Morning Peeps!

Time to share with you a really great book, that I've just read. This paperback has sat on my bookshelf for two years and last week I finally got round to reading it – was I surprised! Quite simply, I found Water for Elephants an exceptional read and one that any reader should not miss. Briefly the novel is during the Depression in the USA and it recalls how a circus struggles to survive. The story is seen from the eyes of Jacob Jankowski, an unqualified vet who jumped on the Benzini Brothers circus train, one evening after the shocking death of his parents.

The action in Water for Elephants is just right; more than sufficiently paced to keep the reader glued to the pages. There are flashbacks reverting back to the nursing home of the present-day, where Jacob is finding his aged infirmity unbearable, but somehow this only adds to the depth of the story.

Sara Gruen has created a circus world that's believable; one that you feel right in the midst of and this is carried through with her characters.  Uncle Al, (the circus boss) and August, (the animal trainer) are characters you’ll hate. Whereas Marlena, Kinko the Dwarf, and Camel are character's you’ll love. Chief protagonist is Jacob Jankowski and I found myself completely empathising with him. His struggle to fit into circus life, gain acceptance from his peers and deal with the urges of his love interest, make him a hugely engaging character.

I highly recommend this book. It's a gripping story and is one of those novels which will both shock and thrill you. The stark poverty of the early nineteen hundreds is interspersed with details of the emotional deprivation the main character, Jacob experiences in a nursing home during his latter years. Yet in both settings a light is shone on acts of kindness which define our humanity and reinforce the fragile dignity of those who are almost overwhelmed by their plights. There is a social history dimension to the story which enhances its value and impact. This is easily one of the better books I've ever read.

Thank for dropping by! Happy reading

Faithx

AMAZON.CO.UK                                      AMAZON.COM

Morning Peeps!

Today, I've snaffled a blog post courtesy of Editor, John Hudspith. I found it extremely funny and absolutely true..I think you'll enjoy it too. Thanks John.

On NOT Hiring an Editor … my interview with a vampire.
Introducing `Y` – a `successful` author.   Define successful author.

Y: My Amazon royalties pay the rent and buy the groceries.

What do you think the key ingredient is towards making huge sales?

Y: My fans love my books, they know how I write.

Why do they love them?

Y: *shrugs* Everybody has fantasies lol. I guess they like the ideas.

The sex you mean?

Y: Yes.

All of your books sell well yet they have many low scoring reviews, most of which complain about flat or dumb characters as well as puerile writing. Don’t you ever want to put that right?

Y: Puerile???

Childish.

Y: I don’t think there’s anything wrong with the writing.

Perhaps you can’t see that but some of your readers obviously can. Are you a member of any writing groups where your peers might help you improve with the flat characterisation and the immature writing?

Y: I used to be a member of xxxxxxxxxx but don’t bother now.

Why not? The site you mentioned has a good review system in place. You could make your writing better.

Y: The writing is okay as it is.

Aren’t you interested in preventing those low scoring reviews?

Y: I really don’t have time. I’ve websites to look after and books to write. Fans are always demanding the next one.

I view the art of writing for the craft that it is. I can see its beguiling depths and love nothing more than to swim in its trenches of discovery, striving always to learn and improve, understanding that there is no perfection. Does the adventure of such discovery not twist your melons?

Y: You just said there is no perfection.

That was my point. The art of writing offers infinite possibilities and with a little effort on your behalf you could take your writing from puerile to great or even magnificent. Doesn’t that appeal?

Y: I don’t have time, like I just told you. My fans love my writing. They beg for more. I don’t need to improve anything.

What about pride?

Y: Of course I’m proud. I’m selling lots of books, something I’ve always wanted to do.

I’m talking about having pride in your writing.

Y: There’s nothing wrong with the writing. Those reviews are only opinions.

You don’t respect the opinions? If someone suggests the writing to be childish or the characters dumb and flat doesn’t it make you want to do something about that?

Y: Those reviews are only opinions.

So you have no pride in your writing?

Y: I’m very proud.

