2 ebooks to win - Guest post and Giveaway just in time for Christmas Proudly presented By Katheryn Lane

Christmas is just around the corner and the festive season is here!  To celebrate, I am following up Ellen Gable's recent offer of a free copy of In Name Only, with the chance to win not just one, but two free books this Christmas!

What could be more suitable for Christmas than angels?  I am offering all readers with the chance to win a FREE copy of Patti Robert's first book, Paradox - The Angels Are Here. 

I just love the cover of this paranormal romance and have even listed it on my Great Book Covers page.  For more about the author, see my recent interview with the wonderful Patti Roberts at: The Angels Are Here.

 

And just in case you're feeling the cold this winter, I'm also offering you the chance to escape to the heat of the desert with a FREE copy of my own romance, The Royal Sheikh!



So how can you win not just one, but two free books this Christmas?
 
It's simple.  Just leave a comment below before Christmas Day and follow this blog, if you aren't already.  Out of the people that comment, one lucky person will be selected to receive both books.  How simple is that?  

Just leave your comment HERE for your chance to win.

The Paradox Series - Progeny of Innocence.

 

Megan from - The Reading List

Megan’s review:

The Paradox Series continues in Progeny of Innocence. The second book in the young adult series by Patti Roberts takes off where the first book left off. The ancient world is in the middle of an all out war. The fallen angels, the Grigorians, are fighting their angel brethren, the Bulguardians, and things are only getting worse. Chaos is still rampant under Grigorian Lord Cerberus’, house; however he is last to notice as his wife, Pandora, and his brother Abaddon scheme against him.

The Grigorians are keen on a triumphant victory even if that means sacrificing whoever gets in their way.

Meanwhile, Temulun and Bakari, a servant and a guard in the royal house, must help the strange newcomer, Keyla, discover her heritage and master her abilities. The young girl might be the only way they can put an end to the Grigorians once and for all.

In modern day Australia, Grace has grown into a shy, quiet teenager who is about to turn 17. Her father’s death still weighs heavily on her mind and she struggles with it almost every day. Grace tries to hold it together and keep up the appearance of being a normal teenager but she feels anything but. Her visions have only continued to get worse and she’s still not quite sure what they mean.

Some things in her life have been going well. Wade is still seeing her mother, and the Connors have taken in Zach, an orphan who quickly becomes like a brother to Grace.

Grace is also anxious to meet the right person and fall in love and the dashingly handsome Damon Draco seems like her prince charming. Sure, she has an odd flashback when she first meets him, but she is inexplicably drawn to him. For once in a long time, things are starting to look up. That is, until some of her neighbors and classmates begin to go missing; their bodies to be found later, mauled and mangled by what looks to be a vicious animal.

It is only a matter of time before the Grigorians catch up to Grace, but how long can she manage to hide if she doesn’t even realize she’s being hunted?

I enjoy this series mainly because it is a fresh take on the idea of angels and good versus evil. The plotline is very unique in that it’s never been done before and yet it works so well.

Progeny of Innocence delves deeper into the ancient world and the lives of the Grigorian royal family. Roberts truly has a gift for writing that is evident from page one. I love it when can you read what an author’s written and you almost feel like you’re being transported to another world just by reading the words on a page.

There are a number of new characters introduced in the second book, including more Grigorians who are getting closer to finding Grace on earth during modern day. We’re also introduced to Bakari, Temulun and Keyla. A trio who I have a feeling will play an intricate part for the battle for good in the future. Keyla is part of an ancient race of people called the Bakhna Rakhna who were almost killed off during The Great War. There are also some implications that Keyla can use magic, a skill that I am sure will be useful in the near future.

There is more attention on the secondary characters; including Angela, who along with Grace, is one of my favorite characters. Angela’s wit tends to add comedic relief to the storyline even if she doesn’t intend to.

Damon also caught my interest. I’m not entirely sure about his motives yet, but he seems to genuinely like Grace. I have a feeling that he and Grace’s relationship will face some bumps further down the road especially as Grace begins to learn about who and what she is.
Some of my suspicions about Wade and a few of the other characters are also confirmed in the second book but I don’t want to give too much away. I really liked how Roberts handled his character. Too often I’ve read stories where the same situation didn’t work so well. I’m purposefully being vague since I’m trying really hard not to spoil the book.

