Catherine Green - Life in the Palace

31. Life in the Palace by Catherine Green (2014)
The Palace Saga Book 1
Length: 257 pages
Genre: Fantasy
Started: 12 May 2014
Finished: 21 May 2014
Where did it come from? I originally downloaded a copy of this book for free from Smashwords. I downloaded a second copy for free from Amazon.
How long has it been on my TBR pile? Since 21 February 2014 from Smashwords; Since 21 March 2014 from Amazon.
Why do I have it? I like fantasy and Catherine Green is a new author for me. I'm not exactly sure how I ended up downloading two copies of this book - I downloaded the first copy to be part of a Virtual Book Publicity Tour being hosted by Kathy at I am a Reader, Not a Writer. The second copy was an accidental download, but since it was free at the time I kept it.

Chloe Diaz's perfect older sister, Stacy had done the unthinkable when she hopped on the back of her boyfriend's motorcycle and rode off into the sunset. Her parents were furious, and so Chloe became the repository of all her parents' displaced hopes and dreams. It is becoming truly exhausting, so as soon as she's able, Chloe leaves for college several months early.

Once she's enrolled in summer school, Chloe's life begins to change in ways she never expected. She's more than happy to leave the super heroic, save the world missions to her new study partner, Tal - who claims that as one of 'The People', she was sent from 'The Palace' to maintain the cosmic balance between good and evil. Chloe assumes that this is code for "I'm a pamphlet distributing, incense burning, religious weirdo."

Chloe was certain of three things in her life: first of all, boys who looked as gorgeously suave as Seth Wilks never even looked at her twice; second, they sure as heck never claimed she was their soul mate (as appealing as that particular thought might be); and third, there would never come a time in Chloe's life when she would have to choose between following her heart towards her own happiness, and following a much different path towards her destiny. Chloe was wrong; the time for her decision has come...

Now the future of the world is in her hands, but what if the price is too great to pay? Chloe learns that, in the Palace, destiny is not enough...

I must say that I enjoyed reading this book very much. This was a very intriguing and unusual premise; slightly darker and grittier than most readers might expect when they think of religious-themed fantasy, but I found the characters sympathetic and well-developed, the story was well-written and kept my attention engaged through to the end. I certainly want to read the next book in this series - To Call Your Name. I give Life in the Palace by Catherine Green an A! 

A! - (90-95%)
 
May you read well and often

Genevieve Crownson - The Soul of the Sun

30. The Soul of the Sun by Genevieve Crownson (2013)
The Argos Dynasty Series Book 1
Length: 347 pages
Genre: Fantasy
Started: 17 May 2014
Finished: 19 May 2014
Where did it come from? I originally downloaded a copy of this book for free from Amazon; although, many thanks to Dorothy at Pump up Your Book also for sending me another copy of this book to read.
How long has it been on my TBR pile? Since 18 February 2014 from Amazon; Since 16 March 2014 from Dorothy
Why do I have it? I like fantasy and Genevieve Crownson is a new author for me.

Since the days of ancient Greece, a mystery has been passed down through the lineage of the Argos dynasty - a secret kept by the descendants of their family from generation to generation - in the hopes that the forces for good will be able to stop the destruction of planet Earth by the forces of evil. Since 1939, Margaret Ingall has been harboring her family's secret. Time is running short for the descendants of the Argos. It is said that a powerful healer and time traveler will be born of their blood. The one who will be called 'The Soul of the Sun'.

However, the only person who knows the true identity of the healer is Margaret's younger sister, Abigail. Before she can reveal the healer's identity, disaster strikes. Evil stalks them, watching and waiting to discover which member of Margaret's family has the ultimate power. Is it Margaret's own child, Astrid? Her beloved granddaughter, Emma? Or even Margaret herself?

Their only clue is a powerful amulet - the family's protection which will lead them all in a dangerous cat-and-mouse game to discover secrets as ancient as time itself. Margaret knows one thing for certain: if the shadowy darkness known as the Watcher discovers the truth before they do, all will be lost. Fate, time and love weave together in their struggle to fulfill their destiny.

Will Margaret's fears sabotage her family's protection? Can the healer accept her gifts in time? And once the Soul of the Sun is finally revealed, will it be too late?

Her power is incredible. The sacrifices required of her are immense. However, will it ultimately be enough to defeat the Watcher?

I thoroughly enjoyed reading this book. The plot was intriguing and fast-paced; the story was engaging, and I was totally engrossed in the story by the end of the first chapter. I found the characters to be very well-developed and sympathetically drawn.

I can't wait to discover what happens next in the series. I give The Soul of the Sun by Genevieve Crownson a definite A! and I am looking forward to reading the next book in this series some time very soon.

A! - (90-95%)

May you read well and often

Introducing Ghost Sanctuary: A Journey Into the Spirit World and God With Actual Video and Photo Evidence by Becky J.!

Meet Becky J.

