#FictionFriday #11 – deals, new releases, and freebies

Note: Every Friday I’m going to (attempt to) list any great looking books or deals I’ve come across earlier in the week. Often, I won’t have read these books myself yet – seeing as I’m supposed to be writing one (!!) – but these are deals or books I thought looked good enough to share. All links – for ease of linking – are to Amazon.com but most, if not all, of these books are available on all platforms including paperback. Hint, if you are in Canada or the UK (etc) and want to buy just change the .com in your browser to .ca (etc).

Some nonfiction for the blog this week: Three Kitties That Saved My Life ebook coverAuthor Michael Meyer has his nonfiction book, The Three Kitties That Saved My Life available today through Monday for $0.99. This heart-wrenching and heart-felt tale has 4.6 stars out of 46 reviews.

Horror Stories From a Computer Tech

Another nonfiction offering, Horror Stories From A Computer Tech is only $0.99 and the audio book has recently been released (if you prefer to listen rather than read).

The Other Number 10

Jo Jacobs has a NEW RELEASE this week with her new book, The Other Number 10 (the Sadie Series) and the early reviews are glowing. Interested in a steamy tale os sex, drugs and saucy secrets? Who isn’t??!! LOL

Oxygen ebook cover

Randy Ingermanson’s science fiction suspense novel, Oxygen, is currently on special for $0.99 on all the major retailers. Interestingly, the novel is actually set mostly in 2014, and a key scene is datelined April 4, 2014, which is today! The author wrote the book back in 2001, and says it feels surreal to watch his futuristic novel turn into historical fiction. Cool, huh? So are the reviews – 4.5 star average over 110!!

Big Lake ebook cover

Nick Russell’s Big Lake is $0.99 today as well. this crime thriller has over 201 customer reviews on Amazon!!

Moon Struck ebook cover

Last, but not least, Jeanette Raleigh is currently offering her novel Moon Stuck
for FREE. It is the first book in the When Were and How! series.

Fiction Friday #10 – new releases, deals, and freebies

Note: Every Friday I’m going to (attempt to) list any great looking books or deals I’ve come across earlier in the week. Often, I won’t have read these books myself yet – seeing as I’m supposed to be writing one (!!) – but these are deals or books I thought looked good enough to share. All links – for ease of linking – are to Amazon.com but most, if not all, of these books are available on all platforms including paperback. Hint, if you are in Canada or the UK (etc) and want to buy just change the .com in your browser to .ca (etc).

La'aryylia ebook cover

Scott Fitzgerald Gray, aka the editor extraordinaire of ALL my books, just RELEASED the sequel to his young adult SCI-FI, Sidnye, Queen of the Universe. The second book is called La’aryylia. I’ve already read book one and loved it. Yes, I need to do a stand alone blog post about it. And I’ve also already snatched up the sequel, but not sat down to read it yet 🙁

Harpy's Wild ebook cover

 

More SCI-FI – John Dalton just RELEASED a stand alone prequel to his Galactic Mage Series, Ilbei Spadebreaker and the Harpy’s Wild.

Chosen To Die ebook cover

And more SCI-FI!! Saxon Andrew has also just RELEASED the seventh book in his Sci-Fi Lens of Time Series, Chosen To Die. As a thank you to his readers, Saxon has lowered the price of this newest book to $2.99 until Saturday when it will revert to $4.99.

Dying To Forget ebook cover

Trish Marie Dawson is offering Dying To Forget, the first book in her The Station series, for FREE right now. 4.5 stars out of 282 reviews = WOW! NICE!

End of The Road

How about a collection of short stories for FREE? It might be a good way to find some new writers!! End of the Road is a collection of 31 stories by some of the most talented indie authors around.

That’s it for this week! I’ve got some reading to do!!

Writer Wednesday – D.B. McNicol

Let’s welcome author D.B. McNicol to Writer Wednesday on the blog!! Donna has another “mom” recipe to share with us – YAY! – along with her book, Not A Whisper. I’m thinking I just might be in the mood for a romantic suspense novel. What about you?

