Review &Giveaway: Dangerously Dark by Colette London

Dangerously Dark
by Colette London

Dangerously Dark
(A Chocolate Whisperer Mystery)
Cozy Mystery
2nd in Series
Publisher: Kensington (September 29, 2015)
Mass Market Paperback: 352 pages
ISBN-13: 978-1617733475
E-Book ASIN: B00RRT323O

“Chocoholics and food cozy fans rejoice! With prose as smooth and delicious as its theme, this quality debut cozy introduces a smart protagonist with an unusual and tasty profession.”—Library Journal (starred) on Criminal Confections

Chocolate-whisperer Hayden Mundy Moore has just arrived in Portland, Oregon, where she’s about to scarf soufflés and sip cacao-based cocktails at her friend’s engagement party. Fresh from nabbing her first candy-covered killer, the last thing Hayden wants to do is mix her love of chocolate with criminal mischief again. But then the groom-to-be turns up dead before beginning his renowned Chocolate-After-Dark tour. . .

Hayden’s friends insist that Declan’s death was a freak accident, but she knows there’s no mistaking the bitter aftertaste of homicide. In the midst of habañero hot chocolate and mocha-chunk gelato, a choco-crazed killer waits to strike again. Hayden will need to use more than her extraordinarily gifted taste buds to bring this murderer to justice, but she just might have bitten off more than she can chew in the process. . .

My Review

A few months ago I have read  Criminal Confection, the first book in this series, and I could not wait to read a new adventure of Hayden. The protagonists of this story are the chocolate and an intriguing mystery to solve. Can we be able to finally meet Travis, the financial adviser to Hayden with a really sexy  voice?

Hayden is a Chocolate-whisperer and travels around the world giving advice to her clients on how to improve their chocolate recipes. She goes to Portland to meet her friend Carissa to celebrate her engagement party. But the day she arrives, the future husband is found dead. It seems it was an accident and he is died asphyxiated. But Hayden doesn't think so and begins to investigate. The boy was supposed to start Chocolate-After-Dark tour and Carissa asks Hayden to do it for him. Hayden is also wondering why her friend doesn't seem to suffer much for her boyfriend's death.

The story is told by Hayen in first person and it's really funny the way in which she tells her own story and what happens to her. Especially when she talking about Travis, her thoughts of him are a hoot.

Although it is the second book in the series can be read as a stand alone without problems, the author is very good at providing the information needed to understand the life of Hayden and what happened in the first episode without spoiler and without remove the fun to reading the first one.

It 's a mystery well written, the plot is engaging, full of twists, easy to read with compelling mystery, funny, lovable and colorful characters. This was a very enjoyable read.

I recommend it to those who love chocolate and cozy mystery, it is a must read

I received an advance reader edition of this book from Publisher via NetGalley for the purpose of providing an honest review.

About This Author

Colette London is the pseudonym of a best-selling novelist who’s published more than three dozen books worldwide.

Visit her on the web at www.colettelondon.com, friend her on Facebook atwww.facebook.com/colette.london.books, or follow her on Twitter @Colette__London

Purchase Links
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Review & Giveaway: The Insanity of Murder by Felicity Young

The Insanity of Murder

by Felicity Young

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GENRE:  Mystery

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BLURB:

To Doctor Dody McCleland, the gruesome job of dealing with the results of an explosion at the Necropolis Railway Station is testing enough. But when her suffragette sister Florence is implicated in the crime, matters worsen and Dody finds her loyalty cruelly divided. Can she choose between love for her sister and her secret love for Chief Inspector Matthew Pike, the investigating officer on the case?

Dody and Pike's investigations lead them to a women's rest home where patients are not encouraged to read or think and where clandestine treatments and operations are conducted in an unethical and inhumane manner. Together Dody and Pike must uncover such foul play before their secret liaisons become public knowledge - and before Florence becomes the rest home's next victim.

