Burden of Proof

FBI Rapid Response, #1

by

DiAnn Mills

Genre: Inspirational /Mystery / Suspense / Romance

Publisher: Tyndale House Publishers

Date of Publication: October 9, 2018

Number of Pages: 416

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Reeling from a negotiation gone wrong, FBI Special Agent April Ramos is caught off guard when a frazzled young woman shoves a crying baby into her arms, then disappears. Worry for the child’s safety quickly turns to fear when a man claiming to be the girl’s father abducts them at gunpoint. April puts her hostage negotiation skills to use to learn more about who she’s dealing with: Jason Snyder, a fugitive accused of murder.

As Jason spins a tall tale about being framed for the killing of his business partner, April must sort through his claims to find the truth. A truth that becomes all the more evident after April overhears a conversation between Jason and the local sheriff and realizes something more sinister may be happening in their small town of Sweet Briar, Texas. But aligning herself with a known fugitive to uncover the burden of proof could cost April her job . . . or worse, her life and the lives of other innocent people.

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Praise

“The tension level rises as layers of lies are peeled away in multiple plot twists.” —Library Journal

“DiAnn Mills is a master of fast-paced and intricately plotted romantic suspense.” —Colleen Coble, Bestselling author

“[A] fast-moving, intricately plotted thriller.” —Publishers Weekly

 

 

 

 

DiANN MILLS SHARES SONGS THAT KEEP HER WRITING.

Music is an important part of my life and is consistently on no matter what I’m doing. The following are my top 7 musical inspirations that keep me focused, encouraged, and sometimes in suspense mode.

1. “Fear is a Liar” by Zach Williams – Inspiration, encouragement, and focused!
2. “Oceans” (Where Feet May Fall) by Hillsong –  Inspiration and encouragement
3. “You Raise Me Up” by Josh Groban – Inspiration and encouragement
4. Anything Andrea Bocelli does fills me with inspiration.
5. Jaws – Soundtrack. I’m sure you figured this out, but definitely, suspense music when I’m writing.

6. This is a YouTube site for 29 1/2 minutes of crime/suspense mood music:

7. This is a YouTube site for 1 hour of suspense music:

 

DiAnn Mills is a bestselling author who believes her readers should expect an adventure. She combines unforgettable characters with unpredictable plots to create action-packed, suspense-filled novels.

Her titles have appeared on the CBA and ECPA bestseller lists; won two Christy Awards; and been finalists for the RITA, Daphne du Maurier, Inspirational Reader’s Choice, and Carol Award contests. Firewall, the first book in her Houston: FBI series, was listed by Library Journal as one of the best Christian fiction books of 2014.

DiAnn is a founding board member of the American Christian Fiction Writers and a member of Advanced Writers and Speakers Association, Sisters in Crime, and International Thriller Writers. She is co-director of the Blue Ridge Mountains Christian Writers Conference, where she continues her passion of helping other writers be successful. She speaks to various groups and teaches writing workshops around the country.

DiAnn has been termed a coffee snob and roasts her own coffee beans. She’s an avid reader, loves to cook, and believes her grandchildren are the smartest kids in the universe. She and her husband live in sunny Houston, Texas. DiAnn is very active online and would love to connect with readers.

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10/9/18	Excerpt	Hall Ways Blog
10/9/18	Author Video	Kelly Well Read
10/10/18	Review	That’s What She’s Reading
10/11/18	Top List	The Page Unbound
10/11/18	Top List	Story Schmoozing Book Reviews
10/12/18	Character Interview	Chapter Break Book Blog
10/13/18	Review	Missus Gonzo
10/13/18	Excerpt	All the Ups and Downs
10/14/18	Playlist	StoreyBook Reviews
10/15/18	Review	Momma on the Rocks
10/16/18	Review	Reading by Moonlight
10/16/18	Excerpt	Books and Broomsticks
10/17/18	Video Guest Post	Sybrina’s Book Blog
10/18/18	Review	The Clueless Gent
10/18/18	Review	Forgotten Winds

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A Very Merry Murder (A Professor Prather Mystery)
Cozy Mystery
3rd in Series
Camel Press (October 1, 2018)
Paperback: 258 pages

Synopsis

It’s December in Copper Bluff, and from hillside to hallowed hall, everyone is merry—or will be as soon as semester break arrives. Students are studying, professors are grading, and Emmeline Prather is anticipating the university-sponsored holiday concert. Friend and colleague Lenny Jenkins will be accompanying the visiting quartet, Jazz Underground, and Em can’t think of a better way to kick-start the holiday season.

