Prophecy of the Flame: Book Synopsis

Prophecy of the Flame: Book Synopsis 

Five strangers are yanked from this world and thrust into a land of sorcery as they are granted the looks and abilities of the people they were playing. The Crusaders of the Light struggle to form a cohesive band as they blend twentieth century technology with the supernatural powers of this new world, fighting to liberate the kingdom of Cuthburan from the evil horde threatening humanity.

Battle is also waged within Reba, an ordinary housewife who has become the most powerful mage on the planet. She struggles to remain true to her wedding vows as she is drawn against her will to the arms of Prince Alexandros.

My Thoughts: 

Now as a prophetic individual, when you mix prophecy with fiction I get really excited! That is exactly what happened when I read Prophecy and the Flame! It mixes magic, motive and passion all in one juicy novel, that I might add is being made into a movie!! Oh how I love a made for movie novel... I digress, I was really drawn to Reba who personifies to me the modern day housewife, Hardy really let's you feel the motive and temptation with this character. I mean what would you do if you went from housewife to head, woman in charge?? Some serious food for thought!

I loved the book, and I am looking forward to the next one in the series!

About the Author: Lynn Hardy 

Led by a series of dreams and encouraged by friends, Lynn Hardy began the journey to become an author. She stored her work in a computer file labeled “second job.” Writing began as a passion she could not contain and has become much more than she ever expected.

In the Fall of 2010, Prophecy of the Flame – Book One, reached #1 on Amazon kindle, shortly after Book Two in the series released. In the spring of 2011, Lynn released the Full Cast unabridged audio book of Book One. Now both fans and newcomers can hear the book come to life as every character jumps of the page with their own unique voice.

The road has been longer and more complicated than she would have ever guessed –not always smooth, but filled with wonderful surprises. Like most stories, Lynn is sure that her journey has only just begun.

Saffron Nights Book Tour

Book Blurb:

Wherever they travel, there’s an aphrodisiac waiting to whet their appetites… 

Brazil…Hawaii…India….As a food writer, Maeve has just been handed the hottest opportunity of her career. She’s being sent on an international research tour for an aphrodisiac cookbook. The downside is that she has to travel with rock star photographer and womanizer Jackson Dodds. And the upside is that she has to travel with Jackson Dodds. Because once they meet, Maeve understands why he’s been named “America’s Most Eligible Bachelor”—and despite her best intentions, all she can think about is putting their arousing recipes to the test… 

Sexy and talented, Jackson can have any woman he desires. But lately, the thrill is gone—until he lays eyes on Maeve, who exudes sensuality like no one else. She’s determined to keep things professional, but he knows the attraction is mutual. And as they travel the world, sampling warming saffron, juicy papaya, silky avocado, rare herbs and teas—and a mushroom whose very aroma sends women to heights of ecstasy—both discover a hunger they’ve never known, and don’t want to resist, even amid unexpected danger… 

 Author Bio: 

Liz Everly is the pen name of a cookbook author and food writer who lives in Charlottesville, Va., where she teaches cooking and writing classes. She loves to travel, eat, and write. While she’s home, she gardens, cooks, and tends her children and a multitude of pets. Writing as Liz has allowed her to dip deeply into her creativity.

Feel Free to leave comments, the author will be awarding organic saffron and cedar bath gel and handmade soap to a randomly drawn commenter during the tour. So comment away!

Much Bliss, 

~Kris 

Holiday Grind: AudioBook Review

Title: Holiday Grind
Author: Cleo Coyle
Narrator: Rebecca Gibel
Length: 9 Hours and 9 Minutes


Meet Clare Cosi: co-owner of the Village Blend coffee shop, she just found Santa in the alley and he is dead. This audiobook was so much fun to listen to. I enjoyed it and even though I am new to the series I was immersed in the story nonetheless.

It was a great mystery read, and I did not see the end coming. It was a perfectly crafted puzzle piece of perfection. Honestly, I don't go back once I am in a series but this juicy tale wanted me to go back and pick up the rest of the nibbles in the prior seven installments of this series. I definitely have a new favorite.

The narrator Rebecca Gibel was excellent, her voice and the cadence she lent to the storyline fit perfectly. I felt like I was listening to my girlfriend tell a story...brilliant.

This book is considered a cozy title, but with the witty words, wonderful storytelling and the winter wonderland of Christmas in the Village, I feel like it's christmas time all over again.

LOVED IT!!

