In the Heart of a Mustang by M. J. Evans

JUL20201 Comm

 

I want to encourage each of you that dropped by to scroll down down a little bit to M. J. Evan’s guest post. I always like to post these because it give you a little more about the book, and the life of the author. And thank you for supporting my blog. Blessings, Joy Hannabass 

Join us for this tour from July 27 to August 7, 2020!

 

 

Book Details:

Book Title:  In the Heart of a Mustang by M.J. Evans

Category:  YA Fiction (Ages 13-17),  359 pages

Genre: Contemporary Coming of Age

Publisher:  Dancing Horse Press

Release date:   October, 2017

Format available for review:  print, mobi file (for Kindle), gifted Kindle copy, ePub, PDF, NetGalley download

Will send print books out:  USA

Tour dates: July 27 to August 7, 2020

Content Rating:  PG. Some suggested violence but not explicit

 

Book Description:

A boy is told that his father was a brave and virtuous man, a soldier who traded his life to save the lives of countless others. He was the man that Hunter needed to emulate. The only problem is the whole story is a lie, all of it. The truth, which Hunter discovers as he begins his sophomore year of high school, is that his father has actually spent the boy’s entire life in jail, paying his debt to society, but not mending his ways.

A wild mustang mare, is rounded up by the BLM. The spring rains had been sparse, the forage on the plains even more so. The mare and her herd are rescued from certain starvation and placed for adoption. In a sandy corral at Promise Ranch, a home for troubled teenage boys, the boy and the mare meet. A weathered, old cowboy brings them together – a mentor for one, a trainer for the other. The bond that forms between boy and horse becomes one that saves the lives of both.

Buy the Book:
Amazon.com ~ B&N ~ Books-A-Million
Book Depository ~ IndieBound
Add to Goodreads

 

MY THOUGHTS ON THIS BOOK 

In the Heart of a Mustang is a bit different than the book, Pinto that I just finished reading. In this book a young boy has been told all his life that his dad is a honorable man and died as a hero. But that’s not the case. And the boy is furious that his mom has lied to him all his life. Hunter has always wanted to be just like his dad. Will he continue to work toward this goal now that he knows what his real dad was like?

This story it quite sad because this family has been completely upended. And Hunter has no desire to make things right with his mom. And the only hope is the hope therapy farm. It was incredible how the story opened up at this farm, the staff was kind and caring. But it wasn’t a quick fix. Not at all. It was interesting and fun as I was able to follow the characters, see their development as the story unfolded. And I love that they were all so realistic. I felt as though I was that farm working with the horses myself. I have read several books about horse therapy, have been. very interested in this type of therapy. And this book is full of so much info on the subject. Its clear the author did her research well, and wrote it well into this story. And for you to learn more about this type of therapy, you will need to read this book, In the Heart of a Mustang. I hope you love and enjoy it as much as I did!

A special thanks to the author/publisher for a copy of this book. I am not required to write a positive review, the opinions here are mine alone. I am disclosing this with my review in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255.

ALSO ON THIS TOUR

 

Book Details:

Book Title:  PINTO! Based Upon the True Story of the Longest Horseback Ride in History by M.J. Evans

Category:  Middle-Grade Fiction (Ages 8-12),  243 pages

Genre: Historical Fiction

Publisher:  Dancing Horse Press

Release date:   October, 2019

Content Rating:  G. This book is taken from the actual journals that were kept by the men on the journey. There is no bad language or explicit scenes.

 

Book Description:

In 1912, four men, calling themselves the “Overland Westerners,” decided fame and fortune awaited if they embarked on the longest horseback ride in history. Their goal was to visit all forty-eight state capitals over the course of three years and complete their journey at the San Francisco World’s Fair on June 1, 1915. Facing rugged roads, raging rivers, thieves and near starvation, the men went through seventeen horses. Only one horse completed the entire journey…Pinto, a little horse with a heart as big as the whole country! This is Pinto’s account of his arduous adventure.

Buy the Book:
Amazon.com ~ B&N ~ Books-A-Million
Book Depository ~ IndieBound

 

 

 

Meet the Author:

Award-winning author M.J. Evans grew up in Lake Oswego, Oregon. Upon graduation from Oregon State University, she spent five years teaching high school and middle school students. She retired from teaching to raise her five children. Mrs. Evans is a life-long equestrian and enjoys competing in Dressage and riding in the beautiful Colorado mountains. She has published fourteen books, most of which are fiction.

Connect with the author:  Website  ~  Twitter  ~  Facebook  ~ Pinterest  ~  Instagram ~ Goodreads

Tour Schedule:

July 27 – Rockin’ Book Reviews – book review of PINTO! / guest post / giveaway

July 27 – Locks, Hooks and Books – book review of PINTO! / giveaway

July 27 – My Journey Back – book review of In the Heart of a Mustang / guest post / giveaway

July 28 – Splashes of Joy – book review of PINTO! / author interview / giveaway

July 28 – She Just Loves Books – book review of In the Heart of a Mustang / giveaway

July 29 – Svetlanas reads and views – book review of In the Heart of a Mustang / giveaway

July 29 – Adventurous Bookworm – book review of PINTO! / giveaway

July 29 – Krisha’s Cozy Corner – book review of PINTO! / author interview / giveaway

July 30 – Splashes of Joy – book review of In the Heart of a Mustang / guest post / giveaway

July 30 – My Reading Journeys – book review of PINTO! / author interview / giveaway

July 31 – Literary Flits – book review of PINTO! / giveaway

July 31 – T’s Stuff – book review of In the Heart of a Mustang / giveaway

Aug 3 – Rockin’ Book Reviews – book review of In the Heart of a Mustang / giveaway

Aug 3 – T’s Stuff – book review of PINTO! / author interview / giveaway

Aug 3 – My Journey Back – book review of PINTO! / giveaway

Aug 4 – Locks, Hooks and Books – book review of In the Heart of a Mustang / giveaway

Aug 4 – She Just Loves Books – book review of PINTO! / giveaway

Aug 5 – A Mama’s Corner of the World – book review of PINTO! / giveaway

Aug 5 – Adventurous Bookworm – book review of In the Heart of a Mustang / giveaway

Aug 5 – My Reading Journeys – book review of In the Heart of a Mustang / giveaway

Aug 6 – A Mama’s Corner of the World – book review of In the Heart of a Mustang / giveaway

Aug 6 – Blooming with Books – book review of PINTO! / giveaway

Aug 7 – Svetlanas reads and views – book review of PINTO! / giveaway

 

Enter the Giveaway:

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"Wow - this is one INCREDIBLE novel that I could not put down. It had me  on the edge oseat and I can honestly say that I never saw the end coming. It was full of suspense, action but also humour (done in a way  that only Lauren can accomplish)." - 5-Star Review ofTHE NUTCRACKER CONSPIRACY by Working Mommy Journal

Join Us for This Audiobook Tour from June 8 to June 26, 2020! Book Details:Book Title:  The Nutcracker Conspiracy (A Thorny Rose Mystery #4) by Lauren Carr Category:  Adult Fiction (18 +),  388 pages Genre:  Mystery Publisher:  Acorn Book Services Release date:   January 30, 2020 Format available for review:  audible (download code), mobi, epub, PDF Tour dates: June 8 to Jun 26, 2020 Content Rating:  PG-13 (Lauren Carr's books are murder mysteries, so there are murders involved. Occasionally, a murder will happen on stage. There is sexual content, but always behind closed doors. Some mild swearing (a hell or a damn few and far between). No F-bombs!

