Zarembra or Love and the rule of Law (Book Blast & Giveaway)

Summary:

In Warsaw, a shy and high-minded polio victim lives a life of seclusion caring for her odd family until a chance encounter plunges her into the intrigues of dirty politics; Zaremba, a wealthy businessman, is about to be arrested on trumped-up charges and only she can save him. Swept along by events, Cordelia finds her feelings increasingly involved with a stranger for whom she is both rescuer and victim. When Zaremba disappears, Cordelia must overcome surveillance, corruption, the media, and mounting humiliations and difficulties to learn the truth.

Although set in Poland, this is a story that could happen anywhere, as young democracies struggle against the temptations of covert operations and older democracies sometimes lead them astray.

Excerpt - Train station (650 words)

Every action seemed to take place in the slow motion of a very

bad dream, but actually within an hour, she had caught a taxi, made

phone calls, been to one of Darek’s banks – where she had had a set-to

with the manager and prevailed – had summoned another taxi, and

been stuck in traffic, and jerked out some of her hair, and now was

being set down in front of the central train station. She thrust a large

bill at the driver, a much too large bill, and left him without a backward

glance as he stared after her.

She rushed into the building, scanning the departures board for

possible trains. Behind her the large open space of the hall echoed

with noise and bustle, but she noticed

none of it. An express was leaving in fifteen minutes. It would take her

most of the way – if she didn’t make that one she would have to make

a series of changes on slow local trains; it would be tomorrow before

she arrived. Tomorrow might be too late. Even now they might be

loading Darek on a plane – in which case it was already too late. No!

she wanted to shriek. She had to reach him first; she had to catch that

train. Fifteen minutes, only

fifteen minutes! She tried to calm herself: fifteen minutes – it would be

enough to buy a ticket. But there was a line in front of the wicket.

Cordelia rushed towards it, but before she reached it, just as she was

coming up to it, a party of young people, with large backpacks,

sauntered slowly over, and without a glance at her, joined its tail

ahead of her. Her waiting period had just grown longer by five persons.

She bit her lip. The line moved forward six

inches. She shuffled forward too. Four minutes passed. Then two more.

She was still six persons from the wicket.

Hurry, she thought, hurry, please. But the ticket seller was in no

hurry: she slowly counted out money, talked to her colleagues who

were sipping tea, slowly answered

questions about reservations and connections. The travelers, once

arrived at the front of the line, seemed to be in no hurry either.

Cordelia’s stomach twisted. Three minutes left. She would ask the

people to let her through, she couldn’t bear it; she couldn’t miss the

train. There were only the young people ahead of her.

“Please,” she said, to one. “Would you let me through ahead of

you? It’s terribly important.”

Half the party moved instantly aside, with polite murmurs and

gestures that she was to go ahead, certainly, no problem. One young

woman, however, decided to stand on her rights: “Why? Why should

we move aside for you? It’s important to us too that we not miss our

train.”

“But Ania, we have half an hour,” said someone.

“But it’s the principle of thing,” she insisted, “if it’s so important,

why didn’t she come earlier? Why does she have to take our place? It’s

conscienceless.”

“Yes,” said Cordelia, “I agree with you. You’re entirely right. I’m

so sorry, so extremely sorry. I can’t tell you how sorry and how deeply

conscious I am of the impropriety of my conduct. I assure you I will

make every attempt to improve in the future. I am most humbly

grateful to you.”

The young people gaped.

