Recommendations and Reviews

I have the privilege to read and review Empyreal Fate, the first book of a high fantasy series written by an extremely talented young author named Rachel Hunter. I have long been a fan of fantasy and sci-fi books, and my own books are fantasy adventures novels, so it was a pleasure to discover this novel.

Empyreal Fate – High Fantasy Done Well

                Disclaimer: The author presented me with a copy of the book in exchange for a fair and honest review.

In Empyreal Fate, Rachel Hunter has created an entire fantasy world that simply teems with memorable characters, rich dialogue, and a plot with intriguing twists. The main human characters are brothers, who end up at odds with one another, but the role of their young sister remains a mystery; the elves battle palace intrigue, and unwanted marriage proposals. Intertwined in all of this is the relationship between one of the humans, Darrion, and Amarya, the daughter of the Elf King.

Empyreal Fate is filled with wonder, magic, and many elements that make it a fun and exciting read. I recommend this one to anyone who likes fantasy! As this is the first book of the series, I can hardly wait until the next installment arrives!

My rating: 4 Stars!!!

Empyreal Fate can be found on Amazon.com and is available in both ebook and paperback.

Connect with the author:

Find out more about Rachel Hunter and her book and other works on her Amazon Author Page. While you’re there, please consider leaving a review. I know Rachel Hunter will appreciate it.

Connect with me:

Find me on Twitter, Facebook, and Goodreads. Let me know if you enjoyed the review. I appreciate the feedback!

Genta Sebastian and her book The Boxer Shorts Rebellion is my last author spotlight before Christmas. Intended for mature audiences, the book fits in the contemporary literature and thriller categories.

The Boxer Rebellion tells the story of one teen’s terrifying experiences in high school and on the internet. Nick Clements and his best friend, Penny are besieged by bullies when a rumor gets started that he is gay. Things deteriorate when one of the bullies turns out to be a psychotic killer. CAUTION: People bullied in their teens report being triggered by this story. The novel contains language that is frank, and portrays brutal, even horrific behavior at times. This book is intended for mature readers and is not recommended for children or the very sensitive.

Author Bio:

Genta Sebastian now lives in the Twin Cities of Minnesota, but was born in Kansas and grew up in California. Once a professional storyteller, and now a retired educator, she has authored a wealth of novels and short stories in anthologies, one of which won a Lambda Award in 2007. Her newest novel is The Boxer Shorts Rebellion, a suspense filled thriller.

Connect with Genta:

• Good Reads – http://www.goodreads.com/GentaSebastian
• Facebook Personal Page – http://www.facebook.com/genta.sebastian
• Twitter – www.twitter.com/GentaSebastian
• Amazon link – http://www.amazon.com/The-Boxer-Rebellion-ebook/dp/B007WZHCH0/

So, if you need a last minute Christmas gift or any kind of gift, take a look at Genta’s work and buy a copy (or three)! And, as a bonus, the book is FREE on December 20, 2012!!

Connect with me:

Join me on social media. I’m on Twitter, Facebook, and Goodreads. Since you’re there, stop by and say hello!

Today, I am lucky to spotlight Lisa Day. Lisa writes historical fiction and romance (sometimes with a Native American and western flavor). Sit back, explore this post, and check out her books at the links below!

A furiously proud Indian warrior Wolfkeeper killed her husband and stole her infant son. Hate for the white people filled him. He had need of the child. His goal; the child must live.

He needed the mother to accomplish that goal. When lust grew he wanted more than just her body. He wanted her heart and soul. Not anyone or anything would stop him from his goal. When she refused, he decided to take them one small piece at a time.

CASSIE:

A woman alone with her husband dead and son abducted. She stood before the one she hated. Her only goal: the child must live.

Cassie soon discovered she had two battles to fight. She needed to protect herself from him.. He had total control over their lives. But, now he was demanding her surrender to him. She also needed to save her son. She would do whatever it took to protect him.

Only the ultimate mother’s sacrifice would save the child, but would it save her from him?

About the author:

Lisa Day grow up in the New Jersey suburbs across from New York City. This made her believe she was sophisticated. Wrong. She was just a girl from Jersey. In junior high right before the English teacher destroyed her love of reading completely she discovered novels for teenage girls. Saved by a love story. As an adult she became a ferocious reader and easily read two, sometimes three books a day. And yes, her housework suffered.

Many years later, now retired and living with her husband, she renewed her love of novels and this time started to write a few of her own.

Connect with Lisa:

• Good Reads: http://www.goodreads.com/author/show/1998.Lisa_Day
• Facebook Author Page:  http://www.facebook.com/LisaDayAuthor
• Facebook Personal Page: http://www.facebook.com/lisa.day.718
• Twitter: https://twitter.com/LisaDay12
• Linkedin: http://www.linkedin.com/profile/view?id=145224965&trk=tab_pro
• Pinterest: http://pinterest.com/lisaday123/
• Author website 1. http://lisaday.weebly.com/ 2. http://lisaday12.blogspot.com/
• Amazon link: http://www.amazon.com/Lisa-Day/e/B005W6EXGY/ref=ntt_athr_dp_pel_1
• Smashwords: http://lisaday.weebly.com/

Other books by Lisa Day:

The Stepbrothers:

http://www.amazon.com/The-Stepbrothers-ebook/dp/B0091K6NTM/ref=la_B005W6EXGY_1_2?ie=UTF8&qid=1355360612&sr=1-2

Another Place & Another Time:

http://www.amazon.com/Another-Time-Place-ebook/dp/B006ITFRM8/ref=la_B005W6EXGY_1_3?ie=UTF8&qid=1355360612&sr=1-3

Sheena Smith!

