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Thursday, February 29, 2024

The Spinster, the Rebel, and the Governor by Charlene Bell Dietz - Book Tour - Blurb Blitz - Giveaway - Enter Daily!

The Spinster, the Rebel & the Governor

by Charlene Bell Dietz

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GENRE:   Historical Fiction

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BOOK BLURB:

Move over Susan B. Anthony. There’s an unsung woman asking for the vote 224 years before you, and murderous rebels and bigoted gentlemen can’t prevent spinster Lady Margaret Brent from wielding her power to defend Maryland settlers from plunder and obliteration.

Lady Margaret Brent, compelled to right wrongs, risks her life by illegally educating English women, placing her family at risk. She fights to have a voice, yet her father and brothers exclude her from discussions. Worried the kings’ men may know of her illegal activities, she flees to the New World where she can enjoy religious tolerance and own land, believing she will be allowed a voice. Once in Maryland, she presents cases in provincial court where she’s hired as the first American woman attorney, but there she uncovers perilous actions, prompting her to build a fort to shield those within from being murdered. Can Margaret Brent’s integrity and ingenuity protect Maryland from being destroyed?

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EXCERPT ONE:

The Wells girl covered her eyes with both hands. Margaret, ignoring the buzzing of flies and the damp heat of the morning sun, worked to untangle the girl’s words in her mind.

“If the river doesn’t take me, then I shall have my baby alone and will have to live with Master Cole, and I shall never see my dear Tom again.” With that, she burst into tears.

“You do not look like you are about to have a baby. Why do you say your time is up?”

“Master Cole brought me here four years ago. He said after I had worked for him for four years, I wouldn’t owe him a tad more, and now he says I can’t leave, and so I might as well marry him. Lady Brent. I worked hard from early morning until after dark every day, and my time is up. Even the devil would say this isn’t right.” She sniffed and looked away.

Margaret set her jaw. “Heaven help us if other masters here in Maryland treat their servants in this manner.”

“There’s nothing I can do.” She bit her lip. “I thought maybe the next time you talked with Governor Calvert you might say something on my behalf, and I pray my request is not one of cheekiness.”

“Mary.” Margaret called sharply across to the soap making group. “Would you please come here?”

When Mary finished saying something, she trotted over to the garden. “Hello, Carrie. Are you not feeling well—your face seems flushed?”

“So, you are acquainted with Carrie Wells?” Margaret studied her sister, slipped the basket from Carrie, and moved it into Mary’s hands. “She brought these for us and herbs to scent your soap.”

“Sometimes on Sundays after church Carrie walks with me in the woods and shows me barks, roots, and herbs that heal.” She glanced at the basket. “Why, these are lovely.” She glanced at the young woman, then put her hand on Carrie’s arm. “Are you still having trouble with Jacob Cole?”

“Jacob Cole is about to have troubles with her. Has Giles returned from Kent for Assembly today? Will both our brothers be at the meeting?” Margaret’s frogs roiled inside her.

How dare these men take advantage of their servants?

“I saw him and Fulke along with some other men heading to Lewger’s home earlier.”

“Come, Carrie Wells. We shall also attend Assembly.”

“But—Margaret,” Mary grabbed her arm. “Certainly, women would not be allowed—”

Margaret shrugged Mary away, snatched Carrie Wells by her hand, and stomped off down the path.

“Sister,” Mary called after her, “you must take off that filthy apron. You’re covered in soil.”

Margaret jerked it untied and slung it. “There is a difference between God’s soil and men’s dirt. Carrie Wells and I are about to sort this very thing out with all those fine gentlemen of Assembly.”

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AUTHOR BIO:

Charlene Bell Dietz lives in the central mountains of New Mexico. She taught kindergarten through high school, served as a school administrator, and an adjunct instructor for the College of Santa Fe. After retirement she traveled the United States providing instruction for school staff and administrators. Her writing includes published articles, children’s stories, short stories, and mystery and historical novels.

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CONNECT WITH CHARLENE:

Email:

chardietzpen@gmail.com  

Website:

https://inkydancestudios.com

 Char Bell Dietz

@CharBellDietz  

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BOOK BUY LINK:

AP Books:

http://apbooks.net/srg.html

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GIVEAWAY INFO:

Charlene will award a randomly chosen winner a $25 Amazon OR Barnes and Noble Gift Card to a randomly drawn winner via Rafflecopter during the tour.


a Rafflecopter giveaway

Wednesday, February 28, 2024

Happy Harry: A Magical Golden by Barbara Lampert - Book Tour - Book Blast - Giveaway - Enter Daily!

