Georgia's Folly by Deborah Chase - Book Tour - Blurb Blitz - Giveaway - Enter Daily!

Georgia's Folly

by Deborah Chase

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GENRE:  Split Time Historical Fiction

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BOOK BLURB:

For fans of "Antiques Roadshow" and "American Pickers" - this is the one for you!

Beginning at a cluttered flea market and ending at a glittering art auction, Georgia’s Follytells the compelling story that blends past and present and the search for a valuable and illusive antique. Chloe Bishop grew up in foster care. She loves shopping at flea markets, picking up family heirlooms like old pottery or vintage furniture to fill in for the family and home she never had. As Chloe walks through the Brooklyn Flea Market, she stumbles upon the diary of Miss Georgia Potter, a young woman who had lived in Gettysburg, Pennsylvania during the Civil War. The yellowed pages reveal the impact of the war on daily life and spotlights the role of women including Harriet Tubman, Clara Barton and Louisa May Alcott. Like Chloe, Georgia Potter was a passionate collector and her diary lists her collection of valuable antiques—including the Holy Grail of 18th century furniture—a Chippendale settee. Well versed in antiques, Chloe is aware that There are only five known examples and a sixth settee would be worth more than $4 million.

Chloe immediately contacts Ben Thompson, the man who sold her the diary. Ben is a picker who drives his RV across America, searching for collectibles to sell to dealers. He is estranged from his wealthy, prominent family who cringe at his chosen career. Ben agrees to take her along to search for the valuable and iconic settee. As Ben and Chloe head to Gettysburg, they are unaware that Gregor Petrov, a shady antiques dealer and Harrison Kent, a respected but unscrupulous art expert are trailing them.

The search for the settee takes Chloe and Ben on fast paced journey from the Gettysburg battlefields to the 18th century street of artisans in Philadelphia to a historic mansion on the banks of the Hudson River. Traveling together in the small RV, Ben and Chloe draw closer. In the confines of the RV, embroiled in an unimaginable quest, Chloe confides that she is also in search for the father she never knew while Ben struggles to explain his complicated family to a woman who never had one.

In a thrilling ending, the rare Chippendale settee is not Chloe’s only valuable discovery.

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EXCERPT TWO:

The Diary of Miss Georgia Potter

March 4, 1861

Today is my birthday and I am now officially an old maid at age twenty-five. Mama was horrified that Uncle Joshua gave me a large, golden eagle that once hung over the fireplace in Lord Dumfries’ home in Bath. According to Uncle, it was a gift from George III in 1776. But I loved the eagle, as I do all of Uncle’s gifts.  Mama rolls her eyes when Uncle brings me a new treasure. She calls it Georgia’s Folly.

After dinner I went to the kitchen to thank Annie for the birthday feast. Liam was leaning against the kitchen table.  Pushing back a shock of black hair, he flashed a smile and handed me a small package wrapped in brown paper.  Inside was a heart shaped charm on a silver chain that had belonged to his mother. Liam explained that it was a Celtic knot that symbolized everlasting love. Someday I will be able to wear it but for now it is tucked deep into this diary.

This year I share my birthday week with the Inauguration of President Lincoln. Uncle is pleased that Lincoln was elected, but he is still worried about the talk of secession. Most of the customers for Potter carriages are in the South, especially Virginia and Georgia.  The weather in Gettysburg is far too cold and wet to ride in the Potter carriages, but in the South, our Phaeton carriages are famous.

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AUTHOR BIO:

I grew up in a family filled with art and antiques.  On the high end, my uncle, William Lincer, lead violist at the New York Philharmonic, was an art lover whose collection was sold at Sotheby’s. On the low end, her father, writer Allen Chase took me to flea markets and estate sales.  He sparked a lifelong fascination with tales of lost treasures that ranged from plundered Egyptian tombs to trainloads of art stolen by the Nazis.  It was this love of history and antiques that inspired my first novel, Georgia’s Folly.

I was a founding editor of the Berkeley Wellness Newsletter and the author of 12 books including The Medically Based No-Nonsense Beauty Book (Alfred Knopf), Extend Your Life Diet (Pocket Books), Fruit Acids for Fabulous Skin (St Martin’s Press), Every Bride is Beautiful ( Morrow), and with her husband Dr Neil Schachter co-author of Life and Breath  (Doubleday) and  The Good Doctor’s Guide to  Colds and Flu (Harper).  The books have been a selection of the Book of the Month Club and my articles have appeared in Ladies Home Journal, Self, Glamour, Redbook, Family Circle, Parents and Good Housekeeping.

I am a graduate of Bronx High School of Science and a winner of the Westinghouse Science Talent Search. A graduate of New York University I earned a degree with a duel major in journalism and history.

A native New Yorker, I like to spend my weekends at an upstate home where a big kitchen and an endless supply of estate sales indulge my duel passions for cooking and collecting.

