Giveaway – How Did I Get Here by Andrews Fitzgerald @ireadbooktours @andrewfitzger12

Posted on March 21, 2023 by fundinmental

Book Details:
Book Title: How Did I Get Here? -Traveling The Road To Resilience by Andrew Fitzgerald
Category: Adult Non-Fiction (18+), 208 pages
Genre: Memoir / Self-Help / Inspirational
Publisher: Fitzy’s Branded Books
Publication Date: Feb, 2023
Content Rating: G – For Everyone and no bad language or explicit scenes

Book Description:

HOW DID I GET HERE?

As he woke up after dying for the second time, Andrew Fitzgerald asked himself, “How did I get here?”

As he and his wife left Ireland and stepped foot on American soil to begin their lives in the US, he asked himself, “How did I get here?”

As his wife delivered their baby after four miscarriages, he asked himself, “How did I get here?”

As he sat in a customer sales meeting and negotiated the new listing, authorizations, and launch for what is now the no.1 Hard Seltzer in the USA, he asked himself, “How did I get here?”

As he stood on the first tee about to play golf with one of his sporting heroes and a three-time major champion, he asked himself, “How did I get here?”

As he sat in a board room meeting, asserted himself, and rebuked some negative assertions about him, he asked himself, “How did I get here?”

In this poignant memoir about resilience, Andrew Fitzgerald shares his story of immigrating from Ireland to America, only to return to Ireland, and then back to America for good. He explores his struggles with health crises, corporate culture, miscarriage grief, and adapting to his new country.

You’ll follow Andrew’s story as he shares his key learnings from the highs and lows of his journey, such as:

Talk about your challenging experiences; find someone to help you process your feelings
Follow your dreams; know they’re right for you no matter how they sound to others
Give yourself time to adjust; when making big life changes avoid running back to what was comfortable
Be true to your values; define what your values are and stick to them
Learn to trust; trust yourself, have confidence and don’t forget your purpose in everything you do
Negotiate in partnership; practice techniques that are customer-centric and deliver a win/win for your customer and company
Celebrate success; you deserve it

Andrew will affirm and demonstrate in his book that the journey is just as important as the destination, with the stark realization that the journey filled with highs and lows is sometimes more fulfilling than the destination. So come with Andrew on this journey to learn how he overcame the various obstacles in his life, flourished, and ultimately traveled the road to resilience a key trait you too can develop in your personal and business life.

Resilience is for everyone…..Are you ready?

BUY THE BOOK:
Amazon

Meet the Author:

Andrew Fitzgerald is a native of Ireland and now resides in Oceanside, California. A father, husband, and author, he speaks on what it takes to be successful in the corporate world, and how to overcome health crises and loss. He has recovered from serious setbacks to flourish and thrive with resilience. Andrew enjoys all sports, plays golf, and loves to cook and hike when he is not thinking about the next big brand launch.

connect with the author: website ~ twitter ~ linkedin ~ instagram

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Giveaway – The Light in the Darkness by Jo St Leon #jostleon @GoddessFish

Posted on March 30, 2022 by fundinmental

The Light in the Darkness: Musings on Living With Cancer by Jo St Leon

GENRE: BODY, MIND & SPIRIT / Inspiration & Personal Growth

BLURB

The Light in the Darkness is a must-have companion for anyone living with a serious illness, or caring for a loved one with such an illness.

With this collection of reflections and personal essays, Jo St Leon shares her experiences, her darkest moments and her greatest joys. She tells of the journey from fear and denial to acceptance and a determination to live her best life. She shares her deepest thoughts and feelings, always with her characteristic blend of wry humour and wisdom.

The Light in the Darkness is the book Jo wishes she could have found when she first received her cancer diagnosis.

Tell us about your cover

My cover is a particular source of joy to me. It expresses exactly how I feel after living with a cancer diagnosis for six years. I marvel that the Tellwell designer seemed to read my mind.

My initial requests concerning the cover were very vague. I have no talent for design, and although I had an idea of how I would like it to look, I had no faith that this idea was a good one. I thought that if I gave the very sketchiest of information, the designer would come up with something that looked good. Worst case scenario: I had one revision as part of my publishing package, so I could tweak it, or even perhaps reject it altogether.