This post is part of a virtual book tour organized by Goddess Fish Promotions. Barbara Lampert will award a $30 Amazon Gift Card to a randomly drawn winner. Click on the tour banner to see the other stops on the tour.

In her dog memoir Happy Harry: A Magical Golden, psychotherapist Barbara Lampert, a lifelong dog lover, tells the story of her beloved Golden Retriever, Harry. Like her first dog memoir, Harry's story comes from her mostly uncensored daily journal and takes place in Malibu, California.

Harry was a genuinely free spirit - wild, and very wolf-like. Did all this contribute to his being exceptionally happy? Perhaps.

Harry was not only the happiest being Barbara's ever known, happy to the very core of him, but also the bravest. More than once in his life, Harry had to face true adversity, and each time, Barbara would look at him in wonder, not fully understanding how a being could be so brave and at the same time continue to be so happy.

Harry literally pranced through life, with a joyous attitude that made being around him like magic. Barbara fell in love with Harry. And as you immerse yourself in Harry's story, it's likely you will too! Happy Harry is unforgettable!
EXCERPT TWO:

Harry had a girlfriend for a while when he was about four or five years old. Probably for a couple of years. Oh he didn’t see her every day, but for that two year-or-so stretch maybe once or twice a week. …

Roxie, a one-year-old Yellow Lab – the taller, leaner hunting type – was beautiful, energetic, and happy. Just like Harry. Roxie lived a few miles from our house, on the Point in Malibu. …

When Harry knew he was going to see Roxie, he would get so excited. He would pant, start running around, tail up, and on the ride over he would stand or pace in the back seat the whole time. So eager, such joy. And when we got there, he would literally go flying out of the car, with David at the other end of the leash. Tail up, full steam ahead. And Roxie, being just a year old and still quite a playful puppy, would go equally berserk when she saw Harry. They would sniff and kiss each other through the openings in the fence. …

Sometimes they would chase each other or run together, with the fence between them. David would run with them, since he had Harry on the leash. A few times Roxie’s owner came out and opened the gate to let Harry and Roxie be together. More kissing, chasing, tails up, sniffing. Both not believing their good luck. Both always bursting with joy the whole time they were together. Such a sight. …

Barney didn’t get nearly as excited as Harry about Roxie and didn’t interfere in their relationship. This was Harry’s territory. And it appeared Roxie only had eyes for Harry. …

It was always difficult to leave, because the whole time we were there Harry and Roxie were inseparable. Whenever Roxie’s owner would come out, we’d talk and laugh about the two lovebirds. It was wonderful seeing Harry and Roxie so happy. How he loved her…

AUTHOR BIO:
My passion is dogs! I’ve had dogs most of my life and hope to have at least one by my side always. Dog energy is the best!

I’m the author of two dog memoirs: Happy Harry: A Magical Golden and before that Charlie: A Love Story. Each about one of my Golden Retrievers. (I told you dogs are my passion!)

I’m a psychotherapist, licensed for over thirty years, specializing in relationships.

I was a flight attendant for nine years. And taught sociology at several universities. I have two master’s degrees and a doctorate.

Gardening is another love – not as much as dogs, but right up there! I see my garden as a work of art and garden as much as possible in my free time. I love being in nature.

I live in Malibu, California with my husband David and, you guessed it, our two wonderful Golden Retrievers, Oliver and Henry.

Tuesday, February 27, 2024

Red Planet Lancers by Brian H. Roberts - Book Tour - Guest Post - Giveaway - Enter Daily!


Red Planet Lancers
by Brian H. Roberts

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GENRE:   Science Fiction Thriller

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BOOK BLURB:

How far will you go to save a friend?

After sweeping Dallas Gordon and the American base from Earth’s moon, Emperor Zhang Aiguo launches an armada to conquer Ep City and control Mars.

Ruthless Colonel Song Dajing leads his Emperor’s flotilla to defeat EPSILON’s isolated Mars colony. He brings the same armaments he used to defeat Dallas Gordon on the moon, plus a high yield missile to annihilate Ep City and its occupants. The US Space Force, occupied with plans to take back the moon, refuses to intervene.

In a race against time, Dallas Gordon must organize a mercenary squadron and pursue Song before he can deploy his weapons on the defenseless colony. Ep City commander Genady Antonov must prepare his civilian workforce for the coming invasion and plan for the unthinkable should Gordon fail to reach Mars before Song does.

