Thursday, January 16, 2014

Gastien: The Cost of the Dream by Caddy Rowland with a guest post from Gastien Beauchamp himself

Gastien:  The Cost of the Dream
Book One of the Gastien Series

by Caddy Rowland



Character Guest Post by Gastien Beauchamp

I hate to admit it, but I’m scared. I might be almost eighteen, and I might have been beaten many times by my father growing up, but this is much, much worse. When I ran from the farm a few weeks ago, I thought things would get better. How hard could it be to find a serving job in a restaurant? Even a job cleaning slop in the kitchen would be fine. I figured all I needed was enough money for one bowl of soup a day and a humble room. The rest of the wages would be spent on painting supplies.

You see, I left because I want to become an artist; perhaps the greatest artist to ever live. I know that sounds ridiculous. I’m a peasant farm kid. Well, you haven’t seen me draw! I can draw like nobody’s business, and I’ve done some watercolor. I just need to learn how to use oils.

I was full of optimism when I left home. I believed once I found a job there would be plenty of artists around to teach me the basics. I’m not shy, so I would simply ask.
The problem is I haven’t found a job. I’ve pounded on the door of every cafĂ© and restaurant around. No one is hiring. I guess I’m a few months late. All of the jobs for slop cleaners have been taken for the season by students at the art school. Plus, serving jobs require experience. Who knew? How hard could it be to carry out a plate? I’ve even tried other businesses, but no one will hire me. There’s absolutely nothing until spring, and I can’t go back home. My father has vowed to kill me if I ever return.

One thing’s for sure: this city is heartless. My father used to tell me so, but I didn’t believe him. Now I do. So far, the best thing I’ve had happen to me is having someone unknowingly empty the contents of their chamber pot on my head as I walked underneath their window. That’s not saying much.

I’m hiding out in Notre Dame at night. I’ve avoided sleeping in the alleys, but I’m not stupid. It’s just a question of time before they find me and kick me out. Once they do, I’ll be on the streets. I’ve seen the tramps in the back alleys digging in trash bins for food. I’ve witnessed a man getting stabbed for his coat. And my sweet face? It isn’t going to be an asset when I have to face the men in those alleys.

Right now I sell charcoal drawings for a few centimes. Most days I earn enough to eat a bowl of soup. However, once I’m completely homeless, it won’t take long for me to look and smell so awful that no one will come near enough to sell them a drawing! What will I do then? I am already hungry; soon I’ll be sleeping on the cold ground. I don’t know how I’ll survive when it gets below freezing.

Still, I believe in my dream. I’ve known since I was a small child that I have no choice. I was born to paint. There has to be a way! I will not only survive these cruel streets of Paris, I will eventually have my own studio. I don’t care if people say peasants never own property. I will. It doesn’t matter what it takes; I’m going to make my dream come true. 

Nothing will stop me.

Absolutely nothing.

Still, I have to tell you, I‘m scared. Damn scared.

******
Synopsis: 

When young Gastien Beauchamp flees the farm for Paris, the late nineteenth century bohemian era is in full swing. Color has always called to him, beseeching him to capture it on canvas and show people a new way of seeing things. His father belittled his dream of being an artist and tried to beat him into giving it up. The dream wouldn’t die, but Gastien would have had he not left.

He also yearns to become a great lover. After the years of anguish he has endured at the hand of his father, it would be heaven to feel pleasure instead of pain.
However, the city of Paris has a ruthless agenda. Unless a man has money and connections, Paris unfeelingly crushes dreams and destroys souls. With neither of the required assets, Gastien faces living in alleys, digging in trash bins for food, and sleeping where a man is often killed for his threadbare blanket.

Left with only his dreams, Gastien stubbornly pushes on. He vows that absolutely nothing will stop him, not yet realizing what keeping that vow might mean.

Sometimes the "impossible" is possible - but the cost can be extremely high.

This historical fiction novel is book 1 of a 5 book drama/family saga for adults (The Gastien Series).  As such, it contains adult themes and graphic scenes. 

Each book can stand on its own, but is most compelling read in order.