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CONNECT WITH DEBORAH:

Website:

Deborahchase.com

Facebook:

@Deborahchase

Instagram:

@writinglife2

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AMAZON BUY LINK:

Amazon US Kindle eBook:

https://www.amazon.com/Georgias-Folly-Deborah-Chase-ebook/dp/B0DGWF6J7G

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GIVEAWAY:

Deborah will be awarding a $50 Visa card to a randomly drawn winner via Rafflecopter during the tour.

 

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Flamingo Café by Jackie Kang - Book Tour - Exclusive Excerpt - Giveaway - Enter Daily!

Flamingo Café 
by Jackie Kang

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GENRE:  Women's Fiction

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BOOK BLURB:

A storm is brewing off the coast of Florida, but chaos has already made landfall for four women of Palm Beach society. Abigail, a self-appointed Cuban princess and queen of the WAGs, suddenly finds herself penniless and on the streets. Claudia, a Greek entrepreneur and CEO of a prestigious international clothing line, is entering her golden years only to realize secrets can weigh you down. Cassy, a barista and owner of the Flamingo Cafe, is doing her best to recover from a tragic past. Meanwhile her best friend, Bri, also harbors a secret: a romantic tet-a-tet with Cassy's brother Nick. Each woman has played her part in a society obsessed with appearances and secrecy for years. So, when Hurricane Odette blows through town, exposing those secrets, it's no surprise their lives collide like a clap of thunder. Only one thing is certain: if they don't work together, Mother Nature will teach them the hardest lessons of their lives.

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EXCLUSIVE EXCERPT:

Today's air feels like a knife slicing through a meringue pie. Thick and sticky, it attaches itself to every surface of my body. It only takes a minute before sweat drips down my spine and pools in that mysterious space between my hips and backside. I pull at my pale-pink t- shirt, already showing signs of sweat spots, and silently curse the South Florida humidity.

Raising a hand to shade my eyes from the glare, I try to locate Officer Jackson. I glance to the right and find him standing next to his patrol car. As he turns my way, the sun glints off his sunglasses, momentarily blinding me. As I wait for the spots to leave my vision, an image from ten years ago—when my childhood home was crawling with police officers—flashes through my mind. Memories of endless questions leading to no solid answers fill my head.

Bo, able to sense a change in my demeanor, nudges me with his wet nose, leaving a damp mark on the side of my leg. It's enough of a distraction to break the spell. I inhale a few deep breaths and try to clear my head as I stroke Bo’s body. His strong muscles ripple under his shiny white coat, covered with black spots, as he allows me to continually run my hands over his body, waiting for the memories to pass.

Officer Jackson catches sight of Bo and me and walks over to greet us. He stands close, as though we are old friends and comfortable in each other's presence. Stretching his hand out for Bo to sniff, he says, “I love Dalmatians. I keep suggesting we get one down at the station, but they say a K-9 isn’t in the budget.” He laughs and pats Bo on the head. “Can you believe it? Not in the budget of the Palm Beach police precinct. Anyways...” He stops himself before expanding on his comment and stands back up, glancing toward the café before returning his gaze to Bo. “I’m not sure having a dog in a café meets code.”

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AUTHOR BIO:

When not spending her time creating make-believe people and places, Jackie Kang lives in Kirkland, WA with her very real family of 1 husband, 2 dogs, and 3 children. In her past life, Jackie has held jobs as a personal trainer, a spa manager, a dental assistant, and an office manager, but her true love is writing and sharing a well-crafted story. Jackie is a member of the Women's Fiction Writers Association.

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CONNECT WITH JACKIE:

Website:

http://www.jackiekangwritesbooks.com   

Facebook:

https://www.facebook.com/JacqulineK

Instagram:

https://www.instagram.com/jacqulinekang

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AMAZON BUY LINK:

Amazon US Kindle eBook:

https://www.amazon.com/Flamingo-Caf%C3%A9-Jackie-Kang-ebook/dp/B0DCC4NCJ5

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GIVEAWAY:

Jackie will be awarding a $20 Amazon OR Barnes and Noble Gift Card (Winner's Choice!!!) to a randomly drawn winner via Rafflecopter during the tour.

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Dying for Monet by Claudia Riess - Book Tour - Blurb Blitz - Giveaway - Enter Daily!

Dying for Monet
by Claudia Riess

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GENRE:  Mystery

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BOOK BLURB:

Dying for Monet, book 5 of Riess’s art history mystery series, opens on a gala evening auction at Laszlo’s, an upstart auction house in New York City. After a much sought-after Impressionist still life painting is without notice withdrawn from the auction block, its broker is found dead at the foot of an imposing statue in Laszlo’s courtyard. Amateur sleuths Erika Shawn and Harrison Wheatley are once again drawn into an investigation involving an art-related homicide, this time with one sharing an unnerving coincidence with violent crimes occurring abroad.

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EXCERPT TWO:

“I knew it,” Erika said tonelessly, shoving her phone back into her evening bag; saw the look of horror Greg directed at her, as if she were some devilish prophet; half believed it herself. She gazed back at him, and her numbness suddenly dissolved into tears.

