Author: Cindy

Cover Reveal/ Romancing The Million $$$ Ghost

Posted on by Cindy

Today I am honored to be one of the last few stops on the Romancing The Million $$$ Ghost cover reveal tour.

About the Book:

Eccentric tobacco tycoon Rodger Hawthorne III can have anything his heart desires except his dead wife, Sarah. Feeling responsible for the car crash that killed her twenty years earlier, he offers one million dollars to anyone who can find her spirit and bring it to him within one week or the money is forfeited. Six spiritually-challenged—but highly intuitive—women find his ad over the Internet and accept his challenge only to embark on a journey they didn’t quite expect that covers astral traveling, past life regressions and spiritual encounters of the unworldly kind. While this book is lightly based on a true story of a real man who is offering one million dollars to anyone who can prove that spirits exist, this story is purely fictional. Or is it?

Coming October 2013!

About the Authors:

Heide AW Kaminski, Pam Ryan and Dorothy Thompson make up the writing team of the new paranormal romance, Romancing the Million $$$ Ghost. All three ladies have a passion for the paranormal and were part of an online spiritual group to discuss ghosties and bumps in the night when one of them discovered there was a man on the Internet looking for proof of the existence of ghosts and anyone who could prove they exist would win a million dollars. Unfortunately, no one has been able to accomplish this task and fortunately for the women, it gave them an exciting idea for a new book. Visit their official book blog at www.MillionDollarGhost.blogspot.com or join them at Facebook at https://www.facebook.com/RomancingTheMillionDollarGhost
copyright 2010, Cindy (Cindy’s Love Of Books)
If you are reading this on a blog or website other than Cindy’s Love Of Books or via a feedreader, this content has been stolen and used without permission.

Book Spotlight/ The Enchanted

Posted on by Cindy
 
About The Book:
 
Forced by his father into a marriage he didn’t want, Prince Alan soon finds that his bride isn’t the sweet, submissive creature he expected. Morgane has the heart of a dragon and beauty beyond compare, but she isn’t thrilled about the marriage either. When black treachery threatens the kingdom, Morgane and Alan embark on a perilous journey that has an excellent chance of ending in failure and death for them and all of their people.
 
Purchase your copy at AMAZON
 
 

About the Author
Elaine Cantrell was born and raised in South Carolina where she obtained a master’s degree in personnel services from Clemson University. She is a member of Alpha Delta Kappa, an international honorary society for women educators, Romance Writers of America, and EPIC authors. Her first novel, A New Leaf, was the 2003 winner of the Timeless Love Contest. When she’s not writing or teaching, she enjoys movies, quilting, reading, and collecting vintage Christmas ornaments.

Her latest book is the fantasy romance, The Enchanted.

Visit her website at www.elainecantrell.com.

Socialize with Elaine!
 
 
 
 

Book Excerpt:

The sound of a trumpet interrupted Alan. Meryn entered the room behind the trumpeters and called in a ringing voice, “His majesty, King Maccus, and his daughter, the Princess Morgane, wife of Prince Alan, heir to the throne of his father, King Bowdyn.”

Everyone at the table rose to their feet and bowed as Maccus and Morgane paused at the door. Alan could not stop staring at the princess. He had not expected her to be so beautiful. Her red‑gold hair cascaded across her shoulders in swirling waves he ached to touch. Even from this distance he could see that her eyes were the color of the sea on a cloudy, stormy day. Her white, beribboned gown made their unique color stand out. She had a willowy, lithe figure.

Every inch the king, Bowdyn crossed the room and took Princess Morgane’s hand. “Come. I will introduce you to your husband, Prince Alan.”

She did not limp, but she stepped very quickly as if she did not want her feet to touch the floor any longer than necessary. Still, she held her head up high as she made her way across the hall, her heavy, stiff skirts rustling on the stone floor.

ʺMy son, this is your wife, Princess Morgane. Morgane, this is your husband, Prince Alan.”

Bowdyn placed Morgane’s hand into Alan’s. Her fingers were icy cold. He bowed to her and kissed her hand. “It is my honor to meet you. Will you be seated beside me?”

