Thursday, July 31, 2014

Cover Reveal ~ "Cinder and Ella" by Kelly Oram + giveaway!

It’s been almost a year since eighteen-year-old Ella Rodriguez was in a car accident that left her crippled, scarred, and without a mother. After a very difficult recovery, she’s been uprooted across the country and forced into the custody of a father that abandoned her when she was a young child. If Ella wants to escape her father’s home and her awful new stepfamily, she must convince her doctors that she’s capable, both physically and emotionally, of living on her own. The problem is, she’s not ready yet. The only way she can think of to start healing is by reconnecting with the one person left in the world who’s ever meant anything to her—her anonymous Internet best friend, Cinder. 

… 

Hollywood sensation Brian Oliver has a reputation for being trouble. There’s major buzz around his performance in his upcoming film The Druid Prince, but his management team says he won’t make the transition from teen heartthrob to serious A-list actor unless he can prove he’s left his wild days behind and become a mature adult. In order to douse the flames on Brian’s bad-boy reputation, his management stages a fake engagement for him to his co-star Kaylee. Brian isn't thrilled with the arrangement—or his fake fiancee—but decides he’ll suffer through it if it means he’ll get an Oscar nomination. Then a surprise email from an old Internet friend changes everything.


Read an Excerpt
*********************
“You do have someone who cares,” he said softly. “No matter how bad things are at home or at school or whatever, you have me. You’re my best friend, too. You have my number now. Save it in your phone and call it anytime—day, night, the witching hour—it doesn’t matter. Okay?”
It took me a moment—and a series of deep breaths—before I could respond. “Okay.”
“Promise?”
“I promise. As long as I always have you, I’ll be fine.” I kicked myself internally and laughed.“Wow, that sounded really cheesy. You see? That’s why I didn’t want to call you. I can filter my stupid mouth so much better when I have to type out my thoughts.”
Cinder laughed again. “Ah, but then you would miss out on all the sweet nothings I plan to whisper in your ear now that I know how much you like my ultra-sexy voice.”
I blushed but refused to let him know that his flirting rattled me. “I never said ultra, you egomaniac. But you should definitely consider recording audiobooks for a living.”
“Hmm. That’s not a bad idea.” Cinder’s voice dropped to that slow, seductive purr again as he asked, “Would you like me to read to you, Ellamara?”
I thrilled at the thought and couldn’t quite mask my excitement. “Seriously?”
“Why not? Before you called, I was getting ready to have a Top Gear marathon all by my lonesome.”
“You are such a liar. Tonight is Friday night, and it’s Halloween. There is no way you don’t have plans.”
I don’t have important ones. It’s just a stupid party that my sort-of girlfriend wants me to go to.”
Your ‘sort-of’ girlfriend?
“Yeah.” Cinder stretched the word out in a long breath. “It’s a long story, but I’m not that into her. I’d much rather stay home and read with you. Besides, I can’t hang up on you when you’ve had the worst day ever. What kind of best friend would that make me?”
I almost cried again. The offer was so sweet. And thoughtful. Reading was a passion Cinder and I shared. We read and discussed books all the time. We’d even decided to read the same book at the same time before, but we’d never read one together. Cinder had to know how much that would mean to me.
“It has to be The Druid Prince,” I said.
Cinder laughed. “It’s already in my hands.”

********************

Book Release is 10/1/14!

Kelly Oram wrote her first novel at age fifteen–a fan fiction about her favorite music group, The Backstreet Boys, for which family and friends still tease her. She's obsessed with reading, talks way too much, and loves to eat frosting by the spoonful. She lives outside of Phoenix, Arizona with her husband and four children.



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Wednesday, July 30, 2014

Book Review ~ "The Kiss of Deception" by Mary E. Pearson

The Kiss of Deception (The Remnant Chronicles, #1)The Kiss of Deception by Mary E. Pearson
My rating: 4 of 5 stars
Source: Netgalley
Genre: YA Fantasy

Book Description: In this timeless new trilogy about love and sacrifice, a princess must find her place in a reborn world.

