‘Twas the Night After Christmas

The holidays are approaching and I have to admit that I love this time of year. I love the feel of it, the look of it and even the smell of it.
So, when I found out that one of my favorite authors, Sabrina Jeffries, has a book coming out on Oct. 30th and it’s a Christmas Regency romance I was so thrilled! It’s like an early gift!
Sabrina Jeffries’ books are always quaint, quirky, fun, sweet, hot and romantic! Yes, all of that!
This story is about the Earl of Devonmont, Pierce Waverly, who is a scoundrel whose parents abandoned him to school and then relatives. He grows up quite the scoundrel, but you feel such pity for him. He loved him mother so dearly, but she never tried to contact him once he was sent away. It really scarred him.
So, when he receives a message saying she is on her death bed and he must come quickly he drops everything to see his mother one last time.
Upon arriving he finds that his mother’s hired companion, a lovely widow, has exaggerated her condition greatly. The well-meaning woman is trying to make peace, but Pierce is bitter about his past.
The widow, Camilla Stuart is as strong willed as she is well-meaning. But the price the Earl would have to give in to her request may be too much.
The story is about redemption, forgiveness and love. It’s a perfect Christmas story and I highly recommend it as a gift! But, you read it first! It’s a keeper! And it’s every bit as magical as mistletoe!

A New Book of Devotion and Love

There is now a way to truly live and breathe the experiences of numerous Biblical characters. Anita Higman has recently released Where God Finds You, a collection of narrative accounts from more than forty characters from Christian scripture, and they are all there to behold and embrace. Additionally, each chapter is paired with the Biblical passage from which the narrative is derived, so the reader has a clear sense of each character's story and its relationship to the Bible's teachings. Another rewarding aspect of the book relates to questions that follow each segment that are intended to be thought provoking and informative. Higman is no stranger to the field of writing—she is the award-winning and bestselling author of more than thirty books, and her strong sense of faith makes Where God Finds You genuine in its approach, as well as its craft. If you are looking for an enjoyable, uplifting read for the holiday season, then check out Where God Finds You by Anita Higman. This book would make an excellent gift for readers who wish to gain insight into the experiences of Biblical characters and, in doing so, nurture their own appreciation for God's work through Christ. For more information about the title and the author, look to this website: http://anitahigman.com/.

Experiencing the Bible One Character at a Time...

 Have you every wanted to slip into the minds and bodies of Biblical characters? Do you yearn to breathe and fully experience scripture and the impact of Christ's presence? Now, you, the avid reader of all things faith-oriented, have the opportunity to do just this.

Anita Higman's recent release Where God Finds You invites you into the pages of the Bible and its many powerful experiences as perceived by a myriad of characters who were present in the time of Christ's life on this Earth. The book explores each figure's specific story and pairs this narrative account with an actual passage from scripture. The format is powerful and informative, and a plethora of characters and a range of experiences are there for you to discover in this inspirational, faith-driven collection. Ester, John the Baptist, Lazarus, Mary Magdalen—they are all there along with many more. Over forty characters' accounts serve as the foundation of the piece, which lends itself to close study and careful consideration. One additional aspect of the book you might find helpful is the inclusion of questions for reflection at the end of each chapter. These questions encourage the reader to actually take something from each account and apply these lessons to his or her own life.

Award-winning and best-selling author Anita Higman delivers an empowering and rewarding collection of tales lifted straight from the pages of the Bible. Higman does not exclusively write faith-oriented works (though it often plays some part in each of her works), but her own strong faith has compelled her to share her devotion to God and Christ's teaching through this well-crafted piece, which is ideal for anyone interested in learning more about the Bible's characters as they existed in the time of Christ. If you are ready to learn about more than forty different Bible characters this season, then look no further then Anita Higman's Where God Finds You: 40 Devotions Bringing Bible Characters to Life. This title is now available in bookstores everywhere. For those of you interested in learning more about the author and this specific title, refer to the following web address: http://anitahigman.com/.

Disclaimer: Some blogs are paid for by a third party client, but the books are indeed read and all opinions are that of the reader.