Buy Links:

http://tinyurl.com/3ecu8ku For Kindle readers
http://tinyurl.com/3luddg7  To order paperback (Part 1)
Sign up for New Release Newsletter by Email: http://eepurl.com/rfjaX

Author Biography:

Caddy Rowland grew up with a stack of books that almost reached the ceiling before she was five. Books, along with her vivid imagination, have always been some of her closest friends.
She lives with her husband, who was her high school sweetheart. They are owned by two parrots. Besides being a writer, she is an artist. One can often find her “makin’ love to the color” (painting) with loud music blaring.
Her goal as an author is to make readers laugh, cry, think, and become intimately connected with her main characters. She writes dramatic novels showcasing the sublime joy and bitter tragedy of being human. [from the author's Amazon page]

Author Links:



Come back tomorrow for more...


Tuesday, January 14, 2014

Release Day and Guest Post... THE IMMORTAL CIRCUS: FINAL ACT



Today is the release day for THE IMMORTAL CIRCUS: FINAL ACT and I'm thrilled to be able to help out and spread the word about its release with an awesome guest post from Mab, an excerpt and a giveaway.

As with the first two books in the series, this third and final book will be released first in serial format. But this time a new episode will be releasing each week for six weeks until the novel is complete!

For those who haven't yet stepped foot into the Cirque des Immortels, now is the perfect time to get started. In just six weeks the series will be complete and all three books will be available in their entirety to devour.

So be sure to check out all the details below for more information about this awesome series. If you’d like to know just a little bit more, there is a one week only tour going on right now, which includes its very own giveaway. So just head over to Rockstar Book Tours for the schedule so you can follow along.

And if you'd like the chance to win another prize pack, don't forget to enter the giveaway in the Rafflecopter at the bottom of this post.

Now, let me turn things over to Mab, Ringmaster extraordinare.

***

Hello, Lovelies,



The Final Act is here at last, ready to draw you in to that last bow over six deliciously tempting installments. Each week will take you deeper into the dark, debaucherous world of the Cirque des Immortels, right up until the thrilling conclusion. You thought you knew the Immortal Circus, but I can assure you, there's still much more to discover. Great lies and greater love, old flames and new foes...but I don't want to spoil it, not just yet.



So I'll leave you with this. Just a taste. Just in case you weren't ready to take the plunge.



The Big Top awaits...step right up.



-Mab



----



I hate how desensitized I've become to dead bodies.



It's not exactly a part of the gig, not really what I thought being the ringmaster for a circus would entail. But hell, Mab never left me a rule book when she handed me the job. I'm lucky she let me keep my head.



Melody stands beside me. It's 6:00 a.m., and she's in a loose cardigan and penguin-print pajama pants.



Despite the sleep in her eyes, there's an alertness to her I'm trying my best to imitate. She stares at the body lying prone in the parking lot like it's a science experiment gone awry, one that might blow up or sprout wings. I stifle a yawn with the back of my hand.



“Another evacuee?” I ask.



Not that there's any need to ask: the answer's an obvious yes. The bald guy sprawled on the ground can't be older than thirty: no bruises or blood, no obvious reason to croak. He looks like he just dropped dead. Which, seeing as he went against his contract by trying to leave, is precisely what happened.



***

About The Immortal Circus: Final Act



THE IMMORTAL CIRCUS: FINAL ACT



Series: Cirque des Immortels #3

Release date: January 14, 2014 in serial format

Pages: 44 (episode 1)

Publisher: 47North

Formats: eBook



Description:



This book is a Kindle Serial. Kindle Serials are stories published in episodes, with future episodes delivered at no additional cost. This serial currently contains one episode out of an estimated six total episodes, and new episodes will be delivered every week.




Episode List

An additional episode will be delivered every week until the book is complete. New episodes will be added to the same book on your Kindle, keeping your place and retaining your notes and highlights. You'll be notified via email when a new episode has been delivered.



Episode 1: January 14, 2014. All is not well within the Cirque des Immortels: war is brewing, the troupe is angry, and without Kingston there, Vivienne's in over her head. But when an unexpected guest arrives, she realizes her problems have only just begun.



Episode 2: January 21, 2014. Now Vivienne must not only deal with a mutinous troupe, but her long-lost lover. To make matters worse, there's a new player in the game. And this opponent is hell-bent on revenge.