Still, neither of them openly acknowledging whose body lay before them, the blood at the man’s head curling away with the rainwater; Botero’s mighty woman and child, their backs to him, underlying the omission. The figures were dark brown, almost black patinated bronze, and the dead man, in his black suit, seemed part of their tableau, or its discard. One of his arms was jammed against the base of the statue, the other flung to the side, the hand gracefully cupped like a ballet dancer’s—the hand with the ring that had pressed into Erika’s flesh. Looking down at Ivan’s hand, she felt its phantom grip on her wrist; the ring’s forceful dig. Impossible for that hand to have been doomed into stillness.

“I felt for a pulse,” she said, anticipating Greg’s question. “He’s gone.”

She looked away and saw a few people standing behind the glass door at Laszlo’s entrance, waiting to be picked up or for the rain to stop. What must they make of this rain-sodden group, and what did it matter? “The way he reacted to that text or email,” she directed to Greg, down on his knees, checking for a pulse; not taking her word for it; she, grateful to him for sharing the burden of proof. “I could see he was alarmed by the message. I thought he would be coming back after he was done talking or texting, but he never did. I thought it was odd. After all, his client’s lot was coming up for sale.”

Greg rose to his feet, a subtle headshake verifying her medical diagnosis. “And then the lot was removed.”

She nodded. “It was then that I thought the two events—the message on his cell phone and the painting’s unexpected withdrawal—were related. And just now, when I looked out the car window and saw...”

“You had a sense of foreboding—of what you would find. I wish we could cover him, I mean from the rain and all.”

“We can’t disturb the scene.”

“I know. From what I can see, he was shot in the head...” Tentative, as if declaring the words would set them in stone.

“Yes.”

They were silent, standing in the rain that was finally abating, and in that moment the sun completed its descent and darkness fell, a delayed reaction in what seemed an act of respect—or mimicry—of life’s end.

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AUTHOR BIO:

Claudia Riess has worked in the editorial departments of The New Yorker and Holt, Rinehart and Winston, and has edited several art history monographs. Stolen Light, the first book in her art history mystery series, was chosen by Vassar’s Latin American history professor for distribution to the college’s people-to-people trips to Cuba.  To Kingdom Come, the fourth, will be added to the syllabus of a survey course on West and Central African Art at a prominent Midwestern university.  Claudia has written a number of articles for Mystery Readers Journal, Women’s National Book Association, the Sisters in Crime Bloodletter, and Mystery Scene magazine.  To read more about Claudia and her work, visit the author's website.

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CONNECT WITH CLAUDIA:

Website:

http://www.claudiariessbooks.com

Twitter:

http://twitter.com/ClaudiaRiess

Facebook:

http://www.facebook.com/ClaudiaRiessBooks

Instagram:

https://www.instagram.com/claudiariessbooks

Pinterest:

https://www.pinterest.com/claudiariessbooks

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GIVEAWAY:

Claudia will be awarding 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

The Cat Who Chased Ghosts by Nic Minnella - Book Tour - Book Blast - Giveaway - Enter Daily!

This post is part of a virtual book tour organized by Goddess Fish Promotions. Nic Minnella will be awarding a $15 Amazon OR Barnes and Noble Gift Card (Winner's Choice!!!) to a randomly drawn winner via Rafflecopter during the tour. Click on the tour banner to see the other stops on the tour.

In a sleepy little town, an ordinary-looking cat hides an extraordinary secret that will transform his owners' lives forever.

When the Thompson family inherits a dilapidated old house, their overprotected son Timmy forms a strong bond with Whiskers—a chronically lazy tabby who's not what he seems.

As Timmy explores the house's mysteries, a chilling discovery puts his courage to the test. With the help of Whiskers and some newfound friends, he must face supernatural forces beyond his imagination and rescue a soul in peril.

The Cat Who Chased Ghosts is a spine-tingling tale about bravery, loyalty, and the magical power of friendship (human and feline) that will thrill readers of all ages, reminding us that sometimes the most extraordinary heroes come in the most unlikely packages.

EXCERPT THREE:

The idea seemed to greatly amuse Jasper. His eyes now sparkled with excitement.

“Alright, count me in.” He laughed, closing his comic book. “After school, we go on the hunt. If there’s something spooky in your attic, we’ll catch it on camera.”

He lifted his hand for a high five.

“Deal.” Timmy grinned, reciprocating. Just as he began to feel the tension in his body ease up for the first time since the night before, a faint rustling sound caught his attention.

“You’ll catch what on camera?” asked someone behind them.

Both boys turned around to see Louisa standing there, her arms crossed over her Born Swiftie sweatshirt, suspicion etched on her face.

“None of your business, Louisa,” Jasper retorted.

“Still breaking into people’s homes?” she shot back.

“We’re planning a science project,” Timmy intervened.

Louisa looked at him with narrowed eyes. “A science project that needs video cameras and voice recorders?”

“We’re doing an experiment on . . . sound properties. Of different spaces,” he made up on the spot, looking over at Jasper, who nodded enthusiastically.

