The Snow Crystals - a Christmas story

"They glittered and sparkled in the soft white light of the full moon. They came slowly at first, then built up momentum. Like confetti tossed over a bride and groom at a wedding, the most perfect snow crystals fluttered and danced on the gentle breeze and descended on and around him.


Aidan didn't dare move, lest he'd step on any of the diamanté-like creations. Instinctively, he knew that something magical had happened tonight."

The lives of best friends and cousins, Aidan and Donald, are largely successful in all but love. A Christmas shopping trip turns awry when a disturbed stalker latches onto them. Will they be able to escape her clutches and find real love, or will a woman with murder on her mind kill them both?

Snow Crystals is a sweet Christmas romance which takes the reader along on the trail of a mystery set in one of the most picturesque landscapes in Britain: the Cotswolds. Written in a no-nonsense voice, with beautiful descriptions, an addictive cast of characters and a light thriller touch, this book would be a perfect trip down memory lane or for those who love stories set in England. (Ella Medler - Author) 

SMASHWORDS - HERE

PRINT VERSION - HERE

Goodreads - HERE

Blog: www.thewestcountryishome.wordpress.com/

Email: kendra.hale.author@gmail.com

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Cover by Paradox book cover design and formatting - HERE

Fred Lichtenberg Kills Again

Deadly Heat at The Cottages: Sex, Murder, and Mayhem

Fred Lichtenberg’s third murder mystery is unlike his other two. First, the plot is driven by humor—lots of humor. And then there is the backdrop: The Cottages, a fictitious fifty-five and over fun-loving community, West of West Palm Beach, Florida’s Turnpike, and civilization. And yes, murder takes place west of civilization!

Join the read and see why S.L. Menear, author of thriller "Deadstick Dawn," calls Deadly Heat at The Cottages—An hilarious story with zany characters residing at The Cottages. What a fun place to live!

Ingredients:

Murder, humor, sex, Florida, Medicare fraud, hacking, pill mills, Ponzi scheme and more—

Tell Me More:

The Cottages offers every conceivable excitement but murder. That changes soon after Ralph Albano, thirty-five, and fresh out of prison for illegally videotaping the fifteenth anniversary of The Lion King, snatches a Jeep belonging to Marty Singer, a despicable and philandering scoundrel. Ralph doesn’t realize Singer’s eighty-year-old mother-in-law is asleep in the back seat until she begins snoring. But he can’t turn back—

Please visit Fred’s website at fredlichtenberg.com to sample the opening chapters.

Available in e-book and softcover formats.

About the author:

Fred Lichtenberg is a native New Yorker who lives with his wife in Jupiter, Florida. He has one son.Formerly with the IRS, Fred's passion for writing drove him to change hats and become a full-time. 

Fred's third novel, Deadly Heat at The Cottages: Sex, Murder and Mayhem, a mix of zany characters and crazy situations in a fun place called The Cottages, was released in early October 2013.  

Fred is currently working on Murder 1040: The Final Audit, due out in early 2014. (Think IRS!)

Fred is a member of Mystery Writers of America and the International Thriller Writers.

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Cover by Paradox book cover design and formatting - HERE

Book review by Katie Shelby - Hidden Wings By Cameo Renae

How is Everyone? I haven't Posted in a while, I been busy with my new job, which I love by the way. Hope everyone is doing great. I've just finished reading Hidden Wings by Cameo Renane. If you have not read this awesome book you need to.

What's everyone else been reading? Anything that I would like?

Blurb:

What happens when Darkness and Light collide?

Seventeen is a life changing age for Emma Wise.

As her family's sole survivor in a car crash, she is left with a broken arm, and a few scrapes and bruises. But these are only outward marks; inside, her heart is broken and the pieces scattered.

Whisked away to Alaska, to an aunt she’s never met, Emma starts over. Secrets unveil themselves and now…she doesn't even know who or what she is.

A centuries old prophecy places Emma in the heart of danger. Creatures of horrifying and evil proportions are after her, and it will take Emma, her aunt, and six, gorgeously, captivating Guardians to keep her safe. But, if she can survive until her eighteenth birthday... things will change.

