Thursday, March 28, 2013

Fire & Ash Book Blast



Fire and Ash by Anne Patrick

Fire and Ash is the story of female fire investigator Sadie McGregor.  When she was a child, Sadie lost her family in a horrific fire that still haunts her.  She's now been called in to investigate a fatality fire in her hometown of Emerald Point, Missouri. What Sadie and the handsome new police chief discover will not only affect those close to them, but will rock the entire community.








Reviews and Awards
"This is a beautiful, yet hard-hitting story, fluently written, presenting characters you fall in love with." 
~ Reviewed by Fennel at LASR

"A Top Pick! Another Fantastic Novel!!!! Anne Patrick's novel, "Fire and Ash" is a well-written novel that flows wonderfully. A fantastic read!" 
~ Night Owl Reviews

"A wonderful read, this book had me laughing and crying. True to life characters and vivid descriptions, along with comedy and heart stopping moments, make this a page turner you'll want to read again." 
~ Happily Ever After Reviews

"As a forensics show enthusiast, I found that Anne Patrick, in her book, Fire and Ash, goes into great, minute detail of the fire investigation, that puts you on the scent of a perpetrator.  Her unique ability to incorporate multiple plots to throw you off course makes the pages fly by to connect the dots."  
~ Onedesertrose's Christian Book Reviews Blog

"As a retired fire investigator I have to say kudos to Ms Patrick on her research. I normally don’t read romantic suspense, but this book sounded intriguing so I couldn't resist. I WAS NOT DISAPPOINTED
~Review from 'Fireboy' at Christianbook.com

Received Four Stars from Romantic Times Book Reviews!

LASR BEST BOOK of 2010 Nominee!

'Best Inspirational' 2010 at The Romance Reviews!

#1 Bestselling Suspense eBook, and #1 Bestselling Romance eBook at Christianbook.com!

Amazon Top 100 Bestseller in Christian Fiction!


Author Anne Patrick

Anne Patrick is the author of more than a dozen novels of Romance, Mayhem & Faith, including the award winning and bestselling WOUNDED HEROES SERIES, FIRE AND ASH, and TIES THAT BIND. When she isn't working on her next novel she enjoys spending time with family and friends, and traveling to foreign countries to experience new cultures and adventures. Born and raised in Oklahoma, she now makes her home in Kansas. 





She loves to hear from her readers!



Book Blast Giveaway
$25 Amazon Gift Card or Paypal Cash
Ends 4/10/13

Open only to those who can legally enter, receive and use an Amazon.com Gift Code or Paypal Cash. Winning Entry will be verified prior to prize being awarded. No purchase necessary. You must be 18 or older to enter or have your parent enter for you. The winner will be chosen by rafflecopter and announced here as well as emailed and will have 48 hours to respond or a new winner will be chosen. This giveaway is in no way associated with Facebook, Twitter, Rafflecopter or any other entity unless otherwise specified. The number of eligible entries received determines the odds of winning. Giveaway was organized by Kathy from I Am A Reader, Not A Writer http://iamareader.com and sponsored by the author. VOID WHERE PROHIBITED BY LAW.

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Saturday, March 23, 2013

The Genesis of IXEOS



My new release, IXEOS, is in a new genre for me. I don’t usually start out writing with a particular genre in mind, I just write the story that developed in my head. But unfortunately, you have to pick a genre when you publish it, and you’re only allowed two.  My book is really Young Adult sci-fi fantasy dystopian, but apparently that’s not an standard genre. Huh, strange.

Here’s the genesis of the story:

Late last winter, I picked up a National Geographic magazine in a doctor’s waiting room and read a fascinating story about the almost-200 miles of tunnels that are under Paris. There is a whole community that uses these tunnels (illegally) called cataphiles, and there are others who work for the City who check the tunnels for safety, cave-ins, and that kind of thing. Miles of the walls are covered with artwork and amazing graffiti, and there are walls of bones, which have been made into decorative patterns from the bones of an over-full cemetery. In short, it’s really fascinating, and I knew right away that those tunnels would be in a novel one day.