In a society steeped in tradition, Princess Lia’s life follows a preordained course. As First Daughter, she is expected to have the revered gift of sight—but she doesn’t—and she knows her parents are perpetrating a sham when they arrange her marriage to secure an alliance with a neighboring kingdom—to a prince she has never met.

On the morning of her wedding, Lia flees to a distant village. She settles into a new life, hopeful when two mysterious and handsome strangers arrive—and unaware that one is the jilted prince and the other an assassin sent to kill her. Deception abounds, and Lia finds herself on the brink of unlocking perilous secrets—even as she finds herself falling in love.


My thoughts: Forced into an arranged marriage was not Lia's idea of "happily ever after". She may be a princess, but she wants to experience the joy of falling in love and have the opportunity to make her own decisions.

In a moment of planned desperation, Lia and her servant, Pauline, flee hours before the wedding. Lia is not a typical princess, she finds joy in working in a tavern, picking blackberries, and many other mundane tasks. She loves to be seen as a common person.

Two men are on her trail. One is an assassin who wants to kill her, the other is the Prince she ran away from marrying. Neither was prepared for the reality of Lia. She captured both of them in a short period of time, making them temporarily forget the reason's that they were searching for her.

I couldn't help but like Lia and Pauline. They are great friends who do not let class distinctions get in their way of love and respect for each other. They are the kind of best friend that everyone wants. They help each other through some of their worst hours.

The Prince and the assassin appear at the same time. They are introduced as Kaden and Rafe. I was a little frustrated that the true identity of each was not revealed in the first half of the book. I had an opinion of which one I thought was the Prince, but Mary E. Pearson kept offering information of the characters that had me doubting my decision. (I was right by the way!) It was hard to not know which one was trying to kill her.

The plot gets exciting in the last quarter of the book. The assassin is revealed and the hunt begins. I am being vague for a reason, because I don't want to spoil anything in the book. There is "hunting" throughout the book. Mostly, it is a hunting for the truth. Lia is trying to find out the truth about herself and her talents. The reader is "hunting" to figure out the mystery surrounding Lia.

I like this book. It is intriguing and fast paced. Most of the characters are likable, some of the assassins are not nice. (Go figure.) The book ends on a cliffhanger. I will be reading the sequel. There really isn't another option, I need to find out what happens to the Prince, the assassin, and the Princess.



Grand Finale ~ Second on the Right Blog Tour ~ by Elizabeth Los + giveaway


Second on the Right by Elizabeth Los
A themed book tour through Prism Book Tours.

It's the Grand Finale for
Second on the Right
by Elizabeth Los

Did you miss visiting Captain Hook's storybook world? There's still time to go check it out!

14  - Launch - More about Second on the Right and Elizabeth Los
What do you hope readers will take with them when they read your book? 
I hope readers will be able to sit back and enjoy the ride. I love books that take me on a journey full of twists and turns. If a reader gleans a message from the story, great! But otherwise, I just want it to be fun. I hope they find themselves liking Hook as I always have.

15 - Kelly P's Blog - Interview
Who is your favorite character in your book and why?
James is my favorite character in Second on the Right and also the inspiration/reason why I wrote Second on the Right in the first place. I always felt there was more to Hook’s story than just what we find in Barrie’s version. What motivated him and pushed him to seek revenge on Peter Pan? Was it really just the loss of his right hand or was there more to it than that?

Coffee Books & Art - The Inspiration for Second on the Right
As for the title, Second on the Right, this is a nod to the original J.M. Barrie text. Most known the phrase as second star to the right, but in Barrie’s Peter Pan, it was actually "second to the right, and straight on till morning". I wouldn’t have had the opportunity to write about Captain Hook if Barrie hadn’t written the story in the first place. So I felt it was only fitting to give a nod, multiple times in the novel in fact, to him and the original work.

Dividing by Zero - The Legend of Captain Hook
Said to be the only man Long John Silver feared, even the name “James Hook” is an alias. No one knows the true identity of the captain or where he came from. The man known as Captain James Hook has a cadaverous appearance, his pale face appearing as a spectral in the dark...

