Spotlight: Hand of Miriam by Eva Gordon

Published By Eva Gordon

Cover art by Nicolene van Staden

Editing by Marion Archer and Karen Lawson

Published: December 6, 2013

Word Count: 105,618

Page Count Print: 390 pages

Book Tagline:  A Victorian world of supernatural creatures, magnificent airships, a secret society, and one bluestocking adventuress who, threatened by evil seeks protection by awakening the golem.

Blurb:
On an archaeological expedition, Bayla Gideon, is widowed by a supernatural force and branded with the Hand of Miriam or Knowing Eye. Threatened by evil, she awakens the golem; a mythical man of clay, who protected the Jewish community over three centuries ago.

The golem, Gesher, is surprised. Freedom –by a beautiful, enchanting woman. His desire is to return to the celestial spheres and regain his status as an avenging angel. Yet, Bayla challenges his mind, body and soul. Would he risk his return to the heavens for her? Besides, dealing with the otherkind, mad inventors and an unrelenting matchmaking aunt, Bayla is equally determined to resist her steamy attraction to the striking fallen angel. 

Thrust into a malevolent war, which includes facing Jack the Ripper, they must resist the magnetic pull toward each other, while protecting the world from encroaching evil.

Excerpt
Bayla unlocked the Gemmatridon and held it as instructed. The talismans on the cover shifted into gears that twisted in rapid circles, and buzzed like irate bees while emitting light. Startled, she fumbled with it. The box opened. Inside was a small parchment. The instructions dictated that it be placed in the golem’s mouth. She carefully removed the ancient scroll and with trembling hands set it in the slit that had to be its mouth. Immediately, the parchment sunk in as if swallowed by quicksand and vanished. The chamber shook as if an earthquake had struck. She fell back still holding the box. Sitting sprawled on the floor, she froze in terror. Thankfully, the tremor stopped. 
A blinding bright light erupted from the crate and the golem roared a deep menacing bellow from within.
 Bayla dropped the box. What have I done? She closed her eyes from the blazing brightness and wrapped her arms and head over her knees. Like a candle snuffed out, the light vanished. The golem’s holler subsided into a grumbling moan, as if awakened from its slumber. 
 She dared look. The golem sat in the crate. She suppressed a scream on seeing his rigid red-stone face. He looked like a misshapen man made of hard red rock. An aleph was added in front of met. The Hebrew word for truth, emet, now inscribed on his forehead, permitting it life. It slowly rose and stepped out. Tall, its square head almost touched the ceiling. It wasn’t too monstrous in stature, perhaps six-foot-seven, and within the range of human height. It blinked open gray eyes and stared at her. His eyes were the only part that looked remotely human and revealed his soul, by holding her gaze as if he knew her.
Bayla scooted back on her bottom but kept her eyes on him. There was a connection, a warm bond that eased her fear. She couldn’t read its thoughts. Was it because it had none? 

The golem turned his head to the side and spoke in a deep baritone voice, “You are a woman.” 

Buy Links:

Amazon Kindle US | Amazon Kindle UK | Amazon.ca  | BN Nook | Smashwords 

Paperback available on Amazon as well.

Author Bio 
Eva Gordon writes genre bending paranormal/fantasy/steampunk and historical novels with a strong romantic element. She loves to create stories that combine her passion for mythology, steamy romance, and action/suspense. Her imagination takes her from one universe to the next. Thus far, she has several series lined up as well as single titles waiting in line for production.

Hand of Miriam, A Bayla and the Golem Novel is a gothic/steampunk/paranormal romance. Release date: December 2013. Book 2, Her Majesty’s Witch, A Bayla and the Golem Novel, will be released Spring or Summer 2014. Her intension is a duology. 

Lycan Gladiator is book 1 in her paranormal wolfish romance historical series, The Wolf Maiden Saga. Released August 2013. Book 2, Wolf Knight in King Arthur’s Court is with her editor at Corvallis Press.

Apocalyptic Moon is book 1 in her After the Bane series (paranormal romance/zombie apocalypse) Released May 2013 by The Wild Rose Press. Book 2, Raven Moon will be released 2014.

The Gamekeeper’s Daughter, a Victorian era, steamy/naughty/suspense historical novel will be released Spring 2014. Book 1 in the Red Silk and Leather trilogy. 

The Stone of the Tenth Realm, her epic fantasy backlist novel will be revised and released in the near future.

Eva has a BS in Zoology and graduate studies in Biology. She once taught high school Biology, Environmental Science and Anatomy/Physiology. When not in her den writing, she can be found at steampunk conventions, at work at the raptor rehabilitation center, wolf sanctuaries, or to satisfy her inner Hemingway on some global eco adventure. 

Learn more about Eva Gordon below:
Website | Blog | Amazon Author Page | Like Page on Face Book | Goodreads  |Twitter

Excerpt: A Tricky Game by Seraphima Bogomolova

Title: A Tricky Game

Author: Seraphima Bogomolova

Publication: July 15, 2013

Publisher: Souliris UK Ltd

Genre: Mystery, Thriller

Website|Amazon

Synopsis:
A Tricky Game is a psychological novella telling the story of a young enigmatic woman, who finds herself involved in an edgy game of three men, whose genuine intents, second agendas, and secret longings become closely intertwined with her own destiny, creating unexpected twists that place her in front of challenging life choices.