She was at the counter, she was handing over her money and

getting a ticket, wheeling about and scurrying for the stairs to the

underground platforms. The stairs

were long and she went down too fast; if she slipped, if she made one

misstep, she knew, she would be badly hurt – she had no way to reach

for the handrail, with the crutch in her good hand. She couldn’t even

slow down, once she was started, it was sort of like a headlong fall

Goodreads: http://www.goodreads.com/author/show/6942231.Michelle_Granas


Buy Links
Amazon: http://amzn.to/19YGQyv
B&N: http://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/zaremba-or-love-and-the-rule-of-law-michelle-granas/1114303818?ean=9780988859203
Smashwords:http://www.smashwords.com/books/view/273954


Prize: 1 paperback copy (open internationally)

Rafflecopter code: <a id="rc-74bbef52" class="rafl" href="http://www.rafflecopter.com/rafl/display/74bbef52/" rel="nofollow">a Rafflecopter giveaway</a>
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If you need to get the code directly from Rafflecopter: http://www.rafflecopter.com/rafl/share-code/NzRiYmVmOTVmMjk2ZGRjMDljNDNlYTAyYTAzYjMxOjUy/

 

i.

Love and Other Subjects

Today I am participating in a blog tour for the book Love and Other Subjects by Kathleen Shoop as part of my participation in Book Sparks summer reading roadtrip challange.


Book Info:
For every woman who wonders if she chose the right career... Carolyn Jenkins strives for two things--to be the greatest teacher ever and to find true love. She's as skilled at both as an infant trying to eat with a fork. Carolyn's suburban upbringing and genuine compassion for people who don't fit effortlessly into society are no match for weapon-wielding, struggling students, drug-using colleagues, and a wicked principal. Meanwhile, her budding relationship with a mystery man is thwarted by his gaggle of eccentric sisters. Carolyn depends on her friends to get her through the hard times, but with poverty-stricken children at her feet and a wealthy man at her side, she must define who she is. The reality of life after college can be daunting, the road to full-fledged adulthood long and unscripted. Can Carolyn take control and craft the existence she always wanted?

Author Info:
I'm married with two children. I've been seriously writing for almost a decade although I dabbled much earlier than that! I've had short stories published in four Chicken Soup for the Soul books, am a regular contributor to a local magazine, Pittsburgh Parent, and have had essays in local newspapers as well.
I have a PhD in Reading Education and have worked in schools for over twenty years. I work with teachers and their students in grades k-8 and am lucky to learn something new from them every time I walk through their doors. This experience was a huge help in writing LOVE AND OTHER SUBJECTS--a quirky, post-college coming of age story.
My first novel, The Last Letter (2011 IPPY Gold Medal--Regional Fiction, Midwest, 2011 Indie Excellence Finalist Award for Historical Fiction and Regional Fiction, 2011 International Book Awards Finalist for Historical Fiction and Best New Fiction), was a fascinating trip through history, punctuated with fictional characters and events. The idea for the story grew from my great-great grandmother's letters (see My Dear Frank for the complete set of letters!) written during the year of her engagement to Frank Arthur. The beautiful letters are the inspiration for the novel, the seed from which The Last Letter's characters and their voices grew.
I've also written women's fiction--LOVE AND OTHER SUBJECTS-- and have written another historical fiction novel, AFTER THE FOG, set in 1948 in a town not far from Oakmont, PA. AFTER THE FOG is also an award winning book--silver IPPY and WINNER in the literary category of the National Indie Excellence Awards.
Right now, I'm finishing up a 20,000 word short love story for an anthology and am also using my characters and setting from THE LAST LETTER as per reader request to show what happened between the two timelines in the original book! I hope readers will enjoy the fact I write about varied eras and places and that they will love each book for its unique setting and time.

My review:
So as someone who is a certified teacher I was really excited to read this book! I have to say though I have mixed feelings about it. It was just ok for me. The plot is nice but simple (which it is ok to have simple plots at times) and the characters for the most part are ok but I didnt really find a connection with any of them. Carolyn the main character is ok but sometimes I find her negetive attitude in the book annoying and it really put me off and made me not really like the character.
The plot also felt like it had some wholes and jumped around to, like the author was trying to cram alot in. I wish there would have been a bigger focus on her teaching than on going to bars with her friends and being in romances with men. I mean the teaching asspect is why I wanted to read this book. So as I said I was dissappointed a little, overall though I would say its an ok read its not profound or anything but it might be worth the read for some.