Musings of Immortals - Character Description of Captain Hook

16 - Sarah's StoryLines - Excerpt
Eileen woke with a start. Carefully, she peeled back the privacy sheet. A lump caught in her throat. The cabin door was open. She frowned. In the dim moonlight, a shadow stood just within the captain’s quarters. It moved. Her heart raced. She blinked, then stared. The dark silhouette glided silently. She watched, unbelieving. The shape loomed over the captain. She released the sheet.

17 - Mary Terrani.com - Character Description for Eileen
Eileen

18 - The Wonderings Of One Person - The Mistral Thief
Captain Benedict’s ship is what is typically depicted of pirate vessels, a galleon ship... 
How does it compare with Captain Hook’s Jolly Roger?

Christy's Cozy Corners - Captain Hook's Crew of the Jolly Roger
Captain James Hook had a rather unique and, for the most part, loyal crew. The crew of the Jolly Roger was a lot of villainous pirates. But though they were a rough bunch and at times fear their captain’s temper, they were like family to James. Two specific men stand out among the group: Smee and Starkey...
"I had a hard time keeping my self interested in what was going on. But I am very glad I did. About half way through the story becomes so much better. It moves along quicker and keeps your attention until the end."

22 - My Devotional Thoughts - Buried Treasure and A Treasure You Can Search For
In the 1600s, a galleon ship, Nuestra Senora de Atocha, was caught in a hurricane off the coast of Key West. Supposedly, this one held an enormous cargo of gold, silver and gems. The original captain’s manifest claimed coins of different values, emeralds, boxes of gold and silver bars.

23 - Bookworm Lisa - How to Make Your Own Treasure Map
1) Think about what you want on the map. Lucky for James Benedict, his photographic memory came in handy when it came time to recall the directions to the island called Neverland...

24 - The Written Adventure - Real Life Paratey Adventure (Geocaching)
Geocaching is defined as the recreational activity of hunting for and finding a hidden object by means of GPS coordinates posted on a website, i.e. modern day treasure hunting. Honestly, the definition doesn’t begin to describe the fun and excitement involved.

25 - Dalene's Book Reviews - Review
"I enjoyed reading this book, the author took on Peter Pan and does a good job with this rewrite of a classic story. The characters are well developed and written."

Beck's Valley Books - Interview
Is there anything you don't like about being an author?
Talking about myself ;) That’s not to say I don’t enjoy discussing Second on the Right and the characters in the story. I welcome any questions, comments or discussion involving my novel. But questions about myself? Ugh.

Second on the RightSecond on the Right
by Elizabeth Los
Adult Fantasy
Paperback, 506 Pages
May 9 2014

Spawned from an ancient promise, treachery and intrigue follow the protagonists through our world and one lost to the waves. Bound by an invisible bond, they are thrust into a fantastical world of pirates and demons.

James Benedict is a just man haunted by evil. Pushed to the edge, everything stripped from him, a new man arises . . . a man whose name strikes fear into the hearts of all who hear it: "Captain Hook".

Eileen Davis was a timid woman. Through a fateful cruise she finds herself in the company of the Captain of the Mistral Thief. With his guidance, and the meddling of the local barista, she eventually finds her inner strength.

Will the two of them unite through time to fulfill the promise of their ancestors or will tempers ignite leading all to failure?

True love's magic is not to avoid changes,
But to navigate them successfully.
ELosBnW
About Elizabeth Los

I began writing fan fiction short stories in 2010 as means of escape. Every night, after ten hours of work and once the children were finally tucked in bed, for the fifth time, I would sit at my laptop and let my imagination flow through my fingers. Typing over eighty words per minute, my stories quickly began to form from novellas into full length novels. I used writing as my therapy, my release for stress.


Tour-Wide Giveaway

- $20 Amazon gift card and an ebook of Second on the Right (INT)
- Signed print copy of Second on the Right (US Only)
- Ends August 3rd

Prism Book Tours

Tuesday, July 29, 2014

Book Spotlight ~ "Prudence Pursued" by Shirley Raye Redmond



At the advanced age of twenty-seven, Prudence Pentyre is on the shelf.

 Content to occupy her time by attending meetings of Mr. Wilberforce’s

 Abolition Society, Prudence is resolved to see that her younger cousin

 Margaret, shy and plain, does not share her own unmarried fate.


