Saturday, December 8, 2018

Days of Fantasy for Christmas: C.E. Laureano

On Tour with Prism Book Tours

Today's stop is a Christian YA Celtic fantasy from C.E. Laureano. Enjoy an excerpt from this one before you download your copy. And of course enter the giveaway at the end! It's a big one!

C.E. Laureano for
Days of Fantasy for Christmas


Oath of the Brotherhood


(Song of Seare #1)
By C.E. Laureano
Christian Young Adult Celtic Fantasy
Paperback & ebook, 435 Pages
May 1st 2014 by NavPress

In a kingdom where the Old Ways hold fast and a man’s worth lies entirely in his skill with the sword, Conor Mac Nir is a scholar, a musician, and a follower of the forbidden Balian faith: problematic for any man, but disastrous for the son of the king.

When Conor is sent as a hostage to a neighboring kingdom, he never expects to fall in love with the rival king’s sister, Aine. Nor does he suspect his gift with the harp (and Aine’s ability to heal) touches on the realm of magic. Then his clan begins a campaign to eliminate all Balians from the isle of Seare, putting his newfound home in peril and entangling him in a plot for control of the island that has been unfolding since long before his birth.

Only by committing himself to an ancient warrior brotherhood can Conor discover the part he’s meant to play in Seare’s future. But is he willing to sacrifice everything―even the woman he loves―to follow the path his God has laid before him?


Excerpt
King Galbraith had always loomed large in Conor’s memory, but he had chalked it up to a child’s outsized perceptions. Now, he realized his memories were accurate. Clad in a wolf’s-fur cloak with the steel crown of kingship upon his brow, the king nearly filled the throne. His waist-length hair, brown-blond like Conor’s, fell in warrior’s braids over his shoulder, and several plaits decorated his long beard. Beside him stood Lord Riocárd, Galbraith’s champion and captain of the guard, bearing the sword of kingship. The captain was a formidable man in his own right, fierce-eyed and broad-shouldered, but even he was dwarfed in his lord’s presence. 
Conor looked away before his eyes could betray his anxiety—into the face of the only man he feared as much as his father. Lord Fergus, the king’s tanist, was an older, paunchier version of Galbraith, and he made the king seem downright warm by comparison. He took Conor in, a slow, predatory smile spreading across his face.

Beside him, a second man scrutinized him as one would observe an insect through glass, emotionless. The druid himself. Conor suppressed another shudder at the symbols of dark power tattooed on his neck and hands.

“Come here, boy,” Galbraith said. “Let me see you.” 
Conor tore his eyes away from the observers and moved forward to kneel on the lowest step, his eyes downcast. He pressed his trembling hands together in front of him. 
“Look at me!”

He jerked his head up and stared forward while the king’s gaze roamed over him.

One corner of Galbraith’s mouth twisted in displeasure. “Tell me, have you started your training yet?” 
Conor swallowed hard. “What training would that be, sir?” 
“Don’t be clever with me. You know to what I refer. Sword, bow, spear.” 
“No, my lord.” Conor’s voice came out strangled, forced from his constricted throat. 
“Then what exactly have you been doing for the last nine years?” 
“Studying, my lord.” 
“Studying?” Galbraith’s tone changed, a note of curiosity in it.

Conor’s heart lifted slightly. “Aye, my lord. History, mathematics, literature, astronomy, law, languages—” 
“What languages?” 
“I can read and write the common tongue, as well as Ciraean, Levantine, and Norin. My Melandran is passable, and I know a bit of the Odlum runes.” 
Galbraith stared at him for a long moment. The hall fell silent but for the crackle of torches and the occasional rustle of a lady’s gown, every eye riveted on the spectacle before them. Then, in one swift movement, Galbraith reached over and ripped the sword from the scabbard in Riocárd’s hands. The ring of metal echoed in the hall as the blade stopped a fraction of an inch before Conor’s eyes.

“The only language our enemies understand is the language of the sword.”

Other Books in the Series


About the Author

C.E. Laureano’s love of fantasy began with a trip through a magical wardrobe, and she has never looked back. She’s happiest when her day involves martial arts, swords, and a well-choreographed fight scene, though when pressed, she’ll admit to a love of theater and travel as well. Appropriately, she’s wife to a martial arts master and mom to two black belt/musician sons. They live in Denver, Colorado, where they are owned by a cat.


Tour Schedule
(Links won't work until the posts go live.)