But before she can say “Jingle Bell Rock,” trouble arrives at Candlelight Inn, the bed and breakfast where the quartet is staying. One of the band members dies unexpectedly, and suspicion falls on Em, whose altercation with the man ends with him on the floor. He never recovers, and now she’s worried her reputation might not either. When Emmeline starts to see parallels between an Agatha Christie novel she’s teaching and the victim, Lenny claims she’s read one too many mysteries.

As the clues unravel, so does the murderer’s patience. Em is close to finding the truth, but will the truth—or the murderer—push her over the edge? It will take a Christmas miracle to solve this case, but if there’s one thing in surplus this time of year, it’s faith.

About the Author

Mary Angela is the author of the Professor Prather academic mystery series, which has been called “enjoyable” and “clever” by Publishers Weekly. She is also an educator and has taught English and humanities at South Dakota’s public and private universities for over ten years. When Mary isn’t writing or teaching, she enjoys reading, traveling, and spending time with her family.

Webpage * Blog * GoodReads * Facebook * Twitter

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The Encouragement Letters

by

Shanna Spence

  Sub-genre: Middle Grade / Historical Fiction

Publisher: Book Liftoff

Date of Publication: November 22, 2017

Number of Pages: 180

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WILLIAM CROMWELL, at age eleven, knew what it was like living with new changes. In 1865, Manchester, England a new textile factory moved into town and after a tragedy that befell him and his mum, they struggled to live. With so many things going on in his young life he wanted to be the encouragement that his father was to him.

As everything changes along with terrible hardships, just maybe the hope he gives to the growing town will find its way to Will…

Praise

This was such an uplifting wholesome book! It was so nice to read something positive about a time when people were so willing to step in and help someone in need without expecting anything in return! I couldn’t put it down! — 5 Stars, Kindle verified purchase reviewer

Excellent read!! This story speaks to people in all walks of life. It is encouraging, sweet, and funny at the same time. I would recommend this book to anyone needing to see what it means to “treat others as you want to be treated.” — 5 Stars, Kindle verified purchase reviewer

A very inspiring book from a great new author! — 5 Stars, Kindle verified purchase reviewer

A charming tale of a simpler time. Yet, the message is ageless. I congratulate Ms. Spence on this her first effort and look forward to more entertaining reads from her in the future.– 5 Stars, Kindle reviewer

A story to inspire anyone and everyone. In a small way, it reminded me of Benjamin Franklin penning letters as Mrs. Silence Dogood, but only to the extent that the letters were somewhat anonymous. But that is where the similarity ends. These were letters of hope, encouragement, and appreciation for the good works done by various citizens.

I was enthralled with young William Cromwell. At age 11 he shows more maturity than one would expect of such a young lad. His father has passed, yet he is doing everything he can to help his mum make it through life. He works for his uncle in this small English village yet finds time to complete schoolwork assigned by the teacher (apparently many did not attend a formal school but learned on their own), do chores around the house, and help his mum whenever possible, especially when she became ill. William has a box of letters from his father that are inspirational and encouraging. Reading these letters inspired him to write letters to various people in town for the kindness shown towards him and others. Only four letters were written in the book and each recipient had their spirits lifted knowing they were appreciated by someone.

I was impressed that no matter how bad the situation was for the Cromwells, they have a positive spirit and outlook. So when fortune did come their way, they appreciated it even more.

The book does mention some tragedies, but it is not detailed where it might disturb younger minds. (father’s death, William attacked/mugged) and the theme of hope and optimism is spread throughout the book.