Straight from the Heart, the Imaginative Epic Poems of a Poetess

For those readers who appreciate traditional forms of poetry, Melanie Greenwood, Zillionaires Publishing, LLCfounder and CEO, has just released an extensive collection of poems entitled Words: Epic Poems of a Poetess. The work is often refreshing and even witty at times, especially when it comes to her shorter poems. Greenwood deals with a broad range of topics and emotional experiences in the context of this work—love, grief, inspiration, disappointment, imagination—it is all there. Her personality reaches out to the reader from the very first page, and one will have a very clear sense of her determination as an author and a poet from the collection. If you are interested in finding a book this summer with honest feelings conveyed through traditional poetic language, look no further than Words: Epic Poems of a Poetess by Melanie Greenwood. This title is now available to readers everywhere. Find out more right here: http://zillionairespublishing.com/.

Straight from the Heart, the Epic Poems of a Poetess

We are all aware of the power of language. Words enrich our lives and enable us to communicate ideas both simple and complex to one another. Without language, our world would be remarkably different. The task of the poet is to formulate language in such a way as to concentrate its meaning, to give it a charge of energy, so to speak. If you happen to appreciate language and poetry in particular, then a new collection from Melanie Greenwood might be added to your wish-list for summer reading.

The aptly named Words: Epic Poems of a Poetess is an extensive collection of poems from Zillionaires Publishing,LLC founder and CEO Melanie Greenwood. The poems are traditional and refreshing, even witty at times. Greenwood does not limit herself in terms of topics for her poetry. She pulls from a broad range of ideas, and her poems cover the entire spectrum of emotional experience. Inspiration, joy, grief, disappointment—it is all there in Words. The reader will truly get a sense of Greenwood’s personality and her degree of determination from the start of this imaginative collection.
For anyone who appreciates the beauty and potency of poetic language, Melanie Greenwood has something to offer in Words: Epic Poems of a Poetess. The title is available now for interested readers. If you would like more information, then check out the following web address: http://zillionairespublishing.com/.

Disclaimer: Some blogs are paid for by a third party client, but the books are indeed read and all opinions are that of the reader.

A Satisfying Romance for the Sweltering Summer Season

Are you ready to turn up the heat this summer? Beth Kery delivers passion and sensual energy in her new erotic contemporary romance Because You Are Mine. When Francesca Arno first meets Ian Noble, she is blown away by her wholly sexual response to this mysterious and intense stranger. It is something to which she is not at all accustomed. But she likes it. Ian is a man who knows what he wants and how to get it. And at present that something is total possession of the naïve and innocent Francesca, no matter what it takes. But the bliss of sex without strings is ephemeral, and what starts as a purely physical relationship leads to something deeper and more intricate as both characters are drawn into a tumultuous romance, one that forces them to come to terms with what they each desire. Barriers must be broken and boundaries must be crossed before love can find a way. Find out where this whirlwind relationship will lead in Because You Are Mine. Bestselling author Beth Kery is ready to entrance fanatics of erotic romance for weeks to come. This serialized novel will be released in eight parts through the coming months, and every new component adds to the dimension of this dramatic struggle between two very different people whose flames have been ignited. Look for the first installment of Beth Kery's Because You Are Mine, which is now available. For more information about the piece or the author, refer to the following websites: http://www.bethkery.com/ and http://us.penguingroup.com/static/pages/features/becauseyouaremine/index.html.   

An Erotic Romance in Eight Parts that Promises to Satisfy

When Francesca Arno meets Ian Noble during a cocktail party held in her honor, she is suddenly bound to him by a desire that is strange and exciting for her. Francesca, who is working to complete a great centerpiece for the lobby of Ian's newly designed skyscraper, is not accustomed to experiencing such a purely sexual response to any man, especially upon the point of a first encounter. But, although it seems unsettling to Francesca, it is also undeniable and irresistible. Ian, a darkly intense and dominating character, sees something fresh in Francesca—true innocence. The prospect of possessing her is impossible to ignore, and Ian is a man who always gets what he wants...