(Oh I also wanted to say that I really liked the cover of this book as well!)

I would like to thank Erin from Book Sparks for letting me read and review this book.

Chasing Invisible Book Promo

Blurb:

Could you handle life in the spotlight?

Julia Alexander is a quiet girl from a small town. Content to spend her days with her small group of friends and a pile of books, Julia thinks her future is set. When she unexpectedly meets Chase, a fellow college student and budding musician, she is unaware of just how drastically things are about to change.

Suddenly thrown into the limelight, her life is no longer her own. Relentlessly followed by the paparazzi, Julia is forced to make tough decisions about fame, love, family, and relationships. But just how much will Julia have to sacrifice to become invisible...


Book Trailer: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0dXsHrPUBm8
Links

Website: www.karentoz.com
Blog: http://kptoz.blogspot.com
Facebook: www.facebook.com/karenptoz
Twitter: www.twitter.com/karentoz
Amazon: http://amzn.to/11wuyqn
Barnes & Noble:
Smashwords: Smashwords: http://www.smashwords.com/books/view/325554

The Quarryman's Bride Blog Tour

This summary is not available. Please click here to view the post.

Archer by Deb Kayn Spotlight Post with fun facts!

 Book Info:

She's on the run . . .
Jane Beaumont currently has in her possession: a cat, a hundred grand in cash, and a pistol. She's on her way home to Bay City, Oregon-and away from the nightmare of her violent ex-boyfriend. She'll lay low at Beaumont Body Shop, a car detailer that runs a private investigation agency in the back. The only wrench in her plan is Kage Archer: sexy, strong, and intent on protecting Jane at all costs. She's wanted Kage forever, but putting him in harm's way is not a risk she's willing to take.

He's not going anywhere

Kage is no stranger to the dark side of life, but he's always walked on the right side of the law. Yet when Jane expressed her interest in him years ago, he pushed her away for her own good. Now, after learning of all she's endured, Kage can't leave her side-or hide his need for her. When a frightening situation turns dire, can Kage convince Jane that the safest place to be is in his arms?

Author Info:

Top Selling Romance Author, Debra Kayn, lives with her family in the beautiful coastal mountains of Oregon on a hobby farm. She enjoys riding motorcycles, gardening, playing tennis, and fishing. A huge animal lover, she always has a dog under her desk when she writes and chickens standing at the front door looking for a treat. She's famous in her family for teaching a 270 lb hog named Harley to jog with her every morning.
Her love of family ties and laughter makes her a natural to write heartwarming contemporary stories to the delight of her readers. Oh, let's cut to the chase. She loves to write about REAL MEN and the WOMEN who love them.
When Debra was nineteen years old, a man kissed her without introducing himself. When they finally came up for air, the first words out of his mouth were...will you have my babies? Considering Debra's weakness for a sexy, badass man, who is strong enough to survive her attitude, she said yes. A quick wedding at the House of Amour and four babies later, she's living her own romance book.
She loves to hear from her readers. Feel free to drop her an email: debrakayn@debrakayn.com Follow her on twitter www.twitter.com/DebraKayn and like her fan page at www.facebook.com/DebraKaynFanPage
Fun Facts:
· Although Bay City, Oregon is a fictional town, Debra lives in the Oregon coastal mountains and portrayed Bay City after the many little communities along the coast line where everyone knows each other, and small casinos bring in huge crowds.

Detailing custom cars is in the blood of all the Kayn men. Debra has tools in her living room, kitchen, and bedroom. She's given up on getting the tools taken out of the house.

Debra's editor's favorite comment to leave during edits is, "Tone him down, Deb." I like alpha men, what can I say?

Get ready, because there's a special tattoo on Tony Weston. It's not mentioned in Archer, but plays an important part of his story in the 2nd book of A Hard Body Novel series.