“Listen, we still owe you for helping us last night. If you need anything,” added Timmy, trying to defuse the tension while changing the subject.

Louisa shrugged, mollified. “I think you two are up to something. And I think I know what. But you’re right, it’s none of my business,” she said and turned away, shaking her ponytail in silent disapproval. “Just remember that some things are better left alone.”

AUTHOR BIO & LINK:

Nic Minnella has worked in journalism for twenty-plus years. She's also a part-time translator and a full-time cat enthusiast. When she's not occupied with any of the above activities, she's often traveling to faraway places or daydreaming about them.

"The Cat Who Chased Ghosts" is her first published work of fiction, a middle grade supernatural mystery tale where a boy and his cat must confront ghosts and spirits to save their loved ones from the clutches of darkness.

Twitter:

https://x.com/nicminnella

AMAZON BUY LINK:

**FREE TO READ ON KINDLE UNLIMITED!!**

Amazon US Kindle eBook:

https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0D7PS7Y4W

GIVEAWAY:

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Pieces of You by April Farlow - Book Tour - Guest Post - Giveaway - Enter Daily!

Pieces of You
by April Farlow

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GENRE:   Christian Living

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BOOK BLURB:

Knowing who you are has always been challenging, and in today’s world, more and more voices are coming from more and more places telling us who we should be. The result? A broken sense of identity that we’re struggling to put back together.

In Pieces of You, April Farlow shares how she discovered her identity is formed by the God who made her. Along the way, she’s learned that if we want to put the pieces of who we are together in a real, lasting way, we have to look to Whose we are for help.

It’s time to take a look at the unique pieces that make up who you are …

The pieces you compare …

The pieces informed by the father figure in your life …

The painful pieces …

The pieces of your relationships …

The pieces on which you’ve built your beliefs …

The pieces that give you rules and boundaries …

The pieces that show what you value …

The pieces that give you purpose …

The pieces that help you build a vision for what’s to come.

As we work to put those pieces together, we’ll look to the God who made us, knows us, and loves us to guide us. Because when you take all your pieces—the good, the bad, the broken, and the beautiful—and place them in your Heavenly Father’s hands, there, you’ll find peace. There, you’ll find security. There, you’ll find a real sense of who you are and Whose you are.

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EXCERPT THREE:

As it turns out, relationships are complex, wonderful, and constantly changing. Whether it’s a relationship with a spouse or significant other, a family member, a coworker, a friend, or just a neighbor we cross paths with occasionally, we don’t always appreciate the complexity or influence these relationships have on the pieces of who we are. We don’t always see how they shape not just how we see who we are but how we see who others are, too.

Relationships are complex. They’re made up of people who are flawed and imperfect, and we will inevitably get it wrong a time or two. And that means they likely deserve way more work and attention than we give them. After all, relationships can influence who we become. They leave a permanent tattoo on our skin, our personality, and our ability to have other relationships. They’re strong enough to give us a common bond yet powerful enough to tear us apart.

But you don’t need me to tell you this, do you? You experience the complexity of relationships in your life regularly.

I mean, even science is backing us up here. Social psychologists have claimed that our identity is often shaped by what we think other people think of us. If the people we’re in relationship with label us as beautiful, we believe it. We hold on to that if they say we’re smart, personable, or athletic. We think it about ourselves. We let it become a piece of who we are.

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GUEST POST:

The Craziest Thing I’ve Done in the Name of Research:

In the name of research, I invited 30 of my friends to meet with me in two different groups over a three-month period.  To form the teams, I didn’t just ask friends who were closest to me.  I included women from various areas of my life to get different perspectives.  They may have known one or two other people in the room, but for the most part I wanted them to be in a group of new faces.

I let everyone know up front that they would be asked to be honest and get real, really fast.  To give an example, the first question was “tell me about your relationship with your dad growing up.”   Maybe it was because I set the group up to have very real conversations or maybe because I asked each one to come as a personal favor, but I was absolutely amazed at how fast everyone jumped in with vulnerability.  I expected everyone to answer the questions, but I didn’t expect them to linger after the meetings to continue the conversations.  I didn’t expect the friendships that formed.

I have spent 20 years teaching public speaking and storytelling courses and I am used to hearing incredible stories, but these topics that we discussed compelled me to learn more about each person in the room.  I had planned just to test the content on my friends.  I never intended to collect their stories for the book, but I learned so much that I couldn’t leave them out either.  So, my research changed the perspective of the book entirely.

I expected us to do exercises and clarify personal pieces like relationships, values, beliefs, rules, purpose, and vision.  I didn’t expect the two different groups to go in such different directions.  It was in the two different groups that I realized the depts that our own experiences shape us.  It also became clear that the more we talk about our experiences, the more clarity we gain.  In choosing to share, we dropped the barriers that come from comparison and became real.

In “Pieces of You,” I refer to these women who shaped so much of the book as my “kaleidoscopes” and I share some of their very real perspectives.