...However strong the physical attraction between these two may be, there are complications from the start when this couple's flame is ignited. Francesca must first learn to yield to the passions of Ian in order to awaken her deepest fantasies. And Ian has his own inner demons to face before this sexually charged romance can become something more intimate and lasting. What does the future hold for Francesca and Ian? Find out in Because You Are Mine by bestselling author Beth Kery.

Because You Are Mine is somewhat of a special release in that the novel is serialized, meaning it will be released in parts as a series. Each installment adds to the saga of Ian and Francesca as they follow a tumultuous course to greater intimacy. Kery has a special appreciation for erotic contemporary romance, and her writing has a certain flavor that will be much enjoyed by romance fanatics. Furthermore, she pays close attention to the full development of her characters. This is especially evident in the growth of her primary characters, which serves, of course, as the foundation for the novel.

If you are ready to turn up the heat in the midst of an already sweltering summer season, then look for Because You Are Mine. The first part releases on July 31 and all subsequent parts will be released on a weekly basis for a total of eight weeks. Find out more information here http://us.penguingroup.com/static/pages/features/becauseyouaremine/index.html or visit the author's website at http://www.bethkery.com/.

Numerous reasons to read 23 Shades of Black

I love sarcasm, wit and a good mystery, so this was right up my alley!  Filomena is a cop who sees too much and has become used to that. When a murder and a chemical spill start to give her a run for her money you’d think she would stay busy enough to stay out of trouble, but that’s not the case it seems. Between problems at work and in her personal life Filomena has to get by with sarcasm and grit; which she has in abundance. This book has won numerous awards or been nominated for awards such as the Edgar Allan Poe Award and the Anthony Award. It is very noir, but funny at times as well. If you love detective novels, mystery, suspense and humor you will love 23 Shades of Black. There are other books in this series. You can find out more at the author’s website- http://www.kjawishnia.com/

An Exciting Christian Cozy from the Volstead Manor Series

Bailey Walker is determined to put her life on track, and she is making progress in that respect. After all, her wedding plans are coming together, and she is close to finally making her dream of adopting a child a reality. She is also feeling more comfortable in her mansion, the mildly creepy gothic-style Volstead Manor. Then, a minor blaze in one section of Volstead Manor changes everything for Bailey, and she is drawn into an investigation that yields far more danger than she ever expected. Authorities claim the fire was started by an electrical problem, but Bailey knows better. In the midst of the inspection, she discovers a secret vault buried within her cellar wherein a grim reality is revealed. Arson, conspiracy, and a violent bootlegging group from the darkest part of Prohibition—is Bailey in over her head? If she was not by this point, then it certainly seems to be the case when the villain responsible for this mess leaves her a cryptic note, and Bailey realizes she may only have hours to live... ...Find out what happens to Bailey in Another Grave Matter, the latest release from Christian cozy mystery author Anita Higman and the third installment in the Volstead Manor series. Higman takes great care in crafting her characters, especially her protagonist, the heroine Bailey. She also has a knack for writing mysteries that are easy to read but still engaging and satisfying. If you enjoy cozy mysteries with undertones of Christian fiction, then this is definitely a novel for you. For more information about this specific piece, the author, and similar titles, please check the following website:http://www.spyglasslanemysteries.com/.

An Invigorating Thriller with a Disturbing Touch...

I really enjoyed No Country for Old Men when I watched the movie, so when this book was compared to that I thought I’d at least read the first chapter. These are not always my cup of tea. They’re gritty, harsh, in-your-face dark thrillers and they don’t always appeal to me. But, I gave it a try and was surprised at how much I liked it. You’re almost afraid to say you enjoyed it, because it is so disturbing. But, though the story itself is good, it is really the characters that make it hard to put this book down. What the hell will they do next?! You just don’t know. It is a complex-character-driven story about an ex-con with nothing to lose, a girl who is as crazed for sex as for drugs, the bank teller lucky enough to live, but not lucky enough to be left behind and the agents on their trail who have problems of their own. When Charlie went to work that day his biggest problem was his over-bearing mother. Now he’s a hostage surrounded by ruthless criminals with little hope of escape. But there are things about Charlie that are annoying. It’s not like your typical victim you immediately feel sorry for, though you do empathize with him. You want him to live.  The writing is captivating. The characters are captivating. The story is captivating and disturbing in a way that won’t let you but the book down.