Taught and fast-paced, Red Planet Lancers builds tension until the exciting climax. Once you start this Earth-to-Mars rocket ride, you won’t want to stop.

Order your copy today!

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EXCERPT ONE:

Steve sat back in his chair and folded his hands together. “I’m sure if some stranger asked you why it’s important to stop Zhang Aiguo from kicking us off Mars, you could tick off several good reasons:” he tapped his fingers with the index finger of his opposite hand, “the oxides returned to us are the lifeblood of our autonomous vehicle division—frankly of the entire western world’s microchip manufacturing capacity. That manufacturing capacity is vital for our national security, and the fight to contain Emperor Zhang.

“But did you know that I donate ten percent of my personal wealth to a number of causes? This organization,” he lifted the upper half of his tee shirt off his chest for emphasis, “community colleges across the country that serve low-income communities, organizations that build and manage housing for the homeless with comprehensive drug, alcohol and mental health treatment, remedial job training, and follow-up support. ... “It’s for these reasons that I seek someone to rescue EPSILON from the peril it now faces. In short, I’m seeking a messiah.”

Dallas waited for the shoe to drop.

“I’ve procured the weapons. Half a dozen Water Bugs and their lasers. Now I need someone to recruit, train and lead the pilots. Dallas, will you lead this squadron?”

Dallas felt like he was being examined under a microscope. Steve’s gaze was unflinching. After what felt like an interminable silence, he blurted out, “Yes. I’ll do it.”

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GUEST POST:

My Favorite Scene in Red Planet Lancers…

Allow me to share a little background before we jump to the scene. Dallas and Ann fell in love just out of college while working as climbing instructors for an outdoor adventure school. They parted ways, she to pursue a PhD, He to become a naval pilot. They reunite years later at EPSILON, but maintain a professional distance, until he is nearly killed on the company’s first mission to Mars. Though separated by 200 million miles, they rekindle their old flame, setting the record for the longest distance romance in human history.

Back on Earth and reunited, they are nearly torn apart when Dallas is named commander of the militia to be dispatched to rescue the Mars base from certain destruction. On an impulse, Dallas asks Ann to accompany him—as his wife! And on an impulse, she says, “Yes.” Facing a looming deadline, they conspire to elope the next day, using their mission director, and his fiancée—Ann’s friend and confidante—as witnesses. Here is the scene:

* * *

They dashed from the car, up the walk, and through the ornate arched wooden front doors. They paused, realizing they were in the back of the ceremony hall. The central aisle was flanked with half a dozen simple wood pews. The entire front wall was glassed, allowing an unimpeded view of the sea on clear days. In the center of the fog-scattered light stood a dignified elderly man wearing a suit and tie, his thinning white hair neatly combed.

To his left stood Malcom McDowell, resplendent in a black tuxedo. To the justice’s right stood Debra James, her auburn hair pulled into a stunning updo. Elegant strands graced each temple and trailed down her slender neck. She wore a full-length emerald-green evening gown that bared one shoulder and her ample cleavage.

The two witnesses turned to the nuptial couple. Their eyes locked. All four doubled over, tears flowing, peals of laughter rising to the low ceiling and echoing off the tile floor and wood panel walls.
After everyone composed themselves, Dallas set his phone on a tripod to video the ceremony. He would send the video to his parents as he broke the news to them. He visualized their reactions—his mom would cry, his dad would laugh. When he and Ann returned from Mars, they would throw a massive celebration, having forgiven their son’s indiscretion.

Then he walked to the front of the small auditorium, exchanging places with Malcom, who took Ann’s arm to escort her to the altar. A prim elderly woman worked a small soundboard. The wedding processional, Pachelbel’s “Canon in D,” filled the room. Malcom stepped forward, Ann’s arm in his.
She jerked him back so hard he nearly lost his balance. Dallas was shocked—until he recognized Ann’s expression. Her frown and upturned brow sent him as clear a message as if she had yelled out loud, Really?

He dashed to the back of the room, snatched the phone from the tripod, and ran over to the lady at the soundboard. He quickly showed her a song from his playlist. She looked at him aghast, as if he were inserting a human sacrifice into the ceremony. But she soon regained her decorum and nodded. Dallas transferred an audio file link to her.