Of the many sales, yes, I get that, but you have no pride in your skills of the craft, would you agree?

Y: Maybe there are things that could be made better but I don’t have time.

That being the case we can break this down to a simple conclusion. You are like a vampire, leeching off the sexual needs of your clamouring readers, disinterested in improving their reading experience.

Y: Lol!

That wasn’t meant to be funny.

Y: I’m a successful author.

You are a successful salesman, but a mediocre writer.

Y: There’s nothing wrong with the writing.

Puerile?

Y: People shouldn’t be allowed to leave reviews like that.

Okay, let’s talk about the mistakes.

Y: Mistakes?

The typos, grammatical errors, continuity errors, punctuation errors.

Y: There may be the odd one just like any in any novel.

True, however, if we take your novel xxxxxxx as an example, there are glaring errors on every page.

Y: I think you’re exaggerating.

I can email you a doc with the errors highlighted.

Y: No thanks.

What advice would you give to aspiring writers who read this interview?

Y: You can’t use my name.

Why not? You have a great many sales with clamouring fans and many five star reviews, of which you say you are proud, surely our chat would garner more sales?

Y: I don’t need the publicity.

But your success is a perfect example of why writers should not hire an editor or a proof reader. Who needs such unnecessary expense when sales can be made without editorial aid. Isn’t that what you’re saying?

Y: I guess I am, but you can’t put my name to this.

I accept that your pride lies in making great sales, and I accept your conviction lies in churning out the next book, but shouldn’t you have the courage of your convictions?

Y: I don’t churn them out. I write for hours into the night, every day.

How long did xxxxxxxx take you to write?

Y: About eight weeks then another two editing.

You edited?

Y: of course.

Eight weeks for a full draft is mighty quick… I do think that could be classed as churning.

Y: Your opinion.

You didn’t answer my earlier question… What advice would you give to aspiring writers?

Y: Just write and get your books out there.

What about employing an editor or a proof reader?

Y: That’s personal preference.

I’d suggest it’s down to whether or not you have pride in your skills as a writer. If you want your writing to stand out, want to keep those review scores high, want to hold your head high, then you should attempt to bring some quality to your work.

Y: I am proud.

But you won’t hold your head high?

Y: I do. My family are proud of my success.

If you are proud enough to hold your head high then I can assume it’s okay to use your real name?

Y: No, you may not use my name.

Then I guess I can’t link to your books?

Y: No.

Pick a letter.

Y: Why?

Thank you for your time.

There it is, folks. You don’t necessarily need an editor. Simply determine where your pride lies and go from there.

Thanks john and thanks everyone for dropping by.

Afternoon Peeps!

Back in the swing of letting you know about new and exciting books...today I'm featuring Amelia's Call.

In the first instance, I have to say that Amelia's Call is atypical of Margaret's work. First, it's a novella rather than a short story, and its greater length allows for a more engaging narrative and greater depth of characterization. Second, it's dominated by flawed rather than 'nice' characters. Third, it's a work that will trigger quite different responses in readers, depending upon their own ideas about the responsibilities of marriage. The story commences with bride-to-be Amelia thinking about her wedding to Steven. The day has finally arrived, and she goes through pre-nuptial jitters, on edge lest the day be spoiled.

Among the guests is the previous love interest of each partner, and Amelia confesses to feeling a touch of triumph as she spots Beth, Steven's past girlfriend, sitting in an inconspicuous spot in the church. But Beth causes no friction, unlike Steven's mother, whose disapproving looks in Amelia's direction are clearly intended to express her hostility.  Nor is that hostility confined to one member of Steven's family.  Amelia is likewise the recipient of nasty recriminations from Steven's aunt.

Amelia, already brimming over with abundant good reasons to get out of town, is delighted to receive a career-boosting job offer on the other side of the continent, and Steven consents to accompany her.  This requires Steven to leave his current position, but despite his difficulty in coping with unemployment, the couple stick together and in time all is well. Steven lands a good job, and their life is on track.

A family crisis intervenes, however, and the couple is forced to deal with the battle of their married lives, and their overwhelming ambivalence in the face of it.

