I will admit I am not a big sports fan but have been surrounded by die hard sports fans with my husband and 2 sons.  Before becoming empty nesters, our house saw many get togethers with my sons’ friends to watch games on TV.  And having 2 sons with different “favorite” teams, it was also quite a loud house lol.  So when Nicole from Tribute Books emailed me, how could I say NO, my sons would never forgive me.  I ask that you  help me give Mr. Frank Nappi are warm welcome to our group!

FRANK NAPPI

Frank Nappi has taught high school English and Creative Writing for over twenty years. His debut novel, “Echoes From The Infantry,” received national attention, including MWSA’s silver medal for outstanding fiction for 2006. His follow-up novel, “The Legend of Mickey Tussler,” garnered rave reviews as well, including a screenplay adaptation (“A Mile in His Shoes”) of the touching story which aired nationwide in September of 2011 and was released on DVD in January of 2012. Frank continues to produce quality work, including “The Legend of Mickey Tussler: Sophomore Campaign,” the intriguing sequel to the much heralded original story, and he is presently at work on a third installment of the unique series, as well as his first mystery /thriller entitled “Nobody Has To Know.” Frank lives on Long Island with his wife Julia and their two sons, Nicholas and Anthony and continues to support organizations such as Autism Speaks, Best Buddies, and Challenger Baseball.
Visit Mr. Nappi at his website, Facebook, Twitter and GoodReads.

GUEST POST

                                                  Teaching on a Tight-Rope

Teaching my novel to my own students is an experience I shall never forget – thrilling yes, but only in a manner tantamount to a dream where I am walking a tight-rope stretched precariously across a ravine filled with rapacious creatures, all without the comfort of a safety net. Or perhaps clothing. Or both.

Gasp.

Not too long ago, both the English Director and the Superintendent of the school district where I teach English and Creative Writing recognized the value of my students reading my novel, The Legend of Mickey Tussler, in class. All of us acknowledged the unique nature of such an endeavor and proceeded with alacrity. “Your students will benefit from ‘asking the author’ about the creation of plot, characters, writer’s craft, etc.” my supervisor said. “And be given immediate, first-hand feedback. It is priceless.” The superintendent was equally ebullient. “Frank, this is a wonderful opportunity for both you and your students,” he gushed. “They get the privilege of hearing you speak about the creation of the story they are reading and analyzing it and you will be able to ascertain valuable insights into my own story as seen through the eyes of some hesitant yet inquisitive minds in return.” Hearing their spirited sentiments buoyed my own zeal. Yes, this would be a blast – an extreme alteration of the traditional classroom milieu – the pinnacle of an English teacher’s customary practice. What could possibly be more fulfilling?

Cue the tight-rope.

The first wave of trepidation came by way of a diffident, slight girl who occupied the very first seat in front of me.

“But what if we don’t like the book,” she asked in tremulous tones. “We don’t want to insult you Mr. Nappi with what we say?” I was able to ameliorate her concerns easily enough. I simply explained that we would spend some time analyzing my book in class, similar to the way we had done Huckleberry Finn, Ethan Frome, and The Great Gatsby. In an attempt to further assuage her angst, I shared that I had spoken to students from other school districts who read the book and although much of what we talked about was of the critical variety, I was still emotionally in tact and no students who voiced displeasure of any kind suffered any form of malediction. She was satisfied, but I was unmoored; the report of the shot she had fired resonated in my ears like the clashing of cymbals. What if they really don’t like it? I thought. Then what? My apprehension burgeoned exponentially and I felt the need to flee but alas, it was too late; I was in too far.

The rope was already stretched, and I had taken those first few steps. I could not bear to look down.

So I inched along warily with both arms stretched out and discovered, much to my delight, that the experience was indeed everything that those who had conceived the idea said it would be. There were some dissenters of course, those who invoked the teenage mantra of “why do we have to read anyway?” and a handful of others politely suggested that I failed to capture their interest. Truth be told, it hurt a little. Most of my students, however, were thoroughly engaged and genuinely intrigued by the process by which an idea becomes a novel. They asked provocative questions and offered insightful comments about the characters and the thematic issues explored in the novel. It was beautiful; these young readers were provided with a window into the world of the creative arts and they peered in, learning many of the intricacies germane to creative writing. And if that were not enough, teaching what I had written years before made me fall in love all over again with my characters and the circumstances in which I placed them.