***

About A.R. Kahler



Alex is many things, but first and foremost, he’s a Sagittarius.



Born in Iowa and educated across the States, he’s taught circus in Amsterdam and Madrid, gotten madly lost in the Scottish wilderness, received his Masters in Creative Writing from Glasgow University, and drummed with Norse shamans. Sometimes he also walks about on stilts. Or sews. Or hammers tiny pieces of metal into pretty shapes.



When he’s not writing or climbing in the rafters, he’s probably drinking coffee. And seeing as he currently resides in Seattle, there’s coffee aplenty.



He is represented by Laurie McLean of Foreword Literary.





***

Other Books in the Series

Title: THE IMMORTAL CIRCUS

Series: Cirque des Immortels #1

Release date: December 4, 2012 (serial); January 29, 2013 (print)

Pages: 224

Publisher: 47North

Formats: Paperback, audio, eBook



Description:



Murdered contortionists aren't exactly what Vivienne signed up for when she ran away to join the circus. But like most things under the big top, nothing is what it seems. With a past she can't quite remember, Vivienne finds that running away forever might not be as appealing as it once sounded—especially not when she realizes the devilishly attractive ringleader, Mab, is the Faerie Queen of legend—and that she and the rest of the troupe are locked in an age-old rivalry between the otherworldly Courts.



Aided by her friends Kingston—a feisty stage magician whose magic is quickly stealing her heart—and his smart-ass assistant, Melody, Vivienne finds herself racing against the clock to discover the culprit behind a series of deaths that should be impossible. However, the answer she seeks might reveal more about her own bloody past—and future—than she bargained for.



The show's just beginning. Step right up...





***


Title: THE IMMORTAL CIRCUS: ACT TWO

Series: Cirque des Immortels #2

Release date: June 11, 2013 (serial); August 20, 2013 (print)

Pages: 222

Publisher: 47North

Formats: Paperback, audio, eBook



Description:



Vivienne is almost content with her new life in the Cirque des Immortels. She has moved up from selling cotton candy to telling fortunes, she has a gorgeous, magical boyfriend, Kingston…and no one has been murdered since the clash between the otherworldly Courts. Her life under the faerie big top would be perfect, in fact, if not for the nightmares and visions that compel her to seek and confront her half-remembered past. But for Viv, not knowing her past may well be a blessing. There's a reason she ran away. But can she truly escape herself?.




The second act of the fantastically evocative Cirque des Immortels series, The Immortal Circus: Act Two draws readers further into a world that’s at once wonderful, seductive…and deadly.



Step right up…






***

The Giveaway



The blast includes a giveaway for an awesome prize pack which includes a personalized copy of Act Two, a full set of trading cards and a signed bookplate.





  • Giveaway is US Only.
  • Prize will be shipped by the author.
  • Giveaway Ends January 20th at 11:59 p.m. Pacific.




Enter in the Rafflecopter below...





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Review: The Hands of Time by Irina Shapiro


The Hands of Time

by Irina Shapiro


Synopsis:

When a young American woman vanishes without a trace from a quaint fishing village on the coast of England only one person knows the truth, but he remains silent, allowing the authorities to search for her in vain, safe in the knowledge that she will never be found.  As Valerie’s bereft sister returns home alone, she struggles to understand what happened and come to terms with her terrible loss when she suddenly stumbles upon a clue that might finally shed some light on her sister’s disappearance.

Meanwhile, Valerie Crane finds herself transported to the year 1605. Terrified and confused she turns for help to the Whitfield brothers, who take her in and offer her a home despite their misgivings about her origins. Both Alexander and Finlay Whitfield fall in love with the mysterious woman who shows up on their doorstep, creating a love triangle that threatens to consume them all.  Valerie must make her choice, deciding between the brother who will lead her down the path of destruction or one who will give her the love she couldn’t find in her own time.

About The Hands of Time
Publication Date: December 7, 2011
Merlin Press
eBook
ASIN: B006JRO9WS

Purchase the Book:


About the Author:

Irina Shapiro was born in Moscow, Russia, where she lived until she was eleven.  In 1982 her family immigrated to the United States and settled in New York.  Due to her love of reading, Irina was able to pick up English very quickly, and was an honor student throughout her school career. 

