Welcome back @Amy_Durham to talk about ONCE AND FOR ALL, her new release!

Please help me welcome back fellow Kentuckian and friend, Young Adult author Amy Durham to talk about her newest release, ONCE AND FOR ALL. I'm currently reading it and really enjoying my 2nd trip to Sky Cove! I'm going to turn it over to Amy now so she can tell you all about her new book!

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First of all, thank you Taryn for the opportunity to come back and visit you here! I enjoyed hanging out at your cyber-home when my first book released last year, and I’m thrilled to be back!

ONCE AND FOR ALL is the second book in my Sky Cove series. The series is set in a fictional, coastal town in Maine, where the phenomenon of reincarnation simmers beneath the surface, pulling unsuspecting high school students into its grasp.

In book 1 (ONCE AGAIN), Layla and Luke must stop history from repeating itself by uncovering the truth about a tragedy that occurred hundreds of years ago. In book 2, ONCE AND FOR ALL, Phoebe and Todd must break an ancient curse that has existed for generations.

Reincarnation is a super fun paranormal element, because it is so versatile and can wind its way through whatever mystery and danger my mind conjures up! In ONCE AND FOR ALL, the two characters – Phoebe and Todd – really wormed their way into my heart. Especially Todd.

Todd was a total jerk at the beginning of book 1 (ONCE AGAIN). It was my intention for him to remain a jerk, but at some time during the writing of that book, he grew on me. So, I gave him a redeeming moment hoping readers wouldn’t hate him. Then, as I began to mentally plot out ONCE AND FOR ALL, I realized that he was the hero. I think of him as the “accidental hero,” because he didn’t start out that way. But boy, do I ever love him now!

Todd’s journey in ONCE AND FOR ALL is one of self-discovery and learning how to be himself, even if it means shrugging off the protective cloak of popularity that he’s always worn. Phoebe, the very reluctant heroine, finds herself in a position to help him, much to her dismay.

These two are thrown together against their will, and what grows from their uneasy partnership is a really beautiful relationship. Oh… and they have to break that pesky ancient curse along the way!

ONCE AND FOR ALL Blurb:

What happens when 180 pounds of football star collides with 105 pounds of art geek?

An ancient curse springs to life, of course.

Phoebe Campbell is anything but popular. Todd Miller is the epitome of the high school jock. Their socially opposite worlds collide when they are paired to work together on a project for art class. Attempting to cooperate for the sake of their assignment, Todd and Phoebe begin to look past preconceived notions and see each other for who they truly are. As genuine feelings begin to develop between them, they find themselves plagued by dangerous shape-shifting episodes and unexplained telepathic connections.

In order to stop the mysterious occurrences, Phoebe and Todd are forced into a mission to uncover the truth. In their quest, they discover unsettling stories that hint at a previous existence, and also clues to an ancient curse that has never been broken.

Can they learn to love each other despite the typical high school social expectations? And will their love be the key that breaks the ancient curse once and for all?

Contact Amy online:
amybdurham@gmail.com
www.amydurham.com
www.facebook.com/AuthorAmyDurham
@Amy_Durham on Twitter
 

Find ONCE AND FOR ALL at:

AMAZON

BARNES & NOBLE

ALL ROMANCE EBOOKS

SMASHWORDS 

KOBO

Friday Spotlight- Men in Uniform Anthology @FictionWitches #TMPress

We admire a man in uniform, and what better way to celebrate it than a collection of stories inspired by men fighting to defend our country, and the women who love them? This sweet collection of romance spans the generations of men of valor from present day dating back to World War II.

The Authors: 
The Imposter, Jennifer Johnson
String of Pearls, Margaret Ethridge
Mind over Matter, Ruth J. Hartman
Dorthea’s War, Lozi Hart
Faith, Love, & the Coastguard, Julie Anne Lindsey
Knight in Armor, Jennifer Anderson
Lightning Always Strikes Twice, Patricia Marie Warren