December 1st: Launch
December 2nd: Gillian Bronte Adams - The Songkeeper Chronicles
December 3rd: Morgan L. Busse - Mark of the Raven
December 4thEvangeline Denmark - Curio
December 5th: Kate Avery Ellison - A Gift of Poison
December 6th: J.M. Hackman - Spark
December 7th: Ronie Kendig - Embers
December 8th: C.E. Laureano - Oath of the Brotherhood
December 9th: Belle Malory - The Twelfth Keeper
December 10th: Melissa McShane - Voyager of the Crown
December 11th: J. Ellen Ross - The Remembered Queen
December 12th: Jennifer Silverwood - Silver Hollow
December 13th: Melissa Wright - Blood & Brute & Ginger Root
December 14th: Morgan Wylie - The Age of Alandria Series
December 15th: Grand Finale

Tour Giveaway


Grand Prize #1: Winner will receive a FIRE HD 8 TABLET along with the following ebooks (open to those who are eligible for the Fire Tablet in their area can receive Kindle gifted copies of ebooks):
- CURIO, MARK OF BLOOD and ALCHEMY (The Curio Prequel), and THE ICE CHILD (a holiday novelette) by Evangeline Denmark
- A GIFT OF POISON by Kate Avery Ellison
- THE TWELFTH KEEPER by Belle Malory
- SERVANT O THE CROWN or VOYAGER OF THE CROWN (winner's choice) by Melissa McShane
- THE REMEMBERED QUEEN by J. Ellen Ross
- SILVER HOLLOW by Jennifer Silverwood
- THE FREY SAGA (Books 1-3) ebook box set by Melissa Wright

Grand Prize #2: Winner will receive the following print books (open to continental US residents):
- ORPHAN'S SONG by Gillian Bronte Adams
- MARK OF THE RAVEN by Morgan L. Busse
- SPARK by J.M. Hackman
- ABIASSA'S FIRE 3-book collection by Ronie Kendig
- The complete set of SONG OF SEARE TRILOGY by C.E. Laureano
- SILENT ORCHIDS by Morgan Wylie

Ends December 19, 2018

Monday, December 3, 2018

Northern Deception by Laurie Wood


On Tour with Prism Book Tours

Welcome to the book tour for Northern Deception, an inspirational romantic suspense novel from Laurie Wood. Today's stop is a fun guest post. I love when characters get a chance to speak out on the blogs. Kira Summers is the main character of this book, who works as a polar bear scientist. Today she is sharing some of her research with us. Enjoy her knowledge, as well as other stops along the tour.

Please note that affiliate links are present in this post. Should you make a purchase through one, I may earn a small commission at no additional cost to you.


Northern Deception


(Heroes of the Tundra #1)
By Laurie Wood
Inspirational Romantic Suspense
ebook, 170 Pages
December 4th 2018 by Anaiah Press

Reunions can be deadly.

After a savage attack in university, Kira Summers fled to the safety of northern Canada and her work as a polar bear scientist. But when her whistleblower brother dies in a mysterious car crash, she must return home to bury him and pack his belongings. Unaware she’s carrying explosive evidence someone’s willing to kill for, she has no choice but to rely on the one person she never thought she’d see again.

Lukas Tanner, a widowed single father of a special needs toddler, moved to Churchill five years ago. As the proud owner of Guiding Star Enterprises, a wilderness tour company, he and his daughter lead a simple life. But when Kira comes crashing back into his world, he realizes God has other plans. Now, Lukas and Kira must confront a merciless killer as their past and present collide in a deadly race—a race they must win if they have any hope of a future together.




Kira Summer’s Fun Polar Bear Facts:

I love doing research and learning about polar bears was no exception. Some of these facts made it in to the book and some didn’t:
  • Canada is home to about 15,000 polar bears
  • Adult males weigh 772-1,543 lbs and measure 7ft 10in–9ft 10 in in total length
  • Adult females weigh 331-551 lbs and measure 5 ft 11 in–7 ft 10 in in total length, unless she’s pregnant when she can weigh as much as 1,101 lbs.
  • The largest polar bear on record, reportedly weighing 2,209 lbs, a male, was shot in northwestern Alaska in 1960. This specimen stood 11 ft 1 in tall on its hind legs when mounted.
  • An adult bear’s foot is approximately 12” across and its claws are 3” to 5” long.
  • It has an extremely keen sense of smell and can detect seals nearly 1 mile away and buried under 3 feet of snow/ice. Its hearing is as acute as a human and its eyesight is also good at long distances up to a kilometre.
  • The polar bear is an excellent swimmer and can swim for days. A bear can swim 6 mph. 
  • When walking they can go around 3.5 mph. When running, they can reach up to 25 mph (or up to 40 km/hr).
  • Whereas brown or black bears might maul a person, polar bears are predatory and will almost always kill a person unless someone saves them.
  • They leave their scent in their tracks which allow other bears to keep track of one another in the vast Arctic wilderness.
  • The polar bear is the most carnivorous member of the bear family and primarily eats ringed or harp seals. They can haul a 150 lb ringed seal out of a hole in the ice with one paw.
  • They are both curious animals and scavengers when hungry from fasting during the summer months. They’ve been known to consume garbage when coming into contact with humans including hazardous substances for example: Styrofoam, plastic, car batteries, ethylene glycol, hydraulic fluid, and motor oil. The dump in Churchill, Manitoba was closed in 2006 to protect the bears and waste is now recycled or transported to Thompson, Manitoba. 
  • Polar bears have been known to tear the doors and windshields from cars and trucks as well as tear windows out of cabins. 
  • In Churchill, Manitoba people leave their vehicles unlocked so that anyone being chased by a bear during bear season (Oct-Nov) can jump in for their own safety.
  • Windows on public buildings in Churchill are frequently barred on the outside for the same reason.
  • Churchill Conservation Officers use large live traps the size of six-foot wide culverts baited with seal meat on the town perimeter to try to trap bears before they enter the town limits. Bears are then taken to “Polar Bear Jail” which was a military barracks made over into a holding facility for the bears. They’re held without food till the sea ice is strong enough and then flown by helicopter northward and let off at least 100 kilometres away.