In Moscow, Russia, an aluminium magnate, Kazimir Stankevitch, enters into an unwritten agreement with a seductively attractive young woman, Angela Moreaux, whom he secretly desires. Later that night, as she returns home from a nightclub, a shot is fired at her. While in the hospital she receives a visit from a silent masked incognito, whose true intentions she is yet to discover. At the same time, her unsuspecting associate meets in the Ritz with an elderly Swiss gentleman who delivers to him a mysterious letter. As the stakes in the game go higher, the young woman is confronted with life choices that will challenge her in unexpected ways.

Excerpt:

Through the crowd of clubbers and dancing strippers, she walks toward him. Approaching, she stops, her eyes fastened on his profile. Instantaneously sensing her presence, the man turns round. Her hand extended to him, he grabs it and, parting his lips, impresses them on it, leaving a flaming trail on her skin. She pulls it away. He looks up.

"Are you playing with me?”

“I think you enjoy being played with."

"It depends."

"On what?"

"On the game."

She sits down. His eyes on her mouth, he watches her light up a cigarillo, her lips encircled around its chocolate tip. She draws on it, releasing a blow of smoke. Motioning at a waitress, he orders a bottle of Krug. Champagne's poured into their glasses, he raises his glass.

"To our agreement."

"As you wish."

"Do you think it really matters what I wish?"

"It depends."

"On what?"

"On your wish."

Author Bio: 

Seraphima Bogomolova was born and raised in St Petersburg, Russia. She is the Editor of Avantoure.com. A Tricky Game is Seraphima’s debut novella. Currently, she is working on her second novella. 

Tour:The Storm Bottle by Nick Green

The Storm Bottle Swimming with dolphins is said to be the number one thing to do before you die. For 12-year-old Michael, it very nearly is. A secret boat trip has gone tragically wrong, and now he lies unconscious in hospital. But when Michael finally wakes up, he seems different. His step sister Bibi is soon convinced that he is not who he appears to be. Meanwhile, in the ocean beyond Bermuda’s reefs, a group of bottlenose dolphins are astonished to discover a stranger in their midst – a boy lost and desperate to return home. Bermuda is a place of mysteries. Some believe its seas are enchanted, and the sun-drenched islands conceal a darker past, haunted with tales of lost ships. Now Bibi and Michael are finding themselves in the most extraordinary tale of all.

 

Praise 'I loved it... An absolute winner.' - LA Weatherly, author of the Angel Burn trilogy 'A writer who knows how to grip the imagination, make you sit on the edge of your chair, and make you laugh out loud.' - Michelle Lovric, author of The Undrowned Child, The Mourning Emporium and The Book of Human Skin 'If you only ever buy one Kindle book in your life (although that sounds a bit unlikely, now that I stop and think) this has to be it.' - The Bookwitch blog.

Excerpt

I went to Michael’s room. He was propped up in bed. With his broken ribs he had to rest a lot. Music was playing, a choir all holy and echoey, with a boy’s solo voice soaring over it. Laura had been putting this CD on for him, hoping it would help. The soloist was Michael Brook.

            I turned the volume down. Michael’s eyes looked at me. I took a deep breath.

            ‘You’re not Michael, are you?’

            The bedclothes crinkled around him.

            ‘Are you… Were you…’ I made myself say it. ‘Are you a dolphin?’

            A huge sigh.

‘Yes. I’m a dolphin.’

‘But how –?’

‘A rainvoice,’ he added. ‘We call ourselves rainvoices.’

‘Why?’

            It wasn’t top of my list of questions, but hey.

Author Nick Green Nick Green is a UK children's and YA author, best known for his trilogy The Cat Kin, published in the UK by Strident Publishing and in Germany by Ravensburger, and also as a BBC audiobook. He has appeared on BBC radio talking about his books, and has been shortlisted for two UK children's book awards. He regularly does school visits and other children's literary events. The Storm Bottle is his first straight-to-Kindle novel.

Twitter * Website

 

Tour Giveaway

$25 Amazon Gift Card or Paypal Cash

Ends 5/26/13

 

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Excerpt and Giveaway: Topaz and the Plum-Gista Stone by Pat Frayne

Title: Topas and the Plum-Gista Stone

Author: Pat Frayne

Publication: August 9, 2012

Publisher: CreateSpace

Genre: Fantasy, Adventure

Audience: Middle Grade

Amazon|B&N|Goodreads|Independent Author Network|Facebook|Pinterest|Website

Synopsis:
Topaz must find out what evil sickness has befallen his old friend, Otis, the great owl. With the help of his companions, Daisy and Dooley, Topaz takes Otis to the Healing Gnomes at North Fortress. As for Topaz and his raccoon friend, Dooley, their journey doesn't end here. Grim circumstances compel them to search for a rare, precious stone know as the Plum-Gista. Their travels take them to new and mysterious lands where they will make new friends and meet unusual beings. A warning from the Spirit of Amber Tiger gives Topaz reason to doubt his own judgement as life-threatening dangers and dark magical forces close in. 