He ran to the back of the room, reattached his phone to the tripod and resumed the video, dashing back to the officiant and retaking his place as if nothing had happened. His flip-flops squeaked on the polished floor. He smoothed his surfer tee and board shorts. Elvis Presley’s version of “Steam Roller Blues” blared from the speakers. It had originally been penned by folk singer James Taylor as a parody, and both Dallas and Ann, blues aficionados that they were, felt it perfectly combined their love of the blues genre with the playful humor they hoped to maintain throughout their lives together. The foursome—Dallas, Ann, Malcom, and Debra—once more broke into hysterical laughter.

Eventually composing themselves, Malcom and Ann strode up the aisle, she resplendent in her flip flops, beach shorts, and tee, he in his tuxedo. They took their places before the officiant. Debra delicately daubed her eye without smearing her makeup, and the justice of the peace intoned, “Dearly beloved, we are gathered here today . . .” as the ceremony began.

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AUTHOR BIO & LINKS:


In his first life, BRIAN H. ROBERTS worked as a contractor and civil engineer in bustling Seattle. In his spare time he read novels by the greatest names in science fiction: Andy Weir, Frank Herbert, Arthur C. Clarke, Ray Bradbury, Isaac Asimov, and so many others. As he read these authors’ works, he was inspired to write Sci-Fi Thrillers to engage and entertain readers like him.

As with so many of us, life intervened. Raising a family, work, remarriage and finally retirement all placed demands on his time. Desiring a change – and time to write – he and his wife traded big city life for the outdoor adventures of Central Oregon. His writing draws deeply on his lifelong loves of science/technology and adventure sports. The EPSILON Sci-Fi Thrillers is Brian’s first series.

Subscribe to Brian H. Roberts's newsletter – Just Over the Horizon - for regular updates including preorders, new releases, sales, cover reveals, giveaways, and more!

Follow him on Facebook:

Follow him on LinkedIn:

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AMAZON BOOK BUY LINK:


Amazon:

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GIVEAWAY INFO:

Brian will award a $25 Amazon OR Barnes and Noble Gift Card (Winner's Choice!!!) to a randomly drawn winner via Rafflecopter during the tour. 


a Rafflecopter giveaway

On the Threshold by M. Laszlo - Book Tour - Guest Post - Giveaway - Enter Daily!


On the Threshold
by M. Laszlo

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GENRE:   Historical Science Fiction

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BOOK BLURB:

Obsessed with learning the origins of the cosmos, the actual meaning of life, and the true purpose of civilization, a fine Scotsman named Fingal T. Smyth dedicates himself to the study of Plato’s most extraordinary ideas. Convinced of Plato’s belief that humankind possesses any and all innate knowledge deep within the collective unconscious mind, Fingal soon conducts a series of bold, pioneering occult-science experiments by which to resolve the riddle of the universe once and for all. However, Fingal forgets how violent and perilous the animal impulses that reside in the deepest recesses of the unconscious mind. And when Fingal unleashes a mysterious avatar of his innate knowledge, the entity appears as a burning man and immediately seeks to manipulate innocent and unsuspecting people everywhere into immolating themselves. Now, with little hope of returning the fiery figure into his being, Fingal must capture his nemesis before it destroys the world.

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EXCERPT TWO:

Fräulein Wunderwaffe did not return the smile. Hand on heart, the little girl drew a bit closer. Then, as the hot, animalistic presence undulated all across Fingal’s body, the little girl’s eyes grew wide. Until the little girl’s expression turned to that of a vacant stare.

A moment later, her feet pointed inwards, she removed her hat and undid her long, flaxen hair.

Again, he cringed. “If you’ve noticed something, ignore all. This hasn’t got anything to do with you.” A third time, he cringed.

A most ethereal, lyrical, incomprehensible hiss commenced then: from the other end of the winding, decorative-brick driveway, each clay block shining the color of blue Welsh stone, a sleek Siamese cat with a coat of chocolate-spotted ivory had just appeared. And now the creature raced toward his shadow.

As he looked into the animal’s big, searching, blue eyes, the chocolate Siamese studied the off-center tip of his nose. Then the animal turned away, as if to compare the peculiarity with that of some disembodied visage hovering in the distance.

Out upon the loch, meanwhile, a miraculous rogue wave suddenly arose—and now the swell crashed against the pebbly strand.

Not a moment later, a cool flame crawled across Fingal’s throat. The strange fire rattled, too—not unlike the sound of fallen juniper leaves caught up in the current and dancing against the surface of a stone walkway.

