Return to Chelsey Falls by Marianne Gowers $50 Book Blast

$50 Book Blast
Return to Chelsey Falls
After the death of his mother, fourteen year old, Wyatt Barnes was sent to live with his grandparents in Chelsey Falls, Washington. That summer was filled with new friends and new adventures until his life was turned upside down for a second time. Almost ten years later, an offer to teach at the high school in Chelsey Falls, brings Wyatt back to the small town. Is he getting a second chance to make amends with Alexa, the young woman that had befriended him? Meanwhile, Wyatt’s sudden reappearance in town sends Alexa’s life into a tailspin. Alexa can’t help but wonder if Wyatt has finally found the peace he so desperately needed. Although apprehensive about opening old wounds, Alexa knows she can’t avoid Wyatt forever. Could what started out as a crush so long ago become more than that now? Or is it just too late? Return to Chelsey Falls is a heartwarming story of second chances and forgiveness. 

AMAZON

Praise for the Book:
Alisa says: Good read! I enjoyed the story and the characters. The author’s description and character development allowed the reader to get into the story easily and quickly. A fabulous clean, good story about following your heart and not giving up. Lauren says: The best part of the story for me were the characters and their development. I kept thinking it was going to be predictable but it had enough surprises and twists to feel refreshing and creative.

SStew says: Great read! I loved getting the story from two different perspectives and how it went back and forth from present to past. If you like this genre it is a great book from a first time author. I'll look forward to her future releases.    

Excerpt:

“Need any help, Lexa?”

“It’s A-lexa,” she said, dragging out the A at the beginning of her name. She threw her backpack over her shoulder, gathered her lunch and started for the junior high.

“Yeah, but I think I’ll call you Lexa.” I hurried to her side and flashed her a smile.

She shook her head, another tiny smile flickering across her face. She was cute when she was irritated.

I followed her to her locker, leaning against the one next to hers. I hadn’t made any friends yet and Lexa intrigued me. She slammed her locker shut.

“Did you need something?”

There was that irritated look again.

Lexa and I had History together after lunch. “I wanted to make sure you made it to class okay.” I thought I saw another smile as she started down the hall without answering.

“This is so nice,” I shouted into the busy hall. “Just you and me walking to class together.” She snorted, quickly covering her mouth, but not before I saw a speck of spit fly through the air.

“Real funny, Wyatt.” She laughed and her face turned bright red. I wasn’t sure if she was embarrassed by the flying spit or by the fact that she actually knew my name.

“You know my name? Have we met?”

“Maybe you haven’t noticed, but every day Mr. Kline has to say, ‘Wyatt, wake up!’”

I liked her even more. She had spunk. I laughed as we arrived at the classroom, but my laughter was cut short. I’d forgotten something. I had my soccer ball in my hands and no backpack.

“Hey, can I borrow a pencil?” I hoped she didn’t think I was a big dork, standing there with just my soccer ball.

Author Marianne Gowers Marianne Gowers was born in Seattle, Washington where she grew up with nine brothers and sisters. She has dreamed of writing for many years, and has finally made it a reality. She spends her days writing and editing and then editing some more. She loves bringing to life the many characters in her imagination. She enjoys writing LDS Women's fiction, providing funny and inspiring stories, which she hopes will be appealing even to those outside her faith.

Website

Book Blast Giveaway
$50 Amazon Gift Card or Paypal Cash Ends 11/30/14 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 and sponsored by the author. VOID WHERE PROHIBITED BY LAW.   a Rafflecopter giveaway