 Despite her best efforts, all of Prudence’s matchmaking attempts fail.
 Margaret proves reluctant to accept Sir James Brownell’s marriage
 proposal, and fears being “bovinised” if she undergoes the controversial
 cowpox vaccination he recommends. And the seafaring baronet—with his
 sunburned skin, eye patch, and unfashionable attire—seems more concerned
 about the plight of headhunters in Borneo than Margaret’s stubborn
 refusal  of his offer.


 Prudence, however, finds herself unexpectedly smitten with the man. Can
 she trust that God’s plan for her life is richer and more rewarding than
 the one she had planned for herself?




About the author:  An award-winning nonfiction writer and former columnist forThe Santa Fe New Mexican



Shirley Raye Redmond has sold 27 books and over 450 articles to a wide variety of publications, including The Pacific Stars and Stripes and Cosmopolitan as well asHighlights for Children and The Christian StandardTwo of her nonfiction children’s titles have sold more than 200,000 copies each. 



Lewis and Clark: A Prairie Dog for the President (Random House) was a Children’s Book of the Month Club selection. Pigeon Hero! (Simon and Schuster) won an Oppenheim Toy Portfolio Gold Award. Patriots in Petticoats, Heroines of the American Revolution was named one of the best children’s books of the year in 2004, when it was released by Random House. 



Her historical romance novel, Rosemary’s Glove, won the 2009 New Mexico Book Award. It was a finalist in the Phoenix Desert Rose Golden Quill Contest that year too. 




Shirley Raye has one husband, two grown children, one delightful grandson, and an M.A. in Literature. She has taught a variety of writing and literature courses at the University of New Mexico–Los Alamos campus, WORDHARVEST Writers Workshops, the Tony Hillerman Writers Conference, and many other venues across the country. (Picture and bio taken from her webpage.




Monday, July 28, 2014

Trailer Reveal ~ "Operation Tree Roper: An Eye Above" by Robert A. Polk




Anaiah Press is revealing the trailer for OPERATION TREE ROPER: AN EYE ABOVE by Robert Polk today and we have it here on the blog!






Blurb:

Twelve-year-old Declan Parker was born with only one eye, but all he seems to have trouble seeing in proper perspective is himself.  All he wants is for kids to see him as normal before he starts a new school in the fall. To that end, he sets out to make money helping with his dad’s tree care business.

Unfortunately, when his dad lands in the hospital after a climbing accident, Declan’s surgery hopes are wrecked. His only hope remains in a neighbor girl and her uncle, a wounded army veteran. Can they help him save his dad’s business, or will Declan’s once-courageous drive turn into total despair?

Operation Tree Roper: An Eye Above is a well-crafted story about a strong, dauntless young man who redefines the value of self-reflection. Declan is a character you won’t be able to forget.

Welcome to your new favorite book…


Release Date:
October 7, 2014


Book Links:
Anaiah Press: www.anaiahpress.com



Author Bio:

 Robert Polk lives in western Nebraska where he shares his love of books and the great outdoors with his wife and seven children. He is a former school counselor, business owner, and tree climbing arborist. Robert participates in his church and local community, currently serving on several non-profit boards.


Author Links:
Website: www.stmercy.com

Friday, July 25, 2014

Book Review ~ "Upon Destiny's Song" by Mike Ericksen

Upon Destiny's SongUpon Destiny's Song by Mike Ericksen & Sage Steadman
My rating: 4.5 of 5 stars
Source: Received to Review
Genre: Historical / Inspirational

Book Description:  "Upon Destiny’s Song" is a remarkable true story about sacrifice, courage and love. Ane Marie Madsen was only ten-years-old when she immigrated to Utah with her family. She was numbered in the ill-fated Willie Handcart Company of 1856, which saw the deaths of almost a third of the company when winter storms hit Wyoming. After settling in Utah, Ane Marie’s faith is tested once again as her path moves through the misadventures of colonizing a new territory ridden with danger and disease. Over 150 years later, descendent Mike Ericksen retells this epic journey and discovers lessons for his own modern sojourn.