About the Series:

These cleverly woven and original tales of a mystical cat, his friends, and the magical land they live in will truly captivate anyone who loves mystical stories of high adventure. The reader is drawn into the amazing Kingdom of Knownotten and introduced to unforgettable characters. The classic fight of good vs. evil is waged in a world inhabited by Fairies, Elves, Gnomes, wizards and talking animals. All of these creatures coexist in a complex and beautiful land of peril and wonder. The author has crafted a truly well-rounded and enchanting story, rich with suspense, humor and tenderness. 

Excerpt: 

From Chapter Five:
No one knew how long it would take to reach the Land of Strang or what to expect when they arrived. So far the journey had been easy. The path was cool and shady and nearly flat. They met no travelers along the way. Rabbits, chipmunks, mice, and squirrels were the only other signs of life they saw. These animals were not so easy to talk to or ask questions of. Quick to startle, these small creatures would scurry into hiding or run up the nearest tree trunk at the first bit of noise they heard. The following afternoon they saw a scraggly gray fox trotting through the woods. He was coming from the direction in which they were headed, although he was some distance away from the main trail. He seemed to have made a path of his own through the brush. It was just by accident that Dooley happened to see him.

“Hold up,” Dooley shouted as he hurried through a patch of dense scrubs in an effort to catch up to the fox.

“Can you stop and talk to us?”

The fox was young and Dooley thought him to be a little skittish. He noticed how often the fox kept turning his head to look behind him as if he expected something or someone to be following. Although the fox appeared to be ignoring him, Dooley continued to call out to the fox. At last he was able to get the fox's attention.

“My name is Dooley. Me, and my companions over there, are on our way to Strang. We were wondering if you could tell us how far it might be from here?” The fox gave Dooley a wary look. “That's a troubled place,” the fox said to him, stopping, finally. “Why would you go there?”

Dooley was taken aback by the fox's question. Yet it was the sort of thing he himself might ask had he been the fox. So, he answered, “The Witch of Strang has something that doesn't belong to her, and we mean to get it back.”

“You must want it badly,” the fox barked. “Were I you, I'd turn around and go home.”

“Well,” Dooley said. “It ain't that plain, but I thank you for the advice, just the same.”

“Too bad you won't take it,” said the fox. Then he sat down and began to lick at something on his hind foot. His motions were quick and urgent. It was probably the reason the fox had stopped in the first place, Dooley thought.

Again, Dooley tried to get the fox to answer his question. “How far would you say we have to travel before we reach the Land of Strang?”

“By this time tomorrow, if you keep at it,” the fox answered, getting up again.

Then, looking past Dooley, his gaze came to rest on the Dorn brothers. The boys were standing on the path next to Topaz where they had been since the conversation with the fox had begun. However, the fox seemed to be noticing them for the first time.

“It's not a place one should take children. Especially Gnome children,” the fox said, addressing his comment to Dooley. Yet, his attention was still focused on the two young Gnomes.

Dooley did not miss the note of strong disapproval in the fox's bark. Then something unreadable flickered in the fox's slanting yellow eyes. It made Dooley feel a little nervous. He wondered what the fox was thinking. “Be good enough to send them home, at least,” the fox said with a sneer.

Dooley waited for the fox to explain this last comment, but these were the fox's last words, before he turned away to start off in another direction altogether. Dooley scratched his head with a forepaw while he watched the fox disappear into the thick brush. What was that all about?

Author Bio: 

Pat Frayne, a retired registered nurse with twelve grandchildren, lives in a small town in Arizona with her husband, Ron and their dog, Charlie, a black lab mix. Her action adventure mysteries take place in mystical lands inhabited by Fairies, Elves, Gnomes, Sprites, Ogres, witches, wizards and other mystical beings. While written for children ages eight through twelve, many adults have greatly enjoyed these stories.

Tour Stops:
January 7th A Buckeye Girl Reads  
January 8th Hanging With Bells January 9th  Angels Are Kids & Fur Kids 
January 10th Wanted Readers  January 11th Amys Booket List

Giveaway:
Thank you to Pat Frayne for generously offering a chance to win a Topaz and Plum-Gista Stone t-shirt. This giveaway is open to US/Canada residents only. Please use the rafflecopter form below.

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*This excerpt was provided by the author and/or publisher for ABG Reads Book Tours*

Guest Post: Witch Way Bends by Olivia Hardin

Title: Witch Way Bends (Book 1 of the Bend-Bite-Shift Trilogy)
Author: Olivia Hardin
Publication: December 2, 2011
Publisher: Create Space
Genre: Paranormal Romance

Amazon|Smashwords|B&N|Goodreads|Olivia Hardin Facebook| Olivian Hardin Twitter

Devan Stowe has only one thing on her mind when she teams up with Kent Crosby and his associates—putting an end to her father’s child trafficking business. Her determination takes her on a journey to discover her true strength and the… one man she was destined to love. In his arms, she’ll learn the meaning of trust, honor, and courage. Devan will unlock an amazing gift that will free her from her past and open up a future full of magic, faeries and more things than she ever imagined possible.