Made by D.B. McNicol

This is a recipe from childhood, something my mother concocted. My brothers and I loved it and we have all passed it on to our kids who grew up loving it as well. She called it “Goulash” but it’s not the dish that typically comes to mind. Quick, simple, tasty! – Donna

My Mother’s Goulash

DBMcNicol-goulash1 pound ground beef

2 small or 1 large can of Italian Stewed Tomatoes

Optional: make yours from scratch for less sodium

1 cup pasta

1 small onion or dehydrated onion

 

Add pasta to pan of boiling water. Boil for two minutes. Stir, cover and set aside to cook.

Brown the ground beef mixing in the chopped onion or sprinkling with the dehydrated onion.

When beef is browned, drain off grease and add the stewed tomatoes. You can drain the liquid but I use it all since there are usually leftovers and this keeps them moist. Chop the tomatoes smaller.

Drain the pasta when done, add to the beef and tomatoes. Stir and simmer for 5 or so minutes.

Serve and top with grated cheese and/or Mrs. Dash Original.

Approximately 6 servings

NOTE: my mother always used sea shells, I often mix types of pasta and here in Ecuador we currently use vegetable pasta. When we heat the leftovers we add a dab of butter … almost better the second time around. – Donna

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Not A Whisper

Not A Whisper - cover

Synopsis:  When Cherie Marshall catches her fiancé and best friend in a compromising position, she cancels her upcoming wedding and jumps at the chance to escape to quiet Klondike, Pennsylvania to care for her elderly aunt. She thought her biggest issue would be adapting to life in the middle of a National Forest, so very different from her upbringing in the deserts of Arizona. But that was before she met State Trooper Fire Marshall Jamison “Jazz” Maddox at the scene of a mysterious fire. As they both become acquainted with the close-knit Klondike residents, things get complicated as Cherie and Jazz find themselves in the middle of a local crime wave where arson, kidnapping, embezzlement and a decades old murder are just the tip of the iceberg.

Early reader comments:

“What a great read. I didn’t see the end coming. Can’t wait until the next book is out. Fast paced, twists and turns and a little romance thrown in. WTG!!”

“Fantastic Donna! Best book I’ve read in a long time. Excited to hear more about these characters.”

“I’m about half way through and loving it. Very hard to put down, a great read!”

DBMcNicol-photo

Donna B. McNicol retired after 30+ years working in the IT industry. She spent many of those years writing technical documents and user instructions. In 1996 she began moonlighting in freelance writing; she spent the next ten years writing for such online sites as The Mining Company, Suite101, BellaOnline and About.com.

A year into widowhood, she decided to ride the 48 continental US states on her Harley-Davidson motorcycle, solo. Over five months and several trips she managed to ride through 42 states, covering over 27,000 miles. In 2007 she started full-time RVing, traveling the USA. In 2008 she met her husband and they married in 2009.

In 2012, while traveling the country in their 41’ fifth wheel trailer (with room for their two motorcycles), she decided to give fiction writing a try. Her first book, “Home Again” was published in 2012, quickly followed by “Barely a Spark” and “Not a Whisper” in 2013. She has also written several short stories and flash fiction compilations as well as a children’s picture book.

She and her husband currently reside in Cuenca, Ecuador where she continues her writing.

 Be sure get your free copy of the Klondike Kompanion and read the “Meet the Characters” interviews from the author’s website.

Fiction Friday #9 – $ 0.99 deals, and freebies

Note: Every Friday I’m going to (attempt to) list any great looking books or deals I’ve come across earlier in the week. Often, I won’t have read these books myself yet – seeing as I’m supposed to be writing one (!!) – but these are deals or books I thought looked good enough to share. All links – for ease of linking – are to Amazon.com but most, if not all, of these books are available on all platforms including paperback. Hint, if you are in Canada or the UK (etc) and want to buy just change the .com in your browser to .ca (etc).

Author Randy Ingermanson is offering his Sci-Fi/Thriller, Double Vision, for $0.99 right now. It is averaging 4.4 stars out of 38 reviews. Side note – I LOVE this cover, sexy & thrilling.