Ericksen has previously told the story of his ancestors harrowing trek through song and speaking engagements held across the country. Now the amazing story and its beautiful message is finally available in "Upon Destiny’s Song.



My thoughts: This is a beautiful story. The story is basically two stories in one. Mike Ericksen is learning about his ancestors who traveled from Denmark and eventually were a part of the Willie Handcart Company.

The Martin and Willie Handcart Companies were both subject to extreme conditions. Many died on the journey to the Salt Lake Valley. Their stories have always been one of faith, endurance, and courage.

I enjoyed reading about Mike Ericksen's journey. He related events in his life that led him to searching out his ancestor, Ane Marie Madsen. Interspersed through Mikes story, his ancestor's story is told. The book takes the perspective of the Madsen family. You could see the progression of their faith and courage first as they are baptized into the LDS church, and then through the trial of traveling across the United Stated by handcart. I really appreciated this format. It gave me a better understanding of genealogy and the way looking back at ancestors gives strength and understand of modern day trials. The admiration that Mike Erickson felt for the Madsen family came through the pages of the book and permeated the story.

My husband and children are descendants of a member of the Martin Handcart Company, Margaretta Unwin Clark. I know what value this heritage is to my family. This book perhaps held a deeper meaning to me because of the connection and similarities between the two companies. I feel that this book would be of great worth to anyone who wants to read a story of courage, faith, and a love of family and God.

The book comes with a music CD of four songs.  Three  were written by Mike Ericksen and one by his brother.  They were a wonderful compliment to the story.


Purchase Links:


About the Author:  Mike Ericksen has been a devout student of the trail of the handcart pioneers since learning of his family’s trek from Denmark to Utah in 1856. In the past 10 years he has spoken in many programs and firesides across the country and has produced films and music related to the stories and events of the pioneers. The documentary Walking in Obedience produced by Ericksen in conjunction with Groberg Films and Dreamchaser, has been heralded as a “historical masterpiece” and has been shown around the country receiving acclamations and awards at film festivals and firesides. An accomplished classical guitarist, Mike has produced four musical albums to date, and is currently playing with the band Cedar Breaks. He is passionate about music, writing, faith and family. He enjoys nature, tennis and yoga, and currently resides in Utah with his wife Cheri. Together they have four children and eight grandchildren.




Cover Reveal ~ "Tess in Boots" by Courtney Rice Gager

Cover Reveal - Tess in Boots Banner

Tess in Boots by Courtney Rice Gager

Anaiah Romance


Tess in Boots Cover RevealTess Dougherty plans every aspect of her life right down to the last detail. But she doesn’t plan on running her boyfriend off by bringing up the topic of marriage before he’s ready. And she doesn’t plan to lose her job on the day she’s set to receive a huge promotion. So when her perfect world unravels, Tess makes a new plan: disappear.

Tess packs her bags and leaves her city apartment for a remote vineyard in North Carolina. At first, she’s put off by the slow pace of small-town life in the South. She’s especially irritated by Thatcher, the vineyard’s smart-mouth, dimple-faced farmhand. But she soon begins to appreciate the area’s charm, and Thatcher’s charm, too. She even swaps her trademark heels for a pair of cowboy boots. As Tess spends more time getting to know Thatcher, she finds herself loosening her grip on her old life little by little. Unfortunately, things on the vineyard aren’t as simple as they seem. There’s a secret here, and when the truth comes to light, Tess is forced to reconsider every plan she’s ever made.



Release Date: December 2, 2014

Goodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/22779717-tess-in-boots

Author Bio:

Courtney Rice GagerCourtney Rice Gager graduated from Virginia Tech with a bachelor’s degree in communication and a minor in creative writing. Courtney is also the author of The Buggy List. She lives in New Jersey with her husband and daughter.

