Easter's Lilly

Wednesday, March 19, 2014

Re-Vamped Cover Reveal | Promises In The Dark by Princess Racena McConnell @PrmTjm1981

 Book Title: Promises In The Dark
Series: Secrets of the Mystic
Author: Princess Racena McConell
Genre:  Paranormal Romance
Released:  November 17, 2013
Length:  345 Pages Print
Presented by: As You Wish Tours
Banner Made by: Julia Hendrix

 BLURB

What began as a casual dinner with friends quickly blossoms into a beautiful friendship for Rachel Adams and Derek Williamson. In time, it will develop into something much greater than either could have ever imagined. The pair have each had their share of tragedy and heartbreak that time has yet to heal. As their friendship evolves into something much more, Rachel begins to open up to the man she has fallen in love with about secrets that have consumed her life for so long.

Just when life seems to be opening up possibilities for the two of them, inexplicable and unsettling things start to happen. When these mysterious occurrences begin to invade their happiness, they are faced with the reality that they must find the truth about what haunts them. Will they survive as they uncover some of these long-kept secrets? Will the mystical forces that linked the lovers together so long ago be the same to destroy them in the end?

Book Links
http://www.amazon.com/Promises-Secrets-Mystic-Princess-McConnell-ebook/dp/B00H6Q1UG4/ref=sr_1_1?s=digital-text&ie=UTF8&qid=1392075264&sr=1-1http://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/promises-in-the-dark-princess-mcconnell/1117649739?ean=9781494393625https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/19378183-promises-in-the-darkhttps://www.smashwords.com/books/view/392994

AUTHOR BIO
Princess Racena McConnell( who has never and will never go by her first name) was born in Kings Mountain NC and now resides in the busy little town of Summerville SC with her husband of 32 years. She is the mother of 3 and grandmother to 4 with a 5th one on the way! "Promises In The Dark"; her debut novel—is part 1 of a story that has been in her mind for many years, and finally had to be told! She enjoys spending time with her family, and is so thankful they all live within 20 minutes! She also enjoys reading, writing and anything horror related. Her dream is to someday see her books splashed across silver screen!


Author Links
https://www.facebook.com/RacenaMcconnellhttps://twitter.com/PrmTjm1981http://princessmcc.blogspot.com/https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/7538673.Princess_Racena_McConnellhttp://www.amazon.com/s/ref=ntt_athr_dp_sr_1?_encoding=UTF8&field-author=Princess%20Racena%20McConnell&search-alias=digital-text&sort=relevancerankhttp://www.barnesandnoble.com/c/mrs-princess-racena-mcconnellhttps://www.smashwords.com/profile/view/Princess48

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Sunday, March 16, 2014

'The Witch of Blackbird Pond' by Elizabeth George Speare will take you on a voyage back in time.


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When sixteen-year-old Kit Tyler arrives on the banks of colonial Connecticut in 1687, she is greeted with suspicion. Because she possesses certain skills that women in that area are unfamiliar with, some people are wary of her. She is alone in the world and traveled by herself out there so that she could live with family that she has never met. This becomes a difficult quest, since Kit and this other side of the family are very different indeed. Love does peek its head into this historical novel ever so subtly, pushing Kit into a role she never thought she would have to play.
On her search for a kindred spirit, Kit discovers Hannah Tupper, who has been labeled “witch” by the townspeople. Her forbidden friendship becomes a life or death situation, and Kit is forced to make a choice. Should she be true to herself, or do what is expected of her?
My review:
This young adult historical fiction begins with Kit Tyler arriving in colonial America from the island of Barbados. Her way of life was so very different from what she comes across as she learns of her new family. She humbly asks them to take her in, but is not greeted with a warm reception. While traveling on the boat to Connecticut, she meets Nate Eaton, the captain’s son, and their conflict is confusing for both of them.
When she discovers Hannah Tupper living alone in a cabin, far off from the colonies, she discovers that Nate is Hannah’s secret friend who comes and visits her from time to time. While this is going on, the family that Kit is staying with decides to set her up with a suitor of which Kit has little affection for.
This young adult, historical novel was a fast read. It is simple and interesting, yet does not become complicated while adding the historical backdrop. Speare forms this protagonist with depth and courage and the budding romance in the novel is sweet and intriguing. I am not a historical fiction 
type of reader, but I loved this book. I would highly recommend it for young people who are looking for something to read for school. I give it 4 out of 5 stars. Go pick it up today!