This is a story that will keep readers' attention. Whatever they make of Amelia and Steven, the situation in which these two find themselves provides the framework for a real page-turner.

Happy reading everyone and thanks for dropping by!
Faithx

'Available both in paperback and in a Kindle edition through Amazon. com and Amazon.co.uk

You can find the author on: Website

Morning Peeps!

We all love excellence...we all love excellent books...some can even be called phenomenal books for one reason or another. It might be because of the story, a unique idea, the style, prose, descriptions or amazing and believable characters.
For the weekend of the 12-14th July inclusive, I have selected a few books which all have that mark of excellence and which you might like to take a look at. All are priced very reasonably...often just a couple of dollars, (& many are reduced just for you - this long weekend only). We all know how long it takes to write a book...months, even years, so let's hear it for some phenomenal books then!

By clicking on the book links below, more information will be given about the book and author. Let's make this a fantastic long weekend and get yourself a bargain fantastic book! Thanks for dropping by!

DERRICK ~ Donna Fasano

The Single Dad:
Ex-military man Derrick Richmond. Solitary and satisfied...until little Timmy was dropped into his lap and Derrick had to learn to be somebody's daddy.
The Single Woman:
Schoolteacher Anna Maxwell. Fate might have denied her a family of her own, but Anna still had plenty of love to give, if only someone would notice.
The Solution:
Anna would teach Derrick all he needed to know about kids. Father and son would give Anna some precious memories. Then the schoolteacher and the single dad would go their separate ways. Unless one little boy figured out a way to make Miss Maxwell become his mom!

Donna Fasano... three time winner of the HOLT Medallion, a CataRomance Reviewers Choice Award winner, a Desert Rose Golden Quill Award finalist, and a Golden Heart finalist. Her books have sold over 3.6 million copies worldwide and have been published in nearly two dozen languages. Her books have made the Kindle Top 100 Paid List numerous times, climbing as high as #17.

I love the journeys this author takes us on in her stories. They are realistic, heartwarming and often heart-wrenching. A phenomenal author! (Ed)
Usually $2.99 on sale for $0.99    Amazon.com        Amazon.co.uk
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Fourteen Days Later ~ Sibel Hodge

Fourteen Days Later was short listed for the Harry Bowling Prize 2008 and received a Highly Commended by the Yeovil Literary Prize 2009. It is a romantic comedy with a unique infusion of British and Turkish Cypriot culture. Written in a similar style to Marian Keyes, it is My Big Fat Greek Wedding meets Bridget Jones.

When accident-prone Helen Grey finds a thong stuffed into the pocket of her boyfriend's best work trousers, it's time for her to move on. His excuse that he needed to dust the photocopier and just thought that it was a rag sounds like a lame excuse.

Helen's life is propelled in an unexpected direction after her best friend, Ayshe, sets her a fourteen-day, life-changing challenge. Helen receives a task everyday which she must complete without question. The tasks are designed to build her confidence and boost her self-esteem but all they seem to do is push her closer to Ayshe's brother, Kalem.

How will Kalem and Helen get together when she's too foolish to realize that she loves him? How can he fall for her when he is too busy falling prey to her mishaps and too in love with his own perfect girlfriend? How will Kalem's Turkish Cypriot family react when they find out?

Is it really possible to change your life in fourteen days?
Sibel Hodge writes great books and as one reviewer put it; "This story was impossible for me to put down" -- Coffee Time Romance & More  - a writer of excellence.
Sale price $0.99 for this weekend    Amazon.com        Amazon.co.uk
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Boreal and John Grey ~ Chrystalla Thoma

Centuries ago, they nearly conquered humankind. But their Gate to our world closed, leaving them out. Now the elves have found a way back.