[youtube https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-yxj_k-m-p

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Book Description:
Three years ago, the nation gasped in horror when the President of the United States barely escaped an assassination attempt that left two dead—the vice president’s wife and the attempted assassin.  Even after numerous investigations proved otherwise, conspiracy theorists argue that the assassin was acting on orders from the CIA, FBI, and every federal agency within a hundred miles of the capital. Aspiring Author Dean Conway is the last person Lieutenant Commander Murphy Thornton wants to spend his Saturday afternoon when they end up at the same wedding reception table. While their wives tend to bridesmaid duties, Murphy is trapped listening to Dean’s latest work-in-project—completing the manuscript of an investigative journalist who’d disappeared months earlier. “She was number twelve,” Dean says. “Twelve?” Murphy asks. “Twelve witnesses connected to or investigating The Nutcracker shooting have died either in an accident or suicide.” Two days later, Dean dies suddenly―but not before sending a text message to Murphy:

Interview with Lauren Carr, author of The Thorny Rose Mystery Series

1. Lauren, you really have kicked things up a notch with The Nutcracker Conspiracy, which is full of conspiracies, spies, and cover ups. Your other best-selling mystery series (Mac Faraday Mysteries, Lovers in Crime Mysteries, the Chris Matheson Cold Case Mysteries, and now the Nikki Bryant Cozy Mysteries) take place in more “sedate” settings of rural or small towns. What made you shift gears to set The Thorny Rose Mysteries in Washington, DC? LC: Because that is where Murphy Thornton and Jessica Faraday live. When creating the Thorny Rose Mystery series, I flipped my creative process somewhat. I choose the series to fit the mystery. Lovers in Crime is a small town setting. I grew up in Chester, West Virginia. Mac Faraday lives on Deep Creek Lake, a resort area where my family vacations. The Chris Matheson Mysteries are set in Harpers Ferry, West Virginia, which is still considered the Washington DC metropolitan area, but it’s still quite a bit away. However, in the case of the Thorny Rose Mysteries, the characters came first. Murphy Thornton appeared in my very first book—A Small Case of Murder. Then, he was only seventeen years old and aspired to attend the Naval Academy in Annapolis. Jessica Faraday, Mac Faraday’s daughter, has been mentioned in the Mac Faraday mysteries. Originally from Washington, DC, she was attending William and Mary University in Williamsburg and is planning to go to medical school. Since Murphy is a navy lieutenant, it is natural for him to be assigned to the Pentagon. Therefore, Ihad little choice in the setting. 2. Did setting the Thorny Rose Mysteries in the Nation’s Capital present any challenges that you didn’t encounter with your other series? LC: Every book presents its own challenges. As a writer, I embrace them. That’s why I love writing. The setting sets the tone of the book. I had lived in Northern Virginia and worked for the federal government as an editor and layout designer for over ten years. So I was already intimate with the fast pace and diverse characters that would be a part of Jessica and Murphy’s lives—not all of them positive. For example, one character reveals in the first book, Kill and Run, that the first rule he was taught when going to work for the government was to “watch your back and cover your butt.” In other words, it is basically every man for himself. The characters in my other series are not so self-centered. Such rules make it difficult to know who to trust when members of your team put their own professional advancement first, which is something Murphy discovered first hand in Kill and Run. That rule has continued to run throughout the other installments because, unfortunately, it is a theme that has contaminated Washington DC area.

3. If you could cast a movie of The Nutcracker Conspiracy, who would you put into the roles of Jessica Faraday and Murphy Thornton?

I am frequently asked this question and I always stumble over it because I don’t base any of my characters on famous actors. I develop them from the inside out, and sometimes they can even change.

Murphy Thornton was in my very first book. He was sixteen years old then. Now he’s in his mid-twenties. Chris Pratt is too old and his eyes aren’t blue, but he can perfectly reflect Murphy’s fun loving nature.

As far as appearance, I was envisioning Elizabeth Taylor when she was in her twenties when I created Jessica Faraday. Notice the reference to her violet eyes, dark hair, and abundant bosom. Jessica Faraday is a stunningly beautiful woman, but she’s smart, too. I’m going strictly by appearance, because I have not seen any movies she has appeared in, but Megan Fox is a good fit for Jessica—looks wise.

4. You always have such interesting characters in your series—especially furry four-legged ones. There’s Gnarly in the Mac Faraday Mysteries, Irving and Admiral in the Lovers in Crime Mysteries. What four-legged sidekicks do you have in the Thorny Rose Mysteries? LC: As with every new marriage, there is a merging of households. Readers met Spencer, Jessica’s Shetland sheepdog in Three Days to Forever, the book in which I introduced readers to the Thorny Rose detectives. Murphy calls her Candi, after an old girlfriend who used to kiss everybody. Spencer is a blue merle. Her long fur has a bluish cast to it and she has blue eyes. Newman is a forty-five pound couch potato. One reviewer has already called Newman “The Man.” Unlike Gnarly, who actively participates in Mac Faraday’s cases, Newman does nothing. He watches television from his recliner and doesn’t do anything—unless you try to come between him and the remote. One last furry character is Monique. She is an eight inch long tarantula, owned by Tristan, Jessica’s brother. Being a tarantula, she is quite limited in solving crimes. 5. What about Gnarly? He’s made a guest appearance in The Nutcracker Conspiracy. LC: By popular demand! Gnarly and Mac Faraday are back this September! Look for A Murder for Christmas! There’s nothing Mac Faraday loves more than a new mystery to tackle. But the last thing he expected was a murder mystery in his stocking when the host of a swanky Christmas party ends up dead.

