Giveaway – 34 Seconds by Stella Samuel

Posted on October 8, 2015 by fundinmental

Welcome to the tour for the 34 Seconds Tour, a debut novel by Stella Samuel.

Stella Samuel is a debut author who reads multiple genres. Her first book, 34 Seconds, talks about the moments where life changes suddenly, and the choices we make in those moments where the people that hold parts of ourselves from the past meet. A literate and lyrical view at love, life and fate, this story is both uplifting and satisfying.

Stella is a debut author who loves nothing more than connecting with fans on social media. Her blog bio is:

Stella Samuel – Writer, Butterfly and Singer of Silly Songs. Smiles under sunshine but dances in warm rain. Silently wishes to winter in Phoenix.

Nikki and Will fell in love a lifetime ago in Deltaville, Virginia. Now living in Colorado with her family, Nikki is invited to attend Will’s wedding back in Virginia where she finds her past staring her in the face.

Will never wanted a wife, and he broke Nikki’s heart long ago. Nikki knew what she wanted: a strong, happy marriage and children, a future. She found those things when she married Chris, and she and Will managed to grow their friendship after heartbreak.

A year after the wedding, Nikki is faced with her painful past again. She soon discovers she must find the strength to help Will on his own personal journey. In thirty-four seconds, she sees him slip from her life forever. Watching Will cross over to his fate, her past collides with her present, and Nikki learns she’s never been in control of her own destiny. Her own journey back to her family in Colorado becomes one of self-discovery. With the help of Will’s voice to carry her across the country, Nikki must decide how she will move forward.

Buy 34 seconds here.

Oddly enough, I don’t read much romance. But I do like Nicholas Sparks and Colleen Hoover.

In no particular order, and they could change at the drop of a hat

Safe Haven – Nicholas Sparks

The Notebook – Nicholas Sparks

Hopeless – Colleen Hoover

Losing Hope – Colleen Hoover

Gone with the Wind – Margaret Mitchell

Shatter Me Series – Tahereh Mafi

—this is a dystopian YA series, but some call it a YA Romance

My Brother’s Battle – also not truly romance, but a fantastic love story

Beautiful Disaster – Jamie McGuire

Maybe Someday – Colleen Hoover

The Odyssey – Homer – yep, another great love story, but not romance

Our oldest daughter is named after an Elvish Princess that gave up eternal life for love, so my final love story has to be that of Aragorn and Arwen in Tolkien’s Lord of the Rings.

– not a romance

So….number 11, a romance, would be Marie Force – Treading Water

You can follow Stella on various social media platforms and her blog.

Sunday October 4th – Book Launches!
Sunday October 4th – D Kai Wilson-Viola, Author Interrupted – Recipe – Deltaville Crabs
Monday 5th October – Shaun Allan – Guest Post
Tuesday 6th October – Rosa Storm – Top ten
Wednesday 7th October – Book in a Bag – Interview
Thursday 8th October -Sherry Fundin – Top ten

Friday 9th October – Kriss Morton – Guest Post/Excerpt

Saturday, 10th October – Room with Books – Interview

Monday 12th October – Cathy Brockman – Top ten.

Would you like to review this book, or feature the author in a guest post? Sign up here!Would you like to win a $25 (or equivalent value) gift card or a signed book from Stella Samuel?

Easy entry on Rafflecopter, below!

<a Rafflecopter giveaway

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To see all my Reviews, go HERE.

To see all my Giveaways, go HERE.

If you like what you see, why don’t you follow me?

Look on the right sidebar and let’s talk.

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Leave your link in the comments and I will drop by to see what’s shakin’.

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M9B Two for Thursday Book Blitz: My Sister’s Reaper and My Tethered Soul by Dorothy Dreyer with Giveaway #T4T

Posted on October 8, 2015 by fundinmental

Welcome to this week’s Two for Thursday Book Blitz #T4T
presented by Month9books/Tantrum Books!

Today, we will be showcasing two titles that may tickle your fancy,
and we’ll share what readers have to say about these titles!

You just might find your next read!

This week, #T4T presents to you:

The Reaper’s Rite series by Dorothy Dreyer!

Be sure to enter the giveaway found at the end of the post!

My Sister's Reaper

Sixteen-year-old Zadie’s first mistake was telling the boy she liked she could bring her dead sister back to life. Her second mistake was actually doing it.

When Zadie accidentally messes with the Reaper’s Rite that should have claimed her sister Mara, things go horribly wrong. Mara isn’t the same anymore—Zadie isn’t even sure she’s completely human, and to top it off, a Reaper is determined to collect Mara’s soul no matter what. Now Zadie must figure out how to defeat her sister’s Reaper, or let Mara die … this time for good.

WHAT READER’S ARE SAYING:

“I felt that the author did a great job with her character developement. She was very vivid in her details and I felt like they were people I would meet on the street.” – Michelle, Goodreads Reviewer

“My Sister’s Reaper was a great paranormal, YA novel. Dreyer did an awesome job at creating Zadie’s linage and having it make complete sense.” – Tyler, Jolley Chronicles

“Okay, reapers, zombies, and death? Yeah, I was definitely reading this one.” – Kelly Hashway, Author

My Tethered Soul

Months have passed since Zadie faced her sister’s Reaper, during which time she’s been under her mentor’s magical protection. But now that she’s turning 17, that protection is about to run out. When dark forces lure Zadie to wander at night, she’s manipulated into committing unspeakable acts. With her friends and family at risk, Zadie must try to use her powers to break free from the Reaper’s grasp, or surrender to the Reaper’s Rite, which can only lead to death.

