A Life Through Books

Saturday, April 13, 2013

Blog Tour Book Review

Blog Tour: Excuse Me, My Brains have Stepped out by Pandora Poikilos

Blog Tour: Excuse Me, My Brains have Stepped out by Pandora Poikilos
5:44 AM0 Comments

Bio/Memoir - Women's Studies
Date Published: 4/17/2011

Anya Michaels is having the time of her life. She has the man of her dreams by her side. She has graduated at the top of her class. She has the job others were lining up for.

Between late night drinks at her favourite bar and fancy dinners at the most expensive restaurants, she has a string of adoring friends. Everything changes when she hears the dreaded words, "You are sick."


Being diagnosed with a rare neurological disorder, her world starts to fall apart, one piece at a time. Now dumped, her four year relationship is nothing but a memory filled with pictures, thoughts and a very broken heart. Her job becomes an even further challenge as she tries to hide her condition. Her friends suddenly have more important things to do, what is a party without a party girl? Perfect could not crumble any faster.


Soon, caught between situations, people and pieces of life that she never dreamed of planning for herself, Anya begins to wonder if her brain condition is all that bad. As she absorbs the changes in her life and realization sets in, she begins to wonder if she is the only one saying: Excuse Me, My Brains Have Stepped Out.


(20% of royalties will be donated to the National Organisation of Rare Disorders)


My Review:
This was a powerful story about a disease that I did not really have a lot of information about when going into reading it. I really like the fact that I was not only able to relate to the Author and her experiences, but I was able to learn something from it as well.

 I think this book really gets to you because no matter where you are in life, there can always come a point where everything changes in the blink of an eye. It is definitely a testament to the saying "Don't take anything for granted". 

 This also makes me think about writing down my own thoughts. If something happened to me, would I want those around me to be able to know what life was like from my perspective.

 I have a lot of respect for Pandora Poikilos for sharing her story.

BUY LINKS 


International best-selling author, Pandora Poikilos has been writing for more than 10 years for various media which include newspapers, radio, television and various websites.

Diagnosed in 2003 with a rare neurological disorder, Benign Intracrannial Hypertension, she has since undergone brain surgery to have a VP Shunt fitted in her brain. Her debut novel - Excuse Me, My Brains Have Stepped Out was written when recovering from this surgery.

She is also the founder of Orangeberry Book Tours, a marketing and public relations site for authors which reaches out to readers of all genres. A social media enthusiast who is passionate about blogging and finding her way around the virtual world, she wills away time in the real world by reading, writing and people watching.

Twitter: @PandoraPoikilos
Read more »
Reading Time:
Posted by at No comments:
Labels: , , ,
Contemporary Contemporary Romance

PROMO: Welcome to Paradise by Rosalind James

PROMO: Welcome to Paradise by Rosalind James
5:36 AM0 Comments


Welcome to Paradise
By Rosalind James
Contemporary Romance
Date Published: 4/12/13

Synopsis:
By the bestselling author of the Escape to New Zealand series—
They’re going to party like it’s 1885.

Mira Walker is hoping that competing on a “living history” reality show will give her what’s missing from her real life. Maybe she’ll get closer to her boyfriend, who hasn’t been all that nice to her lately. Get fired up about her job again. Who knows, she might even win a million dollars.

Gabe Kincaid and his brother Alec are after that million too, though. Mira and Scott are no threat at all, not when everybody involved is going to want to kill Scott after the first day. And there’s no bond stronger than a twin’s. What could possibly go wrong?