Guess post by Author Lauren Carr

Put a Little Love in Your Murder and Mayhem

By Lauren Carr

How is it that love and murder seem to go hand in hand when it comes to murder mysteries? Think about it. We pick up a mystery because we want to read about murder and mayhem. Yet, somewhere, someplace, whether it be in the forefront of the plot or in the background, there’s an interweaving of romance. Nancy Drew had Ned hanging around. Perry Mason had Della Street at his beck and call—at least I think so. You could never really tell. That was one of the things that kept readers coming back. Are they or aren’t they? Mystery fans fell in love with Elizabeth George’s Inspector Thomas Lynley and his late wife Helen. When George killed Helen off, I was as mad at Elizabeth George as if she pulled the trigger. (Actually, as the writer, didn’t she pull the trigger?) Romance is not only found in murder mysteries. On the other side of the bookshelf, in the romance genre, mystery often plays a big role in romance novels. I remember not being able to put down Daphne du Maurier’s Rebecca, one of literature’s greatest romance novels, which is filled with mystery surrounding the death of Rebecca, the first Mrs. DeWinter. Even mysteries with unattached detectives, some who want nothing to do with love, or who are never successful at it, usually seem to have a couple of characters who have been struck with cupid’s arrow somewhere in the plot. It is not uncommon for the protagonist to be dragged into the mystery to save the couple’s union. Does anybody know how often the hard-boiled detective has been hired by the wife of a murder suspect to clear her husband or boyfriend’s name? “Love is for suckers and fools,” the detective will grumble before going off to solve the case, only because he wants to bring a smile to the poor lady’s pretty face. Don’t get me wrong. I’m not complaining. I’m all for love and romance, especially when it means a big box of chocolates on Valentine’s Day. Love has a big part in murder mysteries. Mystery writers, including myself, seem to always write it in and readers love to scoop it up. From the first installment of the Mac Faraday Mysteries, readers were anxious for Mac and his lady love Archie to get together. Readers and reviewers were thrilled when I matched Mac Faraday’s daughter Jessica up with Joshua Thornton’s son Murphy for the Thorny Rose mysteries. Why does love play such a big role in murder mysteries? Well, the answer can be found in the definition of the two emotions. Love:  The definition of Love as defined by Google is “an intense feeling of deep affection.” Murder: Also according to Google: “The unlawful, premeditated killing of another human being.” While Google doesn’t go on to say it, it can go without saying that this act is brought about by an intense feeling, but not of affection, the feeling that is opposite of love: hatred. In my opinion the mixture of these two emotions, so extreme from each other, is akin to a literary sweet and sour mix. In one chapter, we have the plot surrounding the intense act of murder, only be complemented by the sweet love scenes. When planning the storyline for the fourth Thorny Rose Mystery, The Nutcracker Conspiracy, I could not resist adding a little spice to an otherwise average marital discussion: Murphy’s personal phone buzzed on his desk. Jessica’s picture flashed across the screen. “I gotta go. My better half is calling.” Afraid Jessica would disconnect the call if he didn’t answer fast enough, Murphy grabbed the phone and swiped his thumb across the screen. “Hello, Beautiful!” “Hey, Handsome,” Jessica said in a less enthusiastic tone. “What are you doing later?” “I was planning for some late afternoon delight before dinner.” “Hmmm, that’s right.” “What’s going on?” Jessica paused. “Amy met with her lawyer to see if there’s any way to get Dean out of the house.” “It’s her house,” Murphy said. “She’s paying the mortgage.” “Doesn’t matter that she’s paying the mortgage,” Jessica said. “It’s in both of their names. Just like I bought our house out of my inheritance. The deed has both of our names on it.” “But if we got divorced, I’d be man enough to do the right thing and leave,” Murphy said. “You’re not Dean.” She took in a deep breath. “I’ve called Willingham. He’s coming over to our house this evening. Amy is going to meet him there. We don’t want Dean to know that she’s planning to divorce him. He won’t think anything is up if she comes over to see me.” “Gotcha.” Murphy cleared his throat. “What time is your dad’s lawyer coming over?” “About six-thirty.” “So if we can get home by five-thirty, then we can have a roll in the hay before he gets there.” “Then we’ll be all sweaty. “We’ll take a quick shower afterwards—together.” “You know what happens when we take a shower together,” she said with a giggle. “It’s never just a quick shower.” In a husky voice, he said, “I’ll do that thing you like.” She caught her breath. “You know what that does to me.” “Five-thirty?” “Make it five.” Murphy heard a throat clear behind him. He jumped up in his chair and spun around to find Perry standing in the doorway. “I’ve got to go.” “Okay. If I’m late, don’t start without me.” “I wouldn’t dream of it.” Murphy disconnected the call. “What can I do for you, Perry?” “They found Koch’s car out at the mall in Springfield. I’m going to look it over before they tow it to our garage.” “Can someone bring Gnarly back here, or should I go out there to pick him up?” “He’s on his way to Walter Reed hospital with the medical examiner?” Murphy’s mouth dropped open. He had so many questions that he didn’t know which to ask first. First, his personal curiosity made him wonder what Gnarly was doing with the medical examiner. Professional curiosity made him want to know about the military’s medical examiner’s involvement in the case. “The body in Woodbridge was Koch.” Perry nodded his head. “She’d been in the water at least two days. Archer and Hamilton identified her by her tattoos.” “Any obvious clues about cause of death?” Perry shook his head. “Her feet and hands were bound with duct tape. She also had rocks stuffed inside her clothes. Obviously, the killer wanted her body to be weighed down at the bottom of the river. She still managed to float back up to shore. Dr. Reed thinks it was the river’s current—something about the rain last week.” “Why is Dr. Reed taking Gnarly back to Bethesda with him?” “Gnarly jumped in the van.” Perry lifted a shoulder. “Archer says he and Gnarly hit it off.” “Who’s going to Bethesda to pick him up?” “He’s your dog.” Perry walked away. “No, he’s not my dog,” Murphy called after him. “My dog is home in his recliner watching the business report—like all good dogs.” The taste of a good romance in a mystery can take the edge off the gruesomeness of a killer plot, which is a good thing. I have found that books with no romance or tender emotion between characters to be depressing and leave a feeling of hopelessness—which is another genre. Personally, I prefer a little love mixed in with my murder and mayhem.

“13”

Buy the Book: Amazon ~Audible BookBub ~ Add to Goodreads

Meet the Author: Lauren Carr is the international best-selling author of the Mac Faraday, Lovers in Crime, Chris Matheson Cold Case, the Thorny Rose, and now the Nikki Bryant Cozy Mysteries—almost thirty titles across five fast-paced mystery series filled with twists and turns! Book reviewers and readers alike rave about how Lauren Carr’s seamlessly crosses genres to include mystery, suspense, crime fiction, police procedurals, romance, and humor. ​A popular speaker, Lauren is also the owner of Acorn Book Service, the umbrella under which falls iRead Book Tours. She lives with her husband and two spoiled rotten German Shepherds on a mountain in Harpers Ferry, WV. ​Connect with the author: Website ~  Twitter  ~  Facebook  ~  Instagram ~Books on Audible

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Tour Schedule: June 8 – She Just Loves Books – audiobook review / giveaway June 9 –Mystery Suspense Reviews – audiobook review / giveaway June 9 –Mystery Suspense Reviews– book spotlight / guest post June 10 –Rockin’ Book Reviews – audiobook review / guest post / giveaway June 10 -T's Stuff – audiobook review / guest post / giveaway June 11 –Sefina Hawke's Books – audiobook review June 11 - Bound 4 Escape – audiobook review / giveaway June 11 - Rosepoint Publishing - audiobook review June 12 – Splashes of Joy – book spotlight / guest post / author interview / giveaway June 12 - Nighttime Reading Center – book spotlight / giveaway June 12 - Locks, Hooks and Books – book spotlight / guest post / giveaway June 15 –Buried Under Books - audiobook review - giveaway June 16 – Dab of Darkness Audiobook Reviews – audiobook review /giveaway June 17 – Jazzy Book Reviews – book spotlight / guest post / giveaway June 17 - Blooming with Books - audiobook review / giveaway June 19 – Stephanie Jane – book spotlight / giveaway June 22 – Hall Ways Blog – audiobook review / giveaway June 23 – Books for Books – audiobook review June 24 – JBronder Book Reviews – audiobook review / guest post / giveaway June 25 – Thoughts in Progress – audiobook review / giveaway