Specifically, here is an excerpt from the book:

I always thought it would be special to have a tight group of friends who have a running text thread.  What I have is not that.  It’s a random collection of incredible people who don’t all know each other, still, they support me, love me, fight for me, and show up for me.  They’re steadfast friends willing to tell me the truth in any situation.  They ground me, surround me, and generally astound me with their ability to be honest, loving, and incredible friends.  They are my kaleidoscopes.

The “kaleidoscopes” were my crazy research and sweetest surprise along the path to write this book.  I would love for you to read this book, as we did, with some friends and even some new faces so that you might shift your perspective and point to a Heavenly Father who knows all your pieces.  It just so happens that when we bring all the random pieces to Him, just like a kaleidoscope that brings beauty from random pieces, He reflects our light.

~ My Kaleidoscopes ~

Left to Right: 1.) Kara and Erin 2.) Kristi 3.) Leslie 4.) Natasha 5.) Rachel, Rebecca, & Angela 6.) Meg, Amanda, Nancy, & Maria 7.) Lisa 8.) Maria & Kay 9.) Laura, Kara, Laurie, & Amy 10.) Lynn & Nancy

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AUTHOR BIO & LINKS:

April Farlow has spent the last 20 years motivating audiences to get out of their comfort zone, speak up, and represent their values. In corporate environments, one piece is missed—the ability to talk about forming your identity in God. Today, as a speaker, author, coach, and non-profit leader, April is changing this by sharing her faith journey and helping others do the same with clarity and conviction.

In 2017, after speaking to a group of foster youth, April founded Lydia’s Place, a ministry serving young adults who have experienced foster care or homelessness. April and her husband have four girls and live on a mini-farm outside of Athens, Georgia.

Website:

http://www.aprilfarlow.com

Instagram:

http://www.instagram.com/aprilwfarlow

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GIVEAWAY:

April will be awarding a $15 Amazon OR Barnes and Noble Gift Card (Winner's Choice!!!) to a randomly drawn winner via Rafflecopter during the tour.

 

a Rafflecopter giveaway

**This post contains affiliate links and if clicked and a purchase is made, I may receive a small commission to help support this blog.  This does not cost you anything, it just helps pay for all those fabulous community outreach projects and awesome giveaways on here**

This contest is sponsored by a third party. Fabulous and Brunette is a registered host of Goddess Fish Promotions.  Prizes are given away by the sponsors and not Fabulous and Brunette. The featured author and Goddess Fish Promotions are solely responsible for the giveaway prize.

Stellar Heir by Scott Killian - Book Tour -

Stellar Heir
by Scott Killian

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GENRE:   Science Fiction

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BOOK BLURB:

Jael Ked’Korhva hadn’t anticipated becoming the galaxy’s most wanted.

He hadn’t planned on picking up a strange alien artifact, either, but once it was clasped around his wrist, Jael was granted extraordinary abilities. His senses were heightened, his reflexes faster, and he could now regenerate from damage that would spell the end for others, which was a boon, considering he was just a derelict scavenger.

That was until forces from every corner of the stars wanted Jael’s artifact for themselves, and they’ll stop at nothing to take it back. What initially appears as a boon swiftly transforms into a weighty charge. Yet, it's a charge Jael accepts without hesitation, understanding the catastrophic potential should the relic fall into the wrong hands.

Prodded onward by visions of an ancient ally and a mysterious enemy, Jael becomes a pivotal piece in a vast interstellar play of power and dominion.

An action-packed space opera, perfect for science fiction fans of Sun Eater by Christopher Ruocchio or The Mercy of Gods by James S. A. Corey.

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EXCERPT ONE:

Jael’s world shifted, reality melting away as the woman’s touch transported his consciousness across the vastness of space. The galaxy unfurled before him, countless stars and vibrant worlds.

A creeping darkness emerged from the fringes, seeping into the cosmic fabric like spilled ink. Jael watched in horror as the void engulfed entire star systems, extinguishing their light with terrifying efficiency.

Planets that once teemed with life withered under the encroaching shadow. Lush forests crumbled to ash, oceans boiled away, and sprawling cities crumbled into dust. The screams of billions echoed across the vacuum, abruptly silenced as the darkness consumed them.

Stars flickered and died, snuffed out like candles in a gale. Nebulae collapsed, their swirling colors fading to a dull, lifeless gray. The galaxy’s spiral arms now resembled dark skeletal fingers reaching into nothingness.

As the last remnants of light faded, Jael found himself suspended in an endless, inky void. The darkness was not still, but writhed and pulsated. Shapeless entities, darker than the blackness surrounding them, twisted and coiled through the emptiness.

The woman’s voice echoed in his mind, “This is the future that awaits if you fail. The enemy comes, and with it, the end of all things.” She moved in close and placed a hand on his cheek. “Find me on Dusrist before it is too late.”

As the woman began to fade, behind her, another figure began to materialize. A shadow Jael hadn’t thought about in years.