Buy Links
Amazon - http://www.amazon.com/Welcome-Paradise-The-Kincaids-ebook/dp/B00CBZAI7M/


EXCERPT

Gabe began to haul out suitcases, then stopped in his tracks.
A couple spaces beyond, a young woman stood next to a glossy black BMW with its door open, her gaze turned up to the eastern skyline. Gabe could see why. The view was tinted with a rose pink that lay softly over the mountains, giving them an almost ethereal glow.
She sensed his presence behind him, turned with a warm smile that was a perfect complement to the light bathing the landscape behind her. “Alpenglow,” she told him happily.
“What?” he asked stupidly.
“That’s what they call that pink thing. Alpenglow. Isn’t it beautiful?”
“Yeah,” he smiled slowly. “It sure is.”
She nodded, looked back at the mountains with a sigh, leaving Gabe free to take in the view that interested him most. She wasn’t especially slim—in fact, she was downright . . .rounded. Arms, breasts, hips, it was all there, all the good stuff. A nicely defined waist, too, in a slightly crumpled short-sleeved summer dress that flared out at the hem. Long, shiny brown hair caught on the side of her head in a simple braid that reached nearly to her hips, ended in a curly tail. All right, she was attractive. A pretty face, nice hair, a beautiful smile, but she certainly wasn’t gorgeous. So why was he staring at her?
“Cute,” Alec said quietly beside him.
“Yeah.” Gabe gave himself a shake and began to turn away.
“Hey.” The man was striding quickly across the parking lot. Light brown hair, parted neatly. Slim and tall, somewhere between Gabe’s six foot and Alec’s six-two. And, Gabe realized, the same asshole who’d flipped them off earlier, at the light. Frowning, now, as he came to join the woman. “What are you doing? I’ve been waiting for you.”
“Sorry,” she said. “I was just looking at the view.”
“Did you get the car cleaned out?”
“Not yet.”
He sighed impatiently. “I’ve got all our stuff inside already, and unpacked, while you’ve been standing here. Could you get a move on, please? I want to go to dinner.”
“Sorry,” she said again. “It’s just so beautiful.”
The man smiled tightly, still not acknowledging Gabe or Alec, who had come up to stand beside his brother and watch the pair. “All I’m asking for is a bit of focus here, sweetie. Eyes on the prize, remember? Can you do that for me?”
“Of course,” she said. Gabe could see the flush spreading up her cheeks, her embarrassment at the reproof in front of strangers. Not his business, he reminded himself.
None of his business at all.


Author Bio:

Rosalind James is the author of the bestselling “Escape to New Zealand” series.
“Welcome to Paradise” is her first book set in the United States. A former marketing executive, Rosalind divides her time between California and New Zealand.

Author Links
Website | Facebook | Twitter
Read more »
Reading Time:
Posted by at No comments:
Labels: , , ,

Saturday, April 6, 2013

Excerpt PROMO

PROMO: Monster Night by PB Azeltine and ME Drewry

PROMO: Monster Night by PB Azeltine and ME Drewry
6:53 AM0 Comments

Monster Night

Young Adult Fantasy

By Pb Azeltine, Me Drewry  

Date Published: November 2012 

Add to Goodreads

When a drug surfaces in town that turns teens into the mythological creature of the chupacabra, David Copperfield Finkleman is called in to help. Why? Because David possesses a rare gift. He is a true blue, magic out of the fingertips, potions and spells, wizard. Well, that and because his grandfather is the </ span>
lead investigator on the case and the drug is circulating in David's own high school. David is thrust into a world of danger and monsters he never knew existed, all the while living his normal daily life. He learns that he will have to save the very bullies who torment him in school and the chemistry teacher who
wants nothing more than to flunk him. Adding to his problems, he deals with girl troubles, a boss who doesn't appreciate his sarcasm, and saving an agent's life before it's too late...no pressure!

