3Ps: Elizabeth Parkinson-Bellows, author of Alexander Drake Books Talks About The Impact of An Overactive Imagination #MiddleGrade, #SciFi, #Fantasy, #Magic, #GuestPost, #giveaway

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 As a part of the Alexander Drake Blog Tour, Elizabeth Parkinson-Bellows graciously stopped by and shared with us her thoughts on the Impact of an Overactive Imagination.  Enjoy!

 

The Impact of an Overactive Imagination

by Elizabeth Parkinson-Bellows 

 

I’m snuggled up in my bed, blanket pulled over my shoulders, eyes shut tight - and here it comes... the overactive imagination. Darn it! Now the wheels in my head are spinning. The storyline begins… I’m an adventurer, archaeologist, extraordinaire. Cue the theme song (On most nights it’s Indiana Jones).

With my crazy Rod Stewart hair poking out of a dusty brown fedora, I navigate my way through ancient ruins in a foreign land. When I was young in the 80’s I suffered from bad haircut syndrome. My hair resembled a middle-aged rock star’s until around 1987. It was traumatic enough to haunt my dreams to this day.

On some nights I play the role of a wise wizard soaring over a mystical forest on a beautiful giant bird. If I eat spicy food or too much chocolate the Indiana Jones dreams intermingle with the wizard dreams. That’s when things get really crazy.

Of course, it’s not just bed time. When I was a kid; spare moments were all about portals to other worlds. I know I spent more time watching the clouds roll by at school than focusing on the task at hand. Seating me near a large window was never a good idea. My sister still teases me about playing with my imaginary friends at the local creek (it was a great place to catch pollywogs). There was nothing wrong with creating some really cool characters to hang out with if I had to play alone. I’m an adult now; so I don’t go around talking to myself… no need to alarm the neighbors. 

Now that I have kids of my own the ideas flow more than ever. It’s funny how kids inspire the imagination. After years of adventures playing in my mind like a movie, it was time to listen to my heart and write them down.   

Alexander Drake’s adventure really started to unfold after my son was born seven years ago. Now I have one more book titled “The Butterfly Curse” to polish up in the Azra’s Pith series. I’m also currently writing a new series. The first book titled “The Bandits of Basswood” should be out by the end of May. I feel like I’m just getting started! 

 

__________________________________________

The Alexander Drake Books

by  Elizabeth Parkinson-Bellows

Publisher:  Wild Child Publishing

Genre:  MG SciFi/Fantasy/Magic

Available: Amazon

About Alexander Drake's Extraordinary Pursuit:

Meet Alexander Drake, a curious young man living in a drab, oversized mansion with his secretive father. He spent his days playing alone. In the back of his mind he wondered what happened to his mother, and why his father was tight-lipped about the past; but secrets have a way of getting out. It all started with a stay at his grandmother’s cottage. Alexander found strange clues tucked away in his father’s old bedroom. With a mysterious key and several maps in his pack he set off on an innocent search for answers about his family. When he discovered a secret passageway the search took a dramatic turn. He suddenly worried about what was searching for him. Alexander was being hunted by a sorcerer from his father’s past. Answers lead to more questions and the journey of his life. Join Alexander for a thrilling adventure in Azra’s Pith, a place of beauty and magic… but beware—something evil lurks in the shadows.  

   

About The Return of General Drake

When Alexander arrived in Verhonia, something went terribly wrong. A dark spell delivered from the mountains of Acadia sent him on a dangerous journey in the middle of the night. As he marched into the mountains, the great city of Verhonia was ambushed and burned to the ground by Roman's army of vicious giant murks. With the safety of the realm in jeopardy, General John William Drake was asked to come back to Azra's Pith. He swore he would never return. But after discovering his son was under a spell and in the grips of a dark sorcerer, he had no choice. Things take a wild turn in the mountains, with runaways, a hungry wolf and a mysterious, young empyrean wizard thrown into the adventure. A tight race against time and evil is in full swing. With faith and a little magic, they just might come out on top.  

