Thursday, January 30, 2014

BB: The Freedman and the Pharaoh's Staff

BLURB:
Jeb, a former slave, rescues his brother-in-law Crispus from the Ku Klux Klan, only to be drawn into a world of Creole Voodoo, racism, time travel, and redemption.

Verdiss, the leader of the Ku Klux Klan has gained possession of the Pharaoh's Staff, a magical artifact from ancient Egypt and concocted a diabolical plan far more insidious than himself.

In the end, Jeb and Crispus must stop an entire people from eradication and each find redemption for their own past sins.
EXCERPT:
Small rib bones clattered on the wooden table, where several black and red candles burned, their flames dancing like a company of elegant danseuses. There was a sense of power in the air. The old conjure-woman felt its prick at the back of her throat as she studied the animal bones. La’Rita was a Haitian woman with a cape of dreadlocks. She would have been beautiful were it not for the boils covering her face—and that her eyes were devoid of any color. La’Rita leaned over the table, shifting her weight in the chair. Shelves and desks filled with jars of grotesque, rotten items surrounded her. Foul-smelling roots and herbs filled some. Rancid liquids filled others to preserve the dead animals they held. Leather-bound books occupied some of the shelves, many etched with strange, archaic symbols.

“Ah, yes,” La’Rita whispered as she looked deeper into the bones. Images danced and twirled across the table, outlined by the dim candlelight. Her empty eyes poured over the phantasms, one by one. Stiff metal birds soared through the open sky, dropping massive pipes. La’Rita shuddered, feeling a sinister force was responsible for the contraptions. The form of an ancient staff passed through her vision. It held within it a great power. Metal boxes on wheels and metallic belts rolled across broken and burning landscapes, fire bursting from their elongated snouts.

Her body shook, spasms rushing up from her feet.

Apparitions whirled around La’Rita, changing, appearing, and dissipating into air. The tremors grew. La’Rita’s entire body shook. She struggled to stay in her chair.

A grizzled man wisped by her eyes. Then the fit ceased. He’d gone by fast enough that La’Rita hadn’t a chance to notice his features. Only his dark skin. She squinted her eyes, spotting the faintest aura in the air. A man with a fine mustache. La’Rita’s head throbbed as if a miner were taking a pick to it. The room shook. Was it her moving or the room?

Her gaze met the phantasmal man’s wretched eyes. The ghostly image made La’Rita sick to her stomach. Utter evil oozed out of this simple-looking man. Too much to bear. Her eyes rolled back. Darkness descended.
AUTHOR Bio and Links:
Lane earned a BA in Liberal Arts with a focus on literature and history. He also holds a double minor in psychology and business. He is a literary assistant with The Seymour Agency, and also has several short stories. He is a member of the Horror Writers Association, Historical Novel Society, and International Thriller Writers.

Links:

 Twitter: @LaneHeymont ( https://twitter.com/LaneHeymont )
 B&N: http://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/the-freedman-and-the-pharaohs-staff-lane-heymont/1114586485?ean=9781620061626
Lane will be awarding a $25 Amazon Gift Card to a randomly drawn commenter during the tour.
The tour dates can be found here: 
 http://goddessfishpromotions.blogspot.com/2013/11/super-book-blast-freedman-and-pharoahs.html



Monday, January 27, 2014

Wake up...It's Monday

How was your weekend? Great I hope. I got to see the Grands.
And Chris Pine.

I thought the movie was great. Did you see it? What did you think?
And...I got an unexpected package from CJ. Thank you, CJ. What a fun surprise. If you haven't been to CJ's blog, I recommend stopping by. Here's the addie:http://ponyexpressgraphics.blogspot.com/
I'm afraid I'm going to be an absentee blogger again. Karma has bitten me on the hinnie. You know those senior jokes I've been posting? The joke's on me. I have to have cataract surgery this week. From here on out, I'm only going to blog about best selling authors and the rich and famous.
I've also got three books that need revised/edited. And hopefully, next week I'll be visiting the Grands, so other than a planned VBT, it will probably be a week or two before I get back.
I'll be thinking about you and return as soon as I can. In the meantime, be productive and have fun:)

Thursday, January 23, 2014

Wednesday, January 22, 2014

VBT: Soul Slam




BLURB:
A sixteen-year-old on her first heist to steal an ancient Egyptian amulet inadvertently receives the soul of King Tut…and the deadly curse that comes with it.
           
And Olivia is not alone at the museum.
           
A member of a secret Society, Xander believes it is his place to inherit King Tut’s soul and justly rule. He knows nothing about the society’s evil plan to control the world or the curse. Now, he must deal with the female imposter who stole the amulet.

Xander convinces Olivia they must form a temporary partnership. The two teens develop a connection, and together they must figure out how to end the curse before it turns deadly. On the run, unable to touch because of the curse, and dealing with a male soul inside her female body, Olivia must learn to trust Xander.