Excerpt 

I retrieved my wand, held it over the potion and willed my energy into it. The potion began to bubble as if boiling on the stove. It became thick and turned blood red. The contents bubbled and expanded, spilling out from the bowl and on to the table. Then suddenly the bloody goo began to form into a shape, sprouting legs, and then swirling around and making a body, and lastly a head. I pulled back my energy, but it was too late. A Mastiff-sized chupacabra stood on the table, snarling, snapping, and baring its teeth at me.
I jumped back and cried out at the same time. The creature lunged at me. I dove under the table, feeling the breeze from its body brush my face. The animal thumped to the ground and scrambled, its paws slipping and scratching on the linoleum floor. I clambered to my feet, just in time to throw a wall of energy out, three inches thick and a large doggie-door size wide and high.
The chupacabra hit the wall, bounced back, and came at me, frothing and scrabbling at the energy again and again until he broke through and pounced on me, sending me hurtling backwards. My back, butt, and head smacked the linoleum at the same time, followed by my feet, the chupacabra’s teeth sinking into my coat. Its head thrashed from side to side. The material resisted at first, and then a loud ripping echoed in my ears. The animal won the battle with a mouthful of my stuffing and cotton- polyester blend material. Using my hands and feet and all my strength, I shoved the creature off of me, scrambled to my feet, and sent another stream of magic at it. This time I was able to throw it into the back door. Stunned for a few seconds, it slowly stood, shook its head and body, and showed me his fangs, the whites of them flashing in the bright light of the room.
Was something or someone controlling this creature? Its glazed eyes indicated that the lights might be on in its head, but no one was home, or at least in that house. But who or what was controlling it? And maybe even why?</ span>
The creature gathered itself for round two. It rose on its two back legs to full height. Long claws jetted out from its pads ready to slice me in two. Its gray body had a green hint to it with black spots. Black spikes stuck out along the spine and looked as sharp as its claws. Drool dripped from its long tongue and sides of its mouth. It growled, a low menacing hum that rose louder into a snarl.
For a moment, I was fascinated by its ability to balance as a human. Red eyes glowed and I kept from looking at them for fear of not knowing if it could hypnotize or freeze me.



 P.B. Azeltine

P.B. Azeltine has been writing for many years. She is a Land Survey or
Instrument woman by day and a writer at lunch time, traveling in the car time, any spare moment time, days off time, and evenings. She loves writing young adult, middle-grade, historical romance, and contemporary romance. She tries to put humor in all her writing. She has learned that as she goes through life, humor can make it much easier to get through. She lives in Olympia, Washington (U.S.A.) with her husband, two daughters, son in-law, future son in-law, two dogs, one cat, and one lovebird.

www.pbazeltine.com

M.E. Drewry

M.E. Drewry is a teacher and writer. An avid fan and reader of fantasy, she decided to co-write her own fantasy story for young adult. She lives in Rochester, Washington (U.S.A.) with her husband, Jacob and her overly pampered black lab Shadow.


FACEBOOK
Read more »
Reading Time:
Posted by at No comments:
Labels: , ,

Thursday, April 4, 2013

Blog Tour Book Review

Blog Tour: Jagged Little Edges by Lorelie Rozzano

Blog Tour: Jagged Little Edges by Lorelie Rozzano
8:18 AM 2 Comments

Edgy Addiction Fiction
Date Published: 1/15/13

British Columbia author Lorelie Rozzano has taken her own life experience shackled by the chains of addiction and is turning it into a series of fictional novels that weave first-hand experience into compelling stories. The book takes you on a ten year journey, through the depths of despair, as Lyndsey, a darkly fascinating protagonist, looks for her happily ever after. This story will move and inspire you. It will leave you on the edge of your seat wanting more. The first in the series – Jagged Little Edges is now available.
My Review:
Wow, just wow! I am shocked at the emotion Lorelie Rozzanno has been able to invoke in me through this character. Addiction is something that I personally have never dealt with, to the fact that I have never even tried anything, even smoking and I don't drink at all. So I have always wondered how someone got to that point where they become addicted. This was just such an eyeopening read for me. I love the way that having no idea what comes with addiction, I could feel what Lyndsey felt and what she was going through. This is truly a wonderful story and I can not wait for the next one! 



BUY LINKS
Read more »
Reading Time:
Posted by at 2 comments:
Labels: , ,

Wednesday, April 3, 2013

Blog Tour Book Review

Blog Tour: Monster Night by Azeltine and Drewry

Blog Tour: Monster Night by Azeltine and Drewry
7:49 AM0 Comments

Young Adult Fantasy
Date Published: November 2012

When a drug surfaces in town that turns teens into the mythological creature of the chupacabra, David
Copperfield Finkleman is called in to help. Why? Because David possesses a rare gift. He is a true blue, magic out of the fingertips, potions and spells, wizard. Well, that and because his grandfather is the lead investigator on the case and the drug is circulating in David's own high school. David is thrust into a world of danger and monsters he never knew existed, all the while living his normal daily life. He learns that he will have to save the very bullies who torment him in school and the chemistry teacher who wants nothing more than to flunk him. Adding to his problems, he deals with girl troubles, a boss who doesn't appreciate his sarcasm, and saving an agent's life before it's too late...no pressure!