Ella Benson, agent of the Paranormal Bureau, fights the Shades when they cross into our world, keeping everyone safe. But increasingly dangerous creatures are slipping into her city, her work partner has just gone missing, and a mysterious – and, quite frankly, hot — guy saves her life. His name is Finn and, as it turns out, he’s a natural when it comes to fighting the Shades.
When the Gates between the worlds start opening and the elves make a comeback, Ella needs a new, temporary partner. Enlisting the mysterious Finn is a no-brainer, until she realizes he is guarding dangerous secrets of his own. Together with Finn, and the fate of the world on her shoulders, what’s Ella to do but grab her weapons and figure it all out, one way or another.

Chrystalla is Greek Cypriot  and likes writing about bratty, angsty boys and spunky girls in fantasy and science-fiction worlds. She writes mainly for a young adult public but not only  - she's currently preparing a non-fiction book about dragons, because the truth must out, and is juggling two series ("Elei's Chronicles" and "Boreal and John Grey"). Fab storylines - a phenomenal writer!

99c this weekend!  Amazon.com        Amazon.co.uk

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An Eternity of Roses ~ Natalie G Owens

"...'Til the end of my life, I shall belong to you as your husband."

That was the promise Adrian made to Emmaline. And then, he was gone forever...
It is 1807. Adrian Segrave, Viscount Bournemouthe, and Lady Emmaline Deramore are about to wed and British Society teems with excitement at this imminent love match. But Madeleine de Brandeville, a mysterious Frenchwoman, has her lustful and ambitious sights on the groom. When she sets her cruel plan in motion, she leaves devastation in her path.

Heartbroken, Emmaline embarks on an adventure she'd never imagined having. As the world changes and chaos brews, her fate becomes linked with the Valthreans, a group of immortals who must learn to face a deadly enemy that threatens their place in the human world. But all the while, there is one thing she wants more than any other--to get back her man.

When she finally finds her prize and the intense blue flame of desire burns once more, her worst nightmares are far from over and the toughest battle is yet to begin. Will love win the war in the end?
Natalie G. Owens got her first taste of serious writing by penning award-winning poetry, short stories, and articles for college and local publications. She sold her first book to a small publisher in 2007 and is currently indie published. Her favorite stories to write are romances with a dark edge featuring brooding heroes, strong heroines, and a good dash of fantasy.
Original price 3.99, discounted to 99c  Amazon.com        Amazon.co.uk
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Inescapable ~ Natalie G Owens & Zee Monodee


A two-thousand-nine-hundred-year-old immortal and her daughter must protect their town, Shadow Bridge, from the Evil that threatens its existence and the very life of all supernatural creatures on Earth. For readers who like kick-ass heroines, irresistible heroes and great action! 

"You won't regret reading this series; you'll regret missing it!"--Rebecca Royce, bestselling author
Original price 3.99, reduced to 99c. Amazon.com        Amazon.co.uk

Wild Water ~ Jan Ruth

Jack Redman, estate agent to the Cheshire set. An unlikely hero, or someone to break all the rules?

Wild water is the story of forty-something estate agent, Jack, who is stressed out not only by work, bills and the approach of Christmas but by the feeling that he and his wife, Patsy are growing apart. His misgivings prove founded when he discovers Patsy is having an affair, and is pregnant.

At the same time as his marriage begins to collapse around him, he becomes reacquainted with his childhood sweetheart, Anna, whom he left for Patsy twenty-five years before. His feelings towards Anna reawaken, but will life and family conflicts conspire to keep them apart again?

An excellent book, which I have read! (Ed). And as another reviewer says: Romance Reviews Magazine: "Jan Ruth ruthlessly puts her hero through the grinder and God only knows how he retains his sanity. I’m literally breathless from reading this novel in one go in order to know Jack’s fate. Wild Water is a damn good read."
Special low price this weekend Amazon.com        Amazon.co.uk
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The Assassins' Village ~ Faith Mortimer

"The Assassins' Village," introduces, Diana Rivers, writer, sometime actor and amateur sleuth. When an expatriate theatrical group gather to discuss their next play there will be murder. The group is riven with jealousies, rivalry, sexual tension and illicit affairs.

Unbeknown to each other they all attempt to find solutions to their problems. Some believe it lies in murder. Can they find the blackmailer? And can they find that all important 'little black book' - the chronicle of their misdeeds.

