~Review: Silence Under The Blue Sky by Rajalakshmi Prithviraj~

Set against the backdrop of the Jamnagar Helicopter crash on 30 August 2012, where two helicopters of the Indian Air Force had a mid-air collision, this story is a reality fiction, loosely based on the true story of an Air Warrior from the Indian Air Force. Narrated through the silent echo of the sorrowful heart of one the shattered families, their pain is best expressed as silent streams of tears flowing noiselessly down a pair of eyes that have intensely loved and sadly lost. Sometimes, when the heart weeps, there is only language that it understands…..Silence.

My Rating:  3 Stars

This book was based on a very touching story about a woman who lost her husband while she was pregnant.  The dream entries were quite poignant but I had a bit of trouble with the rest of the manuscript as it was written in a very formal manner.

This book was interesting as it came from the perspective of an Indian woman.  It speaks of the Indian culture and the expectations towards women as well as the subculture of the Indian Air Force.  At times I was confused as to some of the lingo because it was written from that perspective.  However, the book speaks in a humanistic way as well when it describes the tragedy and pain of losing someone close to one's heart.

Overall, I would recommend this story because it gives unique insight into India's cultural expectations towards women.  It also speaks of the tragedy of love lost and dreams coming to an end-something everyone can relate to.  If you enjoy studying other cultures or can relate to the pain of loss, this story is for you.

Where you can find Silence Under A Blue Sky:

http://www.amazon.com/Silence-Under-Blue-Rajalakshmi-Prithviraj-ebook/dp/B00ZSHPLJU/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1453529678&sr=8-1&keywords=silence+under+the+blue+sky

https://www.flipkart.com/silence-english/p/itme9hb4grkyhku6?pid=9781514348345

https://www.createspace.com/5559629

https://pothi.com/pothi/book/rajalakshmi-prithviraj-silence

Interview with Rajalakshmi:

1.  What prompted you to write your story?

I had always wanted to do something for my husband; something that would make him proud. This story is a tribute to him, a homage to what he did for his country and the principles he stood for. Also, the support that I got from my organization helped me and my family bounce back and start living again. Hence, this book is my way of expressing my gratitude to all the men and women in blue and their families.

2.  Is there anything autobiographical in your story?

Yes, it is my story. I re-live a particular event in my life through Apoorva. All the characters exist in reality. Hence, names have been changed to protect their identity. Since the story is based on a real-life incident and narrated as a  fiction, hence the genre is reality fiction.

3.  What would you like to accomplish as an author?

My sole aim as an author is to narrate stories that can evoke emotions and touch a chord in the reader's heart. I wish to write about events in my organization which would bring out its humane side. Also, I want to write about things, people and places that have touched my life and brought about a positive change in me. I believe that every story has something good to offer its readers. I dream of my stories to have something to share with the readers.

4.  What would you like your readers to know about you?

I would like my readers to accept me as I am. I am but one of the woman in blue who would do anything for her organization. I am a wife of a martyr and wish to continue being acknowledged as his spouse and not a widow; after all, his not being physically present in my life does not mean that he is no longer my husband. Why label me a widow, when I am still married to the man I call my husband? Above all, I am a mother who wants her children to remember their father as a man who loved his family, loved his country and loved his uniform. In short, I am like any other woman who wants to live a life of dignity and retain her sanity inspite of changes in ccircumstances.

5.  If you could have one wish granted, what would it be?

If I could have one wish granted to me it would be to make sure that no woman whose spouse is dead is called a Widow. The very existence of this word acts as a stigma and makes a woman vulnerable. Its bad enough to have a spouse missing from one's life, but it is worse to be thought of as readily available for lecherous men.

6.  If you had one day in life to do whatever you wished, , regardless of cost, what would it be?

I would want a time machine to take me and my two kids into the past so as to spend that whole day with my husband. I was pregnant with my second child when he had died. I wish I could get him to meet his baby, now grown up, in person.

~Spotlight: Images Of America: West Columbus by Sean V. Lehosit~

Present-day West Columbus is a collective of neighborhoods born from the western banks of the Scioto River in what became Franklin County on April 30, 1803. The first settlement, Franklinton, was founded by Lucas Sullivant in 1797, platted two years after he received 6,000 acres in payment for surveying the central Ohio portion of the Virginia Military District. Later expansions included the areas of Sullivant’s Hill, Rome, and Camp Chase. While the first settlers were farmers and ex-soldiers, the land would also attract Quakers, rail men, real estate moguls, and manufacturers. The neighborhoods found success even though the Scioto River, which birthed the region, on multiple occasions threatened to wash them off the map during three great floods. Characterized by a hardworking and driven population, the community attracted major investments by the mid-1900s, including the expanded operations of the General Motors Fisher Body Plant.

Where you can find Images Of America:  West Columbus:

http://www.arcadiapublishing.com/9781467114639/West-Columbus

http://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/west-columbus-ohio-sean-v-lehosit/1122367222?ean=9781467114639

http://www.amazon.com/West-Columbus-Images-America-Lehosit/dp/1467114634/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1441435868&sr=8-1&keywords=west+columbus       

Where you can find Sean:  

https://www.facebook.com/svlehosit

https://www.twitter.com/svlehosit

Interview with Sean:

1. What prompted you to write your book?  

I worked as a freelance writer for two publications during college, a campus magazine called UWeekly at OSU and a community rag, Columbus Messenger Newspapers. I attended The Ohio State University, and graduated in 2010 with a bachelor degree in English. Around the same time I graduated, I also was hired as a full-time news editor for the community newspaper.

I was charged with producing content for the west side edition, and as part of my duties,       regularly attended government meetings, school functions and other happenings. I also grew up in this neighborhood. I began meeting so many amazing people, ranging from longtime residents, to military veterans and business leaders.

The community has suffered economic problems for decades, and I realized many people forgot about its rich history. It was the training grounds for Union soldiers during the Civil War, later turned into a Confederate prison and cemetery; birthed the largest school district in Ohio; survived fatal floods; and was the location of a historic insane asylum and so much more.

I was inspired to write this book to not only preserve its history, but in hopes of creating some community pride for the younger generations.

2. Please explain the story line and why you believe it to be an important story to tell?

Following the American Revolutionary War, the country did not have the money to pay those who served, but what they did have was land – lots of land, referred to as the Virginia Military District. Former soldiers quickly hired surveyors to descend upon the lands to lay claims, many times paying the surveyors with pieces of the land they were scouting.

Lucas Sullivant, one such surveyor, chose a little area on the banks of the Scioto River to settle the community of Franklinton. A year later he had to move it a few miles, due to heavy flooding. One of the first streets was Gift Street – named because anyone who agreed to settle there received the land as a gift – this of course, was to entice people to relocate to Franklinton; remember, at the time it was still dangerous due to attacks by Native Americans.

West Columbus continued to grow over the decades, creating new neighborhoods, which were under the constant threat of being washed off the map by flooding waters of the Scioto River. However, they always bounced back.

This is why the story is important: some people want to write off the present-day area; because of the economic turmoil it’s suffered. But it has always been a resilient community, and I believe they can be inspired by their ancestors and reminded it’s never too late, nor impossible to either rebuild or redefine their selves.

3. Your personal history....does it have anything to do with why you wrote your story?

My family came from Austria-Hungary, present-day Slovakia, just prior to World War I. They moved to West Virginia, where they worked in the coal mines. It was not an easy livelihood. My great-uncle, Karoly “Charles” Lehosit was killed in a mine collapse in the 1920s, but you won’t find a grave for him, his body was never recovered, something not unusual for the time period and his social class.

However, the hard life of a coal miner was still better than the world they emigrated from. Austria-Hungary Dual Monarchy was one of the last feudal systems still functioning in the world; many times family’s like mine were the property of the land’s Baron, and most times were born, raised, worked, and died without stepping foot off the farmland. They were not considered freemen until the late 1860s and then they flocked to America searching for a better life.