WHAT READER’S ARE SAYING:

“The series is magnificent and should be on the best sellers list!!” – Holly, Author

“Dorothy Dreyer continues the fast-paced, heart pounding journey she started in My Sister’s Reaper, delivering a YA paranormal romance filled with believable characters battling unbelievable odds.” – Katie, Author

“Ms. Dreyer has upped the ante in terms of characterization, suspense, some down-right spooky scenes, and a playful sense of humor, particularly in the dialogue between her teen protagonists.” – Stuart, Author

about-the-author

Dorothy Dreyer

Dorothy Dreyer has always believed in magic. Born in Angeles City, Philippines, to a Filipino mother and American Father, Dorothy grew up a military brat, living in Massachusetts, South Dakota, Guam, New Jersey, and New York. She now lives in Frankfurt, Germany, with her husband, two teens, and two Siberian huskies. Dorothy not only writes books with some element of magic in them, but has a fondness for reading those kinds of books as well. She also enjoys movies, chocolate, take-out, and spending time with family and friends. She’s known to make a pretty sweet cupcake when she has the time. She also tends to sing sometimes, so keep her away from your Karaoke bars.

Website | Twitter | Facebook | Goodreads

Giveaway

Complete the Rafflecopter below for a chance to win!

a Rafflecopter giveaway

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To see all my Reviews, go HERE.

To see all my Giveaways, go HERE.

If you like what you see, why don’t you follow me?

Look on the right sidebar and let’s talk.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Leave your link in the comments and I will drop by to see what’s shakin’.

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Northwoods Wolfman by Scott Burtness

Posted on October 7, 2015 by fundinmental

Northwoods Wolfman by Scott Burtness

Monsters in the Midwest – Book Two

Check out this cool cover.

Title: Northwoods Wolfman

Series: Monsters in the Midwest, Book 2

Author: Scott Burtness

Publication date: June 24^th, 2015

Genres: Fiction, Horror, Comedy

Amazon

MY REVIEW

I saw the cover for Northwoods Wolfman by Scott Burtness and thought, huh, this might be interesting. I knew it would be different and I was looking for a fun and easy reading story to keep me entertained for a little while.

What happens to a tick when it feeds off a werewolf? Hmmm. A humorous and horrible thought. I mean, THINK about it.

I do want to warn you about something. If you are ever in Trappersville, WI, I would highly recommend staying away from the state park. It could be very hazardous to your health.

I did not read the first novel, but it wasn’t necessary. I didn’t feel like anything was missing, but I would like to catch up with Wisconsin Vamp.

Each character is a total individual, unique and lovable, contributing to this unique and fun read. Dallas does things believing they are right, only to figure out he could have handled things differently, saving himself a lot of anguish. Love makes strange bedfellows with Lois and Herb and the most loyal, faithful, truest friend Dallas could ever have is Stanley. He overcomes his fears for his friend.

I sure was feeling bad for the poor werewolf when the story was done.

I received a copy of Northwoods Wolfman in return for an honest and unbiased review.

Animated Animals. Pictures, Images and Photos 3 Stars

BOOK DESCRIPTION

When Dallas is recruited by an ancient order of monster hunters, he’s more than happy to sign up. The self-proclaimed Hero of Trappersville did kill a bloodthirsty vampire, after all. As far as Dallas is concerned, monsters are monsters, and they have no place in Wisconsin.

Or do they? And does Dallas really get to choose which side he’s on?

EXCERPT

“You’re needed.”

The nasally voice cut through the whiskey fog, rousing Dallas from his stupor. Before he could put meaning to the words, turn his head and identify the speaker, the person was gone.

“Haven’t seen him b-before,” Stanley commented.

“Stanwee?” Dallas slurred. “Whend’choo get here?” Stanley had hung around with Dallas and Herb for years. Wiry, fidgety, and a terrible bowler, he had rounded out their backwoods version of the Three Musketeers, or more like Two Musketeers and That Stuttering Guy Who Claimed He Was Abducted by Aliens. Since Herb’s death, he’d been Dallas’s near-constant drinking companion.

“J-just now,” Stanley replied. “Saw you talking to that guy,” he said, pointing toward the door.

Dallas’s bleary gaze followed Stanley’s finger, and he locked eyes with a stranger across the bar. The two considered each other for a moment before the man nodded and walked outside.

With a shrug and a short belch, Dallas returned his attention to Stanley. His friend was scrutinizing a business card, a perplexed look layered on top of the usually perplexed look he wore as a matter of course, making him look especially… Dallas groped for the right word… perplexed.

“Crap on a cracker, Stanley. You looking for the cure for cancer on that thing? Give’er here and let me help you with the big words.” Swiping the card, he read out loud.

“Find us. You’re needed.”

Dallas borrowed Stanley’s perplexed look and tried it on for a moment. He’d heard that before. Recent like. A nasally voice. For some reason, the face of the man he’d just been trading looks with popped back into his mind. The voice he recalled seemed like it would fit the man’s face. Gaunt, squinty eyes, straight brown hair slicked back from a dark widow’s peak, scraggly hairs making a go at becoming a goatee. Yeah, it could’ve been that guy, but why was he talking to Dallas? What did they talk about? Why leave the card? A closer look popped the tab on a deeper mystery. Why leave a card telling him to find someone but not leave an address or a number? It was a mystery, pure and simple, and there were few things Dallas hated more than mysteries.

