Tuesday, December 31, 2013

Vengeance is Mine by Elizabeth Baroody Book Blast - Win a $25 Amazon Gift Card

ABOUT VENGEANCE IS MINE

 
Title: Vengeance is Mine
Genre: Suspense
Author: Elizabeth Baroody
Publisher: Trafford
Pages: 336
Language: English
ISBN - 978-1-46692-914-2  

 Nora Costain, a widow, half owner of a successful real estate company, is on vacation on a small island off the North Carolina coast, where she meets two elderly neighbors and finds a sawdust hill infested with rattlesnakes. She also finds that she likes to be around the captain of the mail boat that takes passengers to the different islands out in the bay. While she is away, her thirteen-year-old granddaughter, Holly, is caught and raped by two high school boys after a school dance. These two boys are from another nearby school. Holly refuses to allow her mother to go to the authorities about the rape, and two months later, she unexpectedly dies of an ectopic pregnancy. Nora is finally told of the rape and realizes that at this late date, nothing can be done to the unknown perpetrators. Nora comes across Holly’s diary after the funeral and reads about the rape. Holly names the boys Guy and Bill, and from the details in the diary, Nora is able to identify them. She tries to blow them up in their car, but no one is injured. Guy and Bill find out who blew up their car and decide to kidnap Nora’s grandson, Todd, to get even. The plan is thwarted by the school Todd attends, and Nora, afraid for Todd, decides to take him to the island to get him far away from the area. Guy and Bill learn of her plans, follow them to the island, and that night, attempt to dispose of them. As it happens, Nora and Todd were not in the cottage and ran to one of the neighbor’s house. For protection, the neighbor lets his wild boar loose, and the next morning, one of the boys is found gored to death by the boar. Nora manages to contact the captain and notifies the authorities. Although a search is made, the other boy could not be found.

Purchase your copy:

Trafford Publishing

9781466929142_C_QA.inddABOUT ELIZABETH BAROODY

Elizabeth was an independent photojournalist from 1970 to her death and has written, sold, and has had published approximately 115 articles, short stories, and a book. The following publications have used her work; Early American Life, Writer’s Digest, The Antique Trader, Numismatic Scrapbook, Marriage and Family, Horse Illustrated, Spinning Wheel, Country Magazine, Hobbies, Antique Week, Post Card Collector, Cricket Magazine. Under the name of Christy Demaine, she wrote one book, A Matter of Revenge, published by Playboy Press in 1978. Following is a list of books previously published and available now. Nicole Laurent That Summer at Windermere The Search for Sheherazade (e-book only) A Matter of Revenge (softcover only) Available in hard and soft cover and as e-books.

Pump Up Your Book and Elizabeth Baroody are teaming up to give you a chance to win a $25 Amazon Gift Card!

Terms & Conditions:
  • By entering the giveaway, you are confirming you are at least 18 years old.
  • One winner will be chosen via Rafflecopter to receive one $25 Amazon Gift Certificate
  • This giveaway begins December 19 and ends on January 2.
  • Winners will be contacted via email on Friday, January 3 2014.
  • Winner has 48 hours to reply.
Good luck everyone!

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Book Blast! Faces Behind the Dust by Cora L. Hairston - Win a $25 Amazon Gift Card!

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ABOUT FACES BEHIND THE DUST

Book Cover copy
Title: Faces Behind the Dust
Genre: General
Author: Cora L. Hairston
Publisher: iUniverse
Pages: 212
Language: English
ISBN - 978-1-47595-829-4

This book begins about a precocious, nosey little girl, who has eavesdropping down to a science. The stories surrounding this coal mining community are about family, neighbors and friends. ClaraBy loves her Daddy. The drama of this book will have you laughing and crying, as she grows into womanhood along this journey. She is struck with sorrow at the loss of her best friend, and worries about her father and brothers when tragedy struck. Also sees her father growing weary over the years as his health deteriorates. Her sister is a fast “breeder”, who seems to be caught by the “BIG BIRD” every year or so with cute little gremlins. There are racial issues that took place in the early 1950’s and 60’s during the period of integration. ClaraBy begins to grow into a lovely young lady who is trying hard not to let her hormones get the best of her. This book is the beginning of her life and she has a lot of living to do. “HELLO WORLD!!” HER COMES CLARABY ROSE!! (book 2).