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My Review:

I liked everything about this mystery: the engaging storyline, the historical period and the city in which it takes place (in the early 1900's London), the realistic and amazing characters, the great dialogues.
The protagonist of this story is Dody McCleland and is a medical autopsy. She must solve a case that involved her sister Forence. For helping the suffragettes she may have committed a crime. There was an explosion at the Necropolis Railway Station and Dody has to figure out if the bodies that were found were already dead. This put her in conflict with her secret boyfriend, Chief Inspector Matthew Pike. Was her sister set fire to the station? Was the explosion to kill ?
It's the fourth book in the series, but can be read as a stand alone very well. This was my first book to read in this series and wow ... I know I will be going back to catch up and read the rest.
The plot is compelling and flowing, the pace is really pressing and fast thanks to very short sentences.
It 's a novel with detailed and vivid historical references, amazing characters, the writing is clear, flawless and brilliant. A story is hard not to like.
I would recommend this book to anyone who enjoys a riveting story.
I received an advanced reader copy from the author in exchange for an honest review.

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EXCERPT:

Florence sprang up from her dressing-table chair and rushed to her bed, throwing herself face down upon her pillow. Her emotions spilled as if from a burst floodgate, the bones of her back visible through the thin fabric of her chemise, rising and falling with each gasp.

‘All right, I did it, I did it,’ she sobbed.

It was all very well to have suspicions, but to hear them confirmed thus changed everything. The shock of the admission felt like a blow to Dody’s chest, a physical pain. As she closed her eyes and prayed for strength, angry thoughts buzzed around her head like disturbed bees in a hive.

Steeling herself as best she could, she sat on the edge of the bed. She must not let her anger show. She must remain calm for Florence’s sake, offer her support and then suggest the most honest course of action — that Florence turn herself in and throw herself on the mercy of the courts.

Florence spoke first. ‘Every time I close my eyes I see that night watchman’s face. He caught us just after we’d planted the bomb. He tried to put his hand on me and I threw him to the ground. He hit his head.’

‘You managed to throw a grown man to the ground?’

Florence ignored the incredulity in Dody’s voice. ‘We knew the bomb would blow any minute and dragged him behind the convenience block outside the station. We stayed with him until the authorities arrived, then made our escape before we were seen by anyone.’ She paused to draw a shaking breath. ‘If I could save him by surrendering myself to the authorities, I would.’ She sat up in the bed and took the handkerchief Dody offered. ‘I really would — but it won’t make any difference to him now, will it?’

‘No, I suppose it won’t,’ Dody said, chewing her bottom lip. ‘But it would offer his family some form of justice.’

Florence appeared not to hear Dody’s last remark, as if still fixated on the scene in her head. It must be a relief to talk the whole ghastly incident through with someone, Dody thought.

‘And all those bodies … it was a horrible mistake that should never have happened,’ Florence said.

‘Who was your partner? You seem to have been left to face the consequences.’

She lifted her chin with some of her usual spirit. ‘I will never reveal my accomplice’s name. ’

‘But you will turn yourself in, won’t you?’

Florence swallowed. She shook her head.

‘But you have to.’

‘I received a note from Christabel. On no account am I to admit to this disaster. This incident has apparently been an embarrassment to them.’

‘For goodness sake, Florence, you mean they will take no responsibility for this atrocity at all?’

‘No,’ she said, with an amazing absence of rancour.

Dody wanted to throttle her sister. How could she brush this betrayal off so easily? Her dedication to the cause had made her quite blind to its dark side. Dody jumped up from the bed and began to pace.

‘I suppose you’ll tell Pike now,’ Florence said with a sigh. ‘I’ll deny it, of course.’

Dody said nothing. Her agitated footsteps bounced the floorboards and made the scent bottles on the dressing table tremble.

‘So where does this leave you?’ Florence added, finally.

‘Between Scylla and Charybdis,’ Dody muttered under her breath as she continued to pace. And think.

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AUTHOR Bio and Links:

I was born in Germany and educated at an English boarding school while my parents travelled the world with the British army. I think the long boring plane trips home played an important part in helping me to develop my creative imagination.

I settled with my parents in Western Australia in 1976, became a nurse, married young and had three children. Not surprisingly, it took ten years to complete an Arts degree (English lit) at UWA.