My requests were something like: mostly dark, with pops of light. What came back was good beyond my wildest dreams. I don’t know if the cover artist read the book, but s/he encapsulated the whole of the content with this one image. No revisions necessary. I sent back a joyous ‘Oh, yes!’ straight away.

So what is it that I love so much? First, it’s the way that the darkness is a landscape. There are so many shades of dark—near-black, grey, darkening, lightening—the hidden depths are extraordinary, and beautiful. There are mountains and valleys, peaks and troughs. This is very much how receiving a cancer diagnosis felt to me. I didn’t fall into the depths of despair, as I might have expected to do, and my world didn’t turn black. Rather, there was this inner world that didn’t have the vividness of the outer world, but was there for me to explore. The book is really a telling of that exploration.

Then there is the light, and the figure gazing into it. It’s almost a religious image, although it’s not a religious book. But the suggestion of walking towards this transfixing light is irresistible, and very much how it felt as I neared the end of the writing. When the book told me it was finished, and there was nothing I could usefully add, it felt a bit like emerging from a chrysalis. For me, and I think for many people, receiving a serious diagnosis prompts much soul-searching. It’s a search for meaning, a need to understand and integrate one’s shadow self, and a determination to live with authenticity for however many weeks, months or years remain.

I think the cover suggests all this and more, although I don’t think anyone idly picking up the book in a bookshop would instantly say all that I’ve just said. This is where I think the cover is so clever—it suggests mystery and majesty. It invites readers in to find out more.

The lettering on the cover is the work of a very dear calligrapher friend, Gemma Black, who donated her services for what she believed to be an important cause. In recognition of her generosity, I am donating $1 from each book sale to Cancer Research.

AUTHOR Bio and Links

Jo St Leon is a musician and writer living in Hobart, Tasmania. Receiving a cancer diagnosis in 2016 prompted her to transition from being a full-time musician who loved to write to being a full-time writer who loves to sometimes play the viola. She shares her house with two very pampered felines. She loves reading, cooking, swimming and yoga.

Connect with Jo St. Leon

WEBSITE https://jostleon.com/
FACEBOOK https://www.facebook.com/Jo-St-Leon-Writer-2194393090779883
LINKEDIN https://www.linkedin.com/in/jo-st-Leon-351001211/
GOODREADS https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/59571484-the-light-in-the-darkness

Buy The Light in the Darkness

AMAZON.COM https://amzn.to/3qozRxJ
AMAZON AUS https://amazon.com.au/dp/0228860806
AMAZON.CA https://amazon.ca/dp/0228860806
INDIGO CHAPTERS https://www.chapters.indigo.ca/en-ca/books/the-light-in-the-darkness/9780228860822-item.html
BARNES & NOBLE https://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/the-light-in-the-darkness-jo-st-leon/1140053696
BOOK DEPOSITORY https://www.bookdepository.com/The-Light-in-the-Darkness-Jo-St-Leon-Garth-ORafferty-Gemma-Black/9780228860808
SMASHWORDS https://www.smashwords.com/books/view/1100976

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Follow the tour and comment. The more you comment, the better your chanes of winning. Follow the tour HERE.

You can see my Giveaways HERE.
You can see my Reviews HERE.
If you like what you see, why don’t you follow me?
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Giveaway Humanity’s Cry For Change by Kate Heartsong @iReadBookTours @KateHeartsong

Posted on September 14, 2021 by fundinmental

Join us for this tour from September 13 to September 30

Book Details:

Book Title: Humanity’s Cry for Change: Actions You Can Take to Create a New Earth by Kate Heartsong
Category: Adult Non-Fiction (18+), 216 pages
Genre: Inspirational/Motivational
Publisher: Joyful Radiance, LLC
Release date: July 2020
Content Rating: G Your description of the rating “G” describes well this book. No bad language, religious expletives, sex scenes, drug use or underage drinking; also no violence (other than reference that there is a lot of violence happening on the planet).

Book Description:

Many people worldwide are anxious and in pain. They want relief! With chaos in both our individual lives and across the globe, humanity is hungry to learn about why there’s all this upheaval and what we can do to positively change ourselves and humanity.

Humanity’s Cry for Change has the answers to these, and other important questions that people are yearning to explore and resolve.