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ABOUT CORA L. HAIRSTON

CORA HAIRSTON is retired from Logan General Hospital, as the radiology co-coordinator after 30 years of service. She has written numerous poems and 20 or more gospel songs. Her love is singing, playing the piano, going to church, and preaching life lessons to her grandchildren. Leading up to her retirement so that she would have something to occupy her mind outside of home, she was encouraged by her daughter Amanda, to return to school to become a "nail technician," which she did. This led her to be owner/operator of her own salon and eventually a "ladies boutique." Cora and her husband, Fred, are the proud parents of four children, seven grandchildren, (one deceased) and four great-grandchildren. They reside in Omar, West Virginia.

Pump Up Your Book and Cora L. Hairston are teaming up to give you a chance to win a $25 Amazon Gift Card!

Terms & Conditions:
  • By entering the giveaway, you are confirming you are at least 18 years old.
  • One winner will be chosen via Rafflecopter to receive one $25 Amazon Gift Certificate
  • This giveaway begins December 19 and ends on January 2.
  • Winners will be contacted via email on Friday, January 3 2014.
  • Winner has 48 hours to reply.
Good luck everyone!

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Monday, December 30, 2013

Cuban Sandwiches by Die For Love Author Caridad Piniero

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We all know that Caridad can write some sizzling romantic suspense stories,  Die For Love being the latest in her Vampire Reborn Series! What many of you may not know is that she is of Cuban decent. When I asked her if she wanted to share a recipe with me, she was gracious enough to share the recipe for Cuban sandwiches. And boy do these sound delicious!

Maybe eating these while reading Die for Love is the perfect combination? I know I'm up for it, are you?

Cuban Sandwiches and Medianoches 

You see Cuban sandwiches appearing more and more everyday, especially with the panini craze that’s happening in a lot of places, basically because a Cuban sandwich is very similar to a panini in how it’s made.

What’s the difference between a Cuban sandwich and a Medianoche? 

A Medianoche is made with a light egg bread/roll rather than Cuban bread. The medianoche or “midnight” sandwich, was named that because the lighter version of the sandwich became popular as a midnight after-Club snack in the 1940s and 50s.

Cuban bread is rather unique — light and airy since it’s made with lard, but it does have a “crust” of sorts. If you’re going to try making a Cuban sandwich, you’re better off with an inexpensive store Italian bread with a lighter crust rather than a good bread with a nice hard crust. Why? Like a panini, you grill and flatten a Cuban sandwich, so a light crust is better since it allows for a flatter sandwich. In Cuba (and Miami), getting a Cuban sandwich for lunch or as a snack was kind of like going to McDonalds. You could get one anywhere. When I’d go to South Beach, I’d head to David’s Cafeteria on the corner of 11th and Collins for a sandwich sometimes. I hit David’s every morning though for a few Cuban coffees — cafe con leche!

What you’ll need to make a Cuban Sandwich:

Somewhere to grill the sandwich — George Foreman grill, panini maker, sandwich press (plancha) or what I do — flat baking tray with a larger cast iron griddle.

Ingredients: 

Cuban Bread or Italian Bread with light crust or egg bread roll butter roast pork
Virginia ham/Honey ham
Swiss Cheese
 (Please note that the traditional recipe calls for you to also put mustard and pickles on the sandwich. YUK!)

 So here goes on the assembly: 

 Slice the bread lengthwise. Layer a few slices each of ham, pork and swiss cheese on the bread. Butter the outside of the bread. Place the bread on the ungreased baking tray. Place a layer of foil above the sandwiches and then place the heavy griddle above (or heavy cast iron pans/sandwich press). If you are using a panini maker or George Foreman grill, just put the sandwich right on them. Bake/Grill the sandwich (at about 375 degrees), pressing down on the top griddle/press occassionally in order to flatter the sandwich. In the oven, it takes about twenty minutes or so to get a nice toast on the bread, melt the cheese and reheat the ham and pork. Cut into hero-size lengths — about six inches. Cut on a diagonal (the traditional way the Cuban Sandwich is served).

If you’re not a pork lover, you can substitute a good roast turkey for the pork and the sandwich will still be as tasty!

About Die For Love

Loving a dead man can be brutal.

 Diana Reye’s pregnancy is draining her of life. Now vampire Ryder Latimer is faced with the most difficult choice of all. Turn Diana, or lose her and the baby. If Ryder chooses to save them, he risks the wrath of the Slayer Council and will be marked for death by their friend Michaela.