In 1990 my family and I moved to a small farm 40 kilometers NE of Perth (Western Australia) where I established a Suffolk sheep stud, reared orphan kangaroos and embarked upon a life of crime writing.

https://www.facebook.com/felicityyoungauthor

http://www.felicityyoung.com/

http://felicityyoungblog.com/

Buy link:  http://www.amazon.com/Insanity-Murder-Dody-McCleland-Mysteries-ebook/dp/B00RKU7QM8/ref=sr_1_1?s=digital-text&ie=UTF8&qid=1441061929&sr=1-1&keywords=insanity+of+murder&pebp=1441061932519&perid=046MFTPYZ49TQN759TRN

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GIVEAWAY INFORMATION and RAFFLECOPTER CODE

Felicity will be awarding an eCopy of The Insanity of Murder to 3 randomly drawn winners via rafflecopter during the tour.

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Review & Giveaway: The Christmas Cradle by Charlotte Hubbard

The Christmas Cradle

by Charlotte Hubbard

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GENRE: Amish/Inspirational Romance

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BLURB:

For the peaceful town of Willow Ridge, November presents an early holiday surprise. Stranded in the snow, 18-year-old Lena Esh and her boyfriend Josiah Witmer need more than a place to stay for the night. Lena defied her strict family and their judgmental beliefs to run away with Josiah and have his baby. But she’s starting to wonder if he can prove as responsible as he is passionate. And she isn’t sure how—or if—they can ever find a place to truly call home.

Expecting their own miracle baby, Miriam and Ben Hooley rally the town to help the young couple, and Lena draws strength from their unexpected support. Though trouble may come calling, in this season of joyous rebirth, a little child will lead them. And two couples will see their dreams of forever family come true…

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My Review

It 's a story easy, clean, heartwarming. I love  Amish culture and every time I read their stories with great pleasure. I admire their generosity, are always ready to help each other.

For Lena and Josiah is a really difficult moment: are going to have a baby but are thwarted by their families. Lena is willing to do anything for her love and to have a peaceful and loving family. They flee home, they are alone, have nowhere to go and there's a snowstorm in progress. Fortunately knock on the right door and Miriam and Ben welcome them into their home. But all the inhabitants of Willow Ridge welcome with love and without judgment these guys and try to integrate them into their communities. Ben and Miriam are expecting a child too. Ben is building a beautiful cradle, it will be a wonderful surprise for Miriam. Will Lena and Josiah  find their way and be able to build a solid family and future?

It's the sixth book in the series "Seasons of the Heart", I have read only the fifth unfortunately. It can be read as a stand alone but for a greater understanding and enjoyment of the story is best to read the series in order. I'm sorry that this is the final book in the series, fortunately I still have to read the first four ones.

I love the style of this author, it is so addictive that you seem to be part of this community too. She has been able to create realistic, warm and completely lovable characters and an imaginary village, really welcoming, where I would move without any doubt. I can not wait to read another of her novels.

It was a great, lovable, well written book, a pleasure to read from start to finish! A wonderful story about forgiveness, solidarity, faith, friendship and love.

I'd recommend The Christmas Cradle to those who enjoy  Christian historical romance.

I received an advance reader edition of this book from Publisher via NetGalley for the purpose of providing an honest review.

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EXCERPT (Exclusive Excerpt)

“Have you heard any word about Miriam?” Josiah asked beneath the voices around them that were raised in song.

Tom shook his head. “All we can believe is that she’s gettin’ the best of care, and that she’s in God’s hands. I figure to head to the hospital after the crowd’s cleared out.”

Josiah nodded. “Give her and Ben our best. Emory and I are going over to take Christmas dinner out of the cookers now, so—”

A loud ka-boom! made everyone in the crowd suck in their breath and stop singing. Across the road, a huge fireball flared up behind the Sweet Seasons, so bright that Josiah couldn’t look directly at it. Folks in the crowd cried out and parents grabbed their children.

“What in the—fire!” Josiah cried out. “One of the grill’s propane tanks must’ve exploded, or—”

He started to run toward the road, but Bishop Tom and Officer McClatchey both grabbed him. “You don’t want to go anywhere near there, son,” the lawman insisted as he pulled out his cell phone. “If the gas appliances in the café’s kitchen catch fire, you’ll be blown to Kingdom Come. Yeah—” he said into his phone. “We’ve got an explosion and fire in Willow Ridge, at the Sweet Seasons Café—natural gas and propane involved,” he added urgently. “Send the fire crew and an ambulance and some deputies for back-up.