Website: http://www.courtneyricegager.com

Twitter: http://www.twitter.com/CourtneyRGager

Pinterest: http://www.pinterest.com/courtneyrgager

Goodreads: http://www.goodreads.com/courtney_rice_gager

Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/CourtneyRiceGager

Google+: http://www.plus.google.com/+CourtneyRiceGagerWrites

Amazon: http://www.amazon.com/author/courtneyricegager

Book Review ~ "Skylight" by Kevin Hopkins

SkylightSkylight by Kevin Hopkins
My rating: 4 of 5 stars
Source:  Received to Review
Genre: Catastrophe, Suspense

Book Description:  One October night, millions died when the air suddenly became unbreathable. Miraculously left alive, Martin Fall journeys home to Los Angeles and watches as society collapses all around him, leaving him to pick up the pieces. But when he’s recruited for a dangerous mission, he must confront his tragic past to rescue a technology that could save the earth from destroying itself.

My thoughts: A calamity kills millions. Quality of life disintegrates for the masses, leaving a few power hungry living in luxury while most don't have the basics to get by.

This book follows Martin Fell. At the beginning of the book he watches as his wife, daughter, and friends die from a lack of atmospheric oxygen. He can't save them, but he can try to save his friends daughter and take her to a safer place, back to his home in California.

The book looks at his life after the catastrophe, he is trying to puzzle pieces together to solve why there have been explosions at oil refineries. He has the expertise to help, but he still suffers from his past.

The book vacillates between Martin's present and recollections of life immediately following the catastrophe. Each chapter ends with the uncertainty and actions he took to return home, the chaos of life, and the panic of the people.

The book is very interesting. It is obvious to me that Kevin Hopkins knows about the environment and energy. His scenario made sense. I found the book to be a precautionary look at what we could be doing to our plant by carelessness and greed.

The book is full of suspense. There is a mystery that Martin is trying to solve. His instincts are impeccable and he is a man of integrity. He is faced with many emotional roadblocks, but still keeps moving to discover the truth.

This book is written for environmentalists, suspense, mystery, and dystopian readers. It's just a great story that gives the reader something to think about when the book is done.  This book does contain violence.






About the Author:  Kevin Hopkins is the director of energy and environmental research for The Communications Institute, a Los Angeles-based think tank. He previously served as director of the White House Office of Policy Information, where he advised the President of the United States on economic, energy, and environmental policy, and also was senior policy counsel to the White House Office of Science & Technology Policy. He has published several books on U.S. economic and social policy, including The Catastrophe Ahead and Poverty and Welfare Dependency, and served for 20 years as a senior contributing editor to Business Week magazine. Skylight is his first novel.

Wednesday, July 23, 2014

"The Practical Prepper" Blog Tour by Kylene and Jonathan Jones

See the Tour Page.


The Practical Prepper by Kylene and Jones
Rating: 4 of 5 starts
Source: Received to Review
Genre: Non-fiction

Book Description:

My thoughts:  I live in an area (Utah) that has been expecting a large earthquake anytime.  It can happen now or a couple hundred years from now.  We are overdue.  I remember earthquake drills from Elementary School.

I considered myself pretty knowledgable about emergency preparation.  My neighborhood has drills where we pretend that an emergency has taken place.  We put cards in our windows letting others know if help is needed.  Families are given scenarios for emergencies.  As a block captain, I've had to go knock on doors to find out what the (pretend) status of the home is and report the need for help.  I even have an amateur radio license, K7LKF.

So, yes I thought I was prepared-ish.  There are more things that can go wrong than we realize.  This book takes a look at many different circumstances that we need to prepare for.  It isn't written in a way that causes panic, the reader doesn't feel the need to rush out and start buying things that they can't afford just in case.  It takes a practical look at emergencies and a common sense approach to preparing for them.

The author's have a formula at the beginning of the book.  RISK = PROBABILITY x CONSEQUENCE.
Different areas have different probability and different levels of consequence.  It's a great idea to individually evaluate needs using the formula.

I am not as prepared as I thought. But, I do have a start.  This book is great at guiding the reader from their own level of preparedness and nudging them in the right direction.