Thursday, March 6, 2014

Blog Hop | By the Fire Light with Chase Fitzgerald @EB_Walters

Book Title:  Surrender to Temptation
Series:  The Fitzgerald Family
Author:  E. B. Walters
Genre:  Contemporary Romance - Suspense - Sensual
Presented by:  As You Wish Tours
Banner Made by:  Julia Hendrix

http://majesticproducts.com/products/Fireplaces/Wood-Burning/
By the Fire Light with Chase Fitzgerald

Nikki leaned back and exhaled. The sun was setting over the Pacific Ocean, painting the sky with palettes of orange. The view was amazing, but then again, her husband never did anything that wasn’t spectacular. She reached down and rubbed her stomach, a smiling tugging her mouth. Being married to Chase Fitzgerald has been a thrill of a lifetime.

The sliding door behind her opened and she smiled before his warm lips pressed on her shoulder. “You look stunning, my lady in red,” Chase whispered.

Nikki turned her head and smiled up at him. Two years after saying “I do” on their ranch in Montana and he still took her breath away. Still had the power to reduce her to a drooling mass of needs and wants. He was dressed for the occasion too. His shoulders seemed broader, his body harder, and his sexy smile still promised all sorts of decadence.

“You cleaned up pretty well too, Rancher Fitzgerald.” She captured his lips in a long kiss, the taste of him going straight to her head.

“Quit messing with my head, woman. I have laid out a plan for this evening and we’re following it to the letter. You will not distract me.” He offered her a chocolate-covered strawberry. “My special recipe.”

Nikki grinned. “Oh, your sons and I have been craving these.”

“Don’t you mean my daughters?” Chase knelt by her seat and pressed a kiss on her swollen stomach, gently stroking it.

They’d flown to L.A. to see her gynecologist, but the three-day visit had turned into a week. Every Fitzgerald had insisted they visit them. Tomorrow was a huge family picnic right here at the family estate in Palos Verdes. The Fitzgerald picnics were usually fun, but when you are six months pregnant with twins, crowds got on your nerves fast. At least tonight they had the house to themselves.

“Hey! One of them kicked me,” Chase said.

Nikki laughed. “They probably heard your voice and are saying hello. Boys, behave,” she added, patting her stomach. She didn’t think she could ever be this happy or feel so cherished.

Chase chuckled and proceeded to have a one-sided conversation with their unborn children. “Your Mommy insists you are boys and since she’s never wrong and today is such a special day, I’ll give in. I love you, you little rascals, but we need to come to an understanding before you are born. I saw her first. She’s mine. She can love you, spoil you, or think you can never do wrong, but she’ll always be mine. My first. My last. My everything. One day, if you’re lucky, you might find yourself a gem like her. Now behave for the rest of the evening because tonight is our night. Hers and mine.” He stood. “Come, sweetheart.” He helped Nikki to her feet and led into the house.

Soft jazz greeted her when she stepped inside. In the middle of the bedroom was a table set for two. Dome-shaped lids covered serving plates on two serving carts were on either sides of the table. A bottle of lemon-raspberry fizz sat in a cooler. Two candles flickered on either side of a single rose sitting majestically at the center of the table. This was beyond beautiful.

She heard crackling and turned her head to look. He’d started a fire. A real fire with logs. Warmth drifted from the fireplace, chasing away the spring coolness in the air. But the best part, he’d pulled down the mattress and placed it in front of the fire. She loved making love to him in front of the fire back at home.

“Oh, honey,” Nikki whispered. “This is amazing.”

“You haven’t seen anything yet,” he said, pulling out a chair for her. He planted another kiss on her shoulder before lifting lid after lid and showing her the Valentine’s Day meal he’d prepared for her.

“For appetizer, we have clam oreganata and fried oysters. There’s crouton salad. Side dishes are spinach and mushroom ravioli and truffled mashed potatoes. For the main dish, I thought you’d like something different, crispy rack of lamb with honey and mascarpone. And to finish it, chocolate-raspberry mascarpone bars.”

He’d out done himself. “You are priceless, Chase Fitzgerald.”

“I know.” He flashed his famous sexy smile, then he grew series. He poured the lemon-raspberry fizz in chutes and offered her one. “Here is to you, my love. My safe harbor in a storm. My anchor. Every day I look at you and breathe easier because you chose me to be your husband and agreed to become my wife, my love, the mother of my children. I love you, Nikki Fitzgerald.”

Tears rushed to her eyes. She cried so easily these days. First time it happened, Chase had panicked that he’d hurt her feelings. Turned out pregnancy was playing havoc with her emotions.

She reached out and took his hand and started talking. Chase heard her vows of love and devotion, but it wasn’t her words that had him swallowing and fighting tears of his own. It was the look in her eyes and what they said: she adored him, needed him, and wanted him.