Morgane seated herself beside him as he held out her chair. Her skin looked as smooth as satin and as creamy as the finest milk, but no one could miss the horrible red scar that marred her face. She turned her head and caught him staring. Her face flushed red, causing the scar to look that much worse. Turning away from him, she fastened her eyes on the wall in front of her.

Pump Up Your Book and Elaine Cantrell are teaming up to give you a chance to win a $100 Amazon Gift Card!

$100 Amazon Gift Card

Terms & Conditions:

  • By entering the giveaway, you are confirming you are at least 18 years old.
  • One winner will be chosen via Rafflecopter to receive one $100 Amazon Gift Certificate or Paypal Cash.
  • This giveaway begins August 5 and ends September 28 2013.
  • Winners will be contacted via email on Monday, September 30, 2013.
  • Winner has 48 hours to reply.

Good luck everyone!

ENTER TO WIN!

CLICK ON THIS TO SEE THE TOUR STOPS ON THE TOUR

copyright 2010, Cindy (Cindy’s Love Of Books)
If you are reading this on a blog or website other than Cindy’s Love Of Books or via a feedreader, this content has been stolen and used without permission.

Bath and Body Works Fall Preview

Posted on by Cindy

 
One of my favorite season’s is autumn. The leaves are changing, apple picking, warm sweaters, the Starbucks drinks (Pumpkin Spice Latte, Mocha Salted Carmel) and the fall scents.
 
Which leads me right into this post. I was lucky enough to be able to snag a Fall 2013 Sneak Peek V.I.P tote bag. The bag became available in late July and I was super excited that I was able to get this. I missed out on it last year.
 
 
This is what was inside the tote bag. 
 
Hand Sanitizer in Sweet Cinnamon Pumpkin. A mouthwatering blend of fresh pumpkin, brown sugar and ground cinnamon. This retails for $5.50 (US) and its got 225ml. Its got a nice scent and its something I would use.
 
Shower Gel Sweet Cinnamon Pumpkin. A cozy blend of New England pumpkin, crisp apple and ginger kissed with spiced vanilla and a hint of rum. This retails for $11.00 (US) for 295ml. This was something I bought last year and I did like it.
 
Body Lotion Sweet Cinnamon Pumpkin. A cozy blend of New England pumpkin, crisp apple and ginger kissed with spiced vanilla and a hint of rum. This retails for $11.00 (US) for 236ml. I normally don’t buy alot of lotion just because I have so much so this is a new to me item. Its got a nice smell and goes into the skin really nice with no greasy feeling.
 
Anti-Bacterial deep cleansing hand soap in Creamy Pumpkin. A comforting blend of gingered pumpkin, honey blossom, whipped vanilla and brown sugar. This retails for $5.50 (US) for 236ml. I love the smell of this and I would actually consider buying it in a foam soap. When I think of fall smells this is one of the scents I think of.
 
Candle in the scent Leaves. A  rich blend of golden nectar, red apple and spiced berries. Retails for $10.00 (US) for 4 oz. I don’t think this would have been a candle I would have bought myself but after burning it this afternoon I actually grew to like the smell. Not sure if I would repurchase it since I love the pumpkin and apple candles in the fall.
 
Finally the last full size item that was in the bag was this sponge. It sales for $3.50. Its a nice sponge. fluffy and soft and you can never have too many sponges hanging around in the shower.
 
Included was two small sized items. The first one is Forever Red perfume in 7ml. A passionate blend of pomegranate & red osmanthus with a sexy surprise of vanilla rum. A full size is $22.00 (US) for 236ml. This is another scent that I was surprised I liked. I think this is the perfect fall scent.
 
The second sample size is the True Blue Mini Shea Cashmere hand cream. An addictive blend of sweet Tahitian vanilla, whipped shea and golden amber. I have never tried this line but the hand cream is really nice. I love the smell and texture. It blends into the skin really well with no greasy feeling. I got a sample of 28g. The full size is 70g for $12.50 (US). I would eventually repurchase this when I am currently out of my hand creams.
 