Jael’s breath caught in his throat, his heart pounding against his chest. The figure’s face slowly came into focus—a sharp jawline, weathered by time and countless wars, gray, ashen skin, a tell-tale sign of genetic alteration and eyes that Jael would never forget. Those predatory, multi-pupiled eyes that had haunted Jael’s nightmares since he was a child.

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AUTHOR BIO:

Scott Killian grew up in California where he consumed every bit of sci-fi and horror media he could find. Delving deep into the works of Thomas Harris, Stephen King and H. P. Lovecraft to name a few, those dark portals in his mind were opened and his obsession with the macabre began. Story telling, in any form, is his greatest passion.

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CONNECT WITH SCOTT:

Facebook:

https://www.facebook.com/Scott.E.killian

Twitter:

https://x.com/authorsekillian

Email:

saltnsulfurpublishing@gmail.com

Newsletter Signup:

https://mailchi.mp/9f595cbdc394/author-scott-killians-newsletter

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AMAZON BUY LINKS:

Amazon US Kindle eBook:

https://amzn.to/3AcFBTB

Amazon US Paperback:

https://amzn.to/4dVx9G3

Amazon CA Kindle eBook:

https://www.amazon.ca/gp/product/B0DF1RLYLB

Amazon CA Paperback:

https://www.amazon.ca/Stellar-Heir-Book/dp/B0DGF2C7RG

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GIVEAWAY:

Scott will be awarding a $20 Amazon OR Barnes and Noble Gift Card (Winner's Choice!!!) to a randomly drawn winner via Rafflecopter during the tour.

 

a Rafflecopter giveaway

**This post contains affiliate links and if clicked and a purchase is made, I may receive a small commission to help support this blog.  This does not cost you anything, it just helps pay for all those fabulous community outreach projects and awesome giveaways on here**

This contest is sponsored by a third party. Fabulous and Brunette is a registered host of Goddess Fish Promotions.  Prizes are given away by the sponsors and not Fabulous and Brunette. The featured author and Goddess Fish Promotions are solely responsible for the giveaway prize.

The Cinderella Series by Petie McCarty - Book Tour - Guest Post - Book Review - Giveaway - Enter Daily!

The Cinderella Romances Series
Books 1 - 3
by Petie McCarty

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GENRE:  Contemporary Romance

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BOOK SERIES BLURB:

The Cinderella Romances...Fall in love with the fairy tale all over again.

Modern-day Cinderella stories that provide unlimited opportunities to retell the classic fairy tale, happily with returning characters to share in these adventures.

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BOOK BLURB - CINDERELLA BUSTED - BOOK ONE:

Once upon a time, in Jupiter Island, Florida . . .

Billionaire developer, Rhett Buchanan, is forced to inspect a shipment of priceless trees and meets the girl of his dreams instead. A bit jaded where women are concerned—since most are gold diggers—Rhett falls head over heels for the Jupiter Island socialite who only wants him, not his money. Except she isn't the glamorous socialite she appears to be.

She's the gardener . . .

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BOOK BLURB - BETTING ON CINDERELLA - BOOK TWO:

Once upon a time in Biloxi, Mississippi . . .

Garrett Tucker inherits his grandfather's casino empire and steps into the reclusive billionaire's shoes as the new "Prince of Vegas." Discovering embezzlement in his newly purchased casino in Biloxi, Garrett goes in undercover. His prime suspect? The new finance supervisor . . . a feisty brunette who stole his heart at first sight.

 

Andi Ryan moves to Biloxi to care for her godmother. Taking a job as finance supervisor for the renovated Bayou Princess casino, she discovers someone is skimming from the till. Andi starts her own investigation, worried she will be blamed for the theft when the handsome new owner discovers her godmother likes to gamble.

Industrial espionage is afoot at the Bayou Princess, and Garrett and Andi are soon forced to work as a team to prove her innocence and save the casino before it’s too late.

This swoonworthy modern-day fairy tale joins the other stories in the Cinderella Romances series. Each provides a new opportunity to retell the classic fairy tale, happily with returning characters to share in these adventures.

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BOOK BLURB - PAR FOR CINDERELLA - BOOK THREE:

Once upon a time in Cedar Key, Florida . . .

Golf resort developer Aidan Cross is at loose ends. Something feels missing from his life, but that something isn't women. He has too many women chasing him now. To confuse things even more, his yacht breaks down off-shore of his next project site in Florida, and Aidan falls for his only competition in the small town—a woman who wants nothing to do with him or his rakish charm.

Casey Stuart is stuck living in Cypress Key, unwilling to abandon her uncle or the golf course they manage together. She doesn't quite trust the stranger Aidan who shows up in town looking for work, and she vows to steer clear of him and the danger their intense chemistry provokes. Aidan’s stay is temporary, and falling for him promises only heartbreak.

But Casey needs Aidan’s help when she discovers Cypress Key’s mayor is making underhanded business deals, and she ends up on the wrong side of the powerful crook. Aidan steps in to rescue her, but secrets from his past threaten to bogey their new-found affair.