My family’s story doesn’t have specific links to the community I write about, but it shares the theme of wanting to build a better life. The early settlers of West Columbus arrived in hopes of redefining their legacy and building a better future for their children.

4. Do you prefer to write nonfiction?  Is there another genre you may be interested in writing?

I began concentrating on nonfiction a couple years ago. I’m a huge history nerd, but not about the topics people are most familiar with. It annoys me there’s so many stories in history that go overlooked. For instance, both World Wars were heavily influenced and took place in Eastern Europe – but how much do you know about Slovenia, Romania, Slovakia, Czech Republic, Croatia, etc.?

The same with local history like my book talks about the Camp Chase Confederate Cemetery. While most locals know the story behind the cemetery and its annual memorial service, if you ask a resident in the next city over, odds are they’ve never even heard of the historic cemetery that’s nestled between an ice-cream stand and a church. I want to shed light on these topics.

However, I do enjoy writing in other genres. Other genres I have interest in writing are horror and crime fiction. Those are tricky areas though, especially horror, because public interest goes in and out of fads, so you have to time your project perfectly. For instance, now would be a difficult time to write a vampire book, but 10 years ago, publishers were looking for the “next Twilight.”

You really need to predict what the next fad will be. Pop culture usually goes in 20-year cycles, so look at what was popular 20 years ago, and you could make a smart bet it’ll be popular again soon.

5. What would you like your readers to know about you?

I attended The Ohio State University as a transfer student; I entered the university as a senior. I first attended Columbus State Community College, where I graduated with as associate’s degree. While I was there, I wrote a one-act comedy called “Dysfunct” that a faculty member asked to use for their summer production in 2007. I also directed the play, and it remains one of the highlights of my writing career – so far.

I also have a four-month old son, Kade. Having my first child really changed my perspective on the world, and I actually think my writing and story ideas matured once he came into this world. I also have a five-year old beagle, Freya. I rescued her from an abusive home and she was pregnant – little did I know. I came home one night and she was giving birth on my bed. It was a surreal experience, although ruined the bed and I had to throw the whole thing out.

6. What are the affects you hope that your published book will accomplish?

My hope is the book serves as a time machine for readers. I hope the stories they learn about echo through their daily lives; and when they pass a building, park, or drive by a school or church, they have a deeper appreciation for where it all came from.

I also hope it inspires them to further develop the community. It took the city more than 100 years to create a flood wall to stop businesses from being washed away. While the community has seen hard times, it’s not a lifetime sentence, even if it takes some years, things always get better.

~Review: Bloodline by Tara Ellis~

Sixteen-year-old Alex is your average teen who thought she'd be spending the next few years suffering through high school...not saving the world from an alien plague. But when a rare meteor shower unleashes something otherworldly, she finds herself at the center of a five thousand-year-old conspiracy. Guided by cryptic clues left from her deceased father, Alex is plunged into a strange world predestined since ancient times. As the mystery unravels, she discovers her bloodline is anything but average. Pursued by both the people she loves and unknown enemies, Alex is forced to rely upon her instincts and the help of her friend, Chis and loyal dog, Baxter. Together, they race against time to find a cure. ** Bloodline is the first book in The Forgotten Origins Trilogy (all three books available).

My Rating:  4 Stars!

This is a fantasy adventure story that any fantasy buff would love!  With plenty of action and adventure, it keeps you riveted from the very beginning!

When a virus affects the town that Alex and Jake live in, they find themselves in the middle of a confusing scenario of intrigue and evil.  Destined to find the answer to the equation, as the virus quickly spreads across the globe, they set out on an adventure to bring peace back to their town and to the entire world.

Armed with only sparse tidbits of information, they are forced to piece a puzzle together that looms larger than their wildest dreams!

I loved this book!  It kept me intrigued from beginning to end.  It was very well written and the plot was captivating.  The only reason why I gave it 4 stars instead of 5 was because of some minor editing issues I found in the manuscript.

If you enjoy fantastic, paranormal adventures, this one's definitely for you!

Where you can find Bloodline:

Amazon:  http://www.amazon.com/Bloodline-Book-Forgotten-Origins-Trilogy/dp/1492169676/ref=sr_1_sc_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1453108875&sr=8-1-spell&keywords=bloodline+tara+ellils

Where you can find Tara:

Amazon:  http://www.amazon.com/Tara-Ellis/e/B00IVF1JQK/ref=ntt_athr_dp_pel_pop_1

Twitter:  https://twitter.com/taraellisblood

Facebook:  https://www.facebook.com/forgottenoriginsbloodlineHeritageDescent

Interview with Tara:

1.  What prompted you to write this book?

This isn't the first book that I've written, but it's the first one that I completed and published! I think the difference with this particular story, is how much time and thought I put into the plot and in writing the outline. I have always loved science fiction, and since my daughter was fourteen when I started writing this, it was just natural for me to write a young adult scifi novel!

2.  Do you have any works in progress?  If so, what are they?

Yes! I just released the third book in my middle grade mystery series a little over a month ago (July), and I am working on the audiobook for the 2nd book in that same series. I will then move on to the second audiobook in my trilogy.(the audiobook for Bloodline is already out). I just released a short story this month (September), and I am now turning my attention to rewriting an adult thriller that features a female FBI profiler.

3.  Who are your favorite authors and why?

Dean Koontz, Stephen King, Ken Follet and Suzanne Collins rank at the top. I feel that Stephen King is one of the best writers ever, but I prefer to read Dean Koonz due to the darker side of King's stories. Ken Follet is just a masterful storyteller and Collins is one of the reason I chose to write in the first person.

4.  What is your favorite:  color, food, place, activity?

My favorite color is hunter green, food is probably pizza or nachos, place is Blue Bay at Flathead Lake in  Montana and activity would be (other than writing!) hiking.

5.  What would you like your readers to know about you?

Reading has always been a form of escape for me, ever since I was a child. My goal as a writer has always been to offer that same level of entertainment to someone else. Because of this, I take my storytelling very seriously, and always give 100%. You'll find that my trilogy, The Forgotten Origins, is very involved and unlike other trilogies, gets better as it goes, rather than tapering off. I don't think there's anything worse as a reader who's invested so many hours into a saga, to be disappointed at the end or feel like the author gave up. When I finished the last sentence of the last book....I'm not ashamed to say that I cried a little. I hope that the passion I have for this story comes through!

6.  Is your story in any way autobiographical?

Thank goodness...no. However, if an alien virus were to infect the world when I was that age, I would have likely behaved the same way! I will say, that when a couple of people asked if I based the main character, Alex, on my daughter, my answer is that some of the characteristics are more similar to myself. I think that's a natural aspect of writing in the first person...at least for me, it was. I thoroughly enjoyed narrating the book. When I write, I visualize it as if it's a movie, so I already 'heard' all of the voices in my head!

7.  If you could give one piece of advice about life, what would it be?

To never give up! Pursue what makes you happy, and if anyone tells you that you aren't good enough....just get better!

~Spotlight: Empty Fists by Mangalam Shiva~

"God, why has this happened to me? I have never hurt anybody in my life. I have been sincere to God, to my work, to my husband....Yet, I have to suffer this cruel brutality. Why?"

A software professional who led a charmed life, finds that life destroyed by a single brutal incident… A man on his deathbed realizes a life spent in the US chasing money, filled his pockets but left him empty… An ambitious reporter with her dreams within grasp, finds them turning into dust… A beautiful woman is locked in a battle against unwanted male attention with shocking results… Meet these characters - strong, inspiring, wayward, cynical, ambitious, and share their journey, in this contemporary anthology of ordinary lives, extraordinary insights.

Reviews:  

Empty Fists is an anthology. A collection of short stories reflecting on the different aspects of life faced by every individual. There is love, friendship, struggle, even loss. This is a collection of stories that will truly touch your heart from beginning to end.