   

About Author Elizabeth Parkinson-Bellows:

Being the frizzy-haired tomboy with buck teeth gave me a slight case of shyness as a kid. A colorful imagination meant escape and adventure at the drop of a hat. Over the years I learned that the insecurities I carried around were a waste of time. I still prefer a football game to a manicure any day of the week. That indispensable imagination has found its way into my writing providing a sense of joy and a true purpose.   

Follow Elizabeth Online:

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Blog Tour Giveaway:

$25 Amazon Gift Card or Paypal Cash Ends 5/15/13

a Rafflecopter giveaway   

3Ps: The Newstead Project: Book Blast & Giveaway

 

The Newstead Project

by Melanie Schulz

Joel Cranston shouldn’t exist. He just doesn’t know that yet. He’s lived a pretty normal life for the last sixteen years. If you consider being almost seven feet tall and good at about every sport you’ve ever played normal. Normal ends the day Newstead shows up with an invitation to come to their school.

the school.

Newstead is a private high school in Central Vermont by the Green Mountains. It’s a great place to hide a few hundred people who shouldn’t exist while you train them to become tomorrow’s rulers, tomorrow’s dictators, tomorrow’s gods.

the unexpected.

Rachel Newell thinks she’s just passing through. She never stays any place more than four months and with Newstead so close to Weston, she has even more reason to make this her shortest stop ever. The last thing she expects is to have a reason to stay.

Together Rachel and Joel uncover the truth behind what is The Newstead Project.

Amazon * Amazon Kindle

Book Trailer

About Author Melanie Schulz

I live in Upstate New York with my husband and three children, where I’ve pretty much been planted my entire life.  Which is fine, because it’s beautiful here. My only complaint is that most people assume that New York means NYC, which it doesn’t. There. I’ve done my part in exposing the truth. 

Truth. The truth is I’m not a writer; storyteller maybe, but not a writer. It wasn’t something I spent years dreaming of, or even what I went to school for. I’m a nurse. I love being a nurse. So why write? I don’t know. I do know when it started, though. September 3, 2010. I know this because I nature journal, and on that day Joel made it into my notes. I guess that’s fitting. Someone like him needed to be birthed out in the woods. If you were to meet me, and I hope someday you do, you would not connect me with this story. I’m a wife, a mother, a nurse. The person who wrote this should’ve been a guy, first off, secondly he should be some militaristic strategist; that’s who you’d expect to see if you were to come to a book signing, not me. But I’m there, in every line. So if I don’t have the good fortune to meet you in person, I hope to see you in THE NEWSTEAD PROJECT.

Website * Blog * Facebook

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Giveaway:

$50 Amazon Gift Card or Paypal Cash

Ends 5/19/13

a Rafflecopter giveaway

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, Not A Writer http://iamareader.com and sponsored by the author. VOID WHERE PROHIBITED BY LAW.

 

Internet Troubles Much???

That's right....and it is the Computer that is causing it!!  I'll be back online just as soon as possible and get this all worked out.  My apologies!!!!

3Ps: DAVID's SONG by AR Talley #excerpt, #giveaway, #ContemporaryRomanticSuspense

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David's Song 

by AR Talley

Published:  November 24, 2010

Publisher:  Authorhouse

Length:  320 pages

Genre:  Contemporary Romantic Suspense

Available at: Amazon * Barnes and Noble

About David's Song:

Annie only ever really loved two men in her life. One broke her heart, the other married her. Four children and fifteen years later, Annie’s marriage is in jeopardy. Money is tight and her husband questions the very foundation of their relationship. When Annie is unexpectedly given the opportunity to see the young man who broke her heart — a man who is now a megastar in the music industry — Annie is faced with choices. Choices that will determine what is of more value — a second chance at lost love and unfulfilled dreams or commitment, trust, and love built on years of experience. A psychologically subtle, yet compelling tale about how the instinct and need for love overcomes self-doubt and personal inadequacy.  

   

*** 

Excerpt:

“Jeremy, what do you want from me?” I asked, lifting my eyes to his.

          He shrugged. “I guess I want to know if this guy is one of those fantasies you told me about. I want to know if you know him well enough to have such strong feelings for him.”