“Guy must have a busted furnace,” Dallas reasoned out loud, causing Stanley’s head to bob in assent. “Jackass didn’t leave a number though. How the hell am I supposed to help if he didn’t leave me a number?”

“Something’s on the b-back,” Stanley offered, a touch of drama coloring his tone. Unlike Dallas, Stanley liked mysteries. He had every season of Murder, She Wrote, Columbo, and Veronica Mars, and took great pleasure in rewatching them and solving the crimes before Angela Lansbury, Peter Falk, or Kristen Bell.

Dallas turned the card over, and sure enough, there was more.

TURN 2 2 AT 2 2 2

Dallas read the line once, then twice, trying to make it make sense. Sometimes, the right amount of alcohol allowed for just the kind of out-of-the-box thinking a riddle like this might need to solve. Sadly, this wasn’t one of those times. This time, the amount of alcohol Dallas had imbibed didn’t help him to think around corners, so to speak. It just helped him get more upset in less time. A win from an efficiency standpoint perhaps, but otherwise a complete loss.

“The hell does that mean? Well, I guess the jackass will just have to freeze.” With a grumbled curse, Dallas crumpled the card and dropped it on the bar. Slapping Stanley on the back, he stumbled toward the door and into the gathering night, the strange man and even stranger card already forgotten.

ABOUT SCOTT BURTNESS

Scott lives in the Midwest with his wife and their boxer-pitt mix, Frank. He’s a horror, urban fantasy, and dark comedy fan, and also enjoys beer, bowling, karaoke, and rooting for the underdog. After not nearly enough consideration, he decided to write about the things he enjoys. The result was the Monsters in the Midwest series.

Facebook / Goodreads / Twitter / Amazon Author Page

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To see all my Reviews, go HERE.

To see all my Giveaways, go HERE.

If you like what you see, why don’t you follow me?

Look on the right sidebar and let’s talk.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Leave your link in the comments and I will drop by to see what’s shakin’.

If you have a problem commenting, look for the twitter, facebook…buttons.

Thanks for visiting fundinmental!

Release Blitz Giveaway for CHRISTMAS PETS & KISSES @BPICPromos

Posted on October 6, 2015 by fundinmental

Christmas Pets & Kisses

Genre: Contemporary Romance

Release Date: October 6, 2015

SIXTEEN ALL-NEW, NEVER-BEFORE-PUBLISHED SWEET (PG-rated) CHRISTMAS ROMANCES

Ring in the Christmas cheer with sixteen all-new sweet and heart-warming romances from New York Times, USA Today and National bestselling authors. Don’t miss out on this romantic collection of Christmas tails…uh, tales as adorable pets with fins, paws, feathers, and hooves bring holiday magic with the gift of true love.

Golden Christmas – Helen Scott Taylor
Every Christmas Vicky hides so she doesn’t have to celebrate the date she lost her husband and son. She doesn’t want to see anyone but when she finds a dog’s lost ball she meets Jon, a wounded ex-soldier who’s struggling with his own problems. This brave man touches Vicky’s shattered heart and makes her realize she can’t hide forever. With his support, can she find the strength to love again?

Two Loves for Christmas – Mona Risk
Tabloid pictures of charming laywer, Josh Dutton, threaten his father’s senatorial campaign. The family decides he needs a sweet ‘temporary fiancée’ to repair the damage. With only her German shepherd for friend, Emma struggles with problems. Attraction sizzles between Josh and Emma but no one mentions the ‘fake fiancée’ detail. When the truth surfaces will Josh be able to prove that his kisses were not part of a charade?

Dog-Gone Christmas – Melinda Curtis
Widow Marnie Haywood wants Christmas hosting her in-laws to go smoothly. And it would – if her handsome neighbor and his friendly St. Bernard would stop coming over, mooching food, and stealing kisses.

His Christmas Promise – Alicia Street
A stray dog with a penchant for giving warm and fuzzy love finds refuge with an ex-Army helicopter pilot and helps restore his bedridden grandmother’s will to live. It seems like a Christmas miracle until the bachelor war vet discovers the mutt belongs to a little girl who wants him back—and a single mom who makes him rethink his freewheeling ways and maybe even believe in love.

We Wish You A Ferret Christmas – Nikki Lynn Barrett
Widower Lance Rossiter wants nothing to do with the pet ferret who caused his daughter to be hit by a car. Widow Cara McLean is shocked by the ferret her son finds and wants to keep. When Lance and Cara meet, sparks fly and love suddenly seems possible. Can a lost and found ferret bring two fractured families together?

Christmas Lovebirds – Rachelle Ayala
Melisa Hart has a soft spot for her brother Connor’s ex-best buddy, Rob Reed, who slept with Connor’s girlfriend. When her pet lovebird is mixed up with Rob’s, Melisa discovers he’s always cared about her. Can two little lovebirds and Christmas cheer open Melisa’s heart to giving Rob another chance?

Christmas on Cougar Mountain – Nancy Radke
Hard-working Zoey is dedicated to helping children learn, and has built her business to the neglect of having a family. When she rescues a dog on the freeway, she discovers that the escape artist brings a family with him, including a boy she would like to help, and as love grows, a man she would like to keep. But will Kellen ever trust her to help his son, much less give her his heart?