Another thing that I enjoyed about this novel was Grace’s relationships with the other characters; Wade, Zach and Angela in particular. There are a number of scenes between Grace and Wade that are so adorable and also remind me of the some kind of close relationship that Grace had with her father, Brian. Although he can never replace her father, Wade has become a vital part of Grace’s life.

Zach plays the role of goofy but protective sibling well, but unlike siblings, he and Grace get a long a lot better than I ever did with my brother when we still lived under the same roof. Like Wade and Angela, Zach is also at the Connors to protect Grace and Kate. Also like Wade and Angela, Zach isn’t completely human.

Angela has also become a close friend to Grace and they are almost like sisters. Grace doesn’t hesitate to seek Angela’s advice, particularly when it comes to boys.

Progeny of Innocence also has a lot more action and suspense than the first book. Between the “wild animals” that are attacking Grace’s friends and a number of showdowns between the angels, there’s enough suspense to keep you on the edge of your seat and anxious to find out what will happen next.

Grace has done a lot of growing up both physically and mentally by the end of the the second book. She’s lost a lot of the naivety that she held onto in Paradox:The Angels Are Here; both through her father’s death and her interactions with the angels. She quickly has to come to terms with the rapid changes occurring in her life and she isn’t so sure what to make of everything just yet.

In the third book, I think Grace will finally discover her purpose to the angels and their world and I plan on being there for the ride.

Megan shares some thoughts on Progeny Of Innocence.

Did you have a favorite character and if so why?
My favorite character is probably Grace. She’s progressed a lot in the second book. She’s lost a lot of her child-like naivety and is slowly coming to terms with the fact that she is having visions and trying to understand what those visions mean.

Who was your second favorite character and why?
I can’t decide between Angela and Damon. I want to learn more about Angela and her presence in Grace’s life. She and Grace are close friends but I also get the feeling that Angela is protecting Grace. I really like Damon as well. He’s Grigorian, but there’s something about him that’s different from the others. It’s obvious that he genuinely cares about Grace and has a connection with Juliette.

What part of the book did you enjoy the most? The Ancient world or The New World?
The Ancient world is very magical and mysterious, but the New World isn’t without its sense of mystery. Since they tie in so closely it’s hard for me to pick just one. Despite the war, it seems like a breathtakingly beautiful place.

What parts of the storyline or characters did you like the least?
When the book was over… I wanted to read more!

Who or What are you hoping to read more about in future books in the series?
I am looking forward to learning more about Keyla, Temulun and Bakari and their role in the fight against the Grigorians. The ending was such a cliffhanger! I can’t wait to find out how Damon and Juliette know each other.

#Free with Kindle Unlimited on #Amazon 

Raven - by Nuayma Jeggels. Book Review by Tara - A girl, a coma, a Plague, and an empty grave.

Tara rated it

Shelves: fantasy,

 

Firstly, I’m going to say that overall, I enjoyed this book. It took me a little while to read – it’s one of the longer books I’ve read recently. The characters developed well, and I enjoyed this aspect of the book. Another positive point of this book was the way that locations were distinct – the various planets described were all distinct from one another, as were the people inhabiting them. For example, the Cantchi people, like Chiyo, for me, seemed very similar to the Japanese, and I’d be very surprised if they weren’t modeled on them, and this made them believable and enjoyable.

I feel that the Temple, and those within it were also well developed, with the teacher-student relationship between the Celestials and the Initiates being consistent and authoritative. It was nice that the Celestials weren’t as distant from their pupils as I’d originally worried they would be – it was almost like there was a sense of community within the place, despite the distance that there seems to be within this world between the Celestials and the Mortals.

One thing that did stand out to me, and I don’t know if it was just my opinion or not, but Lord Ichiro sort of stood out to me as Shardaie’s version of Dumbledore – a sort of mentor figure, who is a natural respected leader, and knows more about Shardaie’s life than she herself does. I don’t think this was necessarily a bad thing though.

As for the storyline itself, I mainly enjoyed it. However, at the beginning of the book I quickly found myself confused because the story seems to jump around a lot to begin with. I think this is mainly to introduce the reader quickly to both the characters and the back-story, but I have to admit it left me feeling slightly disorientated, and it took me a little while to get back on track with the story.