Prism Grand Finale for Healing Their Hearts

 

On Tour with Prism Book Tours

We hope you enjoyed the tour! If you missed any of the stops

you'll find snippets, as well as the link to each full post, below:

Launch - Author Interview What do you hope readers will take with them after they’ve read it? My main hope for my readers is that they will feel whole and refreshed after reading Healing Their Hearts. It isn’t just a fluffy story because it does deal with fostering a child, possibly past secrets, and family struggles, but it is a light read because I love including humor, faith, and fun into my novels.

Beauty in the Binding - Excerpt

With his back pressed snug up against the wall in the narrow hallway, Mark knocked on the door. “Lainee? I need you to respond to me. I won’t hurt you, I promise. My name is Mark. Remember me? Can you say something for me?” The three-year-old remained silent. Mark tipped his head back against the ramshackle wall and sent up a silent prayer. So far, he wasn’t getting anywhere, and they’d arrived on the scene well over an hour ago. A neighbor had reported that Steve was being belligerent, and Brenda had been spotted with a fresh purchase of booze. Though both had denied it, the last straw had been drawn, and that was the end of it.

Remembrancy - Review

"...at its heart, this book is about family—the family you’re born with and the one who surrounds you when you marry and the ones you work and live the day in and day out with.

Overall, this sweet read is one that left me feeling happy and hopeful and there’s plenty of potential for more to come with the residents of Believe."

Britt Reads Fiction - Excerpt

“Believe’s biggest weekend is upon us, ya’ll,” Noah declared, gesturing to the normal amount of traffic on Main Street. “As you can see by all this traffic.”

Liam paused with his paint roller dangling off the ground, squinting into the early morning sun. “You do realize it’s just you and me listening, right? Also, quit yakking and start brushing. This needs to dry sooner than later.”

“Maybe you should’ve painted the giant red BerryPepper smack dab in the middle of Main Street a little sooner than the Friday of BerryPepper days.”

Hallie Reads - Excerpt

“I’d like to be able to talk to all five of you, but this will do for now. First of all, as your father, I’m proud of all of you. Liam, you impress me every single day with your bravery and loyalty to both your family and your job. You work hard to support your wife and children, and I’m proud of you for it. To my youngest sons, I’m impressed by your drive and devotion to this ranch. It’s not a small undertaking. Luke, I’ve seen you come a long way in the past year, and I have no doubt that you’ll be a wonderful father come September. I can see how happy you make your wife, and that’s all the indication I need to know how loved your daughter will be. Noah, you’ve had a lot thrown at you these past months—a little bad with a lot of good. You’re a hardworking young man, and you’re going to be a fine husband. All I’m saying is that I’m proud of you. All of you.” “Aw, Dad.” Noah offered a goofy grin. “Who knew Allen McKay was such a softie?” “Your mother,” Dad teased. “Why do you think she married me?”

Read Review Rejoice - Excerpt

It was evenings like this that made Emma wish Liam had a different career of choice. Yes, he was safe at home and they were safe up here at the river, but she longed for her husband to be here enjoying the weekend at the river. Playing cards, sitting around the campfire, going for a family pontoon ride at sunset. But then her thoughts would rationalize because she knew how much he loved his police work. And even with lonely hours, she would never truly wish for him to work elsewhere. Emma quietly eased out of the bed she was sharing with Ava, grabbed her phone and a blanket, and slipped out of the trailer into the cool evening air. The breeze had died down to nothing and locusts and crickets created an ambience of night sounds as Emma tiptoed down to the pontoon, the flood light illuminating her way.

A Baker's Perspective - Review

"If you’re looking for a sweet story that makes you smile, and brings hope, then this is the book for you. All the characters are relatable, and I felt as if I could become friends with any of them. Even the town itself was one I could find myself either visiting, or possibly even living there!"

Adventures of a Travelers Wife - Excerpt

Eva didn’t reply, her gaze falling to her coffee mug. She couldn’t really talk, because it was rare that she let people in. Even simply talking to Mark was way outside of her comfort zone. “I’m sorry if I—” “What? No.” She bit her lip. “I just don’t really—I’m not accustomed to people, um, caring about me. Not that you, you know, care about me. I mean—that doesn’t…” She finally stammered to a stop, her cheeks hot. A hand on hers made her look up. “I do care about you, Eva, contrary to what you might think,” he said softly. “So does everybody in this town, whether you’ve been here forever or not. And to prove just how much, may I ask you out for supper Saturday night?”

Splashes of Joy - Review

"I really did enjoy this sweet family story. And I love and appreciate the [way] this author weaves the Christian life and faith into her characters. The wedding scene was so sweet it brought tears, and it was just a joy to read a book like this about family. If you love a sweet family story set in a neat little town, this is one you need to read."

Heidi Reads... - Excerpt

“You like her.” Sam pointed her spoon at him. “You like Evangeline!” He let his shirt fall into place and crossed to the freezer. “You’re off duty and it’s past your bedtime. Stop throwing accusations around.” “Mark Bryant MacLaughlin, you’re in denial.” Sam shut the freezer door before he could grab his ice cream. “Admit it. You. Like. Evangeline. Taylor!” “Could you not yell in my face?” Using his height to his advantage, he blocked her with his shoulders, then grabbed the butter pecan gelato. “I didn’t say I like her, and I haven’t given you cause to think that. Now, if you could excuse me, I’d like to enjoy my ice cream before work.”

Reading Is My SuperPower - Review

"Healing Their Hearts is a light, gentle read that follows 4 main characters through the ups and downs of daily life in a small Nebraska town. . . . The theme of family – the circle you’re born into & the circle you intentionally gather around you – is sweetly presented, with a maturity beyond the author’s years. This is the kind of book that leaves you with hope in humanity and confidence in the grace of God, as well as a smile on your face and in your heart."

reviewingbooksplusmore - Review

"Healing their Hearts is a story full of friendships, family, and more. Liam and Emma was an amazing couple. . . . I loved all the children in the book. . . also a lot of surprises with Eva’s family."