Chasing a vampire can be consuming.

 While acting as an enforcer for the Slayer Council, FBI agent Michaela Ramirez has been searching for the vampire who raped and killed her mother. Since meeting FBI Director Jesus Hernandez, however, Michaela is losing a bit of her edge. She can’t stop imagining the possibility of a life full of happiness and passion with her handsome boss by her side…and in her bed.

Living without love isn’t an option.

 But soon trouble comes calling as the vampire she hunts makes Michaela his prey. Now, as she and Ryder both make the difficult decision to break all the rules for love, Michaela finds herself in a battle not only for her own life, but for her friends’ lives as well.

About Caridad Piniero

New York Times and USA Today bestselling paranormal and romantic suspense author Caridad Pineiro wrote her first novel in the fifth grade when her teacher assigned a project – to write a book for a class lending library. Bitten by the writing bug, Caridad continued with her passion for the written word through high school, college and law school. In 1999, Caridad’s first novel was released and over a decade later, Caridad is the author of almost forty published novels and novellas. When not writing, Caridad is an attorney, wife and mother to an aspiring writer and fashionista.
caridadface
Website http://www.caridad.com/
Facebook https://www.facebook.com/Caridad.Author
Twitter https://twitter.com/CaridadPineiro
Goodreads http://www.goodreads.com/author/show/2944621.Caridad_Pi_eiro
Location Behind the Scenes: http://www.caridad.com/2013/12/06/behind-the-scenes-at-grand-central-terminal/
Wedding Night Deleted Scene: http://www.caridad.com/2013/11/29/the-wedding-night-fridayread-bonus-content-from-born-to-love/
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Book Blast! The Absorption of the Christ by Dr. Patricia Sadler Moore - Win a $25 Amazon Gift Card!

ABOUT THE ABSORPTION OF THE CHRIST

Title: The Absorption of the Christ
Genre: Personal Memoir
Author: Dr. Patricia Sadler Moore
Publisher: iUniverse
Pages: 212
Language: English
ISBN - 978-1-47594-763-2

The Absorption of the Christ is an autobiographical sketch of a narcoleptic in search of her true identity via the process of metaphysical and supernatural experiences which she submits to through mind control and the interpretation of her numerous dreams and narcoleptic journeys. These journeys lead to her discovering that the spiritual and the physical are one united process that she labels the seat of God in expression. Utilizing the power of what she believes to be her holy mind, she finds herself adrift and absorbed in the Christ consciousness which is not estranged or separated from God but is God, the Truth of life itself, the Truth of her personal being . This nonfictional account of her life from early childhood to the present also depicts many scenarios in her life which serve as a backdrop for many of her experiences.

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ABOUT DR. PATRICIA SADLER MOORE

Dr. Patricia Sadler Moore was born in and educated in the public school system in Natchez, Mississippi. She received the Bachelor’s, Master’s and Doctorate degrees from several universities in NE and N Florida. In addition, she studied French at the University of Strasbourg in Strasbourg, France. The majority of her career was spent as a teacher of French and English and as an administrative assistant in Miami- Dade County, Florida public schools from which she recently retired . She spends her leisure studying the influence of the metaphysical and supernatural on her personal life.

Pump Up Your Book and Dr. Patricia Sadler Moore are teaming up to give you a chance to win a $25 Amazon Gift Card!

Terms & Conditions:
  • By entering the giveaway, you are confirming you are at least 18 years old.
  • One winner will be chosen via Rafflecopter to receive one $25 Amazon Gift Certificate
  • This giveaway begins December 19 and ends on January 2.
  • Winners will be contacted via email on Friday, January 3 2014.
  • Winner has 48 hours to reply.
Good luck everyone!

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Becoming Josephine by Heather Webb Book Blast - Win a $25 Amazon Gift Card!

ABOUT BECOMING JOSEPHINE

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Title: Becoming Josephine
Author: Heather Webb
Publisher: Plume
Pages: 320
Language: English
Genre: Historical Fiction

Readers are fascinated with the wives of famous men. In Becoming Josephine, debut novelist Heather Webb follows Rose Tascher as she sails from her Martinique plantation to Paris, eager to enjoy an elegant life at the royal court. Once there, however, Rose’s aristocratic soldier-husband dashes her dreams by abandoning her amid the tumult of the French Revolution. After narrowly escaping death, Rose reinvents herself as Josephine, a beautiful socialite wooed by an awkward suitor—Napoleon Bonaparte.