This was one of my only criticisms of this book, and whilst it made the start of the book a bit difficult, it doesn’t really impact on anything. One of my only other ones was that it felt towards the end like the gun that is loaded throughout the book (mainly the mystery surrounding Raven’s life) was not going to be fired in this book, and instead the reader would have to wait for subsequent books. However, this turned out not to be the case. The reader finds out some of Raven’s past, as does Raven herself, but enough is left unsaid that there is something left for the next book.

There’s also a good amount of build up for the events in the world – I want to know what happens next because this is something that none of the characters can predict.

Overall, I enjoyed this as a read, but there were some points that I found difficult. That said, it’s another good indie title which I am glad to have had the privilege to have read.

On Amazon: A girl, a coma, a Plague, and an empty grave.

When Shardaie wakes up, she doesn’t know who she is, why she can’t understand emotions, why she has been unconscious for nearly nine of her thirteen years, or why the dead just won’t stay dead. The only clue to her past is a locket, but the Plague, which finally stretches its unnatural hand to her village, forces her to leave and to learn to protect herself. But everything has a cost: the protection against the undead reveals a secret that Shardaie and her classmates just don’t want to accept, and at the end, Shardaie realises that some secrets shouldn’t be revealed. Secrets have the power to destroy, and the power to change her view on humanity for ever.

Review from Goodreads - Here

Tara's Blog

Book Review By Tara: Beckoning Light by Alyssa Rose Ivy

Title: Beckoning Light (The Afterglow Trilogy)

Author: Alyssa Rose Ivy

Publisher/format: Alyssa Rose Ivy, Kindle Edition

How I got this:  Received a free copy in exchange for fair review.

Synopsis (From Goodreads.com):

As Charlotte steps through the gate, she has a strong feeling that nothing will ever be the same again

Moving back to South Carolina after three years away, Charlotte knows she's going to have to face people from her past and adjust to a new high school, but she's completely unprepared for what else waits for her in Charleston.

Drawn through an old garden gate, Charlotte discovers a hidden world where she meets Calvin, a boy to whom she is inexplicably attracted. As Charlotte is pulled deeper into this hidden world, it's up to her older brother Kevin to rescue her. No matter how hard Kevin tries, the rescue depends upon Charlotte fighting her intense feelings for Calvin while mastering a set of abilities that she has only just discovered she possesses.

Review:

I have to admit, when I received this book, I approached reading it with trepidation.  From the synopsis, I could imagine it being a mish-mash somewhere between The Secret Garden and Narnia.  And I have to admit, after being forced to read it an over-analyze it in school, I’ve never really liked The Secret Garden.  However, you should never judge a book by it’s cover, and when I got around to reading this, I actually really enjoyed it. 

The story follows Charlotte, a girl who has just moved back to her hometown of Charleston from Alaska, and is once again living in a house that has been in her family for years.  She and her brother Kevin (the other main focus of the story) have moved in with their Uncle Monty (their dead Mother’s brother – this is important later) after their Father got relocated for research (he’s a Geologist). 

Everything in Charlotte’s life is fairly normal – she attends a normal high school, meets guys and has friends – except for a locked gate that the bottom of her garden.  Charlotte has noticed it before, but never as she is noticing it now, and is somehow drawn to it. 

Beyond the gate is the world of Energo, where it turns out her Mother’s family line is the royal family, and produces The Essence – a female of great importance and power in Energo’s society.  Charlotte finds herself on dangerous territory in Energo, and it’s left to Kevin and Monty to save her. 

One thing I will comment on with this novel is how well it was written – especially for an independent release.  I was really impressed with this, as I was with character development.  The Charlotte you see at the end of the novel is very different from the Charlotte at the beginning of the book, however, she doesn’t snap-change – it’s very gradual and organic. 

I also enjoyed the relationships between the characters in the novel.  I want to know what’s actually going on with Charlotte and Liam, and what will happen with Charlotte and Calvin.  I don’t even know which one of them I prefer right now if I’m honest! 

I have to admit, I did feel like there were references to both The Secret Garden and Narnia within the book, but it wasn’t overpowering.  I’m actually looking forward to the release of the second book in the series, Perilous Light which is due for release in 2012. 

I’d recommend this as a good bargain read on Kindle, and as a good relaxing read.  Definitely worth a look! 

Overall rating: 4/5

Writing: 5/5

Style: 5/5

Originality: 3/5

Characters: 4/5

 

Tara's Blog

Interview With the Author of The Choice - Lorhainne Eckhart #ficstory

Hi Lorhainne, Where were you born and where do you call home?

