Tuesday, September 26, 2017

Author HL Cherryholmes


London. I love the U.K. in general but I absolutely adore London. I’ve been there four times and will be heading back this December. One of my favorite visits was when my husband surprised me with a trip to the London Star Trek convention for my birthday. We’d already been twice before and done most of the mandatory touristy things like Buckingham Palace, London Eye, the arts museums and the Tower of London so the vacation was just about the convention.

But, when you’re in London or its outskirts there is always something amazing to see or do just around the corner. “Oh look! Across the street from our hotel is an eleventh century church, partially destroyed in 1941. Let’s take a look.” You can’t trip over a Tribble without landing on a piece of history when you’re in London.

London, like NYC, my second favorite city, feels instantly familiar because you’ve seen it in movies and read about it in books. It doesn’t take much to see beyond the modernity and know you’re walking the streets Charles Dickens, George Orwell, Virginia Woolf, and so many other writers have traveled. The city and its energy are so inspiring and have indeed influenced my writing, particularly in my Lizard Queen fantasy series.

I would say that my favorite area is the West End. Besides hosting some of the best theatre in the world, it’s also jammed with wonderful restaurants and shops. The best part, for me anyway, is that the West End is an excellent place for people watching. Just find a pub - there are plenty of those as well - and look out the window.

I can’t wait to go back!



***
The Reminisce
H.L. Cherryholmes

Genre: Paranormal

Date of Publication: June 7, 2017

ISBN: 1545307628
ASIN: B072QL4S46

Number of pages: 340
Word Count: 122,743

Cover Artist: Keri Knutson

Tagline: A detour down memory lane wakes up the ghosts.


Book Description:

Curtis Aisling has literally dodged a bullet. At least he thinks he has. But he wonders whether that bullet still has it out for him when he leaves his ex-fiancé and Los Angeles behind for Coronado, New Mexico to borrow some much-needed money from his sister.

The small dilapidated desert town of Coronado has exactly one mansion, belonging to 92-year-old Veronica Meeks. Curtis’s sister, Dia, and her partner, Araceli, are Veronica’s live-in caretakers and while they are delighted to have a visitor, Veronica doesn’t even know he’s there.

In the final stages of what the locals call “the reminisce,” she is no longer aware of her surroundings. But when Curtis starts seeing things that no one else does, he’s not convinced that the old, unresponsive woman is as disconnected as everyone thinks. At times what should be empty rooms within the huge house appear filled with furniture, and music emanates from a dusty radio that has been packed away for ages. Tales of Veronica’s associations and connections with the occult lead Curtis to believe she is causing the ghostly occurrences.

But when people begin to appear in those phantom rooms—people from her past including Veronica herself—he’s no longer certain it is her doing. Each vision pulls Curtis further and further back, each one detailing a consequential moment in Veronica’s long life, until he begins to fear he could become lost in her past. And then there’s that bullet…
  
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Excerpt:

Dia returned her attention to the old woman and took her bony, veiny hand. “Veronica, honey, this is my brother Curtis. You’ve seen his picture in our bedroom, remember? He came for a visit.” She looked up at Curtis. “Veronica was quite smitten with you the first time she saw your picture. Couldn’t take her eyes off it and she would just smile and smile.”
Curtis knelt next to his sister. Greeting the old woman seemed pointless, since it was obvious by her vacant stare that she wasn’t aware of her surroundings. But his sister was right; introducing himself was the proper way to behave regardless of her condition. “Hello, Miss Meeks. I’m Curtis Aisling.”
The old woman’s wispy gray hair was short and pulled back by small butterfly barrettes. Her thin face was pinkish-white, wrinkled, and haloed with brown age spots. The eyes that seemed to be looking at something no one else could see were a cloudy gray-blue. Her small frame was covered in a clean pink nightgown and she wore blue slippers.
“How old is she?” Curtis asked.
Dia stood up to help Araceli gather the tray with Veronica’s barely touched lunch on it. “Ninety-two.”
Remaining crouched before her, Curtis continued to look at the old woman. He found it difficult to imagine that the slack face in front of him had once been young, but he searched for signs of it anyhow. If there was life in her dull gaze, Curtis was sure he would find it there. A strong hot breeze rattling the palm fronds behind the gazebo hit him in the back. That’s when Veronica blinked and looked right at him.
“Finally,” she whispered.

About the Author:

H.L. Cherryholmes, author of The Lizard Queen Series, The Reminisce, Come Back for Me, and A Slight Touch was born and raised in Albuquerque, New Mexico but has spent most of his adult life in California. He has a BFA from University of New Mexico and a Master's degree in Playwriting from the University of California, Los Angeles. Currently, he lives in SoCal with his husband, Ron Cogan.