Excerpt from The Imposter by Jennifer Johnson
Ding.
Paige wrinkled her nose as she stared at Giana’s cell phone sitting on the crate they used as a coffee table.
It was Liam again. The poor guy was deployed in Afghanistan, and Giana was blowing him off refusing to answer emails or calls when Liam’s number came up.
“Giana?” she called to her roommate who was in the bathroom dolling up to go out. “Liam’s emailing you again.”
“I wish he’d get a clue,” her friend replied.
“I don’t see how you can treat him like that, Gi.”
“It’s easy when he’s half a world away.” She walked through the room wearing four inch heels and a tight dress, grabbed her purse, and walked back into the hallway. “Liam’s a sweet guy, but who knows what is going to happen when he gets back, or even what he’s doing over there.”
“He’s probably sleeping in a sand pit somewhere wondering how come you won’t talk to him.” Paige picked up the phone and pressed the Internet email icon.
G, ur on my mind. L.
Paige bit her lip. The poor sweetie.
Glancing back toward the bathroom, she pushed the keys on the screen.
I’m thinking of you too. Miss you.
She pressed send and set Giana’s phone down quickly. In less than a minute, the phone signaled an incoming email.
Y cold shldr?
Why the cold shoulder indeed? What should she say? Because I’m a heartless bitch?
Paige glanced behind her to be sure Giana was still occupied with her reflection in the bathroom mirror.
“Are you sure you’re done with Liam?” she asked aloud.
Giana marched out of the bathroom, and Paige hid the phone under her thigh. “Look. I just can’t deal with him fighting a war for a year, and he told me most of the guys are having to turn right around and get redeployed within two years of coming home. That’s not the kind of life I want. He’s a nice guy, but even he’s not worth it.”
“Can’t you wait until he gets home to break up with him?”
“I am waiting until he gets home to break up with him. How mean do you think I am?”
Paige gestured to Giana’s attire with a raised hand.
“Oh, spare me, Miss Goody Two Shoes. It’d be easy for you to love him. You don’t have a life anyway.”
“Thanks a lot. I think you do enough socializing for both of us.”
Giana smiled wickedly. “That’s right. You go hit the books while I hit the bars. I had two men fighting over me last night.”
Paige resisted the urge to roll her eyes. She was pretty sure they both had won seeing as how Giana had stumbled in about eleven o’clock this morning wearing last night’s prowling clothes.
“Where’s my phone?” Giana’s gaze scanned the room.
Paige’s grip tightened on the phone while she, too, looked around as if searching. “Maybe it’s in your bedroom.”
“I haven’t been in my bedroom except to get my dress.”
Paige didn’t resist the eye roll this time as Giana stalked toward the hallway—probably to the counter in front of the bathroom mirror—her favorite spot in the apartment.
Quickly Paige pulled out the phone and sent another message:
I’m changing emails. Will email you from my new account.

Here's a link to a book review which includes a review for each of the stories. Another Look Book Reviews

Here is a portion from another review: Men In Uniform is great for the reader that just wants something quick, sweet and warmly romantic. Those that have a little thing for our men that serve and those uniforms they don daily.
I give the Men In Uniform anthology 4 stars

Friday Spotlight- Love Blossoms by @JulieALindsey #TMPress @FictionWitches

Click Image for Amazon Kindle

A Honey Creek Sweet Romance (Seeds of Love Series)

There’s a wedding coming to Honey Creek and the whole town’s preparing for the party. When Jillian Parker agrees to host a few groomsmen at her inn, she has no idea what she’s in for. With events to coordinate, a bride to please, and an ex-fiancé to dodge, her comfortable life’s getting crazy fast.

And then there’s Jackson.

Jillian’s floored to discover one perfect groomsman is someone she’s known for years. Once a regular at Honey Creek reunions, he’s back for his cousin’s wedding. Jillian’s smitten, but falling in love is out of the question. She’s already juggling bar fights, lodge fires and financial woes. Not to mention, he’s leaving in a week and love takes time.

More about Julie Anne Lindsey-

Biography

As an only child Julie always had plenty of time to people watch and make things up. When she didn't think she could make a living at the latter, her love of people led her to a BA in Psychology instead. A few years and three kids later, Julie discovered the thrill of writing. Writing lets her harness a seemingly endless supply of energy and enthusiasm and create something of value in the wake.

Mother of three, wife to a sane person and Ring Master at the Lindsey Circus. Most days you'll find her online, amped up on caffeine & wielding a book.

You can find Julie blogging about the writer life at Musings from the Slush Pile

Tweeting my crazy at @JulieALindsey

And reading to soothe the obsession on GoodReads

In the Friday Spotlight- Grin & Barrett by @RuthjHartman #TMPress @FictionWitches @turquoisemorn

$2.99 on Kindle

 Remmie Grin is a self-sufficient dentist who has her life right where she wants it.

That is, until handsome, flirty Dr. Victor Barrett moves in next door. He constantly bugs her about selling her practice to him—but she’s not budging.

How can she convince him to leave her alone when all she really wants him to do is kiss her again?