This book is written for middle-grade readers and the language reflects the target audience. It is simplified but anyone can enjoy this book if for the message alone.

We give it 5 paws up.

Shanna Spence is a wife, mother, and registered nurse of over twenty years. She has written poetry since the age of thirteen and always dreamed of writing books. Raised in a small East Texas town, she pursued a career of nursing in Dallas, Texas but eventually went back to East Texas to settle down and raise a family.

Now she finally has found the time to fulfill her dream of writing stories that will hopefully bring out the imagination in others — as well as inspiration. She is currently living in Longview, Texas.

 

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10/10/18	Notable Quotable	Momma on the Rocks
10/11/18	Review	Hall Ways Blog
10/12/18	Excerpt	Max Knight
10/13/18	Review	StoreyBook Reviews
10/14/18	Author Video	The Page Unbound
10/15/18	Character Interview	Chapter Break Book Blog
10/16/18	Review	All the Ups and Downs
10/17/18	Author Interview	That’s What She’s Reading
10/18/18	Review	Reading by Moonlight
10/19/18	Review	Missus Gonzo

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The Spirit in Question (A Lila Maclean Academic Mystery)
Cozy Mystery
3rd in Series
Henery Press (October 2, 2018)
Trade Paperback | 252 pages

Synopsis

English professor Lila Maclean knew drama would be involved when she agreed to consult on Stonedale University’s production of Puzzled: The Musical.

But she didn’t expect to find herself cast into such chaos: the incomprehensible play is a disaster, the crumbling theater appears to be haunted, and, before long, murder takes center stage.

The show must go on—yet as they speed toward opening night, it becomes clear that other members of the company may be targeted as well. Lila searches for answers while contending with a tenacious historical society, an eccentric playwright, an unsettling psychic, an enigmatic apparition, and a paranormal search squad.

With all of this in play, will she be able to identify who killed her colleague…or will it soon be curtains for Lila too?

Guest Post

Today we welcome Cynthia to StoreyBook Reviews.  Today she tackles that ever pressing issue we all have – passwords and what happens when you get locked out.  I am sure we have ALL been here at one time or another.

A Tiny Plea

 

With so much happening online nowadays, do you ever find yourself sputtering as you try to navigate labyrinthine systems that seem intent on keeping you out of your own accounts?

Let’s begin with the password construction rules, which have spiraled out of control. For example: must include six numbers, two uppercase letters, four ingredients for apple cobbler, and a pie chart representing the statistical probability of bellbottoms making a comeback.

Plus they are hard to remember.

Plus you have to keep track of so many.

Plus they make you change them every other second.

And if by some miracle you do make it past the cybergates, you are as likely as not to get a message that insists Your Browser is Not Supported. Which is baffling, since you’re constantly updating that too.

Or perhaps it’s a pop-up declaring It Is Not Recommended That You Continue—even though continuing is the only possible method for doing what you came here to do in the first place.

If you’re lucky, all you have to do is click the Help button.

Though that may lead to Oops! Nothing To See Here!

Or Your Message Could Not Be Delivered.

Or Not A Recognized User.

Or You Have Reached This Page in Error. Please Click Help For Assistance.

And let’s not even get started on the whole We Do Not Recognize The Device You Are Using Even Though You Tell Us To Remember It Every Time You Come Here So Now We Have Decided To Text You An Important Code Which Means You Must Stop What You Are Doing Online In Order To Search Your House To Find Your Phone Which May Be In A Drawer Or The Back Yard Or On The Moon Who Knows But This Code Must Be Texted All Hail the Mighty Code And You Must Enter The Code Perfectly And Complete This Task Within Our Extremely Short Time Period Or We Will Start This Entire Nightmare Anew.

Dear Universe: please fix all the things.

About the Author

Cynthia Kuhn teaches and writes in Colorado. Her work has appeared in McSweeney’s Quarterly Concern, Literary Mama, Copper Nickel, Prick of the Spindle, Mama PhD and other publications. She is the current president of Sisters in Crime-Colorado and blogs with Mysteristas.

Website * Blog * Facebook * Goodreads * Twitter

 

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Synopsis

Fake engagements are a dangerous business.

