Review Tour: Sanctuary By Pauline Creeden

Title: Sanctuary
By: Pauline Creeden
Publication Date: September 30th, 2013
by AltWit Press

Blurb:

In a heart-racing thriller described as Falling Skies meets The Walking Dead, Jennie struggles to find a safe place for what's left of her family. But it seems as though there is no place sacred, no place secure. First the aliens attacked the sun, making it dimmer, weaker, and half what it used to be. Then they attacked the water supply, killing one-third of Earth's population with a bitter contaminate. And when they unleash a new terror on humankind, the victims will wish for death, but will not find it…When the world shatters to pieces around her, will Jennie find the strength she needs to keep going?

  

My Review:

I was given a free copy of the book from the author for my honest opinion.

Jennie wants to go to college but the thing is she wants to leave home to go. She wants to live the college life just like any other girl her age. But her mom doesn't want nor think that this is a good time for her to be leaving home. Her mom wants to keep the family together. She doesn't know what is going to happen now that the aliens have come for a visit or may be to live. The aliens have been hanging around now for about six weeks. They are hovering over different towns and cities waiting for mankind to just disappear I guess so that they can take over the planet. When they first got here they contaminated the water killing a third of the population and they also made the sun dimmer. Jennie is upset that her mom wants her stay at home and go to college there but at the same time she knows her mother is right. It would be best if they all stayed together for the time being.

One day Jennie's mom is attacked and her father takes her to the hospital. He leaves Jennies behind to get her little brother and they are to meet them at the hospital later. After Jennie gets her little brother Mickey ready and they start out for the hospital she sees a lot of strange things going on that she doesn't understand. When she arrives at the hospital she can't find her parents. The only thing she knows to do is go home and wait hoping they will show up there. When the aliens start attacking the humans and turning them into zombies Jennie realizes that they can't stay home they need to get out before it is too late.

Jennie takes Mickey and they leave their home and run into the pastor of the local church. They hook up with the pastor and his wife and they all head out together to find somewhere safe. On the way they meet up with two guys both of whom are brothers, Hugh and Brad. You would never know they were brother. They are as different as night and day. Hugh is a teacher at the school where Jennie graduated. Hugh is one of the nicest persons you would ever meet. He would protect Jennie and Mickey or anyone for that matter with his life. But not his brother Brad, no way no how would Brad even think about anyone else but himself his brother included. Brad would throw his own brother under the bus and then run over him his self. Brad is one person I would want to stay far away from me during an apocalypses or at least I would want him in front of me so I could keep an eye on him at all times.

I love any kind of horror books, movies, tv shows or whatever I love it. But zombies and end of the world types are my all-time favorites. Don't get me wrong I love a good book about witches, vampires and werewolves as well but zombies and apocalyptic are just my favorite. When I read the blurb for Sanctuary I knew I had to read it. I love Falling Skies and The Walking Dead is my all-time favorite tv show. I have seen every episode ever made.

I couldn't wait to get my hands on Sanctuary and start reading it. I hope that there will be a book 2 because I really want to know more about Jennie and Hugh. Do they get together? Will they save the world? Can the world be saved? Can they beat the aliens? If you love reading or watching anything with aliens and zombies in it and the world is coming to an end as we know it then you will fall in love with Sanctuary.

Author Info:

In simple language, Pauline Creeden breaks down Biblical stories and applies them to real life in new ways. Her methods of teaching have brought new light to old scriptures. In her fiction, she creates worlds that are both familiar and strange, often pulling the veil between dimensions. She becomes the main character in each of her stories, and because she has ADD, she will get bored if she pretends to be one person for too long.

Pauline is horse trainer from Virginia, but writing is her therapy.

She is the Admin for Spirit Filled Kindle and an administrator for Readers' Realm. Her articles, reviews, and devotionals have been featured in RUBY FOR WOMEN Magazine,Devotionals for Bloggers, Faith Filled Family Magazine, and Christian Fiction Book Reviews.

One of Pauline's short stories has won the CCW Short Story contest. Other short stories have been published in Fear & Trembling Magazine, Obsidian River and Avenir Eclectia. An urban fantasy short will appear in The Book of Sylvari: An Anthology of Elves from Port Yonder Press, and a vampire short will appear in Monsters! from Diminished Media Group. She is currently editing and drafting several novels at various stages.

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Book Tour: Stealing Fire By Susan Sloate

Title: Stealing Fire
By: Susan Sloate
Expected Publication Date: late August 2013

Amazon Kindle | Amazon Paperback | Smashwords | B&N Nook | B&N paperback

Blurb:

"How do you recognize your soulmate?