What Is It Like to Be a Dog?

I’m an animal lover so a title like “Dog Days” caught my eye easily. But, when I read the title of the first chapter I knew this was my kind of book. The title of the first chapter? “The Day I Became a Dog”. Think Freaky Friday, but with a person and a dog. It’s funny, it’s tender in places, it’s a romantic comedy and it’s a feel-good book. The town festival is called “Woofinstock” and the entire town loves dogs. Honestly, I need to live in this place. It’s by the ocean, people are interesting and friendly and everyone loves dogs. It’s like the author knows what my version of Heaven looks like! LOL Jessica, our heroine is not so much of a dog lover, but she does have the hots for the local vet and, in order to help her business, she volunteers to work the festival.  In a freak accident, Jessica ends up trading bodies with a lost, white German Shepard named Zoe. Zoe is thrilled, but Jessica, not so much. They need to figure out how to switch back and Jessica learns that every dogs has its day, even when that dog is her. This is so fun! If you love dogs and are looking for a fun read this is the one I recommend you check out! Dog Days by Elsa Watson. There’s a video for it too! http://youtu.be/vWl5a0b4xXc

Words of Wisdom from Two Industry Specialists...in a Nutshell

The publishing industry can seem difficult to navigate for the modern author, especially now with the introduction of digital publishing, electronic readers, and a seemingly infinite number of web-based outlets for advertising, branding, and so on...
...How does one make sense of it all? Two publishing industry specialists are prepared to help you along this great and arduous journey to better distribution, more effective networking, and the establishment of a more complete understanding of what you want to accomplish as an author. The book that will be your guide is called Book Marketing, Book Trailers, and Author Etiquette in a Nutshell by Sheila Clover English and Barbara Vey. From start to finish it provides you, the writer (whether aspiring or established), with helpful hints and direct instruction for improving your web presence and responding accordingly to your fan-base of readers. In addition, the book gives insight into the development of a concept called the book trailer (I am almost certain that you have at least heard about these already), a form of web-based video advertising that gives you marketing leverage and provides your readers with a visually compelling way to learn about your book. Who would be better to give you the history behind book trailers than the person responsible for the idea, Sheila Clover English? In particular chapters, you also find firsthand accounts from authors about their experiences in a number of relevant (and sometimes awkward) circumstances.
If you are unsure about what to do with that bundle of pages that needs to find its way into readers' hands, then consult Book Marketing, Book Trailers, and Author Etiquette in a Nutshell. The book comes highly recommended for any writer who needs help getting to know the world of publishing in all of its glorious complexity, and it would seem particularly beneficial for those who are very new to the industry or have yet to actually publish material. You will learn from this book.
Sheila Clover English is the founder and CEO of Circle of Seven Productions, a marketing specialist for authors and publishers, as well as the company that pioneered the book trailer industry. She is also a published author herself and winner of numerous accolades throughout the industry. Barbara Vey writes the blog Beyond Her Book for Publisher's Weekly and is also the recipient of the 2012 RWA Vivian Stephens Industry Award. These are two very talented women who wish to share their incredible knowledge of the industry with you. Look for Book Marketing, Book Trailers, and Author Etiquette in a Nutshell, which is available now from major booksellers. For more information about the authors, look to the following websites: http://sheilaenglish.com/ and http://blogs.publishersweekly.com/blogs/beyondherbook/.

Sex and the Single Therapist is a Fun Read

A Las Vegas sex therapist amateur sleuth with a penchant for finding mischief, especially if that mischief comes in the form of sexy homicide detective Zack Crawford!
The book opens up with Zack coming to Dr. Ally Skye’s office and dropping the bomb that one of her clients has been murdered. Things get more complicated when it ends up being the husband of her good friend and her friend is the prime suspect.
Ally and Zack have a rocky start and it remains that way for a while although the sexual tension begins to mount immediately.
This is romantic comedy at its best. The author has a fun voice and the pacing is quick and satisfying. The heroine is a smart girl who knows herself and is not timid. You are endeared to Ally right away and the hero, Zack is a tough go-getter. Put the two together and the killer is going to have to work pretty hard to keep up.
The characters are fun and they have immediate chemistry. If you like romantic comedies with a mystery/suspense twist then Sex and the Single Therapist by Marcia James will be a fun summer read for you!