Also discover:

the science that proves we are all interconnected, and why we must now live with Oneness consciousness to create a new earth and to survive.
Valuable exercises that will help us awaken from our dream of separation, walk our authentic life, experience personal healing, raise our vibration, and more.
Ways for businesses to create sustainable, collaborative and wholistic systems for the well-being of all.
How to create a new earth, one that offers kindness, respect, collaboration, love and peace.

Have hope and lighten your heart as you step onto this journey of positive change and healing; realize that as you do this, everyone benefits and that together we can create the new earth!

Buy the Book
Amazon ~ Joyful Radiance, LLC

Meet the Author:

For over 20 years, Kate Heartsong, author, Reiki Master/Teacher, entrepreneur, speaker and coach, has been receiving profound insights while meditating. She is passionate about supporting her clients, audiences and readers with these insights, along with the wisdom from her vast life experiences and education. She does this through empowered coaching, workshop facilitation, writing articles, coauthoring, speaking, and through her two books, Humanity’s Cry for Change and Deeply We Are One.

Kate has also been teaching self-confidence, meditation and Reiki workshops for over 15 years, with many successful client results.

In addition to this, Kate is one of 91 coaches worldwide, who are on the new Google Play Store app called Ingomu, empowering her learners with her topic called Positively Change Yourself and Humanity.

Connect with the Author: website ~ Twitter ~ Linkedin ~ Pinterest ~ Instagram ~ goodreads

Tour Schedule:

Sep 13 – Locks, Hooks and Books – book review / giveaway
Sep 14 – Rockin’ Book Reviews – book review / guest post / giveaway
Sep 14 – fundinmental – book spotlight / giveaway
Sep 15 – Rajiv’s Reviews – book review
Sep 16 – Kam’s Place – book review
Sep 17 – Books for Books – book review
Sep 20 – Deborah-Zenha Adams – book spotlight / guest post / giveaway
Sep 21 – Gina Rae Mitchell – book spotlight / author interview / giveaway
Sep 22 – Jazzy Book Reviews – book spotlight / author interview / giveaway
Sep 23 – Literary Flits – book review / giveaway
Sep 24 – A Mama’s Corner of the World – book review / giveaway
Sep 27 – Splashes of Joy – book review / giveaway
Sep 28 – Sefina Hawke’s Books – book spotlight
Sep 28 – Cover Lover Book Review – book review / author interview / giveaway
Sep 29 – Books and Zebras – book review
Sep 30 – Cheryl’s Book Nook – book spotlight / giveaway

Enter the Giveaway:

You can see my Giveaways HERE.
You can see my Reviews HERE.
If you like what you see, why don’t you follow me?
Look on the right sidebar and let’ talk.
Leave your link in the comments and I will drop by to see what’s shakin’.
I am an Amazon affiliate/product images are linked.
Thanks for visiting fundinmental!

Reach For Your Dream – Chasing Fireflies by Taylor Dean @taylordeanbooks

Posted on December 6, 2017 by fundinmental

There are two songs that jumped out at me as I read Chasing Fireflies by Taylor Dean. I opted to use the Pina Colada song, because I love it and it makes me feel good to sing along to it.

Goodreads / Amazon US / Amazon UK / Amazon CA

MY REVIEW

I have been a huge fan of Taylor Dean’s for some time now, so I am excited to check out another one of her novels, Chasing Fireflies.

Her sisters act like mothers as they do their best to dissuade Savannah from going to China for four months, but she knew HE was there and she had to find him, her true love. She’ll be OK, she has her magic cloak and that makes her invisible.

Emotions bubble to the surface early as I read of the loss of her parents. Can someone die of a broken heart?

OK Taylor, Ive got my tissues by my side, so let’s go find Paul, come hell or high water.

She’s shy, but that doesn’t mean she not observant, taking in everything around her,a spectator of others.

“Life begins at the end of your comfort zone.” What a great quote.

I found it easy to relate to her difficulty with social situations and turbulence. I am a huge fan of my own company and God forbid I end up on a plane with turbulence.

Just like the fireflies my sisters and I tried to catch on the warm summer evenings of our youth, the dream seems beyond my grasp.

I could follow her life long dream and head to China but that elevator scene…having a hard time getting there. Stopped me in my tracks. Taylor Dean is a must read author for me, and I do love a happy ever after, but this scene struck me so wrong…I’ll read on and see if she wins me over. I know..it’s fiction…just have to go with it.