The Vet’s Christmas Pet – J.L. Campbell
The last thing Toni wants for Christmas is more responsibility, but her daughter has other ideas. A near accident not only brings them a dog in need of a home, but Matthias Laing, who Toni would prefer to keep in the past.

Tails, Time, and St. Nick – Mary Leo
Kris Timemaker has inherited a magical clock. Using the clock’s magic for anyone other than St. Nick on Christmas Eve has some grave consequences, but when his daughter’s beloved Westie goes missing, and his estranged wife asks for his help, Kris has no choice but to take a chance with time and try to win back his family in the process.

Graced – Jade Kerrion
Connor Bradley doesn’t have time for distractions, not while juggling single parenthood and his clinic on five hours of sleep a night. He most certainly doesn’t have time for Noelle, the high school flirt, who is prettier and more irresistible than he remembers. When Noelle’s father’s heart attack derails Connor’s plans for his first Christmas without his wife, Noelle wants to save the day for his adorable children, but can she also find her way into Connor’s guarded heart?

Unexpected Gift – Chantel Rhondeau
Aspiring decorator Cali Johnson moves to New York City—lonely, afraid, and far from home during the holidays. When she finds a lost cat in her apartment building, she strikes up an odd friendship with his reclusive owner, Marcus Ritz. If only she knew what he was hiding.

Minty’s Kiss – P.C. Zick
When newly divorced Molly retreats to a family cabin with Gracie, her ten-year-old daughter, she’s surprised to find her childhood crush, Nick, still living in the area. Can a small kitty named Minty help Gracie accept the love developing between Nick and Molly in time for her first Christmas in the mountains of North Carolina?

The Christmas Wish – Michele Shriver
Ashley McLaughlin is struggling to move on from her husband’s infidelity. Brennan wants to make amends for his transgression. Their young daughter, Hayley, has only one wish for Christmas- for her family to be together again. When Hayley suffers a head injury after a fall from her horse, will it help her get her wish? Or do the wounds from Brennan’s betrayal run too deep for Ashley to forgive?

Dante’s Gift – Aubrey Wynne
Seventy years ago, a collie mix brought two hearts together in war torn Italy. Will their story help their grandson find his own Christmas love?

Mavy’s Christmas Miracle – Sharon Coady
Anne Hurd returns to the Pocono’s to help her elderly grandfather. Six years earlier Kyle Shafer disappeared from her life. She rescues a kitten, takes her to a vet who turns out to be Kyle. Kyle can’t believe Anne walked back into his life. Will he scare her away, or will she give him another chance? Kyle decides to take a chance and try for the love he gave up on.

An Impossible Rescue – Annamaria Bazzi
Christmas is no joy for Julia who’s gambling husband comes around only to ask for money. When a handsome stranger and his cute Pomeranian puppy moves in next door, Julia feels guilty for their mutual attraction.Michael’s not the rescuing type, but when he spies Julia’s husband haranguing her for holiday cash, anger flares and he is determined to rescue Julia from another miserable Christmas.

99¢ for a Limited Time

Get into the Christmas Spirit and Holiday Cheer with Christmas Pets & Kisses

Helen Scott Taylor
New York Times and USA Today bestselling author, Helen Scott Taylor, had her first book released in 2009. The Magic Knot, won the American Title contest, was a Golden Heart® finalist, and was chosen as one of Booklist’s top ten romances of 2009. Since then, she has published other novels, novellas, and short stories in both the UK and USA. Her published works have been finalists in a number of contests including the Holt Medallion, the Lories, the Prism Contest, the Write Touch Award and the Maggies.

Facebook ~ Twitter ~ Website ~ Newsletter

Mona Risk
New York Times and USA Today bestselling author, Mona Risk, recently received an Outstanding Achiever Award from Affaire de Coeur Magazine. Her name has often been posted on the Amazon.com 100 Most Popular Authors in Romance list. She’s a two time winner of Best Contemporary Romance of the Year from Readers Favorite; a winner of Best Romance Novel of the Year from Preditors & Editors Readers Poll; and an EPIC Award finalist.

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Melinda Curtis
Melinda Curtis is an award winning, USA Today recommended, Amazon best selling author. She writes the independently published, steamy Hollywood Rules series as Mel Curtis. Jayne Ann Krentz says of Blue Rules: “Sharp, sassy, modern version of a screwball comedy from Hollywood’s Golden Age except a lot hotter.”

Website ~ Facebook ~ Twitter ~ Newsletter

Alicia Street
USA Today bestselling author Alicia Street is a Daphne du Maurier award-winner. She writes both sweet and steamier romances and sometimes collaborates with her husband, Roy. She spent many years as a dancer, choreographer, and teacher and is a compulsive reader of every genre. Alicia grew up with dogs and cats and could not imagine living without furry pals.

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Nikki Lynn Barrett
USA Today Bestselling author Nikki Lynn Barrett
I’m an avid lover of books. I’ve been writing as far back as I can remember, completing my first “book” by fifth grade in one of those one subject spiral notebooks. I have a passion for music, photography, jewelry and all things creative. I live in Arizona with my husband and son, but dream of being somewhere much colder and stormier. For now, I’ll have to live that life through my characters and stick it out with the summer heat.

Facebook ~ Website

Rachelle Ayala
Bestselling author Rachelle Ayala I love the magic of the Christmas season filled with family and the spirit of giving and helping others. From romantic suspense to sweet contemporaries, I write from my heart and love to include children and pets in my stories. My stories range from steamy to sweet, so be sure to check the reader’s guide at my website.