As the mystery surrounding the amulet unfolds, Olivia and Xander start to fall for each other. But is love enough to save them and the world from destruction?
EXCERPT:
Crawling ninja-style out of the sarcophagus, my black gym shoes hit the ground without a sound. But inside, a screech built up in my lungs and released on a heavy exhale, the scream so loud it sounded like an alarm. “Aiyeeeeee!”

Xander and the old man froze.

I lunged at the case, swooped in, and grabbed the amulet.

A jolt rocked my body. Pain rocketed up my spine, but I held tight to the prize. Clutching the piece in both hands, I hit the concrete floor like a football player making a catch, and kept rolling.

“A girl.” Xander’s surprised voice rose on a high note. “What the…Tut.”

“Grab her!” The old man spoke in English.

“Touch her?” Xander sounded horrified like I was the slime of the world. “I can’t.”

“She’s got the amulet.”

I tried to get to my feet, but the pulsing inside threw me off balance. I crashed back onto the floor. Pain seared my fingers and heat rushed my veins.

My body jerked. My head spun.

Something slammed into me from the inside, like it was in my body trying to get out. Back and forth I jerked. A powerful energy thumped from my ribcage to my stomach and back again.

I trembled from head to foot. My vision blurred. Images swam before my eyes—a blue river, golden statues, Egyptian pyramids, deceit, and death.

“What’s going on?” The sound coming out of my mouth warbled. “Am I dying?”

This felt worse than the time I had pneumonia with no medicine, or the time I broke my arm and Fitch duct taped it…

Fogginess seeped into my consciousness. If I blacked-out they’d steal the amulet, leave me to be caught, to go to prison, to face Fitch’s wrath.

Whatever was inside me ignited like a nuclear bomb. My skin could no longer contain my insides. I’d explode into tiny pieces and scatter across the museum floor.

“It’s happening… To. Her.” Jeb’s voice was faint as if coming from a distance, but I saw his shoes through squinted eyelids.

“But it’s my right. My inheritance.” Xander stomped his sandaled foot near my head. “My destiny.”

“It’s too late.” Jeb’s voice curled like a sneer with extra hatred. “The transfer has occurred. This stupid girl is now in possession of King Tutankhamun’s soul.”
AUTHOR Bio and Links:
Allie Burton

Allie didn’t realize having so many jobs would become great research material for the stories she writes. She has been everything from a fitting room attendant to a bike police officer to a professional mascot escort. She has lived on three continents and in four states and has studied art, fashion design, marine biology, and advertising.

When her kids asked, “when are you going to write a story we can read?” she switched from adult novels to Young Adult and Middle Grade and hasn’t looked back.

Allie is a member of the Society of Children’s Book Writers & Illustrators, Romance Writers of America including the Young Adult, Dallas Area Romance Writers and Heart of the Rockies chapters. She is also a member of Rocky Mountain Fiction Writers. Currently, she lives in Colorado with her husband and two children.


One randomly chosen commenter will win a $50 Amazon/BN.com gift card.


Tuesday, January 21, 2014

Senior Humor

I feel like my body has gotten totally out of shape,so I got my doctor's
permission to join a fitness club and start exercising.
I decided to take an aerobics class for seniors.
I bent, twisted, gyrated, jumped up and down, and perspired for an hour.
But, by the time I got my leotards on,the class was over.

Monday, January 20, 2014

To Drink Or Not To Drink...Diet Soda

So what's your take on all the hoopla surrounding diet sodas?
Reports are saying:
It may lead to kidney problems
It may put you at risk for heart disease
It may lead to obesity
It may damage DNA
It may rot your teeth
And then there's the can itself. It's coated with endocrine disruptor bisphenol. Whatever the heck that is. It's supposed to be full of all kinds of bad juju, that can cause reproductive problems, obesity and heart issues.

What's your thoughts on this? I drink two cans of diet a day and it would be hard to give up. The only thing I can say with any certainty, if it caused obesity I would have put on the pounds years ago.

Friday, January 17, 2014

It's Friday And.....


Besides being the weekend, it's my bday.  To celebrate, I'll be giving away free downloads. If you'd like a copy of either Vampire Island, Power Stones, Shardai, Akasha or Makita, just shoot me an email@ sandracox1@gmail.com and put bday in the header.
~*~
'I can’t walk slowly—maybe it’s a genetic impairment, but I want to clutch my head and howl when people in front of me dawdle.'~Suzanne from Tall, Dark and Undead