About the Author's: Jonathan is a licensed civil engineer and an avid enthusiast of alternative energy sources, especially solar and wind power. He has served as vice president and advisory board member of The American Civil Defense Association (TACDA), as secretary/treasurer for a local chapter of Civil Defense Volunteers, and as an emergency preparedness and communications specialist. As a city councilperson, has been tasked with developing the city emergency plan in his own community. He has coauthored numerous articles with his wife on emergency preparedness topics and published them in The Journal of Civil Defense. He is the owner of Your Family Ark, LLC, an education and consulting business designated to assist individuals and families in preparing for an uncertain future (www.yourfamilyark.org). 
Kylene has an educational background in business management and family studies. She has also served on the advisory board and on the board of directors for TACDA and is currently the editor for The Journal of Civil Defense. She has a passion for researching and experimenting, which adds a sense of real life to her writing and teaching. A firm believer in hands-on learning, she involves her family in emergency training for everything from fire drills to living off food storage and garden produce to turning off the power in the dead of winter just to see if they can survive it. She’s learned many powerful lessons from these experiences, the best one being that we are tougher than any challenge. We will not only survive but will emerge better, stronger people as a result of the adventure.
Jonathan and Kylene make a dynamic combination. Together they have presented in a wide variety events, including community education courses, educational seminars, preparedness fairs, employee education programs, and community classes. With Jonathan’s extensive knowledge and Kylene’s high-energy personality, they have a unique talent for taking a relatively boring topic and turning it into an exciting quest, motivating audiences to join the ranks of provident preppers.

Blog Tour ~ "Second on the Right" by Elizabeth Los ~ Learn How to Make Your Own Treasure Map + giveaway!

Second on the Right by Elizabeth Los
A themed book tour through Prism Book Tours.

Second on the RightSecond on the Right
by Elizabeth Los
Adult Fantasy
Paperback, 506 Pages
May 9 2014

Spawned from an ancient promise, treachery and intrigue follow the protagonists through our world and one lost to the waves. Bound by an invisible bond, they are thrust into a fantastical world of pirates and demons.

James Benedict is a just man haunted by evil. Pushed to the edge, everything stripped from him, a new man arises . . . a man whose name strikes fear into the hearts of all who hear it: "Captain Hook".

Eileen Davis was a timid woman. Through a fateful cruise she finds herself in the company of the Captain of the Mistral Thief. With his guidance, and the meddling of the local barista, she eventually finds her inner strength.

Will the two of them unite through time to fulfill the promise of their ancestors or will tempers ignite leading all to failure?

True love's magic is not to avoid changes,
But to navigate them successfully.

Amazon - Barnes & Noble - iTunes - Smashwords

HOW TO MAKE YOUR OWN TREASURE MAP
********************

1) Think about what you want on the map. Lucky for James Benedict, his photographic memory came in handy when it came time to recall the directions to the island called Neverland.

2) Choose a piece of paper, white is fine, and any size you’d prefer. Begin to draw your map, but make sure to use compass points, notes, labels, etc. Maps with few labels are useless.

3) Tear around the edges of the map, making each of the sides jagged and uneven.

4) When your map is complete and the edges are torn to your liking, it’s time to dye it. The best method is to use tea, or a tea bag, in order to stain the paper. Taking the damp tea bag, “paint” the map. You can allow it to dry and return to “paint” again, darkening the color as much as you’d like. Personally, I prefer a darker brown.

5) Now to create wear. You can crumple up the map now, or wait until the map has dried. Either way, roll it up into a ball and then reverse the process to see how it looks. Remember, this is your map, so it’s up to you as to how many wrinkled you’d like.

6) Once the map has dried, I’ve found that to create an even further weathered look, spot it with oil. Remove the excess oil and let the map dry.


That’s all there is to it! Once your map is complete and dried, you can display it alongside a copy of Second on the Right. And, if you’re lucky to have won the Scottish Dirk, your piratey centerpiece will be complete!

********************

ELosBnW
About Elizabeth Los

I began writing fan fiction short stories in 2010 as means of escape. Every night, after ten hours of work and once the children were finally tucked in bed, for the fifth time, I would sit at my laptop and let my imagination flow through my fingers. Typing over eighty words per minute, my stories quickly began to form from novellas into full length novels. I used writing as my therapy, my release for stress.


Tour-Wide Giveaway

- $20 Amazon gift card and an ebook of Second on the Right (INT)

- Signed print copy of Second on the Right (US Only)
- Ends August 3rd