 �A debut as bewitching as its protagonist.” —Erika Robuck, author of Hemingway’s Girl and Call Me Zelda

 �Vivid and passionate.” —Susan Spann, author of The Shinobi Mysteries

 Rose Tascher sails from her Martinique plantation to Paris to trade her Creole black magic culture for love and adventure. She arrives exultant to follow her dreams of attending Court with Alexandre, her elegant aristocrat and soldier husband. But Alexandre dashes her hopes and abandons her amid the tumult of the French Revolution. Through her savoir faire, Rose secures her footing in high society, reveling in handsome men and glitzy balls—until the heads of her friends begin to roll. After narrowly escaping death in the blood-drenched cells of Les Carmes prison, she reinvents herself as Josephine, a socialite of status and power. Yet her youth is fading, and Josephine must choose between a precarious independence and the love of an awkward suitor. Little does she know, he would become the most powerful man of his century- Napoleon Bonaparte.

BECOMING JOSEPHINE is a novel of one woman’s journey to find eternal love and stability, and ultimately to find herself. "Webb adds new frisson to the often fictionalized travails of an unlikely empress...Although the book covers the same ground as many other treatments of Josephine’s life and times, Webb’s portrayal of the range of Josephine’s experience—narrow escapes from bloodshed and disease, dinner-table diplomacy, and her helpless love for Napoleon, her children and a small dog—is exceptionally concise and colorful.

A worthy fictional primer on Empress Josephine."--Kirkus Reviews

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ABOUT HEATHER WEBB

heatherwebbauthorphotoAs a former military brat and traveling addict, it was tricky choosing a landing pad. At last, I settled in a rural town in New England. For a decade I put my degrees in French and Cultural Geography to good use teaching and coaching high school students. Currently, I am a historical novelist and work as a freelance editor (For rates, check my EDITING page.) You may find me lurking at the popular RomanceUniversity.org where I contribute to their blog with editing advice, and at the award-winning site, WriterUnboxed.com, where I pose as Twitter Mistress (@WriterUnboxed). I also kick around a local college teaching classes called “Write to Publish” and “Crafting Your Novel”. When I’m cross-eyed from too much screen time, I flex my foodie skills or geek out on history and pop culture. My debut historical novel BECOMING JOSEPHINE will be published by Plume/Penguin on December 31, 2013. (See my BOOKS page for more details.) I am represented by agent Michelle Brower of Folio Literary Management. -

See more at: http://www.heatherwebbauthor.com/author/#sthash.r3MSVxon.dpuf 

Connect & Socialize with Heather!

Pump Up Your Book and Heather Webb are teaming up to give you a chance to win a $25 Amazon Gift Card!

Terms & Conditions:
  • By entering the giveaway, you are confirming you are at least 18 years old.
  • One winner will be chosen via Rafflecopter to receive one $25 Amazon Gift Certificate or Paypal Cash.
  • This giveaway begins December 16 and ends January 3.
  • Winners will be contacted via email on January 4, 2014.
  • Winner has 48 hours to reply.
Good luck everyone!

ENTER TO WIN!

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Friday, December 27, 2013

XGeneration: You Don't Know Me Book Blast - Win $25 Amazon Gift Card!




Title: XGeneration: You Don’t Know Me
Genre: YA Science Fiction/Coming of Age
Author: Brad Magnarella
Publisher: Brad Magnarella
Language: English
In the fall of 1984, Cold War tensions between Washington and Moscow are close to breaking.
But in sleepy Gainesville, Florida, fourteen-year-old Janis Graystone is mainly worried about starting high school, earning a spot on the varsity soccer team, and keeping her older sister from running her life. And then there are her nighttime experiences. Experiences where she awakens in her backyard—out of her body—with the disturbing sense that someone is watching her.
For Scott Spruel, the start of high school means the chance to start over. And he’s willing to ditch everything—computer hacking, Dungeons & Dragons marathons, even his comic book collection (well, except for his X-Men)—if it means getting closer to Janis, the secret love of his life. But will Scott’s past be so easy to shed. And what about the eerie delay on his telephone, a delay he senses through powers he is only beginning to understand?
Welcome to the gripping new series, XGeneration: part The X-Files, part Freaks and Geeks, and totally '80s.
Rated 16+ for language.

Purchase your copy at AMAZON for 99 cents during his book blast!