Writing about the 4 boys from Beaumont Body Shop was easy for Debra, because she grew up with only brothers. She knows how they think, act, protect, and talk.

Guardian Spotlight post and giveaway

Today I am having a spotlight post on my blog for the book Guardian by Nancy Northcott. I am also holding a giveaway for the frist book in this series:  Protector.


 

A POWER TO KILL

FBI agent Camellia "Mel" Wray is no stranger to violence but when an old friend is brutally murdered, she takes it personally. The case hits even closer to her heart when the best person to help with the investigation is Dr. Stefan Harper, the only man she ever loved-and lost. One look at the gorgeous medical expert and Mel realizes he's still impossible to resist-and still harboring a secret after all these years . . .

A POWER TO LOVE

Afraid Mel wouldn't accept him, Stefan never revealed his study of magical medicine or his abilities, instead allowing her to believe he'd been unfaithful. Now she's back in his life-and their mutual attraction burns hotter than ever. But when something dark and otherworldly threatens humans, Stefan must summon his mage powers to keep everyone safe. Will Mel be able to trust him again? Or will their love cost him even more than it did the first time?

ABOUT NANCY NORTHCOTT

Nancy Northcott's childhood ambition was to grow up and become Wonder Woman. Around fourth grade, she realized it was too late to acquire Amazon genes, but she still loved comic books, science fiction, fantasy and YA romance. Nancy became an attorney but eventually realized her internal superheroine needed more room to play. She left the legal profession to write freelance articles and novels, most recently blending her extensive knowledge of fantasy into her own stories. A sucker for fast action and wrenching emotion, Nancy combines the romance and high stakes she loves in her new contemporary mage series. She is a three-time Golden Heart finalist.

 

Giveaway:

I will be giving away 2 digital copies of the frist book in this series Protector. Please see the bottom of my blog for more details. This is an international giveaway!

Undone release day post with fun facts!

In UNDONE there are things Paige Morrison will never understand about Mirabelle, Florida: Why wearing red shoes makes a girl a harlot Why a shop would ever sell something called "buck urine" Why everywhere she goes, she runs into sexy-and infuriating-Brendan King. But after losing her job, her apartment, and her boyfriend, Paige has no choice but to leave Philadelphia and move in with her retired parents. For an artsy outsider like Paige, finding her place in the tightly knit town isn't easy-until she meets Brendan, the hot mechanic who's interested in much more than Paige's car. In no time at all, Brendan helps Paige find a new job, new friends, and a happiness she wasn't sure she'd ever feel again. With Brendan by her side, Paige finally feels like she can call Mirabelle home. But when a new bombshell drops, will the couple survive, or will their love come undone?

About the author:
Shannon Richard grew up in the Panhandle of Florida as the baby sister of two overly protective, but loving brothers. She was raised by a somewhat eccentric mother who showed her how to get lost in a book, and a father who passed on his love for coffee and really loud music. She graduated from Florida State University with a Bachelor's in English Literature, and lives in Tallahassee. She's still waiting for her Southern, scruffy, Mr. Darcy and in the meantime writes love stories to indulge her overactive imagination.

Connect with Shannon online!

www.shannonrichard.net

http://facebook.com/ShannonNRichard

Tweet: @shan_richard


DID YOU KNOW?

The song "We Run" by Sugarland was the inspiration for the title,

Undone

Bethelda Grimshaw was inspired by the character Rita Skeeter from
Harry Potter.

According to Shannon, Coffee is the most important meal of the day. Wine is the second.

Fun Facts about Undone!

1. I wrote Undone during the National Novel Writing Month of 2011. It was my first marathon and I finished at just over 60,000 words.

2. After watching Captain America, I decided that Brendan King is my Southern version of Chris Evans.
3. The song “We Run” by Sugarland was where I got the title for Undone. Sugarland’s music along with Eric Church’s, were major inspirations during the writing process.

4. The fictional town of Mirabelle was inspired by Franklin County, Florida.