Crivens. By now, the alien, pulsating presence held him so tight that he could barely breathe. Before long, he fell to the earth, and as the dreamlike flame continued to move across his throat, he rolled all about—until the illusory sensation of cool warmth wriggled and twisted and dropped into his neck dimple.

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GUEST POST:

The Burning Man: A Note on the Symbolism

Some who read my latest work, On the Threshold, may possibly wonder just what in the world would be the origins of the burning-man figure so central to the story. Without a doubt, the figure very much follows from the famous Burning Man Festival. And honestly, there was no avoiding it. From the fall of 1986 to the spring of 1987, I finished my senior of high school at Miramonte in Orinda, out in Contra Costa County. And back then, we knew about the bonfire rituals taking place on some beach somewhere in the Bay Area—even if none of us were quite old enough to attend. Naturally, our youthful ignorance only made the idea of attending the ritual that much more compelling.

In addition, what could be more fascinating than the idea of torching a burning-man figure? At once, the concept gripped me. At very nearly the same time, in Mr. Schulman’s Government and International Relations class, we discussed the monks who had immolated themselves so as to protest the war in Vietnam. That, too, rattled me—because until that class discussion, I had never heard of such a thing. Even then, though, the basic idea of a burning man resonated—and in the deepest way, too. Clearly, my unconscious mind knew that there must be something of greatest meaning in the idea. And even if it took a lifetime to figure it all out, that was something worth doing. To grasp the meaning of the symbol would be on par with any of the most heartfelt epiphanies a human being might have. I just knew this!

Ultimately, On the Threshold lays the secret bare. My book explains just why the burning man resonates and must resonate so deeply in the human psyche. In my book, too, the people who come to grasp the meaning immediately establish a friendly, inclusive intellectual/spiritual movement by which to share their thoughts and ideas with one another. Obviously, the Ten Principles of Burning Man clearly influenced all of that.

In the interest of full disclosure, I do hope that some Burning-Man attendees will buy my book. In addition, though, it is my hope that people won’t have to buy the book. What an honor it would be if my work were to make people think enough that, in the end, they lend the book to a friend. What an honor it would be if it came to be fairly common to pass the book around.

Whatever happens, I’ll never cease to be thankful for Burning Man. And it’s a good feeling to know that something so positive helped to inspire the making of a well-intentioned book. Let’s not forget that a well-intentioned book is a wonderful thing in this stressful, chaotic world.

M. Laszlo lives in Bath Township, Ohio. He is an aging recluse, rarely seen nor heard. On the Threshold is his second release and first with Tahlia Newland’s Awesome Independent Authors.

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AUTHOR BIO:


M. Laszlo is an aging recluse who lives in Bath, Ohio. Rumor holds that his pseudonym is a reference to Victor Laszlo, a character in the classic film Casablanca. On the Threshold is his first release with the acclaimed, Australian hybrid house AIA Publishing. Oddly, M. Laszlo insists that his latest work, On the Threshold, does in fact provide the correct answer to the riddle of the universe.  

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BOOK BUY LINK:

AIA Publishing:

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GIVEAWAY INFO:

M. Laszlo will award a $25 Amazon OR Barnes and Noble Gift Card (Winner's Choice!!!) to a randomly drawn winner via Rafflecopter during the tour.

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Brighter Than Her Fears by Lisa Ard - Book Tour - Guest Post - Giveaway - Enter Daily!


Brighter Than Her Fears
by Lisa Ard

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GENRE:   Historical Fiction

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BOOK BLURB:

The 19th century women’s rights movement and the rise of public education intertwine with one woman’s story of struggle, perseverance, and love.

When her father dies and the family inn falls to ruin in 1882, western North Carolina, thirty-year-old Alice Harris is compelled to marry Jasper Carter, a Civil War veteran twice her age. Far from home and a stranger in a new family, Alice remakes herself. She learns to farm tobacco, mothers her stepson, and comes to love her husband.

However, Alice uncovers pending trouble with the family’s land holdings, which threatens their livelihood on the farm. The growth in Asheville promises a different future—one of manufacturing, transportation, tourism, and wealth. Alice believes this future demands an education and she rebels against the limited rural instruction. She joins forces with other women campaigning for Asheville’s first public schools. Her actions spark the rebuke of the Carter men.

Tragedy strikes and Alice’s newfound security is ripped away. The family challenges her property rights and files for guardianship of her stepson. Battered but determined, Alice turns to the law—and a friendly court clerk—to fight for her independence. Will Alice lose everything? Not if she can help it.