Amazon Link:http://www.amazon.com/Hidden-Wings-Series-ebook/dp/B00B27GAC2/ref=tmm_kin_title_0?ie=UTF8&qid=1368801051&sr=1-1

My Review:

Once I started this book I could not put it down, I had to know what happen next. Cameo Renae, you did an Awesome Job With this story. Emma is a Seventeen year old girl, who finds out who she really is. Emma is in a really bad car accident and soon she finds out that her parents didn't survived the accident. She finds out that she does have family relatives who lives in Alaska  - her mom's half sister, and goes to live with her. Emma Meets Kade and soon she starts to fall for him. She meets her mother's half sister, soon she finds out something about her and her mothers half sister. I could go on about this book, But i do not won't to ruin it for you. If you haven't read this book you need too.


 

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Cover Reveal for Paradox – Equilibrium. Book 4 in the Paradox Series

Due for release 2013

Equilibrium – A state in which opposing forces or influences are balanced.

Wallpaper for your PC

Click on image to open, then right click to set as desktop background.

Book 3 Paradox – Bound By Blood is due for release 28th October 2012
Book 2 Paradox – Progeny Of Innocence – currently free from all online stores
Book 1 Paradox – The Angels Are Here – $1.99 available on all online stores


Amazon – HERE

The Paradox Series Book Trailer
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ebook from Smashwords – all eReader formats all countries.
UK – ebook from Amazon
Nook – Barnes & Noble
Paperback – Createspace 

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Is Your Novel "Long Enough?" By guest Blogger Michael K. Rose. Does size really matter?

The Long and short of it - Does size really matter? Welcome to Guest Blogger and Author Michael K. Rose.

As you may know, I've recently released Sullivan's War: The Complete Adventure. It collects three novellas (called Sullivan's War: Books I, II and III) which were released individually but make up one story line. Those novellas, usually priced at $2.99 apiece, have been selling fairly well. But The Complete Adventure's sales have been fantastic, selling in twelve days nearly as many copies as Book I, even though Book I's price was reduced to 99 cents near the beginning of the month.

I had suspected that I would see an increase in sales once I released The Complete Adventure, and here's why: I'd read long ago that many readers prefer to read only novels. They do not particularly care for short stories, and novellas? What the hell is a novella? The unimpressive sales of my collection Short Stories seems to support this idea. Even though Short Stories has a good number of positive reviews and I promoted it as heavily (if not more heavily) than Sullivan's War: The Complete Adventure, I sold nearly 7 times as many copies of Sullivan's War as Short Stories during July. And remember, Sullivan's War: The Complete Adventure was only available for the last twelve days of the month.

Now, I'm one who has always been a champion for short stories. I write them, obviously, and I even wrote a blog post called "Why I Love Short Stories." Another post I wrote as a guest on ME Franco's blog is called "Short Fiction is Dead?" In it, I propose that the eBook revolution will see a reemergence of shorter fiction. One thought is that a short story or novella can be published without the concern of making sure a "book" is of a profitable length. Now that printing costs are not a factor, any length can be a profitable length, assuming the story is sufficiently attractive to readers. Well, the three Sullivan's War novellas have been profitable, as have a few of the short stories I released individually. But my experience these past two weeks with Sullivan's War: The Complete Adventure has convinced me that full-length novels are going to be even more profitable. And while profit should not be a writer's sole consideration, it is unavoidable if one wishes, as I do, to make a living at it.

So is your novel long enough? What is long enough? The dividing line between novels and novellas ranges from 40,000 words to 60,000 words or higher. Will readers be "unsatisfied" with a 40,000-word novel? Does the word novella scare some people away? And what can one reasonably charge for short stories, novellas, short novels, long novels? I've been publishing my fiction for less than a year, and I'm still trying to work all of this out. But the sales of Sullivan's War: The Complete Adventure have convinced me that, for now at least, I should probably not focus on writing short stories quite as much. Novels are what readers want, and I have about a dozen novels waiting to be written. I just hope I can make them long enough.

What do you consider to be a minimum length for a novel? If you prefer novels over novellas or short stories, why? I'd love to hear any thoughts on this topic; just leave a comment below.