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AUTHOR Bio and Links:

Drawing upon her experiences in Jamesport, the largest Old Order Amish community in Missouri, longtime Missourian Charlotte Hubbard writes of simpler times and a faith-based lifestyle in her Seasons of the Heart series. Like her heroine, Miriam Lantz Hooley, Charlotte considers it her personal mission to feed people. Faith and family, farming and food preservation are hallmarks of her lifestyle. She’s a deacon, a dedicated church musician and choir member, and when she’s not writing, she loves to try new recipes, crochet, and sew. Charlotte now lives in Minnesota with her husband and their border collie.

Website:  www.CharlotteHubbard.com

Facebook: facebook.com/charlotte.hubbard1

Buy Link:

B&N http://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/the-christmas-cradle-charlotte-hubbard/1120552927?ean=9781420133110

Amazon: http://www.amazon.com/Christmas-Cradle-Seasons-Heart/dp/142013311X/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1441246480&sr=8-1&keywords=the+christmas+cradle&pebp=1441246483192&perid=07QC4H696FX19A8HG6T7

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GIVEAWAY INFORMATION and RAFFLECOPTER CODE

Charlotte will be awarding $20 Amazon or B/N GC to a randomly drawn winner via rafflecopter during the tour.

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Review & Giveaway: Reclaim Me by Ann Marie Walker & Amy K. Rogers

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RECLAIM ME

Chasing Fire #3

Ann Marie Walker & Amy K. Rogers

Releasing October 20th, 2015

Berkley Intermix

As the heart-pounding Chasing Fire trilogy concludes, a dangerous entanglement leaves Hudson and Allie wondering how much they're willing to risk for the love they can't live without...

There's almost nothing Alessandra Sinclair wouldn't do for Hudson Chase. He was her first love, and she's determined that he'll be her last. But when the terrible truth Hudson has been hiding comes to light, Allie finds herself caught in a deadly game of cat and mouse with a man from her past who's determined to use what he knows to ruin Hudson. Now, the only way to save the man she loves may be to lose him forever...

Hudson has always known that the secrets he keeps could be his downfall, but he never expected them to put Allie's life in danger as well. It's time for him to come clean--before everything he's ever wanted is destroyed...

Includes previews of REMIND ME and RELEASE ME, the first two books of the Chasing Fire trilogy.

Praise for the Chasing Fire trilogy

"Exceptional...Seriously sexy and sinfully steamy. Can't wait for more from this writing duo!"--New York Times bestselling author Tara Sue Me

"Walker and Rogers strike the perfect balance between blistering physical desire and heartfelt connections..."--RT Book Review  

My Review

This is one of these books you pick up and read in one sitting. It 's so compelling, engaging, a perfect blend of romance, passion and suspense. I loved all books of this trilogy and I'm sorry it's over.

Allie and Hudson are deeply in love, perhaps it's time to be able to live peacefully their love. But the return of Julian in the life of Allie compromise their happiness. Allie is willing to do anything to save her first and only love, even to give him up forever. But Hudson will not let go her so easily.

All the characters are warm and lovable, even the secondary as Harper, Allie's friend and Nick, the brother of Hudson. The only one really hateful and unbearable is Julian.

This is a truly engaging and delightful read, is written very well with a great pace. The love story is really passionate, hot scenes are very well done and that makes me all fuzzy inside. The chemistry between them is strong and special.

The books in this series keep getting better and better, each book can be read as a standalone, but once you read one you will want to read them all. The authors are excellent at providing the essential elements of the previous books in order to understand this story.

If you enjoy reading sweet romance, then definitely pick this up!

I received an advance reader edition of this book from Publisher via NetGalley for the purpose of providing an honest review.

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Though thousands of miles apart, Ann Marie Walker and Amy K. Rogers are in constant contact, plotting story lines and chatting about their love of alpha males, lemon drop martinis and British supermodel, David Gandy. You can find them on twitter as @AnnMarie_Walker and @Amy_KRogers. 

