BERLIN BUTTERFLY by LEAH MOYES COVER REVEAL

October 15, 2019 Room With Books

Leah Moyes is from Arizona but experienced many parts of the world in thanks to a career in the airlines. Now most of her time, aside from writing, is spent with her family, reading Historical Fiction novels or studying ancient cultures as a student of Archaeology.

She always believed she was born in the wrong time period, but since she doesn’t have access to a time machine she must write and read intriguing stories of the past.

~ Twitter ~ Goodreads ~
~ Amazon ~

Did you know that Berlin Butterfly: Ensnare recently won Honorable Mention for Historical Fiction in the Reader’s Favorite International Book Contest? Check it out!

https://readersfavorite.com/2019-award-contest-winners.htm

Treachery, heartache, and loneliness led Ella Kühn to take her first drink of alcohol ten years ago. When the delusions begin, images from her past threaten to challenge her state of mind. Ironically, the very thing that haunts her, is the thing that has kept her alive—the butterfly tattoo covering the gunshot wound to her right shoulder. It’s physical and emotional reminder not only symbolizes her courage, but also signifies Stefan’s absence . . . which now spans twelve years.

It’s 1983 in the Deutsch Democratic Republic. Trust remains a fragile ally as the Communist Bloc begins to crumble. Ella’s involvement in the rising opposition and underground punk movement, puts her more at risk than any escape plan ever could. She is followed, watched and hunted . . . but by whom? An old enemy? The Secret Police? Or her new employer?

In Release, the third and final installment of the Berlin Butterfly Series, Ella battles her inner demons as she struggles to survive the ever-growing darkness in the East. Will she regain her former strength and find a way to flee to the thinning borders of Czechoslovakia and join Anton and Josef? Or will ties to her precarious past keep her bound—her only release found in the freedom of pain and guilt while embracing life without her family in East Berlin?

And now for the Cover

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Make you sure pre-order your own copy today!!!

~ Universal Amazon Link ~

To view our blog schedule and follow along with this tour visit our Official Event page

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WELCOME TO “THE MEREST LOSS” BLOG TOUR! @STEVENNEIL12 @4WILLSPUB #RRBC

October 4, 2019 Room With Books

Steven is giving away (3) Signed Paperback copies of “THE MEREST LOSS.” For your chance to win, be sure to leave him a comment below.

Getting to know Steven Neil, the author of THE MEREST LOSS.

THE MEREST LOSS, a story of love and political intrigue, set against the backdrop of the English hunting shires and the streets of Victorian London and post-revolutionary Paris.

The Writing Process

1. How did you set about writing your novel?

I planned thirty-six chapters of not more than 2500 words for my novel, even before I had a subject. This arose from a conversation with one of my Creative Writing tutors.

Me: I can only write short stories. I could never write a novel.

Her: But you can write a 2500 word short story?

Me: Yes.

Her: Well, can you write ten 2500 word short stories?

Me: Yes, I suppose so.

Her: Well, if you write thirty-six short stories on a linked theme, you have written a novel.

2. Where did your ideas come from?

Originally, I was planning to write a Dick Francis style thriller and I was researching a jockey called Jem Mason, who won the first Grand National at Liverpool in 1839. I found a line in his description which said something like ‘also famous for his relationship with Harriet Howard, who ran away to live with him in London when she was fifteen and who also became Louis Napoleon’s mistress and financial backer’. I decided she was an even more interesting character and I set about writing a fictional account of her life.

3. Are you a planner?

As my answer to question one indicates, I am absolutely a planner. Once I have my outline however, I don’t write in a linear fashion. I move across the timelines and try to complete each chapter as a mini story.

4. How do you write, e.g. manuscript/PC?

I write straight on to PC and I edit on the PC. I have also used Dragon software to dictate on to PC. It works to about 85% accuracy once it learns your voice and I find it helps to unfreeze my thinking if I am struggling to type words on to the page.

5. When do you write: are you a lark or an owl?

I write at odd times. I often write late at night, but I also write early in the morning when ideas that have been running through my mind overnight are still fresh. I like to write to word count. I think 200-300 words at a time, edited and polished, is good going.

6. Do you have any writing rituals or habits?

I am not sure they are rituals or habits, but I do commit to reaching my word count every time I sit down to write. Even if the writing isn’t very good, I can always improve it later. ‘You can’t edit a blank page’ is good advice.

7. How do you edit?

I edit as I go along. I might generate 300 words of ‘new’ writing and then move to a section of ‘old’ i.e. unedited writing and spend time editing. I am always going back to the beginning and reading through, to make sure the continuity is right.

8. Have you experienced writer’s block and if so, how did you overcome it?

Not really. I just keep writing. Eventually it comes out.

9. What do you enjoy about the writing process?

I think I enjoyed the research process the most. I am not a natural writer. Nothing came easy. However, I think the planning and organisation skills I learned in my business career, allied to the writing craft skills I learned in my degree and my masters degree gave me the tools of the trade. I think Harriet Howard’s story deserved to be told as it is a fascinating tale. I hope I have done it justice.

10. Do you have any tips for aspiring writers?

I have met some tremendously naturally gifted writers but that alone will not make you a published author. I genuinely believe that, however gifted, you need to learn the craft of writing. Invest in a creative writing course and learn about structure, plot, point of view, character, setting and dialogue before you start writing. When you have finished the first draft of your novel, understand that you have only just begun the process of writing a publishable novel. Even if all your friends and family tell you your novel is brilliant, invest in an independent development and copy editor before you even think about publication.

© Steven Neil

THE MEREST LOSS is available in paperback and eBook in the US, UK, France, Canada and Australia.