Today’s author spotlight is on Canadian author Sheena Smith. Read on to discover more about Sheena and her book Life Simply Put!! 

Life Simply Put is a non-fiction, self-help, and inspirational book. Links to it appear below. If you are looking for inspiration, this might help! While not my normal genre, I understand the appeal.

“Life Simply Put” is a mother’s view on 18 Simple words for an Abundant Life.  The author’s hope is that reading this book will inspire you. Dream big, laugh often and live a life full of adventure and truth. May you always give and get respect and know that you matter! Relieve Stress. Live your best life. Be good to yourself!

This is the kind of book you may read through all at once. Afterwards, you may reread parts during different times in your life to reflect on decisions and life choices for the pursuit of your happiness and well-being. In spite of everything, you are responsible for your own happiness. Make choices that honor your spirit. Despite setbacks, find your joy. Searching for words of inspiration and encouragement? Look no further than this book. It may lead you to an abundant life.

Author Bio:

Sheena loves meeting others and enjoys helping adults and children, alike. Her paths have led her to a blended career life. Because she’s a Registered Holistics Nutrionist, she has years of experience in the Food Service Industry and in Food and Nutrition-related businesses. In addition, Ms. Smith has her diploma as a Child and Youth Worker. As a result, Sheena has abundant experience counseling individuals and groups.

Ms. Smith writes online articles on health and a variety of other topics. She is a licensed Brain Gym® Instructor and works as a Special Educational Assistant. Ms. Smith lives in Canada, but loves to travel and see the world. In keeping with her book, Sheena loves to have fun and experience life to the fullest.

Email: lifesimplyput@live.com

Connect with Sheena Smith:

• Facebook Author Page : http://www.facebook.com/pages/Sheena-Smith/27886877887353
• Twitter : https://twitter.com/LifeSimplyPut
• Linkedin: http://www.linkedin.com/pub/sheena-smith/51/258/42a

Find Life Simply Put

• Facebook: Book Page: http://www.facebook.com/pages/LIFE-Simply-Put-18-Simple-Words-for-an-Abundant-Life/381914688522800
• Good Reads : http://www.goodreads.com/book/show/14412510-life-simply-put
• Amazon link: http://www.amazon.com/LIFE-Simply-Put-Simple-Abundant/dp/1466923237
• Amazon.ca: http://www.amazon.ca/LIFE-Simply-Put-Simple-Abundant/dp/1466923237

Are you looking for inspiration? Need some self-help or self-transformation? This book may be just the thing for you! Visit the links, stop by Ms. Smith’s blog and leave her a comment, and buy the book!! When you do, please consider leaving a review.

Connect with me:

Finally, let’s connect on social media! I’m on Twitter, Facebook, and Goodreads. Stop by, say hi, and start a conversation. I enjoy meeting new friends! Since you’re visiting the blog, leave a comment. And don’t miss a post! Subscribe to the blog and keep up with The Gemstone Chronicles.

Donna Erickson!

One of the best things about the writing world, in general, and into self-publishing, in particular, is you  meet some really cool people. You also learn all sorts of new things. For example, I found so many different genres I knew nothing about. However, as I noted in some of my earlier posts about my adventures in self-publishing, it is a somewhat difficult world to navigate through. Therefore, when you find a reference like the one I am promoting today from Donna Erickson, you use it. It can make a world of difference in your experience! I plan to use it for my own education. Since I have only a little knowledge to start with, it will help!

BEFORE YOU PUBLISH YOUR BOOK, READ MINE.

For the past few years, I have been on a mission to help new authors avoid getting scammed in this industry. I wrote my short book, “No-Hassle Publishing: An Author’s Guide to Today’s Changing Industry” to help them avoid the pitfalls. I also use it as a marketing tool for our self-publishing division. It lets authors know they have another option besides the BIG name POD publishers that so many authors have complained about.

No-Hassle Publishing: An Author’s Guide to Today’s Changing Industry.  A must-have guide for the novice writer, which contains a wealth of information not found elsewhere. Authors will learn everything about publishing–from choosing a publisher, signing contracts, and purchasing an ISBN, to insider advice on what to avoid.

For the small price of this booklet, you will save money in the long run by eliminating hours and hours of research and preventing costly mistakes.

     “Donna is a writing whiz and has a great book on self-publishing.” 