One of the best parts of Siva’s writing is his ability to convey emotion through each of his characters. Even though there’s a mix of male, female, or even animal, I still felt something tug at my heart with every story. A different message was conveyed in each tale but it wasn’t hard to find them and to learn from them. Shiva paints a very plain and clear picture of what he wants to say and he does it in such a way that readers of all ages can enjoy his work.

-Valicity Garris

Empty Fists is a collection of short stories that tackle multiple themes but the primary focus of the stories is on the difficulties faced by women in their daily lives. Many women are ostracized and exploited in today's world in spite of the progress of civilization. The stories in this collection highlight the struggles and tragedies in the lives of women while also venturing to portray the desires, failures, agony and ecstasy which are part of human existence.

I liked most of the stories. They have a lot of depth and emotions are expressed brilliantly. The author has a good grip on language though at times he uses unnecessary adjectives and that affects the flow of the story. I was particularly impressed with the story about a stray dog and how the dog understands the things that happen around him. This unique point of view surprised me pleasantly. These stories need attention not just because they are commendable pieces of literary fiction, but also because they expose the dark side of society defined by oppression and violence.

-Saradia Chatterjee

Where you can find Empty Fists:

http://www.amazon.com/Empty-Fists-Mangalam-Shiva-ebook/dp/B010NNOQI0/ref=cm_cr_pr_product_top?ie=UTF8

Interview with Mangalam:

1.  Tell me about your book and why you decided to write it.

EMPTY FISTS, book by me in my pen name MANGALAM SHIVA, has short stories. We human beings always think that we are superior to animals and they are all dumb just because the other living things cannot think like humans or talk. Raju the intelligent stray dog proves that even animals are clever, can think and save human beings from their disasters. Raju feels and regrets the atrocities committed by people around him.
There are other stories in the book which reflect the social injustices in India affecting weaker sections of the society like Children and Women.
I watched many atrocities happening in our society daily reported in News TV channels. Newspapers etc. As my age did not permit me to take any direct action to stop these atrocities like corruption, rape, kidnaps, loots and social discrimination, I decided to write stories with a hope that some of the readers of my book can bring change to Indian situations.

2.  Who are your favorite authors and why?

My favorite authors are---
ROBERT LUDLUM
ROBIN COOK
SIDNEY SHELDON
JEFFREY ARCHER
FREDRICK FORSYTH
JAMES PATTERSON
TOM CLANCY
I like fictions by these authors as their characters, situations, style and stories are thrilling, interesting and captivating.

3.  What would you like your readers to know about you?

I would like my readers to understand that a retired person has written a moving message giving book of stories. There are moral and social messages which can be implemented wherever there is a scope for these.

4.  Where would you go on your dream vacation?  Who would you bring with you?

I would like my dream vacation in Switzerland, with my dear wife.

5.  Do you have any works in progress?  What are they?

I have got the manuscript of short stories for my second book ready for editing & publication. I am writing more stories for third book to be published at a later date.

6.  If you could give me one piece of advice about life, what would it be?

I am not competent to give any advice to my reader friends. One advice I would give myself is "TOLERANCE WITH ALL".

Addictions by Diamante Lavendar

This is one of the first art pieces I posted online.  It is a colored pencil work entitled Addictions.

This is a personal piece for me since I struggled under the weight of addictions for years. Substance abuse was the way I coped with the pain I endured as a child...a very ineffective coping mechanism indeed!

I used dark colors to depict the weight and the pain that addictions have on our souls.  It is a heaviness and a darkness that can only be known by a fellow addict.

Addictions have a debilitating effect on the psyche and spirit of a person.  They deaden our senses and dull our perceptiveness.  We see the world through different eyes...many times eyes of apathy and depression when we are living under the weight of our addictions.

I created this drawing to bring awareness to the fact of the pain that addictions bring to life. Many times we believe they are a means of escape when in reality they are a road to destruction.  It is my hope that this drawing will bring to light the devastation addictions cause in the lives of those who suffer.

Here are some of the products created with my drawing entitled Addictions:

This piece can be found and purchased in many different items at these locations:

Red Bubble:  http://www.redbubble.com/people/diamantelavenda/works/14031947-addictions-by-diamante-lavendar?grid_pos=8&p=sticker

Fine Art America:  http://fineartamerica.com/featured/addictions-diamante-lavendar.html

Zazzle:  http://www.zazzle.com/collections/addictions_by_diamante_lavendar-119037889821001092

Thank you!

I'd like to take a moment to thank all of the authors who participated in my blog in 2015! It was a memorable, wonderful year with great variety!

I had a lot of fun posting your spotlights, reviews and interviews! I look forward to much more in 2016! May the new year find you healthy, happy and prosperous!

Bless you all! Cheers!

~Review: Piggy Sense by Reed Abbitt Moore~

Piggy Sense! .... is a fun educational children's book that will instill in children the basic fundamentals of work ethics, saving money, and spending wisely. Age Level: 4 - 11 Grade Level: P - 5. Parents will love reading this book to their children - Grandparents will love reading this book to their grandchildren, and school teacher's will love teaching young children about work ethics and sound wisdom for financial success found in this cute children's book.

My Review:  5 Stars!

This is a wonderful book created to introduce children to the concept of saving money.  In a society where credit is ample and savings are dwindling, this book is timely and inspiring.  Being that this story is written for children, this book is even more valuable!  What a wonderful way to explain the concept of "saving for a rainy day" to a child!

With bright colors and well thought out illustrations that bring meaning to Reed Abbott's manuscript, this book is sure to please both children and parents alike. Reed also includes pictures of money to help children grasp the concept even more fully.  

This book would be a wonderful gift or educational tool for any child!  I highly recommend this book on many different levels (educational, motivational and future planning) for any younger child through age ten or eleven.  

Where you can find Piggy Sense:

http://www.amazon.com/Piggy-Sense-Save-rainy-day/dp/1517655528/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1452468133&sr=8-1&keywords=piggy+sense

http://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/piggy-sense-reed-abbitt-moore/1123103729?ean=9781517655525

Where you can find Reed:

Email:  reedabbittmoore@yahoo.com

Facebook:  https://www.facebook.com/reedabbittmoore

Twitter:  https://twitter.com/ReedAbbittMoore

Goodreads:  https://www.goodreads.com/user/show/50087867-reed-moore

Interview with Reed:

1.  What prompted you to write your book? 

I would have to say the economy.  Yes, the economy and a desire to see it change.  

It seems as though people are borrowing further and further into their future.  

We are coming to a point  of breaking the economics of this country and perhaps

even the world!

The best way I can see to change it is to change the way our children view money.  

Money is a symbol of value, but how we spend it reflects our values.  You can

tell a whole lot about a person by how they earn money, but even more by

the way they spend it!

2.  Do you have any works in progress?  What are they?

Why yes, yes I do.  I'm working on two books right now...no...three books.  The

Zoo Is A Rockin', Hansel and Gretel:  A Retelling In Rhyme and Jibber Jabber.

3.  What do you hope to accomplish as an author?

Oh I suppose to pass on my experiences, impart some wisdom and give a good laugh!

4.  What would you like your readers to know about you?

Well... Now that's a deep subject isn't it. I'm trying to make a difference if only

a small one.  Just a  ripple in this pond we call life.

5.  If you could have one wish granted, what would it be and why?

I would wish that people could see the magnificence within them so they could be

free to see the wonder around them.  

6.  If you could give me one piece of advice about life, what would it be?

Hmmm...the only way you can keep something is if you give it away.

To Dish Or Not To Dish by Diamante Lavendar!

A humorous quote about life! Also a great quote for any cook you might know!

This is my fun way of saying "Be yourself! Enjoy your life!" We all have our own unique talents and abilities so we need to share them with the world! If we don't, nobody will ever know our strengths and contributions! So don't be shy! Step out and be who God made you to be! This world can be a better place just because you're in it!