          “I don’t know how to answer that.”  I felt cornered.  If I said he was a fantasy, then my behavior would look foolish, but if I said I knew him well, then I would also have to admit that I knew he had no feelings for me.  And I just didn’t want to go there.

          “It’s pretty simple, Annie.  Do you know him, I mean, really know him?  Does he really know you?  Does he like you?”

          I looked at Jeremy.  Why was he being so insistent?

          “Jeremy, please don’t make me do this,” I said quietly, looking down. 

          He became very tender.  “Make you do what, Annie?”

          “What does it matter if he’s real or not?  If I know him or not?”

          “Because I don’t want to see you hurt.”  He was genuinely concerned.  I could see it in his expression.

          “Well, thank you for your concern, but when you look at the situation, I think it’s inevitable,” I said, tears stinging in my eyes.  I looked away to hide them.

          “It doesn’t have to be.”

          “And what am I supposed to do, Jeremy?  You don’t know what it’s like to be falling for someone and they hardly know you exist.”

          He leaned back in his chair shaking his head in disbelief.  “Annie, you’d be surprised,” he muttered under his breath.

***

About Author A.R. Talley:

April R Talley was born and raised in the Rubber City, Akron, Ohio in 1959. She is the youngest of six children. She attended Brigham Young University for a time, but withdrew to work fulltime for Osmond Productions in Orem, Utah as a member of The Osmond production staff. After a brief stint working in television, she returned to Akron to finish her education. She graduated with a Bachelor of Fine Arts in Mass Media Communications in 1981. April later worked as vice president and part owner of a dance and sportswear boutique. 

Married in 1982, she is the proud mother of seven children and is deeply involved in volunteer work for her church. April spends her time working on future projects, caring for home and family, and traveling. David’s Song is her debut novel and the first of a trilogy. 

Twitter * Facebook * Blog * Goodreads

***

Praise from reviews on Goodreads.com 

"Not just your typical romance novel" - Tracy Williams 

"David's Song is great read that leaves you thinking about the story and pondering your own relationships". - Anna Pavkov 

"Sucked me in from the 1st page" - Jill Walker 

 "Loved this book . . . could not put it down!" - Dana Vieira     

 ***

Giveaway:

$25 Amazon Gift Card or Paypal Cash
Ends 5/15/13   

 a Rafflecopter giveaway   

3Ps: Life is Too Short Collection by Connie Sokol #Motherhood, #giveaway, #review

 

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Life is Too Short Collection

 by Connie Sokol

Published:  March 28, 2013

Publisher:  Chawton Publishing

Length:  185 pages

Genre:  Humor, Motherhood

Purchase/Find at:  Amazon

 

Are you looking for a fabulous life boost today? The Life is Too Short series is just what you need. Written by Connie Sokol—mother of seven, author, speaker, and amazing matching sock finder—these humorous self-development columns give you just the right amount of fun and functional. Originally written for a major newspaper and magazines, you can now enjoy the entire collection in one book. 

Put your feet up and laugh as you relate to time-tested tips on being a woman, wife, and mother. You'll learn the cozy stuff of how to adjust expectations, have faith in your dreams, and lighten up in motherhood. And, you'll learn a few life skills such as easy spring cleaning, simplifying the holidays, and creating successful goals. It's the perfect gift for any woman! Short, funny, insightful, these quick power columns are ideal anytime, anywhere, to rejuvenate your mind and soul.

   

Review from I Love to Read and Review Books:

For some laughter therapy read this book! I LOVED the funny stories in each chapter followed by a LIFE TIP to help you put into practice the things you just learned...and as an added bonus...there is a BOOK PICK to further your enlightenment on the subject.

My Review:

Connie is right.  There.  I said it.  She says it like it is.  Being a Woman, a Wife, a Mom is H.A.R.D.  We make it harder.  That is right, we females make it harder on ourselves.  But she doesn't stop there.  No.  Connie points out what we can do to help ourselves, make life easier and ourselves (thus everyone around us) happier.  Yep.  You heard me.  HAPPIER.  She even gives examples and does all of this with love, sarcasm and humor.  It is a fast read as each 'chapter' was originally an article she wrote.  Seriously, I read it in like less than two hours front to back.  I even remember what I read! ;)  I know I will want to read it again and again as well.  I am even quickly trying to figure out who I can give a copy to.  I certainly will be singing it's praises as it is an awesome book!  One not to be missed!