A body is discovered and Diana turns detective to draw up a suspects list. After the police get involved one of the suspects is found hanged - is this another murder or suicide?  A visit to a villager's home uncovers an ancient assassin's device.  Is it possible that an assassin lives at the heart of this formerly peaceful and idyllic mountain village?

Love, hate, murder and high drama all feature in this classic historical detective story.
The Assassins' Village reached #1 in Women Sleuths and #2 in Suspense on Amazon and has been awarded the title of 'Awesome Indie Book' and is an Amazon best seller.
Normally retailing at $3.25 the ebook is just 99c/77p for this weekend.
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The Time Baroness ~ Georgine Young-Ellis

It started out as such a simple experiment: time-travel to Jane Austen’s England, live a quiet life as a woman of independent means, blend in and observe. I never thought I would fall in love or... end up planning a prison break! When did everything go so terribly wrong? October 24, 1820 - Dr. Cassandra Reilly.

Boasting impressive, solid reviews on Amazon.com, The Time Baroness has become popular with lovers of the time travel genre. The novel is a creative, engaging and brilliant display of Young-Ellis’ writing and storytelling skills.

Georgina Young-Ellis, The Time Baroness reached a place as Kindle’s #88 Top Rated, Amazon’s #23 in Time Travel Romances and Amazon’s #1 selling travel novel set in England.
Editorial Review: ChicklitClub.com
by LEAH EGGLESTON KRYGOWSKI

This phenomenal book is normally $1.99 but is just 99c for this weekend.
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Aphrodisiac ~ Alicia and Roy Street

Winner of a Daphne du Maurier Award for Excellence in Mystery/Suspense

A murdered friend leaves the secret of her paranormal perfume with warmhearted oddball Saylor Oz, launching her into a deadly seven-day race to find the killer, aided only by her wisecracking BFF Benita Morales and smoking hot middleweight boxer Eldridge Mace. Danger never smelled so sweet.

Review:  "This sexy, exciting race against time is a gripping, fun read that is hard to put down."---Bookreporter.com

"Amazingly entertaining . . . will leave you breathless. I would recommend this to any hip, modern adult who likes thrilling rides, hot men, and women who know how to hold their own." --Front Street Reviews

"An enthralling book I simply could not put down." --Manic Readers

Alicia & Roy Street have written many great books
Normally $2.99 this weekend 99c
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Wendy & The Lost Boys ~ Barbara Silkstone

Be aware, this is not the Peter Pan story you want your kids reading, it is clearly intended for adult readers. Yet it appeals to the childlike part of us that loved the classic original stories. Combine that childlike love with modern politics and technology, and you get this smart, snarky, hilarious mystery. The story is richly developed and leaves you guessing until the very end. I am liking this grown up version of Peter Pan even more than the original. ~ Tiffany Harkleroad ~ Tiffany’s Bookshelf.

About the author:
Barbara Silkstone is the best-selling author of The Secret Diary of Alice in Wonderland, Age 42 and Three-Quarters ~ Wendy and the Lost Boys ~ London Broil ~ Zo White and the Seven Morphs ~ The Adventures of a Love Investigator, 527 Naked Men and One Woman.

Her writing has been described as “perfectly paced and pitched - shades of Janet Evanovich and Carl Hiaasen without seeming remotely derivative. Fast moving action that shoots from the hip with bullet-proof characterization.”
$2.99 down to $1.99 for the weekend Amazon.com        Amazon.co.uk
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Fast Movin' Train ~ Pam Howes

A CURRENT FINALIST IN THE 2013 eFestival of Words BEST NOVEL of the YEAR.

Interior Designer Mandy Radcliffe runs a thriving business. Her husband is married to his job and her three daughters are adults with lives of their own. Anyone observing would assume they were a happy and successful middle-class family. Then a phone call and a declaration of love leads Mandy into a secret affair that turns her well ordered life upside down.

PRICE for July: 99 cents.