In glittery 1980's Los Angeles, Beau Kellogg is a brilliant Broadway lyricist now writing advertising jingles and yearning for one more hit to compensate for his miserable marriage and disappointing life.

Amanda Harary, a young singer out of synch with her contemporaries, works at a small New York hotel, while she dreams of singing on Broadway.

When they meet late at night over the hotel switchboard, what begins will bring them each unexpected success, untold joy, and piercing heartache ... until they learn that some connections, however improbable, are meant to last forever.

STEALING FIRE is, at its heart, a story for romantics everywhere, who believe in the transformative power of love."

STEALING FIRE was a 2012 quarter-finalist in the amazon Breakthrough Novel Award Contest.

Excerpt:

The phones were ringing off the hook, and it was after three. And Amanda was tired.

She disposed of all the calls; she didn't think she could be bright and bubbling tonight. As she started to put down her headset, she realized she'd left one call on hold; the red light winked tantalizingly at her. She pushed the button, and was startled to hear a light, clear whistle delicately sounding one of her favorite old songs.

For a moment, she just listened. Then she started to hum along, filling in the words where she could remember them.

The whistling stopped, and the voice she'd come to recognize and dread pushed out at her. "So you know it."

"It's one of my favorites." She hummed a few more bars, hesitatingly. "I've known it for years."

"Remember the title?" It was a challenge.

"`Bursting Bubbles'." That was easy. She remembered the scratchy old record that Josie had broken years ago. Even now she felt a small pang at losing it. "From a show called The Life and Times."

"Well, well. I'm impressed. Two points for you."

"And for you, 704. Are you into trivia games?"

He chuckled. "So you know who I am. That makes you one up on me. I don't know who you are."

"Why do you want to know? Gonna complain to the boss?"

"I wanted to thank you. I don't often have a chocolate shake for breakfast, but it really hit the spot this morning. I never get service like this, not even at the Lorelei."

Character Bio:

BEAU KELLOGG is my hero. He's spent many years as a brilliant lyricist and librettist in the musical theater. (A librettist is the person who writes the story and script for a musical show.) So Beau is not just a poet who sets words to music, he also understands building story and characters and how to fit songs and story together to build an integrated whole. Beau has been in the theater since his 20's, during the Golden Age of musicals, but he intended to retire years before, when it became clear his kind of musical was dying out. Unfortunately, his investments were lost in a stock-market crash, so he had to go back to work--and now he's writing advertising jingles for L.A. ad agencies. He's been successful at it, though he hates it, and when the story opens he's being asked to meet with an agency in New York. A lyricist friend of his, also a Broadway show writer, got sick and dropped out of a big job, and recommended Beau for it. So Beau is coming to New York for meetings about a job he doesn't want but knows he has to take, because the money is too good to turn down. His marriage is unhappy but inexorable; he can't bear the thought of walking out on his wife, though his life with her is miserable. He's a romantic as well, though it's been many years since he's allowed himself to think about that side of his life. He doesn't know it, but he's been waiting all his life to meet someone like Amanda.

Book Soundtrack:

It would be lots of old romantic songs (think movie soundtracks, like BREAKFAST AT TIFFANY'S) and plenty of Broadway show music!

Since the novel is set in the 1982-83, the soundtrack would only have music that was available at that time. (This would eliminate a lot of music that we associate with the '80s, like the soundtracks from TOP GUN and FLASHDANCE, which weren't released till years later.) We might JUST be able to use Marian's Theme from RAIDERS OF THE LOST ARK, since it came out in 1981. But I'm really finicky about historical details and not sticking anachronisms into my work, so if it wasn't publicly available in 1982, I wouldn't use it.

There's one song, though, that I'd throw in just for sentimental reasons. STEALING FIRE is based on an incident from my life, and while it was occurring, I had just heard the song "Back on the Chain Gang" on the radio. I got it and played it again and again, and to this day, when I hear that song I think of that time in my life. Needless to say, I've always loved it.

Also, Andrew Lloyd Webber, the composer who wrote CATS and PHANTOM OF THE OPERA, among many other shows, is mentioned several times in the story, because his shows and their big production values made it almost impossible for Beau, my hero, to return to Broadway writing the kind of shows he used to. Consequently, Beau hates him, and so does my heroine, Amanda (not just because of Beau but because she doesn't like glitzy productions either - she's all about the music and lyrics). So though his music certainly fits into the era, we would have NO Andrew Lloyd Webber songs on this soundtrack!

About The Author:

Susan Sloate is the author or co-author of more than 20 books, including Realizing You(with Ronald Doades), a recent self-help novel, and the 2003 #6 Amazon bestseller, Forward to Camelot (with Kevin Finn), which took honors in 3 literary competitions and was optioned by a Hollywood company for film production.