Jacques Antoine has the first book is his young adult Emily Kane Adventures series, Girl Fights Back, available for $0.99 today and tomorrow only!

Trish Marie Dawson has her NEW novel, The Dry Lands FREE today and tomorrow only!! Snatch this one up quick!!

Suzie O’Connell has just set her book Mountain Angel – the first book in her NorthStar Angels contemporary romance series – to permafree. Thanks Suzie!

Corrie Fischer has REM – the first book in the Sci-Fi Shattered Sky Series – FREE until Sunday.  There are some great early reviews for this book. If you happen to grab it this weekend, please consider leaving an honest review after you read.

This looks interesting, Randall J. Morris has his history article, Prayer: Archangels and Intercessory Beings permafree right now.

That’s it for today!

What are you reading this weekend? (I’m currently reading three books and writing three books …. hmm.)

Writer Wednesday – Jeanette Raleigh

Let’s welcome author Jeanette Raleigh to Writer Wednesday on the blog!! Jeanette has recently expanded her novella, Moon Struck, into a longer novel. You can currently download the 1st book in the When Were & How! series for free via Smashwords or $0.99 via Amazon. If you do take a moment to read – the story looks like A LOT of fun – please leave the author an honest review at at your point of purchase.

Made by Jeanette Raleigh

This particular recipe reminds me of my high school English teacher. Even though he was known for being a tough grader, I loved his class.  I sat at the front and paid very close attention. Even back then I wanted to be a writer. Every month or so our class would all decide to bring goodies on the same day for an impromptu party (without telling the teacher). He would go along with it, letting us have our treats before getting down to business.  He LOVED my mom’s brownies.  Thanks Mr. Miller – Jeanette

Yummy Rich Brownies

½ cup butter

1 cup sugar

1 tsp real vanilla

2 eggs

Qty 2 –  1 oz unsweetened chocolate – melted

½ cup flour

½ cup chopped walnuts

Cream first three ingredients. Beat in eggs. Add chocolate. Stir in flour & nuts.

Grease a 8” x 8” x 2” pan.  Bake at 325 degrees for 30-35 minutes. Let cool.

Best if served with ice cream or whipped cream.

You know, I’m still sick and I in no way NEED brownies but I WANT brownies now! I’m so susceptible to these  writer wednesday posts!! – Meg

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Moon Struck

Moon Stuck amazon cover

Synopsis: When Jen falls in love with her boss, she doesn’t think she has a chance. After all, she is only a little weremouse.  With a broken heart after Rob’s moon tryst spends a night at the office, Jen finds a magical way to become a wolf. But walking in someone else’s fur isn’t all it’s cracked up to be, as Jen learns in Moon Struck.

Author Jeanette Raleigh

Jeanette Raleigh is an artist and author who has spent most of her life at some creative pursuit. Whether painting a castle or writing a novel, Jeanette enjoys the playful aspects of creation and strives to create worlds where others feel at home.

Fiction Friday #8 – new releases, $ 0.99 deals, and freebies

Note: Every Friday I’m going to (attempt to) list any great looking books or deals I’ve come across earlier in the week. Often, I won’t have read these books myself yet – seeing as I’m supposed to be writing one (!!) – but these are deals or books I thought looked good enough to share. All links – for ease of linking – are to Amazon.com but most, if not all, of these books are available on all platforms including paperback. Hint, if you are in Canada or the UK (etc) and want to buy just change the .com in your browser to .ca (etc).

Author Molly Snow – I LOVE THIS COVER – has just released the second book in her Werewolf Kisses series, To Date A Werewolf – $3.99. Zombies and werewolves? Yes, please. Molly is also known for her paranormal BeSwitched series, which looks like a great fun read (and you can grab the first one for free right now). The first book in her new series is To Kiss a Werewolf.

We have two deals from author K.S. Haigwood this week. First, is her new permafree, Save My Soul. With this gorgeous cover and a 4.5 star average out 196 reviews? Snatch this baby up before it goes back to paid!