Bryan James’s job is on thin ice unless he can secure a contract with a popular design house. He knows his best friend’s sister can help—but her terms are more than he bargained for.

Alexis Devers’s debut fashion line is a hit. But when Alexis’s publicist tells buyers that it landed her a wealthy, gorgeous fiancé, Alexis needs to come up with one—fast. Bryan’s offer to strike a deal is perfectly timed. She’s more than willing—on one condition…

It’s the perfect plan…until feelings start getting in the way. Suddenly, the dangers of mixing business and pleasure become much more real than either of them expected.

Excerpt

Bryan and Alexis make their “unorthodox arrangement.”

“Before I sign these, there is one more thing I want to request from you.”

Meeting her gaze, he asked, “What can I do for you?”

“Funny you should pose that question. I’ll warn you, what I’m about to ask is very unorthodox.”

His brow hitched. “I see the immense value in this account, Ms. Devers, and I plan to do whatever you require in order to gain your business.” He used that line often when a new account was on the line, but he didn’t remember ever meaning it as sincerely as he did at the present moment.

She smiled, gave a small chuckle. “I’m about to test that. Call me Alexis.”

“Okay, Alexis.” He settled in, giving her his full attention. “Let’s hear it.”

“When my partner was out drumming up retailer interest in our fashion line, she told one reporter that I was engaged to be married. For some reason, that made the line more saleable. Sydney’s little falsehood is now part of the public discourse, because the reporter mentioned it on television.”

He could feel his brow scrunch with confusion. “That’s an odd way to go about it, but whatever works. Though I’m not sure what this has to do with me.”

Another soft chuckle. “I’ll just ask you straight out, then. Would you be willing to pose as my fiancé? At least until the line gets off the ground and becomes well-established?”

He blinked several times. Did she just say what I think she said? “I’m sorry, what?”

“I told you it was unorthodox. I need a wealthy, handsome fiancé on my arm, and my cursory research tells me you fit the bill. So will you do it?”

“You researched me?”

She shrugged, her expression remaining casual. “All it took was a little bit of digging online to find out a few things about you. I also looked into Royal’s company history, and based on that and your illustrious educational and professional background, I’d wager you are financially set.”

He blinked a few times, unable to disagree with her assessment. “Okay, then.”

“And as far as the other thing, I’m not blind.” She fixed him with an appreciative stare. “You’re very easy on the eyes.”

His pulse quickened, his throat becoming dry as his body reacted to her words and her tone of voice. “You were right. This is the first time I’ve had a request like this.”

She said nothing but kept her eyes on him.

He met her gaze, arrested by the dark pools of her eyes, framed by a thick fringe of black lashes. “And what exactly would I have to do as your faux fiancé?”

“It depends on whether the line catches on. You have to be seen in public with me. We’d need to appear affectionate toward each other, of course.”

“I can handle that. Is there more?”

“If things go well, there will probably be television interviews and press. So you may have to appear affectionate in front of cameras. I won’t ask much else of you.”

He cupped his chin, thought about what she was asking him to do. He couldn’t deny that it appealed to him. “Is this strictly a business offer? Or is there more to it?”

“What do you mean?”

“I mean, I’m sure you could ask someone else, but you asked me. So what does that mean? How should I take that?” He searched her face, attempting to gauge her motivation.

She pursed her lips momentarily before answering. “I’m attracted to you; I can admit that. The way I see it, that will only make this easier. Our engagement will look like the real deal.”

She just admitted that she’s attracted to me. He’d thought as much, but to hear her say it was the best kind of confirmation. He quieted as he let the satisfaction of her admission sink in for a few moments.

“I apologize if you think I’m out of line or if I made you uncomfortable. If you’d like to think about it, I understand, and I can wait a few—”

“I’ll do it.”

Now she appeared surprised. “Really? Just like that?”

“I’m attracted to you as well. But I think you know that.”

She broke eye contact for the first time in several minutes, and a hint of redness crept into her cheeks. “I know.”