Amy K. Rogers

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Book Blast & Giveaway: The One Who Sees Me by Kandi J. Wyatt

The One Who Sees Me 
by Kandi J. Wyatt



 Teenage slave girl Faru’s life has been turned upside down when she discovers she’s been traded to a new master, forcing her to leave all she‘s ever known. Upon her arrival, Faru meets a friend, Cailean, who helps her adjust to life in the strange location. Life settles into a new pattern, and romance blossoms between the young friends. But as soon as they plan to get married, another proposal comes about – one that cannot be ignored. Being a slave means not always marrying who you love. On a daring journey to heal her heart, Faru encounters the Existing One. Will she trust Him and do His bidding even if what He requests is so hard? Follow Faru’s tale in author Kandi J Wyatt’s retelling of a Biblical story found in the Old Testament book of Genesis, showing that when things don’t make sense, God will guide the way.

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Praise for the book
 "Kandi Wyatt has taken historical fiction and elevated it to a higher level. Her world building pulls you in and puts you right in the middle of the adventure. This is why I love her books." - Sandra Stiles

 "Well worth the read. Kandi has done an wonderful job bringing this captivating story to life!" - Christianonfire2 on Goodreads

 

Excerpt My most recent book is The One Who Sees Me. It is about a slave girl, Faru, who is exchanged for a wife for the king. She finds herself in a new home with a new master and life is always going up and down. We’ll join her in chapter 2 when she is leaving her home for the new one: The carriage pulled to a halt, and Lord Cegrol looked up from where he sat. The ride had lasted close to half a glass, Faru estimated, and in that whole time, the lord had not said a single word to her, nor had he looked up from his folded hands. Now he graced Faru with a smile. It was a sad smile, but a smile nonetheless. “What is your name, child?” his musical voice inquired. “Faru, milord.” He seemed to see her for the first time. His eyes took her in, and Faru felt the heat rush to her face. “Well, Faru, welcome to our home away from home.” He paused as he looked out the window. “It is nothing like my Castle Fearann, but it is comfortable.” They descended from the coach onto a cobblestone drive surrounded by blooming rhododendron plants. The whites and pinks softened the harshness of the reds. Beyond the bushes, Faru noticed the house that loomed up above her. The dark bricks were a stark contrast to the stone she was accustomed to. Lord Cegrol led the way up wide, winding stairs to the front door. Torches on either side flickered against the brickwork, which seemed to trap the light instead of sending it out to welcome the master home. As Cegrol opened the door, he was greeted by a portly, elderly lady. “Lord Cegrol, welcome home. You must be exhausted. Let me get your cloak. You just go up to your den. I’ll have Trystan bring you your evening meal.” “Thank you, Kadi,” Lord Cegrol replied. “I would appreciate that. First, though, we need to help Faru get settled.” “Don’t you worry at all about that. I’ll take care of everything.” Lord Cegrol nodded and slowly plodded up another wide staircase. The motherly woman turned to Faru. “And you are?” “My name is Faru, ma’am,” the young slave girl replied, trying not to fidget with her long curly hair. “Lord Cegrol told me your name. What I want to know is, why are you here?” Faru shivered, not just from the draft that flickered the candles in their sconces, but also from the internal cold. “Ma’am, a glass ago, I was preparing my mistress’s evening meal as I have done since I was old enough to help my mother. The queen came and brought me to a parlor where King Cyning and Lord Cegrol and Lady Cwen sat. King Cyning walked off with Lady Cwen, and my mistress showed Lord Cegrol and me to the door where the carriage was waiting. Lord Cegrol brought me here. I do not have anything with me. I am at your disposal.” “You are right about that,” the woman said. “I am Kadi, the housekeeper. Anything that happens in this house, I direct. That includes you.” Kadi paused, sizing up the new servant before she continued. “What besides serving meals are you good at?” This was territory that Faru understood. “I clean rooms. I’ve done some cooking, but more so, just helping the cook prepare food. I’ve taken care of little ones so others can do their work, and I’ve been taught to weave.” “I see,” Kadi stated, pursing her lips. “You won’t have much opportunity to take care of children in this household unless it is servants’ children.” She stood, looking Faru up and down before she continued. “I suppose for tonight, you can just get settled in. Tomorrow is early enough to start. Follow me.”