About the Author


Brad Magnarella grew up in North Central Florida. As a boy he discovered Marvel Comics, text-based gaming, Bruce Springsteen, and Stephen King, roughly in that order. The prize, however, was a creek that wound through his neighborhood, providing him and his friends a wooded sanctuary in which to lose themselves, while discovering natural Florida.
A graduate of the University of Florida and American University, Brad has long aspired to write the kind of fiction that colored his childhood. His books include The Prisoner and the Sun trilogy and the first in his new young adult series, XGeneration.
Brad lives in Washington, D.C. When he's not writing, he's somewhat hard to find.
His latest book is XGeneration 1: You Don’t Know Me.
Sign up to Brad's mailing list for new releases: http://bit.ly/bdmlist.
Connect & Socialize with Brad!
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Pump Up Your Book and Brad Magnarella are teaming up to give you a chance to win a $25 Amazon Gift Card!

Terms & Conditions:
  • By entering the giveaway, you are confirming you are at least 18 years old.
  • Two winners will be chosen via Rafflecopter to receive one $25 Amazon Gift Certificate or Paypal Cash.
  • This giveaway begins December 2 and ends December 27.
  • Winners will be contacted via email on Monday, December 30, 2013.
  • Winner has 48 hours to reply.
Good luck everyone!

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Thursday, December 26, 2013

Book Blast! Zierath: Lord of the Alliance by M. David Loyal - Win a $25 Amazon Gift Card!

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ABOUT ZIERATH LORD OF THE ALLIANCE

109276_front-coverTitle: Zierath Lord of the Alliance Genre: Fantasy Author: M. David Loyal Publisher: iUniverse Pages: 284 Language: English ISBN - 978-0-59569-622-2 Welcome to the Achar, a huge rotating mobius strip encircling a yellow sun. The Achar is home to hundreds of sentient races, bizarre monsters, thousands of countries, and the Imrhys, a race of immortal humans with great magical abilities who believe it is their responsibility to save the world. More than three thousand years have passed since the last great Gnarrhys War, but Lord Zierath and his fellow Imrhys still remember it. More than half of all the sentients on the Achar died in that war. Now, rumors of a darkness forming off in the west set Zierath out on a quest to gather allies, armies, and information before the darkness envelops them all. Of course, the first trick is to get out of the tedious administrative duties of ruling a large confederation of countries. Zierath’s solution is simple. Sneak out of the castle, city, and country before the regent can stop him. However, if the regent can see into the future, things can get complicated very quickly.

Purchase your copy:

iuniverse

ABOUT M. DAVID LOYAL

M. David Loyal is a jack-of-all-trades. He is an author, an artist, cartoonist, an animator, a web designer, a musician, an actor, and a director. He has worked as a cashier, a waiter, a factory worker, a teacher, and a TRIO professional. He lives in the Driftless area of Iowa with his wife, Kathleen.

Pump Up Your Book and M. David Loyal are teaming up to give you a chance to win a $25 Amazon Gift Card!

Terms & Conditions:
  • By entering the giveaway, you are confirming you are at least 18 years old.
  • One winner will be chosen via Rafflecopter to receive one $25 Amazon Gift Certificate
  • This giveaway begins December 19 and ends on January 2.
  • Winners will be contacted via email on Friday, January 3 2014.
  • Winner has 48 hours to reply.
Good luck everyone!

ENTER TO WIN!

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Book Blast! Retirement: A New Adventure by Christopher Borman - Win a $25 Amazon Gift Card!


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ABOUT RETIREMENT: A NEW ADVENTURE

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Title: Retirement: A New Adventure
Genre: How-to Guide
Author: Christopher Borman
Publisher: iUniverse
Pages: 108
Language: English
ISBN - 978-1-44016-804-8

Research indicates that there is a definite connection between life style and longevity. Personal characteristics that support longevity are optimism, adaptability, resilience, healthy self-esteem, a sense of humor, and the ability to reach out to others. Read what others have learned and experienced about retirement. Just as students need a plan for starting a career, everyone needs a plan for retirement. After a lifetime of work, it is fitting that your later years will be fulfilling and enjoyable. Even if you are already retired, you can still develop a plan. As you read the book, you will find information about how others went from careers to retirement to positive adventures. A portion of the book relates the author’s experiences as he planned for retirement; in addition to the experiences of eighteen retirees who completed a questionnaire about their retirement experiences. Also, in-depth case studies of four retirees are included in the book to illustrate how each person approached their own retirement. Hopefully, as you read through the case studies, you will find a similarity to your own career and life situation. You will see how others have made decisions and plans that may be beneficial to you in making your retirement plans.