“And since I’m marriage agnostic, I don’t have any qualms about the whole fake engagement thing.”

One arched brow lifted. “Marriage agnostic?”

“I don’t have any strong feelings about the institution, one way or the other.”

“Hmm.” She seemed to turn that over in her mind for a moment. “So you’re sure you want to do this?”

“Why not? The two of us can have fun, at least until this little arrangement has served its purpose.”

She said nothing, watching him intently.

“You need a manufacturer as well as a fiancé. I need this contract. I’d say this is a pretty good way for us both to get what we want.” He nodded as he thought about it further, because he planned to make full use of his time as Alexis’s intended, fake or otherwise. “Whose brilliant idea was this, by the way?”

The blush in her cheeks deepened. “Mine…”

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Synopsis

Carter is an insurance adjuster whose longing for creative expression spills over sometimes into his accident reports. Abby works for her adoptive father, Uncle Mannie, in the family bookstore, the ReadMore Café. Carter barely tolerates Christmas; Abby loves it. She can’t wait past October to build her favorite display, the annual Christmas book tree stack, which Carter despises.

When an automobile accident throws Carter and Abby together, Uncle Mannie, who is harboring secrets of his own, sees a chance for lasting happiness for his little girl. But there are so many hurdles, and not much time left. Will this Christmas deliver the miracle everyone is hoping for? Where love and Christmas are concerned, there are no accidents.

Review

I’ve read several Christmas themed books lately even though Christmas is still 2+ months away. All the books have been good and while this one has a Christmas theme it is much more than just a holiday book. It is about finding love, terminal illness, doing what you love, and embracing life.

I really liked all of the characters. Carter has dreams beyond being an insurance adjuster, he just isn’t sure what. All he knows is that he enjoys the written word and even embellishes insurance forms much to the chagrin of his superiors. He isn’t wild about Christmas because of some bad memories. It is interesting to find out that perhaps those memories weren’t quite 100% accurate. Abby loves Christmas, despite losing her parent at a young age, thanks to her Uncle Mannie that raised her from the age of 6. Mannie is quite a force himself and I think that he may be my favorite character. He does a few things that make Abby mad, but for good reason. I love that there is also a character named Seven. She is a hoot!

I enjoyed this book and it is a good holiday read (or any time of the year). A happy ending that is bittersweet.

We give it 4 paws up

 

Synopsis

 

A captivating novel following the exploits of Kathleen “Kick” Kennedy, the forgotten and rebellious daughter of one of America’s greatest political dynasties. 

London, 1938. The effervescent “It girl” of London society since her father was named the ambassador, Kathleen “Kick” Kennedy moves in rarified circles, rubbing satin-covered elbows with some of the 20th century’s most powerful figures. Eager to escape the watchful eye of her strict mother, Rose, the antics of her older brothers, Jack and Joe, and the erratic behavior of her sister Rosemary, Kick is ready to strike out on her own and is soon swept off her feet by Billy Hartington, the future Duke of Devonshire. But their love is forbidden, as Kick’s devout Catholic family and Billy’s staunchly Protestant one would never approve their match. When war breaks like a tidal wave across her world, Billy is ripped from her arms as the Kennedys are forced to return to the States. Kick gets work as a journalist and joins the Red Cross to get back to England, where she will have to decide where her true loyalties lie–with family or with love . . .

 

 

 

Review

 

I would not say I am a Kennedy aficionado but I thought this book sounded interesting.  It combines history, a forbidden romance due to differences in religion, and WWII.  While I understand that this is fiction, it is based on some facts and truth.  I learned more about this iconic family and the struggles they faced in life.  Kick is a strong woman but because of the era does fall prey to following her parent’s edicts.  She is not happy about most of them and tries to become more independent, they are just not having any of it especially being in Europe and the tensions between the countries and the brewing war.

I did feel like this book was a bit long and there were many times where I skimmed a lot of the material.  The book moved slowly in the beginning, picked up the pace, slowed down again, and picked up the pace.  The book really grabbed my attention about the last third of the book. I think the pace of the story and what Kick was dealing with moved along smoothly.  I would have liked to have seen a more consistent pace with the events and dialogue.