From: Gail McMeekin

Founder/President, Creative Success

Author Bio

Donna J. Erickson has owned A Flair For Writing (www.aflairforwriting.com), a professional writing/editing service, for more than 25 years. She is listed in the Marquis Who’s Who of American Woman, Who’s Who in America, and Who’s Who in the World. She received an Award for Excellence from Riverside Publishing, and an Over the Top Blog Award from Creative Chronicles. Articles about her company have been featured in The Patriot Ledger, The Enterprise, and Mariner Newspapers. She has been a radio guest on the nationally syndicated program, Dresser After Dark with Mike Dresser. She’s also been featured on blogtalkradio’s Conversations Live! and on WMSX-AM and WATD-FM.

She edited thirteen published books. Donna Erickson is the author of No-Hassle Publishing: An Author’s Guide to Today’s Changing Industry. She launched a subsidiary, A Flair For Writing – Publishing Services, for self-publishing authors worldwide who want an alternative to vanity presses. The publishing division offers exceptional support and customer service. It provides free promotion to authors. The quality services are in-house, rather than outsourced to foreign countries. The division supports a full array of adjunct services and value pricing.

Connect with Donna at the following:

Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/AFlairForWriting

Good Reads http://www.goodreads.com/book/show/8041121-no-hassle-publishing

Twitter: www.twitter.com/aflair4writing

LinkedIn:  www.linkedin.com/in/donnaerickson123

Internet: www.aflairforwriting.com

Blog:  http://wwwaflairforwriting.blogspot.com/

Amazon:  http://www.amazon.com/No-Hassle-Publishing

Barnes & Noble: http://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/no-hassle-publishing-donna-erickson/1019513932

YouTube:  http://www.youtube.com/watch

Before you publish, check out Donna’s book and take advantage of all the tips she offers. Visit her site, check out the connection links above, and buy and like her book! Hopefully, you’ll benefit from her knowledge. When you finish, please consider leaving a review. In addition, it could possibly make your own publishing journey easier!

Happy No Hassle Publishing!!!

Connect with me:

Since this is the era of social media, let’s connect! I’m on Twitter, Facebook, and Goodreads, so find me and say hi. Start a conversation about books, gemstones, reviews, or just about anything else!I enjoy meeting new friends!

Catherine Converse!

Today, we talk about author Catherine Converse and her YA paranormal suspense novels! Read on to discover more about her books and about Catherine!

 

Fade To Silver (December 2012):

Adie is forced into new territory when her dream overlaps with a complete stranger in a different part of the country, while Dannika escapes from Research, not accepting the new assets in her brain that will change the way she works forever. Despite their separation, their lives merge once again to solve a major corporate conspiracy case, where one man has already lost his life, and Adie has set interference in motion on the next victim in line. But the corporation holds something that is so special, they aren’t the only ones that are willing to kill for it.

With two young men battling for her affection, Adie struggles to keep focus on the case. Once again, Adie and Dannika become the targets, as they become identified as obstacles for those who are after the corporation’s unique discovery. Until it becomes clear that only one person has the power to stop the chain reaction that has begun. And only one question will reveal that person. Who holds the key?

The In Between:

 Two girls with opposing backgrounds join a secret intelligence agency located deep in the earth, where their psychic dreams are used to prevent murder. As the girls form a unique friendship, they begin to dream about the same serial case, triggering a chaos that spirals through the agency tunnels, and proves the lives they need to save are their own.

The Secret Street Saga (A series of novellas written as episodes, released each month beginning December 2012):

Jemily wakes up to ambulance lights in the middle of the night to discover her old next door neighbor had passed away. In her attempt to discover the truth behind her neighbor’s death, she uncovers secrets of the neighborhood’s past. The old lady’s death was like an invitation to bring them all back, only this time, they’re here to stay.

About Catherine Converse:

Catherine Converse lives with her husband and four amazing children in beautiful Montana. She studied Business at Carroll College and graduate work in Marketing Communications at West Virginia University. Her love of writing took off in her years working as a marketing consultant using creative writing to sell. Now she uses it to take readers on an adventure, or to share her passions.

If not writing, seeking out readers, or musing on motherhood chaos, Catherine loves most to be playing with her family – indoors and out, and focusing upward to show God her gratitude for such a blessed life.

Connect with Catherine at:

I love writing stuff that entertains, but first and foremost, I’m a mother. I usually have a few things to say about that at The Greener Grass Mama, http://www.greenergrassmama.blogspot.com

Website: http://www.catherineconversebooks.com

Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/catherineconversebooks and Follow the The In Between Series on Facebook! http://www.facebook.com/theinbetweenseries

Twitter: @CatConverse

Amazon Author Page: http://www.amazon.com/Catherine-Converse/e/B0091ZQB44/ref=ntt_athr_dp_pel_1

The In Between Product Page: http://www.amazon.com/dp/B0092QF3UA

In addition to her books that are listed here, Catherine has the following soon to be released!!

Fade To Silver (The In Between #2), Coded in Stone (The In Between #3), Secret Street (Secret Street #1), Distant Silence (Secret Street #2)

Take a look at Catherine’s books, follow her novella episodes on FB, and like and buy her books on Amazon!! During your visit, consider leaving a review, too.

Connect with me:

Find me on Twitter, Facebook, and Goodreads and let’s connect!