Book Lover in Florida - Excerpt

“Good.” Mark set his things down and took the bait from Lainee. “Okay, Lainee, can you wait for a second while I help Eva bait her hook?” “That be ’kay.” Lainee pointed to a white butterfly. “Fly!” “Pretty butterfly, huh?” Eva asked. “Just as pretty as Lainee.” Lainee giggled and squatted down to examine a rock several feet back from the creekbank. Mark kept his eye on her as he tied a hook onto Eva’s fishing line, then opened the container of bait from the gas station. “Under normal circumstances, I would require you to bait your own hook,” he told Eva. “That was Dad’s rule growing up—for boys and girls. But because of your wrist, I’ll make an exception.”

Through the Fire Blogs - Excerpt

“Miss Taylor.” Eva spun around, swallowing when she looked up into the face of Mark MacLaughlin. “Hey.” Really? That’s all you can say? The corners of his gray-blue eyes crinkled, and he slipped his capable hands into the pockets of his slacks. “I was hoping I’d see you here today.” “You were?” she squeaked. This time she didn’t even bother to chastise herself. She was working hard enough trying to keep the flush out of her face.

Rockin' Book Reviews - Review

"I enjoyed reading this story with all the friendships and love. I like the town of Believe. The community is close and I love the way they have faith.

The characters are many and each on is well-developed and easy to love. It is also easy to feel their emotions. . . . I highly recommend this book to all who enjoy good romance and friendships."

Christy's Cozy Corners - Excerpt

I don’t know how I’m going to do it, bro.” Luke dropped his forehead against the window. “Katie is going to be a tiny little human and I’m supposed to, well, basically prevent her from dying?” Liam’s brow furrowed and he leaned around the cab of his truck. “Where did that come from?” “Liam, it’s, what? June eleventh? That means we’re about three and a half months from Rae’s due date. What if I fail?” His face paled. “Would you charge me with murder?” “Nope. I’d have Cam do it.” Luke threw a sponge at him. “That’s not funny!”

Don't forget to enter the giveaway at the end of this post...

Healing Their Hearts

 

(Faith to Love, #6)

   

By Cleopatra Margot

Christian Contemporary Romance

Paperback & ebook, 302  Pages

June 21, 2020

After spring's many trials, Knox County Sheriff Liam McKay is ready for a season of restoration. He needs time to grieve the loss of his grandmother and work on becoming a better husband and father. Liam learned the hard way that life is fragile, and he doesn't want to miss out on any precious moments.

Emma McKay loves her role as a wife and mother. After she lost her parents, the McKay family became her saving grace. Being married to a police officer brings both challenges and adventures into her life, though, and when something hits on a more personal level, will her past be brought into the light?

Officer Mark MacLaughlin is motivated by two things: his family and his job. Add a beautiful stranger to the mix, and Mark can't help but want to get to know her better. But when he takes on fatherhood for a three-year-old girl, he has to learn how to blur the lines between his personal and professional life too.

Evangeline Taylor was on the way to confront her past, until her plans came to a grinding halt. Now injured and stranded in a tiny Nebraska town, Eva's heart opens up. The town, the people, and maybe one handsome police officer in particular help her to heal...but will they be enough to make her stay?

 

(Affiliate link included.)

Goodreads | Amazon

Other Books in the Series

 

(Linked to an Amazon affiliate link.)

 

About the Author

 

Cleopatra Margot resides with her family and their golden retriever in small town, rural Nebraska. Inspiration for her novels comes from both real life + fictional characters and storylines in her brain. The town of Believe is based on her own hometown, but with embellishments. She and her two younger siblings are homeschooled, and enjoy traveling with their parents and the dog. When she’s not writing, Cleopatra enjoys Bible journaling, time with family and friends, playing cards, being outside (when it’s not subfreezing temps), laughing, singing, and enjoying life.

 

Website | Goodreads | Pinterest | Facebook | Twitter | Instagram

 

Tour Giveaway

1 winner will receive a signed paperback copy of Healing Their Hearts by Cleoptatra Margot, a vinyl sticker, bookmark, and free shipping coupon (for a future purchase through the author)

US only

Ends July 29, 2020

ENTER HERE

 

A Whiskered Perspective by M. G. Spear

 

 

A WHISKERED PERSPECTIVE M.G. Spear Fiction Meet the cutest new black kitty in fiction, Pumpkin! Like cats? Relationships? Then A Whiskered Perspective is for you. Relationships are hard, but they are worth the effort. You should try your best, no matter what, to work things out, right? Not always. Miller thinks she has found love but her cat, Pumpkin, tells a darker story. Not all love is equal, even if you desperately want it to be. It’s a different take on relationship turmoil and the power of a connection between a cat and his human. ORDER YOUR COPY Amazon → https://amzn.to/30K9Tsx

MY THOUGHTS ON THIS BOOK 

Being a cat lover, I wanted to see what this story was about. I like the story from the beginning as the woman rescues Pumpkin the cat and they developed a unique relationship. This story is different as the entire story is told from the cat's point if view. I found this interesting, just wondering if this is what cats really think! The only thing I did find a little weird is some if the human things this cat did. This threw me off with the story, and I would have liked it to stay with what a cat really is like? Maybe I'm being too picky but this is just my opinion. I was surprised at the darker side of this story, after the woman meets Rob. According the Pumpkin, the relationship isn't going as well, and the cat tells what is happening through cat eyes! Over all this is just an ok story for me. I like the cat and women's character.  I enjoyed seeing their relationship develop, but it seems there is too much going on in the story for it to be such a short one. For me there wasn't enough time to really get into the story to Hash out the different issues. But as for cat stories, if you love a good one, this is a story you will enjoy much. Pumpkin was a cute cat! A special thanks to the author/publisher for a copy of this book. I am not required to write a positive review, the opinions here are mine alone. I am disclosing this with my review in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255.

 

 

 

Have you ever been set on fire? I have. Tied up, thrown into a bag, the smell of gasoline filling my nostrils… Such is the way of the warrior. I had been minding my own business, hunting mice for dinner when the neighborhood bully caught me by surprise with a pillowcase. The local humans would whisper I was the trouble tom, always picking fights with their house cats, or spraying on their fence line. And, of course, attacking the neighborhood bully when he threw rocks at me. Now he had the advantage. My sharp claws could only do so much damage through the fabric, and he grabbed my legs and tied them so my claws would no longer be an issue. I yowled and spat and hissed with the rage of fire but to no avail. The way of the warrior is to accept death, but this was my seventh life, and I was not ready to give it up. But I could see no way I would survive as the pillowcase caught fire. “Hey!” a woman screamed. I heard the bully run away laughing as my flesh started to sear. The pain was building, and even with meditation techniques, I could not get my mind far enough from the pain. Then my miracle came. Someone doused the pillowcase in water. Cold, blessed water. The ropes came off and the makeshift sack was opened. Delirious as I was, I knew not to struggle as this random woman, this passerby, scooped me up in her arms and carried me down the street. She took me into her house and tended my wounds while I lay panting, grateful to be alive. Weeks go by, and I continued to heal and snuggle with this woman. I made sure to do nothing to upset her, to throw me away, and only sprayed in the litter box and did my business there. She was grateful for this kindness and cleaned it every day for me. Her house was a small three-bedroom house. She lived alone, a teacher educating other people’s children but coming home to no one. I was the answer to her loneliness. She talked to me every day about the goings-on in her life. She kept a diary, which I read from time to time. We were grateful for each other. This is the story of my friend and me.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