I originally designed this piece to be similar to Just Dishy because I was going to create dishes with both designs together. But then I decided to keep them separate. So take your pick! Whichever one tickles your fancy is just fine!

Here are some cute products made with To Dish Or Not To Dish:

There are hundreds of products to choose from in this design as with all of my designs.

You can find all sorts of things made from To Dish Or Not To Dish here:

http://www.redbubble.com/people/diamantelavenda/works/19449511-to-dish-or-not-to-dish-by-diamante-lavendar

http://fineartamerica.com/featured/to-dish-or-not-to-dish-diamante-lavendar.html

http://www.zazzle.com/collections/to_dish_or_not_to_dish_by_diamante_lavendar-119339415280644997

Just Dishy, one of my graphic art pieces!

This is a fun piece I created just because I love purple, pink and red combined!  I made this graphic art into numerous creations on Zazzle, Fine Art America and Red Bubble.  I actually had people who enjoyed cooking in mind when I came up with this piece.  But it's really cute as apparel, bath items, bedding and much more!

Here are some of the cute things made with this design:

This design is quite functional in reminding you to keep an element of fun and humor in your life!  It is my hope that this design will do just that for many people in the years to come!  We all need elements of brightness and gaiety in our lives.  Here is the perfect reminder!

Where you can find Just Dishy products:

http://www.redbubble.com/people/diamantelavenda/works/19902178-just-dishy-by-diamante-lavendar?p=throw-pillow

http://fineartamerica.com/featured/just-dishy-by-diamante-lavendar-diamante-lavendar.html

http://www.zazzle.com/collections/just_dishy_by_diamante_lavendar-119101096784192198

Review: Getting A Handle On Happy by Teri J. Dluznieski

We all want to have successful happy relationships. We all know that amazing feeling when we connect with someone and things just click. Things go smoothly and just flow. Before we can have those really great relationships, we need to learn what it means to be happy. And we need to resolve the things that sabotage our happiness. A whole lot of experiences and factors make up who you are. What you do, what you eat, beliefs and perceptions.

Getting a Handle on Happy guides you through all of this, easily and smoothly. One or more of these areas just MIGHT be causing the problems you are experiencing. You will learn exercises that resolve past emotional issues- so that your future relationships are positive and exciting. You will improve your happiness tremendously- just by adding certain vitamins and supplements to your diet. And there are tons of natural remedies you can use. All of these areas will create new insights and perspectives. You will be amazed at how these shifts open new possibilities and resolve past and present problems.

This book will support and guide you through making changes in your life and environment. You will build awareness and feel the ease that follows when you shift your perceptions and perspectives. Suddenly life will feel lighter, brighter, and fuller. You will notice the change, as amazing people begin to enter your life! You are starting to attract the Awesome toward you. You world will begin to flow in new directions that are full of potential and possibility.

My Rating:  4 Stars!

This is a delightful and informative book about spiritual, mental and physical health.  It is a wonderful depiction of how all three work together to make us who we are- and to explain our level of "happy" in which we find ourselves currently residing.

Teri does an excellent job of explaining the spiritual aspect of the human condition through her own Andean-Peruvian spiritual training.  She also does an excellent job of explaining the importance of health and healthy eating and how it contributes to our overall well being.  Teri also explains how our psyche contributes to how we feel and act.  These three elements create an important synchronism of the "human condition".

This book is well written.  The only criticism that I have is the fact that it has some editing issues. (Hence the 4 star rating).  Otherwise, the information Teri passes along is extremely valuable and well presented.

I highly recommend this book to anyone seeking to find more meaning in life!  This book is also ideal in creating a framework to build more happiness into one's perspective!

Where you can find Getting A Handle On Happy:

http://www.amazon.com/dp/B00U8EXHXA

Where you can find Teri:

http://beingherd.com/

Twitter:   @horsewisevt

https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/3439900.Teri_J_Dluznieski

~Spotlight: Lost and Falling by Marlina Williams~

Thirteen year old Bailey is on a collision course to meet lost boxer puppy Goldie. Bailey lives an overindulged supervision free life in Colorado. She used to be a sweet girl, but recent events inspired her to become an online bully. Once she starts bullying she enjoys the thrill and is egged on by "friends". After she posts a shockingly cruel message to a girl who used to be her friend, Bailey's life begins a downward spiral. When her parents discover the bullying they decide to take away all electronic devices and send her to her grandparents' secluded farm in West Virginia.

Goldie is on track to becoming a superstar show-dog for Starbright Kennel. When a major storm causes a tree to crush part of the kennel, he tastes freedom for a short time before being captured by a caretaker. After his capture he escapes into an unfamiliar wilderness where he must survive a harrowing journey to find Bailey.

Where you can find Lost and Falling:

http://www.amazon.com/Lost-Falling-Marlina-Williams-ebook/dp/B014V1AKY4/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1443796043&sr=8-1&keywords=lost+and+falling

Where you can find Marlina:

http://www.familywriters.com/

Interview with Marlina:

1. Tell me about your books.

So far I have written and published two books, and I’m currently working on edits for a third, to be released in the near future.

My debut novel THE RAD MISFITS is a Young Adult novel with light dystopian elements set on a post- apocalyptic stage, really more human interest/animal hijinks than sci-fi. The story is about a group of mutant teenagers trying to save their colony from early death. Residual radiation from world ending events causes people to die by the age of thirty-four. The Rad Misfits, as they call their quirky group, go on an adventure in search of a cure for their colony’s sickness.

My recently released novel LOST AND FALLING is Middle Grade fiction about thirteen year old bully, Bailey, and lost boxer puppy, Goldie. When Bailey’s online bullying goes too far, her parents take away all electronics and send her to her grandparents’ secluded farm. Meanwhile, Goldie is lost somewhere in the wilderness of West Virginia after escaping his captor. Bailey and Goldie are on a collision course to meet. If Bailey can overcome her selfishness, she may be able to save Goldie and right the wrongs of her earlier bullying.

My third novel TRAGIC RENEWAL is Women’s fiction with suspense/thriller elements. The story is about Harper and her struggles to overcome a recent divorce and the death of her best friend, Cara. Harper’s journey carries her cross-country to try to live Cara’s dream of running a u-pick fruit farm. When Harper arrives she is confronted with a depressed Akita that misses his mistress, two horses, and a farm to run. When her old life intrudes upon the new she must overcome her inner abuse and protect the new life she has built.

2. What prompted you to write your books?

Each book has its own unique reasons for being written.

The Rad Misfits - I’ve allows enjoyed cheesy Sci-Fi and some dystopian themes. The one thing I never cared for was the darkness that almost always surrounds world ending scenarios. I wanted to tell a lighter version, where women ruled and accomplished rebuilding a thriving society without violence. Including horses and a nutty dog made writing this story exciting. I truly enjoyed bringing the animals to life based on my crazy dogs and a horse that thinks he’s a dog. I left the ending open enough to become a series if the mood strikes me someday. I already have a name lined out - The Radder Misfits.

Lost and Falling - I was inspired to write because too often the story focuses on the bullied rather than the bully. I wanted to tell a story about the bully and, while not justifying, at least explaining her reasoning. Her excuse for becoming a bully is two-fold, and the egging-on from friends ultimately overrode the original justification. Many times outside influences or hoping for other’s approval pushes a person to become something he or she isn’t. In this book, Bailey, gets the chance to reveal her story and attempt to save a puppy from certain death.

Tragic Renewal - The idea for this book came about due to the prevalence of dash-cams and the devastating effects of drinking and driving. This story is about a woman overcoming numerous obstacles while learning to become a new person. Many women put up with horrible abuse, but it’s not always physical. Sometimes the scars that we can’t see are the most devastating. Harper’s years of emotional abuse from her military officer husband shadows every thought and action. When she breaks free she learns to love herself and find truths where only lies existed. I also included an Akita in this story for their fiercely loyal nature and their staunch refusal to be anything less than the household guardian.