About the Author


Laurie Wood has followed her RCAF serving husband across Canada, raising their two special needs children to adulthood, and "keeping the home fires burning" while she began her writing career. She's a member of Romance Writers of America, where she's finalled in several prestigious contests, as well as American Christian Fiction Writers. She writes romantic suspense and historical novels.

WebsiteGoodreadsFacebookTwitterPinterest



Tour Schedule


December 3rd:

December 4th:
December 5th:
December 6th:
December 7th:
December 8th:

Tour Giveaway


1 winner will receive a 100 page hardcover Journal + matching pen, magnetic bookmarks, wooden Christmas ornament, and Abalone and Silver Polar Bear necklace, ebook of NORTHERN DECEIPTION. (NOTE: wooden box holding up bookmarks and ornament pictured is NOT included.)
Open to US and Canada
Ends December 12, 2018

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Days of Fantasy for Christmas: Ravenwood Saga by Morgan L. Busse

On Tour with Prism Book Tours

Today we have a Christian fantasy series for you to enjoy. This is the Ravenwood Saga by Morgan L. Busse. And again I have a character interview for you to enjoy! Please enjoy this series and best of luck entering the giveaway at the end! It's awesome!

Please note that affiliate links are present within this post. Should you make a purchase through one, I may earn a small commission at no additional cost to you.


Morgan L. Busse for
Days of Fantasy for Christmas


Mark of the Raven


(The Ravenwood Saga #1)
By Morgan L. Busse
Christian Fantasy
Paperback & ebook, 352 Pages
November 6th 2018 by Bethany House Publishers

Lady Selene is the heir to the Great House of Ravenwood and the secret family gift of dreamwalking. As a dreamwalker, she can enter a person’s dreams and manipulate their greatest fears or desires. For the last hundred years, the Ravenwood women have used their gift of dreaming for hire to gather information or to assassinate.

As she discovers her family’s dark secret, Selene is torn between upholding her family’s legacy–a legacy that supports her people–or seeking the true reason behind her family’s gift.

Her dilemma comes to a head when she is tasked with assassinating the one man who can bring peace to the nations, but who will also bring about the downfall of her own house.

One path holds glory and power, and will solidify her position as Lady of Ravenwood. The other path holds shame and execution. Which will she choose? And is she willing to pay the price for the path chosen?


Character Interview

1. Who are you?

I am Lady Selene of House Ravenwood, first daughter and heir.

2. What is your family’s gift?

That’s a secret. But since you seem to already know, we are known as the House of Dreamers. We can walk inside people’s dreams. How do we do that? By touch. When I touch a person while they are sleeping, I slip into their mind, into their subconscious, into their deepest memories. Seems like a pretty awesome gift, right? Until you find out that your job is to search out secrets within a person’s mind or…or find their worst nightmares and make them relive it over and over again until their heart gives out. *shudders

3. What is your greatest wish?

Greatest…wish? Well, um, I wish that I might rule together with my sisters, and maybe find a better way to use our gift of dreaming. The problem is Amara and I don’t get along very well. Mother is always praising me and hardly ever speaks to Amara. Amara resents me for that. The thing is, I never wanted Mother’s praise or attention. I wish Amara could see that.

4. What is your greatest fear?

Aren’t these questions a little personal? All right, fine. My fear is becoming just like my mother. When I dreamwalk, I create an emotion connection to the sleeper. But in order to make them relive their nightmares, I must bury my emotions or else they will overtake me. I think at some point, my mother’s heart died. How else can she be so callous about hurting others?