Be sure to check out Bitten Shame (Book 2 in the Bend -Bite-Shift Trilogy) and also Langton’s short story “Tell A Soul” In the Cupid Painted Blind Anthology both also available on Amazon!

Guest Post: 

If I could jump into a book…

by Olivia Hardin

If I could jump into a book, I’d live in a world of twenty known universes.   A world where a bit of magic… er complex mathematics, can open doorways between the planets and the galaxies.  A world where lesser villains may be forced to eat themselves while the “eater of souls” duels in riposte.

If I could jump into a book, I’d have journeys of adventure on a road less travelled.  I’d battle blood kites and horned ghosts and dragons, all with a tough gnome-like side-kick.  I’d have a little black box that could hold an almost infinite amount of provisions and I’d remind my fellow cohorts to be careful lest it get lost in the swamp.  I’d have a champion to lead the way with his “bump” of direction never failing.

If I could jump into a book I’d be a Princess with a strong and brave Hero at my side.  We’d jump a sword to seal a vow even as we search for a lost egg.  My Hero would fight for his Princess to the death if necessary and after all that, forgive her almost anything, even when she forces him to take her over his knee.  I’d have at my disposal an arsenal of wisdom to resolve any problem.  I’d be strong enough to use that wisdom even when my heart says no.

If I could jump into a book, I’d live in the world of Robert Heinlein’s creation.  I’d travel the Glory Road again and again, living the adventure, falling in love and roaming the twenty known universes.  And the best thing about living in that world, would be that I could “retell” the ending so that the glorious quest could continue with ever-changing, new roads to be traveled…

Spotlight & Excerpt: Open Adoption, Open Heart by Russell Elkins

Tour Schedule

Open Adoption, Open Heart

The world of adoption has changed dramatically over the past twenty years. No longer do biological parents have to say goodbye to their child forever. They now have more options when deciding the type of adoption to pursue, such as open adoption. Open adoption creates the opportunity for a special relationship between biological parents, the adoptive parents, and the child.

 Open Adoption, Open Heart is an inspiring and true story, which takes the reader deeper into the feelings and emotions experienced by adoptive parents. As you read this incredible story, you will experience the joys, difficulties, and amazing victories facing adoptive couples. Russell and his wife, Jammie, invite you to share in their inspiring and heartwarming journey.

Purchase

Amazon * Author's Website
 Amazon Kindle * Barnes & Noble

Excerpt: 
There were times when we wondered if we were putting pictures on the website too often. We could tell Brianna (biological mom) was dying to see them, but at the same time we wondered if having them so readily available kept her from being able to move on. We tried hard to read her state of mind, but reading single-line statements on her Facebook page was rarely enough of a window into her mind to really know what to think. We avoided asking ourselves the question, “Is it really our responsibility to know how she’s doing?” We felt responsible for her happiness because we were the beneficiaries of what was paining her. We felt responsible for her ability to move on because we felt guilty about wanting to progress ourselves. We felt responsible for her well-being because she sacrificed so much for us. Our rational minds would say that we needed to give her some space so that those who were closest to her could help her heal, but our emotional minds would still play tug-of-war with it.
Through the passing months we noticed that our ability to heal and progress was paralleled with how we envisioned Brianna’s progress. We felt more calm and at ease with our role when we felt like she was happy. We felt guilty if we thought she was struggling with her life, even when her struggles weren't related to the adoption. I know it was probably unhealthy to mirror someone else’s state like that, but that’s how it was for a long time. Other people may experience it differently, but that was how it was for us.

Book Trailer:




From the Author: While my book's primary audience was thought to be those hoping to adopt, close to half of the books I've sold are simply people who want to read about our story and how adoption is different now than it used to be- and they have not adopted nor do they plan to adopt.

About the Author:

Russell Elkins was born on Andrews Air Force Base near Washington, D.C., in the fall of 1977. Along with his five siblings, he and his military family moved around a lot, living in eight different houses by the time he left for college at age 17. Although his family movedaway from Fallon, Nevada, just a few months after he moved out, he still considers that little oasis in the desert to be his childhood hometown. He and his family now live in the Boise, Idaho area.

Russell has always been a family man at heart, looking forward to the day when he could be a husband and a father. It took him a little while, but eventually his eyes locked onto a beautiful blonde, and he has never looked away. Russell and Jammie were married in 2004. Years of struggling with infertility left Russell and Jammie with a decision to make and their lives changed dramatically when they decided to adopt.

Russell and Jammie have adopted two beautiful children, Ira and Hazel, and have embraced their role as parents through open adoption. Both are actively engaged in the adoption community by communicating through social media, taking part in discussion panels, and writing songs about adoption. Russell also writes a weekly post for Adoption.com and contributes regularly to Adoption Voices Magazine.

Links

Website * Facebook

Tour Giveaway:
$25 Amazon Gift Card or Paypal Cash from Author Russell Elkins
Ends 12/23/12
Open to anyone 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's permission. 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. VOID WHERE PROHIBITED BY LAW.