Taylor Dean is very good with sweet, clean, innocent romance and she is sure to include the despair she feels when her dream is crushed. Ah, the sweet agony of youth and its naivety. She is so different from me but I do remember my broken heart and the soul crushing sorrow…that in hindsight seemed to end very quickly. Did more time pass than I thought?

I don’t mind predictable,the familiar. It can be warm, cozy and comfortable. I didn’t get into this one as much as I normally do her stories. They usually wrap me up in emotions and require tissues. Chasing Fireflies had its moments and is well worth the read.

Chasing Fireflies is one of a series of stand alone novels connect to The Matchmaker.

I voluntarily reviewed a free copy of Chasing Fireflies by Taylor Dean.

3 Stars

GOODREADS BLURB

My sisters think I’m crazy.

But, I’ve never forgotten the mysterious woman from my childhood who told me Paul is the name of my one true love.

She told me to search far and wide for him.

I haven’t stopped looking ever since.

When I stumble across an article about a successful American entrepreneur named Paul who lives and works in China, I’m intrigued. When the opportunity to teach English in China presents itself on the same day, I know it’s not a coincidence.

It’s destiny.

My sisters say I’m chasing a dream.

Just like the fireflies we tried to catch on the warm summer evenings of our youth, the dream seems beyond my grasp. Will my quest for the elusive Paul always be just short of fulfillment?

My sisters tell me it’s a fool’s errand.

Until I remind them of the day we saw the Red Bird.

The memory silences them.

The Red Bird Incident remains inarguable—and proves my search for Paul is not a silly fantasy.

I will find Paul . . . I will.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

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.

To find out what Taylor Dean is up to, follow the links below:

Website/Blog / Facebook / Twitter / Goodreads

MY REVIEWS FOR TAYLOR DEAN

You can see my Giveaways HERE.
You can see my Reviews HERE.
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Welcome to Sunset in Old Savannah by Mary Ellis #MaryEllis

Posted on September 5, 2017 by fundinmental

Sunset in Old Savannah by Mary Ellis is the fourth book in the Secrets of the South Mystery series.

I have been with the characters from the beginning, and it is good to be back.

All I need to do is look at the cover and I am there.

Amazon US / Amazon UK / Amazon CA / Goodreads

MY REVIEW

A convoluted mystery with lots of suspects that kept me guessing.

It’s so nice to be back with familiar faces and off on another adventure with the team. This series can stand alone but to really get to know the main characters and all the supporting ones best, this light, fun, sorta cozy type of read is well worth reading from the beginning.

I start with a smile on my face at the fun writing about Beth.

She’s quite the character. She is my favorite. I love her brash, snarky, sarcastic wit that puts poor Mike, who’s madly in love with her, through the wringer. She manages to find herself in uncomfortable situations, and she’s looking for a reason to get out of town..

I can’t help but laugh at Beth’s antics…even as she puts her life in danger to get to the bottom the mystery.

Old friends, new friends, a mystery solved and another mystery on the horizon. From Natchez and Pensacola, to Savannah, Beth always gets her man.

I voluntarily reviewed a free copy of Sunset in Old Savannah by Mary Ellis.

4 Stars

GOODREADS BLURB

In Savannah, Everyone Has Something to Hide

When socialite Evelyn Doyle hires investigative partners and best friends Michael Preston and Elizabeth Kirby to do some routine surveillance on her wayward husband, the detective duo find themselves embroiled in a mystery with more suspects than there are shells on Tybee Island.

Evelyn’s husband turns up dead, leaving her as the police chief’s prime target. The investigation reveals a hodgepodge of potential murderers, including a scheming business partner, a resentful mistress, and a ne’er-do-well brother. It’s up to Mike and Beth to follow the trail of secrets that reaches further than the branches of the moss-draped oaks of Savannah.

As word of the case gets around town, business is booming for Price Investigations. When Mike and Beth hire Kaitlyn Webb, Savannah’s newest transplant, their workload eases, but will the ghosts of her past threaten everyone’s safety before a killer can be put behind bars? And can Mike and Beth find love as their friendship and faith are put to the test?