The Earthkeepers by Shawn Underhill $50 Book Blast

$50 Book Blast
The Earthkeepers by Shawn Underhill From the author of The Great North Woods Pack series comes a new adventure... Millions of people talk to animals every day. If you happen to be such a person, there’s nothing terribly unusual about you. But what if animals spoke to you in return? What if you could clearly understand them, while the people around you could not? That would be very unusual, remarkably interesting, and would likely be tremendously fun. For nine-year-old Ethan Dewfield, talking with his dog is an everyday occurrence. Add to this the fact that he lives not in a regular house but in a sprawling hilltop inn, and what you’ll find is a highly unusual boy with a unique tale to tell. In this personally narrated account he discovers the depths of his abilities, makes new friends, goes for a long walk in the snow, meets a special pack of wolves known as Earthkeepers, uncovers a nasty scheme devised by his even nastier uncle, eats a stack of pancakes, and does all he can to save his beautiful home from the greedy men plotting to destroy it.   *If you’re someone who likes a wide assortment of animals, with funny names and contrasting views of the world, and you like Christmas decorations, happy endings, and you’re open to the possibility of liking boys named Ethan, there’s a good chance you might enjoy this story.   *If you’re someone who admires deceitful, scheming, selfish people who manipulate others, who dislike animals, kids, beautiful buildings, and beautiful scenery, you might enjoy a long career in politics, but will probably not like this story in the least. *If you’re someone searching for an epic, unrealistic romance between two people resembling Ken and Barbie, you are looking in the wrong place. You are now terribly lost. I’m shocked you’ve read this far. You should probably hit the back arrow now. There’s no telling what could happen if you don’t.   *If you’re someone shopping for affordable health insurance, you might try a different website. 
   

Amazon

About the Author:
Author Shawn Underhill
The true story of Shawn Underhill may never be fully realized to the world at large. Theories and rumors abound, ranging from the fantastic to the absurd, but none can be entirely trusted. Most scholars agree that he is certainly a devoted admirer of Jack London, while less credible claims suggest that he is loosely related to the novelist, merely adopting the false name Underhill as a means to anonymity. The most bizarre of all rumors state that Mr. Underhill actually is Jack London reincarnate, that in his spare time he pilots experimental aircraft on dangerous test missions, and is slated to appear on DWTS. Attempts by this biographer to uncover solid evidence have proven frustrating at best, and dangerous at worst. Establishing contact with Mr. Underhill's family in the slim hope of acquiring trustworthy information has been, for the most part, an exercise in futility. The most viable explanation came by a series of mysterious phone calls leading to a secret meeting with an individual claiming to be Shawn's second cousin. This unnamed source (who only spoke with me under cover of darkness behind a Dunkin Donuts off highway 93 in rural New Hampshire) states that the author was last known to be located within his secret writing cave--a high mountain fortress, heavily defended by steep ledges and rushing waterfalls. The grounds near the secret trail leading to the hidden entrance are said to be patrolled day and night by wolves, watchdogs and bears. In an interesting side note, UFO's and Bigfoot sightings have been reported in the general area of Mr. Underhill's alleged stronghold, but none have been officially confirmed by any reputable organizations. The author's Facebook page, Shawn Underhill (Author) is the only known source of contact he has with the outside world.

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Book Blast Giveaway
 $50 Amazon Gift Card or Paypal Cash Ends 11/30/14 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 and sponsored by the author. VOID WHERE PROHIBITED BY LAW.   a Rafflecopter giveaway

Review: Softly Falling by Carla Kelly

 

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Softly Falling by Carla Kelly

Paperback, 298 pages

Published November 11th 2014 by Cedar Fort Publishing & Media
My Source: I received a copy from the publisher in exchange for an honest review

Description: Beautiful Lily Branson learns that her wayward father has lost his Wyoming cattle ranch in a card game to handsome cowboy Jack Sinclair, no less! When a series of deadly winter storms sets in, Lily and Jack must work together to save the cattle—as well as their hearts.

My Review: Lily has spent her entire life trying to feel like she fits in. Her mother is black and her father is white and in the 1800s in England, that isn't a great combination to be. Lily's father seems like a nice man, yet he spends all his money on liquor and fails at every endeavor he embarks on because of this vice. When Lily's uncle ships her off to Wyoming to live on her father's big ranch, she finds that not much has changed--her father is the same as ever...and has lost the ranch. The life that Lily builds that winter really tells of her character. She's used to feeling inferior and works hard anyway.

Lily is such a great character! I love how she doesn't let prejudices get her down. She finds that the ragtag ranch people are made up of all kinds--from mixed races to good ole Southern boys to Indians to uppity women who look down on everyone. Lily makes the best of her situation and pulls her resources together to make things work. I love the way the characters rely on one another and use their strengths to overcome trials.

Of course, Jack is awesome. Right away, he admires Lily's tea/coffee colored skin and accepts her for who she is, really focusing on the beautiful parts to her--her voice, her kindness, her soul. He's a great advocate for Lily and her father.

The way the characters learned to pull together and the way the story gently progressed were my favorite parts. Nothing is glossed over--the details are real. I love a good, clean romance, but romance wasn't the main focus--and I still really appreciated the story.  