Over all I am impressed with my first VIP tote bag and I would consider buying it again. The only thing that I didn’t really like was that it had products that were available last year. I guess I was under the impression when I first heard about the bag that it would be new items.
 
Did you purchase this? What is your favorite thing about the fall? Are you a fan of Bath and Body Works?
 
 
copyright 2010, Cindy (Cindy’s Love Of Books)
If you are reading this on a blog or website other than Cindy’s Love Of Books or via a feedreader, this content has been stolen and used without permission.

Review/ The Space In Between

Posted on by Cindy

Title: The Space In Between
Author: Brittainy C. Cherry
Publisher: Self Published
Pages: 290
Pub Date: August 2013
 
Source: I received an ebook from The Reading Addiction as part of my participation in the book tour.
 
 

About the book:

 
She’s scarred by her past.
 

ANDREA EVANS is traumatized and guilt-ridden by the death of her fiancée. Tired of the gossiping small town, she travels to New York City to pursue her dream of dance. When her dreams don’t instantly come to fruition, she ends up working at a strip club with her best friend.

He’s uncertain of his future.

COOPER DAVIDSON is a famous photographer and reality television star trying to flee from his own life filled with paparazzi, mental health clinics, and a cheating wife who is pregnant.

When Andrea and Cooper’s paths cross, they realize how damaged and in need of escapism they both are. The two create an arrangement to explore the space in between chaos and order with one another. The rules are simple—no emotional connections, no talking about the past, no speaking of the future, and when one finds order, the other walks away.

All is well until Cooper falls in love with Andrea. Will Andrea open up and let someone else into her closed off heart? Can Cooper stop the tabloids and his crazed wife from exposing his past and painting Andrea as a prostitute to the world before her life spirals back down to the land of chaos?

When I got the invite to be a part of this tour I knew I wanted to be a part of it because the book sounded really good and what story taking place in one of my favorite cities in the world wouldn’t be good right?
 
I should also mention that this is a debut novel another fantastic plus in my opinion. If you are a reader of my blog you know I love finding new authors and new books.
 
I think this is a little hidden gem that not alot of people know about which is another thing I love because I haven’t heard alot about this book until I read it and I haven’t seen it on a lot of the blogs I read. I hope after reading my review that it will peak your interest and you will pick it up. I really enjoyed the book.
 
Just note that this is an adult book and isn’t really intended for younger readers due to the content (mature theme, language and sexual situations).
 
I was instantly sucked into this book and Brittainy does a fantastic job in luring you into the world of Andrea. In my opinion this was a fantastic debut novel and I would definetly read future books by Brittainy.
 
I have to admit sitting down to write this review is really hard because I just want to tell you everything about the book but yet I don’t want you to because I want you to go and get it to read. I really enjoyed the book.
 
The book is told in alternating points of view of the two main characters Andrea and Cooper.
 
Andrea is the happiest she can ever be, she is getting married in a few days but then tragedy stricks turning her world upside down. Loosing everything that she could ever love. Grief stricken she decides to pack it all up and move to NYC with her friend to get away from it all.
 
Cooper is a famous reality star and photographer living in NYC. He is married and is currently staring on a famous reality show. Things aren’t going great for Copper because he finds out that his wife has a dirty little secret that changes things for Cooper and he just can’t get away from it because he is being reminded constantly and his wife is making him look like the bad guy.
 
A chance encounter between Andrea and Cooper brings the long lost friends back together again.
 
Will Andrea and Cooper be able to get over their broken hearts and move on? Or are they both so broken that they can’t be fixed?

Curious to find out then you will just have to pick up the book to read my friends.

 

Reading Addiction Blog Tours

copyright 2010, Cindy (Cindy’s Love Of Books)
If you are reading this on a blog or website other than Cindy’s Love Of Books or via a feedreader, this content has been stolen and used without permission.

Guest Post/ Brittainy C. Cherry author of The Space In Between

Posted on by Cindy

Today I am very honored to have Brittainy C. Cherry, the author of The Space In Between stop by to do a guest post for me. Check back a little later for my review on the book.

About the book:
She’s scarred by her past.