AMAZON US/ UK/ FR/ CA/ AU

Follow Steven Neil on TWITTER for information on how to purchase the paperback through an independent bookseller in the UK.

Steven has a BSc in Economics from the London School of Economics, a BA in English Literature and Creative Writing from the Open University and an MA in Creative Writing from Oxford Brookes University. He has been a bookmaker’s clerk, bloodstock agent, racehorse breeder and management consultant amongst other professions in his varied career. He is married and lives in rural Northamptonshire, England. The Merest Loss is his debut novel.

YOUTUBE READING 6TH TURN: KAT by REN GARCIA

September 15, 2019 Room With Books

This Blitz is a bit of a change of pace for us We are doing something different and fun as Author Ren Garcia is making YouTube videos telling you the backstory of each chapter in his book and then narrating the chapter. The Treasure Hunt Questions will be based on the videos and you can answer the questions in the Rafflecopter.

Ren Garcia is a Science Fiction/Fantasy author and Texas native who grew up in western Ohio. He has been writing since before he could write, often scribbling alien lingo on any available wall or floor with assorted crayons. He attended The Ohio State University and majored in English Literature.

Ren has been an avid lover of anything surreal since childhood. He also has a passion for caving, urban archaeology, taking pictures of clouds, and architecture. He currently lives in Columbus, Ohio with his wife, and their four dogs.

~ Website ~ YouTube ~
~ Amazon ~

Raised in the dark under the lash of the Black Hat Sisterhood, when the woman who would become known as Kat, is sent on a suicide mission into the heart of the League, she was not expected to survive. Her mission: discover the identity of the fabled Shadow tech Goddess, a being who does not exist. All other considerations, including her possible death, are secondary.

But, Kat is guided by higher powers, by merciful hands that feed her, clothe her and whisper in her ear. As she watches the sun rise for the first time, she recalls their words: “Be strong,” they said. “You have much to live for.

~ Universal Amazon Link ~
~ Lite Version Amazon ~

YouTube Clip:

Subscribe to Author Ren Garcia’s Youtube Channel for more clips like this one.

The answer to Treasure Hunt Question #5 is in this video.

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Snippet:

She pulled out a wondrous container sealed with a lid. She toyed with it, turning it over in her hands. She tried biting it, pulling on it with her teeth—nothing. Ah look, the container seemed to have a top similar to the device imprisoning the Autocon.

“That is a jar with a removable lid,” it said. She worked the lid until she managed to twist it off. She held the lid aloft in triumph—she had mastered its operation. Inside the ‘jar’ was a terrible-smelling substance. She got some of it on her fingers. It was cold and slippery. “What is this?” she asked with disgust, wiping her fingers clean.

“That is an alkaline surfactant of fatty acids scented with various perfumes and essential oils. It’s commonly known as ‘soap’.”

“The soap is vile-smelling,” she said.

“It’s meant to cleanse your filthy body. Had you not been such a knobby slag, had you the occasion to have been presented to a Warlord while in the Shade Church, you would have been thoroughly cleansed with a similar surfactant, minus the perfumes, of course.”

After some doing, she twisted the lid to the ‘soap’ back on, essentially reversing what she had done to get the lid off, proud of her mastery of twisting and untwisting things. “Then I shall keep it in trust for the gods and present it to them when they arrive.” –Kat encountering a jar of soap for the first time.

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Treasure Hunt Questions 5-8: (put your answers in the rafflecopter below)

( One of the Rafflecopter Prizes is specifically for the Treasure Hunt Winner)

1- The Ghost – YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ld4mcGISszs

Question: Who is “The Ghost”?

A: Lady Gwendolyn of Prentiss

B: Lady Alesta of Dare

C: The Shadow tech Goddess

D: Lord Belmont

2- Wheel – YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=A-HDJkN3l2k

Question: What Happened to Walker?

A: She escaped and traveled to the east

B: She hid in the ruins

C: She was re-captured

D: She was decapitated

3- Bellathauser – YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EN3RltWUYAA

Question: What happened to Wheel?

A: She was consumed by the Demon in Blue Lights

B: Kat ripped her throat out.

C: She went into the catacombs and was never seen again

D: She discovered the identity of the Shadow tech Goddess and returned to the Shade Church

4- Mons Eagle – YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=L9pgx3Qkk30

Question: Who do A-Ram and Alesta meet in the city of Mons Eagle?

A: The Woman with the Gun

B: The Woman with the Headdress

C: Lord Belmont

D: Queen Wendilnight

See our Official Event Page for links to where you can find the rest of the Treasure Hunt Questions.

To view our blog schedule and follow along with this tour visit our Official Event page

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ABIGAIL by JESS HEILEMAN RELEASE DAY $50 GIVEAWAY

January 22, 2019 Room With Books

Abigail by Jess Heileman

“A beautiful coming-of-age story with just enough romantic tension to keep you reading late into the night.”

Since the death of her mother, Abigail Blakeslee has lost all desire to become a debutante and enter Society. But now, foregoing her first Season has brought an unwanted invitation to join her aunt and cousins for a summer at Timpton House, the large estate of the Stanton family.

Reluctantly accepting, Abigail is thrust into the vexing world of social propriety and matchmaking she had hoped to avoid. More vexing still is her cousin’s suitor, the young Timpton heir—Edwin Stanton. Moody and distant at times, remarkably endearing at others, Edwin seems a puzzle she can never solve, but can never quite put away. Bet then, Abigail has her own secret to hide—her own mystery to conceal. Perhaps such puzzles are better left unsolved, or perhaps love can find a solution.