   Author Kandi J. Wyatt Kandi J Wyatt is a wife, mother of five, teacher, artist, and author. In her free time, she enjoys writing fantasy stories and Christmas programs, and drawing with graphite and colored pencils. Portraits are her specialty. Kandi also enjoys photography, thanks to her photographer husband who has let her join his journey as both his model and apprentice, and she occasionally serves as his assistant when he needs a “light stand with feet.”  

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  $50 Amazon Gift Card or Paypal Cash

 Ends 11/18/15 Open only to those who can legally enter, receive and use an Amazon.com Gift Code or Paypal Cash. Winning Entry will be verified prior to prize being awarded. No purchase necessary. You must be 18 or older to enter or have your parent enter for you. The winner will be chosen by rafflecopter and announced here as well as emailed and will have 48 hours to respond or a new winner will be chosen. This giveaway is in no way associated with Facebook, Twitter, Rafflecopter or any other entity unless otherwise specified. The number of eligible entries received determines the odds of winning. Giveaway was organized by Kathy from I Am A Reader and sponsored by the author. VOID WHERE PROHIBITED BY LAW.

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Book Blast, Interview & Giveaway: The Heart's Journey Home by Nikki Jackson

The Heart's Journey Home

by Nikki Jackson

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GENRE: Young Adult

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BLURB:

It’s summer vacation, and all seventeen-year-old Tori Logan wants to do is hang out with her two best friends, practice her mixed martial arts and go to FBI spy camp. Summer means freedom (mostly from adults) and Tori plans to fill every spare moment of her last summer before graduating from High School with all the fun things she and her best pals can come up with.

Tori, whose mom died of breast cancer when she was young, has always relied on her own strength to get by - especially because her Archeologist father tends to leave her behind with his live-in girlfriend while he gallivants around the world on digs.  Thankfully, Tori can take care of herself. She knows exactly who she is and what she wants to do with her life. Her Lakota Sioux grandfather, a former Navy SEAL, trained Tori in self-defense from a young age. Now, as a teenager, Tori excels at mixed martial arts and the use of various weapons.  During the summer she will be attending an FBI sponsored Summer Camp which she hopes will lead to her dream job – becoming an FBI serial killer profiler.

With her two best friends at her side, Tori believes she can handle anything. And with summer vacation stretching before them, the trio plans to find plenty of adventure.

But while Tori is determined to be independent, life has other plans for this fierce young woman, and they include coming to grips with some hard - and surprising - truths about both her past and her future.

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EXCERPT:

I could really use a belt. Fin thought as he jumped from the porch, bounding over the five steps.  Running down the graveled drive at break-neck speed he cursed the fact he was wearing tennis shoes - that along with the baggy, beltless pants was hemming up his stride.

The sound of shrieks and a male voice yelling at him in a foreign language didn’t help the matter.  Fin tripped over his own size 12 feet, rolled and got up running.  After gathering his wits about him he heard a muffled roar zoom past him followed by a streak of green.  He was unsure of what it was but he was too scared to try to figure it out – he was running now – minus the jeans and a tennis shoe. 

Fin all but dove into his Camaro thankful he’d left the keys in the ignition and not in his pants pocket.  He turned the key and sped down the drive, kicking dirt and gravel in his wake.  In his rear-view mirror he could see the crazy man chasing him with the longest, sharpest sword he’d ever seen.

Making it to the end of the drive, Fin did a complete donut, spun the vehicle around in the right direction and then tore off down the street.  Tori had grabbed his errant shoe and AJ leaned down to scoop up the jeans, then the two of them tore down the drive after Fin.

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AUTHOR Bio and Links:

Ever since she was young, Nikki Jackson has loved reading and the way that books allow you to journey on wonderful adventures without ever leaving the comfort of home. She decided at a young age that she wanted to become a writer to enable others to experience the magic of books—and The Heart’s Journey Home is the result.

In addition to writing, Nikki Jackson is a contract worker for General Motors. She and her husband currently live in the Detroit metropolitan area.

A little interview

Where are you from?