ABOUT MARY ELLIS

Mary Ellis has written twelve award-winning novels set in the Amish community and several historical romances set during the Civil War. Her latest, Midnight on the Mississippi, first of a new mystery series, Secrets of the South, is set in New Orleans. Before “retiring” to write full-time, Mary taught school and worked as a sales rep for Hershey Chocolate, a job with amazingly sweet fringe benefits. Mary enjoys traveling, gardening, bicycling and swimming, and lives in Ohio with her husband, dog and cat. She can be found on the web at: www.maryellis.net or
https://www.facebook.com/#!/pages/Mar…

MY MARY ELLIS REVIEW

You can see my Giveaways HERE.
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Tag Team Event Giveaway – Ruined Wings by Ashley Fontainne @AshleyFontainne

Posted on June 13, 2017 by fundinmental

Welcome to my Tag Team Tag Team Event & Giveaway!

This is where myself (Sherry at fundinmental) and Laura at fuonlyknew tag team an author and share their book.

We give you two different perspectives on our reviews and two chances to win!

Sooo…let’s get to it…

~~~

Ashley Fontainne is a master storyteller and I am not surprised that Ruined Wings, a novella, has been picked up for film.

You can get it free on Amazon.

To me, this cover speaks of despair and hope and I love the black and white image done by One of a Kind Covers by Ashley Fontainne.

Amazon / Goodreads

MY REVIEW

Ashley Fontainne is a master storyteller and I am always on the lookout for another story from her.

Ruined Wings…I love that the cover shows the despair and hope that is contained between ‘the pages’. It makes me wonder which will prevail.

A lot was riding on the day for Callie, but something felt wrong to her. I knew something bad was coming and her life would be changed forever.

DRUGS…ADDICTION…whether legal or illegal drugs, addiction is addiction. The destruction it brings into a family is horrific. The loss of a loved one can make something you thought was so important, inconsequential.

I love Callie, a flawed, yet strong, focused, determined seventeen year old girl who cannot accept her loss…who can’t move on.

The descent into hell is slow, seductive, and I did not see it going down this way. I love that Ashley Fontainne can always pull a trick or two out of her hat to keep me on my toes.

This sad, and realistic tale reads like a true story.

Ashley’s writing will reach into your heart and gut, and rip them out! Ruined Wings reads like a true story.

Once you start, you won’t be able to stop reading. Unputdownable. Gut wrenching. Tragic, yet hopeful.

5 Stars

Check out the trailer HERE.

BUY LINKS: Amazon / B&N / Kobo / Itunes

GOODREADS BLURB

“Ruined Wings is raw, real and a terrifying journey into addiction. A must read for every parent.” – Elaine Raco Chase, bestselling author.

Seventeen-year-old Callie Novak is on the cusp of changing her life as she warms up for the final heat in the Women’s 1600 meter track and field competition. While she sets a new state record, her family’s worse nightmare is just beginning.

When tragedy strikes the Novak family every reader will feel the pain of grief, the perils of drug abuse, the despair that leads to a shocking downward spiral and the strength that’s needed to overcome addiction.

ABOUT ASHLEY FONTAINNE (from her website)

Award-winning and International bestselling author Ashley Fontainne is an avid reader of mostly the classics. Ashley became a fan of the written word in her youth, starting with the Nancy Drew mystery series. Stories that immerse the reader deep into the human psyche and the monsters that lurk within us are her favorite reads.

Her muse for penning the Eviscerating the Snake series was The Count of Monte Cristo by Alexandre Dumas. Ashley’s love for this book is what sparked her desire to write her debut novel, Accountable to None, the first book in the trilogy. With a modern setting to the tale, Ashley delves into just what lengths a person is willing to go when they seek personal justice for heinous acts perpetrated upon them. The second novel in the series, Zero Balance. focuses on the cost and reciprocal cycle that obtaining revenge has on the seeker. For once the cycle starts, where does it end? How far will the tendrils of revenge expand? Adjusting Journal Entries answered that question: far and wide.

Her short thriller entitled Number Seventy-Five, touches upon the sometimes dangerous world of online dating. Number Seventy-Five took home the BRONZE medal in fiction/suspense at the 2013 Readers’ Favorite International Book Awards contest and is currently in production for a feature film.

Her paranormal thriller entitled The Lie, won the GOLD medal in the 2013 Illumination Book Awards for fiction/suspense and is also in production for a feature film entitled Foreseen.

Ashley’s decided to delve into the paranormal with a Southern Gothic horror/suspense novel, Growl, which released in January of 2015. The suspenseful mystery Empty Shell, released in September of 2014. Ashley will be teaming up with Lillian Hansen (Ashley calls her mom!) to pen a three-part murder mystery/suspense series entitled The Magnolia Series. The first book, Blood Ties, is due out the Summer of 2015.

Ashley also hosts The WriteStuff, a popular BlogTalk Radio show, each Friday night at 10 p.m. CST.

Website / Twitter Facebook / Pinterest / G+ / LinkedIn / Instagram

GIVEAWAY

Ashley Fontainne is offering to one lucky commenter an audio copy of Ruined Wings.

Ends 6.27.17

Do you have an inspirational moment in your life to share?

You can enter for a second chance to win and another perspective on Ashley Fontainne’s Ruined Wings, check out Laura at fuonlyknew.

My winner: Chrys Fey……Laura’s winner: Dragonfly.