5. What do you hope for your future?

I want to have the freedom to pursue why we were really given the gift of dreamwalking. I can’t believe it’s only to hurt others. There has to be a better, nobler reason. But I can’t do that under my mother’s control. So I will need to escape someday. But I don’t know when I’ll have the chance.

Coming Soon in the Series


Flight of the Raven

(The Ravenwood Saga #2)
By Morgan L. Busse
Christian Fantasy
Paperback & ebook, 352 Pages
April 30th 2019 by Bethany House Publishers


Selene Ravenwood, once the heir to House Ravenwood, is now an exile. On the run and free of her family's destiny, Selene hopes to find the real reason her family was given the gift of dreamwalking. But first she must adapt to her new life as wife to Lord Damien Maris, the man she was originally assigned to kill. 

While adjusting to her marriage and her home in the north, her power over dreams begins to grow. As the strongest dreamwalker to exist in ages, her expanding power attracts not only nightmares but the attention of the Dark Lady herself.

With a war looming on the horizon and a wicked being after her gift, Selene is faced with a choice: embrace the Dark Lady's offer, or search out the one who gave her the gift of dreamwalking. One path offers power, the other offers freedom. But time is running out, and soon her choice will be made for her.


About the Author

Morgan L. Busse is a writer by day and a mother by night. She is the author of the Follower of the Word series, the Carol Award-winning steampunk series, Soul Chronicles, and the Ravenwood Saga, a new fantasy series from Bethany House coming November 2018. During her spare time she enjoys playing games, taking long walks, and dreaming about her next novel.




Tour Schedule
(Links won't work until the posts go live.)

December 1st: Launch
December 2nd: Gillian Bronte Adams - The Songkeeper Chronicles
December 3rd: Morgan L. Busse - Mark of the Raven
December 4thEvangeline Denmark - Curio
December 5th: Kate Avery Ellison - A Gift of Poison
December 6th: J.M. Hackman - Spark
December 7th: Ronie Kendig - Embers
December 8th: C.E. Laureano - Oath of the Brotherhood
December 9th: Belle Malory - The Twelfth Keeper
December 10th: Melissa McShane - Voyager of the Crown
December 11th: J. Ellen Ross - The Remembered Queen
December 12th: Jennifer Silverwood - Silver Hollow
December 13th: Melissa Wright - Blood & Brute & Ginger Root
December 14th: Morgan Wylie - The Age of Alandria Series
December 15th: Grand Finale

Tour Giveaway


Grand Prize #1: Winner will receive a FIRE HD 8 TABLET along with the following ebooks (open to those who are eligible for the Fire Tablet in their area can receive Kindle gifted copies of ebooks):
- CURIO, MARK OF BLOOD and ALCHEMY (The Curio Prequel), and THE ICE CHILD (a holiday novelette) by Evangeline Denmark
- A GIFT OF POISON by Kate Avery Ellison
- THE TWELFTH KEEPER by Belle Malory
- SERVANT O THE CROWN or VOYAGER OF THE CROWN (winner's choice) by Melissa McShane
- THE REMEMBERED QUEEN by J. Ellen Ross
- SILVER HOLLOW by Jennifer Silverwood
- THE FREY SAGA (Books 1-3) ebook box set by Melissa Wright

Grand Prize #2: Winner will receive the following print books (open to continental US residents):
- ORPHAN'S SONG by Gillian Bronte Adams
- MARK OF THE RAVEN by Morgan L. Busse
- SPARK by J.M. Hackman
- ABIASSA'S FIRE 3-book collection by Ronie Kendig
- The complete set of SONG OF SEARE TRILOGY by C.E. Laureano
- SILENT ORCHIDS by Morgan Wylie

Ends December 19, 2018

Sunday, December 2, 2018

Days of Fantasy for Christmas Giveaway: Songkeeper Chronicles Gillian Bronte Adams

On Tour with Prism Book Tours

It's the Days of Fantasy for Christmas! This first day we are sharing the Songkeeper Chronicles series by Gillian Bronte Adams. Check out all three books in this YA Christian series. And then there's one of my favorite things, a character interview! Be sure to also follow the rest of the tour and then enter the massive giveaway at the end! It's AWESOME.

Please note that affiliate links are present in this post. Should you make a purchase through one, I may earn a small commission at no additional cost to you.

Gillian Bronte Adams for
Days of Fantasy for Christmas


Orphan's Song


(The Songkeeper Chronicles #1)
By Gillian Bronte Adams
YA Fantasy, Christian
Paperback & ebook, 289 Pages
October 14th 2016 by Enclave

HER SOLO IS A DEATH SENTENCE

Deep within the world of Leira flows a melody that was sung at the beginning of time by Emhran, the Master Singer. Now it is broken, buried, forgotten. But in each generation, a Songkeeper arises to uphold the memory of the Song against those who want it silenced forever.