Excerpt:

The library was filled with books, and it reminded me of the one at Easton Manor with overstuffed shelves, large windows, and numerous seats for reading. I grabbed a thin book off a nearby shelf and held it in my hand. I traced my finger over the title, The Tempest. It had been sometime since I’d picked up a book. Mother taught me to read and had given me the joy of new worlds and unforgettable stories. I’d spent countless afternoons tucked in a chair in our library, unable to stop reading; but when Mother died, I found little delight in anything, including the things she’d taught me to love.

“Have you read it?” Edwin asked peering over my shoulder.

“Of course!” I answered placing it back on the shelf.

“And I presume you enjoyed it?”

“Very much. I admit I am easily satisfied by a happy ending.” I kept my eyes searching the books, having little desire to receive the look of censure awaiting me. “The Shakespeare writings I enjoy most are those that end well—Twelfth Night, Midsummer Night’s Dream, The Taming of the Shrew—the ones where love is victorious.”

“A common ideal among ladies, I believe, and the reason his comedies are so popular.”

I turned towards him, “Life has enough of tragedy and grief, is there something wrong with finding satisfaction in love and happy endings?”

“There is,” he said. “The harm is believing in something that isn’t real, Miss Blakeslee.” He stepped closer, and my feet faltered. “Love only brings misery. To think otherwise is foolish. You just declared life is full of tragedy—”

“And that is why love is needed!”

“And that is what love causes!”

Neither of us moved and I could feel his warm breath on me. It was only then I realized how close we stood, my neck craning to look up at him, but I had no desire to move away.

“You do not understand love then,” I whispered.

The resentment in his gaze caught me by surprise. “And you do?”

“Yes! Love has saved me.” His eyes searched mine, “The love I know has the power to lift and to heal, to see past weakness and turn it to strength.”

“Love is fickle and will fail you.”

“Never.” I said shaking my head as tears stung my vision. “I do not know what counterfeit you describe but the love I have found is faithful and unconditional.”

He said nothing and after a moment his eyes drifted from mine in contemplation. After taking a deep breath he looked down at me again. He wore the stern expression I knew so well and took a step backward. “I hope you are correct in your judgment,” he said with a brisk nod. “Thank you for telling me.”

As he turned from me I wanted to call out to him, but I was too confused to contrive a response. I followed him to the study in a daze. Edwin positioned himself near the desk with his eyes cast to the floor as Diana glanced between us bewildered.

“How is it you’ve found something to quarrel about already? You were in there less than five minutes! Perhaps I should take on the role of mediator instead of chaperon for the two of you.”

Neither Edwin nor I smiled.

“This will not do! What was the disagreement this time?”

“There was not a disagreement,” Edwin said. “Well, at least that is not what caused the discontent.”

Curious what the cause had been I glanced in his direction, anxious for him to finish. A knock interrupted his revelation.

Diana shot to her feet and reached out her arm towards me, “We will go out the library.”

Edwin blocked our retreat, “You are fine to leave out the study door.” He shifted his gaze at the repeated knock, “Come in!”

The butler opened the door, his eyes gliding over Diana and me, “The Slytons are here to see you, Mr. Stanton.”

“Show them in.”

The Slytons? I was familiar with the name, but surely they were not the same as I had known. My heart picked up pace regardless of what I told myself. The door opened again and a tall, wiry lady and a shorter, burly man stepped through the door. They were older and somehow uglier, but it was them. My knees nearly gave out, and I tightened my hold on Diana’s arm for support.

“Mr. and Mrs. Slyton, I am pleased you finally agreed to make the trip to Timpton. This is my sister, Mrs. Ellis, and our friend, Miss Abigail Blakeslee.”

Mrs. Slyton nodded in our direction but abruptly turned her attention back to Edwin. “With such a gracious offer, how could we resist?” Her scratchy voice brought a slew of memories that made my body tremble.

I cautiously turned to find Mr. Slyton inspecting me through squinted eyes. Did he recognize me? I hadn’t seen him since I was a little girl, and I hoped the years had done their job adequately enough to disguise me. I lifted my chin, attempting to appear unaffected by his presence and was relieved when Mr. Slyton turned towards Diana, appraising her with the same disgusting grimace he’d given me. I looked to Edwin and found him returning my gaze, a peculiar expression on his features.

Edwin moved to my side and placed a firm hand around my waist, guiding me to the door. My ears were ringing, and I was confident he said something to me, but I couldn’t be sure. As we walked from the study, his touch retracted, and Diana took his place directing me back down the corridor.

I was uncertain where I was being led and soon found myself seated in a distantly familiar room. “Bring refreshment at once!” Diana’s voice echoed through my mind. My head was spinning, and I rested it against the chair as my vision faded into blackness.

Praise for Abigail:

This outstanding novel was intelligent, fun, and romantic. I read it twice and had as much fun reading it the second time as I did the first time, if not more. The author is not only creative in developing a believable story line, but the character development kept me engaged and entertained. This was probably one of my favorite romance novels of all time; it lacked nothing. The romantic tensions kept me wondering how conflicts would resolve—creative and unpredictable twists abound. It plays out like a great movie in my mind. More from this author would be a super gift to us all; keep it coming!! – Emily, ID

I loved reading Abigail! The writing was witty and descriptive, providing a beautiful, vivid, and deep world to visit in my mind as I read. The characters were real and relatable, causing me to suffer or swoon as occasion permitted. A perfectly clean, charming yet profound, wonderful novel! – Kim, AZ

Abigail is one of those stories that sweeps you into another world and won’t let you put it down. It’s a beautiful unlikely love story that you’ve never heard before. The storyline is enchanting, and you will easily see part of yourself in Abigail’s character as she explores the world beyond the walls of her precious Easton Manor. – Wendy, NV

Most definitely a book that keeps you reading, even past your bedtime. Helps you forget about all your responsibilities in life until the last word, on the last page. – Larissa, UT