3. What is one of your main objectives as an author?

First and foremost, I’m simply telling a story I would find interesting. So far each story I’ve written has an underlying moral to teach. The basic theme of each story is similar - don’t judge based on appearances alone. Mutant teens, teen bully, or overweight divorcee aren’t typical heroes, but each gets a starring role and a chance to prove their self-worth. Each story also has animals because animals deserve a starring role from the comfort and companionship they give those they love.

4. What would you like your readers to know about you?

At heart I’m shy and socially awkward. My stories give me a chance to express myself in ways that I would not normally do in day to day life. If you ask me in real life what my stories are about, I might just clam up and not know what to say. Selling myself has never been my strong suit, I’m more comfortable sitting in the background and listening.

5. If you could meet one celebrity, who would it be and why would you like to meet him/her?

I don’t have a specific celebrity I’d like to meet. I admire many celebrities, but I’d be afraid meeting them would tarnish their projected persona. I think cloaks are worn by many in the spotlight and when we put too much hero-worship on their shoulders, they are bound to fall. I remember growing up watching the Cosby show… enough said on that subject.

6. If you could give me one piece of advice about life, what would it be?

When you ride a high-horse remember that life is full of potholes.

~Spotlight: Colors In The Dark by Groovy Lee~

Hailey Campbell was raised by her adoptive mother, Big-Mama, in a home filled with unconditional love and foster children. Her biological mother was a heroin addict and couldn’t keep her; her father, a right-wing conservative with a secret vice his social circle must never discover. So, it was a blessing that someone with so much to give raised her to be a strong, intelligent woman whose loyalty to those she loved knew no boundaries. And that would come in handy when her best friend, Meagan, decided to leave her abusive husband, and Hailey was right there by her side as her moral and physical support; or when she needed the courage to expose the ones behind the city’s bank robberies that resulted in the deaths of three people.

And yet, in her day to day struggles of trying to deal with this kooky puzzle called her life, the idea of true love never held any priority. Was there ever such a thing as the, quote, “man of your dreams”, your, “soul mate”? If she had to judge by the Neanderthals who only had one agenda on their minds just because they paid for her salad and drink, then that middle-of-the-puzzle piece would forever sit waiting for a match.

So this single, card-carrying virgin, didn’t mind one bit as she stood with her chin lifted proudly in the middle of a room full of expensive tuxedos and glittering gowns surrounding her at an important gala, that she was dateless. She would just continue to sample the high-end cuisine, drink the expensive wine, and mind her business. A man?—why bother? Love—who needs it? No sooner had those pitiable questions crossed her mind when her answer appeared from the midst of all those international dignitaries: The most beautiful man, a simple waiter named Manley, turned and locked eyes with her. As she stood there wide-eyed with a medley of stunned excitement and paralyzing attraction rushing through head and heart, she knew then she could no longer scoff and joke at such nonsense.

Because of this man, the meaning of true love was finally made clear that night. With this man, her world had forever changed. And despite the mysteries that he, himself, was hesitant to reveal, she could stand against anything and anyone that challenged her.

That daunting challenge awaited her in Sweet Tea, Mississippi; Population 700 (that’s not counting the Ransom militia compound at the edge of town) And if she didn’t get there in time and save eighteen month-old Abbie from one of its members, Sheriff Carl, she could lose her behind those thick walls protected by the First Amendment and never see her again.

Where you can find Colors In The Dark:  

http://www.amazon.com/COLORS-DARK-Groovy-Lee-ebook/dp/B014443EBE/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1451730475&sr=8-1&keywords=colors+in+the+dark

Where you can find Groovy:

https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/7014495.Groovy_Lee

www.groovylee.com 

Interview with Groovy:

1. What prompted you to write your book?

As any author can attest to, we have vivid imaginations. My plots and characters live in my head until I put the story to paper. Colors In The Dark has been a long time coming.

2. Is there any autobiographical content in your story?

Without giving any spoilers away, all I can say is, "I wish." But the two grandmothers, Big-Mama and Mae, were inspired by my real life strong grandmothers whom I deeply respect.

3. Who are some of your favorite authors and why?

Stephen King and Dean Koontz. Their earlier books left such a scary, lasting impression on me to this day. In fact, one of Dean Koontz's books inspired me to write my first suspense novel which was featured on a local television show. I'm so proud of that. Frank L. Baum wrote one of my favorite books, The Wizard of Oz. I wish I'd thought of it first. And a few Harlequin Romance writers like Charlotte Lamb, Janet Dailey, and Violet Winspear are the reasons I became a romance writer.

4. What are your favorite foods? Color? Activities? Place?

If it tastes good, it's my favorite. I don't have a favorite color, just favorite shades like pale pink, lemon yellow, midnight blue, etc.. I like crocheting, music, and tennis, just to name a few. If it's tennis season, you can find me glued to the television. Disney World and Universal Studios are my favorite places to go for fun.

5. What would you like readers to know about you?

Although I'm a quiet introvert, everyone I meet is a friend. My daughter is my queen and best friend. I've been spoiling her for twenty-seven years now. I've had to overcome a lot of hardship  in my life, but I'm proud of the person I've become because of it. And most of all, it means a lot  to me if, after reading one of my books, I have put a smile on just one reader's face and helped  them escape for a while, then that's what it's all about. All of the hard work was worth it.

6. Do you have any more works in progress? What are they?

My next romance, Campdon Court, which takes place in the Loire Valley of France, is due to be released in the summer of 2016. And I have an untitled Sci-fi in its first draft to be released spring of 2017.

7. If you could give one piece of advice about life what would it be?

Only one? I'm sure others will give the "hard work" and "never give up" speech, so I'll say this:

Truth, love, tolerance and kindness are free. Whereas the opposite can cost you everything.

Happy 2016!

Another year gone....and another just begun! 2015 has been a long year for me. I can't say I'm sorry to see most of it go...but there were pieces of 2015 I will miss. One was my grandchild's first birthday. What a milestone that day was. It is a day I am very grateful for. I truly believe that children are blessings from God, so every birthday celebrated is indeed a marvelous blessing!

I also have fond memories of this last Mother's Day. I received thoughtful and loving gifts from my children. I penned a poem dedicated to them late Mother's Day night. My children have always been some of the biggest blessings in my life. For those of you that have read my life story, Breaking The Silence, you definitely understand my sentiments. It was a fight for me to have children and so their love is paramount in my existence.

I also have met many wonderful, caring people this last year through my social media sites and author program. I wish to thank each and every one of you for your contribution to my life. I am grateful for you and your kindness! God Bless each and every one of you!

2015 has been difficult but also memorable.  I am grateful for family that has been there during the times I needed them.  I am also grateful for my friends who are ready to listen when the need arises.  Thank you!  I am grateful to have you on this journey in which I find our paths mingling!  May we tarry a bit longer together!

It is my hope that 2016 is a blockbuster year for everyone! May it be one of peace, happiness and prosperity! May it bring abundance and perfect divine health to everyone!  And may it provide needed rest and relaxation!

Happy New Year!

~Spotlight: Guardian of the Gauntlet by Lenita Sheridan~

When sisters, Princesses Camari and Mila, meet Prince Denir, they soon find he has a special gauntlet. This gauntlet only works if one has faith in a higher power. Using this gauntlet, Denir turns Camari invisible. When he is called off to war, Camari is left in the predicament of being invisible. This story takes Camari through her quest to become visible again and to return the gauntlet. Along the way she meets two wicked characters and must contend with them. She also meets Prince Isryk and must travel through the Wetlands of Fremil with him and encounter all sorts of nasty insects and other dangerous creatures.