Between a Rock and a Hard Place: Author Interview

If you did not catch it earlier, I feautured a story about "Between a Rock and a Hard Place, if not you can catch the post here

Between a Rock and a Hard Place

Presidential diarist and author Janis F. Kearney transforms civil rights legend Daisy Gatson Bates’ life from black and white, to living color.  

The author, who interviewed Bates many times; recreates her conversations and interviews to “fill in” places left un-filled, and colors incidents and experiences, to bring Daisy Bates to life. Kearney plums the mysterious murder of Bates’ mother, and the orphan’s childhood; the young woman’s prophetic decision to share a traveling salesman’s life; her non-traditional role as co-publisher of an award winning newspaper; and her leadership role at a time, and place where women rarely led.

 Between a Rock and a Hard Place is Daisy’s “look back” at her life, and…finally, a self-analysis of how, and possibly, why she became the Daisy Gatson Bates for which she is known throughout the world.  Author Janis F. Kearney recounts the leader’s many friendships, relationships and associations that helps define who she was in the eyes of the world - from Presidents Kennedy, Johnson and Clinton; First Lady Eleanor Roosevelt; the Reverend Martin Luther King, Jr.; Roy Wilson, NAACP President; Thurgood Marshall and Wiley Branton, NAACP attorneys, Maya Angelou and Jackie Robinson… and countless others.

The author met Daisy Bates in the summer of 1969, at the age of16. From that moment, the high school student dreamed of working for the woman her father called one of Arkansas’ greatest leaders – black or white.  The book is based on the author's personal interviews, oral histories, conversations and in-depth research.

Ok, so I had some time to ask the author a few questions in an interview.....Enjoy! 

What impact did Daisy Gatson Bates have on your life?

1. Daisy had a great impact on my life. She was someone, from the very first time my father told me about her; I had wanted to meet, and more importantly; someone whose life I somehow wanted to emulate. Meeting her gave even more credence to that wish. She was unlike anyone I had ever met in my small sharecroppers' world in southeast Arkansas. Her courage and passion for making a difference made me want to do something important in my life - something that would make a difference for others.

What compelled you to write her story?

2. Daisy's story has long fascinated me. Meeting her was like meeting someone who stepped out of a history book. She was the living, breathing personification of greatness living right in our midst. Working with her at her newspaper much later, then purchasing her newspaper, I got to know her on a much more personal level. This afforded me the opportunity to hear her stories, her thoughts on so many life issues. Though she had written her own memoir, Long Shadow of Little Rock; it was written many years earlier (1962), and there was so much she hadn't included in her book. I wanted to write, not only what she shared with me, but my own perceptions of her life and legacy.

What do you think of her prophetic decision to live a traveler salesman’s life?

3.  I have great faith in fate. I have experienced those "AHA" moments so many times throughout my life, looking back and realizing that if I hadn't turned one way, rather than another; or if I had said one thing, rather than the opposite - life would have turned out so very different. I truly believe that it was hers and L.C. Bates' fate to meet each other and to make a life together. It had to be, given the obstacles (of her age, and his marital status) These two courageous, passionate advocates for justice sacrificed to make a difference in Arkansas, and the world. I'm not so sure either one of them would have made such an impact individually without the other. I am convinced they were soulmates.

What three words would you use to describe her if you had to summarize?

4.  (a) Beautiful (b) courageous (c) Questioning (of life)

How did her life as an orphan, influence her decisions to lead as an adult?

5.  Daisy had a horrific childhood on so many levels. Maybe hers was no more horrific than thousands of other young black children growing up in the segregated south in the early 20th Century; but, we all respond to our pasts in different ways. Her past propelled her to use the ugliness and hate she had felt from others and internalized for so long, for good. She made a conscience decision to use all that passion and courage she had always had; to make life better for young black chidlren (and eventually for all children). She wanted to ensure that all children were given the opportunities she did not have growing up in Huttig, in the 1900's.

Do you think she had any regrets?

6.  I think Daisy would always regret that she didn't have the family life that was what most of us consider "normal." What child doesn't forever miss the love of a mother, and the security of a father. Even though she is said to have a loving relationship with her stepfather, there must have also been limitations, given the fact that she was never legally adopted by them.  The irony is, however, that had she been blessed with the "normal," childhood; we would have never seen the Daisy that so fascinates people like me.

Go check this book out!!! I enjoyed it, and I am sure you will too!