The second event was the following summer, when my daughter and I were kayaking around Beaufort, NC. We beached on Carrot Island, which is a narrow barrier island in front of the town, and walked over the dune to see what was on the other side. We expected more water, but not what we found: a perfectly round pond that was teeming with water birds, including a flock of mallards. We were looking around the area, noting the feed station for the wild horses that live on the island, when we realized the ducks were gone. Just gone. They hadn’t flown away, but they were nowhere to be seen. We walked around the whole pond, thinking they’d snuck into the reeds, but we never saw them again.

For a couple of weeks after that, my daughter and I sent each other funny, random texts about “where the ducks went.” They went all over the place in our imaginations! And then one day, I realized that the ducks could go to those tunnels in Paris, and IXEOS was born.

Having the McClellands follow the ducks into a tunnel and end up in Paris meant that there could be fantasy elements in the story. I researched other cities in the world that had tunnels and was surprised to find how many do. That led to the idea of portals in the Paris tunnels that led the outsiders all over the world. And from there the plot really took off.

I didn’t expect the book to become a trilogy, but I realized that I wouldn’t be able to fully resolve the problem of the humans and the Firsts in just one book. It was a relief to be able to spread it out and really explore the world and the characters rather than trying to cram such a large plot , involving the whole world, into one book.

I love history, especially what I guess you would call somewhat trivial history, and this book has a lot of historical elements, as well as the geographical elements of them traveling all over the globe. I had no idea that there were so many manmade tunnels out there, although I learned that there are virtually none in Africa. Since I travel a lot to Africa, that was unfortunate, as I always like to write about the places I’ve been and the people who live there. Still, there are a lot of interesting locations in IXEOS and the following two books, and I had a lot of fun researching them.

As the story expanded, the theme of “purpose” really came through. I have kids the ages of the main characters, and we have been in the “what should I do when I grow up” phase for a few years now. I really believe that young people can make a real difference, and it was fun to explore the process of American teens being thrust into a life and death struggle where they have a definite purpose, and where they can – and really must – fulfill it.

I write to entertain, and that is really my first and foremost thought when I’m planning a book. I hope IXEOS does that, and that the action and characters keep you reading and wanting more of the story. If I’ve done that, I’ve done my job!

Blog 

 Author Jennings Wright: Born and raised in Florida, Jennings spent her early years reading anything she could get her hands on, when she wasn't spending time in and on the water. She won a prize in the 6th grade for her science fiction stories.

Jennings attended the University of Tampa, graduating with a B.A. in Political Science, and almost enough credits for B.A.s in both English and History. She attended graduate school at the University of West Florida, studying Psychology. She spent time over the years doing various kinds of business writing, editing, and teaching writing, but mostly having and raising her family, homeschooling her children, owning and running a business with her husband, and starting a non-profit.

Thanks to a crazy idea called NaNoWriMo Jennings got back into creative writing in 2011 and hasn't stopped since. She currently lives in North Carolina with her husband, also a business owner and writer, and two children, and travels extensively with her family, and her non-profit in Uganda.

Wednesday, March 20, 2013

Book Blast: A Life of Gratitude


Title: A Life of Gratitude: 21 Days to Overcoming Self-Pity and Negativity By Shelley Hitz

About the Book:

During a season of transition in my life, I found myself overwhelmed with negative emotions like self-pity and a complaining spirit. It was as if a dark cloud had descended over me. I prayed and asked God for wisdom on how to overcome these negative emotions. As I did, I sensed Him leading me to do a 21 day gratitude challenge.

Over the course of the 21 days, God began to change me as I spent intentional time being grateful for all I had been given. I did this through writing in my journal each day and also sending a hand-written thank you note to someone different each day. This also led me to writing out 21 prayers of gratitude and compiling 21 stories of gratitude.