M.G. Spear is a teacher who writes for stress relief, and currently has published multiple books with more in the works. She teaches Biology to both college and high school students, and mostly her days are filled with logic. But M.G’s creative side comes out in her writing. M.G. has been writing for as long as she can remember and hones her craft by reading books and constantly writing. She is very eclectic in her writing passions, from general fiction to horror books, to motivational and humorous posts on her blog. Her major influences are Edgar Allen Poe, Gillian Flynn, Chuck Palahniuk, and Frank Peretti. She published her first short story collection, Jumping on the Trampoline, in 2006, but then life got in the way. Now she is back in the game, ready to bring more stories to life. WEBSITE & SOCIAL LINKS: Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/mgspearwriting/ Instagram: www.instagram.com/mgspear_ Pinterest: https://www.pinterest.com/sparsur/

 

 

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The 8th Island Trilogy Alexis Marie Chute

 

 

Wrinkle in Time meets The Princess Bride.”
Review by Lee Lee Thompson, The Perpetual You Magazine“Chute’s novel weaves STAR WARS-like characters with a WONDER-like message to form an enrapturing read for booklovers of all ages.”
US Review of Books“Fast and bizarre… Never a dull moment.“
Foreward Reviews

 SERIES DETAILS:

Series Title:  The 8th Island Trilogy by Alexis Marie Chute
Category:  Young Adult Fiction (13 to 17 yrs) (368 to 448 pages)
Genre:  fantasy, adventure, coming of age, ya, adult
Publisher:  SparkPress.
Release dates: Jun 2018; Oct 2019; Apr 2020
Format available for review:  print (Inside the Sun only), e-book, pdf
Will send print books out:  USA and Canada
Tour dates: Jul 7 to Aug 10, 2020
Content Rating: PG: Battle scenes and death depicted.

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[youtube https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=l8sUq1pCkTI]

 

 

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Series Description:

The 8th Island Trilogy includes Above the Star, Below the Moon, and Inside the Sun. Over the three books, we follow the adventures of a quirky family, the Wellsleys. The main characters are frumpy senior citizen Archie, his daughter-in-law, Tessa, and his ill fourteen-year-old granddaughter Ella.

Archie, searching for his missing son, accidentally transports his family—and a cruise ship full of people—to a magical planet. There, they uncover the truth: all worlds are dying. Yet hope is not lost. A way to restore all that will soon be destroyed is revealed, along with the realization that Ella will play a role no one could have imagined—especially not her.

On the mysterious island of Jarr-Wya, many races of creatures battle for dominion and magic lurks around every corner. When the world falls dark, that is when bravery must shine the brightest, and the Wellsleys will reveal the strength they never knew they possessed—as well as the power of love to save the day.

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AN INTERVIEW WITH THE AUTHOR 

Q&A with Alexis Marie Chute, author of The 8^th Island Trilogy

What is your education/career background?

My undergraduate degree is a Bachelor of Fine Arts in Art and Design. I also have my Master of Fine Arts in Creative Writing. Despite my professional education, I am a big believer in being a life-long learner and am a self-taught filmmaker and art curator.

When did you first realize you wanted to be a writer? Or what first inspired you to write?

I have been writing since as far back as I can remember—and even before I could hold a pen. As a child, I was very creative and cerebral. I was always coming up with stories and adventures. Fortunately, I didn’t lose that trait as I grew up. I find writing inspiration everywhere, always. My brain is a sponge for my environment and stimuli. Sometimes this is overwhelming, but most often I use this hyper-awareness to my advantage.  

Do you have any interesting writing habits or superstitions?

I am far too busy to have fussy superstitions about my writing. I have three active kids aged ten and under. I juggle multiple creative roles.  It has been valuable for me to be disciplined and approach my writing with bootcamp focus. I sit down and work. I love it, but if I only write when I feel like it, I will procrastinate till I’m dead.

What advice would you give to someone who is working on a book but tends to go back to re-read the first chapter, and gets stuck there?

Don’t go back and reread the beginning! That’s my first piece of advice. A more productive way to approach your book is to focus and write the whole first draft, from start to finish, not rereading anything you’ve written earlier in the story. Don’t do any editing during this first draft stage. A first draft is supposed to be terrible! The most important thing to do is get your story out, fully, on paper. Then you can go back to address the whole book, switching your mind into editing-mode, and work on improving the way you tell the story.

A really great book about switching between the creative act of writing and then the critical act of editing is called Writing on Both Sides of the Brain by Henriette Anne Klauser.

What are some interesting facts to note about your fantasy series The 8^th Island Trilogy?

I wrote Above the Star during NaNoWriMo, which stands for National Novel Writing Month. The goal of NaNoWriMo is to write a 50,000 word novel in the 30 days of November. It happens every year. I wrote the book as free writing, stream of consciousness, and with a newborn on my lap.

I wrote book two—Below the Moon—in a video series I call my “80 Days of Writing.” Each day I filmed myself write in time lapse videos and added in an Author Reflections about what I learned through the creative process. You can find all the videos on my YouTube channel.

The trilogy are hybrid novels. There are 30 to 60 illustrations per book. Inside the Sun has the most illustrations and many of them continue in a sequence over multiple pages. The illustrations were created in the persona of Ella. Ella Wellsley has cancer and because of this cannot talk. The chapters from her perspective are unique because we the readers get to venture inside her head, hear her thoughts, and see the magical worlds through her eyes by her illustrations.

The 8th Island Trilogy is what’s called portal fantasy. That’s where the main characters start out in the human world and travel through a portal to a magical world. Another example of portal fantasy is Harry Potter. What’s great about portal fantasy is that we learn about the new magical world alongside the main character(s). 

Another neat point to mention is that The 8th Island Trilogy is told in both first person perspective (Ella’s chapters) and third person perspective (Tessa’s and Archie’s chapters). This is one cool distinction that sets it apart. Also the fact that it is a young adult series, but has main characters that are not teenagers. Yes, there is one main character—Ella—who is a teen, but her mom and grandpa also play leading roles. This is quite unique for the genre.

What was one of the most surprising things you learned in creating your books?

I learned that books are hard to make and yet tremendously rewarding and fulfilling. Creating books, for me, is akin to getting tattoos. I am terrified of needles, and thus do not have a tattoo of my own (one day!!), but my friends who get tattoos always tell me it’s addictive. You can never only get one! That’s how I feel about writing books. I’m addicted!

Who is your favorite author?

I love everything Laini Taylor writes. The first book of hers that I read was Strange the Dreamer and I was immediately hooked on her vivid descriptions and complex characters. She’s my hero!

What person(s) has/have helped you the most in your career?

My mom has been a relentless force in teaching me business and determination—she is also tirelessly supportive of my artistic pursuits. My dad and step-dad should be included in this as well. I love them all dearly and am so grateful.  