This swoonworthy modern-day fairy tale joins the other Cinderella stories in the series. Each provides a new opportunity to retell the classic fairy tale, happily with returning characters to share in these adventures.

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EXCERPT ONE:

From Cinderella Busted - Book One:

“Do you buy a lot of plants here?” Buchanan suddenly asked.

Her head snapped up from examining a bent gray frond. She swallowed. “Buy?”

“You must be one of the nursery’s best customers as well as you know the stock and know your way around here.” He gave her that slow, sexy smile again. “Are you buying landscaping for business or pleasure?”

Oh good grief! He thinks I’m a customer.

But why wouldn’t he? Today, she was dressed like one. Surely, he could tell from their conversation she worked here at the nursery.

Or not.

He waited for a response. So that was why he had asked her to help him! She grinned. She couldn’t help it. She felt like Cinderella masquerading as a princess at the ball. Maybe she could just avoid answering his question altogether.

She guided him to the end of the aisle, made the turn to the fifth row of trees, and aimed their steps toward a cluster of Monterrey pines.

Buchanan put a hand out to stop her. “I hope you’ll let me take you to dinner to thank you for helping me, Lily.”

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GUEST POST:

Making a Hero

Sounds easy but not so much. The most important lesson I can suggest is to always be true to your hero, in the creation and maintenance of his/her character. Treat them with great care. Create them and remember every human strength and frailty you’ve given them, both physically and emotionally. Your reader won’t take kindly to your hero changing halfway through the story.

Index cards are how I stay true. I keep index cards for all my characters, both main and secondary, listing all their physical characteristics and important events in their lives, family members, and so on. This way their eyes don’t suddenly change color in Chapter 19 or the heroine grew two inches in Chapter 10. The cards remain at my elbow throughout the writing, all the way to the final galley.

So what kind of hero do you want for your story? For me, I always take time to think back to my favorite heroes in books I’ve read—remind myself why they were my favorites. Did I hate them and then love them? Did they change through the book into a better man or woman? Did they have an inner empathy for others that they hid well from the world? I then use the emotions that those heroes instilled by their characteristics or vulnerabilities to create my own unique hero.

So, back to what kind of hero you want. I let the story decide. Whether I need a physically strong one, a brainy one, a nerd, or a softy. The plot will determine the hero I need. Now all I have to do is make him lovable. And for me, there’s nothing more endearing than a troubled past or emotional hurts as a child that the hero had to fight through to become his own man. A battered childhood or broken home or abandonment or neglect or a broken heart when young or as a young adult. If the trouble can bring a tear to your eye, it will for your reader as well. Any of these troubles strengthen the steel in your hero’s spine and the size of his heart, his ability to love. If he was hurt badly, he’ll make doubly sure he doesn’t hurt anyone else the same way. If he was ignored or bullied as a child, he’ll make sure the children he engages don’t suffer the same fate from him or anyone else. Experiences give the hero vulnerabilities and strengths and endurance. Experiences can also make him/her distrustful, and wary, yet appreciative of what he/she does get or accomplish.

Nobody falls in love with a perfect hero so give them an imperfect one with cracks and chinks in his shining armor. A hide-in-plain-sight hero/heroine who pretends to be someone else gives you the vulnerability of discovery and their ability to be free of normal life constraints for a while. Free to be their self and to show their real self to others without risk. Free to be the person they always wanted to be but were too afraid to let show. Gives the reader something to root for—their ability to remain hidden—until they get a chance to find their true love. The hide-in-plain-sight worked for my heroine in Cinderella Busted and my heroes in Betting on Cinderella and Par For Cinderella and also my next heroine still being written in Cinderella on the Rocks.

Best of luck with your heroes. If you love them, your readers will too.

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MY BOOK REVIEW:

This book, "Par for Cinderella," was such a fun, exciting, entertaining, enjoyable read!

This book was such a fantastic modern day take on the classic Cinderella fairytale story!

"Par for Cinderella," keeps you totally engaged from page one through the very last page!  I honestly had a hard time putting this book down!

I really liked the main characters, Casey and Aidan.  They were genuine, kind, and realistic.  Casey was fierce and sassy, but also sweet, and kind-hearted.  She was smart, beautiful, and caring.  She had big dreams about getting to the big city, but put her Uncle, the man who raised her, first, by returning to Cypress Key after college to help him run his failing business.  Aidan was handsome, rich, famous, and in need of a break from his regular crazy, busy – but glamourous lifestyle.  Aidan just wanted to be a regular guy for once.  He was charming, intelligent, charismatic, athletic, and accomplished.  Yep - totally book boyfriend material and I fell hard for him lol!!

I really liked Casey and Aidan together!  They were so adorable!  Their silly, witty banter was beyond entertaining and led to many real LOL’s!!  Plus, their chemistry was just off the charts!!!  You could feel the passion leap off the pages!!  It was obvious these two were meant to be together, whether they knew it or not lol!!

Unfortunately, Casey does not know about Aidan’s big financial status secret and the fact that he’s been lying to her everyday since they’ve met.  This is definitely going to lead to some drama when she finally finds out.  And can she forgive him??