Pam Howes was born in Cheshire, UK. She is a retired Interior Designer who loves creating stories, but only started writing seriously about twelve years ago. The idea for her first novel, set in the sixties, came from her time as a teenager, working in a local record store and hanging round with the musicians who frequented the business.That first novel evolved into a series, three books now published. The first, Three Steps to Heaven, is the tale of rock'n'roll band, The Raiders, and their lives and loves. The sequel, 'Til I Kissed You, featuring the same characters, is set in the eighties. This book sees the reformation of The Raiders after a spell of retirement. Always On My Mind, set in 2001,is a further tale of love, betrayal and music. Pam is a big fan of sixties music and it's this love and the support and encouragement of her musician partner that compelled her to write her series.
99c this weekend  Amazon.com        Amazon.co.uk
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The Rock n' Roll Romance Box Set ~ Pam Howes

Take a trip down Memory Lane with the first three novels in the series about The Raiders chart-topping rock band and their lives and loves, spanning forty years. Now available in this box-set at a very special price. Individual books have many five star reviews.

$2.99 Amazon.com        Amazon.co.uk

Regret No More ~ Seb Kirby

No one is safe from the past
James Blake and his family were safe - until he received the phone call that meant they knew where he was. A stolen Picasso lies at the root of an international conspiracy that reaches into the life of a prominent US politician with devastating consequences not just for him but for so many of those caught up in the crime. Wolfgang Heller, a ruthless assassin, is seeking to eliminate those who have any knowledge of the theft. James Blake must come out of hiding and face the threats to himself and his family by putting himself on the line.
REGRET NO MORE combines thrilling action with a thought-provoking story line centred on international art crime.

This is the second in the James Blake thriller series. It can be read as a stand alone story but it is recommended for maximum enjoyment you should first read TAKE NO MORE, available exclusively at amazon.

'A Stellar Mystery Thriller.... gripping, intense, and captivates the reader to the end. Author Seb Kirby is an outstanding author who knows how to write what I think of as a classic action-packed thriller.' One viewer's summing up and seeing as I've reviewed all of Seb Kirby's books I completely agree - he writes an excellent story. (Ed).

Retailing normally at $3.99 £2.99 - for this weekend only $2.99/£1.99.
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The Seeds of Time ~ Faith Mortimer

When Englishman Richard Barker suffers a devastating loss he learns to come to terms with his grief. He is helped by two beautiful women, newly discovered quiet and smouldering American, Sorrel and the tempestuous and wilful, Miranda, an old flame from long ago.

While Richard is battling with his feelings, by chance he enters into the dark, often surreal world of his dead father's past life spent during the Second World War. It is Sorrel's Grandfather, an American Air Force pilot, who contacts Richard with some intriguing news which helps Richard to his senses.

His story and that of his father are crafted from the ruins of war and the indestructibility of love. The action is non-stop, the locations are intriguing and the characters are appealing. There is tension, romance and harrowing escapes all woven within a story that captures the imagination and keeps the reader guessing until the very end.

"Another incredible story from Faith Mortimer riddled with suspense, intrigue
and action. There are not enough words to express how much I love her work. Just when you think the characters have no way out, the twists take the book in a whole new direction. LOVE IT!!(Review)
An Awesome Indies Book
Normally $4.99 $3.12 for the weekend Amazon.com        Amazon.co.uk

She Belongs to Me ~ Carmen DeSousa

A tightly woven tale of love, obsession, and concealed histories, She Belongs to Me will have you falling in love and wondering if you can trust anyone right up to the last page.

About the Author;

I'm privileged to know Carmen as I believe she has the edge when it comes to writing romantic suspense. Her novels overflow with romance, mystery, suspense, and of course, tragedy. After all, what would a great story be without a tragic event setting the stage? Her sensual and gripping mysteries have earned bestseller status on three continents because of their ability to make readers love, laugh, cry, gasp, and hope.
99c for the weekend.
 
All of Carmen DeSousa's novels are 'standalones'; however,she do link each of her stories with a little surprise. If you read out of order, you'll never notice. But if you read them in order, it's fun. You can find all novels in print and eBook formats.
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Morning Peeps!