After graduating from Bernard M. Baruch College in 1992 with a Bachelor’s degree in International Business, Irina worked in advertising for two years before shifting her focus to Import/Export.  She worked her way up to the position of Import Manager in a large textile house before leaving the work force in 2007 to focus on her autistic son. 

It wasn’t until Irina had been at home for some time that she began to write.  Eventually the characters began to take on a life of their own and have conversations in her head, and once she started writing her musings down the stories came easily enough.  Irina incorporated her love of history and travel into her writing to create a rich and detailed background for the characters.  Since then Irina has written eight novels.  She is currently working on book five of The Hands of Time Series.

Irina Shapiro lives in New Jersey with her husband and two children.

For more information, please visit www.irinashapiro.com.  You can also follow her on Facebook and Twitter

My thoughts:

Traveling to England following a divorce… Now that hits home.  Seeking out the fantasies of the lives of those historical figures I have loved and admired would have, at the time, been a welcome respite.  I cannot relate the doorways, stones and tiled floors I have touched throughout my life trying to conjure a sense of those who walked them before me.

I found the The Hands of Time a bit of an escapist read, but not a seriously historical one.  It was for me more of a historical romance set within a time travel theme.  However, I enjoyed the escape and was thrilled that Valerie found in 1605 what she lacked in her modern life.   I also enjoyed Shapiro’s interjection of clues left by Valerie for the family she left behind, especially those to her sister.


I enjoyed this novel not because it was one that stirred the Historian in me to research and debate, but more because it soothed the soul or at least this one.


Saturday, January 11, 2014

Release Day Party for The Upside of Being Letdown by London Casey



The Upside of Being Let Down

by London Casey

London Casey is the pen name for USA Today / NY Times Bestselling author, Karolyn James.



The Upside of Being Let Down



The fact that AJ's sister is a stripper has been the bane of AJ's existence for as long as she can remember. Every guy that has showed interest only wanted to get closer to her sister. After being kicked out of college, and subsequently out of her apartment, AJ heads to the strip club for some sisterly advice. Instead, she lands in the apartment of a cute stranger who seems way too eager to help.

Bryan is a regular guy looking for the simplicity in life. A strip club is definitely not his idea of simplicity, but he is pleasantly surprised at who he finds not prancing around on stage. In the middle of a strip club his eyes are glued to a woman that is fully dressed and thus begins a rollercoaster romance that he never saw coming.

When a risky dare is set in motion, an earth shattering truth is unraveled and AJ no longer knows who she can trust. Can Bryan prove that he loves AJ and help save her bond with her sister before it's too late?


Stay up to date with London (via Karolyn James) -

KarolynJames.wordpress.com
www.twitter.com/KarolynWrites
facebook.com/KarolynJamesAuthor

Stay up to date with Karolyn's mailing list!

Friday, January 10, 2014

Feature and Follow #2014.1




Feature and Follow Friday (#2014.1)

Resolutions: Put together your blogger resolution list for all of us to see!


1.  Read 100 books this year.  Perhaps push for 150.

2.  Blog regularly - goal:  DAILY
3.  Add more than reviews to my blog… it needs some history, some facts, something.
4.  Complete my challenges; every single one!  And for reasons unknown I signed up for many!
5.  Not finish a book.  Develop the strength to put a book down and walk away.  If it is so painful to read that it makes me wish I couldn't I must just draw a line and walk away.
6.  Read this TBR Pile before it takes over my house.  Let's just say my 5 year old can count to 100 easily.
7.  Post reviews to Goodreads, Netgalley, etc… I'm bad about that!
8.  Keep better records - especially of my library.
9.  Be more organized and efficient with my blog in general.  I always feel I'm running catch up.
10.  Read my love and passion… historical fiction without a doubt!   
11.  Comment, Comment, Comment!

It's a blog hop...