4.5 Stars!!

About Author Connie Sokol:

Connie Sokol is a mother of seven, a national and local presenter, and a regular speaker at Education Week. She is a monthly contributor on KSL TV “Studio 5,” and regular blogger for KSL "Motherhood Matters." She is a former TV and radio host for Bonneville Communications, and columnist for Deseret News and Utah Valley Magazine. Mrs. Sokol is the author of several books including the award-nominated romance Caribbean Crossroads, the 8-week Challenge program of Faithful, Fit & Fabulous, Life is Too Short for One Hair Color Series, as well as talk CDs and podcasts. Mrs. Sokol marinates in time spent with her family and eating decadent treats.

Website * Facebook

 

 

Tour Giveaway:

$25 Amazon Gift Card Ends 5/7/13

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Open only to those who can legally enter, receive and use an Amazon.com Gift Code. 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, Not A Writer http://www.iamareader.com and sponsored by the author. VOID WHERE PROHIBITED BY LAW.  

3Ps: Harlie's Books Want's YOU!

 

And growing Harlie's Books is!   I am Harlie's Admin and let me tell you, we have books coming out our ears and would love nothing better than to have your help! Love to read?  Well, we need BOOK REVIEWERS! 

We need a few creative, fun, well spoken, well written, friendly, and all around cool people to write book reviews that will be published on Harlie's Books site. We will provide you free e-books to read and review. We are looking for new reviewers of Romantic fiction (including any and all sub-genres) RIGHT NOW so what have you got to lose? We'd love to talk to you! 

If you are interested, just go to this link to complete an application https://docs.google.com/spreadsheet/viewform?formkey=dEJDR002VWo2WXRaSTBWRUMzb1FGeEE6MQ#gid=0 

Even only one book a month would be awesome!! Join the team! 

3Ps: Moonlit by Jadie Jones #horses, #YA, #ContemporaryFantasy, #giveaway, #NewRelease

 

Moonlit

by Jadie Jones

Published:  April 16, 2013

Publisher:  WiDo Publishing

Length:  310 pages

Genre:  YA Contemporary Fantasy

Amazon Kindle * Amazon * Goodreads * WiDo Publishing * Barnes and Noble

Eighteen-year-old Tanzy Hightower knows horses, has grown up with them on Wildwood Farm. She also knows not to venture beyond the trees that line the pasture. Things happen out there that can’t be explained. Or undone. Worse, no one but she and the horses can see what lurks in the shadows of the woods. When a moonlit ride turns into a terrifying chase, Tanzy is left to question everything, from the freak accident that killed her father to the very blood in her veins. Broken and confused, she turns to Lucas, a scarred, beautiful stranger, and to Vanessa, a charming new friend who has everything Tanzy doesn’t. But why do they seem to know more about her than she knows herself?

 Praise :

"Virginia's trees look like they're burning. Most of them blaze crimson or gold, but some still have a choke-hold on their green. I wish they'd give it up already. Leaves are more beautiful when they're dying." And so Moonlit begins. From here the story rolls from one twist to another with many vivid characters whose motives are hard to predict. I found myself being suspicious of everyone, wanting to tell Tanzy to be very careful. The deeper I fell into the plot, the more questions kept rising to the surface. But not to worry, all of my questions were answered. Appropriate for all ages, if you love paranormal fantasy mixed with suspense, mystery and other-worldly romance, you'll love this novel!

 ~Author Julie Ford   

Prologue:

The first anniversary of my father’s death was even harder on my mother. Back then, I thought she was haunted most by what she didn’t know. I refused to blame her when she raged above me on our staircase that night, drunk and sad and angry. When she made me promise I’d never ride again. When she hurled a half-full bottle of vodka at my face and it exploded on the wooden stairs at my feet. I hadn’t tried to get out of the way. She had just missed. I wanted to tell her that knowledge was no solace, that what you know can burn inside you until there’s nothing left but guilt and ash. I also wanted to protect her from losing the only piece of him she had left. So I didn’t say a word. 