Born in Calgary, Alberta, but home is Vancouver Island

What is the name of your most recent book and if you had to sum it up in 30 or less words, what would you say?

The Choice is a romantic mystical suspense that sizzles with passion and unforgettable drama. What would you do for someone you love?

If you gave some of your characters an opportunity to speak for themselves, what would they say?

Here, is a great line from Sam:

“Great, that’s just great. How long’s it going to take us to get back? We just wasted over an hour to get here, when we could have formulated a concrete plan to establish some solid, credible evidence against Dan and his connection to Lance Silver.” Sam smacked the back of his hand into the palm of his other hand, then jabbed his finger at Marcie. “This voodoo bullshit I got all the time with Mama, and I’m done with it. Listen up Marcie, a dead guy comes to you in your dreams, telling you to go back to your teacher, and you listen?” Sam walked away, down the dirt hill, back to the dock. He must have realized no one followed, when he stopped halfway down. Marcie continued to the truck. She pulled open the back door, the same time as Diane and Maggie on the other side of her clunky SUV.

Do you have plans for a new book?   Is this book part of a series?

My next novel, The Forgotten Child, a contemporary romance is scheduled to be released October 26, 2011

I have three books outlined for the Walk the Right Road Series. The Choice is the first, Lost and Found is the Second, which will be available before Christmas.

What or who inspired you to write?  And how long have you been writing?

I always loved the Laura Ingalls Wilder – Little House on the Prairie Series. Writing a book was an idea I’d had since I was young, just never did it. It wasn’t until after my daughter was born, at about the busiest time in my life that I decided to start writing. Seven years ago, I sat down to write my first novel, The Captain’s Lady, which was published in 2009.

How did you come up with the title and cover design?

This novel was originally titled, Walk the Right Road. This is a complex plot, which could not be written in one book. The obstacles these characters face and must overcome--the title Walk the Right Road fit the series. The Choice, which is the title of this novel depicts moral choices my heroine has to make, right and wrong, to continue down the path of destruction or walk the right road.

I hired a fabulous cover designer, Delilah K. Stephans. She’s quite gifted and was able to depict the essence of this story. When she sent me the proof, I have to say I was blown away.

Have you based any of your characters on someone you know, or real events in your own life?

The characters are based on no one I know. This is a work of fiction. All of my stories may come from an idea, a news event or a community problem. But when I sit down to write a story, the characters take on a life of their own, the story takes unfolds. Characters take on their own identity. I have a picture in my head of what they look like, sound like, but resembles no one I know.

What books have most influenced your writing most and why?

Stephen King – About Writing, helped me get started. Lucia St. Clair Robson and Ride the Wind, this novel and this author has the ability to tap into deep emotion, I’ve not read before. And Suzanne Brockmann, I love the deep POV she writes, and I just love her troubleshooter series.

Is there an Author that you would really like to meet?

James Patterson, the man’s brilliant.

Do you prefer ebooks, paperbacks or hardcover?

Paperbacks will always be my favorite. There’s nothing like holding an actual book in your hand, and turning the page. I prefer paperbacks over hardcover because of size.

Where do you prefer to buy your books?

Well, I do love bookstores. But I tend to buy my books online.

Are you a self published (Indie) Author?

My second novel, The Choice, is self published. My first is with a publisher.

Have you ever read a book more than once?

Oh, yes I sure have. There’re a few books that are so well written, and have such deep emotional impact I’ve read them more than once. Lucia St. Clair Robson, and her novel, Ride the Wind, I read four times.

Is there a particular movie that you preferred over the book version?

Every film adaptation I’ve seen has not lived up to the book version.

What book are you currently reading and in what format (ebook/paperback/hardcover)?

About to start Niamh Clune’s – Orange Petals in a Storm

What book do you know that you will never read?

There have been a few New York Times Bestselling authors, where I’ve picked up their book and couldn’t finish it. The Story didn’t draw me in. But honestly, there isn’t a book I won’t attempt to read.

Are there any new Authors that have grasped your interest and why?

There is entire group of amazing talented authors over at Orangeberry Book Collective. And I plan to read all of their novels, go to this link to check out these amazing authors http://www.orangeberrybooks.com/#!

Is there anything you would change in your last book and why?

No, I love this story. It is the first in a series tackling some tough issues. One I feel needs to be told.

Who designed the cover of your book?

Delilah K. Stephans, and she is really good.

Do you have a book trailer?