I was halfway across the ravine with nary a wiggle….but then the rope began to sway.

One of my students suggested that they write reviews of the book for me as a culminating activity. These reviews ranged from high praise to tepid interest to outright disdain. Again, the more pejorative ones stung a bit, but I was grateful nevertheless for their candor, insight and observations.

I was struggling a bit now but still had my footing.

It was only after some of my students had posted their reviews on sites like Amazon and Goodreads, that I felt my knees begin to slacken and my feet give way. The less favorable assessments stung more in print and I learned that someone with ill intent suggested that I was “compensating” students for positive reviews, even though those posted represented a fairly mixed lot. I found myself under siege, my character and integrity impugned unjustifiably. I also found myself questioning my decision making abilities; why did I agree to let my students read my book in class? It exposed me in ways that no teacher should ever be.

I made it to the other side of the ravine, but I was hanging by my hands.

Some weeks later, I received several emails from both students and parents, thanking me for being “brave” enough to teach my novel. Suddenly I felt better. Maybe I could do it again, I mused, with another one of my novels. Not a bad idea I suppose, except for the nature of my latest – a mystery/thriller called Nobody Has To Know, the dark and somewhat daring story of Cameron Baldridge, a popular high school teacher whose relationship with one of his students leads him down an unfortunate and self-destructive path.

Hmmm. I may have to pass this time. That’s one tight-rope that could easily become a noose.

ABOUT THE BOOK

The Legend of Mickey Tussler Book Summary:
In the late 1940s, the minor league Milwaukee Brewers are foundering yet again and manager Arthur Murphy is desperate. When he sees seventeen-year old Mickey Tussler throwing apples into a barrel, he knows he has found the next pitching phenom. But not everyone is so hopeful. Mickey’s autism—a disorder still not truly understood even today—has alienated the boy from the world, and he is berated by other players and fans. Mickey faces immense trials in the harsh and competitive world of baseball while coping with the challenges inherent to his disorder. An honest and knowledgeable book about overcoming adversity, and the basis for the television movie A Mile in His Shoes, Mickey’s powerful story shows that with support and determination anyone can be triumphant, even when the odds are stacked against him.
Purchase links:   Amazon   PB   Digital        B&N    PB    Digital     IndieBound

Book Details:
Prices/Formats: $12.95 paperback, $12.95 ebook
Pages: 304
ISBN: 9781616086589
Publisher: Sky Pony Press
Release: April 1, 2012

THANKS TO AUTHOR, FRANK NAPPI, AND TRIBUTE BOOKS, I HAVE
TWO (2) BOOKS, THE LEGEND OF MICKEY TUSSLER and
SOPHOMORE CAMPAIGN, TO GIVEAWAY TO ONE LUCKY WINNER
U.S. RESIDENTS ONLY

CLICK HERE FOR ENTRY PAGE.

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 affliate.
I am providing link(s) solely for visitors
that may be interested in purchasing this Book/EBook.

*USE THE RAFFLECOPTER FORM BELOW
IN ORDER TO BE INCLUDED IN THE GIVEAWAY*
BE SURE TO INCLUDE YOUR EMAIL

ADDRESS IN THE RAFFLECOPTER FORM
SO THAT I CAN CONTACT YOU IF YOU WIN
*LEAVE COMMENT: WHAT IS YOUR

FAVORITE BASEBALL TEAM?*

*U.S.  RESIDENTS ONLY*

*NO P.O. BOXES*

 **HONOR SYSTEM**
ONE WINNING BOOK PER HOUSEHOLD
PLEASE NOTIFY ME IF YOU HAVE
WON THIS BOOK FROM ANOTHER
SITE, SO THAT SOMEONE ELSE MAY
HAVE THE CHANCE TO WIN
AND READ THIS BOOK.
THANK YOU.