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Blog Tour Schedule: http://iamareadernotawriter.blogspot.com/2012/10/open-heart-open-adoption-blog-tour.html

Book Spotlight: Excerpt: Falling In Love by Stephen Bradlee

Synopsis: Sherry Johnson is young, beautiful, bright and athletic. She has everything going for her, except for one thing. 

She is addicted to love. Her life is a vicious circle of nightly trysts and morning regrets.
Her addiction got her kicked out of college, cost her the love of her life and has left her in complete despair.But still Sherry keeps falling in love. And falling. And falling.Finally, as Sherry struggles to pull herself up from a bottomless abyss, she realizes that she will have to learn to love the one person she has loathed for most of her life. Herself.

Based on the True Story of a Young Woman's Battle with Sexual Addiction.

Website|Amazon|B&N|Smashwords|Goodreads

This Giveaway is open Internationally. Use the form below to enter.

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Excerpt:

The next morning, Paul gave me his credit card and instructed me to go into Sparta and buy myself a beautiful dress. He also planned to shop for something special before jogging along the lake with Brian.

Hearing Brian’s name made my heart sink to my stomach. I tried to mention offhandedly that I hadn’t known that he had made plans with Brian.

“I didn’t,” Paul replied. “He just called this morning and said that he wanted to get together. I guess he’s trying to make up for being so rude last night.”

How I wished that were true but I knew that it wasn’t! I flashed anger at Brian. He was trying to take my Paul away from me. I wanted go along, to stop Brian from telling Paul but before I could say anything Paul gave me a quick kiss, promised to pick me up at seven and was out the door. I turned to see Arlene entering the room. She had seen Paul kissing me. She gave me the cold stare that Brian had in the karaoke bar. I ran out the door.

I started out for Sparta filled with misgivings, not even sure that I should waste Paul’s money on a dress that I would probably never wear. But I figured that I couldn’t let on that I knew what Brian was going to say. I would just have to lie to Paul and tell him that Brian had been mistaken, that it wasn’t me. I thought about admitting the truth, of trying to convince Paul that I truly loved him and that I would never do anything like that ever again. That might do it. Yes, if he really loved me, that just might work.

I tried not to think about Brian and Paul as I wandered though Sparta’s only mall. I found a lovely small dress shop with a beautiful black dress. But I couldn’t buy it, afraid that I would look like I was going to a funeral. I considered buying a white dress but was afraid that this might also be a little too much. Finally, I found one that I thought might work, beige and very prim looking.

I walked around the mall for three more hours, as I didn’t want to return to Arlene’s house. I couldn’t stand sitting there while she stared daggers at me.

On the drive back to Oak Grove, I remained torn between lying to Paul or telling him the truth and begging his forgiveness. By the time I had showered, changed into the dress and sat waiting for him on the front-porch swing, I was still torn apart.

Paul pulled up and bounced out of his car, looking very dashing in a Navy blue suit. He had worn suits to work but I’d never before seen him wear one after work. If Brian had told me where he had seen me, Paul didn’t show it as he bound up the steps with an affectionate smile. He swept me off the swing and gave me a long, loving kiss. As we headed for Paul’s car, I felt so relieved that I hadn’t needed to worry about what Brian might have told him.

Paul had made a reservation on the Lakeside Restaurant’s terrace so that we would be dining at sunset. The setting was absolutely beautiful as an almost glowing sun spread shimmering flecks over the water. But unlike previous dinners when Paul talked nonstop about his life and his plans and dreams, he now seemed to be more reflective. The long pauses in the conversation made me uneasy.

“You’re quiet tonight,” I finally observed.

“My mother taught me not to talk with my mouth full,” Paul replied matter-of-factly and I became even more uneasy.

I tried to fill the vacuum with small talk but it didn’t help and finally Paul asked, “Where did you meet Brian?”

My heart sink. After all day of weighing lying to Paul versus admitting the truth, I was still on a very sharp fence. Tell the truth, Sherry, that is your only hope. I knew this. I did. So I was startled to hear myself say, “Buying cigarettes. I told you.”

“He lives in Sparta.”

“That’s where it was,” my voice said, now committed to the lie. “I went for a drive.”

“That’s all?”

“Of course. What did you think?” I hadn’t meant to ask that question, as I had dreaded the answer. But I had.

Paul looked closely at me for what seemed like forever as I sat speechless, motionless. Finally, I tried smiling as sweetly as I could. Then Paul smiled back and started to relax.

“Brian was kidding me about you being at Nick Rogers’ party last Sunday.”

“I don’t know a Nick Rogers,” I said quickly and then remembered that I had actually met him. For all I could remember, I knew Nick Rogers in more ways than one but that thought disgusted me so much that I pushed it out of my mind.

“You could go to all his parties and not know him. His place is a walkin.” Paul laughed and gave me a loving smile. “Forget about it,” he said. “Brian was just being stupid.”

Paul dropped his napkin by the table and knelt down to retrieve it. But he didn’t get up again.

“Everything okay?” I asked him.

Paul looked up. “It will be perfect, if you will take this.” He was holding a ring case.