I want to share what I learned with you in the pages of this book which includes:

21 Days of Gratitude Challenge
21 Prayers of Gratitude
21 Stories of Gratitude

What to Expect On Each Day:

Read my personal stories, struggles and reflections.
Read one scripture and one quote about gratitude.
Apply one personal application step from the challenge.
Read one prayer of gratitude
Read one story of gratitude

Get Accountability and Encouragement

Along with the 21 day challenge, I also started a private Facebook group to provide accountability and encouragement for myself but also for others who decide to join me in the challenge. You will get access to this group as well. It has been amazing to see God at work in each of our lives.

Will you join me on this journey to gratitude?
KINDLE | PAPERBACK
Shelley Hitz shelley-lynne-headshot-webShelley Hitz is an award-winning and international best-selling author. Her openness and vulnerability as she shares her own story of hope and healing through her books will inspire and encourage you.

Shelley has been ministering alongside her husband, CJ, since 1998. They currently travel and speak to teens and adults around the country. Shelley's main passion is to share God's truth and the freedom in Christ she has found with others. She does this through her books, websites and speaking engagements.

You can find more about Shelley at ShelleyHitz.com or invite her to speak at your event here: ChristianSpeakers.tv
Follow Shelley Hitz Website | Facebook | Twitter

Enter to Win a $25 Amazon Gift Card!

Enter below to enter a $25 amazon gift card, sponsored by author Shelley Hitz! a Rafflecopter giveaway This book blast is hosted by Crossreads. We would like to send out a special THANK YOU to all of the CrossReads book blast bloggers!

Ixeos Book Blast



Ixeos

The McClellands are enjoying a lazy summer vacation at the beach when they are lured from our world into Ixeos, an alternate Earth. Finding themselves lost in a maze of tunnels under Paris and surrounded by strangers, they discover that they have been brought to Ixeos for one purpose:  to take the planet back from humanoid aliens who have claimed it. With the aid of the tunnels and a mysterious man named Landon, the teens travel the world seeking the key that will allow them to free Darian, the long-imprisoned rebel leader. But the aliens aren't the only problem on Ixeos -- the McClellands have to deal with brutal gangs, desperate junkies, and a world without power, where all the technology is owned by the aliens, and where most of the population has been killed or enslaved. The worst part? There's no way home.





Author Jennings Wright


Born and raised in Florida, Jennings spent her early years reading anything she could get her hands on, when she wasn't spending time in and on the water. She won a prize in the 6th grade for her science fiction stories.

Jennings attended the University of Tampa, graduating with a B.A. in Political Science, and almost enough credits for B.A.s in both English and History. She attended graduate school at the University of West Florida, studying Psychology. She spent time over the years doing various kinds of business writing, editing, and teaching writing, but mostly having and raising her family, homeschooling her children, owning and running a business with her husband, and starting a non-profit.

Thanks to a crazy idea called NaNoWriMo Jennings got back into creative writing in 2011 and hasn't stopped since. She currently lives in North Carolina with her husband, also a business owner and writer, and two children, and travels extensively with her family, and her non-profit in Uganda.



Tour Schedule


EXCERPTS IXEOS

“There must be some kind of covering on the pipe,” Clay insisted. “That’s the only thing that makes sense!”
“The pipe is gone, man.
“Maybe there’s some kind of secret door that hides the pipe…” Clay said.
“It’s not hidden; there’s no door! We would have heard it. Heck, we’d have felt it — we were standing right next to the pipe. It’s gone. Which means we’re not in the dune, we’re not on the island… Can’t you tell from the smell? There’s no salt air, no sand. This is damp solid rock, and it smells old and mildewy.” Marty slapped the wall to prove his point.
“He’s right, Clay,” Neahle said softly. “I don’t think this is the island.”
“That’s not possible! Narnia wasn’t real! People in real life don’t end up somewhere else when they crawl through a pipe in the middle of the day!” Clay’s face was red in the torchlight; beads of sweat had popped out on his forehead. The hand holding the torch was shaking.
“I know,” Marty said, laying his hand on his cousin’s forearm. “But I think it’s true anyway.”