This book took me by surprise. It hooked me at the prologue. Abigail had me laughing out loud, tearing up and blushing. It was my “show” that I couldn’t wait to get back to. It was a clever, easy read that had me guessing: what could possibly happen next? A perfect escape! Time for a sequel! – Julie, CA

I enjoyed Abigail so much. The characters were developed in such a way that you felt like you were there with them, like you knew them. Surprising plot twists, charming characters and a well thought out storyline made this book one that I didn’t want to put down. I highly recommend Abigail! – Jamie, AZ

I loved Abigail! I couldn’t put it down and read into the night. Great plot and character development. I hope there’s more books to come! – Carrie, AZ

I really enjoyed this book. I loved the characters and the relationships built throughout the book. It was full of surprises that will make you laugh and cry all at once. I never saw the end coming. It is a book that I will read over and over again. – Monika, IA

Abigail is an enchanting look into a historical time period full of tradition and social propriety. As Abigail struggles to fit into that society, she stands out for her willingness to be herself. I was quickly drawn into the story and a desire to follow Abigail through her adventure built quickly. The story does not disappoint. The visual images of places and events created in my mind were amazing. It was so engaging I couldn’t stop reading. – Kim, ID

Author Jess Heileman

In kindergarten, Jess won a first prize ribbon for her original creation Pigs in Wigs. It was a solid storyline: there was this pig that wore a wig–and it rhymed. Not impressed? Neither were her children when shown the very masterpiece that influenced her to become an author. “You won a ribbon for that?” Yes. Yes, she did.

Thankfully, life has since exposed her to a thorough education with its share of awards and accolades–and, more importantly, to the trials and human experiences that form the heart of a storyteller and the substance of great stories.

Besides her love of writing, Jess is an avid reader, shameless people observer, international café loiterer, and partially retired photographer. She loves being a mother to five amazing humans and a wife to the greatest man she knows.

Website * Newsletter * Facebook * Instagram

Giveaway Details
$50 Amazon Gift Card or Paypal Cash
Ends 2/15/19

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. This giveaway was organized by Kathy from Clean Wholesome Romance and is sponsored by the author. VOID WHERE PROHIBITED BY LAW.

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VIOLIN WORDS by TAYLOR DEAN BLAST

November 22, 2018 Room With Books

Violin Words

by Taylor Dean

WHO IS THE AUTHOR?

When Jade Lockwood begins to receive anonymous love letters, she becomes a woman on a mission. She’s determined to figure out who wrote the flowery, over-the-top letters filled with the sweetest violin words she’s ever heard.

She’s neglected her love life, concentrating on Lockwood Cabins, the business her father built from the ground up. But her sweet letters have awakened something inside of her, something that can’t be ignored.

Facing Christmas alone this year, her emotions are already fragile. Add in a mysterious burglary, a handsome stranger, and a little deceit, and it just might be the most eventful Christmas she’s ever endured.

Will Jade find her happy ending? Or will her love letters prove to be nothing more than a sinister ploy?

Find out in this charming Christmas novel.

Get your copy on Amazon

Read for FREE with Kindle Unlimited

Praise for Violin Words

Don’t miss this fun, perfect holiday read by a master storyteller!
– Mylissa Demeyere, Author of The Songs of You and Me and The Songs that Brought Me Back

A sweet, heartwarming romance with a twist of mystery and suspense, all wrapped up in Christmas magic that makes this one hard to put down.
– Charissa Stastny, Author of The Ruled Out Romance Series

Excerpt

I have no clue whatsoever as to The Author of the one and only love letter I’ve ever received. I’ve neglected my love life, giving all of my attention to Lockwood Cabins. Now I realize what a mistake that has been. When I read the letter, I’m filled with sensations I didn’t know existed.

It’s as if I can physically feel the depth behind his words. I’m taken away to another world and I just want to float away, wrapped in his love.

The Author’s words are flowery and eloquent, stirring and moving. They’re as lyrical and achingly sweet as a few strokes from a violin.

Violin words.

Yes.

My letter is filled with violin words. All meant for me. And I love them.

A few simple chords from a violin inspires soul soaring emotion within me and leaves me breathless. Somehow the sound speaks to me and I have to close my eyes and thank God that I’m alive, if only to hear such a precious sound.

But when I read my love letter, my reaction is the same. Words alone have never had this effect on me. Plain and simple words—twenty-six letters all strung together in thousands of combinations—and together they form the most beautiful thoughts. I hold the letter to my chest and absorb the love.

It’s the sweetest torture, the most exquisite agony. I welcome it. To feel is to live, I know that now.

Wow. Just wow. Are those violin words really directed toward me? I always figured I’d meet someone and get married one day. But never in my wildest dreams did I imagine a man would speak to me like that. It sends a thrill through my body. Every time.

Author Taylor Dean

Taylor Dean lives in Texas and is the mother of four grown children. Upon finding herself with an empty nest, she began to write the stories that were always wandering around in her head, quickly finding she had a passion for writing, specifically romance. Whether it’s paranormal, contemporary, or suspense—you’ll find all sub-genres of clean romance in her line-up.

Website * Twitter * Facebook * Goodreads * Newsletter

Blast Giveaway Details

$50 Amazon Gift Card or PayPal Cash

Ends 12/12/18

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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FALL INTO A ROMANTIC MYSTERY

October 3, 2018 Room With Books

Fall Into A Romantic Mystery

With the temperature dropping and leaves turning colors, it’s time to get ready for the cool days of fall. And what better way to prepare for the long nights ahead than to download a great whodunit novel with a dash (or heaping helping) of romance. Below we have crafted a quiz to help you find your next great read, but be warned, the titles all have mysteries that need to be solved and villains that must be brought to justice. So grab a thick blanket, a cup of hot cocoa, and answer the following questions to discover which romantic mystery you will want to “fall” into next.