ANDREA EVANS is traumatized and guilt-ridden by the death of her fiancée. Tired of the gossiping small town, she travels to New York City to pursue her dream of dance. When her dreams don’t instantly come to fruition, she ends up working at a strip club with her best friend.

He’s uncertain of his future.

COOPER DAVIDSON is a famous photographer and reality television star trying to flee from his own life filled with paparazzi, mental health clinics, and a cheating wife who is pregnant.

When Andrea and Cooper’s paths cross, they realize how damaged and in need of escapism they both are. The two create an arrangement to explore the space in between chaos and order with one another. The rules are simple—no emotional connections, no talking about the past, no speaking of the future, and when one finds order, the other walks away.

All is well until Cooper falls in love with Andrea. Will Andrea open up and let someone else into her closed off heart? Can Cooper stop the tabloids and his crazed wife from exposing his past and painting Andrea as a prostitute to the world before her life spirals back down to the land of chaos?

So, You Want to Publish Your Debut Novel

Breathe in. Breathe out.

A lot of that breathing has been happening with me for the past few months/weeks. Back in April I made a choice. I decided that I would go down the road of the indie author!

*Hooray! Firecrackers! Bands! LOUD NOISE!* There was a point where I said ‘if not now, then when? If not me, then who? I knew I had a story to tell, these characters had been speaking to me for quite some time and I somewhat felt that it was my duty to get their story out into the world. So what were my next steps?

Step One: Confusion. Wait—what? How do I even begin the process of self publishing? Wait, I need a blog? Facebook page! Should I start a Facebook page? Twitter? Tell my story in 140 characters? Huh?

Yup. I had no clue where to begin…I was living in a world with no idea of what to do. So, I created my Facebook author page. And guess what I found? A million-billion-trillion other debut authors releasing around the same time as me! INSTANT FRIENDS! Because guess what? They were just as confused and nervous and ‘omg is this real life!’ as I was! On to step two!

Step Two: Editors…Book Covers…Formatting…OH MY!

I knew if I wanted to do this self-publishing thing, then I wanted to do it right. I’m pretty sure I searched for thousands of editors to track down until I found my ‘Fairy Editor Godmother’ and she helped make my work shine! I don’t know if I could have made it this far without her. If you are thinking of taking the indie route—FIND AN EDITOR! There are a TON of them, all prices, even for those writers who don’t have much to rub together in the money area.

Then I found my cover art…luckily for me—I had an amazing designer that I went to college with reach out to me and ask if he could do my first cover. And he was AMAZING!! I danced and screamed for days after seeing his work!

Next…formatting. I knew/know not that much about formatting…and I didn’t want that extra stress added onto myself—so I found a cheap, and amazing formatting team who helped me out so all I had to do was submit my novels online! Yay! Just because you are an indie author DOESN’T mean you have to do it all on your own! Isn’t that a wonderful feeling?

Step Three: The Freak Out/Hit Publish

This…is where all debut indie authors seem to panic. This is where you actually hit ‘publish’ and your story goes live! Ah! It’s such a crazy, all over the place, feeling of excitement, followed by nerves, toss in some more excitement, followed by ‘OMG I SUCK! THIS IS TERRIBLE! NO ONE WILL BUY THIS CRAP’. Then wash, rinse, dry, repeat.

This is where it’s best to take a moment and pause. Don’t overthink things. Take deep breaths. Don’t panic if someone says they hate your book. Remind yourself that you published it because you owed it to the characters to give them the story they wanted to tell. Then you stop. Close your eyes and…

Breathe in. Breathe out.

Congratulations on joining the crazy world of self-publishing! Get ready for a crazy-fun-wonderful journey.

Always,
Brittainy C. Cherry

**Brittainy thanks so very much for taking the time out of your busy schedule to sit down and write this guest post for me.**

Reading Addiction Blog Tours

copyright 2010, Cindy (Cindy’s Love Of Books)
If you are reading this on a blog or website other than Cindy’s Love Of Books or via a feedreader, this content has been stolen and used without permission.

Guest Post/ Snatchabook authors Helen and Thomas Docherty

Posted on by Cindy

I just read and reviewed the most adorable children’s picture book for the blog today. I was actually lucky enough to get an advance copy at BEA earlier this year. It was the most adorable picture book.