Second, Eternal Immortality  is only $0.99 until Sunday. Another beautiful cover and 4.9 stars out of 37 reviews!!

Author Traci Hilton has her cozy mystery, Dirty Little Murder, available for $0.99 today and tomorrow. The Plain Jane Mystery series looks like a fun, quick read with a bit of suspense mixed in.

Sharon Delarose has her just published sci-fi, Fomorian Earth: Star Borne 1, and it’s available for 0.99$ today. If you like the sound of this one, please consider about leaving an honest review after you’ve read it. That’s the best way to help out any author!!

Writer Wednesday – Elizabeth Jasper

Let’s welcome author Elizabeth Jasper to Writer Wednesday on the blog!! When Liz told me she had two “mom” recipes to share with the blog I was thrilled. Mom recipes are always standouts. I’ve never made a brioche before but this sounds really amazing!!

Made by Elizabeth Jasper

Completely out of the blue, two of my daughters contacted me within 24 hours to ask for different recipes they remembered from when they were growing up. This reminded me of the kind of things I liked when I grew up; not much, as I remember, as it wasn’t that long after the Second World War and my mother’s generation had little in the way of ingredients because of rationing and had to cook simple meals with not very interesting ingredients. In my book, Meggie Blackthorn, the heroine, Meggie, is growing up in that same era, when ingredients were still scarce. In the narrative, I describe what sort of meals Meggie and her family were able to have; some great (her mum is a great cook) and some not (her grandmother is terrible). What a contrast to the range of ingredients available to me when my children were growing up. Here’s the first recipe – perfect to take on a summer picnic. – Liz

Salmon and Pesto Brioche

Serves 6

Ingredients
for brioche dough
8oz plain flour
1 packet easy-blend yeast
3 tbsp milk
3.5oz melted butter
1 tsp sugar
Half tsp salt
2 beaten eggs
10oz cold cooked salmon
3.5ozs pesto (bought or home made)
Egg to glaze

For pesto sauce
4 tbsp olive oil
2 cloves garlic
1 cup fresh basil leaves (or parmesan)
2 tbsp pine nuts
3 tbsp finely grated pecorino cheese
salt & pepper

Method
Brioche dough
First make the brioche dough by putting all the ingredients into a bowl of a food processor and mixing well (about 2 – 3 mins). Turn the dough out onto a floured board and knead lightly into a ball.

Put into a greased polythene bag and leave to rise either in a warm place for 2 hrs or overnight in fridge. Knock back the dough and divide into 12 balls, knead each one lightly and then roll them out into circles about 4″ in diameter.

Place a small spoonful of pesto in the centre of each circle and then put on a piece of the cold salmon. Gather the edge of the dough, having dampened them lightly, and enclose the filling forming a ball.

Place these seam-side down on a baking sheet and leave to rise for about 15 minutes while the oven is heating to 450F (230C) or gas mark 8. Glaze with the beaten egg and cook for about 15 mins until golden brown. Allow to cool. These are best baked on the day of eating though much of the preparation can be done earlier.

Pesto Sauce
Pesto is a pungent Mediterranean sauce whose strongly aromatic flavours of basil and garlic are enhance by the rough texture of the pine nuts and cheese.

Process all ingredients except the cheese, which is stirred into the amalgam after blending.

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Meggie Blackthorn

Meggie Blackthorn Cover EBOOK LARGE

Synopsis:  Early 1960s – Newcastle, UK. When eleven-year-old Meggie’s feckless Dad doesn’t pay the coal man she takes matters into her own hands. With her younger brother, Jack, she sets off to find the free coal she knows can be found in the pit heaps opposite their village. When she and Jack return home from their adventure, she’s punished. Does she still love her dad? She’s not so sure and when she has to make a choice between going to live with her grandparents at their newsagent’s shop in Newcastle so she can go to the grammar school or staying in Shippon and going to the local secondary school she decides to leave home. She soon finds herself in an even bigger mess. Billy Fish and The Codmother are ripping off Meggie’s grandparents. With her new friend, paperboy Dave Spedding, she tries to help, but finds herself trapped in a dangerous situation. Growing pains, a new school, dealing with Billy Fish’s threats against her grandparents and coping with long-hidden family secrets stretch Meggie’s resourcefulness and strength of character to the limit.