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

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I am honored, not only to have today’s guest stop by and talk about his lastest novel, but also to kick off his virtual tour with Providence Book Promotions.  I read his debut novel, Twelve Months, through The Story Plant’s Spread The Word Initiative, which I am a member of and the novel blew me away.  And today I have the distinct pleasure to introduce you to Mr. Steven Manchester!!

STEVEN MANCHESTER

Steven Manchester is the author of the #1 bestseller TWELVE MONTHS and PRESSED PENNIES, THE UNEXPECTED STORM: The Gulf War Legacy, and JACOB EVANS, as well as several books under the pseudonym, Steven Herberts. His work has appeared on NBC’s Today Show, CBS’s The Early Show, CNN’s American Morning and BET’s Nightly N ews. Recently, three of Steven’s short stories were selected “101 Best” for the Chicken Soup for the Soul series. When not spending time with his beautiful wife, Paula, or his four children, this Massachusetts author is promoting his works or writing.
Visit Steven at his website or these other sites:
  

ABOUT THE BOOK

Fate was working against little Brian Mauretti. The food that was meant to nourish him was poisoning him instead, and the doctors said the damage was devastating and absolute. Fate had written off Brian. But fate didn’t count on a woman as determined as Brian’s grandmother, Angela DiMartino – who everyone knew as Mama. Loving her grandson with everything she had, Mama endeavored to battle fate. Fate had no idea what it was in for.

An emotional tale about the strength of family bonds, unconditional love, and the perseverance to do our best with the challenging gifts we receive, GOODNIGHT, BRIAN is an uplifting tribute to what happens when giving up is not an option.
Read my review here.

Book Details
PUBLISHED BY: The Story Plant
PUBLICATION DATE: January 8, 2013
ISBN: 978-1611880618
GENRE: Fiction
# OF PAGES: 308

Purchase links:    

Read an excerpt:

Follow Steven’s tour here, where you can enter to win a copy of Twelve Months.

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 affliate.
I am providing link(s) solely for visitors
that may be interested in purchasing this Book/EBook.

Goodnight, Brian by Steven Manchester
Published by The Story Plant
Publication Date: January 8, 2013
ISBN-10: 1611880610
ISBN-13: 978-1611880618
Pages: 308
Review Copy from: The Story Plant
Edition: ARC Kindle
My Rating: 5

As always, I am skeptical reading a second novel by an author that blew me away with his debut novel.  Will this latest book do the same?  Will the writing take me places within my mind?  Will I relate to the characters?  Will I be transported, by the authors words, into the story?  Will I enjoy it as much as I did with his book, Twelve Months?  Five (5) questions asked about Goodnight, Brian.  And five (5) very enthusiastic Yeses!!  I was bowled-over for a few reasons, one of them being that of, the parallels to my own life, were to a point, eerie. 

It has always been my policy not to include spoilers but I will provide a warning….a box or 2 of tissues, should be a prerequisite, before reading the first page.  This is a story that will tug at your heart strings, have you rooting for the “underdog”, celebrating the victories, crying both sad and happy tears and wishing you had a “Mama” in your family.

What should have been a joyous time in Joan and Frank’s life, with the arrival of a brand new baby boy, Brian, turns into a nightmare.  After being prescribed a certain formula from the pediatrician, Brian was not thriving.  After months of tests and multiple medical consults, the devastating results are delivered to the parents, Brian will never walk or talk.  However, those doctors have never dealt with the likes of Mama and her power of strength, tenacity, conviction, stubbornness, unconditional love and faith.  The author, with his fluid and descriptive writing style, allows the reader to become part of this family’s disappointments and triumphs.  An emotional read!!

I could not put this book down and felt that the author was retelling a bit of my own personal life.  Every one of my senses were triggered with this book.  The setting, even to the family’s favorite “pizza place” was easy for me to envision since the story takes place in the state that I reside.  I could smell the “gravy” that would be simmering on the stove every Sunday at Mama’s house, just like at my own Nana’s house.  I could hear the wisdom my Nana would share with the family as Mama did with her’s.  I could see the pain in Joan and Frank’s eyes as I had seen in my own parents’ faces since my only sibling is afflicted with cerebral palsy.  I remember the touch of leather seats in Uncle Sal’s red Cadillac, which was the last car my father purchased and I drove before his passing.  The parallels uncanny!