Best,

Michael K. Rose - I am a writer of science/speculative fiction. Please feel free to friend me on Facebook or follow me on Twitter. E-mail me at: myriad_spheres@yahoo.com.

Michael's Blog - HERE
Visit Michael on AMAZON 

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Paradox Series - Before history was written… before humanity drew its first breath… the war had already begun.

The Paradox Series

Before history was written… before humanity drew its first breath… the war had already begun.

In the Time Before Time, angelic races ruled creation—beings of blinding light and unspeakable darkness. When the first angels fell, they did not fade into oblivion. They rose again as something far more terrifying.

The original vampires.

Immortal. Ruthless. Predatory.

They claimed a newborn world called Earth as their hunting ground.

Humanity never saw them coming.

As vampire dominion spreads across continents, cities crumble beneath hidden terror and blood-soaked ambition. The hunters become the hunted. Entire bloodlines vanish. The balance of creation fractures.

But Heaven does not remain silent.

A race of guardian angels descends—not only to defend their own, but to preserve the fragile existence of humankind. Ancient kingdoms ignite. Supernatural alliances splinter. Gods awaken. Magic returns.

And at the center of this escalating war stands one unsuspecting girl.

Grace Connors carries a power older than the stars—a living key to both salvation and annihilation. She holds the past and the future in her hands, though she does not yet understand the cost of what she is.

Because in a universe where angels fall and monsters wear beautiful faces, destiny is never gentle.

Sweeping across galaxies, centuries, and realms, The Paradox Series is an epic saga of celestial warfare, fallen immortals, forbidden love, and brutal choices—where heaven and hell are not distant realms, but forces battling within the human soul.

And when the final line is drawn…

Who will survive?

What Readers Are Saying

• Immersive world-building – Readers say the world of angels, fallen angels, vampires, and the supernatural is rich, detailed, and captivating, making it feel like you’re inside the story rather than just reading it.
• Strong emotional pull – Several reviewers mention being emotionally invested in the characters, especially the protagonist (Grace), with some saying the book moved them deeply and tugged at their heartstrings.
• Well-developed characters – The cast is described as believable and engaging, with readers appreciating the depth and nuances of their personalities.
• Fast-paced, gripping storytelling – Many reviews highlight that the series is engaging and “hard to put down,” with twists and evolving plotlines that keep readers hooked.
• Detailed prose and visual storytelling – Some readers praise Patti Roberts’ descriptive writing, saying it evokes vivid scenes and pulls them into the setting.

📌 What Some Fans Specifically Like

✔️ The blend of fantasy, mythology, and romance woven into the angelic lore.
✔️ The emotional depth and relationships between characters.
✔️ The sense of mystery and ongoing world evolution across the series.

📘 Overall Impression:

Fans of Paradox tend to describe it as a compelling paranormal fantasy that delivers big imaginative ideas, well-drawn characters, and an addictive mix of mythology, action, and emotion — ideal for readers who love rich world-building and character-driven fantasy.

The Mystical World of Altair awaits....

Book 1 book trailer

US - ebook from Amazon
UK - ebook from Amazon
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Paradox - The Angels Are Here (Book 1 in the Paradox Series)

I love Patti’s style of writing, it is a book you have to read slowly and carefully, but only so that you don’t miss anything, Patti does such a phenomenal job at describing every detail. I have to thank Patti for allowing me to read her novella and I would recommend this book to all. It is a superb book and I think you will all enjoy it as much as I did.  Patti, yes I loved the book, can I ask one question, can I pleaseeeeeee review book 2 for you - it really was the most amazing book I have read in a long time, and that cliffhanger at the end *panting for more* !!  Natalie Hillier

Review by: Suzy Turner on July 28, 2011 :
This is so totally different from anything I’ve read recently and I have to say… WOW. Patti Roberts is a truly remarkable writer. The way she weaves her tales among the story is extraordinary. I can honestly say I was in awe of the way she managed to do it. I’d love to have that talent.