Dinner was great, but he was completely focused on her. Her eyes sparkled underneath thick lashes. Her skin glowed in the flickering light of the candles and the fire behind her created an aura around her, giving her a shimmering incandescence. His fascination with her lips had never waned. She had the sexiest, luscious lips God had ever given a woman. He was madly in love with this breathtaking woman and it never failed to humble him that she felt the same.

“Dance with me,” Chase requested huskily when they were done eating.

“But this…” she patted her stomach.

“Can’t stop me.” He wrapped his arms around her and brought her back to his font. When he crossed his hands over her stomach, she covered them with hers, interlacing their fingers. They swayed gently.

He wanted her and was sure she could feel his erection pressing against her butt. He dropped his head to nuzzle her neck and a tremor shot through her and her breathing changed. Her response to his touch never failed to amaze him. He planned to make love to her slowly and thoroughly. For now, he was content with the foreplay.

She wiggled out of his arms and faced him. The look in her eyes told him foreplay was over. She pushed aside the spaghetti straps of her dress and the red dress floated to her feet. She kicked it out of the way. His eyes crossed. She looked glorious, the flickering fire covering her lush body in a blush of gold.

Wearing nothing but heels, which he still thought pregnant women shouldn’t wear, and a come-hither smile, Nikki planted a hand on her hip and purred, “Happy Valentine’s Day, my husband.”

Damn, she’d just hijacked his plans. Chase stripped in record time, then closed the gap between them and scooped her up. “Happy Valentine’s Day, wife.”

BLURB

It was Easter Sunday; the day Lilly's life went from safe and comfortable to dangerously unfamiliar. Her transformation takes her from a small town girl having an affair with a low ranked gangster in the Montiago crime syndicate, to a woman of grace and fortitude married to the head of the organization. Easter's Lilly is an inspired journey from the idyllic to the darker side of self-discovery. Read as the over-privileged brothers embark on their journey that twists and turns down the road of unbridled passion in this first book of the series.
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Saturday, March 1, 2014

Trailer Blitz | Ashlynn's Dreams by Julie C. Gilbert - Bargain Books @authorgilbert


Teaser
Every Mother's Worst Nightmare

Dear Dr. S.,

Sorry for the wrinkles on the page. I was gonna print ya a new one, but Jeffrey said I’d probably just cry all over that one, too. He’s right. I’ve been leaking tears for days and ain’t likely to stop all of a sudden, so I just carry lots of tissues wherever I go.

I ain’t much for these computer things, but if it’ll help my Jillian, I’ll answer whatever questions ya can muster.

Thank you ever so much for agreeing to meet regular with my Jillian. She looks forward to every meeting, even the ones she gripes about. I can tell. She used to be that way when I first took her over to Momma’s house to stay for a while when she was just a tiny babe. Pretty soon it got so she fussed about having to come home with me. That’s my Jillian for ya though. She’s quick to trust and quicker to love and love fierce at that.

I’m not exactly sure what more I could tell ya that she can’t. My heartbeat is starting to come back to normal, though I think if something like this ever happens again I might up and have a busted heart. Never cried so much in my life and that’s the truth. Jeffrey had to be the strong one for both of us, but he spent his share of tears, too. He called Momma and his parents, and they all dropped their lives to come be with us.

Talking two seconds with Jillian, ya probably know Momma’s something sure-fired special. I had Jillian so young that Momma

practically had to raise us both at once. Jason wasn’t much help, but he was handsome. I was young and in love, a recipe for trouble according to Momma. I up and married the first pretty man who paid me any mind. What did I know of marriage?

You asked about that day. It’s hard to describe the panic. It’s like an elephant setting itself down square on yer chest and deciding it likes it there. Every breath becomes a hard-fought battle. Everything around becomes more real and less real all at once. Ya become aware of every breath but hours could tick painfully by with only one endless record playing.

Oh God, where is she? I hope she’s okay. Why my baby? What’d we do? Why her? 

*****
Listed on Ereader News Today:

“The characters are fresh and interesting, and the plot has enough twists and turns to keep you riveted….”
-Ed. D.



Thursday, February 20, 2014


'Dead as a Doornail' by Charlaine Harris will leave you hard to revive 

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'Dead as a Doornail' by Charlaine Harris will leave you hard to revive.