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Thursday, September 21, 2017

Author Kramer Elkman

Spotlight HTML

Red Dot Shot
Kramer Elkman

Genre: Memoir

Publisher: Xlibris

Date of Publication: February 12, 2016

ISBN: 9781514454787

Number of pages: 127
Word Count:  50,000-60,000

This is a true story that is as bizarre as it is perplexing.

Book Description:

Things happen for a reason, or so I am told. The events described in this book actually happened. This story is real. The explanations for the bizarre happenings will probably be as confusing to you as they are to me.

Embark with me on this journey-my quest to find answers and obtain closure for the unresolved issues that occurred and stayed unresolved for five decades.

This story is much more than an incredible hunt; it goes much deeper than that.
Join me in my search for truth.

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Excerpt-

Introduction

There are many instances in life when we may wonder if we made the right choice when we came to a crossroads. Different outcomes occur, depending on the path chosen.
I chose a certain journey, and I encountered many obstacles along the way. In a way, however, I feel as though the journey chose me.   I believe that things happen for a reason, although I am not quite sure why.
This book is based on a true story; every event described actually took place and the quotes are verbatim. I have heard it said that truth is stranger than fiction. In that case, this story is very strange indeed.
Rarely are good stories about good things. Most stories are about struggles between good and not-so-good. Conflict and strife make for good reading. People react to different situations differently. This story will show you how I reacted to mine. There is a significant message that I must tell. The story is true, but I have changed the names of the people involved to protect their privacy.
Now, put your trays in the upright position and fasten your seatbelts.

You are in for a very bumpy ride!

About the Author:

I have heard it said that we are products of our environment. If that is the case, I consider myself in my own microclimate. Choices between right and wrong must be made, especially at one's crossroads. If it doesn't feel right, it is probably wrong. I try to think outside the box, even though I have felt like I have been trapped inside one. I live for life and the excitement it brings each day. I try to not let the events of the past cloud my experiences, even though there is still some residual effect. Learning and growing from my experiences is my ultimate goal, as well as to share those experiences with others. I am elated to share this story with you. I hope it will bring a sense of assurance that no matter what your situation brings, answers can be found if you look for them.







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Wednesday, September 13, 2017

Author Lynn Crain

My favorite vacation spot would have to be Scotland over all. I love the people and the places full of history. The first time I went we landed in London and took almost a week there. Then my husband flew off to Austria and me, my girlfriend and the kids got a car and drove to the place we were going to stay. It was a small let cabin right outside of Stirling called Wellsfield Farm (http://www.wellsfield.co.uk/) and it was in a place called Denny.

When we first went there, they were just starting out and we’d frequently visit with the owners, Henry and Julie. We had such lovely, lovely times there. Also, the area we were in was central to the whole country. It never took us more than maybe six hours to get from there to where we wanted to go and that included Skye. Each of us, that first trip there was five, got one day to visit whatever we wanted. My friend wanted to see her ancestral home in a place called Strachan even though they pronounce it Struan. I wanted to go to the borderlands and see all the ruined abbeys. My husband wanted to go see Skye, his ancestral home, my god-daughter wanted to see herding dogs in action and my youngest wanted to see the lock at Falkirk since it was very different.


Each of us got to see what we wanted and more on that visit. So far, we visited twice and I expect to go back a few more times, especially now that we have many friends in Austria we want to see. No harm in stopping Scotland!




***

Title: The Summer Cabin
The Bloodfeather Mysteries prequel 
Author: Lynn Crain

Genre:  Romance with erotic elements

Publisher: eXtasy Books

Date of Publication:  July 31, 2017


ISBN: 978-1-4874-1125-1
Number of pages: 33
Word Count:  8328


Blurb/Premise:


Lucas Bloodfeather has waited fifteen long years for Maddie to return to him. The tragic death of her uncle, and his mentor, sends her home after a long investigation into the mission, which exonerated her beyond any doubt. He has little time to prove to her they belong with each other.

Together they must forge the bond they had in youth and discover, home truly is where the heart resides.

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Excerpt:

“That’s just it…do not think…feel.”
His tongue moved to her earlobe, as his mouth blew first, then his teeth nibbled a little before moving toward her mouth. The kiss felt like coming home, where suddenly the world righted itself and her body parts acclimated to familiar territory. Letting out a groan, she moved to straddle him.
“You’re vulgar…” she stated as she regarded him. He too had been part of the native world her uncle lived in…how could she have just walked away?
Hot and raw, carnal energy passed between them. She had known better than to get within two feet of him, as they had never been able to keep their hands off each other. Why did she think she could resist now after fifteen years? She placed her hands on his chest and breathed deeply.
“I told you to quit thinking.” His calm voice reassured her in ways nothing else could.
He pulled her to him as his mouth took possession of hers, lips brushing back and forth over her own. His mouth opened, asking for permission to take more and she readily gave it to him. Madison was eager for the taste of him, the feel of his tongue stroking hers, craving his body’s strength. She didn’t have to wait long as his tongue dipped inside and seduced her with hot, profound glides.
Wanting more, her fingers worked at the buttons of his shirt, never moving away from the kiss. His smooth chest was warm, palpable against her hands, something real that she could hold onto. He was no longer the young man she remembered, but now someone who knew exactly what he wanted and what he was doing.
He pulled away from her, tracing the curve of her lips before dipping back in to steal another kiss. Finally, he tipped her head back and cradled it in his large palm, gazing into her eyes as if looking for something.
She breathed in deeply, aware of him in every pore of her body—his closeness, the outdoorsy scent that was special only to him, the heat of their skin-to-skin contact. This coming together would be like no other.
“I just have one question.” His breath was ragged as she felt the bulge in his pants just below her crotch.
“And…” she whispered, breathless.
“We could make love here…” He stopped before continuing, as if gauging her response. “We can make love in a bed…or there’s even my squad car out front.”