Becky J. is an equestrian lover and spends her days in Western activities, teaching, riding, training, and breeding horses. For more information about her unusual nonfiction tale, please visit www.GhostSanctuary.com.

Ghost Sanctuary: A Journey Into the Spirit World and God With Actual Video and Photo Evidence by Becky J. (2013)

Length: 166 pages

Purchase your copy from AuthorHouse!

Ghost Sanctuary: A Journey Into the Spirit World and God With Actual Video and Photo Evidence Blurb: 

Ghost Sanctuary is a factual accounting of a family’s struggle with ghosts living in their home. The book explains in detail the happenings faced by the family and their reaction to the invasion of the spirit realm into their own. The book contains fascinating photo and video evidence of what the family has and continues to experience. The author identifies how her own belief in God and the afterlife has helped her to overcome and understand the trials and tribulations of her family’s ordeal.

May you read well and often

Introducing The Luthier's Apprentice by Mayra Calvani!

Meet Mayra Calvani

Mayra Calvani writes fiction and nonfiction for children and adults and has authored over a dozen books, some of which have won awards. Her stories, reviews, interviews and articles have appeared on numerous publications like The Writer, Writer's Journal, Multicultural Review, Bloomsbury Review, and others.

She lives in Belgium with her husband of 25+ years, two wonderful kids, and her two beloved pets. When she's not writing, editing, reading or reviewing, she enjoys walking with her dog, traveling, and spending time with her family. She's represented by Serendipity Literary.

Visit her website at www.MayraCalvani.com.

Connect and Socialize with Mayra!

Twitter * Facebook

The Luthier's Apprentice by Mayra Calvani (2014)

Length: 184 pages

Purchase your copy from Amazon and Barnes and Noble!

The Luthier's Apprentice Blurb:

Niccolò Paganini (1782-1840), one of the greatest violinists who ever lived and rumored to have made a pact with the devil, has somehow transferred unique powers to another…

When violinists around the world mysteriously vanish, 16-year-old Emma Braun takes notice. But when her beloved violin teacher disappears… Emma takes charge. With Sherlock Holmes fanatic, not to mention gorgeous Corey Fletcher, Emma discovers a parallel world ruled by an ex-violinist turned evil sorceress who wants to rule the music world on her own terms.

But why are only men violinists captured and not women? What is the connection between Emma's family, the sorceress, and the infamous Niccolò Paganini?

Emma must unravel the mystery in order to save her teacher from the fatal destiny that awaits him. And undo the curse that torments her family—before evil wins and she becomes the next luthier's apprentice…

May you read well and often

Blog Tour For The Donor Part One by Nikki Rae From June 30, 2014 to July 21, 2014 - Come Join Us!

Hello Everyone! I am extremely happy to announce that Nikki Rae will be touring the blogosphere to promote the first part of her horror novella The Donor. This virtual book tour is being hosted by the author herself and will last from June 30, to July 21, 2014!

Ms. Rae is also doing an awesome giveaway - she is giving away an ebook of The Donor Part One (Just a friendly reminder: this is a serial novella told in parts. Each part is rather short, i. e. 20-30 pages in Word, but all three add up to a novella length) and a $10 Amazon Gift Card to one lucky winner at the end of her Blog Tour. Be sure to fill out the Rafflecopter form below, and I wish you all the very best of good luck in taking part!

The Donor Part One Blog Tour Information:

Meet Nikki Rae

Nikki Rae is a writer who lives in New Jersey. As an independent author, she has appeared numerously on Amazon Best Seller lists and she concentrates on making her imaginary characters as real as possible. Nikki writes mainly dark, scary, romantic tales, but she’ll try anything once. When she is not writing, reading, or thinking, you can find her spending time with animals, drawing in a quiet corner, or studying people. Closely.

Connect and Socialize with Nikki!

Goodreads * Amazon * Facebook * Twitter

About The Donor Part One:

Casey Williams and her family are poor. Her parents work non-stop and so does she, just so they can keep the trailer roof from leaking. They’re getting by fine enough when the headaches start. Then there’s the nosebleeds. And the inevitable doctor’s bills.

Fortunately for Casey, there’s MyTrueMatch.com: an exclusive, quick, and almost easy way to pay it all back before her parents even have to know. All she has to do is give a man she’s never met whatever he wants from her body.

Blog Tour Giveaway of The Donor Part One and a $10 Amazon Gift Card Ends July 21, 2014.

a Rafflecopter giveaway

The Donor Part One Book Publicity Tour Schedule: 

Monday, June 30: So Bookalicious

Tuesday, July 1: A Reading Nurse

Wednesday, July 2: Dark Obsession Chronicles

Thursday, July 3: Maureen's Books

Friday, July 4: SassyCat's Book Reviews

Saturday, July 5: Books And Other Spells

Sunday, July 6: What's Beyond Forks?