Content: Clean!

 Amazon

 

About the Author:
Although Carla Kelly is well known among her readers as a writer of Regency romance, her main interest (and first writing success) is Western American fiction—more specifically, writing about America's Indian Wars. Although she had sold some of her work before, it was not until Carla began work in the National Park Service as a ranger/historian at Fort Laramie National Historic Site did she get serious about her writing career. (Or as she would be the first to admit, as serious as it gets.)

Carla wrote a series of what she now refers to as the "Fort Laramie stories," which are tales of the men, women and children of the Indian Wars era in Western history. Two of her stories, A Season for Heroes and Kathleen Flaherty's Long Winter, earned her Spur Awards from the Western Writers of America. She was the second woman to earn two Spurs from WWA (which, as everyone knows, is all you need to ride a horse). Her entire Indian Wars collection was published in 2003 as Here's to the Ladies: Stories of the Frontier Army. It remains her favorite work.

The mother of five children, Carla has always allowed her kids to earn their keep by appearing in her Regencies, most notably Marian's Christmas Wish, which is peopled by all kinds of relatives. Grown now, the Kelly kids are scattered here and there across the U.S. They continue to provide feedback, furnish fodder for stories and make frantic phone calls home during the holidays for recipes. (Carla Kelly is some cook.)

Carla's husband, Martin, is Director of Theatre at Valley City State University, in Valley City, North Dakota. Carla is currently overworked as a staff writer at the local daily newspaper. She also writes a weekly, award-winning column, "Prairie Lite."

Carla only started writing Regencies because of her interest in the Napoleonic Wars, which figures in many of her Regency novels and short stories. She specializes in writing about warfare at sea, and about the ordinary people of the British Isles who were, let's face it, far more numerous than lords and ladies.

Hobbies? She likes to crochet afghans, and read British crime fiction and history, principally military history. She's never happier than talking about the fur trade or Indian Wars with Park Service cronies. Her most recent gig with the National Park Service was at Fort Union Trading Post National Historic Site on the Montana/North Dakota border.

Here's another side to this somewhat prosaic woman: She recently edited the fur trade journal of Swiss artist Rudolf F. Kurz (the 1851-1852 portion), and is gratified now and then to be asked to speak on scholarly subjects. She has also worked for the State Historical Society of North Dakota as a contract researcher. This has taken her to glamorous drudgery in several national archives and military history repositories. Gray archives boxes and old documents make her salivate.

Her mantra for writing comes from the subject of her thesis, Robert Utley, that dean of Indian Wars history. He told her the secret to writing is "to put your ass in the chair and keep it there until you're done." He's right, of course.

Her three favorite fictional works have remained constant through the years, although their rankings tend to shift: War and Peace, The Lawrenceville Stories, and A Town Like Alice. Favorite historical works are One Vast Winter Count, On the Border with Mackenzie and Crossing the Line. Favorite crime fiction authors are Michael Connelly, John Harvey and Peter Robinson.

And that's all she can think of that would interest anyone. Carla Kelly is quite ordinary, except when she is sometimes prevailed upon to sing a scurrilous song about lumberjacks, or warble "Twinkle, Twinkle, Little Star" in Latin.  

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Review: Silver Bells (A Timeless Romance Anthology)

 

Silver Bells Collection (A Timeless Romance Anthology) by various authors

292 pages

Published October 15th 2014 by Mirror Press
My Source: I received a copy in exchange for an honest review

Descriptions/My Reviews: Six Award-Winning Authors have contributed new stories to A Timeless Romance Anthology: Silver Bells. Readers will love this collection of six historical novellas, all centered around the Christmas season with one thing in common: Romance.

*In NY Times & USA Today’s bestselling author Lucinda Brant’s delightful novella, FAIRY CHRISTMAS, Kitty Aldershot is orphaned and forced to live on others’ charity. Offered a home under the generous roof of her relatives, the Earl of Salt Hendon and his countess, Kitty wants for nothing, not even the affections of Mr. Tom Allenby. But when Kitty stumbles across a letter written by Lady Caroline that reveals how Mr. Allenby would be ruined should he marry the likes of Kitty, she realizes she has been fooling herself all along. Kitty’s world crumbles around her as she recognizes she will forever be alone with no prospects at all.