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Nancy Radke
Amazon Best-selling author, Nancy Radke, writes modern romance and suspense as well as a Western Pioneer historical series. A former special education teacher, her education background shows when she includes history in her books, or in the case of her novella for this set, reading problems. Her books are G-rated, no sex, no swearing.

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J.L. Campbell
J.L. Campbell is an award-winning, Jamaican author who writes romantic suspense, women’s fiction, new and young adult novels. She has written thirteen books, three novellas and two short story collections. Her novels include the Island Adventure Romance series, which currently has four exciting, stand-alone stories and features feisty women and determined men. Campbell is a certified editor, who also writes non-fiction.

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Mary Leo
USA TODAY bestselling author Mary Leo grew up in a complicated Italain family on Chicago’s Southside where she developed the art of storytelling. She writes with ironic humor, a bit of whimsy, some serious drama, and has a longstanding love affair with the American cowboy.

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Jade Kerrion
Jade Kerrion writes award-winning and occasionally best-selling science fiction, fantasy, and contemporary novels anchored on unlikely romances you will root for and happy endings you can believe in. Her favorite romance is the Double Helix love triangle between Galahad—the lab-created perfect human being; Danyael—an alpha empath and Galahad’s physical template; and Zara—the woman who can wreak more havoc with love than most people can with hate

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Chantel Rhondeau
Chantel Rhondeau is hooked on romance and suspense. She thinks there’s nothing better than a great mystery, but basically an optimist, Chantel loves a book to end ‘happily ever after.’ When she isn’t writing, Chantel enjoys playing cards with her family, bowling, and snuggling with her four kitty ‘children.’

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P.C. Zick
P.C. Zick began her writing career in 1998 as a journalist. She’s won various awards for her essays, columns, editorials, articles, and fiction. Today, she writes romance and contemporary literature with her pen drawing plots filled with love, hope, and forgiveness.

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Michele Shriver
Michele Shriver writes women’s fiction and contemporary romance. Her books feature flawed-but-likeable characters in real-life settings. She’s not afraid to break the rules, but never stops believing in happily ever after. Michele counts among her favorite things a good glass of wine, a hockey game, and a sweet and sexy book boyfriend, not necessarily in that order.

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Aubrey Wynne
Award-winning author Aubrey Wynne resides in the Midwest with her husband, dogs, horses, mule and barn cats. She is an elementary teacher by trade, champion of children and animals by conscience, and author by night. Obsessions include history, travel, trail riding and all things Christmas.

Her award-winning short stories Merry Christmas, Henry (2013) and Pete’s Mighty Purty Privies (2014) won the Preditors and Editors Reader’s Choice Award. Aubrey’s latest Christmas story, Dante’s Gift, is part of the boxset Christmas Pets and Kisses and will also be sold as a single title.

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Sharon Coady
Sharon Coady lives in Florida with her husband, three of their daughters and five of their eleven grandchildren. She wrote two books before discovering Romance novels. She has now written a romantic suspense, a romance novella and is currently writing a Christmas novella. She has two published novels. When not working as a nurse for the Veterans Administration or writing she enjoys spending time with her family and riding behind her husband on their Harley.

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Annamaria Bazzi
Although born in the United States, Annamaria Bazzi spent a great deal of her childhood in Sicily, Italy, in a town called Sciacca. She attended Wayne State University in Detroit Michigan, where she obtained her Bachelor of Science in Computers with a minor in Spanish. Annamaria spent twenty years programming systems for large corporations, creating innovative solution, and addressing customer problems. During those years, she raised four daughters and one husband. Annamaria lives in Richmond, Virginia with her small family.

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a Rafflecopter giveaway

99¢ for a Limited Time

Get into the Christmas Spirit and Holiday Cheer with Christmas Pets & Kisses

~~~~~~~~~~~~

To see all my Reviews, go HERE.

To see all my Giveaways, go HERE.

If you like what you see, why don’t you follow me?

Look on the right sidebar and let’s talk.

~~~~~~~~~~~~

Leave your link in the comments and I will drop by to see what’s shakin’.

If you have a problem commenting, look for the twitter, facebook…buttons.

Thanks for visiting fundinmental!

Teaser Tuesday #50 – Joyride by Anthony Renfro

Posted on October 6, 2015 by fundinmental

TeaserTuesdays-ADailyRhythm3 Teaser Tuesdays is a weekly bookish meme, hosted by MizB of adailyrhythm.

Anyone can play along! Just do the following: Grab your current read. Open to a random page. Share two (2) “teaser” sentences from somewhere on that page. BE CAREFUL NOT TO INCLUDE SPOILERS! (make sure that what you share doesn’t give too much away! You don’t want to ruin the book for others!) Share the title & author, too, so that other TT participants can add the book to their TBR Lists if they like your teasers!

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I have read a lot of Anthony Renfro’s work and I love this short story, Joyride.

This is the new cover of the updated version.

Is anyone going to call shotgun?

Add me to Goodreads now.

MY REVIEW

Vin was always getting Mike in trouble and today he wants to take his uncles 1970 Chevelle for a JOYRIDE.

Maybe he should have paid more attention to the key ring with the devil smiling its evil grin.

They were flying by the seat of their youth and loving every minute of it.

Oh, the sweet taste of youth. Do you remember those times? When we all thought we would live forever?