My husband, Aaron, has taught me to believe in myself, and also that self-care is critical. He is truly a teammate in all my crazy adventures.

My children have taught me to shut off and be present. They are all so creative and brilliant in their own ways and provide me with much inspiration and joy.  

If The 8th Island Trilogy was turned into a movie, who would you like to play the main characters?

I’ve spent some time thinking about this and I’ve come up with a graphic of one possible trio for Ella, Tessa, and Archie:

Where can people find you online?

Website: www.AlexisMarieChute.com  

Twitter: @_Alexis_Marie

Facebook: Alexis Marie Chute, Art, Photograph and Creative Writing

Instagram: @alexismariechute

YouTube: AlexisMarieChute

LinkedIn: Alexis Marie Chute

Pinterest: AlexisMarieArt

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GUEST POST FROM THE AUTHOR

Writing Rituals with Alexis Marie Chute, Author of The 8^th Island Trilogy

By Alexis Marie Chute

When I was a teenage writer, I intrinsically knew that setting the stage for my writing time was very important. I worked at a second-hand desk in my parents’ basement. I dimmed the lights, lit candles, and played music. I felt very writerly and the story I penned back then still lives on in my mind, along with how I enjoyed my creative environment. Unfortunately, I received a piece of ignorant criticism about that story and took it to heart. I abandoned it, which is a terrible shame. Still, it was the beginning of many of my lifelong writing rituals and my discipline as an author.

Being a professional writer means that I don’t have the luxury of waiting for inspiration to strike. I’ve trained myself through practice, focus, and intention to sit down at my computer and put words on paper (or on a computer screen). Writer’s block is a myth in my world. I always have ideas at the front of my brain and if I do feel stuck I take a few meditative moments to let my mind wander, sort thoughts, and invariably an idea emerges.

When I sit down to write now, many years since I was a teenager, I still enjoy my rituals. These include:

Burning incense and candles. The smells help me stay centered in the moment. My husband says I like to hot box with my incense.

Listening to music without words. Vivaldi. Mozart. Enya. Even Alexa has a playlist called ‘Spa Music’ which I enjoy. I find music with words distracting.

Wearing a cozy sweater or blanket on my lap. Writing is a joyful act and one where I am not performing. Being comfortable is important.

Limiting distractions. This means I am not penning the next great novel in a coffee shop or bustling bookstore. I write at my desk in my home office, my room with a view to a pond, trees, and footbridge. I tell my family that I need an hour or two hours and they leave me alone (most of the time). Or, I am writing at my vintage style black desk in my bedroom. There I am not tempted to distraction by the administrative aspects of my job that are often littered across my workspace in the office.

All of my books have been written with these rituals. They are not prerequisites for creativity, but aspects of my creative process that bring me joy.  

My books, in chronological order, include:

Expecting Sunshine: A Journey of Grief, Healing and Pregnancy After Loss

The 8^th Island Trilogy

Above the Star

Below the Moon

Inside the Sun

 

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Book Details:

Book Title:  Above the Star by Alexis Marie Chute
Category:  Young Adult Fiction (13 to 17 yrs), 368 pages
Genre:  fantasy, adventure, coming of age, ya, adult
Publisher:  SparkPress.
Release dates: Jun 2018
Format available for review:  e-book (mobi for kindle, epub), PDF
Tour dates: Jul 7 to Aug 10, 2020
Content Rating: PG: Battle scenes and death depicted.

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[youtube https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dmj4CFz8o6Q]

 

Book Description:

When frumpy senior citizen Archie goes in search of his missing son in the Spanish Canary Islands, he stumbles upon a higher mission: locating a magical cure for his ailing fourteen-year-old granddaughter, Ella. Using a portal-jumping device called the Tillastrion, Archie and a stone-headed creature named Zeno are transported to Jarr-Wya, a magnificent yet terrifying island in a connected realm―along with Ella and her strong-willed mother, Tessa, who accidentally stow away on this not-so-secret quest.

What they find on Jarr-Wya is an island tortured by a wicked Star anchored in the sea, and a raging three-way battle for dominion between the stone-wielding Bangols, the fiery Olearons, and the evil Millia sands. Ella’s wit and resourcefulness emerge in this new world, while Tessa is forced to confront her long-buried secrets and a confusing new love triangle. When Ella is captured, Tessa and Archie―with the help of a company of peculiar allies―set out to save her and unravel the terrible mystery of her cure. A mesmerizing, stay-up-all-night adventure of three unlikely heroes, Above the Star reminds us that even the smallest act of bravery can transform our lives and the fates of the worlds around us.

Buy the Book:

Amazon ~ Amazon.ca
B&N ~ Chapters Indigo ~ Target
Book Depository ~ Google Play

Add to Goodreads

 

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Book Details:

Book Title:  Below the Moon by Alexis Marie Chute
Category:  Young Adult Fiction (13 to 17 yrs), 448 pages
Genre:  fantasy, adventure, coming of age, ya, adult
Publisher:  SparkPress.
Release dates: Oct 2019
Format available for review:  e-book (mobi for kindle, epub), PDF
Tour dates: Jul 7 to Aug 10, 2020
Content Rating: PG: Battle scenes and death depicted.

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Book Description:

Ella Wellsley is not your typical teenager. Cancer left her mute, but not powerless. Trapped in a parallel dimension, Ella rallies her strength to join her family―her mother, Tessa, her grandpa Archie, and her magical boyfriend―in locating the cure to her illness. This cure is entangled in the fate of all worlds, and threatened by the presence of an evil Star anchored in the sea. The Star has thrown life everywhere into chaos―and it is Ella who holds the key to unlocking its mystery.

Caught in a web of betrayal, mistaken identities, secrets, and love triangles, Ella, Tessa, and Archie must overcome their troubled pasts to ensure a future for all worlds. On this journey―armed with unearthly abilities and unexpected allies―each member of the Wellsley family will learn the power of love in the face of their greatest fears.

Buy the Book:

Amazon ~ Amazon.ca
B&N ~ Chapters Indigo ~ Target
Book Depository ~ Google Play

Add to Goodreads

 

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Book Details:

Book Title:  Inside the Sun by Alexis Marie Chute
Category:  Young Adult Fiction (13 to 17 yrs), 384 pages
Genre:  fantasy, adventure, coming of age, ya, adult
Publisher:  SparkPress.
Release dates: April 2020
Format available for review:  e-book (mobi for kindle, epub), PDF
Tour dates: Jul 7 to Aug 10, 2020
Content Rating: PG: Battle scenes and death depicted.