Where is your perfect romantic mystery set?
- A) In “small town USA”. The everyday setting makes the violent crimes all the more shocking.
- B) The rolling hills of Texas where there are lots of places to hide.
- C) In a historic mansion near the choppy waters of Virginia, giving the story a Gothic feel.
I want to read about a heroine who is …
- A) one hundred percent devoted to her family yet balanced enough to find success in her chosen career;.
- B) intelligent and diligent, with a pressing drive to help others;.
- C) currently in mourning after losing a loved one, but strong enough to take on any challenge.
Is your heroine in peril?
- A) She may face down a bad guy (or two), but thankfully her significant other is always there to guard her with his life.
- B)In my fictional world nobody is safe. NOBODY!
- C) The heroine doesn’t face physical danger, but her emotions take a severe beating as she learns terrible secrets from the past.
When your heroine needs backup, who is she going to call?
- A) Her BF who just happens to be a private investigator that solves crimes for a living.
- B) A steely-eyed Texas Ranger who is known for delivering justice.
- C) The town leader who is a successful businessman and pillar of the community.
My ideal hero is….
- A) totally and completely devoted to supporting his woman;
- B) dependable and incredibly strong, however, he has suffered a loss and every once in a while his vulnerability shows through;
- C) steadfast, principled, and dedicated to his community.
When sitting down to read a mystery, the crimes should be…
- A)studied in a clinical, professional manner;
- B) frequent and terrifying! I want something that keeps me up at night;.
- C) in the past. I like trying to figure out who the bad guy is instead of focusing on violence.
When the last page of the book is read, I want to feel…
- A) that second chances are not only real, but they can be incredibly joyous;
- B) a sense of deep satisfaction that justice has been found and order restored;
- C) tremendous hope and optimism for the future.

***

If you choose mostly A’s … then get ready to follow dedicated defense attorney Morgan Dane as she takes on her next case in Melinda Leigh’s What I’ve Done.

Morgan has been hired to defend Haley Powell after the young woman wakes up in a pool of the victim’s blood. And while Haley has no memory of the night and no alibi, Morgan is sure that there is more to this crime than a simple case of murder. With the help of her private investigator boyfriend Lance Kruger, Morgan inches towards answers all the while dodging threats meant to keep her silent.

Purchase What I’ve Done by Melinda Leigh Here

https://amzn.to/2xSesRv

***

If you choose mostly B’s … then the lightning fast twists and turns of Mary Burton’s romantic suspense novel Cut and Run is just right for you.

Medical examiner Faith McIntyre is used to investigating grizzly crime scenes, yet she is totally unprepared when faced with a barely-alive victim that looks EXACTLY like her. With no answers and nowhere else to turn, Faith teams up with her colleague-with-benefits Texas Ranger Mitchell Hayden. Together they discover decades old crime scenes, as well as new victims of a serial killer.

Preorder Cut and Run by Mary Burton Here

https://amzn.to/2OaJKgT

***

If you choose mostly C’s … then get ready to be transported to the windswept beaches where Mary Ellen Taylor sets her next release Winter Cottage.

When heroine Lucy Kincaid loses her mother, she receives an unexpected inheritance—a lonely old estate big enough to hold the secrets of Lucy’s family. Why did her mother never mention the mansion or the sea swept town of Cape Hudson? Who is Lucy’s father? And why is there a (literal) skeleton on Lucy’s property? With more questions than answers, Lucy turns to handsome local Hank Garrison only to find he has a motive for wanting the Winter Cottage all to himself…

Preorder Winter Cottage by Mary Ellen Taylor Here

https://amzn.to/2xVFHKW

***

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ROMANCE IS IN THE AIR VALENTINE’S DAY GIVEAWAY

February 14, 2018 Room With Books

Happy Valentine’s Day!

We hope you are enjoying this month-long celebration of clean romance!

Today marks the halfway point of this event! There are currently over $300 in giveaways you can enter!

We still have 2 more weeks of great giveaways and amazing authors coming your way, but we wanted to throw in this bonus easy-to-enter $25 giveaway to help you celebrate Valentine’s Day!

Taylor Dean

Rachelle Christensen

Jennifer Moore

Cindy Roland Anderson

Giveaway Details

$25 in PayPal Cash or a $25 Amazon.com eGift Card

Ends 2/28/18

Open only to those who can legally enter, receive and use money sent via PayPal or gift codes via Amazon.com. 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. This giveaway was organized by Kathy from I Am A Reader and sponsored by the participating authors. VOID WHERE PROHIBITED BY LAW.

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IF I COULD STAY by Annette K. Larsen COVER REVEAL @Annetteklarsen

February 12, 2018 Room With Books

Coming February 22, 2018

If I Could Stay

by Annette K. Larsen

They killed her mother, and if they find her, Leila could be next. Being pursued from one state to another, she has learned to constantly look over her shoulder, and when necessary, to become someone new. She’s burned through four cities and four identities, always managing to stay one step ahead.

Now Leila is left with nothing. No car, no money, and no choice but to trust the man who finds her, half frozen, wandering the back roads of Missouri.

Despite the fact that Jack seems to genuinely care about her, Leila knows all too well the danger she poses to anyone brave enough to get close to her. Her growing feelings for Jack force her to make a choice. She could risk staying and hope she’s not found, or she could do what she’s always done, and disappear.

Excerpt

I don’t know how long we sat in that pickup truck, two strangers wrapped around each other. One desperate for help, the other willing to give it without a thought for himself. But it was long enough that my shaking stopped, and my breathing slowed, and I started to feel very, very tired.