I really enjoyed reading this book and totally had a smile on most of the time I was reading it!  Furthermore, this book will definitely have you laughing-out-loud so probably not a good idea to read it at a library or class or work lol!

I loved that this book was a sports romance book!  Two of my favorite things in a book!  I loved all the sports excerpts which were fun and entertaining.  Even if you’re not a golf fan, it’s not overwhelming or difficult to follow the sports references.

This book has a great storyline that flows, terrific writing style with detailed scenes, well-developed characters, is steady paced, and keeps you completely entertained through the last page.

There are a few exciting twists and turns and unexpected moments that will keep you guessing!  But this book shouldn’t really be considered as a suspense/thriller book.  However, it isn’t just a romance book either as this book deals with corruption, drug smuggling, vandalism, arson, suicide, murder, drug cartels, and so much more!  This book has a lot to offer its readers and will totally keep you engaged!

I like that this book touches on many topics such as love, romance, friendship, hard life lessons, second chances, change, dedication, perseverance, growth, humor, deceit, deception, corruption, compassion, empathy, integrity, unity, determination, devotion, faith, hope, forgiveness, moving on, starting over, new beginnings, overcoming obstacles, and so much more!

This book is the third book in the Cinderella Romances Book Series.  I had not read either of the books in this series before reading this book.  I did not get lost or confused, so this book can be read as a standalone.  However, there are many references to the previous book and the characters seem to overlap.  However, since I liked this book, I would suggest getting in from the beginning and starting with book one, so you don’t miss anything.

All in all, I really enjoyed reading this book and would absolutely recommend this book to all contemporary romance readers!

**Disclaimer: I received a complimentary copy of this book and have voluntarily provided an honest, and unbiased review in accordance with FTC regulations**

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AUTHOR BIO:

Petie spent a large part of her career working at Walt Disney World—"The Most Magical Place on Earth"—where she enjoyed working in the land of fairy tales by day and creating her own romantic fairy tales by night, including her new series, The Cinderella Romances. She eventually said good-bye to her "day" job to write her stories full-time. These days Petie spends her time writing sequels to her regency time-travel series, Lords in Time, and her cozy-mystery-with-romantic-suspense series, the Mystery Angel Romances.

Petie shares her home on the Cumberland Plateau in Tennessee with her horticulturist husband and an opinionated Nanday conure named Sassy who made a cameo appearance in No Angels for Christmas.

Visit Petie's web site online at http://www.petiemccarty.com or her Facebook page at https://www.facebook.com/petie.mccarty.

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CONNECT WITH PETIE:

Website:

http://www.petiemccarty.com

Facebook:

https://www.facebook.com/petie.mccarty

X:

https://x.com/authorpetie

Goodreads Author Page:

https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/6094579.Petie_McCarty

BookBub Author Page:

https://www.bookbub.com/authors/petie-mccarty

Amazon Author Page:

https://amzn.to/2MGWtDd

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AMAZON BUY LINKS - CINDERELLA BUSTED - BOOK ONE:

Amazon US Kindle eBook:

https://amzn.to/4ff6C7A

Amazon US Paperback:

https://amzn.to/4ePct3Z

Amazon CA Kindle eBook:

https://www.amazon.ca/Cinderella-Busted-Petie-McCarty-ebook/dp/B0B41HST8Q

Amazon CA Paperback:

https://www.amazon.ca/Cinderella-Busted-Petie-McCarty/dp/1733914358

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AMAZON BUY LINKS - BETTING ON CINDERELLA - BOOK TWO:

Amazon US Kindle eBook:

https://amzn.to/3Y85wDG

Amazon US Paperback:

https://amzn.to/4h8bkWN

Amazon CA Kindle eBook:

https://www.amazon.ca/Betting-Cinderella-Romances-Book-ebook/dp/B0CMNXS296

Amazon CA Paperback:

https://www.amazon.ca/Betting-Cinderella-Romances-Book/dp/1733914374

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AMAZON BUY LINKS - PAR FOR CINDERELLA - BOOK THREE:

Amazon US Kindle eBook:

https://amzn.to/4dR9y9D

Amazon US Paperback:

https://amzn.to/3NBUKRs

Amazon CA Kindle eBook:

https://www.amazon.ca/Par-Cinderella-Romances-Book-ebook/dp/B0D1LKRKZ1

Amazon CA Paperback:

https://www.amazon.ca/Par-Cinderella-Romances-Book/dp/1733914390

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GIVEAWAY:

Petie will be awarding 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

**This post contains affiliate links and if clicked and a purchase is made, I may receive a small commission to help support this blog.  This does not cost you anything, it just helps pay for all those fabulous community outreach projects and awesome giveaways on here**

This contest is sponsored by a third party. Fabulous and Brunette is a registered host of Goddess Fish Promotions.  Prizes are given away by the sponsors and not Fabulous and Brunette. The featured author and Goddess Fish Promotions are solely responsible for the giveaway prize.