Jayde Scott rated it  
There's no doubt Patti Roberts is someone who knows how to build strong characters and a vivid setting. I liked the darker side of some of the angels. It was a unique and convincing way to view spirituality and the angels' role within humanity. I also liked how they were connected to Grace and Grace's role within the larger picture. I do agree with others who said some questions were left unanswered, but I feel that was necessary in order to be able to explore those in detail in books to follow.

I wasn't supposed to read this book until I finished two others I had in front of it. After a peak inside I was sucked in and finished the book in one evening. I rarely give five stars, but the fact that I couldn't sleep until I finished it deserves it. Julia Crane

Patti Roberts writes clearly and evokes an emotional reaction as well as deep thought in her readers, clearly an amazing writer. The reader will look forward to the sequel of this novel. – Krystal

I honestly couldn’t stop reading and finished the book in less than 3 hours because I wanted to know what was going to happen next – Alaiel Kreuz

For myself it gave me my first taste of the world of Angels through Patti Roberts eyes and I was not disappointed. – Darkiss Reads

Blood Faerie (Caledonia Fae) by India Drummond

Update by Author: Thanks for the opportunity to post about my new novel, Blood Faerie. For the next week, it's on sale for 99c/70p.

http://www.amazon.co.uk/Blood-Faerie-Caledonia-Fae/dp/B0050Q4YBK/

Here's the blurb: Unjustly sentenced to death, Eilidh ran—away from faerie lands, to the streets of Perth, Scotland. Just as she has grown accustomed to exile, local police discover a mutilated body outside the abandoned church where she lives. Recognising the murder as the work of one of her own kind, Eilidh must choose: flee, or learn to tap into the forbidden magic that cost her everything.


Unjustly sentenced to death, Eilidh ran—away from faerie lands, to the streets of Perth, Scotland.

Just as she has grown accustomed to exile, local police discover a mutilated body outside the abandoned church where she lives.

Recognising the murder as the work of one of her own kind, Eilidh must choose: flee, or learn to tap into the forbidden magic that cost her everything.

Blood Faerie (Caledonia Fae) by India Drummond (Kindle Edition - 12 May 2011) - Kindle eBook

This title is available to UK customers only.

2.

Ordinary Angels by India Drummond (Kindle Edition - 3 April 2011) - Kindle eBook

This title is available to UK customers only.

3.

Desert Heat by Jamie DeBree and India Drummond (Kindle Edition - 17 Jan 2011) - Kindle eBook

This title is available to UK customers only.

Supporting New Authors.

Thank you for dropping by, please leave a comment and say Hi. Patti Roberts
Paradox - The Angels Are Here.

Book trailer Youtube - http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IovcxyZTFuU

Amazon US - http://t.co/GkEnR05

Amazon UK http://amzn.to/eVQP0V

Smashwords http://www.smashwords.com/books/view/27156

facebook - http://tinyurl.com/3woe84l

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blog - http://theangelsarehere.wordpress.com/

Afterlife (A Discovery of Vampires) [Kindle Edition] By Isabella Kruger

When Fleur and Louisa are orphaned and forced to stay with their horrible aunt Petiniua their lives are turned upside down.

Aunt Petiniua a witch of a woman sends the sisters off to Miss Madisons Academy for girls where they endure physical pain and violence . However, Louisa escapes with a dashing magician who happens to be a vampire and leaves Fleur to look after herself .

Fleur vowing revenge on Jacques St Cloud leaves miss Madisons house of horrors and finds herself faced in the midst of a dangerous romance with a dashingly handsome young vampire Daniel.




Readers Reviews
Isabella Kruger's Afterlife was a surprisingly different take on vampires and certainly not one to be compared to typical young adult vampire novels.
--mochalattereads.blogspot.com/

OMB! I loved this book so so so much - Victoria Young (Good Reads Reader) --Good Reads

Blown away! If you haven't got a copy yet , get one today! Why are you still reading this? It was really good and would read it again. At last a book with a twist. A breath of fresh air! --Philippa Gregory.

---

Biography

Isabella Kruger is an indie author and film maker with a love for writing . She calls South Africa and Australia home. She is the author of the 'Discovery of vampires' trilogy ,the 'Delicious' series , Hannah Olivia's most loved things and 'The language of love'.