Congratulations and thanks to everyone who dropped in and commented!

Ashley Fontainne’s writing is so spectacular, I am always anticipating the next book I will read of hers. Here are my reviews…so far:

You can see my Giveaways HERE.
You can see my Reviews HERE.
If you like what you see, why don’t you follow me?
Look on the right sidebar and let’ talk.
Leave your link in the comments and I will drop by to see what’s shakin’.
Thanks for visiting fundinmental!

Early Review – No Surrender by Patrick Bisher with Jon Land #PatrickBisher @jondland

Posted on June 9, 2017 by fundinmental

No Surrender by Patrick Bisher & Jon Land was not what I expected, but so much more than I anticipated.

The true story is disheartening and uplifting, emotions flitting through the pages like butterflies through the air, leaving me feeling like all things are possible.

This is an early review and the book is up for preorder, releasing July 4, 2017.

This is one you won’t want to miss.

Amazon / Goodreads

MY REVIEW

Patrick Bisher’s true story is all about overcoming hardship and finding his true path in life. His determination and perseverance can be an inspiration to us all, giving us hope and encouragement to dream and reach for it.

Michigan is my home state, so knowing Patrick is a fellow Michigander made me want to know his story even more. He is an amazing man with a story to share that we can all walk away from being better off for knowing it.

Imagine, as a child, a 9 year old boy, hearing, “You’ll never be able to walk again.” When I read that, the first thought to pop into my mind was One small step for man, one giant leap for mankind.

At the end of each chapter is an inspirational summary of ‘What you can learn from this.’

Patrick takes us from a childhood of bullying, harassment, despair and pain, to an adulthood filled with hope and determination and a desire to inspire and uplift. He is dealt blow after blow, struggling to find his way through every setback. Even when he is lost, he finds an inner strength.

Life is full of surprises and the road twists and turns, a journey we must all take, but there is no straight line.

Funny that he also tasted the General Motors life and found it lacking. I worked there for fifteen years and took early retirement because I wanted more. It felt like a prison to me and I had to spread my wings. Sometimes we have to take a leap of faith. No risk, no reward.

I totally agree with his final chapter and it concerns me for our country’s future.

Patrick believes in Paying It Forward. His story takes us from him being bullied and labeled as a cripple who would never amount to anything, to being a Navy SEAL, when everyone said it wasn’t possible, to giving back to all those who need a little help in achieving their goals and desires.

Believe…believe in yourself.

I felt so good after reading No Surrender and I want to thank Patrick for his service to our country and his willingness to share what he has learned with all of us.

I voluntarily reviewed an ARC of No Surrender by Patrick Bisher & Jon Land.

5 Stars

Never Surrender by Corey Hart is a song I hold close to my heart.

It was an inspiration to me when I needed one and I hope it lifts you up too.

GOODREADS BLURB

A Navy SEAL who first overcame a crippling childhood condition and then a devastating training accident offers his own experiences as lessons in defeating adversity.

Patrick Bisher’s career as a Navy SEAL should have ended after a parachuting accident nearly crippled him. But overcoming adversity, even an injury as serious as a broken hip, was nothing new for him. He’d spent a portion of his childhood in leg braces. Doctors told him he’d never walk again thanks to a degenerative hip condition. He wasn’t about to give up then, any more than he was in the wake of that parachute training accident. Instead, he went on to serve in combat as a member of SEAL Team Seven, seeing action in Iraq and ultimately winning the Army Commendations Medal, among other awards.

Now Patrick wants to take the lessons he learned on and off the battlefield and apply them to everyday life. He offers inspiration to all who’ve faced the kind of adversity he has. In chapters drawn directly from his own experience, he sketches a heart-wrenching tale of salvaging lifelong victories out of crushing defeats, and hope out of heartache.

From being branded a “cripple” to successfully negotiating BUD/S (Basic Underwater Demolition/SEALS) training, from agonizing pain to heroic achievement, from devastating loss to finding his faith, Patrick’s story is one of discovering ways to do everything he possibly can, instead of making excuses for what he can’t. An American hero who never surrendered is now sharing his lessons with those fighting their own battles to emerge from their dark places into the light and lead a better, more productive life

ABOUT JON LAND

JON LAND is the USA Today bestselling author of more than forty novels, including Strong Enough to Die, Strong Justice, Strong at the Break, Strong Vengeance, Strong Rain Falling (winner of the 2014 International Book Award and 2013 USA Best Book Award for Mystery-Suspense), Strong Darkness (winner of the 2014 USA Books Best Book Award and the 2015 International Book Award for Thriller), and Strong Light of Day (winner of the 2015 Books and Author Award for Best Mystery Thriller and the 2016 Beverly Hills Book Award for Best Mystery). Land is a graduate of Brown University. He lives in Providence, Rhode Island.

MY JON LAND REVIEWS

You can see my Giveaways HERE.
You can see my Reviews HERE.
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Friday 56 #127 – Southern Gold by James Alan Vitti #JamesAlanVitti

Posted on April 7, 2017 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.