Lisa Ard’s debut historical fiction novel will resonate with readers for its parallels, between then and now, on women’s rights, inequality, and racism.

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EXCERPT TWO:

“Alice, I am the man of the house. I will decide if we rent the land or not.” Jasper delivered every word deliberately, punching me straight through. I quivered and my breath quickened.

“You’ve been teaching me about farming.” My voice shook. “I figured with such a valuable payment, you’d want them to continue on.”

Jasper turned toward me. His face was beet red, and a vein in his temple pulsed. “You know very well that’s not the issue. I’ve put up with your high-falutin’ ideas about education. I’ve protected you from those that don’t see eye to eye. But I will not have you wearing the pants in this family!”

My eyes welled with tears, but I was determined not to show it. I stared at my husband. His clear blue eyes pierced me through.

“Well, you know who you married!” I stormed through the house and escaped out the back door.

I wandered in our orchard, dreading a return to the house. The trees surrounded me, but their bare branches didn’t protect me. I swatted at them and they rattled. I’d done the right thing. The tenants were good for us. Why couldn’t Jasper see that? I balled my fists, rubbed my eyes, and a low cry gurgled out. I’d exchanged one confine for another, with the course of my life controlled by men—first my father, then my brother, and now my husband. I wallowed in the old feeling of dependency, familiar as a worn-out coat.

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GUEST POST:

Five Reasons You Should Read My Book

1.) It’s a love story.
Brighter Than Her Fears tells the story of my great-great-grandmother, Alice Harris, who was compelled to marry a Civil War veteran twice her age. She was long past the age to marry, and her three sisters were married off around the same time. Out of a dire situation comes love, only to see Alice facing tragedy and turmoil again. She rises above it by learning to farm and market tobacco, campaigning for Asheville’s first public schools, and fighting in the courts (when women had limited rights) to secure her independence. Along the way she finds an unexpected love.

2.) It’s rich in historical details.
I researched extensively to portray an accurate story of Alice’s life–and parallel to that–the story of Asheville. Through books, maps, and a lot of historic newspaper clippings, I chronicled the rise of Asheville from sleepy mountain town to tourist getaway, health resort destination, burgeoning manufacturing town, and home of George W. Vanderbilt and his Biltmore Estate.



   
3.) The issues in the Gilded Age South (1880s Ashevile, North Carolina) have surprising parallels to today.
Researching Alice’s story exposed so many parallels between then and now and these make an appearance in the novel: women’s rights, racism, the rise of inequality, fighting for public education funding, extortion and embezzlement, political division…. In writing this novel, I realized we’ve been here before. These issues aren’t new. For me, that’s interesting to think about and comforting in a way. Somehow, we found a way forward. Just like Alice.

4.) If you need ideas for your next vacation.
Asheville is a lovely town to visit with a vibrant arts community (dating back to the 19th century), great restaurants, and historic sites such as the Smith-McDowell mansion, the Vance Birthplace, Pack Square, and of course, the Biltmore, which is still the largest private residence in the United States. Stay in the Reynolds Mansion B&B (pictured above) and tell them I sent you! You’ll see a portrait of Susan Reynolds–a character in the novel–and you can take tea on the porch where Alice and Susan discuss their futures. Take my novel with you for ideas. And send me a picture of yourself with my book please!

  
5.) I offer free virtual book club visits.
I’m looking forward to discussions with book clubs about the parallels between then and now, the real people and places in the novel, and my research and writing process. I’ll share photographs of Alice, Jennie, other characters, and the real locations throughout the book. Contact me through my website and we’ll make a date!

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AUTHOR BIO:


Lisa Ard is the author of the new historical fiction novel Brighter Than Her Fears, which is based on her great-great-grandmother’s experience in 19th century western North Carolina. Her previously published children's books include Fright Flight, Dream Team, and the Kay Snow award finalist Saving Halloween. When not writing, Lisa enjoys reading, hiking, golfing and sharing her love of history as a bike tour docent with the Palm Springs Historical Society. She and her husband live (and golf) in both Palm Springs and Portland, Oregon.

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CONNECT WITH LISA:

Website:

Shepherd:

Goodreads:

Instagram:

Facebook:

YouTube:

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GIVEAWAY INFO:

Lisa will award a $10 Amazon OR Barnes and Noble Gift Card (Winner's Choice!!!) to a randomly drawn winner via Rafflecopter during the tour.


a Rafflecopter giveaway

Thursday, February 22, 2024

The Cyborg's Crusade: Day of the Deus Ex Machina by Benoit Lanteigne - Book Tour - Guest Post - Book Sale - Giveaway - Enter Daily!