Sex and the Single Therapist

Dr. Ally Skye is a sex therapist in Las Vegas, so already you know she’s a busy girl. But when a friend is accused of murdering her philandering husband, a husband who Ally had been trying to treat in therapy, Ally doesn’t take that lightly and neither will homicide detective, hero, Zack Crawford. Or perhaps I should say, neither of them will take it laying down. Lol
Zack and Ally are at odds immediately as Zack looks to Ally to give him information so he can pin the murder on Ally’s friend. But soon the two join forces to find the real killer before he can strike again. But, it’s more complicated than that, the two are attracted to each other almost to distraction.
The characters are fun and you want them to get together. The author strings us along, but you love every minute of it! There’s suspense and sexual tension throughout with a very satisfying ending, which is of course the hallmark of a good romance novel.
If you love mysteries, romantic comedy and fun characters you’ll enjoy Sex and the Single Therapist by Marcia James. http://www.marciajames.net/

A Journey Like No Other...into the Mysterious Forest of the Mind

What makes us who we are? Think about that question for a moment...
...Among all of the questions we can ask as human beings, even with all of our progress and our potential, that question alone remains one of the most difficult, or perhaps the most difficult, to answer. Innumerable factors are involved when it comes to the inner workings of the mind and how it serves to shape our characters and our behavior. We are only just beginning to understand the unfathomable intricacies of the brain, this small, yet remarkably powerful organ at the center of all that we do. Our very functioning depends on it. Yet we understand relatively little about the relationship between the brain, with its vast network of neuronal connections, and the foundation of the genome, our genetic “program,” which possesses its own complex code.
That is about to change.
Of course, the genome serves as the foundation for many of our characteristics, such as our predisposition to various conditions and our physical attributes. It is the framework of our hereditary information, the core of traits passed on from parent to offspring, developed over many generations. However, the genome is not home to the memory of our first love or the feeling of pain when someone whom we know has been lost. It is not the center of our passion, nor is it the basis for our relationships with others. These are the qualities that make us truly unique. Every experience we have is linked to brain activity, specifically between neurons and synapses, which collectively might be thought of as the “circuitry” of the brain. The neuronal connections formed throughout our lives are now the subject of much investigation, because the relationships between these connections, now referred to as our “connectome,” may serve to tell us more about who we are and why than anything ever before. This is where our genome meets the brain's incredible system as it develops throughout our lives (relative, of course, to our personal experiences). Here, nature meets nurture to form the basis for what makes each and every person truly special. As they say, you are your Connectome.
Sebastian Seung is an ambitious and charismatic rising star in the field of neuroscience. He has received numerous accolades and currently teaches at MIT as a professor of computational neuroscience. Now, Seung, along with the help of fellow researchers, is determined to understand more completely the complexities of neuronal connections and their relationship to who we are. Connectome: How the Brain's Wiring Makes Us Who We Are is a lucid and exciting read about this exploration and the implications for truly solving this greatest of mysteries. Yes, it is a book about science, but this is not your ordinary science text. Seung, regarded as a highly effective and dynamic teacher, makes learning about the science of the brain enjoyable, and the content is accessible. You really get a sense of the potential regarding this research and what Seung and his colleagues hope to achieve through such discoveries. What would it be like to have a better grasp of the causes for conditions like schizophrenia and bipolar disorder?
In my opinion, this book is right for everyone, since it helps to illustrate the intricacies of our inner-connections and aids in giving us a clearer sense of why we are just as we are. But the book is strongly recommended for anyone with an interest in science (especially of the mind) and recent developments in the field of neuroscience. Connectome is also perfect for any reader with a genuine interest in learning more about the brain's impact upon our development as whole human creatures, with our capacity for both love and loathing, joy and chaos. Check out the following website for more information about the book and its author: http://connectomethebook.com/.