I thought this was a sweet story that took place in the late 1700s. Kitty is an orphan and has every reason to be bitter about life, yet she isn't. She is so sweet and tries to ease the lives of those around her to make up for their generosity towards her. She would love for nothing more than to win Tom's affections, yet wouldn't dream of ruining his reputation and career, which goes to show how selfless she is. Tom is such a shy and bashful man, yet he is very kind. I loved the foreign prince--he was a fun character to have around. Clean!

*Sarah M. Eden’s charming romance novella A CHRISTMAS PROMISE, Sean Kirkpatrick is trying to get to his new place of employment, Kilkenny Castle, in order to start as the new stablehand. His only requirement is to drive a team of high-spirited nags from Dublin to Kilkenny in a certain amount of time. Unfortunately he winds up in a muddy field, stuck, lost, and running out of time. He’s about to lose the job before he can prove himself capable of finishing his first assignment. When Maeve Butler arrives on the scene, Sean isn’t sure if she’s intent on rescuing him or bent on torturing him with her fiery wit and lovely dark eyes.


Maeve is such a fiery girl and before he knows it, Sean is whooped! Sean needs this new job, but gets stuck and lost and has to rely on Maeve to help him out. I loved that banter that ensues. Fun characters with a spin on a story that isn't your typical holiday romance. Clean!

*In Heather B. Moore’s enchanting novella, TWELVE MONTHS, Lucien Baxter’s best and most incorrigible friend, Will, dies unexpectedly, leaving behind his new bride and unborn child the week before Christmas. Will’s last request is that Lucien watches over Cora, not just as a benefactor, but as a husband. When Lucien does his duty and proposes to Cora, he’s turned down flat. But over the course of the next few days, Lucien discovers that marrying Cora wouldn’t be any sort of duty after all, but a matter of following his heart. 


Don't we all have a friend who is the more dramatic and dominate of the friendship? That's exactly the case in Lucien and Will's unlikely friendship. They are so opposite and for some reason, Lucien feels a strong pull of loyalty toward covering for Will's casual mistakes. When Will dies suddenly, Lucien promises to care for his new wife and unborn baby. Cora has been devastated by death not once, but twice, and doesn't want to marry again, yet Lucien has a way of worming his way into her heart. Lucien is such a kind and patient man and Cora is as sweet as can be. I love the piano battles. Clean!


*In Lu Ann Staheli’s sweet romance novella, A FEZZIWIG CHRISTMAS, Dick Wilkins and his best friend Ebenezer Scrooge have been looking forward to the annual Fezziwig Christmas dance for weeks. Ebenezer is practically engaged to Annabelle Fezziwig, and Dick hopes to start courting her younger sister, Pricilla. Once the dance starts, and Pricilla arrives, as pretty and charming as ever, Dick discovers that he’s not the only man vying for her attention. His best friend advises Dick that he has to win Pricilla’s heart, as well as her mother’s favor. Losing his heart has suddenly become very complicated.


I don't believe I've ever read a story about the life of Ebenezer Scrooge before he became...scroogy. This was a fun story with his friend, Dick, in the forefront, trying to win the attention of the lovely sister of Ebenezer's girl. It's not as easy as he thinks, since Pricilla is being pursued by many and he's not as outgoing as he'd like to be. I love how meek and down-to-earth Dick is. Clean!

*A TASTE OF HOME, a captivating romance by Annette Lyon, we meet Claire Jennings, who’s on her way to spend Christmas with her family. As she rides the train with William Rhodes, who grew up across the street, memories of Christmases past flood her mind. He may be twenty-one now, but she can’t forget his torturous teasing from their school years. At the rail station, Claire discovers that her home is under quarantine because her little brother has measles. She's stuck in town, away from her family, on her favorite holiday. William stays behind with her, and as Christmas Day approaches and her homesickness deepens, she discovers that perhaps he has changed in more ways than one.


I love a romance about two people who grew up together, but never have a mutual attraction until later. Maybe that's because my husband and I grew up together, yet didn't have a relationship until college. :) William was the kind of boy who tormented Claire, but how else is he supposed to capture her attention? Now that they both work in CA, William is escorting Claire home for the holidays. And he's nothing like the boy she once knew. I love how sweet and thoughtful William is. He truly has Claire in mind, as he strives to make this a Christmas to remember. Claire is as sweet and pretty as ever and isn't one to hold a grudge. Very sweet story! Clean!