I did learn about Kick and the author’s notes at the end were interesting as she described her research.  Apparently, it wasn’t easy finding information about Kick’s life.  I like how she started the acknowledgments and said she was going to save us time and we wouldn’t have to Google Kick, here is what happened to her once the story ended.  I didn’t realize she had died so young.

We give this 4 paws and felt it was a different look into a member of the iconic Kennedy family but one that is not as well known.

 

 

 

 

About the Author

 

Kerri Maher is the author of The Girl in White Gloves, The Kennedy Debutante, and, under the name Kerri Majors, This is Not a Writing Manual: Notes for the Young Writer in the Real World. She holds an MFA from Columbia University and was a writing professor for many years. She now writes full-time and lives with her daughter and dog in a leafy suburb west of Boston, Massachusetts.

 

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Murder in the Museum: An Edmund DeCleryk Mystery
Cozy Mystery
1st in Series
Cozy Cat Press (February 13, 2018)
Paperback: 266 pages

Synopsis

Early one gray November morning, retired Lighthouse Cove, NY police chief, Edmund DeCleryk, finds Emily Bradford’s body on the beach at the base of the bluff where the local museum and historical society stands. At the same time, a break-in has been reported at the museum, and Emily’s coat and purse are found hanging on a peg in the museum’s gift shop where she worked. Was her death the result of a burglary gone bad or something more sinister?

When the police chief is called out of town for a family emergency, he hires Ed, now working as a criminal consultant, to assist deputy police chief, Carrie Ramos, with the murder investigation. After several leads don’t pan out, the chief, now back in Lighthouse Cove, decides to close the case. Confident that with more time the murder can be solved, Ed is determined to continue investigating on his own, with encouragement from his wife, Annie the museum’s executive director.

One morning while in the basement of the museum, the couple discovers a copy of a map dated 1785, and Ed’s instincts tell him it may be connected to Emily’s death. On a hunch, he and Annie travel to Toronto, Canada, where he learns of the original map and a manuscript written in 1847 that were unearthed during an archaeological dig. The manuscript contains information about a ship that capsized during a fierce storm on Lake Ontario — in 1785. Now Ed has clues as to why the murder occurred, but he still doesn’t know who committed the crime. Or does he?

About the Author

Karen Shughart received a B.A. in Comprehensive Literature from the University of Pittsburgh and completed graduate courses in English at Shippensburg University.

She is the author of two non-fiction books and has worked as an editor, publicist, photographer, journalist, teacher and non-profit executive.  A Murder in the Museum: An Edmund DeCleryk Mystery is her first work of fiction.

Before moving to a small village on the shores of Lake Ontario in upstate New York, she and her husband resided in south central Pennsylvania, near Harrisburg, PA.

Website * Facebook * Blog * Goodreads * Hometown / Rochester Reads * LinkedIn

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Book Title: Joy to You and Me (at Work!) by Amy Thornton
Category: Adult Non-Fiction, 179 pages
Genre: Self-help, Business
Publisher: Tell-Tale Publishing Group, LLC
Release date: June 5, 2018

Synopsis

Are you one of the 48% of employees worldwide who don’t like their jobs? Do you feel constantly stressed at the office? Or maybe you’re just feeling “blah” about your job and want to bring some life back into your workplace. If you talk to anyone about their careers or jobs these days, most of the time you won’t hear positive stories or excitement. You’ll probably hear words like “busy”, “stressed”, “exhausting”, and “mind-numbing.” And with the good old 40 hour workweek becoming a distant memory for many of us, this reality is just plain sad.

Joy to You and Me (At Work!) helps turn these situations around by giving the reader easy tips they can implement quickly to start making a positive difference in the workplace. Being joyful isn’t just a “fluffy-cutesy-nice” thing to do each day – it actually increases productivity and is good for any company or organization. The book helps anyone learn how to:

– Be a more joyful person
– Bring joy to co-workers
– Bring joy to customers
– Bring joy to networking

This fun, easy-to-read guide shows people of all ages and personalities how to make a difference immediately to make not only themselves happier, but to spread that happiness throughout the workplace – and beyond!