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ABOUT CHRISTOPHER BORMAN

Christopher Borman lives in Houston with his wife, Ruth. He is Professor Emeritus at the University of Texas-San Antonio. Chris was also on the faculty in Counseling Psychology at Texas A&M University (College Station) for twenty-one years. He enjoys spending time with his three daughters and their families including three granddaughters and one grandson.

Pump Up Your Book and Christopher Borman are teaming up to give you a chance to win a $25 Amazon Gift Card!

Terms & Conditions:
  • By entering the giveaway, you are confirming you are at least 18 years old.
  • One winner will be chosen via Rafflecopter to receive one $25 Amazon Gift Certificate
  • This giveaway begins December 19 and ends on January 2.
  • Winners will be contacted via email on Friday, January 3 2014.
  • Winner has 48 hours to reply.
Good luck everyone!

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Wednesday, December 25, 2013

Book Blast! Shopping for a Lighter Cross by Dr. C - Win a $25 Amazon Gift Card!

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ABOUT SHOPPING FOR A LIGHTER CROSS

9781475996821_COVER_FQA.inddTitle: Shopping for a Lighter Cross Genre: Biography Author: Dr. C Publisher: iUniverse Pages: 64 Language: English ISBN - 978-1-47599-682-1 Everyone has life’s challenges and can face them with fear or with trust. I choose to look at them as experiences where God blessed me with His curve balls thrown in. These curve balls are not the negative, painful or abusive life experiences that I have lived through, but rather the unexpected, blessings, gifts, and graces God threw in to help me through the experiences. I believe that these curve balls were given so that I can witness to His great and awesome presence in and through the experiences, the people in those experiences and in myself as living through and surviving the experiences as a better, not bitter human being.

Purchase your copy:

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ABOUT DR. C

The author lives in Aston, Pennsylvania with her husband John, their golden retriever Clover and their two cats: Duchess and Graygray. Dr. C is a Pastoral Associate/Spiritual Director for a Catholic parish in Delaware County and John works for the Federal Government. Dr. C graduated with her Doctorate in Ministry degree in May 2013.

Pump Up Your Book and Dr. C are teaming up to give you a chance to win a $25 Amazon Gift Card!

Terms & Conditions:
  • By entering the giveaway, you are confirming you are at least 18 years old.
  • One winner will be chosen via Rafflecopter to receive one $25 Amazon Gift Certificate
  • This giveaway begins December 19 and ends on January 2.
  • Winners will be contacted via email on Friday, January 3 2014.
  • Winner has 48 hours to reply.
Good luck everyone!

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Book Blast! Really, A Worst-Case Scenario by B.P. Noland - Win a $25 Amazon Gift Card!

ABOUT REALLY, A WORST-CASE SCENARIO

Title: Really, a Worst-Case Scenario Genre: Suspense/Thriller Author: B.P. Noland Publisher: iUniverse Pages: 300 Language: English ISBN - 978-1-47590-111-5 Mayor Ron Steadman of Centerville, New Mexico, is ready for reelection. The campaign has been running smoothly, no question. No opponent stands a chance against this powerful community leader. The election is only a month away, and the desert skies couldn’t be bluer—that is until there’s a murder, and Ron’s wife, Val, becomes the prime suspect. Valarie Steadman is a scientist and university laboratory director for stem cell research, but she’s not a murderer. Someone has set her up, but she wonders whether the perpetrator is out to ruin her—or her husband. She enlists the help of lab assistant Steve Janson to help her solve the crime and clear her name. Meanwhile, the mayor—who happens to be an ex-FBI agent—joins forces with the local homicide detective, Joe Maxwell, to do a little investigation of his own. Soon, Ron and Joe find themselves near the border of Mexico, where a drug cartel that might be tied to the murder gets involved. When the FBI and DEA join the fray, things get even more complicated. It’s a good thing Ron is a politician; he knows how to change complicated into simple. Still, his time is running out. If he’s lucky, he can get reelected and save the life of the woman he loves.