I took the case and opened it to see a large, sparkling, gorgeous diamond ring.

“Will you marry me?” Paul asked.

I couldn’t believe it. I had feared that this would be the worst night of my life and instead it was turning out to be the best. “Yes. Oh, yes!” I exclaimed.

Paul swept me out of my seat and into his arms and gave me a long, wonderful kiss. The restaurant patrons broke into applause and a waiter approached us with a bottle of champagne.

For the next two hours, we drank champagne, dined and held each other’s hand. I must have showed off my dazzling ring to everyone in the restaurant at least twice.

We finally strolled outside, hand in hand with Paul stopping at every step to kiss me.

“Where else should we go to celebrate?” he asked.

The question surprised me. I thought that since we were now engaged, we would go back to his house and make love. But Paul had waited so long for that moment that he now seemed to willing to stretch it out further, to tantalize us both before we began making love for the rest of our lives. Although I could barely wait another minute, I understood.

“Anywhere you want,” I replied.

Paul smiled. “I know the perfect place.”

We drove into Sparta and headed in a direction that seemed vaguely familiar and then it became all too familiar as we finally pulled up outside that party house, Nick Rogers’ house. Hoping I was mistaken, I glanced at the house with increasing apprehension. I wasn’t mistaken. The party tonight was quieter but a party nonetheless. I knew I had to get out of there. I had to get Paul out of there.

“It sounds too loud,” I said. “Why don’t we go to somewhere quiet? Just the two of us.” I kissed Paul and gave him a big smile, hoping that this would do it. It didn’t.

He smiled back. “We will. In a minute. I just want to show those clowns what a class act looks like. Brian deserves this.”

Paul got out car and opened my door. I couldn’t move. “You go,” I said. “I’ll wait here.”

Paul shook his head. “It wouldn’t be any fun without you. Come on.”

Paul was almost pulling me out of the car when I saw the guy they called Tex walking across the porch with a brunette. I knew I couldn’t go near him. I was horrified by the thought. I shuddered backward into the seat, frozen. “I can’t,” I said. “I can’t.”

Paul looked puzzled. “What? Why?”

“I just can’t.”

Suddenly, Paul looked warily at me, accusingly. “Have you been here before?”

“I don’t know,” I said. I really didn’t. The person who had walked into that house wasn’t me.

Paul was trying not to believe what he was realizing was true. “Sherry, either you have or you haven’t,” he said brusquely.

“Can’t we just go, please?”

He stared at me with accusing eyes. “We’re going, all right,” he snapped and slammed my door shut.

All the way back to Oak Grove, I fought back tears as I tried to talk to Paul. I wanted so badly to tell him that I would never do anything like that again but I couldn’t think of the right words, and Paul wasn’t really listening to anything I was saying anyway. He had turned into some other Paul that I had never seen before. This wonderfully, sweet guy was now enraged at me and seemingly every female he had ever met.

“You women are all the same,” he shouted. “You act sweet and innocent with me and then go fuck the first guy you see.” He turned to me. “Am I the only guy in this county who hasn’t had you? Am I? Answer me?”

“It’s not want you think,” I protested.

“That’s for damn sure,” he retorted as the car screeched to a stop outside Arlene’s house. He turned to me again. “Answer me! Did you screw a bunch of guys at Rogers’?”

“I don’t know,” I answered. I really didn’t. I didn’t know anything anymore.

“That’s bullshit!” he snapped.

I couldn’t stand the thought of losing Paul and never again enjoying our wonderful times together. “All I know is that I really care for you,” I said. “Come with me to New York, right now. Just the two of us.”

“So you can sleep around in a big city and I won’t find out?” He glowered at me.

“No!” I didn’t want that. I only wanted to be with Paul. “I—”

But before I could speak, Paul cut me off. Reaching over to open my door, he looked away. “Get out!”

“Paul, please,” I pleaded. “I’m sorry. I’m not like that.”

“Get out of my life!” He yelled so loudly that he scared me.

I finally broke down in tears. “Paul, please,” I pleaded again.

“Out.”

He refused to look at me. Instead he just glared out the front window into the dark night.

Slowly, I got out of the car. Before I could even close the door, the car squealed away from the curb and the violent motion slammed the door shut.

I ran into Arlene’s house, up the stairs and once again, blinded by tears, began jamming my clothes into my suitcase. I hated myself for running away but I knew that no matter what I said to Paul, it wouldn’t do any good. You blew it, Sherry. Just get to New York. Through my tears, I saw the picture of Paul with the big fish and whispered to it, “I’m sorry, Paul. I truly am.”

When my suitcase was again stuffed full, I slammed it shut and ran down the stairs, tripping and almost falling but I managed to stay upright. I couldn’t stay in that house one more second. Arlene was her living room, watching a TV show. I didn’t bother to say, goodbye. As I ran out the door, I heard her parting shot. “Goodbye and good riddance.”

Lost in tears, I headed out of Oak Grove. The Interstate was on the other side of Sparta but I could never again go into that town. I yanked the wheel at a small road hoping to bypass it. The road was narrow and winding. Driving too fast, especially with eyes filled with tears that blocked my vision, I swerved all over the road. I nearly hit the ditch on a couple of sharp curves but I didn’t slow down. I had to get out of there. I felt like I couldn’t breathe until I got to the Interstate.