Review by Red City Review

Opening with a verse from Matthew 25, Lenita Sheridan's Young Adult fantasy Guardian of the Gauntlet highlights the importance of personal convictions guided by faith.  The characters of Guardian of the Gauntlet are well rounded for the most part, and author Sheridan infuses bits of romantic dialogue with a touch of comedy. It's a fun read, so much so that one may desire a more complete description of the magical settings themselves. (This is only part of the review. You can read the rest on Red City Review.)

 

Review by Dinorah Blackman for Readers' Favorite

Guardian of the Gauntlet is a story for readers of all ages. Lenita Sheridan is an outstanding story teller with a vivid imagination. You are drawn right into the middle of the mild rivalry between the sisters and the bitter-sweetness of young love. Lenita Sheridan clearly illustrates the never-ending battle between good and evil and how easy it is to become so caught up in the struggle that one misses the whole point of life. Just like amulets and trinkets, the gauntlet in itself is powerless. But when it's used by a woman or man who dares to believe, the sky's the limit. What a perfect illustration of all that can be activated by faith. Guardian of the Gauntlet is an amazing way to open a discussion on the amount of faith that is required in order to experience miracles(This is only part of Dinorah Blackman's review.  You can read the rest at readersfavorite.com/book-review/24129.)

Where you can find Guardian Of The Gauntlet:

Amazon:  http://www.amazon.com/Guardian-Gauntlet-Lenita-Sheridan/dp/1619275333/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1451292512&sr=8-1&keywords=guardian+of+the+gauntlet

Where you can find Lenita: 

www.LenitaSheridan.com

Interview with Lenita:

1. What prompted you to write your book?

I was reading Stephen Donaldson's The Mirror of Her Dreams. It was in the middle of a snowstorm so school was closed. (I am a substitute teacher.) I slept in and had a dream about a princess being kidnapped. Being a writer already, this prompted me to start my book, Guardian of the Gauntlet.

2. Is the book autobiographical in any way?

The setting in the first book could be considered autobiographical, but nothing else.

3. Do you have any works in progress? What are they?

Yes, I am working on the third book in the Guardian of the Gauntlet trilogy. It is subtitled "The Wedding Feast."

4. Favorites-food, color, activity, place, book?

My favorite food is homemade macaroni and cheese. My favorite color is teal. My favorite activity is going on Goodreads, and not just to promote my book; lately I've been playing "Fortunately, Unfortunately." My favorite place is Whidbey Island, specifically, the wharf in downtown Coupeville.

5. What inspires you to write?

I am inspired by the places I have lived, Alaska, the British Isles, and the Puget Sound area of Washington state.

6. What would you like your readers to know about you?

I would like them to know I am a Christian, and that my faith has influenced my writing. I would also like them to know that, as a teacher, I have a good idea of what appeals to kids, especially those in the middle grades.

7. If you could give one piece of advice about life, what would it be?

Realize that there is a spiritual side to you and that faith in a higher being is really necessary to get you through life.

~The Attuning by Kristofer M. Hanson~

 

Aidan Allanson and his best friend Jona Aulgust have turned sixteen and come of age, headingtheir separate ways as they choose their new paths in life. Aidan, trained by his father in martial  arts, follows in his elder's footsteps by joining the Royal Guard of Allbron. Jona and his twin sister possess the skill to become Mystics, magic users with the ability to control the elements.  Four years later, all three have completed their schooling and moved on to their professions, distinguishing themselves through valor and talent.

 When Jona's sister, Jenna, is found to possess the ability to control a new form of Mysticism, she is kidnapped by the land's most nefarious Mystic.  Aidan and Jona join forces in a rescue attempt which sets them in the middle of a war between their home nation and its greatest rival.  Meanwhile, this war is being watched and manipulated by a force of unimaginable power, a power that will bring the nations of their land to their knees and destroy the entire world as they know it.

Where you can purchase The Attuning:

Amazon:http://www.amazon.com/Attuning-Athran-Saga-Book-ebook/dp/B012DXFK9C/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1450859337&sr=8-1&keywords=the+attuning+kristofer+hanson

BarnesandNoble:http://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/the-attuning-kristofer-m-hanson/1122385029?ean=2940152286410

Where you can find Kristofer:

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/KristoferMHanson

Twitter: @TheKMHanson

GoodReads: https://www.goodreads.com/KristoferMHanson

Interview with Kristofer:

1. What prompted you to write your book?

I had created the world of Athran in bits and pieces over the last 10-13 years. Problem I ran into was being full time, active duty military (United States Air Force). When I was retired in 2014 as a Wounded Warrior and Disabled Veteran I finally found I had the time to write. I had to do this. I had to get this story out and onto "paper". Authors like R.A. Salvatore and Robert Jordan were kind enough to share their worlds and characters with me, so I felt obligated to do the same.

Being disabled, I find I had a lot of time on my hands, so I sat down and began piecing together this world I had been creating. Athran began to take shape, with its rich, diverse races and unique form of "magic". I also love science fiction, so I wanted to find a way to join the two genres. I did not want to gently merge the two; I wanted the two to collide in a destructive battle. While THE ATTUNING focuses more on the fantasy aspect, I think readers will be surprised by what happens and how deep the sci-fi truly is in the world I created. The second book in the trilogy, THE AWAKENING, which I am currently writing, will focus more on the sci-fi side of the genre.

2. Is this your favorite genre to write about?

I was raised on fantasy by immersing myself in the worlds of the Forgotten Realms and Dragonlance. Robert Jordan came along and sucked me into his world as well. Michael Crichton introduced me to science fiction, and I have been glued to his novels and anything Star Trek and Star Wars for a long time now.

3. What inspires you to write?

My greatest inspiration will always be my family. My wife is one of my biggest fans and she has pushed me to do this for so long. She is also one of my harshest critics, so I know if I am doing something right or wrong when she beta reads for me. A lot of what comes out in my writing comes from the bond we have shared for 17 years now.

In terms of genre inspiration, the strongest science fiction inspiration I have is Star Trek with its rich galaxy and lore. With fantasy, Robert Jordan's The Wheel of Time has had the most inspiration on me in terms of world, but R.A. Salvatore has inspired me the most with his deep characters.

4. What are your favorites: food, color, place, activity?

My favorite food would be pizza, which I prefer to make myself. I specialize in making BBQ chicken pizzas.

My favorite color is green, as it just relaxes me. When I see the color green you think of Spring and new beginnings.

My favorite place is truly anywhere my family is. After eighteen years in the Air Force I have moved a lot, so I have found too many interesting places. The best one has always been where my family is.

My favorite activity is computer gaming. It is easy to find visual inspiration the world of Dragon Age or Mass Effect.

5. What would you like your readers to remember about you?

While I find writing personally fulfilling, I write because I have a story to tell. Do I write to make money? It would be nice, but that is the wrong reason to get into this business. I want to craft a story so engaging and original that they look forward to the next installment just like I did while waiting for Robert Jordan or Mr. Salvatore to release their next installment. Side Note: Brandon Sanderson did an excellent job of finishing up The Wheel of Time when Mr. Jordan passed on.

6. What are some interesting facts about you as a person?

I served in the United States Air Force for 18 years. I was decorated for my involvement in OPERATION SOUTHERN WATCH, OPERATION ENDURING FREEDOM, and OPERATION IRAQI FREEDOM. My travels as an Airman took me to Okinawa, Japan, South Korea, Oman, Bahrain, Saudi Arabia, Iraq, Kuwait, and coast to coast in the United States. I regret never getting an assignment to Europe, but someday I will get there. The Air Force opened a lot of doors for me, and I am proud of the time I served.

7. If you could give one piece of advice about life, what would it be?

If I learned anything in life, it is to limit regrets and to not dwell on past mistakes.

Mistakes will happen and they will help to mold you as a person, but you should not let them define you as a person. Learn from them and then move on with your life. Even better, learn from the mistakes that others will make as it will save you a lot of heartache. This knowledge ultimately forms the basis of your wisdom, and a wise person is a happy person.