The Book trailer was just completed. http://www.lorhainneeckhart.com/trailers.html

What are your thoughts on book trailers?

I love them, as long as they’re short. Because a well done book trailer gives a great snapshot of a book. 

Do you have any advice for other writers?

Yes. Don’t give up. No matter what anyone says, keep writing. Be persistent. Join online writing groups, author communities and support other authors.

What is the best advice that you have ever been given when it comes to writing?

If your approach isn’t working then you need to take a step back and come at it from different angle.

Do you write under a pen name?

Yes, My authors name is Lorhainne Eckhart

Do you ever write in your PJ’s?

All the time. Since I start writing as early as four a.m.

What are your pet peeves?

Cats or dogs?

Big Dogs. I love them. No little dogs for me.

White wine or red?

Red definately. Especially a Pinot Noir.

Coffee or tea?

Coffee, strong and dark, and must be organic. Anyone who knows me can vouch for that.

Favorite food?

Hamburgers

Vanilla or chocolate icecream?

Chocolate.

What do you normally eat for breakfast?

I love eggs.

What are 4 things you never leave home without?

My cell phone, glasses, keys, and my common sense.

Laptop or desktop for writing?

Laptop.

Where and when do you prefer to do your writing?

I’m a morning person, so as soon as the sun comes up, I’m outside with my laptop in a lawnchair surrounded in trees.

If you were deserted on an island, who are 3 famous people you would want with you?

James Patterson, George Clooney, and Clint Eastwood.

One of your favorite quotes –  From Maya Angelo

EVERY WOMAN SHOULD KNOW...

what she would and wouldn't do for love or more...

how to live alone... even if she doesn't like it...

A WOMAN SHOULD HAVE ..

a feeling of control over her destiny...

how to fall in love without losing herself..

A WOMAN SHOULD HAVE ...

enough money within her control to move out

and rent a place of her own,

even if she never wants to or needs to...

something perfect to wear if the employer,

or date of her dreams wants to see her in an hour...

A WOMAN SHOULD HAVE ..

a youth she's content to leave behind....

a past juicy enough that she's looking forward to

retelling it in her old age....

a set of screwdrivers, a cordless drill, and a black lace bra...

one friend who always makes her laugh... and one who lets her cry...

List 3 of your all time favorite books?

Ride the Wind – Lucia St. Clair Robson

Gone to Far – Suzanne Brockmann

The Quinn Brothers – Nora Roberts

List 3 of your all time favorite movies?

Million Dollar Baby

Gone with the Wind

Titanic

An actor you have a crush on –

I don’t have crushes on Actors, but Clint Eastwood, I like him.

What is a movie or TV show that you watched recently and really enjoyed?

The Good Wife

Where can your readers stalk you?

My blog: Illusions and The Choice of Giving

My facebook page: https://www.facebook.com/pages/Lorhainne-Eckhart/79280442333?sk=info

My Goodreads author page: http://www.goodreads.com/book/show/11796136-the-choice

Twitter: http://twitter.com/#!/LEckhart

Amazon: http://www.amazon.com/Choice-romantic-mystical-suspense-ebook/dp/B005C5YUGI

Smashwords: http://www.smashwords.com/books/view/68213

Orangeberry Book Collective: http://www.orangeberrybooks.com/#!__womens-fiction/lorhainne-eckhart

Is your book in Print, ebook or both?  Both

Teresa Petrovics rated it - 5 Stars*****

I found this book to be a very interesting read. A bit of magic and romance as well as suspense thrown in. For people who are in to one, two or all three of these things, I would recommend this book. This is the first book I have read by Lorhainne Eckhart and I am hoping to read some more of hers.

Review by: tammy ramey on July 22, 2011  ****
this was a truly wonderful book. the characters were intriguing and full of depth and vitallity. it was very easy to become emotionally connected to each of the characters and to empathize with them and what they were going through. the plot was also complex and stimulating and was not one of those that you could solve in the first 5 minutes but it left you guessing until the end as to who did what. a truely great story by a gifted writer. if this is the type of book that you enjoy then this is the book for you
 

Product Description

From Lorhainne Eckhart, Author of The Captain's Lady, comes a Romantic Mystical
Suspense that sizzles with passion and unforgettable drama.
 
"A wonderful tale of courage, and real-life choices that'll keep you riveted." Mimi Barbour, Author of The Vicarage Bench Series