~~~

If you are looking for a mystery that leads to a asking questions about what a life is worth, check out Southern Gold by James Alan Vitti.

Southern Gold Amazon / Goodreads

My 56

So this, this is what it comes to? he heard himself thinking, wondering, calling out. Or will I get another chance? Just one more chance…

(From prologue, because only a partial paragraph on page 56, in paperback,1st edition, published in 1995)

Book Beginnings

Gavin Duke thought he was dead.

(From the Prologue)

GOODREADS BLURB: When a promotional scheme for First Southern Bank goes badly awry kidnapped marketing executive Gavin Duke, imprisoned in a cabin deep in the woods, has plenty of time to think about the course of his life and his relationships–when it may be too late for him to do anything about them.

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#Giveaway – Sketchy Tacos by Meg D. Gonzalez @MegDGonzalez

Posted on February 18, 2017 by fundinmental

Sketchy Tacos by Meg D. Gonzalez

Teenage artist Mila Gulick travels to Mexico to get away from warring influences and find herself. But life in the land of tacos is a far cry from her sheltered life back home. Mila must find the courage to step out from behind her sketchbook and get to know the people and culture around her. While her host family and the two boys vying for her interest are nothing but smiles, all may not be as it seems.

Soon Mila is questioning her choices and the beliefs she’s held dear. Her heart, her art, and even her safety are at risk as she struggles to find a balance between cultural differences, old assumptions, and strange romance. Will her trip end in disaster or will she find the strength for which she’s been searching?

Praise for the Book
“This modern coming-of-age story has it all – humor, heart, genuine characters, and spiritual depth. I highly recommend it to teen readers.” – Krista McGee, Inspy Award winning author of First Date and Starring Me

“Meg D. Gonzalez gives us a vivid look at life for an American teenager in Mexico and an even clearer picture of what happens when you decide to embrace who God made you to be. No matter what. Great first novel. Great read.” – Nancy Rue, Christy Award winning author of the Real Life series

Excerpt
Leaning forward, I hide my hot cheeks behind a veil of wavy, brown hair Rosa somehow coaxed straight. As he pushes my bangs behind my ear, his fingertips brush my skin. I suppress a shiver. His hand lingers behind my neck. Lightning skitters across my skin.

“Qué bonita,” he murmurs, leaning forward.

Pretty. He called me pretty. Is this for real?

With a slight sway, I find myself closing the distance. My body reacts to instincts I didn’t know I possessed. Then I freeze.

What if I’m a horrible kisser? Rosa’s friends are a chatty group. What if I’m terrible, and I turn into the laughing stock of her entire social circle? I’d be alone the rest of the summer. Or I’d have to flee the country and return to Mom.