So I want to thank Helen & Tom for taking the time out of their very busy schedules to do this for me. Thank you so very much for doing this for me and I can’t wait to share my love of the book with everyone.

After reading the book  I wondered what the inspiration was behind the character of The Snatchabook but he is just too cute and I am so happy that Helen answered my question about it. She was even gracious enough to send a sketch. What do you think?

Inspiration behind the character of The Snatchabook

Helen: I have always been drawn to characters that transgress in some way – characters that are flawed, but not beyond redemption. Dr Seuss’s The Grinch Who Stole Christmas has always been one of my favorite children’s books, and was definitely an influence in the creation of the Snatchabook (although they are, of course, very different characters). I am also interested in outsiders, and how their arrival impacts on a community (a theme also explored in our next book, Abracazebra).

The idea of a book thief who steals children’s bedtime stories popped into my head at the end of a long day of trying (and failing) to think up interesting storylines. A book cruncher? A book snatcher? No, a Snatchabook! Almost immediately, I saw the potential to develop the story as a mystery with plenty of suspense, a brave heroine and a twist in the tale – namely, that the Snatchabook is just a pitiful little creature, whose motivation for stealing all the books is simply that is he is desperate to be read to; to be included in the cosy bedtime world of Burrow Down. When you read to your own children and see their faces light up when they’re listening to a good story, the idea of any child being excluded from that experience is almost unbearable.

Tom and I had a lot of fun developing the character of the Snatchabook visually. I had an image in my head of a sort of bush baby with long, delicate wings and a long tail, and Tom set to work drawing sketches. He interpreted it so brilliantly that it looked like a creature that already existed. Here are his earliest sketches:
 
 

 
copyright 2010, Cindy (Cindy’s Love Of Books)
If you are reading this on a blog or website other than Cindy’s Love Of Books or via a feedreader, this content has been stolen and used without permission.

Review/ The Snatchabook

Posted on by Cindy

Title: The Snatchabook
Author: Helen Docherty
Illustrator: Thomas Docherty
Publisher: Sourcebooks
Pub Date: October 1, 2013
Pages: 32

Source: I received an advance readers copy when I attend BEA 2013 from Sourcebooks.

About The Book:


Where have all the bedtime stories gone?
 
One dark, dark night in Burrow Down, a rabbit named Eliza Brown found a book and settled down…when a Snatchabook flew into town.
 
It’s bedtime in the woods of Burrow Down, and all the animals are ready for their bedtime story. But books are mysteriously disappearing. Eliza Brown decides to stay awake and catch the book thief. It turns out to be a little creature called the Snatchabook who has no one to read him a bedtime story. All turns out well when the books are returned and the animals take turns reading bedtime stories to the Snatchabook.
 
 

 
When I heard about this book at BEA earlier this year I made it a point to stop by the Sourcebooks booth to pick it up. That night I read it in my hotel room and instantly fell in love with it. It had a fantastic story and fantastic illustrations.
 
When I came home I was pleasantly surprised that Michael (who is 10 years old and still loves a good picture book) picked it up and took it to read.
 
I asked him what he thought of it and what he got out of it and he said it a great story about reading books and about the friendships that grow because of it. I was blown away he got what I thought he would get from it. He knew what the meaning was.

Eliza the cute main character is an adorable bunny who is a huge reader. One night she is all set to go to bed to read but quickly realizes her books are missing as well as others in Burrow Down. Where are the books going? Who is taking them?

 
Eliza is determined to get to the bottom of the mystery and find out who the book thief is. What will she do when she discovers the thief? Will she get the books back to the animals of Burrow Down?
 
This is the cutest little book told in rhyme.
 
I highly recommend this book. The illustrations are beautiful and the story line is great. As a book lover  who loves to read and instill that into Michael we happily added this book to our collection at home.
 
 
copyright 2010, Cindy (Cindy’s Love Of Books)
If you are reading this on a blog or website other than Cindy’s Love Of Books or via a feedreader, this content has been stolen and used without permission.