Then I felt rugged bumps and I blinked away the tears to see the car skidding off the road and heading for a towering tree. I jerked the steering wheel but I was too late as the car slid sideways toward the tree trunk. I hadn’t bothered to put on a seat belt so I tried to clutch the steering wheel as I braced for the crash.

Author Bio: 
Stephen Bradlee is the pen name for a Hollywood film executive. He has ghostwritten celebrity autobiographies and has worked primarily as a script doctor. He is married and lives with his wife, their daughter and their dog.

Excerpt & Giveaway: Heart's Storm, by Julia Sherman

Title: Heart’s Storm

Genre and Age Group: Women’s Fiction

Author: Julia Sherman

Release date: 9/12/2012

Amazon

Synopsis:

Elizabeth Shulman, a twenty-seven-year-old Russian Jewish immigrant, would like nothing better than not to die a corporate accountant working at a Fortune 100 company. She wants to walk away from the corporate rat-race, but...she’s still holding onto the painful memories from her poor past—from the days her family came to America with nothing so that their children could have a free life.

But soon one day’s event turns Elizabeth’s world upside down and inside out. With her bubble burst, Elizabeth decides to take the first step, quit her job. However, her bullying boss from HELL offers her a promotion and a big raise. But there’s a hitch. She must also agree to do pro bono work to bolster the company’s image. Her pro bono assignment: tutor unprivileged kids in a Southwest Chicago elementary school. And there, in school, her life begins to change when she gets a peek at a different type of world from her own.

Heart’s Storm is a bitter-sweet romantic comedy about love and career, family and friends, immigration and hardships, betrayal and forgiveness, and the promise of the American dream.

Excerpt:

“Catch me,” I laughed and sprinted off towards the towers of Crown Fountain.

“Liz, you’re crazy, you know that!” Justin yelled after me laughing, and I heard the sound of his running footsteps behind me. 

“Go get her!”  someone yelled after us. “You can’t let her go!”  

“I’m trying to!” Justin yelled back, his loud voice echoing through the night.  “She’s too fast for me!” 

I reached my destination, took off my sandals, and tossed them on the bench by the fountain. The cold water felt good on my bare legs when I jumped into the shallow pool. This is fun, so much fun. I picked up the bottom of my dress, and ran through it, splashing loudly.  

Justin approached the fountain and stood there watching me. “Come on, you coward!” I dared. He didn’t move, just stood there, smiling. He looked so tall and sexy in his ripped jeans and t-shirt, breathtaking in fact. I ran up to him and swung my arms around his neck. He laughed and wrapped his arms around me in a tight embrace, it felt so nice. Then he lifted me up and I wrapped my legs around his waist. “We’re the only ones here,” I whispered, playfully running my tongue against the tip of his ear. It felt like it wasn’t just here, but everywhere. There’s only us. There’s no one else, outside of this fountain, outside of this moment. Just the two of us, and it felt so right. “Wanna have some more fun?” I’ll do anything for you.  

Grinning, he said, “You crazy girl, we’re gonna get arrested,” but then he moved his one arm underneath my dress, playing with my zipper with the other. 

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*This excerpt was provided by the author and/or publisher for AToMR Tours *

Book Spotlight: Excerpt from Deconstructing INFATUATION by Merce Cardus

Synopsis:
Sometimes, whether you're single or with a significant one, 
somebody appears in your life unexpectedly. We feel the need to know who this person is, the need to know exactly who this person is.

A story may offer different interpretations, even with several irreconcilable and contradictory meanings. As in Francesca da Rimini and Paolo Malatesta's story in Dante's Divine Comedy, this story is not about unfaithfulness either. This story is about infatuation: what burns inside of oneself when we let ourselves fall madly for someone.
Excerpt: First Chapter.
HELEN opened the window to air the living room, for that Sunday they expected a crowd to come in and out. She eyed her watch, and rushed out to the convenience store while her roommate Marleen tried to jam her toilet kit into the suitcase.