By sharing stories from the author’s 25+ years of making a joyful difference in the workplace and examples from truly kick-ass companies, Joy to You and Me (At Work!) is a life changing, fun read for anyone who wants to improve their work life.

Amazon ~ Barnes & Noble ~ Tell-Tale Publishing

Interview

Today I welcome  

Where do you get inspiration for your stories?

I swear most of them come “from above!” I have a strong relationship with God and try to pray daily. Talking to God is not hard for some of us, but sometimes listening to Him IS difficult. I try to stay open to ideas and possibilities, as the next story idea can come from out of nowhere. And when it hits, I’ve got to scribble that idea down quickly or it flies right out of my head!

My next book will be a novel and it is based on a true story that I heard about a few years ago. When I thought about the situation, I started to imagine how it could affect the relationship between the two women and for everyone around them.

 

What is your next project?

As I mentioned, my next project will be a novel. Two life-long best friends, Kate and Amanda, encounter an unexpected situation that instantly creates a wedge in their friendship. Will that wedge keep expanding to eventually push them and their families apart forever, or will something repair the relationship? Even I’m not 100% certain of the ending yet!

 

Is there a specific ritualistic thing you do during your writing time?

I started something new with Joy to You and Me (At Work!) by writing it mostly standing up! I dictated the book into my iPad positioned in front of me on a music stand. I liked being able to pace back and forth while I wrote and not feel like my butt was expanding from sitting so much! It also saved my hands and wrists, as I’ve dealt with some carpal tunnel/wrist pain issues in the past.

And I always have a cup of tea nearby while I write. Tea and writing go hand and hand for me!

 

What’s the most courageous thing you’ve ever done?

I used to pray for the opportunity to be courageous – you know, like run into a burning building to save someone or push a child out of the way of a speeding car. But I’ve realized I’ve done the most courageous things on behalf of my mom. I’m now in the “sandwich generation” – taking care of both my family and my elderly mother. Mom’s been in a couple of assisted living facilities and I’ve learned that if I don’t speak up for her, and often repeatedly, she doesn’t receive the proper care that she needs. It’s a reality for most any place that takes care of the elderly – you have to stay on top of the staff. I’ve been amazed how fiercely protective and vocal I am on her behalf!

 

If there were one thing you want readers to remember about you, what would it be?

My mission in life for years has been to give others joy – for real! And most of the time I’ve brought joy to people by doing little things that don’t require Herculean effort. Spreading immense happiness can come from doing something as simple as paying a sincere compliment to someone at the grocery store, or giving a co-worker who’s down a hot cup of their favorite tea. You may forget the small gesture you made for someone, but they may remember it for the rest of their life!

About the Author

Amy Thornton Shankland, GPC, has been bringing joy to her workplaces for over 25 years thanks to her innate enthusiasm. She is a former Dale Carnegie instructor, has been a grant professional for 17 years, is a former columnist for the Noblesville Daily Times, and is a current board member of Noblesville Main Street.

Website ~ Twitter ~ Facebook

Giveaway

Prizes: One winner will get a paperback copy of Joy to You and Me at Work and a $25 Amazon.com Gift Card and 2 winners will each get a paperback copy of the book (open to USA only / 3 winner total)

(ends Oct 27, 2018)

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Old Buildings in North Texas

by

Jen Waldo

  Sub-genre: Literary Fiction / Dramedy

Publisher: Arcadia Books

Date of Publication: April 1, 2018

Number of Pages: 213

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After rehab, Olivia, a 32-year-old cocaine addict, is required to move back in with her mother and pregnant sister. Having left a promising career in journalism in New York, she’s now working as a sales assistant for a family friend in her hometown in North Texas.

Under pressure from her court-mandated counselor – an old high school friend – to take up a hobby, Olivia decides on “urbexing.” Soon she’s breaking into derelict homes, ex-prisons, and old drive-ins across North Texas, and it’s not long before she’s looting state property and making money off the possessions, fixtures, and fittings that have been left behind.