Goodnight, Brian is a tender, moving, sensitive, poignant and emotion packed story that will stay with you long after the final page.  Highly recommend to all readers!!  A 5+ read.  Kudos Mr. Manchester, you blew me away again!!!

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.

ADDENDUM

 I do not have any affiliation with Amazon.com or

Barnes & Noble.  I am an IndieBound affliate.

I am providing link(s) solely for visitors

that may be interested in purchasing this Book/EBook.

Now that the holidays are over and we settle into the long, cold days of winter, what better way to spend them, than to read a great book!  That’s why when Anne, from Kaye Publicity, emailed me, I wanted to meet today’s guest.  So, with your help, please help me give a warm winter welcome to Ms. Robin Burcell!

ROBIN BURCELL

Robin Burcell, an FBI-trained forensic artist, has worked in law enforcement for over two decades as a police officer, detective and hostage negotiator. She is the author of the Anthony Award winning author of the Kate Gillespie novels.
Visit Robin at her website here.

Q&A with ROBIN BURCELL

-Do you draw from personal experiences and/or current events?
Both.  I was a police officer and investigator for nearly three decades, so I tend to use a lot of my experience on the job to bring some of that authenticity to my books.  My main character, Sydney Fitzpatrick, is an FBI agent and a forensic artist. She becomes involved in cases that have worldwide implications. Granted, I have never had to save the world, much less the country or thousands of people from being killed due to a terrorist plot, but I figure the day-to-day stuff of being a police officer can add some exciting details and give the reader an experience of what it might really be like to actually investigate a crime or experience the rush of adrenalin when one’s life is flashing before one’s eyes!

-Do you start with the conclusion and plot in reverse or start from the beginning and see where the story line brings you?
I definitely start from the beginning and see where it takes me.  Quite often I find that my beginning is actually more midway through the book, and I have to keep changing things around, as the scenes get shifted.  I think that officially makes me a “panster,” as I’m writing from the seat of my pants.  In other words, the frame of my story is constantly shifting.  It’s a lot of fun to write this way (and frustrating at times, come to think of it), as I am constantly surprised by the turns the story takes.

-Your routine when writing?  Any idiosyncrasies?
My routine is very unroutine-ish.  I sit down to coffee and email in the morning, then write, then get distracted and check Facebook, then check the fluff news pieces on Yahoo!, then look at my manuscript some more.  Even though I sit down early in the morning to work, I usually get most of my writing done in the evening.  I should probably have my biorhythms analyzed to find out when is the best time to write. I have a feeling that I would be classified as a night owl.  Must have been all those graveyard shifts I used to work!

-Is writing your full time job?  If not, may I ask what you do by day?
I now write full time.  Or rather, that’s what I tell my husband.  Hoping he won’t see the above paragraph!  I used to be a police officer and spent 27 years on the force.  My experiences runs the gamut from patrol to detectives. I was a hostage negotiator, fingerprint examiner, and an FBI-trained forensic artist.  Mostly the sketches I did were of suspects in crimes (robbery, homicide, etc.), but every now and then the surrounding agencies would come up with a corpse and not know who it was, and that was the forensic aspect. I’d have to do a sketch of the dead person, so that the body could hopefully be identified.

-Who are some of your favorite authors?
It depends on my mood. Just looking at one shelf in my office, random order: Michael Connelly, Lee Child, Laurie King, James Rollins, SJ Rozan, Dennis Lehane, Jan Burke. And then I have lighter mysteries on the shelf above, and a lot of wonderful science fiction and fantasy on the shelf beneath it. And that’s just my keeper shelves!

-What are you reading now?
No time to read, since I’m on deadline, and down to the wire. But as soon as I finish up my first draft (soon!), I’ll be reading: LEARNING TO SWIM by Sara J. Henry.