Anthony Renfro is a horror writer so I know this won’t be any JOYRIDE they could have ever anticipated.

Anthony does a wonderful job of packing so much horror into a little package, I keep wanting more.

After reading this, you may think twice next time you get into your car and turn the key.

I received Joyride by Anthony Renfro in return for an honest and unbiased review.

Animated Animals. Pictures, Images and Photos 4 Stars

Anthony Renfro has included another short story, Sandy and the Stranger.

Sandy was undefeated when it came to drag racing, until…

A fun ghostly tale with glimpses into people’s character.

Sometimes the best thing to say is nothing.

Animated Animals. Pictures, Images and Photos 4 Stars

GOODREADS BLURB

(Revised and Updated: 2015) A Joyride in a Chevy Chevelle. The car was just sitting there for the taking. What could possibly go wrong? Vinnie and Mike are about to find out what can and will go wrong once they turn the key. Evil awaits. Ride shotgun if you dare with this short story.

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What are you reading?

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To see all my Reviews, go HERE.

To see all my Giveaways, go HERE.

If you like what you see, why don’t you follow me?

Look on the right sidebar and let’s talk.

~~~~~~~~~~~~

Leave your link in the comments and I will drop by to see what’s shakin’.

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Giveaway – The wishing Stone by Tegon Maus

Posted on October 5, 2015 by fundinmental

BBT_TourBanner_TheWishingStone

I am so happy to be able to share The Wishing Stone by Tegon Maus.

The cover is gorgeous, but it was the tag line that hooked me.

BookCover_TheWishingStone

The Wishing Stone by Tegon Maus

GENRE: Soft Sci-Fi

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BLURB

The last time we used it was at the hospital the morning she died.

On that day, all three of us made a silent wish, certain the others had wished the same. Kate died that afternoon and I never thought about it again. It was the last time I believed in magic, in love or… in the existence of God… and then, after three miserable, lonely years… the unthinkable, a second chance… Warwick.

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EXCERPT

In the middle of the room stood a large machine of some sort. Six large, blue cylinders, with thick cables and several hoses protruding out of their tops, made up the bulk of the apparatus. At the bottom, each narrowed almost to a point, terminating in a black plastic square. A rainbow of braided wire, jutted out of one side of the square before being taped to the side of each cylinder. The wires trailed along the thicker cable until they connected to the back of a dull aluminum box. More cables, attached to a computer, were tied to the opposite side of the aluminum box. Below the cylinders was a flat, slanted table.

Roger stood with his hands in his pockets, shoulders slumped, staring at the contrivance.

“I’m sorry, my friend,” Digby said softly, placing a gentle hand on his shoulder. “I fixed it.”

“Got it to work at last then?” Roger asked. His voice held a sorrowful tone.

“I wish it had been in time,” Digby said, patting him.

I didn’t understand what was going on. What was this machine? What did it do?

“It looks… complicated,” I offered trying to think of the right thing to say.

“It was Roger’s design. Digby finished it when Kate went into the hospital for the last time,” Marcie answered, coming to my rescue.

“What does it do?” I asked, running a curious hand over the metal cylinders.

“It doesn’t do anything… it makes,” Digby said, lightly slapping my hand away from the apparatus.

“My mistake… what does it make?”

“Skin,” he returned.

“I beg your pardon?”

“Skin,” he repeated.

“Skin like…” I couldn’t think of the right words to convey my curiosity.

“Yes, skin… people skin… like yours, like mine, like hers,” he said with disinterest, pointing at Marcie.

“Well, not like my skin,” Marcie countered.

“Oh, you’re right. I hadn’t thought about that… wouldn’t that be interesting. Yes?” Digby exclaimed, covering his mouth with his fingers. He stood for a moment looking to the ceiling, his fingers drumming over his half open mouth.

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ABOUT TEGON MAUS

AuthorPhoto_TheWishingStone I was raised pretty much the same as everyone else… devoted mother, strict father and all the imaginary friends I could conjure. Not that I wasn’t friendly, I just wasn’t “people orientated”. Maybe I lived in my head way more than I should have, maybe not. I liked machines more than people, at least I did until I met my wife.  The first thing I can remember writing was for her. For the life of me I can’t remember what it was about… something about dust bunnies under the bed and monsters in my closet. It must have been pretty good because she married me shortly after that. I spent a good number of years after inventing games and prototypes for a variety of ideas before I got back to writing.  It wasn’t a deliberate conscious thought it was more of a stepping stone. My wife and I had joined a dream interpret group and we were encouraged to write down our dreams as they occurred. “Be as detailed as you can,” we were told.  I was thrilled. If there is one thing I enjoy it’s making people believe me and I like to exaggerate. Not a big exaggeration or an outright lie mine you, just a little step out of sync, just enough so you couldn’t be sure if it were true or not. When I write, I always write with the effort of “it could happen” very much in mind and nothing, I guarantee you, nothing, makes me happier.

Amazon / B&N / Tirgearrpublishing

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GIVEAWAY

Tegon Maus will be awarding a $25 Amazon or Barnes and Noble GC to a randomly drawn winner via rafflecopter during the tour, and a $25 Amazon or Barnes and Noble GC to a randomly drawn host.

ENTER THE RAFFLECOPTER GIVEAWAY HERE

Follow the tour and comment; the more you comment, the better your chances of winning. The tour dates can be found HERE.