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Book Description:
Sookie Stackhouse is a small town cocktail waitress whose brother is a newly changed were-panther. Shapeshifters are not a new concept for Sookie, but her brother was not born with this curse nor did he choose it, so she was worried about his ability to adjust to such a thing.
A sniper appears on the scene and is shooting at shapeshifters. Must to Sookie’s dismay, it appears that the were-panthers are suspicious that her brother Jason may be behind the shootings, due to the fact that he was changed against his will. In order to save her brother’s life, Sookie goes on a quest to find the shooter before he finds her first.
My review:
Sookie is very concerned about her brother, hoping he will adjust to his shapeshifting without too much grief. After he appears to embrace his new future, she becomes involved somehow with the politics of the werewolves, the werepanthers, and the shapeshifiting communities.
Sookie is known for her steamy loves affairs, and this book did not showcase that. This book simply did not sizzle, and you will find yourself waiting (im)patiently for that romance that Charlaine Harris is so famous for. There was no love in the afternoon here, and if that is what sparks your interest in this series, you will find yourself inattentive.
I usually get through her books in a few days, but this book took me a few months. I am not saying that her books won’t rock your world because in most cases they will, but Dead as a Doornail will leave you dead in the water. I give this book 3 out of 5 stars, but don’t let that stop you from reading her other books. This is an amazing series, one of my favorites, but this particular book didn’t do it for me. It doesn’t mean it won’t revive you.

Friday, February 14, 2014

Book Blitz | Promises In The Dark by Princess McConnell @PrmTjm1981

Book Title: Promises In The Dark
Series: Secrets of the Mystic
Author: Princess Racena McConell
Genre:  Paranormal Romance
Released:  November 17, 2013
Length:  345 Pages Print
Presented by: As You Wish Tours
Banner Made by: Julia Hendrix

 BLURB

What began as a casual dinner with friends quickly blossoms into a beautiful friendship for Rachel Adams and Derek Williamson. In time, it will develop into something much greater than either could have ever imagined. The pair have each had their share of tragedy and heartbreak that time has yet to heal. As their friendship evolves into something much more, Rachel begins to open up to the man she has fallen in love with about secrets that have consumed her life for so long.

Just when life seems to be opening up possibilities for the two of them, inexplicable and unsettling things start to happen. When these mysterious occurrences begin to invade their happiness, they are faced with the reality that they must find the truth about what haunts them. Will they survive as they uncover some of these long-kept secrets? Will the mystical forces that linked the lovers together so long ago be the same to destroy them in the end?

A Valentine's Date with Derek

To me, Valentine’s Day has always been a magical time. There’s nothing sweeter than seeing the look of complete love on my baby’s face when she opens that special gift that came straight from my heart. If you were my Valentine, what would you want from me? A special night out, maybe a long walk on the beach ending with a romantic moonlight dinner by the shore? Or would you prefer an intimate night at home where you have me all to yourself? Can I tell you what I want? I want you, just you and me, in a room full of candles and roses. I dream of kissing you in places you’ve never been kissed, loving you in ways you’ve never dreamed possible, and hearing you say my name as only you can as I drive you wild with ecstasy. Just thinking of you touching me drives me wild, imagining the feel of your lips on my body is almost too much!

Believe my lovely lady when I say the first night we spend together will be the best of both of our lives! I cannot wait hold you in my arms, and caress every part of you. Loving you is what I was made for. So my sweet valentine…what do you say, will you be mine…can I be yours.

Book Links
http://www.amazon.com/Promises-Secrets-Mystic-Princess-McConnell-ebook/dp/B00H6Q1UG4/ref=sr_1_1?s=digital-text&ie=UTF8&qid=1392075264&sr=1-1http://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/promises-in-the-dark-princess-mcconnell/1117649739?ean=9781494393625https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/19378183-promises-in-the-darkhttps://www.smashwords.com/books/view/392994

AUTHOR BIO
Princess Racena McConnell( who has never and will never go by her first name) was born in Kings Mountain NC and now resides in the busy little town of Summerville SC with her husband of 32 years. She is the mother of 3 and grandmother to 4 with a 5th one on the way! "Promises In The Dark"; her debut novel—is part 1 of a story that has been in her mind for many years, and finally had to be told! She enjoys spending time with her family, and is so thankful they all live within 20 minutes! She also enjoys reading, writing and anything horror related. Her dream is to someday see her books splashed across silver screen!