*Becca Wilhite’s entrancing novella, MY MODERN GIRL, follows Margie, who lands her dream job as a clerk at Macy’s department store in New York City. Margie might be new in town, but she’s determined to succeed and prove to Henry that moving to the city was the right decision. As the Christmas season approaches, Margie realizes that being a “modern girl” might not be all she had dreamed of and Henry might have more to offer than she ever imagined.

I haven't read many stories that take place in the 1920s, but this one did and was a lot of fun! It was fun to picture what life was like in NYC during this time. I loved the imagery, descriptions, and storyline. I also loved the way Margie set out to become modern, but learned some important lessons along the way. Henry is a rock-solid man who works hard and doesn't care for what society thinks, yet he doesn't take Margie's feelings lightly. He's very supportive. This one was a great story to end the book. Clean!

Each story was tender and really helped the spirit of the holidays come to life. This whole collection moved a little slower than some of the others, but the pace was perfect for a nice, holiday read. Read it all in one sitting or savor a story a day. Either way, it'll be a fun adventure. 

To learn more about these anthologies, go here. 

Review: Love Overcomes by Angela Schroeder

 

Love Overcomes by Angela Schroeder

Published October 21st 2014 by Anaiah Press

Description: Single mother Arabella Mackenzie never imagined that going to California with her
sister Clara would have such a huge impact on her life. Since the end of a disastrous relationship, Arabella has been wary of wanting or needing anyone other than her family. But when she meets hunky actor, Jeremy Fowlis, she begins to have feelings for a man for the first time since her three year old son was born. Now, she needs to try to overcome her past and learn to trust again.
 
Jeremy is not used to women who don't want to date him, or at least show him off to their friends - he is an in-demand actor, after all. He is tired of the shallow, avaricious attention that he gets from the public, but when he meets intelligent, cautious Arabella, she doesn't even know his name. Arabella’s grounded beauty captivates him instantly, but, he is wary of getting involved with a single mother with a complicated past. Can Arabella and Jeremy both overcome their doubts and fears in order to find love?


My Review: Arabella and Clara are sisters from Iowa. When Clara's children's book gets a movie contract, the sisters, along with Arabella's young son, move to California for a short time to oversee the filming. While there, they meet two actor friends who become romantic interests. The story seemed to be about both sisters, but focused a little more on Arabella and Jeremy.

Arabella has had a horrible past with relationships. She is trying to trust men again and to feel good about herself and really isn't looking for a relationship, especially one that puts her in the spotlight. Jeremy is tired of shallow women who only chase him for the fame, but he isn't sure he's ready to settle down with a ready-made family. They both has issues and obstacles to overcome, but when it comes down to it, events occur that really make them both stop and think about what's important.

I could understand Arabella's hesitance, yet there were times when I wanted to scream at her to grab what's obviously being offered to her. It's not going to get better than that! Jeremy was a great guy--so kind and caring, yet he came off as indecisive at times. At one point, he seemed so sure that he was ready to jump into things, not caring what the paparazzi or anyone else thought, but then a few minutes later, when he was asked a question about their relationship, he completely flew off the handle.

The characters were good and I enjoyed watching the friendships develop, but there were times when I felt like it was a travel log. I wanted to see a little more interaction, read about their thoughts, and the reasoning behind their actions.

Content: no language; mild-moderate violence (fighting, abuse, rape--non-graphic); mild kissing; moderate religious aspects.

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Author Bio:

Angela was born and raised in Iowa, in a river town known for its pearl buttons. Having four siblings, she never lacked for someone to play with. As she grew older, she found herself pulled into books and writing more and more. Her parents are her heroes, her siblings her confidants and tormentors, and her children are a wonderful blessing.

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Follow the Tour

Book Tour October 21-November 18

10/21 Paula Rose Books
10/21 CBY Book Club

10/22 Reviews and Opinions
10/23 Shelf full of books
10/24 That is what she read
10/25 A Booklover's Retreat
10/26 Perusing Bookshelves
10/27 The Phantom Paragrapaher
10/28 My Book Addiction and More 
10/29 Trusty Page Turners
10/30 Wendy Knight,
10/31 Southern Mess Moms
11/1 Krysten Lindsay Hager
11/2 Wishful Endings
11/3 Electively Paige
11/4 Release Day Blitz
11/5 Biblio Belles
11/6 Off the Page
11/7 Living the Dream
11/10 Kit 'N Kabookle
11/11 Flirting With Romance
11/12 Katie's Clean Book Collection
11/13 Iola's Christian Reads
11/14 Clean Romance Reviews
11/15 Melinda Dozier Contemporary Romance Author
11/16 My Book Addiction and More
11/17 Cheekypee reads and reviews
11/18 Literary Wonders! The Author's Hideaway 