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To see all my Reviews, go HERE.

To see all my Giveaways, go HERE.

If you like what you see, why don’t you follow me?

Look on the right sidebar and let’s talk.

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Leave your link in the comments and I will drop by to see what’s shakin’.

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Thanks for visiting fundinmental!

Sherry’s Shelves #54 – Books & Fun

Posted on October 4, 2015 by fundinmental

Sherry’s Shelves is my weekly update from September 27 – October 3, 2015.

Happy to have you join me for some books & fun.

Sunday Post is hosted by Kimba the Caffeinated Book Reviewer

Stacking The Shelves is hosted by Tynga’s Reviews

Bought, Borrowed & Bagged is hosted by TalkSupe

**all images are linked to Amazon (I am an affiliate)**

**The small amount helps keep my blog running**

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FREE BOOKS

Be sure and check for the “0”.

I follow Emma South’s newsletter and saw this is free. The cover doesn’t do a lot for me, but the blurb does.

I reviewed all the books for this epic science fiction series. Check out the artwork in this book and see if it is something that appeals to you.

Guy Erma and the son of Empire by Sally Ann Melia

Kidnap / Hunter / Exile

I picked up Mutation Z, Book I on Amazon and when I saw Marilyn Peak offering Mutation Z, Book II, for review, I had to jump on it. Check it out under review books below. Keep in touch for my upcoming reviews.

I found the book by subscribing to Brenda Hiatt’s newsletter. Authors helping authors. If this looks good, you might want to check her out.

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NEW to fundinmental

I have been collecting A J Cosmo’s children’s books and I will be reviewing them in the upcoming months, just in time for the holidays, so keep your eyes open. These books will make a great gift for any children on your list.

I subscribe to his newsletter and jump on the freebies. This was only free for one day, sorry.

I subscribe to Salvador Mercer’s newsletter and found this beauty was free.

Tara Crescent’s newsletter informed me this was free on Amazon. The cover doesn’t do a lot for me, but I love assassins, so I thought I would give it a shot. Have my fingers crossed.

The cover intrigued me, so I have to check it out. I am such a sucker for an interesting cover.

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FOR REVIEW

I really don’t have much info on this, but isn’t the cover…adorable?

No Amazon or Goodreads links, so be sure and check back for my review on Tuesday, October 20, 2015.

Baad-Dog-Cover-Final

I am really excited to read Red Tide, the second book in the Billy Knight series, by Jeff Lindsay. I read the first book, Tropical Depression and you can see my review HERE.

I picked up Mutation Z, Book I on an Amazon free day and when I saw Marilyn Peak offering Mutation Z, Book II, for review, I had to jump on it. Check out these beauties.

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WINNINGS

I won a wonderful giveaway by Peggy Bechko that included a Kindle copy of Planet of the Eggs, a magnet and t-shirt.

Planet Of The Eggs: Cracked Open

Hope you had some goodies come your way. 😀

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THE LAST TWO WEEKS ON fundinmental

Sherry’s Shelves #53 – Books & Fun

Falling in Deep Giveaway #FallingInDeep

#eNovAaW Women of Words

Giveaway for Hit ‘N Run by Lori Power

I laughed and I cried when I read The Loft by Bette Lee Crosby

Giveaway & Review for The Key of Amatahns by Elisabeth Wheatley

M9B Two for Thursday Book Blitz: Very Superstitious and Two and Twenty Dark Tales with Giveaway #T4T

Scooby Doo meets Supernatural in Ellie Jordan, Ghost Trapper by J L Bryan – Review, Giveaway & Interview

Friday 56 #57 & BB #33 – Stephen KING of Horror

Review: Sucking in San Francisco by Jessica McBrayer

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THIS WEEK ON fundinmental

I will be adding more posts, so be sure and stop in so you don’t miss anything.

Sherry’s Shelves

Review: Rain of Ash by Gwen Mitchell

The Wishing Stone by Tegon Maus

Teaser Tuesday

Friday 56 & BB

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Hope you are having a wonderful weekend.

What have you been reading?

Have you any plans for the upcoming week? 😆

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To see all my Reviews, go HERE.

To see all my Giveaways, go HERE.

If you like what you see, why don’t you follow me?

Look on the right sidebar and let’s talk.

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Leave your link in the comments and I will drop by to see what’s shakin’.

If you have a problem commenting, look for the twitter, facebook…buttons.

Thanks for visiting fundinmental!

Friday 56 #57 & BB #33 – Stephen KING of Horror

Posted on October 2, 2015 by fundinmental

The Friday 56 is hosted by Freda’s Voice.The only rules are to grab a book (any book), turn to page 56 or 56% in your ereader and find any sentence or a few ( no spoilers) that grabs you and post it.

Please join Rose City Reader every Friday to share the first sentence or so of the book you are reading along with you initial thoughts about the sentence, impressions of the book, or anything else the opener inspires.

Please include the title of the book and the author’s name.

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2015-09-30 23.17.21

As you can see, I am a huge fan of Stephen King, who some would call the master of horror.

I found it hard to choose my favorite one, so I put them through random.org and it chose #26, The Gunslinger, The Dark Tower I, by Stephen King.

Add me to Goodreads now.

MY FRIDAY 56

“You’ll be leaving in the morning,” she said dully.

“I should. I think he’s left a trap for me here.”

(page 56 of paperback, Signet, published in 1989)

MY BOOK BEGINNINGS

The man in black fled across the desert, and the gunslinger followed.

GOODREADS BLURB