When Birdie first hears the Song coming from her own mouth, her world shatters. She is no longer simply an orphan but the last of a hunted people. Forced to flee for her life, she must decide whom to trust—a traveling peddler, a streetwise thief, or a mysterious creature who claims to know her past.

With enemies at her heels and war threatening to tear her homeland apart, Birdie soon discovers an overwhelming truth: the fate of Leira may hinge on one orphan’s Song.



Songkeeper

(The Songkeeper Chronicles #2)
By Gillian Bronte Adams
YA Fantasy, Christian
Paperback & ebook, 341 Pages
April 15th 2016 by Enclave

WAR RAVAGES LEIRA AND THE SONG HAS FALLEN SILENT.

Freed from the hold of a slave ship, Birdie, the young Songkeeper, and Ky, a street-wise thief, emerge to a world at war. Hordes of dark soldiers march across Leira, shadowed by whispers of plague and massacres, prompting Ky to return to his besieged home city in hopes of leading his fellow runners to safety.

Desperate to end the fighting, Birdie embarks on a dangerous mission into the heart of the Takhran’s fortress. Legend speaks of a mythical spring buried within and the Songkeeper who will one day unleash it to achieve victory. Everyone believes Birdie is the one, but the elusive nature of the Song and rumors of other gifted individuals lead her to doubt her role. Unleashing the spring could defeat the Takhran once and for all, but can she truly be the Songkeeper when the Song no longer answers her call?

GoodreadsAmazonBarnes & NobleBook Depository



Song of Leira

(The Songkeeper Chronicles #3)
By Gillian Bronte Adams
YA Fantasy, Christian
Paperback & ebook, 416 Pages
June 5th 2018 by Enclave

THE SONG BIDS HER RISE TO BATTLE.

Reeling from her disastrous foray into the Pit, Birdie, the young Songkeeper, retreats into the mountains. But in the war-torn north, kneeling on bloodstained battlefields to sing the souls of the dying to rest, her resolve to accept her calling is strengthened. Such evil cannot go unchallenged.

Torn between oaths to protect the Underground runners and to rescue his friend from the slave camps, Ky Huntyr enlists Birdie’s aid. Their mission to free the captives unravels the horrifying thread connecting the legendary spring, Artair’s sword, and the slave camps. But the Takhran’s schemes are already in motion. Powerful singers have arisen to lead his army—singers who can shake the earth and master the sea—and monsters rampage across the land.

As Leira falters on the verge of defeat, the Song bids her rise to battle, and the Songkeeper must answer.


Interview with Amos McElhenny
Prior to the events documented in Orphan’s Song, reported by Gillian Bronte Adams

He is already seated when I arrive at the Whistlin’ Waterfly. From the number of empty mugs, I guess he had company or has been here some time—the fly exploring his discarded meal seems to point to the latter. I rummage in my satchel for a parchment and quill as I approach.

GBA: Pardon me, but are you “the great Amos McElhenny”?

AM: (blinks bleary eyes and scowls) So they tell me.

GBA: My readers will be thrilled to know your story. Thank you for agreeing to this interview.

AM: Not sure I did exactly. (He scratches his head.) Who are ye with?

GBA: Uh … The Kerby Post.

AM: Oh. Right. Well, I’ve stayed too long already. Time I was on my way—

GBA: Rumor is you have quite the interesting past for a traveling peddler from … Bryllhyn is it? That Waveryder village in the Westmark? Care to comment on the years you spent in Kerby?

AM: I … ye must be mistaken. I’ve never been t’ Kerby.

GBA: Well, maybe not as Amos McElhenny the traveling peddler. Which is odd since your route takes you to every other village and town nearby. Is there something in Kerby you’re avoiding?

AM: Ye know, I don’t have t’ sit here an’ be interrogated. I’ve more important things t’ do.

GBA: Like checking on that girl at the Sylvan Swan? Speaking of Birdie, how did you meet her?

AM: Well, the innkeeper—Dalton—an’ I are old friends from … back in the day. So I always stop by t’ chat on my way through. She was only a wee wisp o’ a thing when I first met her. Somewhat about her reminded me o’ … well, I just felt I had t’ look after her.

GBA: I see. So what was it about Birdie that reminded you of the Songkeeper Artair?

AM: Well, there was a sort o’ music in her laughter even then an’—bilgewater, what are ye goin’ an’ puttin’ words in my mouth for? Birdie doesn’t remind me o’ him. If she did, I’d stay away, ye can bet yer britches on that. I’d like nothin’ better than t’ forget I ever knew him.