Author Elizabeth JasperAbout Elizabeth Jasper. Born and raised in the NE of England, I spent most of my working life in various capacities in prestigious UK universities, where I organised SummerSchools and Study Tours, as well as carrying out a variety of administrative functions. I liked working for a living – it paid the bills – but I love writing even more. These days I am fortunate enough to be able to write full-time and have completed five novels, all available on Amazon Kindle: The Golden Cuckoo (for children aged 9-12), Lying in Wait, A Bed of Knives and books One and Two in the ‘Meggie’ Series – Meggie Blackthorn (Book One) and Meggie Blue (Book Two). The third book in the series, Jack the Lad, will be published in 2014. All of my books are available in paperback format. My primary aim as a writer is to entertain and engage my readers. I write across genres in order to expand my characters beyond the stereotypes often found in genre books and no matter how dark the material, I hope I can raise a smile or two along the way. A tear is even better.

Catch up with Liz online at her blog or on Amazon

Fiction Friday #7 – great $ 0.99 deals & freebies

Note: Every Friday I’m going to (attempt to) list any great looking books or deals I’ve come across earlier in the week. Often, I won’t have read these books myself yet – seeing as I’m supposed to be writing one (!!) – but these are deals or books I thought looked good enough to share. All links – for ease of linking – are to Amazon.com but most, if not all, of these books are available on all platforms including paperback. Hint, if you are in Canada or the UK (etc) and want to buy just change the .com in your browser to .ca (etc).

Fellow Canadian author, Mona Ingram, has put her new adult romance, Full Circle, on sale until Feb 25. It’s $0.99 this week, and normally $3.99.  Hello, 4.3 stars out of 144 reviews! Nice!!

Steven Thomas has his autobiographical, I was a Drummer she was a Dancer up for FREE over at Smashwords, where you can download any format you prefer. Thanks, Steven!

Russell Blake, who has been much touted in the news these last few weeks (including the WSJ) has just put his thriller, Night of The Assassin, up for FREE!! 4.2 stars out of 336 reviews – I do hate you just a little, Mr. Blake – yes, please!

Michael Meyer has a kindle countdown deal going on for his humorous satire, The Famous Union, right now. It’s only $0.99 thru Sunday. FYI – Michael also shared his seafood stew with the blog for the very first Writer Wednesday of 2014.

And last but not least, Lee Hansen is offering her book, Castle Cay – the first novel in the Julie O’Hara mystery series – for FREE right now. Normally it is priced at $3.99. At 4 stars out of 303 reviews, I kind of hate Lee almost as much as I do Russell … just based on reviews – they are both great people – LOL!!

Writer Wednesday – C. A. Newsome

Let’s welcome author C. A. Newsome to Writer Wednesday on the blog!! I haven’t had a chance to read any of Carol Anne’s books yet, but her mystery series is getting a lot of buzz!! It averages 4 stars out of 197 reviews on Amazon – NICE!!

Made by C. A. Newsome

I began researching brain foods after a head injury in 2001. Food has an enormous impact on your ability to concentrate, as well as your levels of energy, your mood and your health. After years of experimentation, I’ve settled on the following recipe as the best way for me to start my day. This recipe makes about one quart. You can serve it up as breakfast for two, or do what I do and have half for breakfast and half for lunch.