 

About Author Jadie Jones:

Georgia native Jadie Jones first began working for a horse farm at twelve years old, her love of horses matched only by her love of books. She went on to acquire a B.A. in equine business management, and worked for competitive horse farms along the east coast. The need to write followed wherever she went. She currently coaches a hunt seat equitation team that competes in the Interscholastic Equestrian Association, and lives with her family in the foothills of north Georgia. When she's not working on the next installment of the Moonlit series, she is either in the saddle or exploring the great outdoors with her daughter. Moonlit is her first book. 

Blog * Facebook * Twitter * Pinterest

 


Giveaway:

$50 Amazon Gift Card or Paypal Cash
Ends 5/5/13

 a Rafflecopter giveaway

 

3Ps: Get Your Own Copy of CHARMEINE by Emily Guido for FREE 4/19 ONLY!! #ParanormalRomance, #FreeBook, #NewEdition

Charmeine is one of my all-time favorite books and I adore Emily Guido.

Check out this special surprise!

Goodreads

Free Smashwords Coupon

HB94P

If you have purchased a copy of Charmeine previously, do yourself a favor and replace it with this newly edited version. If you have yet to read Charmeine, this is your Golden Opportunity!

Can romance develop between a Heavenly Light-Bearer and a Hellish Vampire Blood-Hunter? Tabbruis is an extremely attractive Blood-Hunter who has reconciled himself to be alone forever. Over millennia Tabbruis has wandered the Earth alone, aimlessly living through many historical events. Charleen (aka Charmeine) was found in 1997 as a teenager, unable to remember where she was from or where her family was. She was sent to an orphanage where she met her best friend, Shane. With determination, she works hard and becomes a school teacher. Tabbruis comes to her aid when she is attacked by a Blood-Hunter. Charmeine’s power as a Light-Bearer, one who throws lightning, is triggered when she meets Tabbruis, and it grows exponentially. When they meet, the attraction is immediate, romantic and passionate. They are polar opposites and clash together in a dramatic way. Will Charmeine and Tabbruis fulfill their destinies? Will they realize their importance in both the Blood-Hunter and Light-Bearer world?

RAVE REVIEWS

for “Charmeine”

by Author Emily Guido

“Romance between a Vampire and a light bearer is something so new, I had to read this book to find out what the buzz and feel is all about … All I can say is that book didn't disappoint at all! A must read!”

~ Fathima Amiruddin

“This is a great read, and a terrific debut novel!”

~ Susan Ashcraft

“The author's story got me hooked. I think the readers will feel the same.”

~ Carol Fitzpatrick

“This story is a fantastically tender, romantic one of timeless love. This story is well worth a read!”

~ Melanie Adkins

“The scenes were beautifully described and the plot is creative and intriguing.

The Light-Bearer Series is sure to be the next fabulous Angel series on your“To-Read” shelf!”

~ Cassie 

“Well done Emily, this is a great debut novel!”

~ Samantha Adams 

Emily Guido is a new Paranormal Romance Author. She was inspired to start writing "Charmeine" because one day she got an idea of two characters that needed to have their story told. Not ever dreaming a week later she would have over a 100,000 words written. When Emily writes, it is similar to you or I watching a movie. She pictures the characters in her head going through vivid descriptions of each scene. There are so many nuances going through her mind that she cannot type fast enough. The novels “Mactus,” “Accendo,” “Seditious,” and “Ransom,” are the continuation of the wonderful adventures of the inhabitants of The Castle Charmeine!

Emily is currently writing “Conundrum” the Sixth Novel in “The Light-Bearer Series” She works at a College full time, and pursuing her Master of Business Administration.

YA, PNR, Paranormal Romance, Vampire, Angels, Action and Adventure, Historical

Links:

Website | Goodreads | Twitter | Facebook