Old Buildings in North Texas is about a modern woman’s search for personal equilibrium and wild adventure — the attempt to find stability in existence without losing sight of what makes life worth living. Jen Waldo’s style modulates effortlessly from domestic nuance to taut adventure, tackling social and moral transgressions with incisive observation and vivid humor.

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PRAISE FOR OLD BUILDINGS IN NORTH TEXAS

“A lot of Jen Waldo’s debut novel takes place out on the porch of Olivia’s mother’s house. […] With its casual, confidential tone, Old Buildings in North Texas puts the reader in one of those porch chairs, reclining on a warm evening with a cool drink.” — The Skinny

“Old Buildings in North Texas is an amusingly written and well worked book” — Trip Fiction

“This novel is an absolute blast. There are serious moments of course, but Jen Waldo looks for the comedy in everything to create a memorable scenario that reminded me very much of the style of Six Feet Under.” — Shiny New Books

 

I’m always up for a book that is set in a small Texas town, and even more when the characters make me laugh and manage to find themselves in predicaments that most people couldn’t even imagine. Olivia has managed to get herself into a pickle with her past lifestyle and drug use but now she gets to enjoy being treated like a 4 year old by her mother since Olivia is in her care and her mom is responsible for her whereabouts and actions.

Being back in Caprock, Olivia has to deal with those classmates that never left town. This is a good and a bad thing. At least she knows who they are but they aren’t people she really wants to hang out with if she had her freedom. And, as it is with all small towns, there isn’t a lot to do and Olivia has been charged with finding a hobby. After considering and discarding several options, Oliva stumbles across Urban Exploration or Urbexing. This is exploring abandoned buildings. I have a cousin that would check out abandoned buildings and part of this book reminded me of her adventures. Unlike my cousin, Olivia decides to start taking items to sell (eBay etc) so she can build up a savings account since her paycheck all goes to those she owes for past debts. While I can understand why she did it, she was breaking the law and didn’t see to care. However, some of her actions did end up with negative results but I’m not sure she learned anything from those situations.

There are some other intriguing storylines including Olivia’s sister and her biological father; Olivia’s employer and family friend, Zachary; and a dead body from one of her expeditions. Sadly, we don’t really learn anything more about the dead body and I do wish there had been a little more detail on how this person died, how they might have arrived to be in that location, etc. There was also a minor storyline with Zachary’s cousin who is a hoarder and was holding some family documents “hostage”. I think there could have been more to that story too.

Even with all of the dramedy, deep down Olivia is a woman that has some issues to work through and I think she has some walls in place that will take time to tear down. I think she might be to a good start with meditating and choosing random bible verses, but does she really believe what she is reading or is this just something she is doing to placate her parole officer and therapist?

I enjoyed this book and felt like the author provided a descriptive picture of the abandoned buildings, the mall, and even her home so that I could imagine being in the room with Olivia and gang. The book does just end and while one question was answered, there are so many more questions that I have and I hope that perhaps there will be another book that delves more into what Olivia is doing now or perhaps even one from her sister’s point of view (since she has her own issues to deal with in this book).

We give it 4 paws up

Jen Waldo lived in seven countries over a thirty-year period and has now settled, along with her husband, in Marble Falls, Texas. She first started writing over twenty years ago when, while living in Cairo, she had difficulty locating reading material and realized she’d have to make her own fun. She has since earned an MFA and written a number of novels. Her work has been published in The European and was shortlisted in a competition by Traveler magazine. Old Buildings in North Texas and Why Stuff Matters have been published in the UK by Arcadia Books. Jen’s fiction is set in Northwest Texas and she’s grateful to her hometown of Amarillo for providing colorful characters and a background of relentless whistling wind.

 

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GIVEAWAY!  GIVEAWAY!  GIVEAWAY!

1st Prize:

Signed Copy of OBiNT + $10 Amazon Gift Card

2nd Prize:Signed Copy + $5 Amazon Gift Card

3rd Prize: eBook Copy of OBiNT

October 2-11, 2018

(US ONLY)

 

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