The Cyborg's Crusade:
Day of the Deus Ex Machina
by Benoit Lanteigne

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GENRE:  Science Fiction

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BOOK BLURB:

How did it come to this? My life used to be so simple. Back then, I hated it; I found it boring. Let me tell you: boring’s good. Boring’s great! I should’ve been thankful…

It was supposed to be a date like any other for James Hunter, a simple convenience store clerk. Nothing more than watching a movie in the town of Moncton. A place as unknown and unimportant as he considered his own existence to be. And yet, while walking to a cinema, James teleports to another world. There, a hostile crowd surrounds him, including various mutants with strange deformities.

Before he can even gather his wits or make a dash for it, a lone ally presents herself in the form of a winged woman named Rose. An important cultural figure in the country where James appeared, she offers him both protection and a home.

Soon, James learns that this new world is divided by a cold war. On one side is Nirnivia, home to Rose. The other, Ostark, led by a mysterious cyborg. James is unaware that the cyborg has him in his crosshairs, thinking of him as the Deus Ex Machina that will end the war in his favor.

But, the cyborg is far from the only potential threat to James. Soon after his arrival, BRR, a terrorist organisation, kidnaps him.

What would a rogue group out for revenge seeking to turn the cold war hot want with someone like James? Is there anyone also aware of this other world who will try to find him? Or is he on his own? If so, how is he supposed to escape? If that's even an option...

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EXCERPT TWO:

The world whirled around James. Soon, all distinct shapes vanished, superseded by a haze of colors. Shades of green, red and blue filled his vision. An agonizing pain flared across his body, and James screamed. His stomach floated up to his throat, while his intestines… he preferred not to think about them. Then, at last, the forms returned, though muddled. The sensation lasted only a few seconds, but it brought James to his knees as he gagged and vomited on the pavement. Once done, he wiped his mouth and coughed. Revolted screams erupted around him.

James almost mumbled an apology for the mess, but then he realized: who was yelling? He and Nadia stood alone and yet… wait, those dark figures surrounding him on the ground… shadows? And over there, feet and legs… where had these people come from?

Perplexed, James tried getting up, but he wobbled and fell. His new position gave him a view of the trees he had scrutinized before the incident, except they had morphed into a yellow brick building. James’s heart raced and his body tensed. Trying to relax, he took a few deep breaths through his nose and scowled. That stench, a mix of decayed food, feces, and puke, permeated the air. Of course, his own actions explained the last odor, but still, Moncton never smelled so bad. No wonder, with all the garbage littering the street. However, the road he’d strolled along had been so clean just moments ago.

As he pondered the change in scenery, James’s vision cleared. He took it as a good sign and attempted to stand up again. Though he swayed, he remained on his feet. Perhaps because of his movement, the confused chatter around him intensified. Bronze-skinned people glanced at each other and recoiled, a few pointing at him. James scanned the crowd in search of Nadia. Unable to locate his lover, he found his attention drawn to a stranger in the distance instead. The man held a leash, but without a dog at the end. A pink glob of goo replaced the expected canine. The horror waved its many tentacles, sometimes caressing passersby. James gasped. Covered in perspiration and shaking, he averted his gaze and spotted a young boy with a miniature leg sticking out of his belly through a hole in his shirt.

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GUEST POST:

That's Just Not Realistic

In fiction, there’s a complaint I’ve always disliked. It’s common in all media and I’m sure most of you are familiar with it. Here are the famous words: “It’s not realistic.” This game sucks. You have to shoot the enemy soldiers in the head three times. It’s not realistic. I didn’t like this book because the characters were unrealistic. The guy hid in a fridge to survive a nuclear bomb. That’s unrealistic. Now, when someone says that, it’s often true. The thing is, more often than not, that’s not the actual problem. The people who say it think they want realism, but they don’t. Well, some do, but they are the minority. 

Let’s look at the whole nuke and fridge fiasco from Indiana Jones and the Crystal Skull as an example. Of course, the scene is ridiculous, and I disliked it too, but not because of a lack of realism. I mean, the first three Indiana Jones movies are filled with ludicrous events that could never happen in real life. For crying out loud, the second one has Indiana Jones jumping off a plane in an inflated boat and he survives. And that’s not even the most insane moment of that movie. So yes, Crystal Skull was flawed, but being unrealistic was the least of its problems.