We all have regrets, but like mistakes they help to form our wisdom and guide our life along what we deem to be the proper path. While I have past regrets, I have learned from them and also learned not to let them hold me back. Were it not for those, I never would have written this book. Had I not had the courage to write my book, it would have become a regret I would have had a lot of trouble facing every day.

The Sounds Of Giftmas by Rhonda Parrish

The sounds of Christmas. You know what I’m talking about. Christmas carols, jingling bells, choirs and the ka-ching of cash registers--oh wait let’s not talk about that last one LOL--Christmas has a lot of sounds, of songs associated with it. My family and I celebrate a secular version of Christmas that I like to call Giftmas, and it sounds an awful lot like Christmas!

Every evening between December 1st to the 25th we celebrate advent. For us, advent includes lighting candles, eating chocolates and listening to music. It’s a rather eclectic collection of music, but I like it:

In case you can’t read the titles they are: A Sesame Street Christmas Jingle Cats The Chieftains -- The Bells of Dublin Amahl and the Night Visitors Christmas Through the Ages Medieval Babes A Medieval Christmas

Now, you’re probably thinking we picked up the Sesame Street CD when my daughter was young, but we didn’t. That one is all about me. In fact, I’m pretty sure I bought it before Danica was even born!  One Christmas song I really adore which I don’t have on a CD is White Wine in the Sun by Tim Minchin.  That one gets me every.single.time.

Now, this isn’t to say I don’t like the traditional songs too. Silent Night, Away in a Manger, White Christmas? Love them. Them and so many others. But right now Tim Minchin and the Sesame Street crew top my list of favourite songs of the season. What’s on the top of your list?

Rhonda Parrish is driven by a desire to do All The Things. She was the publisher and editor-in-chief of Niteblade Magazine for eight years (which is like forever in internet time) and is the editor of several anthologies including, most recently, Scarecrow and B is for Broken.

In addition, Rhonda is a writer whose work has been in publications such as Tesseracts 17: Speculating Canada from Coast to Coast, Imaginarium: The Best Canadian Speculative Writing (2012 & 2015) and Mythic Delirium.

Her website, updated weekly, is at http://www.rhondaparrish.com

The Joy Of Christmas

**Originally posted on Fred Warren's blog at**

 https://frederation.wordpress.com/2015/12/14/the-joy-of-christmas-by-diamante-lavendar/

Christmas has always been a special time for me. As a kid and as a “grownup”. When I was younger, I would wait for the festivities of Christmas with “baited breath”. I loved the decorations and the tree, the stockings and the carols. But the greatest thing about Christmas to me was the “feeling.”

When I was very young, I would attempt to describe “the Christmas feeling” to my parents. They never really understood just exactly what I meant. They would look at me rather vacantly and say things like, “That’s nice. I’m happy you’re happy.”

But it was always so much more than that…happiness. It was an internal glow, a peace, a feeling of goodwill among men. Of course as a child I was unable to explain these complicated emotions. But I felt them. Fully. And they made me feel more alive than I ever could have explained…until I became a “grownup”.

Christmas is more than a season. Or a holiday. To me, it’s a frame of mind…a way of living. It is truly embodying the concept of, “Peace on earth…goodwill toward men.” It is beautiful. It is invigorating. It is a newness of life and attitude.

Christmas happens any time a random act of kindness occurs. It happens every time someone pays it forward. Christmas, no matter the time of year, comes alive whenever we think of others as much or more than we think of ourselves. It comes when we extend our boundaries to include the happiness of family and strangers. In my life, the most beautiful moments that I remember are moments when I was able to make a difference…to help someone in some way. To me, that is true Christmas.

I hope that by example I am able to extend Christmas every day of the year in some sort of way. I love the notion of “being Christmas” to my family, friends, and even those I don’t know. It is a tall order, but a wonderful goal to reach toward.

Perhaps as you read this, you will find yourself considering the feeling of Christmas…perhaps even living the feeling on a day-to-day basis. I can only imagine the ripple effect of beauty that “living the feeling” could bring to all of us who find ourselves sharing this earth together. What a grand scheme of things that would indeed create!

May you feel the peace, love and joy all year long, not just this holiday season!

~Review Of The Winter Blade by J.D. Begley~

When an enemy kingdom launches a surprise attack against the Clanlands in the dead of winter, life becomes a race for survival against an overwhelming force. During the attack, an avalanche separates childhood friends Graven and Tevlin of Clan Mal from the rest of their Clan and each other, it begins for them a journey to reunite with their people and help to defend their homeland. Along the way they will be pursued by assassins, make new friends, form alliances, find love, and discover hidden truths about themselves.

My Rating:  4 Stars!

This book is a bit rough around the edges with some minor editing issues, but it was still a delightful story! It told a tale of two men, Graven and Tevlin, as they were stranded from their clan and were forced to travel through many lands and situations to be reunited with their people once again.

The plot was well conceived and the characters were well developed. Though there were some issues as I stated above, this book was a very enjoyable journey into the lives of the main characters of the story. I would highly recommend this book to anyone who loves fantasy! The imagination in the story was intriguing and the plot was fast paced and interesting after the first few chapters laid the groundwork of the things to come.

If you enjoy reading fantasy, magic and epic battle intrigues, this book is for you!

Interview with J.D.:

1. What prompted you to write your book?

I have been fascinated by fantasy and science fiction for almost as long as I can remember. When I was a young man, I wrote a few collaborative stories on a forum I was involved with. I was told what I wrote was very captivating. Shortly thereafter I swore to myself I would one day write a book. Time passed and living life happened, but the desire to write never left. One day fairly recently, I found myself with more free time than I liked. I decided this was the opportunity to fulfill the promise I made to myself. I sat down and I began writing.

2. Do you have a work in progress at the moment?  What is it?

At the time I am writing this, I am working on the second book of this trilogy, continuing the story of Graven and his friends. Book three will come after, of course. After that I have an idea for a science fiction story I want to write, as well as other ideas I want to explore.

3. What inspires you to write?

Many things.  Other authors and their stories.  My lovely wife.  My friends.  My imagination.

4. Who are your favorite authors and why?

There are so many, it’s hard to pick. I’ll always have a fond spot for Margaret Weiss and Tracy Hickman with their Dragonlance series. I just loved there style of epic fantasy. I love David Eddings for the way his characters interact and have conversations. Steven King for obvious reasons. More recently Brandon Sanderson with his novel takes on how magic works in his worlds.

5. More favorites-food, color, place, activity?

I’m sort of an amateur foodie. I love trying new things, but also fall back on favorites, such as chili or lasagna. I love seafood if I can get it fairly fresh (not easy in Indiana).

For colors I tend to favor earth tones and dark colors. When I was young it was all black, all the time. Yes, I was sort of one of those kids. My favorite color now vacillates between green and blue.

6. What would you like your readers to know about you?

I have what has been described by others as a ‘dry’ sense of humor. This typically comes across as sarcasm. Despite this, I tend to deeply care about the people that are close to me. I’m a little socially awkward by default, but I am great at faking social skills if I want to, so you’ll never know it. I do love hearing from fans, even if currently there are only maybe two of you! So don’t be afraid to say ‘hi’ on Twitter or Facebook!

7. If you could give one piece of advice about life, what would it be?

If reasonable, pursue at least one of your dreams. It is better to at least have tried, than to regret never trying at all. You cannot succeed at all if you don’t try.

Where you can find The Winter Blade:

http://www.amazon.com/Winter-Blade-Harbinger-Relics-Trilogy-ebook/dp/B00ZYYBCP4/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1450084238&sr=8-1&keywords=the+winter+blade+jd+begley

 Where you can find J.D.:

Facebook:  https://www.facebook.com/authorjdbegley/?fref=nf

Twitter:  https://twitter.com/jd_begley

Guest Post by Manda Pepper! A Mishmash of Holiday Traditions!