Monday, July 7: My Book Boyfriend

Tuesday, July 8: Lost In A Good Book

Wednesday, July 9: Shayna Varadeaux Books and Reviews

Friday, July 11: Richard Schiver

Saturday, July 12: Emeraldfire's Bookmark

Sunday, July 13: Electively Paige

Monday, July 14: (Release Day Blitz!!!): ALL THE BLOGS

Tuesday, July 15: The Violet Hour Book Reviews

Wednesday, July 16: Pure Jonel

Thursday, July 17: The Bookie Monster

Friday, July 18: The Indigo Quill

Saturday, July 19: All In One Place

Sunday, July 20: Indie Writers Review

Monday, July 21: Best Chick Lit

May you read well and often

Introducing A Woman Possessed by Marilyn Hering!

Meet Marilyn Hering

Marilyn Hering’s father was a weaver at the Paterson silk mill for many years, inspiring her to learn its history and write this book. She has previously been an English teacher, but she is currently dedicating her time to writing the sequel to A Woman Possessed. She lives in Harrington Park, New Jersey.

A Woman Possessed by Marilyn Hering (2011)

Length: 268 pages

Purchase Your Copy From IUniverse!

A Woman Possessed Blurb: 

In 1913, silk mill workers in Paterson, New Jersey, went on strike, demanding an eight-hour work day and better working conditions—reasonable requests that nevertheless led to the arrest of over 1,800 people. Young Eleanor O’Bannion was not arrested, but she was there. Living in the tenements of Paterson, she survived near starvation, poverty, and illness. She survived with the yearnings of love. Her heart belongs to the charismatic and passionate Dante Ravelli, a union leader, supporting the workers at the Great Silk Strike. But can Eleanor trust him to love her back? 

Against her better judgment, she decides to marry Charles Lafferty, the wealthy son of a silk baron. Charles is stable, dependable, and safe. So why does she continue to think about the dashing Ravelli? Eleanor carries her own secret past, and this secret robs her of any happiness as she struggles to look to the future and find fulfilling love with her husband. 

She has survived so much; she knows she will continue to thrive. Any choice she makes will hurt a man she loves. Who will she choose in the end: Ravelli or Charles—or perhaps, her own liberation?

May you read well and often

Introducing Stones of Power: The Exile by Eric Buffington!

Hello everyone! I'm delighted to announce that Eric Buffington, author of the young adult fantasy, Stones of Power: The Exile will be having a Smashwords promotion for his book throughout the entire month of June. Mr. Buffington tells me that the following Smashwords promotional code is good until the end of June, and you will be able to receive a free ebook copy of Stones of Power: The Exile. 

Along with this excellent promotion, Mr. Buffington has told me that his publisher has authorized him to give out another promotional code to give everyone a 33% discount on Book 2 of the series - Stones of Power: The Invasion. Book 2 will be available on June 10, 2014, but is available for pre-order now! Mr. Buffington's goal is to give away 10,000 copies of Stones of Power: The Exile by the end of June!

And, of course, you can all do your part. The promotional codes (which will be provided below) are free for everyone to use. Share them, tweet about them, give them out to your friends. It's a limited time offer, so definitely, take full advantage of it while you can!

Meet Eric Buffington

Eric Buffington was born in Ontario Canada, where he lived until he was eighteen. After that he traveled with a Canadian government program, for one year (what he did is top secret), he then moved to California to serve a two year mission working with the Laotian people.

Shortly after returning home he met the love of his life, moved to Pennsylvania and married her. He has since completed a Bachelor’s and Master’s degree in education. He currently lives in Pennsylvania with his wonderfully supportive wife, and their four children. He currently works as a High School math teacher in an online cyber school. You can watch his math lessons on his Youtube channel.

Stones of Power: The Exile by Eric Buffington (2013)

Length: 288 pages

Purchase your copy from Smashwords!

Free until the end of June using this Coupon Code: sw69s

Stones of Power: The Exile Blurb: 

In a world where each person is born with a magic ability, the island of Denall is on the verge of an attack from a power hungry sorcerer, Mordyar, as he scours the world in search of the Stones of Power. While the stones are gathering and their power begins to be revealed, four boys leave their village on a rite of passage into adulthood and are swept into an adventure that will make men and heroes of them, if they can survive.

Stones of Power: The Invasion by Eric Buffington (2014)

Length: 288 pages

Purchase your copy from Smashwords on June 10, 2014!

Now available to pre-order! 33% Discount using this Coupon Code: uk44j

Stones of Power: The Invasion Blurb:

While Kaz and P join forces to overthrow Omer, the holders of the Strength and Magic Stones unite to hunt down Mordyar's minions and discover his plans. With each new discovery they are thrown farther into danger until they find themselves in hopeless peril. Will Prophecy overcome Mordyar's forces as they invade a broken kingdom, or has Fate already turned on the stone holders? The time for hidden silence ends, as the time of strength and magic begins.

May you read well and often