Thursday, January 9, 2014

Book Blast: Where Life Takes You by Claudia Y. Burgoa with Giveaways



Where Life Takes You 

by Claudia Y. Burgoa

Publication date: July 31st 2013
Genres: Contemporary, New Adult

Synopsis:
Becca Trent lived her childhood next to a cruel woman—her mom—who lived to torment and neglect her. During her high school years, her mother married; bringing home not only a new husband, but a step sister her same age. The latter took over her Mom’s role—making Becca’s life miserable. Including stealing Ian—Becca’s best friend and boyfriend—Lisa treated her worse than her mother had for the previous fifteen years. A couple of years later, things ended up in tragedy.

Becca buried that part of her life in the deep corners of her psyche, but that only work during the days when the nightmares didn’t come back to haunt her. Her best friend, Dan gives her that family love she always lacked. Everything was close to perfect, until everything and everyone from her past came back. Now, she’s trying to figure out how to survive and keep that bond which seems now to be held together by a thread.

Note: This is the first part of a two book novel.

Excerpt:
My heart thundered as he released one hand and slowly moved it up and down my bare back. I listened to my body and let the music and Dan take me. We didn’t speak, we allowed the movements and beats to talk for us. Once he knew I’d stay close, he released my hips and back. His hands wandered around every line, curve, and corner of my body. I simply kept my hands over his chest, enjoying the moment.

Our eyes locked, and he playfully mouthed I love you. Those words meant the world to me, and not thinking twice, I put my hands on the back of his neck and made him bent over me, so I could whisper at him, “I love you, Danny.”

Dan placed his forehead over mine and closed his eyes tightly. “Say it again, baby, please,” he said.

“I love you.” His mouth crashed into mine, not letting my lips go and continuing the kiss while we danced to the rhythm of our own music.

His hands danced slowly along my upper body until they found my lower back. Those dangerous, kissable lips continued their trespassing, changing motions from gently, lazily playing to overpowering, depending on the music. I craved him, my entire brain screamed stop, but my body won, letting everything go.

He took both my hands from his neck and placed them at my sides, whispering into my ear. “Let’s go home.” It wasn’t a suggestion, but an order. I quivered and placed my hands on his biceps. Holding on to them tightly.

No word came out of my mouth, but my eyes and body agreed.

“I need our bed, or a cold shower, now.”


Book Trailer:



Purchase:
B&N

Author Biography: 
Claudia lives in Colorado with her family and three dogs. Two beagles who believe they are human, and a bichon who thinks she’s a beagle. While managing life, she works as a CFO at a small IT Company. She’s a dreamer who enjoys music, laughter and a good story.

Author Links:

Website     Goodreads     Facebook     Twitter

Blitzwide Giveaway...

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Tuesday, January 7, 2014

Top Ten Tuesday


Top Ten Goals and Resolutions for 2014

It's Tuesday, and that means its Top Ten Tuesday hosted by The Broke and the Bookish!

1.  Read 100 books this year.  Perhaps push for 150.
2.  Blog regularly - goal:  daily
3.  Add more than reviews to my blog… it needs some history, some facts, something.
4.  Complete my challenges; every single one!  And for reasons unknown I signed up for many!
5.  Not finish a book.  Develop the strength to put a book down and walk away.  If it is so painful to read that it makes me wish I couldn't I must just draw a line and walk away.
6.  Read this TBR Pile before it takes over my house.  Let's just say my 5 year old can count to 100 easily.
7.  Post reviews to Goodreads, Netgalley, etc… I'm bad about that!
8.  Keep better records - especially of my library.
9.  Be more organized and efficient with my blog in general.  I always feel I'm running catch up.
10.  Read my love and passion… history more often than not.

Release Date Book Blast: The Upside of Being Let Down by London Casey with Giveaway


The Upside of Being Let Down

by London Casey

Release date: January 7th 2014

BOOK DESCRIPTION:
The fact that AJ's sister is a stripper has been the bane of AJ's existence for as long as she can remember. Every guy that has showed interest only wanted to get closer to her sister. After being kicked out of college, and subsequently out of her apartment, AJ heads to the strip club for some sisterly advice. Instead, she lands in the apartment of a cute stranger who seems way too eager to help.

Bryan is a regular guy looking for the simplicity in life. A strip club is definitely not his idea of simplicity, but he is pleasantly surprised at who he finds not prancing around on stage. In the middle of a strip club his eyes are glued to a woman that is fully dressed and thus begins a rollercoaster romance that he never saw coming.