Author bio:

Award-winning author Lynn Crain has done it all in her life. From nursing to geology, her life experiences have added to her detail-rich stories. She loves writing full-time, weaving contemporary, fantasy, futuristic and paranormal tales, tame to erotic, for various publishers. Her home is in the desert southwest, and she recently returned from her latest adventure of living in Vienna, Austria while her husband worked his dream job. She loves hearing from her readers at lynncrain@cox.net.

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Thursday, September 7, 2017

Author Laura Bickle

Every once in a while, I hit the road and head to Lake Erie. It’s a chance to get away without going too far away, you know? I think that there’s a lot to be said for trips that are just a few hours distant: no fear of canceled flights, a forgotten toothbrush can be easily remedied, and there’s a lot of freedom to just wander around. I can come and go as I please, and it’s nice to just take time to relax, stick my toes in the sand, and read a book. And the best part? I can go on the spur of the moment. I usually make it up here two or three times a year.

This past August, I went to the lake to watch the eclipse. I often stay at the beautiful town of Lakeside as a home base and wander out into the surrounding areas. While the eclipse was happening, I got to take a swim in the lake. Many of the houses have gardens along the rocky shoreline, like these.





When I decided to come out of the water, there were folks with telescopes on the dock, sharing their views of the sun. A nice lady handed out glasses for folks to watch the eclipse, which was amazing. I’d been looking for some online for weeks, and everyone was sold out!

Lakeside is a very walkable place, with ice cream shops, gift boutiques, and neat places to grab coffee and sandwiches. I always make at least one feline friend at the lake. I ran into this wonderful tabby twice, and she was a serious fan of belly rubs. One year, I went out for a walk at night and reached down to pet a cat…only it was a skunk. The skunk was completely unfazed and just wandered off without threatening me. Pretty laid back, huh?

I wandered out to Port Clinton for dinner and got to meet a monster…a monster perch. He lives on a trailer, apparently, and gets towed to places of interest. I couldn’t resist getting my picture taken with him. He’s quite the charmer, isn’t he?



Other times I’ve come to visit and found fish festivals, community yard sales, art shows, winery walks, and opportunities for early holiday shopping. The sink in my bathroom came from one of those yard sales, and I have several pieces of garden sculpture that I’ve picked up on my trips. There’s a sculptor who sells his work from his front porch…I’ve never met him. You just pick your sculpture and leave money in the cash box.  


The Dragon’s Playlist

Laura Bickle

ISBN: 9781537891965

Genre: Contemporary Fantasy

From the author of THE HALLOWED ONES and NINE OF STARS comes a new novel blending the magical and the real…

“This is war,” the dragon said. And she believed him.

Di fled rural West Virginia to study music and pursue a bright future as a violinist. But when a mining accident nearly kills her father, she is summoned back home to support her family. Old ghosts and an old flame emerge from the past. When Di gets a job as a bookkeeper at the same mine where her father worked, she is drawn into a conflict pitting neighbor against neighbor as the mine plans an expansion to an untouched mountain.

If the mining company’s operation goes forward, there will be more at stake than livelihoods or the pollution of the land: Di has discovered a dragon lives deep within Sawtooth Mountain, and he is not happy with this encroachment upon his lair. When catastrophe strikes, Di must choose between her family’s best interests and protecting the dragon – the last surviving bit of magic in Di’s shrinking world.

In every fight, sides are chosen. And there can be no yearning for what has been left behind.


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About the Author:
Laura Bickle grew up in rural Ohio, reading entirely too many comic books out loud to her favorite Wonder Woman doll. After graduating with an MA in Sociology-Criminology from Ohio State University and an MLIS in Library Science from the University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee, she patrolled the stacks at the public library and worked with data systems in criminal justice. She now dreams up stories about the monsters under the stairs. Her work has been included in the ALA’s Amelia Bloomer Project 2013 reading list and the State Library of Ohio’s Choose to Read Ohio reading list for 2015-2016.

More information about Laura’s work can be found at www.laurabickle.com