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{Spotlight} Forget Me Not and Remember Me by Stacey Nash

 

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Forget Me Not Anamae is drawn into a world which shatters everything she knew to be true. Since her mother vanished nine years ago, Anamae and her father have shared a quiet life. But when Anamae discovers a brooch identical to her mother's favorite pendant, she unknowingly invites a slew of trouble into their world. They're not just jewellery, they're part of a highly developed technology capable of cloaking the human form. Triggering the jewellery's power attracts the attention of a secret society determined to confiscate the device - and silence everyone who is aware of its existence. Anamae knows too much, and now she's Enemy Number One. She's forced to leave her father behind when she's taken in by a group determined to keep her safe. Here Anamae searches for answers about this hidden world. With her father kidnapped and her own life on the line, Anamae must decide if saving her dad is worth risking her new friends' lives. No matter what she does, somebody is going to get hurt. 

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Praise for the Book

"Forget Me Not is a tension-fueled, adventurous and brilliantly written novel that shows the dangers and powers of a controlling environment . If you are a fan of George Orwell’s classic “1984″ you will LOVE this book." ~ Heidi, Amazon

"I thoroughly enjoyed this debut novel by Aussie author Stacey Nash. The tension, the twists and turns throughout, the web of intrigue – all had me glued to the pages." ~ Brenda Telford, Goodreads

"Find a comfy spot to read Forget Me Not by Stacey Nash, I devoured this story in one sitting. I’m not sure what I was expecting when I picked up the novel, however, I did enjoy the story. Technology, betrayal, and battle all shared equal parts in this debut novel." ~ Amazon customer

“I love the new world Stacey has created here which is right up with any other speculative fiction I have read. If you love a good conspiracy theory story, you will love this.” ~ Emmaly, Mundie Moms blog.

Excerpt

Easing the door closed, I climb out of the attic and head to the bathroom to clean my dust-covered hands. Water rushes from the spout and splashes against the sides as the basin fills. A reflection of me stares back at me from the mirror, my dirty hand clutching my aching chest. Today everything feels so raw, open, and fresh, like it only just happened. She should still be here.

Rubbing my hands clean, I delve into my pocket for the jewelry. Bringing it to my collar, I pin the brooch into my blouse. The hard edges prick my skin. My thumb brushes over the smooth, round sides of the pendant and when I pull it over my head, the chain catches on my hair. After I twist it through the tangle so it finally falls cool against my skin, it nestles in the hollow of my throat. I pick it up between my fingers and with reverent slow strokes, rub my thumb over the shiny yellow center—the pendant Mom never took off.

A shiver shoots up my spine and out through my limbs like an electric current, zapping every cell, every fiber, every part of my being. Walking on graves, that’s what Mom would have said. Maybe it’s an omen about her.

I plant my palms on either side of the full basin and peer into the still water, taking a moment to collect my thoughts. The water reflects only the cream ceiling. That can’t be right. I do a double take.

My chest tightens. I hold my hand up, but I can’t see it—not my arm, not my chewed fingernails, not my leather watch on my wrist. Where am I? Mouth gaping, I look into the mirror again, but I see nothing.

Not even my face.

I dip my finger into the warm, reflection-free water. Circles ripple in ever growing rings, but there’s no image. My gaze flits to the mirror, but I see only the open door. I have no reflection.

My stomach flutters like a thousand butterflies are trying to escape it. I slap my palm onto my chest, and I can still feel me. I must be here. When I slide the pendant over my head, my reflection blinks onto the mirror. Huh? Pulling it back on, my hand brushes the cool metal. The ripple goes through me again. I look into the mirror, and once more my reflection’s gone.

I grab my hairbrush from the drawer and wave it around in the air, but its image isn’t cast in the mirror either. It has to be magic, but that’s only in fairy tales. Will’s not going to believe this, not in a million years. I pull the pendant over my head and my reflection returns. No way. It can’t be, but it is. I’m almost certain it’s making me invisible, but how?

I put it on—invisible. Take it off—visible.