Fiction isn’t reality and isn’t meant to be. I’d go further and say it shouldn’t be. Real life isn’t a story or a constrained narrative. If I wrote a book about my life with great accuracy and taking no liberties, it’d end up disjointed. The end would have nothing to do with the beginning. Characters that seem important would vanish without a trace. A bunch of plot threads would be abandoned. Many major plot points would hinge on coincidences. A large part of it would be uneventful and downright boring. New characters would be introduced late in the game with little reason for them being there. And so on… None of this would make a good story, but it’s all realistic. Otherwise, it wouldn’t be so common in real life.

So then, if I’m right about this, why do many demand realism? Because what they want isn’t realistic, but believable fiction, and those two things are very different. If I wrote a book where a character survived 20 gunshots, I’m sure most would feel it’d be farfetched. Yet, this happened in North Carolina, so by definition, it has to be realistic. It’s still unbelievable though. There are countless examples like that. That is where the expression “suspension of disbelief” comes from and that’s why someone can argue a plot twist in a fantasy book is unrealistic when there are dragons around. Impossible things can be believable if they are possible in the context of the created world. As long as your world and characters have consistent rules they follow, you can get away with being unrealistic. It’s when you break these rules you get in trouble. For instance, if I write a gritty spy thriller set on present-day Earth and the main character beats the villain by casting a fireball spell, people will cry foul. However, the same would be acceptable in a sword and sorcery-based fantasy.

One major area of concern is the characters. You can create a crazy world and make it believable, but readers are demanding of characters. For some, a single action that feels off can ruin the entire story. Again, this is tricky because some real behavior can be unbelievable on the surface. I’m part of a book club, and often someone complained a character was unrealistic when I’ve met people in real life who behaved in similar ways. How to avoid this issue? Unfortunately, I don’t have a simple solution. It helps to keep characters consistent, and always asks if this was an actual person, would they act this way? If the answer is no even for you, then I suggest either you change the plot, or you change the character, so it fits. Answering that question yourself might be difficult, though. That’s why having others read your writing and giving their opinions can be useful.

So in most cases, it’s more important to make your setting, story, characters, and so on believable rather than realistic. Don’t use what people expect from the real world as a base, rather use what they expect from fiction for your particular genre. But what about those who demand extreme realism? That’s up to you. If they are your target audience, then yes, go for realism. If they’re not though, then I’d say don’t worry about it unless you want realism or are writing in a genre that requires it. Sure, that subset of the population will dislike your work, but you shouldn’t try to please everyone. That’s an excellent way to either never finish, or end up with something bland and lackluster.

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AUTHOR BIO:

So, my name is Benoit Lanteigne and I’m a French Canadian (outside of Quebec) who’s trying to write in English. That can be tricky. I’m a computer programmer and I enjoy it. I see many inspiring writers who hate their jobs and hope to quit someday, but that’s not my case. Mostly, I’ve worked on websites and web applications.

Back in school, I enjoyed writing and according to my teachers and classmates; I had a talent for it. Well, not so much for grammar and spelling, but they liked my stories. Once I went to university, I dropped writing as a hobby. There were other things I wanted to focus on, such as my career. Then, in the early 2000s, around 2006 I’d say, I had a flash of inspiration. At first, it was a single character: a winged woman with red hair. I didn’t even know who she was, but the image stuck with me. From there, I began figuring out details about her origins and her world, but I only started writing for real in 2009.

It’s been roughly 10 years now, and it’s not yet finished. That’s in part because I write in my spare time, and in part because the scope of the project is huge. Maybe too much so. Still, I’m getting close to the point where I could release something. The question is what’s next? Self-publishing? Attempt traditional publishing? Nothing? I don’t know the answer yet, I’m trying to figure it out. Frankly, sharing my writing is difficult for me, and whatever I end up doing, as long as I make it available to people I consider the experience a victory no matter what comes out of it.

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AMAZON BOOK BUY LINK & BOOK SALE INFO:


The Cyborg's Crusade: Day of the Deus Ex Machina eBook is on SALE for ONLY $0.99 during the tour. 

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GIVEAWAY INFO:

Benoit will award a $25 Amazon OR Barnes and Noble Gift Card (Winner's Choice!!!) to a randomly drawn winner via Rafflecopter during the tour.


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