Helen and Art (parents), Ophelia and Albert (grandparents).  In part I’m from what these core people in my life were about.  As a child we lived four houses down from my grandparents.  My four uncles and aunts lived with them in ‘the big house’.  It was always bustling and noisy, smelled of home-cooked food and full of grownups and kids.  I loved it.   I grew up as much there as in my own home.  My grandfather was a tall, thick man and he smoked a pipe.  The coolest thing about him smoking a pipe was he’d let me light it when my grandmother wasn’t around.  Literally.  I’d put the pipe between my teeth the way he held it between his and take the match and light it.  I’d cough and cough at the smoke that went up my nose and down my throat and he’d laugh that booming laugh of his and take the pipe from me.  When my grandfather died that pipe was all I wanted.   

Outside of my roots I’m from the metro-Detroit area.

Who Are Your Favorite Authors?

Harper Lee and Stephen King.  Harper Lee wrote my favorite book of all time (and the only work of hers I’ve ever read), To Kill A Mockingbird.  It was made into a movie starring Gregory Peck as Atticus Finch.  I’ve watched that move a hundred times and will likely watch it a hundred more before I leave planet earth.  Known as a classic of modern American literature and required reading in most high schools, the story is told for the most part through the narrative voice of a child, Finch’s daughter – Scout.  I think that’s ingenious.  In addition to being made into a move, To Kill A Mockingbird won Lee the Pulitzer Prize.  Both of which are a writer’s dream. 

Though I’m not into scary movies I really like the author Stephen King.  I love his non-scary works: The Green Mile, The Dead Zone and The Shawshank Redemption. I’ve sat through a couple of his scarier works – The Storm of the Century and Misery.  The reason King is a favorite is because of the versatile writing career he’s had over the years.  He’s written books, movies, and TV (Under the Dome), and he’s still going strong!  I’d love to have his career.  I’d be the most satisfied writer around.

How/When did you realize you wanted to become a writer?

I can’t remember wanting to do anything else with my life.  From the very instant the awareness struck me that one’s profession/job is the result of a choice a person made I decided I wanted to be a writer.  I remember being eight years old and reading through the book series – The Boxcar Children.  The books were all lined along the shelf at the little public library my two sisters and I visited once a week during the summer.  I told myself I was going to read the whole series before school started in the fall and I did.  I fell in love with those Boxcar kids.  So much so that when they took off for their next adventure I went with them.  I jumped onto the boxcar and left my little home in my little neighborhood and hitched a ride onto their exciting quest. That’s when I said out loud I wanted to be a writer.  I wanted to take kids on adventures and introduce them to things they’d never seen or thought or imagined. I wanted them to see what I saw with those boxcar kids – that there was a whole world full of excitement and exploits, fun and wonder out there and if they couldn’t go see it for themselves I’d show it to them, through words.    

What gave you the inspiration to write this book?

Hanging around young people.  I love how transparent and open and free they are.  They hug one another and care so deeply about each other.  They feel friendships and relationships so deeply.  They don’t hide their emotions and they put themselves out there 100%.  They invest in what they believe in and show up for what’s in their hearts. They’re resilient and nearly invincible.  If I had to come up with a word for young people I would say they’re – pure.    

What else do you enjoy doing, when you’re not writing?

Going to movies!  I love movies.  To me they’re books played out in living color, sound and motion, right in front of my eyes.  They’re the greatest escape.

What are your dreams and plans for your future as a writer?

I plan to keep writing until the day I die.  Period.  I hope to be found slumped over my desk, pen in hand having scribbled the last recorded words I would every write.  I hope that final prose would be something awesome and mysterious, something people would muse over for a century.  Until then I want to write books.  I want to write screenplays for movies and TV.  I want to fill the earth with my writings.

Links

The Heart’s Journey Home Blog is currently under construction and will be online soon.

http://www.amazon.com/The-Hearts-Journey-Home-California-ebook/dp/B01551MLZA    

Twitter - https://twitter.com/journey4home

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GIVEAWAY INFORMATION and RAFFLECOPTER CODE

Nikki Jackson will be awarding a $25 Amazon/BN GC to a randomly drawn winner via rafflecopter during the tour.

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