GBA: Why is that? If you don’t mind sharing …

AM: I do mind. (But he doesn’t leave.) He lied t’ us is all. Deceived us with sweet words an’ left us to ruin. What wouldn’t I like t’ forget about that? Was it Nisus put ye up t’ this? Sounds like his doing. Tell him we were fools then an’ he’s a fool now if he still believes. (Stands and throws on his overcoat.)

GA: Wait. (I grab his arm) Look, I know who are and I think my readers deserve to know too.

Amos: Aye. (He pulls free.) I’m the great Amos McElhenny. (He strides away with a muttered “bilgewater” and leaves me with more questions and fewer answers than when I began.)

About the Author

Gillian Bronte Adams is a sword-wielding, horse-riding, wander-loving fantasy author, rarely found without a coffee in hand and rumored to pack books before clothes when she hits the road. Working in youth ministry left her with a passion for journeying alongside children and teens. (It also enhanced her love of coffee.) Now, she writes novels that follow outcast characters down broken roads, through epic battles, and onward to adventure. And at the end of a long day of typing, she can be found saddling her wild thing and riding off into the sunset, seeking adventures of her own (and more coffee).

She loves to connect with fellow readers and wanderers online through her blog, Facebook page, and Instagram.


Tour Schedule
(Links won't work until the posts go live.)

December 1st: Launch
December 2nd: Gillian Bronte Adams - The Songkeeper Chronicles
December 3rd: Morgan L. Busse - Mark of the Raven
December 4thEvangeline Denmark - Curio
December 5th: Kate Avery Ellison - A Gift of Poison
December 6th: J.M. Hackman - Spark
December 7th: Ronie Kendig - Embers
December 8th: C.E. Laureano - Oath of the Brotherhood
December 9th: Belle Malory - The Twelfth Keeper
December 10th: Melissa McShane - Voyager of the Crown
December 11th: J. Ellen Ross - The Remembered Queen
December 12th: Jennifer Silverwood - Silver Hollow
December 13th: Melissa Wright - Blood & Brute & Ginger Root
December 14th: Morgan Wylie - The Age of Alandria Series
December 15th: Grand Finale

Tour Giveaway


Grand Prize #1: Winner will receive a FIRE HD 8 TABLET along with the following ebooks (open to those who are eligible for the Fire Tablet in their area can receive Kindle gifted copies of ebooks):
- CURIO, MARK OF BLOOD and ALCHEMY (The Curio Prequel), and THE ICE CHILD (a holiday novelette) by Evangeline Denmark
- A GIFT OF POISON by Kate Avery Ellison
- THE TWELFTH KEEPER by Belle Malory
- SERVANT O THE CROWN or VOYAGER OF THE CROWN (winner's choice) by Melissa McShane
- THE REMEMBERED QUEEN by J. Ellen Ross
- SILVER HOLLOW by Jennifer Silverwood
- THE FREY SAGA (Books 1-3) ebook box set by Melissa Wright

Grand Prize #2: Winner will receive the following print books (open to continental US residents):
- ORPHAN'S SONG by Gillian Bronte Adams
- MARK OF THE RAVEN by Morgan L. Busse
- SPARK by J.M. Hackman
- ABIASSA'S FIRE 3-book collection by Ronie Kendig
- The complete set of SONG OF SEARE TRILOGY by C.E. Laureano
- SILENT ORCHIDS by Morgan Wylie

Ends December 19, 2018

Thursday, November 29, 2018

Read an excerpt from Miracles Are Golden by Catherine Lanigan


On Tour with Prism Book Tours

Welcome to the book tour for Miracles Are Golden by Catherine Lanigan! Today I have an exclusive excerpt for you to enjoy. If you follow the tour, you'll find a lot more excerpts and reviews along the way. Please enjoy!

Please note that affiliate links are present within this post. Should you make a purchase through one, I may earn a small commission at no additional cost to you.



Miracles are Golden

By Catherine Lanigan

Women's Fiction, Christmas
ebook, 100 Pages
February 2, 2016

This heartwarming story is about eight-year-old Jimmy Longwood, who has fallen in love with a Golden Retriever puppy. When his parents explain that their condo does not allow pets, Jimmy is heartbroken. While skiing in Aspen the entire family is killed in an avalanche. Jimmy goes to heaven and meets an angel who decides to send Jimmy back to earth as the very Golden Retriever he’d wanted for his own and to learn the one lesson all human beings must learn…unconditional love.

GoodreadsAmazonBarnes & NobleKobo


Read an excerpt:
“Oh, thank you, Mommy! Thank you, Daddy!” Robin hugged his parents with weak arms.

“Thank your Aunt Daphne. She brought him all the way from New York City for you,” Hal said.

There was nothing weak about the brightness of the little boy’s smile as he approached the fireplace, his hands outstretched to cuddle Jimmy.