* * *

Marty chewed his crusty bread thoughtfully. “They’ve got a pretty amazing set up down here,” he observed. “Fresh food, the air is okay, there’s apparently water for drinking and washing and bathing. Dorms, a library… It’s pretty sweet!”
“Sweet?” Clay asked in amazement. “We’re two hundred feet underground, apparently recruited to fight some kind of alien serial killers, and we can’t get home! How is that sweet?”
Neahle laid a hand on his wrist just above his tattoo. Her thumb rubbed the spot. “We’ll be okay, Clay,” she said quietly. “We just need to get our bearings. You know. Figure out what we’re supposed to do.”
Clay put his hand over hers for a minute, then pulled his arm away. “How do we know that what these people are saying is true? It’s nuts! And this Landon — who’s he supposed to be? How come he can leave here, and we can’t?”
“We’ll find more out tomorrow,” Marty said. “But we were chosen, dude. There’s something we can do here to make a difference in this rebellion thing, and that makes us special. I mean, Landon chose us for a reason, right?”
“Because we were the only ones stupid enough to follow the ducks…” Clay muttered, taking a large swallow of water from his mug.

* * *

Marty slept for four hours and then took his place in front of the computer monitors. As the systems were warming up, he turned to Travis. “Tell me about Simon Lockwell. What’ve you got?”
The young African American man smoothed down his big afro before making a few more clicks, then sat back in his chair. “Head turd. If they weren’t so dangerous, they’d be the most boring creatures in the universe. The Firsts are plodders, man. No imagination.”
“But they developed all this technology,” Marty protested.
“Sure, somewhere along the line, on their home planet. But those dudes who thought up the transport system must be long gone. Or else they stole it from some other planet. Their whole society is structured on… What’s it called? Status quo. The reason they want to set up the breeding facilities and get rid of all the original humans is because we screw up their status quo, you know?”
“No… Like what?”
“Well, like the rebels. Like Darian. Like thinking for ourselves and being creative in fighting them. Look, what they want is to have slaves grow their food, do their chores, that kind of stuff. All they want to do is science. Look at crap under a microscope, look at crap through a telescope, experiment on anything and everything. Or everyone.”
“Experiment?” Marty asked.
“Trust me, dude, you don’t want to know. You know all that stuff you learned about Nazis in school? Well, the Firsts were good little students of all that. Who knows, maybe they were even the teachers. They don’t see humans as any different than lab rats, and they’d love to be able to turn off whatever part of us makes us… well, human. You know, emotions and creativity and all that. They’ll probably figure it out, too, one day.”
“If we don’t stop them,” Marty said, turning to his monitor.

* * *

Abacus laughed. “Trust me, I know how hard it is to see things in your own brother. But he’s smart and I think he’s onto something with this code theory.”
Thinking about it, Neahle nodded. “Yeah, me too. He’s always been good at mysteries and puzzles and things like that. I guess it’s why he likes working on engines. And he… Well, he listens to the stuff inside his head. I don’t know how to describe it exactly. But if Landon sent us here for a particular reason — I mean, other than just helping the cause — it wouldn’t surprise me if it were to solve a puzzle. Marty does it, too, in a different way.” She sighed. “I’m just along for the ride.”
Abacus reached out and patted her hand on the handlebar. “We all have our own part to play, not just as ballast for someone else’s ship. For one thing, your brother trusts you. But I suspect there’s more for you here than that. Just keep doing the thing in front of you and you’ll find it.”

* * *

“Who are you?” Hannah said. When he didn’t answer, she switched to French. “Qui ĂȘtes-vous?”
The man groaned again but didn’t say anything coherent. Hannah got up, stepped over him, and went out into the workshop. She dipped a cup into a bucket of water and returned, tossing it on the man’s head as she stepped over him.
Qui ĂȘtes-vous?” she asked again.
The man mumbled something.
“What? Que?” She leaned forward to hear him better.
“It’s me. Rod.” The man lifted his shoulders off the ground, shook his head, and turned to look at her. It was Rod. The traitor.