Author Bio: Ruth J. Hartman is a romance author as well as a licensed dental hygienist. She writes sweet, humorous romance novels. Often times they revolve around dentistry, cats, or both. She lives in rural Indiana with her husband of 29 years, and two extremely spoiled, fat cats. More about her books can be found at her website: www.ruthjhartman.blogspot.com

Reviews:

 

Toni V. Sweeney

 

A delightful book, even better than the others I've reviewed. In fact, I'd say this is Ruth's best so far! There...is that committing myself enough? The dialogue between Victor and Remmie, from the first quip about her name to the last line is sharp and fast and full of wit. The scenes with Remmie's cats and felinophobe Victor are amusing, and the whole story moves at a pace which makes you want to keep reading without taking a breath between words

 

Tori L. Ridgewood

 

My favourite scene was the impromptu date at the movies -- the hero's erstwhile attempts to gain the heroine's favour, and her feisty resistance, are nothing less than perfect. The back-and-forth banter reminds me of the courtship of Gilbert Blythe and Anne of Green Gables. Hartman has a direct line into my youthful daydreams about being an independent woman and falling in love

Sandra Cox

 

In Grin and Barrett, when two dentists are after the same location sparks fly.This was a fun read filled with good old fashioned romance.

Paranmormal Reader "Renee"

 

Great Book, I loved it! If you like your loves stories with a lot of sass and humor. GET THIS BOOK!

Fun Feature Friday: Mercury in Retro Love by Janie Emaus @Janie5010 #TMPress @FictionWitches

Click Image to buy for Kindle-

$2.99

A Young Adult Novel

A story about crushes, conflicts and astrological confusion.

Finally, after years of making love predictions for her friends, fifteen-year-old astrologer, Emma Seigel, sees a boyfriend in her future. But there’s one big problem. Mercury is heading for Retrograde in four weeks, and she sure knows what that means. It’s like an astrological PMS. A disastrous time to start a new relationship.

Using her school newspaper column, Emmastrology, she sets a plan in motion and within a week lands hottie Evan Randolph as her boyfriend. She’s a Taurus. He’s a Capricorn. Both earth signs. What could be more perfect? But is he as perfect as her prediction claims him to be? The stars are telling her it’s right. But her heart says it’s all wrong.

Everyday her feelings are growing stronger for someone else, a Leo, so totally not the sign for her. And to make matters even worse, Emma’s actions, caused by her unflinching belief in astrology, get her in trouble with her best friends in the whole world.

Time is running out. Can Emma straighten up this mess she’s in before Mercury goes Retrograde again?

 Author Bio: As a little girl Janie would read newspaper articles out loud to her family and friends, incorporating them into the stories. By the time she was in junior high, she was creating plots and characters of her own. And has been writing ever since. She has published poetry, short stories, and worked as a ghostwriter. This is Janie’s first novel for teens. She lives in Los Angeles, California with her husband. You can visit her at her website.

#FFF Double Dog Dare by @booksbyjennifer @FictionWitches #TMPress #excerpt

Click Image above to purchase for Amazon Kindle

$2.99

We’re all mad here.
~The Cheshire Cat

When Cheris McDowell wakes up in a hotel room next to the husband she doesn’t remember meeting, she decides the only practical solution is a quiet divorce.

Too bad the rest of the world disagrees.

As an Internet advice guru, Cheris ought to know how to fix the mess she woke up to, but when her own web master conspires to keep the marriage going, Cheris is at a loss.

Geoff Arrowood III, her new husband, isn’t helping the situation. He’s way too charming and looks a little too good in a Tuxedo.

Will Cheris choose a little storybook madness or the sensible advice of the wisdom she’s followed all her life?

"Warning: Chock full of children's literature references and dialogue laced with movie quotes-- Enter at your own risk!"

~~~~~~~~~~~~

Excerpt:
Drink Me

“I dare you,” her companion murmured.

“I don’t take dares,” Cheris replied shooting him a disdainful look.

“What about a double dog dare?” He winked, and Cheris’ stomach fluttered. “Do you take those?”

It was silly, really, letting this stranger impel her to anything. Squaring her shoulders she stepped forward into the looking glass and retrieved the drink. Bringing it to her lips, she sipped once and discovered it to be mild yet sweet—similar to cantaloupe in the peak of its season.

“Mmm. Very nice.” She tilted the cup and drained it. “I’ve never tasted anything quite like it.” She licked her lips and tilted her head.

Picking up another glass, she set the empty one in its place. “Go over there and drink one.”

The man raised his eyebrows, but walked to the chair. They faced each other as he determined the correct glass to pick up.

“Yes. That’s the one.” Cheris drank from the second glass enjoying the cool liquid. “I’ve got to find out what this stuff—oh!” She gasped as she tripped over the frame.

At once he was at her side steadying her. “Careful there, Alice. It’s the rabbit hole you’re supposed to fall into.”

Oh. My. Goodness.

Cheris’ hands were on his arms, her fingers sliding over the material, reveling in the solid flesh underneath.

She raised her face and blinked up at him. “Whoever you may be,” she drawled. “I have always depended on kindness in strangers.”