“Robin, do you think Santa remembered it right?” The boy’s mother asked.

Robin, I like your name. It’s like Robin Redbreast. The first sign of spring. The new life.

Robin unhooked the stocking and peeled the stocking away from Jimmy’s toes. “Aunt Daphne, did you put this red bow around his neck?”

“Actually, no I didn’t, Robin. I’ll bet Santa did that. He’s like that you know. Attention to details,” Daphne said with a wink.

Robin looked Jimmy in the eyes so deeply, Jimmy had to blink at the infusion of loving light. It reminded him of the white light of heaven. Jimmy knew it was the light of love.

Robin smiled. “I think I’ll call you Beau. But not b-o-w-. But Beau. Short for Beauregard. Isn’t that the name of one of the Knights of the Roundtable?” Robin asked his father.

“If it isn’t, it should be, son.” 
Jimmy licked Robin’s cheek in approval.

“See that? He likes his new name,” Robin laughed as he felt Beau’s ticklish tongue.

“Beau is a wonderful name,” his mother said, coming over to pet Jimmy’s head. Jimmy licked her hand. “Beau. Short for “beautiful,” Daphne said. “I like it. A lot.”

Beautiful, that’s me all right! Jimmy thought to himself. Suddenly, Jimmy remembered that Mr. Angel had told him not to be prideful. It was a mistake he was repeating already!

Beau is a good name. A solid name. Beaurigard. I’ll have to starting thinking of myself as “Beau”.

Robin couldn’t pet Beau enough. He giggled at the least little noise or sniff the puppy made. “I think he’s the most intelligent dog ever,” Robin declared.

“Come on now, son. I don’t want you to get over-excited. Why not let’s sit on the sofa?”

“Okay, Daddy,” Robin replied.

Jimmy looked at Robin. Over-excited? All he was doing was petting me a little. A hug here and there. What’s so bad about that? And why doesn’t this kid stand up for himself? Protest a little. I would have.

Robin sat on the sofa, a moan escaping his lips.

Jimmy felt Robin’s fingers tighten around him as the boy leaned back. He was aware of a jolt of pain that washed through the boy’s insides.

“Robin? You okay?” 
Robin’s eyes fluttered shut and remained that way without a reply for the longest moment Jimmy could ever remember. Like the family, Jimmy awaited a reply, though he didn’t understand exactly what was happening. Jimmy was keenly aware of the anticipation, even near-panic he saw on all three of the adult faces around him.

What gives here? These people act like this kid is a new reality television show.

Robin’s thumb began rhythmically caressing Jimmy’s head. Then his fingers slid ever so lightly over the fur down his back. Jimmy nestled his head against Robin’s chest, listening to his heart. Feeling the boy’s body next to his own.

As a puppy, Jimmy’s inclination was to romp out of Robin’s arms and investigate the new house. Maybe check out what was under the tree. But he didn’t. He sensed the frail little boy needed him right where he was. The more evenly Jimmy breathed, the more evenly Robin breathed. Jimmy took long, deep, cleansing breaths that went to the pit of his abdomen.

Instinctively, he knew this procedure would be important to Robin, but he didn’t know how. It was just breathing, wasn’t it?

With his mind, Jimmy tried to instruct the boy. Inhale deeply, Robin. Then exhale just as deeply, emptying all the bad air from your lungs. Even your belly.

Robin responded exactly as Jimmy wanted.

That’s impossible! You can’t read my thoughts! Or can you?

Just then Robin’s eyes opened and he looked Beau right in the eyes. Jimmy stared back.

You do understand me!

“Look, Mommy! Beau is talking to me! See how he raised his head off my chest just then?”

“Yes, but I don’t...”

Excitedly, Robin continued. “I know he wants to talk to me. He wants to tell me...”

Robin’s father drew near and stared from the puppy resting on Robin’s chest to his son’s face. “Tell you what, Robin?”

“I’m not sure. But just then, I was breathing just the way the puppy did. I thought puppies panted. You know, short, shallow breaths.”

“I wouldn’t know,” Becky said. “I’ve never had a puppy.”

“I think Robin is right, Hal. Puppies do pant.”

“I agree,” Hal said. “I’m not sure, but I believe that’s only after a lot of exercise. But the other times, I don’t know how they breathe. I guess that will be one of the fun things we’ll all learn now that we have a puppy.”

“Yes, I guess so.” Robin stroked Beau repeatedly.

Jimmy kept his eyes focused on Robin.

You heard me! I just knew such a thing was possible between animals and humans. You have no idea, Robin, how I tried to tell my parents this very fact. But they wouldn’t listen. What I want to know is, how is it that you were so lucky to have attentive parents? They hang on your every word. You’re living a dream here, kid. This is going to be great. I’ll talk to you with my mind and you can interpret to your folks.