* * *

A male voice called out, “Whatcho want, mate?”
“To pass,” Riley replied. “That’s all.”
“Oh aye, that’s all. And why should we let you pass, leastwise without a dekko at whatcho got in them bags?”
“We’re minding our business. You mind yours,” Riley said, taking his large flashlight from the drink pouch of his back pack. Abacus did the same.
“This here track be our business.”
Monkey slipped back beside the girls and began to nudge them to right. Clay stayed in front of them, masking their movement in the dark. As the two assailants lunged forward, Riley and Abacus swung their heavy flashlights like clubs. Clay picked up a rock. Monkey took Neahle and Sarah by the hand, swung around away from the fracas, and then swerved back to the tracks, running as fast as they could go for the station.

* * *

         “We’re likely to lose some people,” Riley said.
         “It would be impossible not to, but everyone is aware of the risks. The more distractions around the globe, the better chance we have to get Darian out and to safety. It’s a chance the rebels are willing to take.” Vasco sat back in his chair.
         “Speaking of that,” Clay said. “The outsiders are the only ones who can use the portals. So… What do we do with Darian when we’ve got him?”






Book Blast Giveaway
$50 Amazon Gift Card or Paypal Cash
Ends 4/7/13

Open only to those who can legally enter, receive and use an Amazon.com Gift Code or Paypal Cash. Winning Entry will be verified prior to prize being awarded. No purchase necessary. You must be 18 or older to enter or have your parent enter for you. The winner will be chosen by rafflecopter and announced here as well as emailed and will have 48 hours to respond or a new winner will be chosen. This giveaway is in no way associated with Facebook, Twitter, Rafflecopter or any other entity unless otherwise specified. The number of eligible entries received determines the odds of winning. Giveaway was organized by Kathy from I Am A Reader, Not A Writer http://iamareader.com and sponsored by the authors. VOID WHERE PROHIBITED BY LAW.

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Friday, March 15, 2013

Kindle Fire Giveaway






Kindle Fire HD Giveaway!



The winner will have the option of receiving a 7" Kindle Fire HD (US Only)


Or $199 Amazon.com Gift Card (International)


Or $199 in Paypal Cash (International)





Sponsoring Authors

The Stone Guardian by Theresa McClinton



Blood Oath (Gabby Girls Adventure, #2)Return of the Dragon Riders: Book Two of the Dragon Stone Saga (Dragon Stone Saga, #2)Hidden HeartA Tale of the Other Kind (Therian, #1)AuraPrison NationFamily Magic (Hayle Coven, #1)The Conduit (Gryphon, #1)Shifting PrideFire Within (Guardian Witch #2)Fall of Sky CityReflectionThe Light of Asteria: Kailmeyra's Last Hope (Kailmeyra, #1)Kiss Me, I'm Irish (Time For Love #1)Grace DollThe Stone GuardianLegend UnleashedInnovera Yakov: The Journey of A Thousand EyesThe GiftedFor What It's WorthForbidden Temptation of a VampireOwlet (Society of Feathers, #1)Cascade Brides: The Complete SeriesTwenty-Five Years Ago TodayAlexander Drake's Extraordinary Pursuit


Giveaway Details
1 winner will receive their choice of a Kindle Fire HD (US Only), $199 Amazon Gift Card or $199 in Paypal Cash (International).
Ends: 3/31/13

Open only to those who can legally enter, receive and use an Amazon.com Gift Code or Paypal Cash. Winning Entry will be verified prior to prize being awarded. No purchase necessary. You must be 18 or older to enter or have your parent enter for you. The winner will be chosen by rafflecopter and announced here as well as emailed and will have 48 hours to respond or a new winner will be chosen. This giveaway is in no way associated with Facebook, Twitter, Rafflecopter or any other entity unless otherwise specified. The number of eligible entries received determines the odds of winning. Giveaway was organized by Kathy from I Am A Reader, Not A Writer http://iamareader.com and sponsored by the authors. VOID WHERE PROHIBITED BY LAW.


a Rafflecopter giveaway