-Are you working on your next novel?  Can you tell us a little about it?
As a matter of fact, yes!  Even though I write a series, each book is standalone. However, I always like to weave in something that remains unsolved, a thread of a case that binds everything together. I’m writing those threads into my current book.  If one were to start this series at the beginning, they would know that FBI Special Agent Sydney Fitzpatrick finds a bank pouch filled with numbers toward the end of FACE OF A KILLER. (Don’t worry! Not a spoiler!) She solves the crime in that book, but she doesn’t know what those numbers belong to.  They’re lightly touched on in each successive book, and in the novel I’m currently writing, #5 in the series, we get to find out what they are for!

Fun questions:
-Your novel will be a movie.  Who would you cast?
I rather like Stana Katic on Castle. She’d make a pretty good Sydney Fitzpatrick. But so would Mariska Hargitay of Law and Order SVU, and then there’s Gillian Anderson, who played FBI Agent Dana Scully on The X Files. As for the male lead… I need someone quiet, who doesn’t seem too threatening on first glance, but dang, watch out if anyone gets in his way!  (My husband suggested Jim Caviezal of Person of Interest, but he might be a bit older than Griffin, the covert agent that Sydney works with…  I really like Timothy Oliphant on Justified, but I think he’d make a better Tex Dalton, than Zachary Griffin…  I don’t know!  We’re obviously going to have to hold a casting call!

-Would you rather read or watch TV/movie?
Read! But there are times when a movie on the big screen is just so awesome!!!

-Favorite food?
For a meal: Thai—green curry with chicken and vegetables.
For dessert: Chocolate, preferably dark!

-Favorite beverage?
Cappuccino – if it’s made right. Half the time you order one and they give you a latte!  But once a year during the holidays, I love, love, love Cranberry whiskey freeze punch. Here’s the recipe:
32 oz. Cranberry juice
1 lg can pink lemonade concentrate frozen
1 liter ginger ale
1-2 cups whiskey
{put all in large container to freeze. Leave room at top as it will expand. Scoop out like a snow cone, into glass.}
Thank you for stopping by CMash Reads and spending time with us.

ABOUT THE BOOK

*USE THE RAFFLECOPTER FORM BELOW
IN ORDER TO BE INCLUDED IN THE GIVEAWAY*
BE SURE TO INCLUDE YOUR EMAIL

ADDRESS IN THE RAFFLECOPTER FORM
SO THAT I CAN CONTACT YOU IF YOU WIN
*LEAVE COMMENT: FROM READING THE SYNOPSIS,
WHAT DO YOU THINK ONE OF THE SECRETS COULD BE?*

*U.S. AND CANADA RESIDENTS ONLY*

*NO P.O. BOXES*

 **HONOR SYSTEM**
ONE WINNING BOOK PER HOUSEHOLD
PLEASE NOTIFY ME IF YOU HAVE
WON THIS BOOK FROM ANOTHER
SITE, SO THAT SOMEONE ELSE MAY
HAVE THE CHANCE TO WIN
AND READ THIS BOOK.
THANK YOU.

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

a Rafflecopter giveaway

……of Hatin Heidi Foster by Jeffrey Blount

42 Shaunda Adams Eppes Follow @CherylMash on Twitter

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.

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Today’s question:
Any reading resolutions for the new year? Reading more? (Reading less?) Reading better books? Bigger books? More series? More relaxing books?
And hey, feel free to talk about any other resolutions you might have, too … or why you choose NOT to have any.

My response:
Resolutions…wondering does anyone really keep their’s throughout the year.  I know I never have so I don’t really make any.  Hower, I do have “hopes” for the New Year.  Some include reading and other’s personal.

When it comes to reading, I hope to make time for more reading.  This past year due to health issues and being very busy with the VT companies, which is a great thing, I just couldn’t find the time to read.  And if I did, I found myself dozing off, which could be age lol.

On a personal level, 2013 is going to be an exciting year for the “Mash” family with our youngest son getting married on Nov. 16th.  And with that comes mother of the groom dress shopping, planning a shower, rehearsal dinner and all the other things that the groom’s parents need to do.  However, I refuse to shop for a dress before I take off the weight I put on since my surgery.  So diet is my #1 goal.

What about you?  Any resolutions either for reading and/or personal?  Would love to hear!!