readers pick up my books, they can relax into the experience because they’ll know that no matter what pain the characters might feel, they will find their way to a happy ending. I can’t even imagine writing a book that doesn’t end happily. The characters would haunt me for the rest of my life!

5) If you could choose one romantic character from literature to jump off the pages and become real, who would you pick?
Jane Austen’s Mr. Darcy – oh wait, he did come to life. He goes by Colin Firth now.
Follow Susan’s Mallery’s blog tour on BookTrib here.

ABOUT THE BOOK

After Andi Gordon is jilted at the altar, she makes the most impetuous decision of her life—buying one of the famed Three Sisters Queen Anne houses on Blackberry Island. Now the proud-ish owner of the ugly duckling of the trio, she plans to open her own pediatric office on the first floor, just as soon as her hunky contractor completes the work. Andi’s new future may be coming together, but the truth is she’s just as badly in need of a major renovation as her house.

When Deanna Phillips confronts her husband about a suspected affair, she opens up a Pandora’s Box of unhappiness. And he claims she is the problem. The terrible thing is, he’s right. In her quest to be the perfect woman, she’s lost herself, and she’s in danger of losing her entire family if things don’t change.

Next door, artist Boston King thought she and her college sweetheart would be married forever. Their passion for each other has always seemed indestructible. But after tragedy tears them apart, she’s not sure. Now it’s time for them to move forward, with or without one another.

Thrown together by fate and geography, and bound by the strongest of friendships, these three women will discover what they’re really made of: laughter, tears, love and all.

THANKS TO ALISSA AT MEDIA MUSCLE/THE BOOK TRIB,
I HAVE FIVE (5) COPIES TO GIVE AWAY.
OPEN TO U.S. AND CANADA RESIDENTS

FILL OUT RAFFLECOPTER ENTRY FORM BELOW

GIVEAWAY ENDS MARCH 27th AT 6PM EST

WINNER WILL BE CHOSEN BY RAFFLECOPTER AND NOTIFIED VIA EMAIL AND WILL HAVE 48 HOURS TO RESPOND OR ANOTHER NAME WILL BE CHOSEN

a Rafflecopter giveaway

YOUR JAVA SCRIPT MAY NEED TO BE UPDATED
IF YOU AR EXPERIENCING DIFFICULTY
USING THE RAFFLECOPTER ENTRY FORM

DISCLAIMER
I received a copy of this book, at no charge to me,
in exchange for my honest review.
No items that I receive
are ever sold…they are kept by me,
or given to family and/or friends.
ADDENDUM
I do not have any affiliation with Amazon.com or
Barnes & Noble. I am an IndieBound affiliate.
I am providing link(s) solely for visitors
that may be interested in purchasing this Book/EBook.

Giveaway, Winners

And the winner is….

CMash March 12, 2013 1 Comment

**……. of Trouble In The Tarot by Kari Lee Townsend**

29 Sheila K. Leave a Blog Post Comment

An email has been sent to the winner and she has 48 hours to respond or another winner will be chosen. Thank you to all that entered.

Giveaway, Guest Author, Media Connect/Finn Partners, Media Connect/Finn Partners, Showcase

Guest Author Shari Arison and giveaway ENDED

CMash March 12, 2013 5 Comments

Did you know that March 10th was Good Deeds Day? I didn’t, but am glad I know now. I want to thank Brianne from Media Connect/Finn Partners, who informed me of this annual celebration. And it’s not to late to start. Friends, I ask that you help me give a warm welcome to Ms. Shari Arison!!

SHARI ARISON

Shari Arison is an American-Israeli, and the owner of the Arison Group, that fuses values-led businesses and philanthropic organizations. She leads commercial and social investments in 38 countries across 5 continents, with 27,000 employees.

FORBES magazine repeatedly ranked Shari Arison as one of the World’s Most Powerful Women (2011, 2012), and as the World’s 2^nd Greenest Billionaire (2010), acknowledging her commitment to strategic value creation for positive, game-changing environmental, economic and social outcomes.

Most significantly, to encourage goodness on all levels of society and in business, Ms. Arison initiated an annual day of service, Good Deeds Day, where people, businesses and organizations do good deeds for the benefit of others. Starting out in 2007 in Israel, last year Good Deeds Day received international involvement, with 250,000 participants in Israel and thousands more in 50 countries worldwide.
Connect with the author at her website here or visit the Good Deeds website here.

ABOUT THE BOOK

Activate Your Goodness is a practical guide for doing good for yourself and others, offering you inspiration for immediate improvement of your life and the lives of those around you. Author Shari Arison, visionary businesswoman and philanthropist, is candid about her own personal stories and also provides examples from others who have made a difference by thinking, speaking, and doing good.

As one of the world’s most powerful women and the owner of a business empire that spans the globe, Shari describes her extraordinary experiences and how she has integrated the power of doing good in all aspects of her life and career.

The unexpected and delightful insight that emerges from the book proves that when you find a way to do good for others, you also do good for yourself. This is a book to share with your loved ones and those who are partners in your desire to create a better world for future generations. Activate your goodness, and discover ways to make your life joyful beyond measure!

WATCH THE VIDEO HERE

THANKS TO BRIANNE AT MEDIA CONNECT/FINN PARTNERS,
I HAVE THREE (3) COPIES TO GIVE AWAY.
OPEN TO U.S. RESIDENTS

FILL OUT RAFFLECOPTER ENTRY FORM BELOW

GIVEAWAY ENDS MARCH 26TH AT 6PM EST

WINNER WILL BE CHOSEN BY RAFFLECOPTER AND NOTIFIED
VIA EMAIL AND WILL HAVE 48 HOURS TO RESPOND
OR ANOTHER NAME WILL BE CHOSEN

a Rafflecopter giveaway

YOUR JAVA SCRIPT MAY NEED TO BE UPDATED
IF YOU AR EXPERIENCING DIFFICULTY
USING THE RAFFLECOPTER ENTRY FORM

DISCLAIMER
No items that I receive
are ever sold…they are kept by me,
or given to family and/or friends.
ADDENDUM
I do not have any affiliation with Amazon.com or
Barnes & Noble. I am an IndieBound affiliate.
I am providing link(s) solely for visitors
that may be interested in purchasing this Book/EBook.