She has written young-adult fiction and non-fiction, including the children's biography Ray Charles: Find Another Way!, which was honored in the 2007 Children's Moonbeam Book Awards. Mysteries Unwrapped: The Secrets of Alcatraz led to her 2009 appearance on the TV series MysteryQuest on The History Channel. Amelia Earhart: Challenging the Skies is a perennial young-adult Amazon bestseller. She has also been a sportswriter and screenwriter, managed two recent political campaigns, and founded an author's festival in her hometown outside Charleston, SC.

Stealing Fire was a Quarter-Finalist in the 2012 Amazon Breakthrough Novel Award contest and combines autobiographical experience with her lifelong love of the musical theater. She is proud to be distantly related to Broadway legend Fred Ebb, the lyricist for Cabaret,Chicago, All That Jazz and New York, New York.

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Book Tour: Twisted By N.L. Greene

Title: Twisted
By: N.L. Greene
Genre: NA Contemporary Romance
Release Date: September 13th, 2013

Blurb:

Growing up isn't always easy. But for most teenage girls, they can rely on their best friend to help them get through the process. A BFF is something that is truly treasured and completely irreplaceable. You share all of your secrets, and are loyal and honest with each other, even when you're acting just a little bit crazy. You have each other's backs no matter what and you form a bond that is virtually unbreakable.

At least that's what normal teenage girls experience.

Nat and Mel have been bestie's since childhood and Nat has followed her blindly ever since. But as Nat's friendship with Mel begins to lead her down the wrong path, she starts to question the sincerity of their relationship. Nat starts to see Mel's manipulative, deceitful ways become more focused on her. Will Natalie hold on tight to the friendship she's had her entire life, no matter what it cost her? Or will she let her heart lead her to a relationship that's not so twisted.

 

Excerpt:

Mel had been badgering me about my virginity. She had lost hers over the summer to some random guy she'd met at a party she'd gone to with Ash. One that I hadn't been allowed to go to. She kept telling me that it wasn't a big deal, and that I needed to lose it quick. I was going to be seventeen in a few weeks, and no guy was going to want to date a seventeen year old virgin. I started to freak out. I wanted a boyfriend, and I wanted those feelings that came along with having one. I wanted a guy to tell me I was amazing and beautiful. I wanted him to hold my hand, hug me, kiss me, and look at me like he couldn't stand to be away from me. I wanted to be cherished and loved. Validated.

I didn't know why I craved that confirmation so much. My parents may have been strict, but I always knew they loved me unconditionally so I wasn't lacking in that department. But after feeling the way I'd felt when Miguel had been with me, even if it was just for a little while, I knew I was missing something marvelous and I wanted it.

My birthday that year fell on a weekend again, and Mel insisted we celebrate by going to a party where I would have the 'perfect opportunity' to take care of 'my little problem.' I hated it when she referred to it that way, but I'd given up arguing about it a long time ago.

We were at lunch when Mel turned to me with her brilliant idea. "So, this weekend is your birthday…" She trailed off with a waggle of her eyebrows that I knew meant she was up to no good.

"Oh geez, what are you up to?" I asked with mock horror.

"We're going to a party this weekend, and there you will meet the guy who I've decided will be my new boyfriend!" she said excitedly.

"Oh really? And does this lucky guy know that he's going to be your next boyfriend?" I honestly couldn't help but giggle at her. She was so outrageous sometimes.

"No he doesn't, but he will soon enough," she said smugly, and I didn't doubt her. Mel usually got what she wanted.

"So how did we find out about this guy and the party?" I started to clean my lunch up, knowing the bell was about to ring.

Mel did the same. "He goes here, actually. He's a senior and on the football team. We have art class together, and he invited me to the party. And because you're my girl, you are invited as well," she said arrogantly. I wasn't offended though, because I knew it was true. Mel was the popular one of the two of us, and I was always invited by default.

"Name please," I said as I dumped my trash and we walked out of the cafeteria. Thank God we didn't have to sit in that horrible gym anymore for lunch!

"Sean," she stated simply, and waited.

"Oh!" I squealed and jumped up and down. "I totally know who you're talking about! He's the quarterback and he's one of the hottest guys in school!"

"Yes, I know." She lifted her chin haughtily, but then glanced at me out of the corner of her eye and started to giggle. "He's totally mine! I cannot wait until this weekend! Your parents are going to let you go, right?"

"Ugh! I hope so. I'll start working on them today. I'll do some extra chores and all that stuff so they'll let me sleep at your house this weekend. You goin' to your dad's or your mom's?"

"Slave drivers," Mel mumbled under her breath, and I rolled my eyes. There was no use defending them to her, and I'd stopped trying years ago. "My dad's," she said after a quick hesitation.