What a treat for you today! All the books listed below are either free or 99c/75p for 5 days only!
Books are by authors Charity Parkerson, Calinda B, Scott Mallory, Faith Helen Mortimer, Regina Puckett, Dave Leadbeater, Natalie G. Owens, Robert Hatting, Zoe Saadia, Scott Moon - many of these authors are Best Selling Authors! and all  are Great Indie Authors. If you like the sound of a title or know the book and would like to take advantage of this Summer offer then simply 'click' on the book link below.  Enjoy your read!

The books: A Wicked Awakening,    Bad-Off Boris,    The Beckoning of Beautiful Things,    Chosen,    Enemy of Man,    An Eternity of Roses,    The Fall of The Empire,     The Highlander,    Inescapable,    Love is a Promise Kept,    The Sex and the Undead,    The Surgeon's Blade,    Untamed,    A Wicked Beginning,    A Wicked Choice,    Serephine,    Adrasteteia,    The Assassins' Village.

To visit The Great Indie Authors Book Sale Main Site ...please click on this link

A short excerpt from my book, The Surgeon's Blade

Playing this game was a major enjoyment. It had been played many times before, and this time, it was proving even more of a thrill.

The watcher spotted her immediately. She was seated at a table for two, and from the number of times she had glanced at her watch, it was obvious she had been stood up by her date. The watcher was cautious by nature and covertly observed the woman from a chosen seat which was half-hidden in the shadows behind a potted palm. She was one of those women in their thirties who looked attractive in a quiet, unassuming way and could have been stunning if she had spent more time over her hairstyle and make-up. Her dress was an off-the-rail model, most probably from one of the departmental stores and in a different colour would have enhanced her appeal. Unfortunately, the dull fabric did nothing for her hair and skin colouring.

The watcher had seen her many times around the hospital and knew who she was. She came across as confident and sure of herself as far as her work was concerned.

She now sat alone and forlorn, casting wistful glances at those couples who sat with bent heads sharing a whisper and promise of the night to come.  Minutes later, she answered a call on her mobile phone with nervous girlish pleasure, but her face paled in distress as she replaced it into her evening bag.  The watcher knew instantly how easy it was going to be and smiling coldly, raised a glass with a slight movement in her direction and offered a silent toast.

Why waste time yearning over a date that would never show when your prayers have been answered, dearest girl, the watcher demanded silently. From now on, you’re mine, all mine.

Review of Wild Water by author Jan Ruth

Wild water...emotions run deep.

I was lucky enough to have read another of Jan Ruth's books - The Long & Short of it (short stories and extracts from her novels). I started reading an extract from, Wild Water not knowing it was just a taster and after a few pages I was hooked - I had to find out where the story went!

I felt Wild Waters crosses genre. It is romantic, definitely not chick-lit or a Mills and Boon book, but certainly women's and contemporary fiction, and I have to say a great read for men as well as women as we see relationships from all sides.

The book is funny with tragic overtones, all carefully portrayed in the books characters...the long-suffering, big-hearted, and very special, Jack Redman and his ghastly, greedy and selfish but beautiful wife, Patsy. Then we're introduced to Jack's old flame, kind-hearted and captivating Anna, his brother the devilishly wicked Danny, Jack's two children and his workaholic father and long-suffering mother are just a few people you'll meet. Jan gives us colourful, rich characters that we've all met and love to either hate or adore. Their place in the book quickly makes the reader realise they are real people with the depth, quality and complexities of life problems many of us will be only too familiar with.

Jan Ruth has a real talent as a story-maker. I found her writing passionate, dramatic, and intelligent with a style easy to read.

Throughout the book I found my emotions being assailed in every chapter and I was not 100% certain there was going to be a neat and happy ending...you will have to read the book to check that out yourself! But if you like being taken on a roller-coaster journey with many surprises, then this novel could well be the one for you.
You'll be treated to good dialogue scenes, real and flawed characters, stunning settings - and all moving forward at a good pace.

Highly recommended and well deserving 5 stars - and one of the best books I've read this year. Well done! (Ed).


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