This biography was provided by the author or their representative.

Supporting New Authors.

Thank you for dropping by, please leave a comment and say Hi. Patti Roberts
Paradox - The Angels Are Here.

Book trailer Youtube - http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IovcxyZTFuU

Amazon US - http://t.co/GkEnR05

Amazon UK http://amzn.to/eVQP0V

Smashwords http://www.smashwords.com/books/view/27156

facebook - http://tinyurl.com/3woe84l

twitter - http://twitter.com/#!/PattiRoberts7

blog - http://theangelsarehere.wordpress.com/

The Treasures of Carmelidrium (The Chronicles of Gil-Lael) By N. R. Williams

Missie, a modern American University student, is thrust through a portal into a medieval world where her flute has magical powers to heal and destroy, and to empower, The Treasures of Carmelidrium, to defeat Renwyk, Lord of the Symberveen.

She is romanced by a prince and hunted by the symberveen. Will she find her way home? Does she want to?

---

Biography

About N. R. Williams

N. R. Williams lives in Colorado, U.S.A. with her husband. She is delighted to have two four year old grandchildren, cousins. She's a long time member of Rocky Mountain Fiction Writers and has been privileged to attend conferences and workshops.

After seeing, Disney's Fantasia when she was a child, she began to hunt for fairies in her mother's garden but never found any. Curious to a fault, she pulled open many flower buds convinced that the fairies must be asleep inside.

She carried this same curiosity with her to college where she majored in art. Now, she uses her skills of observation to create fantastical worlds, interesting characters and stories that touch the heart.

Supporting New Authors.

Thank you for dropping by, please leave a comment and say Hi. Patti Roberts
Paradox - The Angels Are Here.

Book trailer Youtube - http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IovcxyZTFuU

Amazon US - http://t.co/GkEnR05

Amazon UK http://amzn.to/eVQP0V

Smashwords http://www.smashwords.com/books/view/27156

facebook - http://tinyurl.com/3woe84l

twitter - http://twitter.com/#!/PattiRoberts7

blog - http://theangelsarehere.wordpress.com/

Author interview - COLD FAITH AND ZOMBIES By Sean Thomas Fisher

This book will bring ravenous zombies into your home without the use of strong language and graphic violence.

 Where do you call home Sean?
Thank you for the opportunity to be here, Patti! I am proud to call Des Moines, Iowa my home.

What is your book about?
Cold Faith and Zombies is about a zombie spread that gains traction during Iowa’s worst winter in 99 years, where Paul Thomas – thanks to his love of all things zombie - finally finds his calling. Overnight, he goes from the unemployment line to the front line in a battle against darkness, putting his faith to the ultimate test. But his swelling confidence quickly propels him and his crew towards tragedy. 

If you gave some of your characters an opportunity to speak for themselves, what would they say?
Paul: “Check every closed door you come across.”
Paul’s wife, Sophia: “You can’t save everyone.”
A stripper named Wendy: “I need a drink...”

Do you have plans for a new book?
Cold Summer Nights, has just recently been released - that is a cross between Paranormal Activity and The Ring. It is also my first non-zombie book and is about a guy named Rusty, who finds out his buddy’s new girlfriend had been abducted five years earlier and was never seen again.

What inspired you to write Cold Faith and Zombies?
Like Paul, I’ve always been a huge fan of zombie movies, books and video games. Subsequently, I’ve always fantasized about what I’ll do when the zombie virus is finally triggered. One of my fantasies is a fun adventure, where we kick total butt and live happily ever after with all the free Trans Ams we can handle. The other fantasy - which would sometimes worm its way into my mind - was a more realistic take of what would probably really happen. This darker version led to CFAZ.


Would you like to be contacted by readers to do book reviews?
Absolutely. My grandpa always said it’s better to be talked about than not be talked about at all.


How did you come up with the title and cover design?
The bible warns that the end of days will come when the body of believers have let their faith grow cold, which my mom thinks we’re on the brink of now. This led to the title. I also wanted its cover to reflect a more subtle nature, rather than a gory one. 