 My Review:
Oh, I wish the cover of this was a bit different. I'm picky when it comes to covers though and this one just didn't pull me in when I saw it, but I am oh so glad I read it! 

 I think the authors did an amazing job of keeping this one light and fun while dealing with the darker elements. Nothing felt too overly serious and it definitely reads for the younger teens, but myself being in my twenties, I enjoyed it a lot as well. 

 I liked the mystery throughout, it gave another layer to the story as a whole. Definitely a quick read, but well worth the time! 

 "There’s no going back either.  Once they’re changed, they’ll be changed forever."
BUY LINKS





P.B. Azeltine
P.B. Azeltine has been writing for many years. She is a Land Surveyor
Instrument woman by day and a writer at lunch time, traveling in the car time, any
spare moment time, days off time, and evenings. She loves writing young adult,
middle-grade, historical romance, and contemporary romance. She tries to put
humor in all her writing. She has learned that as she goes through life, humor can
make it much easier to get through. She lives in Olympia, Washington (U.S.A.) with
her husband, two daughters, son in-law, future son in-law, two dogs, one cat, and
one lovebird.


M.E. Drewry

M.E. Drewry is a teacher and writer. An avid fan and reader of fantasy, she
decided to co-write her own fantasy story for young adult. She lives in Rochester,
Washington (U.S.A.) with her husband, Jacob and her overly pampered black lab
Shadow.
SCAVENGER HUNT / GIVEAWAY

Each blog stop in this tour will have a hidden phrase/object within their post that you must look for and mark down.  Be sure to keep a look out and you will need to match the item to the blog it was shown on.
Once you have them all figured out, enter here to win:

 Go back to the other stops on the tour to gather the rest of the items:

March 26 - Andi's YA Books - Review/Interview
March 27-Jenn Renee Read - Review
March 28 - The Book Faery Reviews - PROMO/Guest Post
March 29 - Pixie Dust Reviews - Review/Guest Post
March 30 - Mom With a Kindle - Interview/PROMO
March 31 - Book Marks the Spot - PROMO
April 1 - In Love With Romance - PROMO
April 2 - Gimme the Scoop - PROMO
April 3 - Tiffany Reads - PROMO
Read more »
Reading Time:
Posted by at No comments:
Labels: , ,
Giveaway PROMO

PROMO: Giveaway and Writing Contest from BookRix

PROMO: Giveaway and Writing Contest from BookRix
5:30 AM0 Comments


BookRix is THE top book community. We connect authors and readers: 
You can create eBooks, publish your own book, and read eBooks - All for FREE!

BookRix YA Contest “Be The Best (Seller) You Can Be!”

Writing is your talent, your skill, and your greatness! Unfortunately, being an Indie Author comes with a downside: The grueling task of self-marketing. It’s a big, book-filled world out there, and without marketing, readers won’t know about you or your work. It’s kinda hard to be a Best Seller when nobody knows about your book, so let’s get you noticed!
Entering this contest could ease some of the pressures of marketing because BookRix will help you get your book out there to the world. Yes, we're cool like that!

PRIZES:

The top 2 winners in this “Be The Best (Seller)” contest will each receive a MARKETING PACKAGE for special book promotions, when their winning book is self-published via BookRix. This Marketing Package includes being featured on the BookRix website /blog/Twitter & Facebook fan pages/newsletter, external book reviews, possible blog tours and exposure on external sites with a possible feature in an eBook shop. A custom cover and editing service could also be thrown into the mix because, like we said, we are cool like that!