~~~~~~~~~~

Author Bio: I grew up as a flower child named Francesca in Uruguay, making my first “B” movie at fourteen. I was a sensation locally, but, tragically, the world did not appreciate my talents. My lover, Bruno, intent on killing me because of my infidelity, forced me to flee to the United States, the land of new beginnings and redemption. I have a recurring dream, however, that I am a North American woman from Alabama, USA. I go to Wesleyan College in Macon, Georgia and later to graduate school in Georgia. My dream continues that I marry a man who teaches math and that we have two children who share with us in our happy existence in the United States, far away from Uruguay and my checkered past. In my dream, my name is Jennifer Johnson. It is a common, yet lovely name, which allows me to be free from the clutches of Bruno. Oh, wait. Maybe my dream is my life. Yes, it is! I do, however, love to create other worlds to dream in and fall in love with. I wrote my first love story in seventh grade. It was about two teenagers who meet at beach camp. They get stranded on a top bunk of a bed by a wolf. I kept this epic novel in a bright pink notebook and carried it with me everywhere. It disappeared one day and; alas, the young lovers’ story was never resolved. If I had finished it, it would have been a happy ending because I’m a big believer in happy endings! And I’m still hoping that pink notebook will show up somewhere. P.S. I can’t take credit for Francesca—she’s from an old Kids in the Hall comedy sketch. Learn more about my writing by visiting my Web site:
 

Jennifer Johnson ~ Crawl into a good book

#FFF- Nursing Second Chances by Maggie Greene #TMPress @FictionWitches

Click image above to purchase for Kindle

$2.99 

A Honey Creek Sweet Romance

Kiersten Hart left Honey Creek the minute she graduated high school and never looked back. When her sister Jeanine is widowed and left to raise two children alone, Kiersten moves back on a temporary basis. When Charles steps in and sweeps her off her feet, she has to decide if the wounds from her childhood can be mended.

After his wife died, Charles Webber swore he’d never love anyone again. He buried himself in his work and didn’t look up until he found out his son was sick. Moving to Honey Creek was supposed to make things easier. Kiersten does little to help keep things simple. Though he is taken with her, he soon realizes the casual relationship they agreed on is turning serious. As their expiration date approaches, Charles must decide if Kiersten is worth the risk.

#Readers- swing by #TuesdayswithTaryn and meet #Author Jennifer Johnson aka @BooksbyJennifer

Tuesdays with Taryn

Jennifer Johnson

 Help me welcome Jennifer to Tuesdays with Taryn. Not only is she a wonderful writer, but she was also my editor on Castaway Hearts!

 

What book(s) most influenced you as a writer?

More inspired rather than influenced: The Scarlet Pimpernel by Baroness Orczy and The Princess Bride by William Goldman. And probably all those Harlequins I read in the 1970s and 80s. They’re nearly painful to read now as the heroes were sometimes abusive to the heroines, but later I realized that respect in a relationship is important and kindness is attractive. Respect and kindness are two values which I put in my characters, because you know those books which influence us can be influence as what TO do or what NOT to do.

What book do you read over and over again?

Umm. Geez, that’s a hard one as usually once is enough for me. The Bible is definitely a collection of books I read over and over though I do not read it all the way through. I tend to read the Psalms a lot. I can usually find words for my present torment or joy.

This is probably self-centered, but I read my published books over and over again. My husband laughs at me when he sees me. He’ll say, “Do you know how it ends?” I’m not sure whether I read them to help myself believe my dream of being published has come true or if I want to relive my love affair with my characters. We have a great time getting to know each other. When I type ‘the end’, I’m relieved, but a little sad too.

Tuesday Trio-

1)      Movie- Most of the movies I’ve seen are what my kids want to see, so I’ve only seen a few *grown up* movies in the last few years. I have a few favorites I would leave the computer to watch on TV: Shakespeare in Love, Groundhog Day, The Jerk. I watched Ironman 2 with my kids yesterday. It was surprisingly entertaining.