Have you based any of your characters on someone you know, or real events in your own life?
I usually base my characters on people I know personally, or on actors I envision playing them when JJ Abrams never signs my book to a movie deal. Other characters are completely made up. One of my short stories, First Zombie, is based on a true story I had happen to me one summer, and to this day no one believes me.

What books have influenced your writing most and why?
I grew up reading Stephen King and always wanted to be him - outside of getting hit by a van anyway. I love the way he gripped an entire nation with such lifelike characters and fear.

Is there an Author that you would really like to meet?
Besides King, I would love to meet JK Rowling. The way she created such complex worlds and characters is amazing and I would love to know her secret, which I’m sure is probably some kind of magic potion.

Do you prefer ebooks, paperbacks or hardcovers?
I still buy paperbacks and hardcovers, although lately I’ve been leaning more towards ebooks.

Have you ever read a book more than once?
I recently reread The Shining after coming across it in a box while looking for my shark-suit.

Is there a particular movie that you preferred over the book version?
The Shining is one of my faves, but I really enjoyed Stanley Kubrick’s take on it. Seeing it again in Blu ray was a whole new experience.


What book are you currently reading?
Diary by Chuck Palahniuk.


What book do you know that you will never read?
Twilight 2. Fool me once, shame on you. Fool me twice, shame on me.

Are there any new authors that have grasped your interest and why?
Joe Hill is a guy to keep an eye on, and not just because he’s Stephen King’s son, but because the old ghost guy in Heart-Shaped Box gave me nightmares. And because he’s Stephen King’s son.

Who designed the cover of your book?
I came up with the idea and Bump in the Night Publishing made it happen. They are a great crew to work with! 

Do you have any advice for other writers?
Write what you love. And balance your writing, reading, and blogging/marketing habits so that you are writing more than the rest. Above all else, never give up. Not every song is going to hit.


Where can your readers follow you?
www.fishblogwash.blogspot.com


About the Author:
Sean Thomas Fisher was born in Des Moines, Iowa and graduated from The University of Iowa with a major in Communications and a minor in Religion. He then went on to host several radio shows on Rock and Country stations across the United States. Upon tiring of flesh-eaters in suits and ties trying to control his every move, he turned his writing skills to the dark side and is now the author of Cold Faith and Zombies, First Zombie and Second Zombie. His Horror/Paranormal novella - Cold Summer Nights - will be released by Bump in the Night Publishing at the end of May 2011 and has elements of The Ring and Paranormal Activity.



If you are reading this, you are the resistance...


The Books:

	FIRST ZOMBIE Kindle Edition: $0.99 March 10, 2011
	Second Zombie Kindle Edition: $0.99 May 11, 2011
	COLD FAITH AND ZOMBIES Kindle Edition: $2.99 April 12, 2011

About the book:

The scripture warns that in “the last days” the love of the great body of believers will grow cold and maybe that's why people who aren’t people anymore began pounding on Paul’s front door.

With his zombie movie and gaming experience, his wife, Sophia, and trusty friend, Dan, know they have an edge against extinction.

Paul quickly gets them guns, a siphon-kit and a plan to head south, because if the walking stiffs don’t get them, the freezing Iowa temps will.

Overnight, Paul goes from the unemployment line to the front line in a battle against evil, where he finally finds his calling as a leader.

However, his swelling confidence quickly propels them towards tragedy, putting his faith to the ultimate test while the fate of others hangs in the balance.

Praise For COLD FAITH AND ZOMBIES

"A dazzling masterpiece from beginning to end," writes the dude from the Donut Hut down the street from Sean's pad.

"I haven't cried like that since I watched The Lion King!" says Sean's 9 yr-old niece, Madison.

"Something's wrong with him…" --- Sean's mom.

BUY FROM

Smashwords

Amazon US

Amazon UK

Most Recent Customer Reviews

Amazon Review by Connie-o.  5.0 out of 5 stars WOW Factor 10! Totally Unbelievable & Believable at the same time!
Before reading this book, I mainly read only true crime novels. I guess now my true crime stories will involve Zombie cases.