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Book Description:

All worlds are dying, and it’s up to one broken and dysfunctional family from Earth―the Wellsleys―to save the day.
Cancer-ridden Ella celebrates her fifteenth birthday beneath an enchanted mountain, but it is what lies even farther below―the mysterious Star in the sea―that demands she grow up quickly. While Ella grapples with the sacrifice she must make and the lies she is forced to tell, her mother, Tessa, is hell-bent on protecting her.
Through bizarre encounters, love-sick Tessa realizes that she is not the lonely orphan she believes. Her husband, Arden, and father-in-law, Archie, are not the only ones with magical bloodlines. This revelation changes everything. As Archie chooses to embody his unexpected ancestry, he learns that leading the charge in the ultimate battle against evil won’t be as easy as he thought. He’ll need his family―and the strange allies he has gained―by his side to give Ella enough time to set things right.

Can they defeat the unstoppable Millia sands―and another unexpected foe―before everything they hold dear is destroyed? Or will their adventure tear them apart for good? The finale to The 8th Island Trilogy will hold you spellbound until the final page, and long after.

Buy the Book:

Amazon ~ Amazon.ca
B&N ~ Bookshop ~ Target
Book

Depository ~ Google Play

Add to Goodreads

 

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 Meet the Author:

Alexis Marie Chute is an award-winning author, artist, photographer, art curator, filmmaker, and public speaker. She has received over 40 noteworthy distinctions for her visual and literary work. Her award-winning fantasy series The 8th Island Trilogy includes, Above the Star, Below the Moon, and Inside the Sun. The series has been described as “A WRINKLE IN TIME meets THE PRINCESS BRIDE” by The Perpetual You magazine, and “Fast and bizarre… never a dull moment” by Forward Reviews. The 8th Island Trilogy “weaves STAR WARS-like characters with a WONDER-like message to form an enrapturing read for blooklovers of all ages” – US Review of Books. Chute’s bestselling memoir, Expecting Sunshine: A Journey of Grief, Healing and Pregnancy After Loss, was a top Kirkus title of 2017 and received a plethora of other literary distinctions. The memoir was accompanied by the feature documentary of the same name, which has screened internationally for the last three years. Chute received her Bachelor of Fine Arts in Art and Design from the University of Alberta, Canada, and studied at Media Design school in Auckland, New Zealand. She graduated valedictorian with her Master of Fine Arts in Creative Writing from Lesley University in Cambridge, MA, USA. Chute is a highly regarded public speaker. She has presented on art, writing, bereavement, and the healing capacities of creativity around the world. Contact the Author/Artist for bookings info@alexismariechute.com When not in her art/photo studio or at her computer, Chute loves to spend quality time with her family, read fiction and non-fiction, watch reality TV, paddleboard, and canoe. She is not a winter person but lives in frosty Edmonton, Alberta, Canada with her husband and their three living children.

Connect with the author: Website  ~  Twitter~  Facebook  ~  Instagram ~
                                              Pinterest ~ YouTube ~LinkedIn

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Tour Schedule:

July 7 – Splashes of Joy – series spotlight / guest post / author interview / giveaway
July 7 - Working Mommy Journal – book review of Above the Star / giveaway
July 7 - fundinmental - series spotlight / giveaway
July 7 - Corinne Rodrigues | Booksnista - series spotlight / giveaway
July 8 - Leels Loves Books – book review of Above the Star / giveaway
July 8 – Book Bustle – book review of Above the Star / giveaway
July 8 - Living in a Bookworld – series spotlight / giveaway
July 9 - Confessions of the Perfect Mom – book review of Above the Star / giveaway
July 9 – I'm Into Books – series spotlight / guest post / giveaway
July 10 – Falling Into A Good Book – book review of Above the Star / giveaway
July 10 - She Just Loves Books – book review of Above the Star / giveaway
July 13 – Locks, Hooks and Books – book review of Above the Star / giveaway
July 13 - Books and Zebras – book review of Above the Star / giveaway
July 14 – Olio by Marilyn – book review of Above the Star / giveaway
July 14 - Cheryl's Book Nook – book review of Above the Star / giveaway
July 15 – Rockin' Book Reviews – book review of Above the Star / giveaway
July 15 - Blooming with Books – book review of Above the Star / giveaway
July 16 – Working Mommy Journal – book review of Below the Moon / giveaway
July 16 - Books and Zebras – book review of Below the Moon / giveaway
July 17 – Book Corner News and Reviews – book review of Above the Star / giveaway
July 17 - Writer with Wanderlust – series spotlight / guest post / giveaway
July 20 – Book Corner News and Reviews – book review of Below the Moon / giveaway
July 20 - Rockin' Book Reviews – book review of Below the Moon / giveaway
July 20 - Adventurous Bookworm – book review of Above the Star / giveaway
July 21 – Book Corner News and Reviews – book review of Inside the Sun / giveaway
July 21 - Stephanie Jane – series spotlight / giveaway
July 21 - Leels Loves Books – book review of Below the Moon / giveaway
July 22 – T's Stuff – series spotlight / author interview / giveaway
July 22 - She Just Loves Books – book review of Below the Moon / giveaway
July 22 - Blooming with Books – book review of Below the Moon / giveaway
July 23 - Rockin' Book Reviews – book review of Inside the Sun / guest post / giveaway
July 23 – Confessions of the Perfect Mom – book review of Below the Moon / giveaway
July 24 – Falling Into A Good Book – book review of Below the Moon / giveaway
July 24 - Books and Zebras – book review of Inside the Sun / giveaway
July 27 –  Book Bustle – book review of Below the Moon / giveaway
July 27 - Adventurous Bookworm – book review of Below the Moon / giveaway
July 28 –  Working Mommy Journal – book review of Inside the Sun / giveaway
July 28 - Olio by Marilyn – book review of Below the Moon / giveaway
July 28 - Library of Clean Reads – series spotlight / giveaway
July 29 – 411 ON BOOKS, AUTHORS, AND PUBLISHING NEWS – series spotlight / guest post / giveaway
July 29 - Blooming with Books – book review of Inside the Sun / giveaway
July 30 – Locks, Hooks and Books – book review of Below the Moon / giveaway
July 30 - Cheryl's Book Nook – book review of Below the Moon / giveaway
July 31 – She Just Loves Books – book review of Inside the Sun / giveaway
July 31 - Pen Possessed - series spotlight / giveaway
Aug 3 – StoreyBook Reviews – series spotlight / author interview / giveaway
Aug 3 - Leels Loves Books – book review of Inside the Sun / giveaway
Aug 4 –  Confessions of the Perfect Mom – book review of Inside the Sun / giveaway
Aug 4 - Cheryl's Book Nook – book review of Inside the Sun / guest post / giveaway
Aug 5 – Locks, Hooks and Books – book review of Inside the Sun / giveaway
Aug 5 - Adventurous Bookworm – book review of Inside the Sun / giveaway
Aug 6 – Olio by Marilyn – book review of Inside the Sun / giveaway
Aug 6 - Olio by Marilyn – series spotlight / author interview / giveaway
Aug 7 – Falling Into A Good Book – book review of Inside the Sun / giveaway
Aug 7 - Jazzy Book Reviews – series spotlight / guest post / giveaway
Aug 10 - Books for Books – series spotlight
Aug 10 –Book Bustle – book review of Inside the Sun / giveaway

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Enter the Giveaway: