Interview with Elle Preston, author of Illusions: Ravens of Darkness

Welcome to the book tour for Illusions: Ravens of Darkness by Elle Preston! Today you're going to get to know her and her book better in this exclusive interview. You can also read an excerpt over at Candrel's Crafts, Cooks, and Characters. Enjoy the rest of the tour and good luck in the giveaway!

Illusions: Ravens of Darkness 

Ravens of Darkness 

Book One

Elle Preston 

Genre: Young Adult; Paranormal Romance 

Publisher: Lark Publishing Crew 

Date of Publication: November 14, 2020 

ISBN: 978-0578661230 

ASIN: B08NGC23MS 

Number of pages: 269 

Word Count: 84,000 

Cover Artist: Lark Publishing Crew 

Tagline: Nothing is what it seems. Not even love. 

Book Description: 

An ancient cult. A supernatural addiction. A forbidden love. Sixteen year old Evie Willow is terrified of drowning but she's even more afraid of her own feelings. 

When the charismatic and telepathic lifeguard, Talon Renwyck, suddenly turns his affections toward her, Evie’s ability to rein in her feelings is threatened. Talon knows a secret which plunges Evie into the deep waters of her hidden emotions. As she drifts away from the life she knows into Talon’s beckoning arms, Evie learns that Talon is much more than just the handsome guy she’s falling in love with. Caught in a dark and supernatural addiction and tied to a secret cult, Talon is crying out for help. Can Evie save him from himself? 

Is their love the real deal or is it an illusion? 

Nothing is what it seems.

Illusions is the first book in the Ravens of Darkness Series. 

If you like character driven, paranormal romance sagas with supernatural elements, darkly dynamic love relationships, and a hint of magic and mystery, then you'll love the Ravens of Darkness Series. 

Book Two, Reflections, to be released November 2021 

Book Trailer: https://youtu.be/EpJdxBUs4Ac  

Amazon      Apple     Kobo     BN

(affiliate link included)

What was the inspiration behind this book?
It sounds funny to say, but toxic relationships were the inspiration for this book. The story, at the character level, is about a relationship between an empath and a narcissist and how that plays out for each person. I didn't begin writing a paranormal story, but as I started researching the empath/narcissist dynamic, I thought it would be interesting to make Evie Willow’s empathy more like a super power. Sometimes this power is her greatest asset, but it can also be her biggest downfall -- like when she gets entangled with Talon Renwyck, the handsome narcissist who tries to tempt her into his supernatural world.

What kind of research did you have to do for it?
I read a lot of psychology articles about empathy and narcissism and the toxic nature of that pairing. I wanted to show how Evie and Talon have a codependent relationship, so I read a lot of case studies and online discussion forums to see what people were saying about this kind of relationship from their own experiences.

Which character was your favorite to write?
Alex Greyson was my favorite character to write in this book. He’s clever, snarky and brutally honest. He also has a crush on Evie and is constantly bugging her about her codependent relationship with Talon. His scenes were always the most fun to write.

Will we see these characters again?
YES!! Illusions is the first book in a series. Evie, Talon and Alex all come back in book two, Reflections, which is due to come out this November. I also just finished writing book three and have an outline for book four as well. I think this will be a five book series with plans to expand some of the side characters into a spin-off series.

How do you make yourself stand out in this genre?
Well, I think a big trend is having teenage female protagonists that are super strong, sure of themselves all the time, and ready to kick butt and take names and there’s nothing wrong with that. But I feel like maybe I’m doing something a little bit different. My MC is very strong emotionally, but she’s not sure of herself at first. She is new to her supernatural abilities and doesn’t know how to use them. She hasn't quite found her voice yet in her personal life and relationships. I think back to when I was a teen: I had nothing figured out, made a lot of mistakes and did stupid stuff. I think it takes time to find one’s voice. So I hope people will see Evie as a little more “real.” She’s figuring things out. It’s sometimes frustrating to see her make mistakes but also fulfilling to see her grow throughout the series.

If you could have any superpower, what would it be?
Teleportation. I hate driving and am always late. Being able to teleport myself somewhere instantly would be really great!

Let’s say I’m coming for a visit to your area. What are some must-see places?
The Indiana Dunes National Park. The beaches and walking trails are beautiful and inspirational. It’s always had a mystical, spiritual feel to me which is why I chose it as the setting for my books.

About the Author:

Elle Preston is the author of the Ravens of Darkness series, a young adult, paranormal romance saga. Illusions, Book One, is her debut novel. Book Two, Reflections, is set to be released November 2021. She is currently working on the third book in the series. Elle lives with her husband, five kids and several fur babies near the shores of Lake Michigan and the Indiana Dunes where she sets her novels.

http://ellebooks.com

https://bit.ly/Ellesnewsletter

https://twitter.com/preston_elle

https://www.facebook.com/EllePrestonAuthor/

https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/14124966.Elle_Preston

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Seventeen Butterflies by Anna Katmore

 

Seventeen Butterflies by Anna Katmore is finally here! Enjoy an excerpt from this contemporary young adult book and then follow the tour for even more. Be sure to leave questions and comments along the way. And best of luck entering the giveaway!

The embarrassment of being the only “un-kissed” girl in senior high is something Sandy Cardington refuses to accept. The first kiss project is her foolproof plan to finally get rid of the status at her birthday party while her parents are out of town.

With several kissable boys on her guest list, this should be a walk in the park. But she didn’t reckon on her older brother returning from college days before her 17th birthday, putting a spoke in her plans. To make matters even more complicated, he has a friend in tow, and the cute hockey player stirs unexpected butterflies in her stomach every time their paths cross.

While Sandy moves heaven and earth to make her party and project come true, she doesn't know that Thane Griffyn is making his own plans to teach her the real meaning of a first kiss.

Read an excerpt:

“Since when are you in charge of dressing rules in this house?” I fling back at my brother, stemming my hands to my hips.

“Since Mom asked me to come home and keep an eye on you.” His voice takes on a much sharper edge. “Now change into one of your decent dresses or the party’s off.”

My eyes find Thane’s, and I know I’ve lost this battle because his stunned glare on me scratches on cold rage. “Sorry, Sandra,” he growls as he screws the cap back on the water bottle, “but this time your brother’s right.” Totally startling me, he skirts the counter, grabs my hand—none too gently this time—and drags me out of the room.

“Where are you taking me?” I protest when there’s no chance to withstand his pull.

“Upstairs to find you more suitable clothes for tonight. You want to get kissed, not laid.”

Why the hell is he so angry? He’s the last one to get a say in my life. And still, here I am, being hauled into my room by him and wincing as he slams my door shut, cutting us off from the rest of the house. I spin around in front of my bed and cross my arms rebelliously over my chest.

“And now what?” I spit.

“Now you take those boots off.”

A cynical laugh escapes me. “My boots are none of your business.”

As Thane takes one stride closer, the air suddenly cools with his intense scowl. Two feet away from me, he folds his arms, mirroring my stance, and arches one eyebrow. “Either you take them off, or I will. You have one second.”

Jesus Christ!

Buy on Amazon

(Affiliate link)

I’ve been a storyteller all my life, building bridges into different worlds. Already in kindergarten, I’ve seen the most fantastical things and wanted to share them with everyone. My teacher called me a liar back then. Today, I call it the first real flash of my spiritual gift and the cornerstone of my writing career.

When I got older, I’ve had many visions of a perfect career, while writing has always been more of a hobby and kind of a therapy for me when the longing for more magic in this world once again caught up with me in a crushing way. When my first book was finished, I couldn’t even imagine sharing one of my stories with others, ever. In fact, I only got used to the idea while I wrote my second book and learned in a very miraculous way where the many stories in this world really come from.

It’s funny how, at that point, everyone told me I can’t possibly make a living with writing. They even warned me not to quit my job. But after my debut novella PLAY WITH ME came out and sales skyrocketed within the first week, I knew I could do anything I wanted if only I never stopped dreaming.

That’s also part of what I teach my students in writing and spiritual workshops today. Always dream big! If your dreams don’t scare you, they aren’t big enough.

Some personal stuff:

“I’m writing stories because I can’t breathe without.”

Disney is my attitude to life, and if I could I’d save the world from itself. My Patronus is a wolf, my wand the broken twig of an apple tree, 13 ¾ inches with a unicorn hair core. I can’t deny that on some days, I prefer my book characters over real people, but there’s not a single day going by where I wouldn’t try to find magic in reality. And when I’m alone, I love to listen to the many stories of the wind in a mystic mid-summer night.

So you see, I’m lucky enough to live in an enchanting world of my own. It’s peaceful there and full of magical things, fairies and wonders. You’re welcome to follow me there – if you’re ready to open up your mind and leave everything you learned about reality behind. But beware, if you dare to step through this door, you may never want to leave again…

Website:
www.annakatmore.com

Facebook:
German: www.facebook.com/annakatmore

English (brand new) www.facebook.com/annakatmorebooks

Anna Katmore will be awarding her entire GROVER BEACH PLAYERS series as ebooks, or alternatively any of her own novels in ebook format the winner likes, to a randomly drawn winner via rafflecopter during the tour.

a Rafflecopter giveaway

It Happened on Thunder Road by Susan Antony

 

Welcome to the book tour for It Happened on Thunder Road by Susan Antony! You can check out an excerpt here today before downloading your own copy. I also have another excerpt and an interview with the author over at Candrel's Crafts, Cooks, and Characters. Leave more questions in the comments section. Best of luck entering the giveaway!

It Happened on Thunder Road
Susan Antony

Genre: YA Fantasy Romance, Suspense, Paranormal Elements
Publisher: The Wild Rose Press
Date of Publication: 04-24-21
ISBN: 1509235329
ASIN: B08YY7BTJB
Number of pages: 292
Word Count: 72000
Cover Artist: Kim Mendoza

Tagline: Hang on, baby, for the ride of your life.

Book Description:

When Emmy Russo returns to high school in Moncks Corner, South Carolina after summer break, she discovers some changes. First: Mom has a boyfriend. Second: the cute new student, Charlie Fields, is a Rockabilly greaser with a gang who obeys his every command. Third: attractive Keir Harper wants to be more than just her best friend. And fourth: a perplexed Emmy soon finds herself drawn to two extremely different boys. How do you choose between sweet and smoldering?

Then tragedy strikes on desolate Thunder Road. Strange things start happening, with Emmy in the middle of it all. Intent on finding the truth, she must fight for her heart, her life, maybe even her soul. Because someone wants to possess all of Emmy. And they will be together, no matter what the cost. For eternity.

Read an excerpt:

We faced each other for a beat or two. Then he placed his arm around my shoulder and took my hand in his, positioning his body a respectable distance away. We danced, slow and reserved at first, but as the singer’s wails intensified, so did Charlie’s moves. His hips swayed from side to side, and he inched closer to me, smidgen by smidgen, until his pelvis ground against my hipbones.

Our bodies melded, moving together in perfect synchronicity. Side to side. Back and forth. He moved his hand to my lower back and pulled me closer. I took in a quick, sharp breath. He

“You know, baby,” he murmured, “You and me have more than chemistry. We have fire. Not the easy kind of fire you can make from a box of matches, but the kind of fire you get when you rub two sticks together. I’m all yours if you want me.”

The world around me blurred as if I were watching it through thick lenses. I imagined Charlie’s lips against mine. I imagined him shirtless, propped above me, his triceps bulging as he slowly lowered his chest—mine rising toward his, beckoning him closer. He groaned a low animal-like sound. It drew me to him.

And I wanted him bad.

I wanted our bodies to burn in Hell together for all eternity.

What was happening? Had I lost my mind? I wasn’t ready. Was I?

No.

Spasms of panic surged from my loins to the deepest recesses in my brain. In a sharp snap, the imaginary lenses cracked, and through the broken glass was a clear image of a boy with kind eyes and a halo of yellow hair.

Keir was my angel, and I was dancing with the devil. A devil who would betray his brother. A devil who would convince me to betray him as well.

I shuddered and pressed my free hand, fiercely against his shoulder. He clutched me tighter.

“Charlie, please. We can’t do this.”

“Why not?” he demanded.

I took in a long, ragged breath. “Because I don’t want to hurt Keir. He likes me.”

He forced a laugh and loosened his grip. My hand slipped from his, and he leaned toward me. His chin brushed against my cheek, and flesh bumps shimmied down my spine.

“That was the right answer, New Jersey,” he whispered in a throaty voice. “Welcome to the gang.”

Amazon * BN * Bookbub * Target * Kobo

(affiliate link included)

Susan Antony, an aspiring Renaissance woman, never shies from a challenge. Not only does she have a degree in the Liberal Arts, she has a degree in Automotive Technology. She currently works in the IT department at a local Charleston hospital. Susan lives with her teenaged son and two behaviorally-challenged Cairn Terriers. To maintain her sanity, she cherishes her Friday evenings dancing the night away!

Tiktok: https://www.tiktok.com/@susanantony1

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/SusanAntonyCS

Twitter: https://twitter.com/SusanAntonyCS

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/susanantonyauthor/

Goodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/57309229-it-happened-on-thunder-road

Enter to win a $15 Amazon gift card!

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Review of Battle of the Bullies by Fenyx Blue

 

Welcome to the tour for Battle of the Bullies by Fenyx Blue! This is one that is going to stay with me for a while. Today I'm sharing with you an excerpt from the book as well as my thoughts. Be sure to follow the tour to read what other people thought as well, and leave questions and comments along the way. Best of luck entering the giveaway!

Ebony, Eris, and Emani Robertson have been through so much more than most high school freshman. When they were younger, they survived a school shooting that killed their friend and left their sister unable to speak. After giving home-schooling a try, they enroll in a promising new academy, hoping for the best. Unfortunately, they get the worst news. They have become the targets of an anonymous group of bullies who call themselves The Dimes. Can they bring down The Dimes all while trying to make it through the ninth grade?

Read an excerpt:

An Excerpt from Ebony

This week, my anonymous school survey seems to be a complete success. I’ve walked around the school visiting homerooms, telling them my story. Most of them somewhat know about my old school’s bombings. I answer their questions and offer a few of my best ideas for making changes at this school. School safety may be my platform. I haven’t fully decided.

The students have responded to my one-question survey in large numbers. The only question I asked is this: “If you could change one thing about this school, what would it be?” Replies can be anonymous, and are confidential.

Long lunch lines—Why do upperclassmen go first? —Anonymous

Theft—They stole my inhaler. I could have died from an asthma attack. —Anonymous

Lies—I have never had plastic surgery—I am not even done growing yet. Why would I need liposuction or any kind of work done on my lips, nose, or assets? No more lies, please. —Anonymous

Fees—I had to pay for books that someone else ruined! —Anonymous.

Rumors—They planted roaches in my locker, and everyone saw them crawl out. I was humiliated. I may not be live in a mansion, but we don’t have ROACHES! —Anonymous

Favoritism—I may not be a millionaire’s kid or have a famous last name, but I deserve the same education—even from student teachers. —Anonymous

Teasing—Everyone says I smell bad! —Anonymous

Confidentiality—They told everyone I had to cut my hair because I had lice. I’m sure I didn’t tell anyone but the nurse about that! She should be fired! —Anonymous

Peer Pressure!!! —Anonymous

Bullying—Check the internet . . . you’re on there, too. Sorry. —Anonymous

Gangs . . . oops, I mean the Dimes. —Anonymous

As I look through the rest of the surveys, one name continuously appears: Dimes.

Buy on Amazon

(Affiliate link) 

**My thoughts**

I was absolutely blown away by this book. I adore the three triplets, Ebony, Eris, and Emani. Each one of them has her own distinct personality and each is a strong young woman, even in the face of adversity and unspeakable tragedy. I admire their resilience and determination to fight against the Dimes and injustice. I realized at the end of the story that there is a book that came before this one and I am going to have to get that one soon to check out as well. 

Fear not, even though there is a book before this one, this completely works as a standalone story.

I actually think it would be amazing turned into a Netflix series or something like that. You have enough of the real world problems of school shootings, bullying, dating, sports, and more, with just a little added drama that makes it perfect for the screen. Fenyx Blue also makes every one of her characters come alive and jump right off of the page, so there is plenty to work with. Many times when characters as similar as triplets take turns telling a story, it can be confusing who is narrating without checking the chapter heading. But I didn't have to worry about that with this book, because each character truly had her own authentic voice. 

I think that a lot of young adult readers will be able to relate to a lot of this book, even if the Dimes are maybe a bit more exaggerated than what you typically see in the schools. And honestly, a lot of what they do is unfortunately too commonplace today. Most readers will not have access to the same supplies and methods to take down the bullies, but I think they will be inspired, nonetheless, to work on tackling the problems at their own schools. You could use this as a discussion launchpad with teens.

This story is going to stay with me for a while. I often read books in one sitting, but this one I had to stretch out a bit more. I was completely engrossed in it, but then also needed a break on occasion because it was an intense story. But that's completely up my alley when it comes to books. Like I said, I am planning on seeking out the other books in this series and will likely read this one again at some point. It really was well done.

Thank you to the author and Goddess Fish for fulfilling my review request. All thoughts and opinions are my own.

BLUE: Bold, Loving, Unapologetic, and Evolving are words to describe Fenyx Blue. Ms. Blue is an author, Youtuber (FENYX BLUE INK), speaker, ministry leader, mentor, instructional coach and her school district’s former “Those Who Excel” Teacher of the Year.

Ms. Blue is a soldier in the Blue Fenyx movement encouraging every phoenix in the world to rise up. Blue’s mission is to inspire, motivate and educate. Blue speaks to audiences about their purpose and power and works to coach other authors through their journey to become published.

Her novels are tools for teachers while being candy for students. Fenyx Blue has penned four books in her poetic collection in which she shares true life tales and lessons: Her first Young Adult novel entitled Who Failed Johnny? (Book 1 of The Triplet Trilogy), second YA novel Battle of the Bullies, a Children’s book called Worth the Weight: A Rare Gem, and a Poetry Book by the name of The Blue Ink Movement. With the help of her extended family and friends network, her self-published books will touch many lives this year.

Ms. Blue is a veteran English Teacher who has worked with readers K-12. However, her expertise lies with middle school and high school students which she has mentored, taught, and coached for almost twenty years. Blue created an organization called Team BFF (Team Bully-Free Forever) and has served as its coach for more than ten years. Her students have partnered with other schools, marched, and provided education on bullying. In addition, Blue directs a youth anti-drug program called Snowflake that helps students to solve problems, build relationships and make positive choices. She created an organization called Dads Rock to bring father figures into her school system to develop relationships with students in order to build their confidence and competence in school.

When Fenyx realized her school did not have an activity for spoken word artists, Blue sponsored a poetry club of junior high students that went on to the final rounds of “The Louder Than a Bomb” competition. Her school has now expanded that club to reach all creative young people and to allow them to share their gifts. With the support of other educators, she developed DIVAS (Daughters Inspiring Values and Sisterhood) to build bonds between middle and high school girls and prepare them to be productive citizens.

Ms. Fenyx Blue lovingly refers to her squad as neighbors on her YouTube channel @Fenyx Blue Ink because she believes we are all connected in some way. One of her goals is to transform into the best version of herself as she helps others to realize their destinies. Ms. Blue is a native of Chicago, Illinois, and loves to travel, learn, garden, and read. Ms. Blue is currently working on finalizing Book III of The Triplet Trilogy before moving on to a work of nonfiction for teachers. Follow Fenyx Blue @FenyxBlueInk on all Social Media platforms.

Website for Ms. Fenyx Blue: https://fenyxblueink.wixsite.com/website

Battle of the Bullies
https://amzn.to/31TVLNa

A group of upstanders versus a gang of bullies.

Worth the Weight
https://amzn.to/33U2WXc

A Christian dad expressing his love for his daughter and the song he sings to teach her to love herself.

Who Failed Johnny?
https://amzn.to/2U5stXS

A troubled, mentally unhealthy young man who is dealing with bullying while battling problems at home and the friendships he develops along the way.

The Blue Ink Movement
https://amzn.to/312C4Cj

A bold, loving, unapologetic and evolving collection of inspirational, motivational and educational poems about women, education, culture, relationships, and spirituality.

The author will be awarding a $10 Amazon/BN GC to a randomly drawn winner and a $5 Starbucks GC to a randomly drawn winner via rafflecopter during the tour.

a Rafflecopter giveaway

The Importance of Jimmy Bob in The F.I.G. Mysteries by Barbara Casey

 

Get to know the F.I.G. Mysteries series by Barbara Casey and find out why the character Jimmy Bob is so important in them. Enjoy an excerpt and then follow the tour for even more! Best of luck entering the giveaway!

*******************************

THE F.I.G. MYSTERIES

Dara Roux, abandoned when she was 7 years old by her mother. Exceptionally gifted in foreign languages. Orphan.

Mackenzie Yarborough, no record of her parents or where she was born. Exceptionally gifted in math and problem-solving. Orphan.

Jennifer Torres, both parents killed in an automobile accident when she was 16. Exceptionally gifted in music and art. Orphan.

THE CADENCE OF GYPSIES: Book 1

Known as the F.I.G.s (Females of Intellectual Genius), three high-spirited 17 year olds with intelligent quotients in the genius range, accompany their teacher and mentor, Carolina Lovel, to Frascati, Italy, a few weeks before they are to graduate from Wood Rose Orphanage and Academy for Young Women. Carolina's purpose in planning the trip is to remove her unusually gifted, creative students from the Wood Rose campus located in Raleigh, North Carolina, so they can't cause any more problems ("expressions of creativity") for the headmaster, faculty, and other students – which they do with regularity. Carolina also wants to visit the Villa Mondragone where the Voynich Manuscript, the most mysterious document in the world, was first discovered and attempt to find out how it is related to a paper written in the same script she received on her 18th birthday when she was told that she was adopted.

Read an excerpt:

"Ouch! You're standing on my fingers!" This from the petite girl with a long, blond ponytail, wearing a nightgown, most of which was pulled up between her legs and tied into a knot at her waist to keep it from getting tangled on the limb where she was perched. Somewhere above her the sound of a saw and splintering wood filled the darkness followed by a stream of profanity repeated in several foreign languages for emphasis.

"It doesn't look right. It's supposed to have a rim and a dent." Clinging to a 12-foot ladder as she pointed the flashlight first this way and then that, the heavy-set girl wearing a nightshirt buttoned at the neck offered this with a slight lisp.

The girl with the blond ponytail giggled.

"What do you mean—dent?! Let me see that picture." The tall black girl completely hidden aimed her flashlight toward the magazine that was being thrust upwards through the thick branches in her direction.

"And the top is supposed to be rounded—like a button mushroom," the girl in the nightshirt added, the word "mushroom" sounding more like "muthroom."

"That's because it's circumcised," supplied the girl with the ponytail, from which she removed a small twig and a handful of leaves.

"Shekoo, baboo!” More profanity. “Okay. I know what to do." The tall black girl disappeared back into the upper-most branches of the tall plant that was more tree than bush. After several additional minutes, the sawing, crunching, and clipping sounds finally gave way to the more gentle sounds of tiny snips. And then, silence.

"That's it; everybody down."

The petite girl, with the magazine that had been overlooked in the last confiscation and now wedged firmly under her armpit, started the perilous descent first since she was nearest to the ground, followed by the tall girl. The girl in the nightshirt eased her way down the ladder juggling pruning shears, a hand saw, and scissors. Once on the ground, the three girls stood back to admire their work.

"That is one honkin' Peni erecti," said the tall girl causing a fresh explosion of giggles. "Let's get out of here." After quickly rolling down the legs of her pajama bottoms, the tall girl grabbed one end of the ladder and, along with her two friends, lugged it and the other tools back to the shed that housed lawn maintenance equipment. Task accomplished, they returned to their rooms, and to their individual beds, careful not to disturb the other dorm residents, the floor monitors, their suitemates and, most importantly, their slumbering dorm mother, Ms. Larkins. Within minutes, they fell into a deep, peaceful sleep—the sleep of innocent angels.

It would soon be light; and Wood Rose Orphanage and Academy for Young Women would start another day.

THE WISH RIDER: Book 2

When Carolina and the F.I.G.s return to Wood Rose, Dara decides that she wants to try to locate her birth mother when she learns that she might be living in New York City. Carolina, Mackenzie, and Jennifer accompany her and their search leads them to a secret dangerous shadow world hidden deep beneath Grand Central, constructed in what Mackinzie identifies as chevroned magic squares—N X N matrixes in which every row, column, and diagonal add up to the same number—and cloaked in the discordant B flat minor key music that only Jennifer can hear.

THE CLOCK FLOWER: Book 3

The three FIGs—Females of Intellectual Genius—graduate from Wood Rose Orphanage and Academy for Young Women after returning from New York City where Dara learned why her mother abandoned her all those years ago, and they are now attending universities where they can further their special talents. This means they will be separated from each other and from Carolina, their much-loved mentor and teacher who is “one of them,” for the first time in their young lives. They vow to try living apart for one semester, in the so-called real world that doesn’t include the orphanage; but if things don’t work out, they will come up with another plan—a plan where they can be together once again. Dara is invited through Yale University to take part in an exciting archeological project in China. Jennifer, once again visualizing black and white images and the unusual sounds of another cadence that seem to be connected to Mackenzie, is engrossed in creating her next symphony at Juilliard. Mackenzie, because of her genius at problem-solving, is personally chosen by a US Senator to get involved in a mysterious, secret research project involving immortality that is being conducted in a small village in China—not too far from where Dara is involved with the archeological site. Once there, however, she finds herself facing a terrifying death from the blood-dripping teeth of an ancient evil dragon. Her best friends, the FIGs and Carolina, rely on their own unique genius and special talents to save her as she discovers the truth of her birth parents.

THE NIGHTJAR’S PROMISE: Book 4

Jennifer Torres, one of the three FIGs (Females of Intellectual Genius) who is a genius in both music and art, is the last to leave the closed rehearsal for her upcoming performance over Thanksgiving break at Carnegie Hall when she hears something in the darkened Hall. Recognizing the tilt of the woman’s head and the slight limp of the man as they hurry out an exit door, she realizes it is her parents who were supposedly killed in a terrible car accident when she was 15 years old. Devastated and feeling betrayed, she sends a text to Carolina and the other two FIGs—THURGOOD. It is the code word they all agreed to use if ever one of them got into trouble or something happened that was too difficult to handle. They would all meet back at Carolina’s bungalow at Wood Rose Orphanage and Academy for Young Women to figure it out. As soon as they receive the text, because of their genius, Dara starts thinking of words in ancient Hebrew, German, and Yiddish, while Mackenzie’s visions of unique math formulae keep bringing up the date October 11, 1943. And as Carolina waits for the FIGs to return to Wood Rose, she hears warnings from Lyuba, her gypsy mother, to watch for the nightjar, the ancient name for the whip-poor-will.

In their search for “The Nightjar’s Promise” and the truth surrounding it, Carolina and the FIGs come face to face with evil that threatens to destroy not only their genius, but their very lives.

Find the books on Amazon

THE IMPORTANCE OF JIMMY BOB

One of my favorite characters in The F.I.G. Mystery Series gets introduced in Book 1 – The Cadence of Gypsies. Jimmy Bob Doake is the night security guard at Wood Rose Orphanage and Academy for Young Women, and it is his responsibility to make sure nothing irregular happens during the “witches’ hours,” as he calls late night.

Jimmy Bob managed to complete the 8th grade, but dropped out of school after that in order to help his parents with his younger brothers and sisters. In spite of this, as an adult, he has the soul of a poet; and it is during those late night hours that he pens his thoughts onto paper.

Jimmy Bob provides comic relief to some of the more emotional scenes involving the F.I.G.s and Carolina. But he also offers inspiration and hope because he is such a good and decent person trying to do the best he can with what he has. His old hound dog, Tick, does the same thing in his own way.

Jimmy Bob is very much a permanent fixture at Wood Rose, and I bring him back in The Wish Rider and The Clock Flower, Books 2 and 3, as well as The Nightjar’s Promise—Book 4 in the series. With the problems of campus politics, jealousies among students and professors alike, and rampant distrust of Carolina and the F.I.G.s, it is Jimmy Bob who sees things with a clear eye and pure, nonjudgmental heart. As Carolina and the F.I.G.s’ search for answers takes them to Italy, New York City, China, and the tombs of a Jewish cemetery in Virginia, it is Jimmy Bob and his faithful companion Tick who give the reader a sense of permanence and security—and of acceptance.

Originally from Carrollton, Illinois, author/agent/publisher Barbara Casey attended the University of North Carolina, N.C. State University, and N.C. Wesleyan College where she received a BA degree, summa cum laude, with a double major in English and history. In 1978 she left her position as Director of Public Relations and Vice President of Development at North Carolina Wesleyan College to write full time and develop her own manuscript evaluation and editorial service. In 1995 she established the Barbara Casey Agency and since that time has represented authors from the United States, Great Britain, Canada, and Japan. In 2014, she became a partner with Strategic Media Books, an independent nonfiction publisher of true crime, where she oversees acquisitions, day-to-day operations, and book production.

Ms. Casey has written over a dozen award-winning books of fiction and nonfiction for both young adults and adults. The awards include the National Association of University Women Literary Award, the Sir Walter Raleigh Literary Award, the Independent Publisher Book Award, the Dana Award for Outstanding Novel, the IP Best Book for Regional Fiction, among others. Two of her nonfiction books have been optioned for major films, one of which is under contract.

Her award-winning articles, short stories, and poetry for adults have appeared in both national and international publications including the North Carolina Christian Advocate Magazine, The New East Magazine, the Raleigh (N.C.) News and Observer, the Rocky Mount (N.C.) Sunday Telegram, Dog Fancy, ByLine, The Christian Record, Skirt! Magazine, and True Story. A thirty-minute television special which Ms. Casey wrote and coordinated was broadcast on WRAL, Channel 5, in Raleigh, North Carolina. She also received special recognition for her editorial work on the English translations of Albanian children’s stories. Her award-winning science fiction short stories for adults are featured in The Cosmic Unicorn and CrossTime science fiction anthologies. Ms. Casey's essays and other works appear in The Chrysalis Reader, the international literary journal of the Swedenborg Foundation, 221 One-Minute Monologues from Literature (Smith and Kraus Publishers), and A Cup of Comfort (Adams Media Corporation).

Ms. Casey is a former director of BookFest of the Palm Beaches, Florida, where she served as guest author and panelist. She has served as judge for the Pathfinder Literary Awards in Palm Beach and Martin Counties, Florida, and was the Florida Regional Advisor for the Society of Children's Book Writers and Illustrators from 1991 through 2003. In 2018 Ms. Casey received the prestigious Albert Nelson Marquis Lifetime Achievement Award and Top Professional Award for her extensive experience and notable accomplishments in the field of publishing and other areas. She makes her home on the top of a mountain in northwest Georgia with three cats who adopted her, Homer, Reese and Earl Gray - Reese’s best friend.

www.barbaracaseyauthor.com

www.barbaracaseyagency.com

One randomly chosen winner via rafflecopter will win a $50 Amazon/BN.com gift card. Follow the tour for more chances to win!

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Review of Stamped: Racism, Antiracism, and You: The Remix by Jason Reynolds and Ibram X. Kendi

A remix of the National Book Award-winning Stamped from the Beginning for ages 12 and up.

A timely, crucial, and empowering exploration of racism--and antiracism--in America.

This is NOT a history book.
This is a book about the here and now.
A book to help us better understand why we are where we are.
A book about race.

The construct of race has always been used to gain and keep power, to create dynamics that separate and silence. This is a remarkable reimagining of Dr. Ibram X. Kendi's Stamped from the Beginning, winner of a National Book Award. It reveals the history of racist ideas in America and inspires hope for an antiracist future.

Stamped takes you on a race journey from then to now, shows you why we feel how we feel, and why the poison of racism lingers. It also proves that while racist ideas have always been easy to fabricate and distribute, they can also be discredited.

Through a gripping, fast-paced, and energizing narrative, Jason Reynolds shines a light on the many insidious forms of racist ideas--and on ways readers can identify and stamp out racist thoughts in their daily lives.

Book Links

Goodreads * Amazon * BN

(affiliate link included)

**My thoughts**
As I have embarked on my own ABAR studies and work, I have cultivated a lengthy list of recommended books. Certain books appear time and again on numerous list recommendations. Of course, Ibram X. Kendi is one of the top authors. I fully admit that when I was ready to start my next read, I glanced at my curated wishlist on Amazon and grabbed this one because it was one of the least expensive. And I am glad I was led to that decision. This is a book that I think everyone should read.

Author Jason Reynolds is known for writing books more geared toward the younger generation. I think it was brilliant for him to take Ibram X. Kendi’s Stamped from the Beginning and break it down. After all, the original is about 500 pages long. Readers are more likely to want to read a more abbreviated version. This book hits on all of the high points of the full text and delivers it in a very conversational format.

I think that aspect is key. We are talking about the need to have conversations. And reading this made me feel like I was sitting drinking a coffee or a beer with Jason while he imparted some serious knowledge on me.

Many of these names were familiar to me. But I never before realized how much I didn’t know about their full stories. I’ve been learning some, thanks to some excellent Great Courses lectures. But this really opened my eyes to even more

And while this book is written with the slightly younger set in mind, I think it is an important one for adults to read as well. It lays the foundation for learning more history than we got at school. Ideally, you will want to then move on to the full text, which I already had on order before I was finished with this one.

I also hope it will inspire some inner reflection in readers. Will you challenge what you have learned and seek out more of the story? Will you better understand the current racial climate and the experiences that your Black friends and acquaintances have had in their past and continue to face? And will you finally recognize yourself as being in one of the three groups – segregationist, assimilationist, or antiracist?

Will you have better conversations?

I know there will be some who have a problem with this book. They are the ones who have the most work to do and would benefit greatly from the education inside it. I hope more people are willing to open their minds to this conversation and are willing to use this book to help them join in. I think this is belongs on required reading lists. I am glad I included it in my reading and will definitely read it again.

Further Thoughts:

Reflecting on Stamped

Why Montessorians Need to Read Stamped

Review of Scorn of Secrets by B. Truly

 

The tagline for this book on Amazon compares Scorn of Secrets to Flowers in the Attic. And let me tell you, I can see some light parallels to V.C. Andrews in B. Truly's novel. Check out an excerpt and my full thoughts and then follow the tour for even more. Best of luck in the giveaway!

I must keep it locked away—the memory of my darkest secret….

When the rising tides of my life peak, I’m left struggling with the currents of the storm. The first dilemma is my dad’s gambling debt. Mama bounces back quickly from the ramifications it causes. She proves this by getting a new man. Her Rico Suave is just the tip of the iceberg—she moves us across state to live with him and his two sons.

My outgoing, older sister fits right in—she’s the total opposite of me. I am Madison Guillory, the shy, quiet type. Taught to make the best of even the worst situations, I contemplate giving my new family a chance.

Living with my future stepbrothers is interesting, to say the least. They’re like night and day. I have more in common with the laid-back brother, and we become instant friends. I’m adjusting to Taylor High, and the arrogant brother is even starting to grow on me. Maybe everything will work out after all.

My life finally seems to be falling into place until a dreadful night shatters my dreams. My world is flipped upside down because of the consequences I must now bear.

The memories of that night lurk in the shadows to torment me. If I think of what happened, I’ll succumb to my fear. His face has scorned me. No one will believe me if I confess, not even my own sister. I hold the key to my darkest secret, desperate to keep it locked away.

Read an excerpt:

My mind begins to wander in the quietness. A new home, city, and school—no friends. Deep in thought, my head snaps to attention when I hear a baritone voice coming into the kitchen. He’s singing, “That’s what I like” by Bruno Mars. My eyes bulge, swearing that he sounds better than Bruno himself.

When he catches sight of me, his tune cuts off abruptly, and his hazel eyes widen. It’s Jackson. He’s dressed more casually in warmup pants and a T-shirt. He must have skipped dinner, too. I swallow hard, assuming he’s going to call me sweet-cheeks again.

“Hi,” he finally says.

“Hey, Jackson.” Maybe if I play nice, he won’t tease me.

His warm hazel eyes twinkle. “I’m not Jackson. I am his brother.”

“Oh,” is all I can muster. This boy is just as tall. He has the same handsome face, lean figure, and muscular arms as Jackson. They’re identical! My mother failed to mention Regan had twin sons. We stare at each other. As I’m studying him, he appears to be researching me. I can’t get a read on his expression. Friendly, although I seem to have startled him. My body is surging with an electric warmth as we stare. I look away, refusing to admit I was ogling him. I shouldn’t feel too foolish. His gaze wasn’t brotherly, either.

Glancing at him quickly, I spy him still staring. “What?” It’s a rude comment—the word just spills out of my mouth. My impoliteness doesn’t seem to faze him. His lips curve upward. A dimple! A deep one forms in his left cheek. Well, that is one way to tell them apart.

He clears his throat, breaking eye contact. “Um … nothing. Sorry, I’m not used to a girl being in our house.”

“Hate to break it to you, but I’m being forced to live here now.” He chuckles. The sound of his laugh makes my stomach flutter. I don’t like it one bit.

“It’s not bad living here. Big house, great amenities—give it a chance.”

“The house is gigantic.” I shrug. “But Baton Rouge will always be home to me. It’s where I was born and have lived all my life.”

He nods in understanding. “Fair enough. I’m Justin, by the way.”

“Yeah, I met your obnoxious twin.”

He laughs again. “That would be my older brother, by only five minutes.”

Explaining my ogling, I say, “My mom forgot to tell us you and Jackson are twins.”

“Ah, that would account for the look on your face.”

I smirk at him, trying to hold in my smile.

“You must be Madison.”

“Lucky guess?”

“No, I haven’t met your sister yet. Your curls gave it away.”

My curls? “I don’t get your drift.” Justin opens the fridge, pulling out both trays. He stuffs more on his plate than I had.

“My dad told us the younger one, Madison, has a head full of curls.”

I remember the first time Tanya and I met Regan when he came to Baton Rouge. Self-consciously, I tug on a curl, yanking it straight. Once I release the piece, it springs right back into a spiral. My hair falls to my shoulders. I never do much to it because my curls are hard to tame.

A light sparkles in Justin’s hazel eyes. “Your hair is pretty.”

His admission surprises me. My stomach turns a cartwheel. Ugh! My manners intercept my irritation. Just because Justin’s making me uneasy doesn’t mean I shouldn’t thank him for complimenting me. “Thanks.”

“Do you dye it?”

I get asked this question often. It’s dominantly dark brown with natural highlights. “Um, no. Just born with two-toned colored hair.”

“The blondish highlights are quite unique.”

Okay, time to leave. Justin is charming and sings like an angel. I like the fact he’s making small talk—it lightens the mood. The problem is I shouldn’t be attracted to a boy who could possibly become my future stepbrother. “I’m gonna head upstairs.”

His forehead wrinkles. “Nice meeting you.”

After I clean my plate, I smile—or attempt to. I hurry away, because my cheeks are growing redder by the minute. I wish my complexion wasn’t such a light shade of brown. Even a blind person could see my blush.

I worry about my first impression on him. I’m sure I seemed ill-mannered. But in the short span of time talking to Justin, my palms became clammy and my body tingly. Two totally different reactions with the Jenkins’ twins. Jackson sorta got under my skin—Justin set me ablaze. This is just day one in Houston Texas.

What else will this city bring?

Buy Links:

Amazon * BN * Kobo

(affiliate link included)

**My thoughts**

So many emotions rolling around for me in this book. I like Madison a lot. She has been dealt a crap hand in the family department with a sister who treats her like crap, a father who gets himself murdered by going deep into gambling debt with the wrong people, and a mother who is so self-absorbed she just seems to have no clue what is going on. Sure, they got lucky when Mom reconnected with an old flame who was willing to take the three ladies in. And he has two smoking hot sons and a ton of money. But even that isn't great. Regan doesn't seem to be aware of anything that is going on in his house. And Jackson is just creepy. Thank goodness for Justin. 

The girls at the new high school are predictably nasty. Reading about characters like this make me so glad I had the great experience I did in those days. But Madison is strong and seems to be able to hold her own.

Until the one night that she can't.

**Necessary spoiler and content warning** 

There is a sexual assault. And the second half of this book deals with the fallout from all of that.

My heart was absolutely broken for Madison in the second half of this book as she has to deal with this horrible secret. I almost got possessive of her and wanted to fix it for her. I found myself growling here and there as I read this.

But I was completely engrossed in the book, sneaking a few pages here and there while I was at work. The tagline on Amazon references Flowers in the Attic, which was one of my favorite books in my youth. I can definitely see some of the parallels between author B. Truly and V.C. Andrews. That's quite possibly part of the reason I was so engrossed. Looking forward to finding out what happens next.

B. Truly has wanted to be an author since she was fifteen years old. She is grateful to have accomplished this dream. B. Truly has very vivid dreams and a wild imagination. She likes to read, watch tons of TV shows, and movies. She’s addicted to romance and gets a thrill out of suspense and sci-fi. She writes young adult, new adult, and adult romance, sci-fi, dystopian, and paranormal genres.

B. Truly likes to explore conflicted plots of romance with thrilling twists. She also loves creating impossible situations for her characters to grow from and try to overcome.

B. Truly has three wonderful children, and a husband who defines the person that she is today. She works full-time as an Ultrasound technologist in Houston, Texas.

Contact Links:

https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/7276631.B_Truly

https://twitter.com/BrandyTruly

https://www.facebook.com/BTrulysFantasies

https://www.instagram.com/brandytruly/

https://www.linkedin.com/in/brandy-truly-a917a9b3/

B. Truly will be awarding a $10 Amazon/BN GC to a randomly drawn winner via rafflecopter during the tour.

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Review of Bake Believe by Cori Cooper

 

Welcome to the review tour for Bake Believe by Cori Cooper! This is a book full of delectable baked goods and an interesting family twist. Read my full review and an excerpt from the book before you download your copy. Follow the tour for even more thoughts and sneak peeks inside. Best of luck entering the giveaway!

Cat Anderson doesn't want much out of life. Give her a circle of friends to giggle with, a few boys to flirt with, a cute outfit, and she is good to go! She especially could care less about food.

But food, it turns out, is a very big deal.

In Cat's family there is a secret too fantastic to be real. Something happens when Cat bakes.

Something amazing.

Something impossible.

Can it be true? Or is it Bake Believe?

Read an excerpt:

Robyn saw the look on my face and sat back up. She reached for a corn tortilla and held it in front of my face. “See this?”

I nodded.

“This tortilla, by itself, is muy disgusting.”

Marissa clicked her tongue.

Robyn glanced at her mom but kept talking. “It is super bland all by itself, but if you add salsa or guacamole or something else, it’s deliciouso!” She spooned salsa down the center, rolled it up and took a bite to prove her point.

I nodded again, even though I had no idea what she was talking about.

As soon as she was done chewing, Robyn spread her hands out. “You don’t want a bland tortilla life, Cat; you want life with the salsa!”

Book Links:

Goodreads * Amazon * Immortal Works

**My thoughts**

My favorite part of this book is definitely all of the fantastic recipes that are interwoven throughout. I love the way that the author puts her personality into the directions for making the various concoctions. They make for a fun collection and I look forward to trying some of them out.

The story was ... interesting. Cat is a lot to take in, especially at the beginning of the book. She's extremely active, loud, and rambles on in that present tense narration where you know every single little detail of what she sees and is doing that is not my favorite. (This does ease up as the story goes on, though.) She's also way overly concerned with what anyone else thinks about her. When I later realized she was just starting the 8th grade, that part made a lot more sense and the abrasiveness eased. I also think that Cat calmed down a bit more.

Her mother is extremely odd. She has a complete aversion to cooking or baking and refuses to let anyone in her household do either. They eat prepackaged foods or order out. Mom also seems to zone out. The teacher in me started getting very concerned about this poor girl and her family.

But then when school starts, everything starts to change. Cat ends up in a Culinary class, thanks to a weird mix-up with the schedules. And then halfway through the book, we find out why her mom is so weirded out about cooking and baking. Everything finally starts to make sense and then I found myself really enjoying the second half of the book. I especially like her interactions with Tobey and her lessons with her Aunt Marissa.

This is definitely a book geared toward younger teens. So if you're not used to that age group, I think you're going to have a hard time enjoying it. But I think kids around the same age as Cat and her friends will like it a lot. And again, the recipes alone are worth it. I do wonder if there will be more with Cat and company in future books?

Thank you to the author and Goddess Fish for fulfilling my request for a review copy. All thoughts and opinions are my own.

Since I was six years old I wanted to be a published Author. I still have all my early manuscripts, but don't ask to see them - my spelling was atrocious!

I'm a mama of four witty, movie quoting, awesome sauce kids - three teens and one preteen. Yes, they end up in my novels! Don't worry, names are changed to protect the innocent and everything is always GREATLY exaggerated! That's my super power.

I'm also wife to the cutest guy in the whole world. It's true! I'm not bias at all, really. We met in Middle School and got married after he served a mission for our Church. It's been a wild ride, but I wouldn't miss it for a plate full of Cinnamon Rolls.

Or anything else, actually!

I hope you have as much fun reading my stuff as I have writing it. The creative process is so fantastic, I just love every part of it!

https://coristories.com/

https://www.facebook.com/coricooperauthor

https://twitter.com/CoriCAuthor

https://www.instagram.com/authorcoricooper/

Cori Cooper will be awarding a Bake Believe Apron (US Only) to a randomly drawn winner via rafflecopter during the tour.

a Rafflecopter giveaway