My main character shares many of my food quirks. Her boyfriend, Peter, prefers Pop Tarts. He refers to the following recipe as Lia’s Pond Scum Smoothie. – C.A.

smoothie-blenderLia’s Pond Scum Smoothie
Put 1 cup of blueberries (fresh or frozen) in your blender
Add enough chopped kale to fill the rest of the blender without packing (I use pre-washed, chopped kale. Baby kale has a lovely texture and milder taste, but it’s expensive and doesn’t last as long in the fridge).
Add 12 ounces water or almond milk
Blend.
Add 1 banana and 1 avocado
Blend until smooth, adding additional water or almond milk until you reach your desired consistency.
Option: Add a Tablespoon of green powder.
Option #2: 1-3 Tablespoons ground chia seed for extra fullness, protein and Omega 3s

Green powders are a great way to supplement. Chlorella and spirulina are excellent brain foods. I make my own green powder, combining 4 ounces each cracked cell chlorella and spirulina with 2 ounces each of wheatgrass powder and barley grass powders. I put these in a glass quart jar, then close the lid and gently roll the jar around until they combine. – C.A.

I’ve been doing a green smoothie every morning in 2014 so far – yes, an actual New Year’s resolution – so I’m totally looking forward to trying Carol Anne’s recipe. Also, her main character, Lia, has “food quirks”? I think MANY of my characters could relate – LOL.

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A Shot in the Bark

A Shot in the Bark Book cover

Synopsis: Would you recognize a serial killer if you met one? Talked to one every day? Artist Lia Anderson doesn’t, and neither does anyone else who frequents the Mount Airy Dog Park.

When Lia’s boyfriend, Luthor, dies violently, Detective Peter Dourson is assigned to the case. Peter penetrates the close-knit group of dog lovers with the help of Viola, the dead man’s dog. The more he learns, the more he is convinced that someone is not who they seem.  As the investigation uncovers Luthor’s secrets, Lia struggles to make sense of her feelings about Luthor and her growing attraction to Peter. Meanwhile, a killer hides in plain sight and anyone can become a target.

C.A. Newsome author photo

C. A. (Carol Ann) Newsome writes the Lia Anderson Dog Park Mysteries, a series of fun, romantic suspense/mystery novels which are inspired by and centered around her mornings at the Mount Airy Dog Park with her trio of rescues (rowdy hooligans).

A life-long lover of fiction, Carol turned to books and audiobooks during her decade-long recovery from a head injury that occurred when she and her bike were struck by a car. Years of immersing herself in popular fiction lead to imagining the book she wanted to read, and wondering if she could actually write it.

She is also an artist with an M.F.A. from the University of Cincinnati. You’ll see portraits of some of her favorite four-footed friends on the covers of her books. She enjoys creating community-based public artworks. As an artist, she is best known for her New Leaf Global Good-Will Guerrilla Art Project.

Her other interests include astrology, raw food and all forms of psychic phenomena. She likes to sing to her dogs. The dogs are the only ones who like to listen.

Catch up with Carol Ann online at her website. Pssst, she’s been known to do LOTS of giveaways!!

Fiction Friday #6 – new releases and great deals

Note: Every Friday I’m going to (attempt to) list any great looking books or deals I’ve come across earlier in the week. Often, I won’t have read these books myself yet – seeing as I’m supposed to be writing one (!!) – but these are deals or books I thought looked good enough to share. All links – for ease of linking – are to Amazon.com but most, if not all, of these books are available on all platforms including paperback. Hint, if you are in Canada or the UK (etc) and want to buy just change the .com in your browser to .ca (etc).

Geekus Maxiumus just RELEASED an audio version of his book, Horror Stories from A Computer Tech Geek this week – $3.95. The kindle version can be found for $0.99. I believe this book was inspired by the Joe Konrath 8-hour challenge, so if you’re looking for a laugh maybe you will find it here.

Next up is Tube Riders by Chris Ward. The kindle edition is currently FREE. This book has been getting a lot of buzz in my writer’s group so grab it up while it’s free. There are two more books available in the series. I just grabbed a copy from the Canadian store, though I’m so backed up on my reading I fear I may never get to it.

Jess Mountifield’s short fantasy Wandering to Belong is also FREE right now!! It’s averaging 4.8 out of 5 stars on amazon right now.

J.R.C. Salter’s first book in the Calnis Chronicles, Allison’s Defeat, is currently FREE right now. “Buffy The Vampire Slayer meets Lord of the Rings” – hmmm, THAT sounds interesting!!