Visit the Contest Page Here:
http://www.bookrix.com/post/group;content- id:group_1030883121,id:919829.html
Read more »
Reading Time:
Posted by at No comments:
Labels: ,
Excerpt PROMO

PROMO: Crazy Dumplings by Amanda Roberts

PROMO: Crazy Dumplings by Amanda Roberts
12:00 AM0 Comments


Crazy Dumplings Cook Book
By Amanda Roberts

Hi! My name is Amanda and I am an American who has been living, writing, and cooking in China for nearly three years. China’s favored dish, the dumpling (or jiaozi in Chinese), can be found on every street corner, in every restaurant, and in every kitchen in China, but they are all pretty much prepared the same way: a bit of meat, some garlic and ginger, and a bit of vegetables if you’re lucky. Even a visit to the freezer section at any grocery store displays hundreds of packages of dumplings that all look and taste the same.  

But the dumpling is so versatile! Have you ever tried stuffing a dumpling with chicken? Refried beans? Cheesecake filling? No? Hardly anyone has! My cookbook, Crazy Dumplings, takes this simple staple food and prepares it in ways you never thought possible! From buffalo chicken dumplings to pizza dumplings to apple pie dumplings, a world of foods is available to you in an easy dumpling wrapper with Crazy Dumplings.


EXCERPT/SAMPLE

Basic Dumpling Wrapper

3/4 cups flour
1/3 cup boiling water
Dash of salt
Flour for dusting

1) Mix flour and salt together in a mixing bowl.
2) Drizzle in water, mixing with a chopstick or fork.
3) Leave in bowl, covered with plastic wrap for 15 minutes.
4) Gather dough up into a ball and kneed on counter for a minute or two (until the dough is smooth)
5) Pinch off small portion of dough and roll into a ball (about 1 inch in diameter). Roll out into a flat circle on the counter, dusting with flour to keep dough from sticking.
6) Put small amount of preferred dumpling stuffing mixture into the middle of the flat dumpling wrapper. Pinch the dumpling closed.
7) Cook dumplings.
a. To fry dumpling, preheat oil for 30 second then lower heat. Cook dumpling on each side for only about one minute or until golden brown.
b. To steam dumplings, place in a steamer or on an elevated plate in a wok over water for about 10 minutes.
c. To boil dumplings, place in boiling water for about 5 minutes.
8) Always cut a dumpling open to make sure it cooked through.
9)Serve!

Taco Dumplings

½ lb ground meat (beef, pork, or turkey)
½ cup shredded cheese
1 tablespoon chili seasoning
1 tablespoon ground cumin
½ tablespoon garlic powder
¼ cup chopped cilantro (optional)
12 dumpling wrappers
Salsa, guacamole, cheese sauce, sour cream (as optional dip options)

1. Mix ground meat, shredded cheese, spices, and cilantro together in mixing bowl.
2. Spoon mixture into dumpling wrappers.
3. Fry dumplings for about 1 minute on each side or until golden brown (be sure to open one to make sure the meat is thoroughly cooked).
4. Serve hot with sauces for dipping.


Guacamole

2 avocados
1 small tomato, finely chopped
¼ of an onion, finely chopped
1 clove of garlic, pressed
a few sprigs of cilantro, finely chopped
1 lime or lemon, halved
Dash of salt

1) With a spoon remove the avocado meat from the rind and remove the seeds. Mash the avocado meat with a spoon and fork.
2) Mix in tomato, onion, garlic, and cilantro
3) Squeeze in lemon juice (watch out for seeds!)
4) Add salt to taste
5) Enjoy!

About the Author

Amanda Roberts received her master’s degree in English from the University of Central Missouri in 2009. In 2010, she and her husband moved to rural Hunan, China to teach English. Amanda has been
chronicling their adventures on her blog Two Americans in China for nearly 3 years.

One of her biggest obstacles to overcome was learning how to cook all over again. She discovered that this is a major frustration for most expats living abroad. Crazy Dumplings is her first book in what will hopefully become a full line of cookbooks for expats and people living at home who want to learn fun and more natural ways of cooking.

Website
Read more »
Reading Time:
Posted by at No comments:
Labels: ,