     At the store, Helen glanced at the magazine covers, paid for her black coffee, abruptly stopped the chitchat the salesclerk had struck up, and went straight back home. She didn’t want to miss even one candidate. It was not the first time they agreed to sublet one of the two rooms, and they had never had any complaints, except once. It so happened that a mousy young girl had sublet Marleen’s bedroom for two months. One day during her last week she was caught poking her nose into Helen’s closet, and had the insolence to deny it just minutes later. Although they kept living together until the sublet was up, they shunned each other all the time. Since then, they both had to give their approval of the sublease. It was an unbreakable rule.
     By twelve thirty, the brief advertisement on Craigslist had drawn a bunch of potential roommates, though the open house was set up until 4 P.M. At six minutes of four, the doorbell rang.
     “Is the sublet still available? This is Tiziano Conti,” he said, offering his right hand between the door’s opening.
     “I’m sorry, the open house is over,” Helen said, closing the door.
     “No, no, no. It’s not over. Come on in, please,” Marleen said, pushing her aside while opening the door to let him in.
     Tiziano gave them a forced smile while coming in.
     “She is Helen Hayes, and I’m Marleen Walker,” Marleen said.
     Tiziano went to shake hands first with Marleen and then with Helen. He walked across the living room, looked around, and stopped by the open window. He bolted down a bite of sandwich he held in his left hand and picked a crumb from his lip. Tapping his fingers on the flat screen TV, he asked, “Is this working?”
     Helen saw how some crumbs fell on the carpet, gave a resounding yes, and warned him, “Why don’t you put your sandwich in your shoulder bag?”
     “Easy! They are only crumbs.” He put on a fake smile again and hid his sandwich in the little section of his bag. “So what’s bringing you here, to New York?” Marleen asked him, ushering him to her room.
     Helen heard from behind, “The Marathon and some business.”
     “I won’t be here for the Marathon, so that week you might  have  the whole  apartment  to  yourself,”  Helen
said, touching the radiator with her right hand.
     Turning around, Tiziano asked, “The whole month?”
     “No. I said just one week.” Helen stared at him.
     Tiziano and Marleen walked into Marleen’s room. Helen went down on her knees, picked up the crumbs off the carpet with her fingertips and placed them on her palm.
     “So you are not bringing any furniture with you, are you? Marleen asked.
     “No, just a suitcase.”
     “Good. Let me alert you that animals are banned in this building.”
     “Am I breaking the law right now?”
     Marleen laughed out loud.
     When Helen heard the sound of steps emerging from the room, she sprang to her feet.
     “So what do you think?” Marleen asked him.
     “It’s fine. Bright and spacious. It works for me,” he said nodding.
     “I’ll move my clothes to one side of the walk-in closet to make room for yours. Any questions you want to ask?”
     “The ad says the apartment has wireless Internet, right?
     “Yes, yes. There’s wireless. I’ll give you the code. And we’ve got a washer and dryer as well as many kitchen tools. Do you cook? We rarely cook, but we have it all,” Marleen responded quickly, ushering him to the kitchen.
     “Perhaps you’d like to share the apartment with a gay like you… I mean, a guy like you,” Helen suggested, biting her lower lip afterward.
     Tiziano suddenly stopped and turned on her. He gave her a wry look and said, “I’m sorry, but I’m quite confused. Do you want to sublet the room, or what?”
     Helen declined to give an answer, and went to sit down on the couch, crossing her arms and legs.
     “Yes, yes. Of course.” Marleen glared at Helen.
     Tiziano and Marleen headed for the kitchen. Marleen stood  at the kitchen doorway while he walked  in to have a quick look.
     “All right, I’ll be waiting for an answer till eight,” he said.
     Tiziano went back to the living room to shake hands with Helen. She smiled with a touch of arrogance, but right away looked down in embarrassment when Tiziano’s hand crushed the crumbs she held in her hand. He frowned and then grinned slyly. He moved to the front door, thanked Marleen, who was already at the threshold, and left.
     “Fabulous! He’s exactly who we are looking for,” Marleen said, clapping her hands once.
     “What?! It seems to me he’s an illiterate guy who watches TV 24/7. I weed him out!” Helen said, walking into her room.
     Growing frantic, Marleen followed her and said, “This is just minor stuff. I think he’s a good guy. He actually looks considerate and trustworthy. That’s what we need for a month.”
     “Considerate?!”                                                         
     “Yes, considerate, and besides, shaking hands with us proves that he’s quite polite.”
     “Come on! I haven’t seen any consideration on his part. Marleen, that jerk scoffed at me. And he might be a smoker.”
     “He said he doesn’t smoke.”
     “What about that girl… ”
     “Who?”
     “What’s her name?” She looked through the window.
     “There were two women. One who asked us for a lower rent, and the other… well, all I can remember is those daisies… ”
     “Oh yes, the girl with the wreath of daisies in her hair.”
     “Come on! Are you serious?”
     “Why not?”
     “She’s a dirty hippie.”
     “A what?!”
     “She can go on placing flowers in her greasy hair; it stinks anyway.” Marleen shivered and went on, “I’d rather have this good-looking guy sleeping in my bed than that dirty flower-power girl. Don’t you find him attractive, huh?” Marleen nudged her.
     “Mhmm… My boyfriend won’t like it.”
     “Your boyfriend won’t find it out.”
     “I’m not sure, Marleen.”
     “It’s just for a month. What’s the big deal?”
     “I don’t know. I don’t feel like… ”
     “Please, I don’t have any time left,” Marleen begged her.
     Helen clenched her jaw, and afterward took a deep breath.
     “Sooo?”
     “Okay. Call him up!”

Author bio: 

Merce Cardus is the author of two novels, I say Who, What, and Where! and Deconstructing Infatuation. Her novels are inspirational, thought-provoking, and witty, whose themes reflect and explore the great questions of Life, constantly searching for Truth.

Earning a Master's degree in Corporate Law, she has headed her own law firm. In 2008, after a wake-up call, she began an inner journey to realize her passion, and committed to following her heart. She's currently living her passion by working on her third novel.

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