My stomach dropped, but I didn't give any outward sign of my distress. Mel watched me out of the corner of her eye and I could tell she was looking for it. I'd told her that I was finally over Miguel, and if I gave the slightest any indication that I wasn't, she would never leave me alone about how much of an ass he was, how badly he'd treated me, the hateful things he'd said to her, or how she thought he was trying to get in between us. Yes, those were all things that were discussed ad nauseum for weeks after the 'bathroom incident'. I just didn't want to deal with it, so I pretended that I wasn't still totally crushing over him. I don't know why but as hard as I tried, I couldn't seem to forget about him. He was seared in my brain and on my heart. Maybe Mel was right and I should just hook up with a guy. Maybe it really would help me forget about Miguel for good. When she seemed satisfied with my lack of response, she continued with explaining our plans for the weekend; telling me that Ash was finally sleeping over too and that we were all going together.

"Cool. I'm so excited!" Since I hadn't been over at Mel's as often as before, and since now she was splitting her time between her mom and dad, I hadn't seen Ash as much. She still drove us to and from school, but since it was her senior year she was crazy-busy. We didn't have lunch together anymore either. I really missed her.

"Good-because there will be a ton of hot guys there, and I think you should seriously consider picking one to sleep with," she said before she hurried off to class; leaving me standing there, staring at her retreating back like an idiot.

Author Interview:

The Avid Reader: What inspired you to write Twisted?

N.L. Greene: It all started with Twilight. I was NOT into reading at all, in fact I hated it! My best friend finally convinced me to read the Twilight Saga and I loved them. They got me reading again and craving more books that were just as good or better. Once I started devouring books, I realized that I had ideas and stories that I could contribute to the world, so I started writing!

The Avid Reader: When or at what age did you know you wanted to be a writer?

N.L. Greene: I never even considered being a writer until about 3 or 4 years ago. Now that is the only thing I can ever see myself doing.

The Avid Reader: What is the earliest age you remember reading your first book?

N.L. Greene: When I was about 10 I remember reading the Nancy Drew books and Babysitter Club books, but they never held much of my interest. From then on I only read the required books for school and that was like pulling teeth to get me to do even that!

The Avid Reader: What genre of books do you enjoy reading?

N.L. Greene: I read EVERYTHING!! But the majority of the books I read are in YA or NA and I've been reading a lot of Contemporary Romance lately.

The Avid Reader: What is your favorite book?

N.L. Greene: Gone Girl by Gillian Flynn is probably my favorite right now, but it will change!

The Avid Reader: You know I think we all have a favorite author. Who is your favorite author and why?

N.L. Greene: Kim Harrison is my absolute favorite!! I love her Adult Paranormal Series. It has everything from love, mystery, action, and humor!

The Avid Reader: If you could travel back in time here on earth to any place or time. Where would you go and why?

N.L. Greene: I would totally go back to London in the 1600's! I love that era. All the properness of it and the fancy dresses and balls! It would be so much fun to see that for real.

The Avid Reader: When writing a book do you find that writing comes easy for you or is it a difficult task?

N.L. Greene: Once I can force myself to sit down, concentrate, and stop playing on Facebook or Twitter, I find that writing comes pretty easy to me. I just let the story flow and it sort of takes on a life of it's own.

The Avid Reader: Do you have any little fuzzy friends? Like a dog or a cat? Or any pets?

N.L. Greene: Yes, we have a dog. But I wouldn't call him little or fuzzy (even though he thinks he is). He's a 100 pound rottweiler named X, but my 7 year old calls him X-baby and totally and completely adores her!

The Avid Reader: What is your "to die for", favorite food/foods to eat?

N.L. Greene: I LOVE anything chocolate, especially chocolate cheesecake!!

The Avid Reader: Do you have any advice for anyone that would like to be an author?

N.L. Greene: I would have to say to just do it! I think that's the hardest part, sitting down and putting words on paper for the first time. A lot of people are scared of failing or not being good enough, but that's the beauty to being a writer. You're an artist and nothing is really wrong, it's all a matter of opinion and there will always be someone that likes your work. And with self-publishing, you don't have to wait for someone to decide your good enough!

About The Author:

N.L. Greene, who is 1/2 of the author duo Riana Lucas, has decided to venture outside of the Fantasy world that she and her best friend created with Poppy and The Deadly Flowers Series to write a few books on her own. While she loves working with her best friend, writing solo has allowed her to explore interest that had solely been her own. She spends a lot of time reading her favorite authors which range all over the place and in every genre, but spends just as much time with her husband and two daughters, traveling, shopping, and playing video games. Nichole was born in Pennsylvania but grew up in Florida, where she and her high school sweetheart live with their two children.

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