A Mishmash of Holiday Traditions by M Pepper Langlinais

So here’s the thing. I started out Catholic, went to CCD until my mother got “born again” and started taking me to a much louder church. Dad was a holiday Catholic anyway, but Mom was all in on the (as she called it) non-denominational charismatic Christianity, so suddenly Christmas didn’t mean Advent and Midnight Mass. In fact, it ended up meaning a lot more time at church because Mom went Sunday mornings, Sunday nights, and Wednesday nights, and she dragged me with her.

The religious aspect notwithstanding, I grew up with some great traditions. The tree went up the weekend after Thanksgiving. Sometimes we pulled the old plastic tree out, and sometimes we got ambitious and went to get a live one. Having a live tree meant spending a large part of the season trying to keep our pets—we always had at least one dog and cat, often more—from drinking the water and that stuff you put in it to keep the tree from drying out.

Once the tree was standing, we’d put on the Christmas records (Bing Crosby, Andy Williams) and decorate. I’m an only child and very close with my parents, and holiday decorating was always a jolly time. We lived in the American South, so we didn’t have the traditional snow and cold, but Mom had grown up in Alaska and knew how to go all out with lights. Where she was from, winter meant 24 hours of darkness, so the lights were key.

We also had a very special nativity. It was from Italy, and I took great pride in getting to set it out each year. Besides the tree water, another big part of the holiday season was to keep the animals from knocking over the shepherd or chewing baby Jesus. (I’m sad to say one dog did get to the angel and, erm, clipped its wings. Our donkey also lost its ears.)

Having grandparents in Alaska had benefits. My grandfather convinced me he was a friend of Santa’s, that they were drinking buddies. So I always sent my wish list to my grandparents and would receive direct reports on what Santa had to say about it.

My birthday is the week before Christmas, too, which is a mixed blessing. There’s the fact that one can’t celebrate one’s birthday without being surrounded by Christmas carols and holiday decorations. It’s hard to feel special when everyone is celebrating. And there were always those friends who would hand you something and say, “This is for Christmas AND your birthday.” Um, excuse me? I bought you two separate presents, you can do the same, thankyouverymuch. And don’t you dare wrap my birthday present in Christmas paper either.

Also, my birthday fell at finals. And everyone was always traveling, or otherwise busy, so I never had parties.

But the up side is that my birthday does tend to be very festive. Like, there is usually a good mood around that time of year. And things are colorful, cheerful. So while I didn’t have birthday parties (still don’t), there was often a party atmosphere.

Also, my birthday is always around the time the big movies open for the holidays. All those Lord of the RingsI movies, and now the Star Wars ones . . . I can feel pretty special about that.

A few years ago I married a nice Jewish boy and had to learn how to incorporate Hanukkah into my seasonal festivities. We’ve blended things pretty nicely, I think. We decorate the weekend after Thanksgiving, just as when I was a kid. And we put up a tree but also have Hanukkah decorations. Blue and silver have been favorite colors of mine since I was young (were in fact my wedding colors), so I’m delighted to use them in my holiday color scheme. We light the menorah. We debate whether to do one big Hanukkah gift or several small ones, same as we argue whether to open one gift on Christmas Eve or wait until Christmas morning.

We have a tradition of going to Hallmark to each (we have three kids now) pick out an ornament every year. Lots of Disney princesses from our daughter, superheroes and space vehicles from our sons. Makes for a pretty eclectic tree.

No Midnight Mass. No church at all, actually, but I do bake a charm into a cake on Twelfth Night. Would decorate in holly and ivy if I could. As I get older, I lean toward embracing Yule. I’m not sure why; there’s just something about it that speaks more to me than other religious slants to the season. It’s so basic, this acknowledgement of the darkest day and the slow return of light. Something about that simplicity, when the rest of the season is so frilly and hectic, soothes me.

So at the end of the day, we’re celebrating a little bit of everything. Christmas, Hanukkah, Yule, and my birthday (my husband’s, too, is December 2nd) all come crashing into December, filling it with light and noise and seemingly ceaseless activity. It’s sort of a beautiful train wreck, if there is such a thing. So that by the time it’s finished and we’re looking New Year’s in the eye, we’re breathless. Ready for it to be over. And for all things new to begin.

About the Author:

Best known for her Sherlock Holmes stories, M Pepper Langlinais is also a produced playwright and screenwriter. She holds a degree in Radio-Television-Film from the University of Texas at Austin, where she interned on film sets and participated in the Shakespeare at Winedale program. She also earned a Master of Arts in Writing, Literature and Publishing from Emerson College. M now lives in Livermore, California. Learn more about her and her work at http://pepperwords.com. Find her books at http://www.amazon.com/M-Pepper-Langlinais/e/B008FBOSPE/ref=dp_byline_cont_ebooks_1. And join her on Facebook at http://www.facebook.com/mpepperlanglinais.

You can also enter to win a couple of M’s books (among others) below!

a Rafflecopter giveaway

~Spotlight of Into The Light by P. Wish~

Into the Light is a versatile collection of nine short stories. The book is divided into three segments: science fiction, human interest and comedy. These enigmatic tales examine the relationship between technology, society and humanity. From a website that can undo your mistakes to a heartwarming tale of love, this book will take you on a journey unlike any other…

Interview with P. Wish:

1.  Tell us about your book-the inspiration behind the story? Into the Light is inspired by many things and events in my life. As it is a collection of short stories spanning three genres, the range of inspiration is very wide. I will be a doing a series on my blog titled ‘Story behind the stories’ which will detail my reason for writing each of the nine stories in the collection. As the general theme of the book is humanity and society, these were definitely major themes that inspired me.

2.  Is there anything autobiographical about your book? Like Oscar Wilde said ‘A woman’s face is her work of fiction.’. I think my experiences invariably make their way into the stories that I write. That being said, this collection is mostly fictional. A few bits are inspired by my life but most of it is my imagination.

3.  What is your favorite genre to write?  To read? My favorite genre to write is probably thriller. I love to write anything that has a complex plot. I also enjoy writing chick lit, romance and comedy which is at the opposite end of the spectrum. My favorite genre to read is definitely historical romance. A few of my favorite writers are Barbra Cartland, Judith McNaught and Lisa Kleypas. I also like contemporary romances. Besides romance, I like mysteries. Think Agatha Christie and Ellery Queen.

4.  Fantasy vacation-where and with whom? This is a hard question. I love to travel. I would definitely like to visit Shanghai, probably with my friend who is from Shanghai. I need someone who knows Mandarin to survive. She is also great at bargaining, which is always handy. I love big cities. The bigger, the better.

5.  Favorites:  food, color, place, activity? I like anything spicy so Indian, Chinese (Sichuanese) and Korean are my favorite cuisines. I also love sweets. I like all kinds of desserts. I don’t have a favorite color but most of my clothes happen to be blue. My favorite place is Hong Kong (tied with New York). My favorite activity is reading. I also love to paint, dance and watch movies.

6.  What would you like your readers to know about you? I am releasing my debut short story collection, Into the Light on 28th October, 2015. If you would like to know more about me, you can watch my videos on my youtube channel. I am also serializing my debut chick lit novel on my blog currently. Check back for a new chapter every Sunday.

7.  If you could give one piece of advice about life, what would it be? Live.

Where you can find Into The Light:

Amazon:  http://www.amazon.com/Into-Light-collection-short-stories-ebook/dp/B015QEPPBS/ref=asap_bc?ie=UTF8

Where you can find P. Wish:

Blog: https://www.pwish.net

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

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/authorpwish

Google+: https://plus.google.com/u/0/+PWish

Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/c/PWish?gvnc=1

Goodreads Author Page: https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/13852944.P_Wish

Linkedin: https://uk.linkedin.com/pub/p-wish/105/347/68b

Amazon Author Page: http://www.amazon.com/-/e/B00YF8RPTM