It doesn’t make any sense. How can something like this—like those video games Will plays—even exist? It must be a magical artifact or some kind of prank. My shoulders shake with a chuckle while I stare at myself in the mirror. This is unreal. I bet he’s gone right back to working on his car. He’ll love this. Ha! Now let’s see who found the weirdest treasure. I slide it back on and wipe my damp hands on my jeans. Watch out, Will, I’m going to sneak up and scare the life right out of you.

Remember Me An exciting new adventure from Stacey Nash, set in the world of The Collective. When all is lost, she must remember... Anamae Gilbert managed to thwart The Collective and rescue her father, even though his mind is now a shell. Determined to stop Councilor Manvyke hurting her family again, she's training to become an active resistance member and falling hard for resistance fighter Jax Belfry. But things never sail along smoothly - Manvyke wants retribution and Anamae's name is high on his list. After a blow to the head, she awakes in an unfamiliar location unable to remember the last few weeks. She can't believe the fascinating new technology she's seeing. She's the new kid at school, and although weapons training comes with ease, something feels off. Why does the other new kid's smile make her heart ache? And why does her gut tell her to run?  

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Author Stacey Nash Stacey Nash writes adventure filled stories for Young Adults in the Science Fiction and Fantasy genres. She loves to read and write books that have a lot of adventure, a good dose of danger, a smattering of romance, and KISSING! Hailing from the Hunter Valley in New South Wales, she loves nothing more than immersing herself in the beauty and culture of the local area.

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Blog Tour Giveaway $25 Amazon Gift Card or Paypal Cash Ends 11/30/14 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 and sponsored by the author. VOID WHERE PROHIBITED BY LAW.  
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{Spotlight} Mark of the Jaguar by Mark F. Cheney

MARK OF THE JAGUAR,

A Book of Mormon Adventure in the Land of the Maya

    The story of how Mark Cheney came to write his historical novel, Mark of the Jaguar – a Book of Mormon Adventure in the Land of the Maya, is a convoluted one. After almost twenty years studying the Maya and visits to the Yucatan Peninsula of Mexico and Central America, he has written many non-fiction articles for the Institute of Maya Studies (IMS) EXPLORER. His interest in possible connections between Mesoamerican studies and The Book of Mormon, a book about an ancient people in the Americas that was visited by the resurrected Jesus Christ, who was likely the white and bearded god, Kukulkan, revered by the Maya and other peoples, instilled in him a desire to write this book. The author’s daughter, Anika Ferguson, provided some of the more interesting artwork, including the cover art. Following is a summary of the book:

About 665 AD the young boy, Yax Kan, miraculously survives an attack by a black jaguar. He later loses his family and is the adopted grandson of his village’s shaman. Before the shaman, old Naz-Hani, dies he challenges Yax, then about twenty, to begin a quest to find lost truths about the white and bearded God, Kukulkan, of the Maya (later known to the Aztecs as Quetzacoatl).

    Traveling far North to the ancient City of the Gods, Teotihuacan, he thinks he will find the answers he seeks, but meets dangers along the way, and more within this mysterious city. He also meets a girl like no other and a shy romance blooms.

    After being threatened with death, he escapes into the southern Mexico area that is now known as Chiapas, and is captured by the ahau of Palenque, Kan Balam (ca. 685 AD), who puts Yax’s talents as a scribe, shaman and stone carver to the king’s own use. Moving from a slave to a position of respect in the king’s court he completes an imposing task and is given a great gift, a jaguar kitten, and an even greater gift, his freedom!

    He continues throughout the Yucatan to the Caribbean coast, where his mission bears fruit with a spiritual experience that will change his life. He goes on to help others with his fully grown jaguar companion at his side. He rejoins the young woman he had met in Teo in Lamanai. Then the mythical crystal “Skull of Doom” in Lubaantun is exploited by evil men, and Yax must do what is needed to help those under its spell.

    MARK OF THE JAGUAR is a story reminding us that God is mindful of those who earnestly seek Him, in whatever place, or whatever time they may be. It is a tale that reflects the personal beliefs of the author that Jesus Christ appeared on the American continent after his resurrection and ascension in the Old World, as described in the Book of Mormon.

                                          

Cover of book, watercolor by Anika Ferguson      Drawing by Anika Ferguson of Kan Balam, aka Chan Balam, successor to Pakal of Palenque.