“You falling asleep on me?” he asked.

“Maybe,” I whispered.

“So you can talk.”

I cleared my throat and took a deep breath, realizing for the first time how good he smelled. “Yeah. I can talk.”

“You got a name?”

Hmm. I hadn’t decided on a new name yet. Now was as good a time as any. “Celeste.” It came out sounding like a question.

“You sure?”

I let out a little chuckle. “No, I’m not sure. What do you think my name should be?” I was feeling a little bit floaty, safe, like everything was suddenly fine.

He grunted. “Angel seems appropriate.”

My brow furrowed in confusion. I wasn’t an angel. I might not have been sure of much right then, but I did know that. “Why?” I asked as I was finally able to unlock my arms and wrap them around him.

“That’s what you looked like, standing in the middle of the road. Your hair looked like it was glowing. Though that might have been frost.”

I was guessing my white blouse, beige pants, blonde hair and pale skin all added to the image.

He cleared his throat. “Wow, that sounded cheesy. I swear I’m not trying to hit on you.”

I smiled, knowing that was true. “What’s your name?”

“Jack.”

“Nice to meet you, Jack. I’m pretty sure you saved my life.”

Author Annette K Larsen

I was born in Utah, but migrated to Arizona, Missouri, and Virginia before settling in Idaho.

Though I dabbled in writing throughout school, being an author seemed like an unattainable dream. It took me seven years to write my first book, Just Ella. During that time, I taught myself how to write a novel. Not the most time effective method, but it gave me an education I wouldn’t have received from a class or a how-to book. Something about the struggle of writing without a formula or rules worked for me.

I write clean romance because I love it. Jane Eyre is the hero of my youth and taught me that clinging to your convictions will be hard, but will bring you more genuine happiness than giving in ever can.

I love chocolate, Into the Woods, ocean waves, my husband, and my five littles. And I love books that leave me with a sigh of contentment.

**Website * Facebook * Twitter * Instagram**

Also by Annette K. Larsen

Giveaway Details

$25 Amazon Gift Card or PayPal Cash Giveaway

Ends 2/23/18

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Lessons From a Difficult Person; How to Deal With People Like Us Spotlight Tour @MaineSam @iReadBookTours

January 31, 2017 Room With Books

Lessons From a Difficult Person;

How to Deal With People Like Us

By Sarah Elliston

Elliston is a highly successful workshop leader and trainer, who offers wisdom learned the hard way—by experience – as well as through rigorous study and certification in many areas of professional training that aid her in her work — Values Realization, Parent Effectiveness Training and Reality Therapy. She is a faculty member of the William Glasser Institute. Glasser is an internationally recognized psychiatrist and developer of Reality Therapy, a method of psychotherapy that teaches people they have a choice in how they choose to behave.

The methods Elliston offers in her book end the trauma and the drama, and minimize the possibility of confrontation. She gives YOU, the reader, the ability to take a strong, positive, confident—yet compassionate–stance with the “difficult person”—whether that is a relative, coworker, friend, one of your children or anyone else for that matter.

Elliston demonstrates how to:

Identify the ways to talk to a “difficult” person
Incorporate true incentives to help people change
Make real the consequences of the “difficult” person’s action
Increase success through acceptance and belonging
Avoid being triggered by the “difficult” person allowing you to neutralize those hot buttons and communicate without judgment

Elliston lays out a proven script for peacefully transforming the difficult person’s behavior and the environment. She gives you the tools for successfully initiating and engaging in a conversation with a difficult person that would lead to change.

Where did you get your information or ideas for your book?

The content of the book came from my life and my perspective of my life as well as the theories and concepts of Values Realization, Parent Effectiveness Training and Choice Theory and Reality Therapy. I became familiar with the bodies of knowledge in my life, liked them and realized to really understand them I needed to teach them.

Parent Effectiveness Training taught me about boundaries with others, my child and other family members. It taught me how to listen without judging and how to tell someone when I had a problem with their behavior. Values Realization is an enormous body of information based on the concept that there are seven criteria for a value and it is challenging to live in integrity with our deeds matching our creeds. We often allow old experiences and opinions to cloud our ability to live by our values.

Choice Theory and Reality Therapy teach that almost all behavior is chosen and we are driven by our genes to satisfy five basic needs: survival, love and belonging, power and achievement, freedom and fun. Reality Therapy teaches us that the only person we can control is ourselves and that we have to give up trying to control others. External control doesn’t not work; it destroys relationships. Most problems have relationship issues at their core and it is a current relationship, not the past.

These ideas and my experience with creating activities to help explore them are what I used to develop my book. I believe that difficult people have relationship issues and they are difficult because that is all they know how to do. I didn’t know what I was doing until someone told me in a clear, nonjudgmental manner. It led to enhanced relationships and my being less difficult.

Is this a Self Help book or a memoir of your life?

It’s a little bit of both. I explore my childhood and growing up as an attempt to show how one difficult person evolved. I describe how others managed to work with me, be married to me and not be able to tell me, in language I could understand, that I was difficult. There is no blame here, just a collection of my experiences.

My purpose is to invite the reader to face the issue of the difficult person in their life and discover what could be done to have a conversation with that person. Most of the book is a series of concepts and exercises in self-exploration for the reader. In order to have a successful conversation with the difficult person the reader needs to reflect on his own judgments and attitudes and decide if it really is his business. There are strategies for practicing the conversation as well as examples of some and reports of some of my coaching clients.

Finally, there is an outline of how a conversation might flow, with potential choice s of what the reader might say.

Doesn’t our world create difficult people?