I swing away.

“What’s wrong?” His breath tickles my nose, minty fresh.

“Nothing.” Heat flames from my forehead to my fingertips. Think. Think! Come up with something coy, something cute.

My chin raises. I quirk one corner of my lips. “I’m just not that easy.”

Meg Author Meg D. Gonzalez

Meg D. Gonzalez is a tea-sipping, adventure-seeking, pug-loving kind of girl. She’s crazy for God and wants to share His love with awesome young women around the globe.

She started her first novel at the age of fourteen (it will never see the light of day and that’s best for everyone), but her writing really came alive two years ago after she moved to Mexico. The crazy, wonderful people and culture she encountered inspired the story of Sketchy Tacos.

When she’s not writing, she’s learning to play video games with her husband (she’s horrible), taking hikes in beautiful parks with her pug Pascal, crocheting, and watching way too much TV.

Website * Facebook * Twitter * Pinterest * Instagram

Blast Giveaway

$50 Amazon Gift Card or Paypal Cash

Ends 3/5/17

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.

a Rafflecopter giveaway

You can see my Giveaways HERE.
You can see my Reviews HERE.
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The Extraordinary Journey of Vivenne Marshall by Shannon Kirk @ShannonCKirk

Posted on December 14, 2016 by fundinmental

Shannon Kirk’s award winning debut novel, Method 15/33, blew me away…so when I saw The Extraordinary Journey of Vivienne Marshall was available on Netgalley, I snagged it. Thank you Shannon Kirk and Reputation Books.

Such a gorgeous cover and I do hope I am walking on clouds when it’s over.

Book Design: Lisa Abellera

Ebook Design: Mary C Moore

Amazon / Goodreads

MY REVIEW

Be careful…when you are texting. Your inattention could be the death of you.

Vivienne lay hovering on the brink of death, one foot in the land of the living and one foot with the dead.

Noah, her dead, dream husband explains it to her. The scene made me think of a Supernatural episode, where Castielle says our Heaven is of our own making.

Is there a Heaven? Does our life pass before our eyes?

What would it look like? Who would you want there with you?

What secrets would be brought to light after your death?

And if there is a Heaven…what about Hell?

The lovely pics sprinkled throughout are a nice touch and I love it.

I am sitting in one of my favorite reading places, my patio and watering the lawn, even as the black clouds roll in, the thunder rumbling, and I am lost in Vivienne’s world, unable to quit reading.

Shannon’s descriptive words draw me into this novel from the opening pages, her poetic words bring to life fantasy worlds full of vibrant colors, beauty and love, but the flowery prose becomes onerous for me, having me starting, stopping and rereading, but that is me. I think there are many readers who will LOVE it and get lost in the story too.

This Heavenly love story is tragic, yet hopeful and very thought provoking.

I voluntarily reviewed a free ARC copy of The Extraordinary Journey of Vivienne Marshall from Shannon Kirk.

4 Stars

GOODREADS BLURB: What if you could choose your heaven now? Go on a celestial shopping trip of sorts? Thirty-five-year-old Vivienne does just that, as she lies dying in the ICU; a fatal walk into the path of a truck. In her final week of life, Vivienne treks through the Heavens of a priest, a best friend, a homeless child, and a lover who never was. Vivienne’s guardian angel, Noah, who may just be her soul mate, escorts her through selections of Heavens and through the confusion Vivienne experiences as she flounders between a doubt of life and the certainty of death. Although her visits to varied afterlives provide peace and beauty, choosing proves not so easy: Vivienne’s love for her young son and her earthly father pull her from her colorful journey—and from her divine love of Noah.

The nature of love, the variety and magic of life, unending hope, and the importance of saying goodbye are central to this uplifting tale.

ABOUT SHANNON KIRK

Shannon has been honored three times by the Faulkner Society in the William Faulkner-William Wisdom Creative Writing Competition for her works The Extraordinary Journey of Vivienne Marshall (2012 finalist), Method 15/33 (2013 finalist), and Impossibility of Interplanetary Love (2014 short-list finalist). When not practicing law, Shannon writes in her free time. She lives in Massachusetts with her husband and son.

Shannon writes in several genres: literary fiction, suspense/thriller, and young adult.

Shannon is a member of International Thriller Writers and Mystery Writers of America.

Website / Twitter