2)      Music- Right now my favorite band is Barefoot. I’m listening to them right now.

3)      Decadent Dessert- Cheesecake.

What’s the most interesting or bizarre bit of trivia you’ve learned from researching for a novel? I learned there’s a nudist beach in Vancouver. I do feel compelled to tell you I have never been to a nudist beach nor do I have plans to go.

Novel on your Nightstand:

Who/what are you currently reading?

Oh, boy. I have a stack of books next to my bed. I’m usually in the middle of several books which I pick up and put down depending on my mood. I just got back from a long trip in which I listened to Gail Sheehy’s Sex and the Seasoned Woman. I highly recommend this book for those of us 40 and over. I was on disc three of Isaac Asimov’s I, Robot when I got home. My husband has the paperback of it so I’m thinking I’d like to know what happens next.

Whom would you cast as your Hero & Heroine if your book became a movie?

All of the guys I list are not spring chickens. That tells you that I’m no spring chicken myself. I like Hugh Jackman, and I’m crazy about Mike Rowe. I’ll pick Mike, so since I get to decide, I’ll pick me as the heroine. Because, you know, it’s Mike Rowe.

Double Dog Dare Blurb-

We’re all mad here. ~The Cheshire Cat

When Cheris McDowell wakes up in a hotel room next to the husband she doesn’t remember meeting, she decides the only practical solution is a quiet divorce. Too bad the rest of the world disagrees. As an Internet advice guru, Cheris ought to know how to fix the mess she woke up to, but when her own web master conspires to keep the marriage going, Cheris is at a loss. Geoff Arrowood III, her new husband, isn’t helping the situation. He’s way too charming and looks a little too good in a Tuxedo. Will Cheris choose a little storybook madness or the sensible advice of the wisdom she’s followed all her life?

Double Dog Dare is available via the following:

Amazon

Barnes & Noble

You can find Jennifer at

Amazon Author Page

Website

Stop by and visit her on her Blog

Follow Her on Twitter

#TuesdayswithTaryn Q&A with @JulieALindsey, #Author of #Bloom @HoneyCreekBooks #readers

Tuesdays with Taryn

Julie A Lindsey

 

What book(s) most influenced you as a writer?

Wuthering Heights because it was the book that got me interested in reading, and the one that taught me love comes in all forms- even if we don’t understand them.

I also have to credit the Twilight series for kick starting my love of YA, and inspiring my interest in sweet romance.

What book do you read over and over again? Well, I have a massive YA collection of hardbacks I read on the treadmill, plus a half dozen of the Stephanie Plum books from Janet Evanovich. And I still read Wuthering Heights every Christmas. 

Tuesday Trio-

1)      Movie- 27 Dresses, Sweet Home Alabama, Killers,

2)      Music- As I’ve been writing for Honey Creek Books, I’ve been listening to more and more country music. Normally, I’m more of a pop girl though. I sing along with the Top 40 frequently (to the dismay of my 8 year old) and usually off key.

3)      Decadent Dessert- I love anything chocolate, especially a brownie sundae, yum!

What’s the most interesting or bizarre bit of trivia you’ve learned from researching for a novel? I learned a person could, if they were so inclined, add oxycontin to an unsuspecting person’s powdered coffee creamer, and if they were a big creamer user, they’d be a little whack-a-doo from it. LOL. Don’t ask.

Novel on your Nightstand:

Who/what are you currently reading? I’m reading an ARC of Dreamless by Josephine Angelini today. I finished a novel called Everneath by debut YA author Brodi Ashton, and yesterday I finished a delicious YA title Hallowed by Cynthia Hand. I’m a HUGE YA addict.

Whom would you cast as your Hero & Heroine if your book became a movie? Well, if I get to pick LOL I’d ask Reese Witherspoon to play Cynthia and Alex O’Laughlin to play Mitchell.

BLOOM blurb:

In a town filled with her past, she never expected to find her future….

Seven years ago Cynthia left Honey Creek with a broken heart. Three years ago Mitchell arrived with one. Now Cynthia’s come home, and these two hardened hearts can’t stop arguing. If they’d only take a break long enough to find some common ground, they might be surprised to find love can grow anywhere.

If they let it, love will find a way to Bloom.

Bloom is AVAILABLE at the following:

Amazon
Barnes & Noble
Smashwords


You can find Julie at

Website
Musings from the Slush Pile Blog
Twitter
Facebook Page
GoodReads