Our culture encourages people to speak their minds and show initiative and in some cases, we grow up without learning appropriate boundaries or behavior. In an effort to be inclusive and participatory some organizations and families become permissive and discontent is usually the result. So here, perhaps, our world creates difficult people.

I think it is as much the above as it is a lack of willingness of individuals to take a step to talk to another person about what they are doing. To make the connection and experience a negative reaction can be enough to have people turn away, at which point they may become angry or sarcastic and evolve into being difficult themselves.

A mental health professional once told me that the most important word for good mental health is RISK. Brené Brown, research professor of sociology and author of three #1 New York Times bestsellers: The Gifts of Imperfection, Daring Greatly, and Rising Strong, has spent the last fourteen years studying vulnerability, shame, and empathy. Dr. Brown points out that one is not truly alive and engaged unless one is vulnerable. Taking a risk to have a conversation with a difficult person is being vulnerable and will bring real results.

Reading this book and participating in the suggested exercises will be risky. Closer relationships and clearer boundaries might result.

What is one take-away from your book that you hope your readers remember?

I hope readers will remember that the difficult person is not intentionally being difficult. My experience shows that even people who have done some introspection and self-help activities don’t realize how others perceive the nor how they are impacting others.

I had been seeing therapists of one sort or another most of my life and attended various workshops to determine ways to find happiness in my life and still had behaviors that others found difficult. It was as natural to me as breathing and I didn’t understand that others avoided me. I wished for more friends but something was always wrong with them once I got them.

A difficult person does not know what they are doing that aggravates the reader and if the only idea the reader takes is to ask the person, “Do you know you do this and it annoys the heck out of me?” it will be a first step in healing the relationship.

What do you mean by “being in someone’s business?”

This is a concept I learned from Byron Katie, creator of a self-inquiry process called The Work and author of bestselling books: Loving What Is, and A Thousand Names for Joy. Katie states that there are three kinds of business: my business which is everything about me, your business which is everything about you and God’s business which is everything else.

Being in someone’s business is what brings us pain. Trying to be in God’s business also brings us pain. How do we know we are out of our own business? Probably because we are in pain. I teach the concept in the book Lessons from a Difficult Person for the reader to self-evaluate his desire for someone to be different. If he wants the other to be different because he thinks the other would be better or happier if he changed, the reader is in the other person’s business.

If the reader wants the other to consider changing because the behavior of the other has concrete impact on productivity in the workplace or comfort and happiness in a family situation, and it directly impacts the reader, then it is more possible that he is in his own business. Clarity around this boundary is essential for developing a conversation with the difficult person that will invite a better relationship.

There is nothing more annoying than someone who says, “You know what your problem is? You should just do this and you’d be so much happier.” It’s possibly true but we don’t like being told what to do. When someone asks, “Are you aware that you’re doing this and it is negatively impacting others? Is that what you want?” we are more open to considering a change. We are given information and asked if it’s what we want. We can choose to change or not. It is our business.

Sarah (Sam) Elliston is an expert in the art of Dealing with Difficult People. She is a top workshop leader and a member of the faculty of the William Glasser Institute, which espouses “Reality Therapy” to foster behavioral change.

But her instructional career began long before she even became aware that she was herself a “difficult person,” traits that began in Lincoln MA, where she grew up. For more than 30 years she has been teaching and training, first as a high school teacher in Ohio and Cincinnati—and then as an administrator in the not-for-profit sector.

Website ~ Twitter ~ Facebook

Prize: One winner will receive a copy of Lessons from a Difficult Person and a $10 Amazon gift card (open to USA & Canada). Ends Feb 25, 2017.

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Jan 30 – Library of Clean Reads – book spotlight / giveaway

Jan 30 – Books, Dreams, Life – book spotlight

Jan 31 – 100 Pages A Day – book spotlight / giveaway

Jan 31 – Reviews by Room With Books – book spotlight / author interview / giveaway

Jan 31 – Writers and Authors – book spotlight / author interview

Feb 1 – Fantastic Feathers – book spotlight / guest post

Feb 1 – Man of la Book – A Bookish Blog – book spotlight / guest post

Feb 2 – #redhead.with.book – book spotlight / giveaway

Feb 3 – Laura’s Interests – book spotlight / guest post / giveaway

Feb 3 – A Mama’s Corner of the World – book spotlight / guest post / giveaway

Feb 6 – Outset – Rakhi Jayashankar’s Blog – book spotlight

Feb 6 – Books for Books – book spotlight

Feb 7 – Sylv all about books – book spotlight / giveaway

Feb 8 – Bound 2 Escape – book spotlight / giveaway

Feb 9 – JBronder Book Reviews – book spotlight / author interview

Feb 9 – Deal Sharing Aunt – book spotlight / giveaway

Feb 10 – Cheryl’s Book Nook – book spotlight / author interview / giveaway

Feb 10 – Rainy Day Reviews – book spotlight / author interview

Feb 13 – Reading Authors – book spotlight / giveaway

Feb 14 – Everyday Gyaan – book spotlight / giveaway

Feb 15 – Perfect Chaos – book spotlight / giveaway

Feb 16 – Rockin’ Book Reviews – book spotlight / guest post / giveaway

Feb 16 – T’s Stuff – book spotlight / author interview / giveaway

Feb 17 – Health Is Our Key – book spotlight

Feb 17 – Seaside Book Nook – book spotlight / giveaway

Mummy’s Little Angel Review Tour @JWLawson_Books @iReadBookTours @WorldsBestStory

September 30, 2016 Room With Books

Mummy’s Little Angel is the first place winner of World’s Best Story!

worlds-best-story

About the Book

mummys-little-angel Joanne didn’t believe that her life could become worse than it already was. She had lost everybody and everything she had loved. She was alone. Surely she had suffered enough? The press had called her identical twins psychopaths. Her Maggie. Her Annie. But she still loved them, even though one of them had killed her husband, Jeff. Joanne believed that his murder had been an accident. How could one of her girls be a murderer? She knew them better than anybody else. They were good girls really.