Much Bliss, 

~Kris 

Heels and Heroes Books Blast

Pages: 27

Publisher: 27,000

Book Blurb:

Brenda is a second-rate superhero, normally more concerned with uniform fashion than defeating bad guys. But when a violent, new super villain declares war against her city, she suddenly finds her specialized power to deafen sound in high demand.

As if facing the destructive force of a new enemy isn’t bad enough, she finds herself paired with the powerful, yet emotionally distant, Justice. Forced to work at the side of the only man who gets her heart pounding, Brenda is not only in danger of losing her life in battle, but also her heart to a man who might not be able to love her back.

My Opinion:

This book was a really cute read! I mean a quick novella, with supernatural characters. I finished it in one evening, but will re-read agaim. You won't be disappointed when purchasing this book. It is a wonderful story. 

Excerpt:

Short Excerpt

“You think only some superheroes are real?” he asked, shock rushing through him.

“Justice,” she said, after glancing around to make sure they were alone. “There is a difference between real superheroes like you who have the power to save people from villains on a regular basis and people like me. My powers, such as they are, don’t make me any different from Maria and other normal people. Yours do.”

“You think it’s the powers that separate us?” Before he realized what he was doing, he was up from his chair and standing only inches from her. Her face was turned away, and she had to look at him so he could make her understand. He touched her soft skin with his fingertips, tipping her chin up. A scowl cut across her full mouth at his touch, but she didn’t move away.

“Isn’t it?” Her voice was soft, caressing.

It took a moment for him to remember what they were talking about.

“It’s not our powers that separate us—make us heroes. Yes, us,” he added as she started to shake her head. “It’s the willingness to put on the uniform. To face things that might be stronger than ourselves in order to save other people. And the lack of power you’re talking about?” Her skin brushed against his as he leaned in to whisper. “That lack of power is what makes you a real superhero, Brenda, because you’re willing to fight in spite of that fact.”

She turned her head, mouth parted to argue with him, to deny what he could so clearly see. Bringing his face down inches from hers, he grazed her jawline with his knuckles. She swayed toward him, gaze fixed on his mouth. She licked her lips, and the last bit of control he’d clung to broke.

Her lips were soft—so soft—and after a moment’s hesitation she kissed him back with a zeal he hadn’t expected. The sweet smell of strawberries filled his nose, and it occurred to him on some level that the intoxicating scent was probably her shampoo. He reached for her, touching her back with his hand, needing to get closer, to feel her body on his. She pressed against him eagerly, and her mouth opened. Soft and wet, her tongue caressed his.

Suddenly he couldn’t think about anything but her. The way she’d filled out her tight, little uniform. And the sexy confidence she donned with her conservative blouse and slacks. He hardened painfully in his uniform, and she moaned. The small sound made every muscle in his body tighten. He didn’t care that they were practically in public. He had to have her. Now.

Manless in Montclair Super Book Blast

Manless in Montclair, a book about a young widow looking for love! Awesome giveaway included!

Amy will be giving away a $25 Amazon Gift Card to a random commentor along this super book blast!! Follow the tour and comment here  http://goddessfishpromotions.blogspot.com/2012/12/super-book-blast-manless-in-montclair.html

Blurb

Being short with big boobs means living life off-balance. Isabel knows this all too well; at five feet nothing with a tendency to tip over in heels, she's struggled for twenty-five years to make clothes, careers and boyfriends fit. Enter Michael. Divorced father, recovering alcoholic and fifteen years her senior--he was the last guy she thought would make the cut. But when he proposed over a pastrami sandwich in a NYC deli on the anniversary of their first date, Isabel knew, improbably, that he was the one.

Fifteen mostly happy years and two kids later, Isabel walks into her living room to discover her husband dead on the floor, leaving her a widow at forty-one. At Michael's funeral, a guest solemnly informs her that the official mourning period for a Jewish widow is thirty days. At the moment, Isabel can't imagine a time when she will stop grieving. Not helping the process is this: as a single mom living in the very married suburbs, for the first time in fifteen years Isabel once again just doesn't fit in.

It takes her four year-old daughter's request for a new daddy to set Isabel on a journey through online dating, shifty matchmakers and painfully orchestrated single dinners. But after endless dates, a torrid affair with an unemployed, passive-aggressive neighbor and a story on page three of the New York Daily News, Isabel begins to realize that another man may not be the answer and, surprisingly, that's when things begin to change for the better...