Thursday, January 16, 2014

Thursday's Funny

I've sure gotten old!
I've had two bypass surgeries, a hip replacement,new knees, fought prostate
cancer and diabetes.
I'm half blind,can't hear anything quieter than a jet engine,take 40
different medications that make me dizzy, winded, and subject to blackouts.
Have bouts with dementia.
Have poor circulation; hardly feel my hands and feet anymore.
Can't remember if I'm 85 or 92.
Have lost all my friends. But, thank God, I still have my driver's license.
~*~
The ripe taste of fear filled my mouth and lingered on my skin as a figure loomed out of the darkness.~Suzanne, TALL, DARK AND UNDEAD

Wednesday, January 15, 2014

Wednesday It's All About Cats, Especially the American Wirehair

 http://www.allcatbreeds.com/AmericanWirehair/
Like several other breed kitties, the American Wirehair started out as a mutation in the cat gene pool back in 1966. It originated in upstate New York. Wirehairs were registered with the CFA in 1967. Today, they are one of the most difficult breeds to come by. So if you decide to go to a breeder for a wirehair there could be a waiting list along with a salty price.
These kitties are people pleasers and are known for being in tune with their humans. If you've had a rough day at work, this kitty will sit beside you and try to purr you back into a better mood... after you've fed him/her of course;) They are also affectionate and like to keep tabs on their people. Whatever room you're in, expect your Wirehair to be there too.
They are a very playful cat and would do well on stage, as they love to be the center of attention. Wirehairs are medium to large with slightly rounded ears, large bright eyes and curly whiskers.
Its their coat, though, that sets them apart from other cats with its dense, crimped, springy coarseness that comes in a wide variety of colors and patterns.
This cat does well with other cats and children.
Wirehairs can be prone to skin allergies. It is recommended that you bath them frequently. They are also prone to heavy ear wax buildup.
A real plus to this kitty is low level shedding.
The average life span is about fifteen years but they can live twenty years or longer.
Overall, a good addition to the family.
In the market for an American Wirehair? Don't forget to try www.petfinder.com

~*~
As they turned down a dark side street, I paused. The last time I’d gone into one bad things had happened.~Suzanne, TALL, DARK AND UNDEAD

Tuesday, January 14, 2014

Murphy Strikes Again

The best laid plans of mice and men...or in this case grandmoms, etc, etc.
The day before I was to head out and visit the Grands, the hh came down with the flu. Needless, to say I instantly became persona non grata at the grandbabies house. Those pesky spreading germs. We're now shooting for the first week of February. I don't want you to think I'm a person who looks on the glass as half empty, but I'm fully expecting snow that week.
~*~
My foot on the curb, a hard body cannoned into me. My assailant knocked me to the ground and lifted my purse. Damn, not again.~Suzanne, TALL,DARK AND UNDEAD

Monday, January 13, 2014

PB:Tall, Dark and Undead


I've got a tour going this week. If you're in the vicinity of any of these blogs and the mood hits stop in and say hey. At the end of the tour, there will be a drawing for a Vampire Pendant and a Starbucks gift certificate.  Here's the link if you'd like to enter: www.rafflecopter.com/rafl/display/2d5d1268/  

Where I'll be:

January 13
Kisses, Caresses; Whispers in the Night
Literal Hotties Naughty Book Reviews
Musings of a Writing Reader

January 14

January 15
Bunny's Review

January 16
Aspired Writer
House Millar

January 17
Book Review by Xunaira J.

Friday, January 10, 2014

Yes, Indeedy, It's The Weekend

Whew! We made it. For a minute there it was in doubt. I'm going to be out of town next week. I bet you can figure out where I'm going. Yup, going to see the Grands. I'll be back next weekend. Keep track and tell me all the exciting things that happen while I'm gone. Enjoy.

~*~

'Hospital gossip spreads faster than the flu.' ~Suzanne, from Tall, Dark and Undead

Thursday, January 9, 2014

Cell Phone Etiquette

       

                   After a tiring day, a commuter settled down in her seat and closed her eyes.
                   As the train rolled out of the station, the guy sitting next to her pulled out his cell phone and started
                   talking in a loud voice: "Hi sweetheart. It's Eric. I'm on the train."
                   "Yes, I know it's six thirty and not four thirty, but I had a long meeting."
                   "No, honey, not with that blonde from the accounts office. It was with the boss."
                   "No sweetheart, you're the only one in my life."
                   "Yes, I'm sure, cross my heart."
                   Fifteen minutes later, he was still talking loudly.
                   When the young woman sitting next to him had enough, she leaned over and said into the phone,
                   "Eric, hang up the phone and come back to bed."