When a risky dare is set in motion, an earth shattering truth is unraveled and AJ no longer knows who she can trust. Can Bryan prove that he loves AJ and help save her bond with her sister before it's too late?

ABOUT THE AUTHOR
London Casey is the author of bestselling series, The Boys of Down Crash.

Blog     Facebook     Twitter     Goodreads



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Spotlight: Lakeside University Cover-Up by Charles A. Taylor with Giveaway



Lakeside University Cover Up


Charles A. Taylor



Author Bio: Dr. Charles “Chuck” Taylor, author, speaker and diversity expert is currently a professor in the school of education at a Midwestern college. Although he has written and edited over 10 books, this is his first novel. Chuck has
also written a full-length children’s musical, a highly acclaimed documentary on the Milwaukee, Wisconsin civil rights movement and continues to serve as a national consultant to college campuses in the areas of racial diversity and inclusion. Please visit his website for additional information: http://drcharlestaylor.com/about/
Author Links


Book Genre: Mystery Thriller
Publisher: Roar
Enterprises, Inc.
Release Date: January,
2012


Book Description:

A cross is burned in the yard of two black Lakeside University students. When campus officials call the incident a harmless prank, both black and white student organizations, launch a series of protests to force the administration into conducting a full investigation.

Instead, the administration devises a divide and conquer scheme to create a rift between black and white students. Feel the tension mounting as the students react to the Administration’s response to the incident. As black students turn up the pressure, the campus stands on the verge of a racial explosion. Campus leaders must find a way out of the
crisis so they seek the help of Dr. Wendell Oliver, the country’s leading expert in diffusing racial tension.
Watch Dr. Oliver as he masterfully guides the feuding students into looking beyond themselves on a weekend retreat that is filled with action, danger, sexual attraction, and racial conflict. Discover the hidden lessons that students learn about friendship, betrayal and forgiveness. Follow the love story as the plot unfolds. Experience this roller coaster ride of emotions for yourself! Learn the secret behind the cross burning as the leading character Gloria finds her voice.

Students come to realize that the cross burning is more than just about racism. Its wicked flames shed light on corrupt cops, complicit college administrators and misguided attitudes that point to a major cover up. When students finally piece the puzzle together, justice is
served but it comes with a steep price. Lakeside University will never be the same again.

Excerpt:

Enough was enough. Dean of Students, Todd Severson stormed into President David Horning’s office and slammed the door. “Sir, we need to do something!” Severson said, lowering himself into the chair across from Horning’s antique desk. “Your divide and conquer strategy is backfiring—we have to do something and do it fast, or this
university will explode!”  President Horning glanced up from his coffee. “That’s a bit dramatic, Todd, don’t you think?”
Severson leaned forward in his chair and pressed his palms against the desktop. “A black student has just been attacked!” he said.
“Classes are being disrupted. The police are running themselves ragged, trying to keep everything under control. Now we have threats of a major civil rights demonstration being held on our campus!”
Horning looked at Severson and frowned. “Why don’t you just calm down,”
he said. “We’ve weathered crises before. This isn’t any different.”
Severson stared back, his jaw askew. “Sir, I beg to disagree! We may have been able to smooth things over in the past, but this is very different. This could turn violent—even more violent than it already has become. And it's just a matter of time before the media plasters this mess all over the front page.”
Before Horning could respond, his phone rang. As he reached to answer it, Severson stood to leave. “Hold on Todd. Let me get this. This might be the call that will get us out of this damn mess,” Horning said, as Severson paced the floor.
***