This heroic fantasy is set in a world of ominous landscape and macabre menace that is a dark mirror of our own. A spellbinding tale of good versus evil, it features one of Stephen King’s most powerful creations – The Gunslinger, a haunting figure who embodies the qualities of a lone hero through the ages, from ancient myth to frontier western legend.

This is the cover for the paperback I have, which was printed by Signet in July, 1989. The cost was $4.95.

Which cover do you like best?

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To see all my Reviews, go HERE.

To see all my Giveaways, go HERE.

If you like what you see, why don’t you follow me?

Look on the right sidebar and let’s talk.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Leave your link in the comments and I will drop by to see what’s shakin’.

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Thanks for visiting fundinmental!

.

Skull and Crossbones (c) Sherry J Fundin

I laughed and I cried when I read The Loft by Bette Lee Crosby

Posted on September 29, 2015 by fundinmental

The Loft by Bette Lee Crosby is another heartrending, yet uplifting novel filled with southern charm. It reads as if it is a true story. I laughed and I cried, as I followed Annie’s story.

Add me to Goodreads now.

Cover: damonza.com

MY REVIEW

The Loft by Bette Lee Crosby is Book II in The Memory House Series. I have read all of Bette’s books and her writing blows me away. Her novels read as if all is possible, if we just open our hearts. The characters are real and will tug at your heartstrings, demanding to be heard.

Ethan Allen has come a long way since I first met him as a child. Now, he has a family of his own and it is growing. Annie and Oliver, Ethan’s son, are getting married.

Ophelia had taught Annie about the memories attached to some objects and her ability to be able to connect with them…which brought her to Ethan and Oliver. Do you believe in miracles? In magic? Do you believe if we just open ourselves up to the endless possibilities, that we can all tap into something bigger than us?

The Keeper of the Scale maintains the balance of sorrow and happiness. I LOVE it. Most of the time he uses small, round river rocks to balance the scale, but sometimes there is such a huge discrepancy, he has to toss a boulder on there.

If you look hard enough in the stars at night, maybe you will see it.

“LibraCC” by Till Credner

Geez, Bette, I am only 6% into the story and have pulled out the tissues. I blink to see the words through my tears, my throat tightens and I find myself holding my breath.

Bette Lee Crosby’s characters are so real, they can be YOUR husband, YOUR friend…She takes me from a happy place to deep sorrow and back again. The rollercoaster ride drains me, as if I am going through it too.

When you think you know what’s going to happen, Bette Lee Crosby introduces a new character, a new wrinkle. There is so much happiness, I am waiting for the inevitable. Do the scales have to balance? Good with the bad? Happy with sad?

How many times have you sat, worried, when someone is late? How often have you yelled saying, “Why didn’t you call? For all I know you were lying hurt or dead in a ditch on the side of the road?” I sit…waiting…waiting for something to happen, knowing it is coming.

Bette is not afraid to put here characters to the test. The question is…how bad will it be?

Have your ever commented on how small the world is? How things seem to connect in the oddest way?

The Loft by Bette Lee Crosby is filled with intense emotion and a story that put me through all of them. I soared with the eagles, riding high and feeling free. I sank like a rock thrown into the water, going down further and further, unable to reach the surface. On that note, I can only say, “What comes next, Bette?”

I received The Loft by Bette Lee Crosby in return for an honest and unbiased review.

5 Stars

ABOUT BETTE LEE CROSBY

USA Today Bestselling and Award-winning novelist Bette Lee Crosby’s books are “Well-crafted storytelling populated by memorable characters caught up in equally memorable circumstances.” – Midwest Book Review

The Seattle Post Intelligencer says Crosby’s writing is, “A quirky mix of Southern flair, serious thoughts about important things in life and madcap adventures.”

Samantha from Reader’s Favorite raves, “Crosby writes the type of book you can’t stop thinking about long after you put it down.”

“Storytelling is in my blood,” Crosby laughingly admits, “My mom was not a writer, but she was a captivating storyteller, so I find myself using bits and pieces of her voice in most everything I write.”

It is the wit and wisdom of that Southern Mama Crosby brings to her works of fiction; the result is a delightful blend of humor, mystery and romance along with a cast of quirky charters who will steal your heart away. Her work was first recognized in 2006 when she received The National League of American Pen Women Award for a then unpublished manuscript. She has since gone on to win twenty awards for her work; these include: The Royal Palm Literary Award, the FPA President’s Book Award Gold Medal, Reader’s Favorite Award Gold Medal, and the Reviewer’s Choice Award.

Crosby’s published works to date are: Blueberry Hill (2014), Previously Loved Treasures (2014), Jubilee’s Journey (2013), What Matters Most (2013), The Twelfth Child (2012), Life in the Land of IS (2012), Cracks in the Sidewalk (2011), Spare Change (2011). A Cupid inspired romance, Wishing for Wonderful, is scheduled for release in November 2014 and Book Three of The Wyattsville Series, Passing through Perfect, will be be available in January 2015.

MY REVEWS OF BETTE LEE CROSBY’S NOVELS

Passing Through Perfect

Memory House

Jubilee’s Journey

Blueberry Hill

What Matters Most

Spare Change

Cupid’s Christmas

Cracks In The Sidewalk

The Twelfth Child

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To see all my Reviews, go HERE.

To see all my Giveaways, go HERE.

If you like what you see, why don’t you follow me?

Look on the right sidebar and let’s talk.

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