She just had to prove it.

The brutal murder of her god-daughter Laura had never been solved. Items were missing when Laura’s remains had been discovered: clues that could lead to the capture of her killer. One of them was Laura’s doll … the doll that Joanne later discovered in her home. Joanne is facing the most horrific dilemma of her life. Has the wrong woman been imprisoned? Could her child have used such brutality against her best friend? Or could both women be innocent after all?

She needs to find somebody for her daughter to confide in; somebody she will trust. She needs a miracle. There is only one person who can help. He is compassionate and caring, with an amazing ability to gain the trust of the most difficult patients. He is Joanne’s only hope. He is Jonathan Davies.

Amazon ~ Barnes & Noble ~ Friesen Press

Book Trailer

by JW Lawson

Once upon a time …

I had a dream. That dream was to publish my book. The book I’d been working on for many years. The book I’d created in my mind when I was just nineteen. The book I was too frightened to complete – for fear that I would be judged, criticised, even laughed at. I stopped writing and concentrated on my career and, along the way, I met many amazing people …

“Before my accident, I was a professional diver,” he said. “ I broke my neck in a diving accident which resulted in me becoming a paraplegic. But, that hasn’t stopped me at all! In fact, I’ve just sailed the world, despite my disability. And, I’m helping many others to achieve their dreams in the same way that I have.”

A beautiful, young woman directs her wheelchair towards me and smiles. “Yes, I’m going to learn how to sail,” she whispers. I bend down so that I can hear her soft voice. She moves her long, blonde hair away from her face and her eyes widen. “I’m so excited. I really didn’t believe that I’d have the confidence to do this, but I have … thanks to this hospital and the friends I’ve made here. I will sail. I will have a future and I will qualify as a doctor … someday. Her eyes fill with tears. I pass her a tissue but instead of feeling self-pity, she tells me her story. “I am the lucky one. My three friends were killed instantly in the crash and me? I am blessed. I didn’t even suffer from a scratch. It’s Ironic that the ambulance didn’t see me and ran over me isn’t it?” I don’t know what to say, where to look even. Her pretty blue eyes meet mine. “I had to stop studying for a while, but thanks to this wonderful rehab unit, I’m ready now to move on and make my dreams come true.”

The television cameras focus on the patients as they are assisted into the wheelchair accessible vehicle our Company built. I’m bursting with pride. Not for me but for them. Each and every person sitting in this vehicle has an amazing story to tell. Each and every one of them inspires me.

The following week, I meet another customer. The journalists are there, along with fifty trustees from a Charity and many dignitaries. He struggles out of his wheelchair, stands up, and taps on the microphone. Despite a speech impediment, he delivers a moving speech. Despite his profound disabilities, he smiles for the camera and thanks me for helping his dream come true. As humbled as I am with his kind compliments, I feel a fraud.

I finished my book and wrote another. And someday, the author who was scared of being laughed at … or judged, will write another book. A factual book based on the lives of the amazing people she has met who are simply grateful to be here and still have dreams. I genuinely hope that they all come true.

jw-lawson Award Winning Author, JW Lawson is already gaining recognition for her writing talents in the US and world-wide. The second of a trilogy of sensational thrillers, Mummy’s Little Angel is the winner of the highly acclaimed Worlds Best Story competition and has also received some outstanding reviews from the professional team of judges in the competition. She is currently writing her third thriller, Crossroads which will be available in 2017 and the final book of the current series, Hush Little Baby will be available in 2018.

Website ~ Twitter ~ Facebook

Prizes

Win a copy of Mummy’s Little Angel (print or ebook)

One winner will also get a $20 Amazon gift card

(open to USA & Can – 7 winners total)

Ends Oct 8

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Tour Schedule:

Sept 5 – Mystery Suspense Reviews – book spotlight / guest post

Sept 6 – Ali – The Dragon Slayer – review / guest post / giveaway

Sept 7 – Cheryl’s Book Nook – review / author interview / giveaway

Sept 7 – Fantastic Feathers – review

Sept 8 – Book Crazy Scrapbook Mama – book spotlight / author interview / giveaway

Sept 8 – Keenly Kristin – review

Sept 9 – The Autistic Gamer – review

Sept 12 – Cover2Cover – book spotlight / giveaway

Sept 12 – The World As I See It – review / giveaway

Sept 13 – Books, Movies, Reviews. Oh my! – review / giveaway

Sept 13 – Celticlady’s Reviews – book spotlight / giveaway

Sept 14 – Musings Over Nothing – review / author interview

Sept 15 – T’s Stuff – review / author interview / giveaway

Sept 16 – The travelogue of a book addict – The Book Drealms – review / giveaway

Sept 19 – Readers Muse – review

Sept 19 – A Mama’s Corner of the World – book spotlight / guest post / giveaway

Sept 20 – The Silver Dagger Scriptorium – review / guest post / giveaway

Sept 21 – Lisa Loves Literature – book spotlight / author interview / giveaway

Sept 21 – Life as Leels – review

Sept 22 – fuonlyknew – review / giveaway

Sept 23 – Bound 4 Escape – review / giveaway

Sept 26 – Sylv all about books and films – review / guest post

Sept 27 – The Best Books Ever – review

Sept 28 – Book and Ink – review

Sept 29 – The Cubicle Escapee – review

Sept 30 – Bookmyopia – review

Sept 30 – Room With Books – review(delayed) / guest post / giveaway