Three
Weeks Earlier
It was a cool, cloudy Sunday night in early autumn. Two figures huddled in the shadows next to a small house, near the Lakeside University campus. They set to work quickly, and soon a sharp chemical odor drifted through the air.
“Man, this shit really stinks,” said the first one, muffling a cough in his gloved hand. “Are you sure this will work?”
“It has to,” said the second. “You heard what they said. We've got to take care of this tonight.” “Okay, okay,” said the first.
“Just light the damn thing so I can make the call and we can get the hell out of here!”
***
Inside the small house, Lakeside University student Ashante Melashe was working on a recording for her broadcast engineering class. Just as she hit the record button, the shrill ring of the telephone echoed through the house. 
"Oh, no!” she moaned, “I forgot to turn off the ringer!” She pushed her chair back from the table. “Well, that’s another sound bite down the drain." 
"I'm coming," she grumbled as the phone continued its loud summons.
"Hello?"
"Look outside,” said a gruff, male voice. “You’ll see how we feel about niggers at Lakeside University."
"What did you just say? Who is this?"
"Just look outside, bitch."
“Is this some kind of joke?” Ashante asked, but the only answer was the dial tone.
Shaking her head in disgust, she took a deep breath and stepped out into the
front yard. The shock of the flames sucked the air from her lungs in a choked gasp. A strange smell burned her eyes and throat. She stood frozen, glaring at the blaze of bright red and orange fire burning against the cold, black starless night.
Then the realization hit her with as much force as if someone had kicked her in the stomach. Suddenly she knew what she was staring at: a huge cross, whose wicked flames lit up the yard and filled her with soul wrenching horror.
"Oh, my God," Ashante whispered. 






Saturday, January 4, 2014

Review: Becoming Josephine by Heather Webb with Giveaway


Becoming Josephine

by Heather Webb


Release Date:  Dec 31, 2013
Page Number:  320
Publisher Link: Plume/Penguin
ISBN-10: 0142180653
ISBN-13: 978-0142180655

Synopsis:

SEX & VIOLENCE: There is a little of each, though I didn't go into great detail in either category.

Rose Tascher sails from her Martinique plantation to Paris to trade her Creole black magic culture for love and adventure. She arrives exultant to follow her dreams of attending Court with Alexandre, her elegant aristocrat and soldier husband. But Alexandre dashes her hopes and abandons her amid the tumult of the French Revolution. 

Through her savoir faire, Rose secures her footing in high society, reveling in handsome men and glitzy balls—until the heads of her friends begin to roll.

After narrowly escaping death in the blood-drenched cells of Les Carmes prison, she reinvents herself as Josephine, a socialite of status and power. Yet her youth is fading, and Josephine must choose between a precarious independence and the love of an awkward suitor. Little does she know, he would become the most powerful man of his century- Napoleon Bonaparte.

BECOMING JOSEPHINE is a novel of one woman’s journey to find eternal love and stability, and ultimately to find herself.

Purchasing Information:




Author's bio:
Heather Webb grew up a military brat and naturally became obsessed with travel, culture, and languages. She put her degrees to good use teaching high school French for nearly a decade before turning to full time novel writing and freelance editing. Her debut, BECOMING JOSEPHINE will release December 31, 2013 from Plume/Penguin.

When not writing, Heather flexes her foodie skills or looks for excuses to head to the other side of the world. She loves to chitchat on Twitter with new reader friends or writers (@msheatherwebb) or via her blog, Between the Sheets (www.Heatherwebb.net/blog). 
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My thoughts:

Mon Dieu, where to begin?  I had no idea Rose, resurrected later by Bonaparte as Josephine, had such an interesting, turbulent, rich and yet chased seemingly by the demons of war and revolution, poverty, powerlessness and regret.  Few humans can imagine such highs and such lows within one lifetime and yet still have the strength and grace to remain a lady to the very end.  

Without a doubt this novel taught me so many things I did not know about Rose/Josephine and I have such a better understanding of not only the woman but the times.  I have to admit that Becoming Josephine taught me much about myself, about the strength of being a survivor, about the fickle nature of not only love but also power and popularity.  

I found Webb's Rose/Josephine superbly human for her gifts and her faults.  I felt her prose pulled me along at times and at others slowed so that I could take in the details and appreciate the circumstances of the event that would shortly affect our Rose/Josephine, for better or for worse.

It is a wonderfully written, historically accurate portrayal of a captivating and complex woman while remaining equally, and at times more so, captivating itself.  

Without a single moment's reservation I HIGHLY recommend Becoming Josephine.  It is a true masterpiece.  

Heather Webb, you have truly done justice to a long misrepresented and maligned woman whom I am sure raises a glass to you for your truly remarkable account of her life.




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