Author Links
https://www.facebook.com/RacenaMcconnellhttps://twitter.com/PrmTjm1981http://princessmcc.blogspot.com/https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/7538673.Princess_Racena_McConnellhttp://www.amazon.com/s/ref=ntt_athr_dp_sr_1?_encoding=UTF8&field-author=Princess%20Racena%20McConnell&search-alias=digital-text&sort=relevancerankhttp://www.barnesandnoble.com/c/mrs-princess-racena-mcconnellhttps://www.smashwords.com/profile/view/Princess48

Presented by

GIVEAWAY
First Prize: Promises In The Dark Signed Paperback & Set of Earrings
Second Prize: Promises In The Dark eBook & Set of Earrings
Third Prize: Promises In The Dark eBook & Signed Bookmark

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Sunday, January 12, 2014

Author Jennifer Kibble Says, “Write what you know…”



When did you know that you wanted to be a writer?
I first knew I wanted to be a writer when I was in the fifth grade. We had to write stories in a composition book for a grade. I can't remember if it was every week, but I remember always writing in mine, sitting on a brown beanbag in the classroom. It wasn't until eighth grade that I create a series. My English teacher allowed me to write an episode, if you will, each week for a grade. I also started to write poems during this time. I kept up writing for this series after I left middle school. I still have the composition books and everything that I typed out from that series (via a word processor) stored away. I knew as a fifth grader that I wanted to be a written when I grew up, I just didn't know how to go about it. However, none of that ever stopped me from writing, and it was a way to escape my own reality.
Please tell us something about your book and what inspired you to write it.
‘Phoenix Element: Normality Twisted’ is a young adult series that came to me thanks to a few elements. I took a few ideas from my book series that I had written in high school as well as a few ideas from role-playing on a message board. We would create our own characters and stories (think Dungeons and Dragons) and a few of us that had never met would come together and put together a story. This really helped me to develop my two main characters. The ideas were there but I needed a jump-start to actually get a solid book together instead of just ideas and short stories. This is where NASA comes in. They have a program called NASA Tweet Up, which is now called NASA Social. When a launch comes up, those on Twitter are able to sign up to experience a launch and go behind the scenes at NASA. I was chosen to witness the final launch of space shuttle Discovery. The experience is one that I will never forget for several reasons. One of those reasons was the kick-start that I needed. I was walking around the Apollo/Saturn V Museum after it was closed. There was a certain awe to it. I was casually walking around when I just stopped. Something unexpected clicked. I told myself that I needed to start writing again. At that moment I told myself that I should just write for me. This of course grew into something more. As I wrote I knew I wanted to do that instead of my day job, and all those little elements helped to inspire me to write the ‘Phoenix Element Series.’
The first book, ‘Normality Twisted,’ is the origin story for the hero, JB. She discovers that she's been reincarnated and her abilities from her past life have bled over to her current one. She takes the name of Anya to help separate real life from what should be fantasy however that is easier said than done. An entity has attached herself to Anya's soul and she wants out. ‘Normality Twisted’ is a story of a normal teenager in middle school who has just been thrown a ton of responsibilities and super powers to boot.
Do you have a muse? How about some writing rituals?
Even when I was younger, music has always been my muse. The type of music that I listen to will depend upon the type of material that I am writing. I also get inspiration from places that I have been. I try to capture a scene in my mind to use for later.
I still enjoy writing in a notebook. I try to always carry one with me when I go out. If I get an idea or a thought and I don't have my notebook on me, then I'll use the digital notebook on my phone.
Are you a plotter or a pantser? I have found that most fantasy writers let the characters take the wheel, but every writer is different. I have an idea of what I want to do with the ‘Phoenix Element Series.’ Sometimes those plans take a different turn since my characters do like to take over. Therefore, I am a pantser. Things have happened in my book that were not planned but had to happen because of the direction it was going.
Is there any truth to your novel... maybe something that you borrowed from real life?
I was told to write what I know when I was in school, and I listened to those lessons. Yes, there's some truth sprinkled throughout ‘Normality Twisted,’ which I think makes the novel feel more realistic.
Who are your favorite authors and what are you reading now? Is there anything lined up as "to-read" on your Kindle?
I read a lot of Christopher Pike when I was younger. My favorite book from him and quite possibly over all is ‘The Starlight Crystal.’ I still own my original copy. I don't own a Kindle and I still read physical copies of books. I'm currently reading ‘The Dragonlance Chronicles’ by Margaret Weis and Tracy Hickman. My husband has been trying to get me to read this series for at least ten years. I think I appreciate reading ‘The Dragonlance Chronicles’ more now since I've started to play Dungeons and Dragons.
Please tell our readers where they can get more information on your book.
‘Phoenix Element: Normality Twisted’ is being published by Black Rose Writing and will be available starting December 5th. I have a Facebook page that I would love for you to visit and “like” while you’re there. This will help you get daily updates on my books and events.
Thank you, Judy, for taking the time to interview me. I hope your readers will take a look at my book.