Jimmy licked Robin’s cheek, then his lips.

Robin giggled. “This is the most wonderful Christmas I’ve ever had! Thanks, Mommy. Thanks Aunt Daphne. Thanks, Daddy!”

Robin held Beau aloft for a moment and rubbed noses with him. Then he hugged him tight. “If I lived to be a hundred, there can never be a better Christmas than this!”

About the Author

Catherine Lanigan is the international bestselling and award-winning author of over forty-five published titles in both fiction and non-fiction, including the novelizations of Romancing the Stone and The Jewel of the Nile. Ms. Lanigan’s novels have been translated into over twenty-four languages. Lanigan was tasked by the NotMYkid foundation to pen a collection of compelling and informative true stories of teen addicts. Ms. Lanigan’s SHORES OF INDIAN LAKE series for HARLEQUIN HEARTWARMING includes LOVE SHADOWS, HEART’S DESIRE , A FINE YEAR FOR LOVE, KATIA’S PROMISE, FEAR OF FALLING, SOPHIE’S PATH, PROTECTING THE SINGLE MOM, FAMILY OF HIS OWN, HIS BABY DILEMMA, RESCUED BY THE FIREFIGHTER and MY RACING HEART (2019).

Ms. Lanigan is a frequent speaker at literary functions and book conventions as well as inspiring audiences with her real stories of angelic intervention from her Angel Tales series of books. She is an outspoken advocate for domestic violence and abuse and was honored by The National Domestic Violence Hotline in Washington, D.C. She has been a guest on numerous radio programs including “Coast to Coast” and on television interview and talk show programs as well as blogs, podcasts and online radio interview programs. She writes a monthly blog for Heartwarmingauthors.blogspot.com.


Tour Schedule

November 26th:
Launch
It's All About the Romance
Andi's Book Reviews
November 27th:
Among the Reads
Wishful Endings
Book Lover in Florida
November 28th:
E-Romance News
Rockin' Book Reviews
Hearts & Scribbles
November 29th:
Uplifting Reads
Harlie's Books
Colorimetry
November 30th:
Heidi Reads...
underneath the covers
December 1st:
Grand Finale

Tour Giveaway


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Tuesday, November 20, 2018

15 Minute Pause Soft Cover Book & Personalogy Game Giveaway Ends 12/21



To find more balance and calm in our lives, we need to remember to take time out for ourselves on a more regular basis. Perhaps something like a 15-minute pause would make a world of difference in your life. Take a few moments right now to check out this book and game. Purchase one for yourself or to share with a friend, and then enter the giveaway to share the peace with even more people. 

Please note that affiliate links are present within this post. Should you make a purchase through one, I may earn a small commission at no additional cost to you.

15 MINUTE PAUSE BOOK & PERSONALOGY GAME GIVEAWAY
2 WINNERS 
1 Winner will receive a copy of 15 Minute Pause Book &
Personalogy game
1 winner will receive a copy of 15 Minute Pause Book



This giveaway is part of our 2018 HOLIDAY Gift Guide – Stop by to see all the giveaways and great products.

This contest is hosted by the Social Media Gurus Network!
Host that put together this giveaway is Views and More

Below is a list of all the bloggers involved in the gift guide giveaways.
A Rain of ThoughtBargnhtressDeliciously Savvy, Easter Babe’s TheoryFreebies Deals & Steals, Giveaway Gator, Heartbeats ~ Soul StainsHere We GO Again Ready,Java John Z’sMichigan Saving and More, Missy’s Views and Savings Clues, MomCaveMy Crafty ZooMy Silly Little GangPeyton's MommaSaraLee’s Deals Steals & GiveawaysSweet Southern Savings Tales From A Southern Momtricias-list.com Views and More


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included in this giveaway is the entertaining game  Personalogy 
a fun night with the family game 💗💗

Visit my review here:
15 Minute Pause Book Review






This giveaway is in no way endorsed, affiliated, or associated with Facebook, Twitter or any other Social Media Networking Site. You are not eligible if you have won a prize from this sponsor in the last 12 months. This Giveaway is valid in the United States Only and Entrants must be 18+ years of age to enter. This giveaway event will end at 11:59 PM (EST) 12/21/18. The winner will have 48 hours to email their information back to cindynicoletti2@gmail.com or a new winner will be drawn, you may want to put this email address as safe as it could go to spam. The sponsors are each responsible for shipping of the above prizes. No blog associated with this contests are responsible for prize fulfillment. If you would like to be a sponsor in a giveaway like this please email Cynthia Nicoletti at cindynicoletti2@gmail.com. If you take an entry you must stay following for the entire contest or you will be disqualified.

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THE GIVEAWAY