Excerpt

Our blue and white paisley duvet lay crumpled on the bed, but Michael was no longer under it. The air conditioner beckoned me with a loud rumble, and I stood in front of it for a moment, letting the stale breeze cool my skin. Sufficiently chilled, I turned and walked back down the hall into the heavier air of our living room. It was then that I saw him, lying at the foot of the green overstuffed chair, a few inches away from his favorite perch on the well-worn, beige linen sofa. Except for the small pool of blood that had formed on the rug beside his head, he looked as if he might still be sleeping.

I ran past Michael to the far end of the room, my heart beating hard in my throat. I rummaged through the papers and notebooks that covered my desk in search of the portable phone. Finding it, I dialed 911. After what felt like enough time to grow old in, a dispassionate voice finally came on to the line.

“I think my husband is dead,” I said, shaking. There was no thought. Just words and sweat and panic. “What should I do?”

Author: Amy Holman Edelman

 Amy Holman Edelman lives in New Jersey with her husband, children and Irish Jack Russell, Roxy.  She is the also author ofThe Little Black Dress ('97).

To Purchase the book follow this link: 

http://www.amazon.com/Manless-in-Montclair-ebook/dp/B00AI2FNV6/

Daisy: Between a Rock and a Hard Place Book Blast

Check out Daisy: Between a Rock and a Hard Place

Presidential diarist and author Janis F. Kearney transforms civil rights legend Daisy Gatson Bates’ life from black and white, to living color.  The author, who interviewed Bates many times; recreates her conversations and interviews to “fill in” places left un-filled, and colors incidents and experiences, to bring Daisy Bates to life. Kearney plums the mysterious murder of Bates’ mother, and the orphan’s childhood; the young woman’s prophetic decision to share a traveling salesman’s life; her non-traditional role as co-publisher of an award winning newspaper; and her leadership role at a time, and place where women rarely led.
 Between a Rock and a Hard Place is Daisy’s “look back” at her life, and…finally, a self-analysis of how, and possibly, why she became the Daisy Gatson Bates for which she is known throughout the world.  Author Janis F. Kearney recounts the leader’s many friendships, relationships and associations that helps define who she was in the eyes of the world - from Presidents Kennedy, Johnson and Clinton; First Lady Eleanor Roosevelt; the Reverend Martin Luther King, Jr.; Roy Wilson, NAACP President; Thurgood Marshall and Wiley Branton, NAACP attorneys, Maya Angelou and Jackie Robinson… and countless others.
The author met Daisy Bates in the summer of 1969, at the age of16. From that moment, the high school student dreamed of working for the woman her father called one of Arkansas’ greatest leaders – black or white.  The book is based on the author's personal interviews, oral histories, conversations and in-depth research.

Author Janis F. Kearney

Janis F. Kearney is a publisher, author, and oral historian. She was one of 19 children born to Arkansas Delta Sharecroppers T.J. and Ethel Kearney. She Graduated from the  University of Arkansas at Fayetteville with a B.A., in  Journalism, and completed 30 hours in public administration, and Journalism.  

She was hired by Daisy Bates in 1987 as Managing Editor of the Arkansas State Press.  In 1988, she purchased the newspaper.  She served as Personal Diarist to President Clinton from 1995 to 2001.  She was the country’s first personal diarist to a U.S. President, and during that time, she also served as White House liaison to the U.S. National Archives.   

In 2001, Janis moved with her husband Bob Nash to Chicago, where she began her writing life.  In 2003, Janis, with her husband’s support, founded Writing our World Press/WOW! Books  in 2003.  Her first book, Cotton Field of Dreams: A Memoir was published in 2004. Her other books include Something to Write Home About: Memories of a Presidential Diarist; Conversations: William Jefferson Clinton…from Hope to Harlem; and Once Upon a Time there was a Girl: a Murder at Mobile Bay, her first fiction. WOW! Books has also published two other authors. Her next book, Daisy: Between a Rock and a Hard Place, is scheduled for publication, December 2012.  Her third memoir, Sundays with TJ: 100 years of Memories on Varner Road,  and her second Once Upon a Time there was a Girl murder mystery are both slated for publication in Spring, 2013.

Janis is an internationally-traveled public speaker, and can be contacted for speaking engagements, by emailing: bookingagent@writingourworldpress.com. 

BookBlast Giveaway

$50 Amazon Gift Card or Paypal Cash

Ends 1/21/12

a Rafflecopter giveaway

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, Not A Writer http://iamareadernotawriter.blogspot.com and sponsored by the author. VOID WHERE PROHIBITED BY LAW.