                   Eric doesn't use his cell phone in public any longer.
~*~

'I refrained from making a comment that started with “flat-footed” and ended with “ass”. Instead I just lifted my eyebrows.'~Suzanne, from Tall, Dark and Undead

Wednesday, January 8, 2014

Lumosity

Lately, my thoughts have been like snowflakes that melt before they hit the ground. So...I signed up for Lumosity. Are you familiar with it? 
For those who aren't, it's basically a brain exerciser. There is a cost involved, but it's reasonable. Since several family members have also been complaining about the memory thing, I signed up for the family plan. This allows five family members to play, er, do the exercises. The first step is to take a survey to find out what you want to improve: your memory, flexibility, problem-solving, etc. From there, an exercise program is set up suited to your needs. After each day's workout, you're given your scores. I've found I do pretty well in the problem-solving arena, which comes as a surprise, and not so well in the memory department, which comes as no surprise. From there, you can also go in and see how you rate compared to the rest of the populace. I've got to say, boys and girls, that part wasn't pretty. It was the darn pinball game that ruined my average. I've never been good at pinball. I just couldn't figure out where that blasted ball was supposed to be going. Anyhoo, if you're interested, it's: lumosity.com
~*~
'No matter how smart, all men are suckers for a pretty face.'~Suzanne from Tall, Dark and Undead

Tuesday, January 7, 2014

Back To It

Okay, boys and girls, for those of us with a day job, we're back to it and couldn't be happier, right? Cough, cough. Choke, choke. Excuse me while I hack up that fur ball. Okay, that might be a slight exaggeration. How about thrilled to have a job until our collective ships come in? And I'm sure said-ships are heading for the dock with plenty in the cargo hold. Some may be a little leaky and water-logged, but they're going to get there. 2014 is going to be a good year for us. I'm sure of it.
This is a day late question, but how was your weekend? Wondrous? Our lovely daughter and significant other were in and she had something sparkly on her left hand. The significant other status has changed to fiance. We're quite pleased to welcome him to the clan. We now have two grandbabies and two engagements in the family. My sister also got engaged over the holidays.
Now what about you? Please don't tell me you did something terribly productive over the weekend. I expect you to play on your weekends.
By the way, you've probably figured the pic has no relevance to the post. Just a Tuesday funny.
~*~
“You didn’t go out drinking, did you? It’s never a good idea to drink alone.”~Kess from Tall, Dark and Undead

Monday, January 6, 2014

VBT: Flick



BLURB:
Leanna Matthews enjoys flying below the radar. She does well in school, has a few close friends and hides the fact she’s an astral-traveling telekinetic. But there’s no escaping her creepy dreams or Simora, the bizarre little spirit lady, that suddenly pops out of nowhere to warn her against keeping secrets and predicts an encounter with a sinister evil. For the first time in forever someone…or something…is on to her.

But life turns around when Leanna meets Piper one sunny afternoon. She’s inexplicably drawn to him, almost as if she’s been waiting for him to come. Forbidden to have a boyfriend Leanna throws caution to the wind, lying to her family and friends to be with him, while ignoring Simora’s ominous message.

Yet Piper has a secret of his own. He is on a mission and Leanna, unwittingly, is the key.
EXCERPT:
Leanna Matthews craved for ordinary in the least extraordinary way.  She enjoyed a few close friends, shopping at the mall and perhaps a nice romance novel every now and again.  Routine was good, early mornings were better…and life was extremely complicated.

She squirmed restlessly in Biology – the final, insufferable class of the day – listening to Ms. Alvarado drone on-and-on about non-polar bonds in her last, torturous act of the term.  Somewhere between ‘atom’ and ‘electronegativity,’ Leanna nodded off, nearly conking her head on the desk while daydreaming of summer vacation:  shopping, beach, friends, shopping, vacation, shopping, sun, shopping, but not necessarily in that order. 

Someone snickered from behind, no doubt amused by her wobbly head, as her eyelids grew heavier.  Shut-up Ms. Alvarado, she thought bitterly.  Thank God that in less than 20 minutes ninth grade would be officially over!  School, and all its stupid inhabitants (present company included), would be history for a good two months; or rather two months too short - but it didn’t matter.  Somewhere a beach chair sat waiting on white, fluffy sand and a plane ticket had her name stamped all over it.  The fun was just about to begin!

Or so she thought.

That next morning, instead of awakening to the sweet taste of freedom, Leanna lay whimpering, shivering feverishly in her sleep.  She curled tightly into a knot as a tiny beam of light crept through the shutters while she slept, casting eerie shadows on the wall - one of which grew abnormally in size until completely encircling the white canopy bed. 
AUTHOR Bio and Links:
By day, Keira des Anges has the distinct pleasure of assisting teenagers with disabilities find employment, empowering one life at a time. By night, she is a chew toy for her dog and cat and avid reader of anything spooky, magical and totally out of this world.  She lives in sunny Florida with her husband and two kids.

Twitter:  @KeiradesAnges
Book Video embed code:  


http://www.rafflecopter.com/rafl/display/28e43437/ Enter to win a $50 Amazon/BN GC! A Rafflecopter Giveaway
The tour dates can be found here:  http://goddessfishpromotions.blogspot.com/2013/09/virtual-book-tour-flick-by-keira-des.html