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ABOUT B.P. NOLAND

B. P. Noland is the pseudonym for a husband-and-wife writing team. Both had extensive professional careers before turning to creative writing. In scientific research, Billie published over forty papers. Paul published over twenty reports on local and state government. In their free time, they focus on sports, concerts, museums, travel, and family. They currently live in New Mexico.

Pump Up Your Book and B.P. Noland are teaming up to give you a chance to win a $25 Amazon Gift Card!

Terms & Conditions:
  • By entering the giveaway, you are confirming you are at least 18 years old.
  • One winner will be chosen via Rafflecopter to receive one $25 Amazon Gift Certificate
  • This giveaway begins December 11 and ends on December 25.
  • Winners will be contacted via email on Thursday, December 26, 2013.
  • Winner has 48 hours to reply.
Good luck everyone!

ENTER TO WIN!

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Thursday, December 19, 2013

Book Blast! The Key by Peter Cassels-Brown - Win a $25 Amazon Gift Card!

ABOUT THE KEY

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  Title: The Key
  Genre: Inspirational
  Author: Peter Cassels-Brown
  Publisher: iUniverse
  Pages: 80
  Language: English
  ISBN - 978-1-47593-797-8

 “So often times it happens that we live our lives in chains, and we never even know we have the key” -Eagles

 THE KEY is about finding that key, and freeing youself of your chains. It is about the alchemy of changing tension, anxiety, and stress into happiness, health, and prosperity. It is a compact manual for the human spirit, containing wisdom to help you realize your dreams. To discover one’s own true nature as a creator is to know the joy of an expanding universe in one’s heart. THE KEY is a compilation of nearly a half century of reading, thinking, conversations, reflections and experience, boiled down into a book that is eloquent in it’s simplicity, clarity, directness, and honesty. It contains essential wisdom that was at times hard won, but in the end, helps one to move toward a happier, healthier, richer life. We need a critical mass of people to reach this place of creativity and positive responsibility if we are to live in a world where creativity is the name of the game, and we are working together on a global scale instead of against each other.

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ABOUT PETER CASSELS-BROWN

Peter Cassels-Brown is currently owner of Mountain Woodworks/Green Mountain Renewable Energy, A custom design building renewable energy company in Bristol, Vermont. He studied solar design at the University of Vermont and went to Woodbury College for graduate studies in mediation. He currently lives in Bristol with his two children.

Pump Up Your Book and Peter Cassels-Brown are teaming up to give you a chance to win a $25 Amazon Gift Card!

Terms & Conditions:
  • By entering the giveaway, you are confirming you are at least 18 years old.
  • One winner will be chosen via Rafflecopter to receive one $25 Amazon Gift Certificate
  • This giveaway begins December 11 and ends on December 25.
  • Winners will be contacted via email on Thursday, December 26, 2013.
  • Winner has 48 hours to reply.
Good luck everyone!

ENTER TO WIN!

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Friday, December 13, 2013

Interview with David Wind and Terese Ramin, authors of 'The Cured


ABOUT THE CURED

Title: The Cured
Author: David Wind & Terese Ramin
Genre: Suspense/Thriller
Publisher: Smashwords
Pages: 274
Language: English
ISBN-13: 978-1-48178-874-8

When over 4000 people world-wide died after taking a cure for cancer, the drug was recalled. But the questions kept coming. Was it contamination? Was it sabotage? Or,was it outright murder by an insane research scientist in retaliation against the pharmaceutical giant he worked for and to avenge the death of his wife?

And everyone wanted Doctor Donald Brockman! The lawyers wanted answers; the FDA wanted answers and, Homeland Security wanted the doctor!

When the 911 code flashed across her beeper, Doctor Kira Brockman went cold. The one thing she had been dreading had happened and her life as she knew it had been changed, and the change was for the worst!

The wrong people had found her father!

She knew she had very little time to get out of the hospital, to find her brother and to run before Homeland Security and the FBI found them, and they were not the only ones: the lawyers who were in the midst of a huge class action suit against the international pharmaceutical manufacturing giant who had sold the cancer cure wanted her and the evidence she had as well as the lethal security team from the drug company who was trying to stop Kira Brockman from disclosing the evidence only she could get—evidence that would save her father—and they would use any means necessary to stop her.

And so begins a heart stopping cross country race to save her father's life and prove he was not responsible for the deaths of 4000 people—The Cured—who had survived cancer because of his medication and then inexplicitly died from the very cure he’d created.

Could you please tell us a little about your book? 

David: How do you describe a thriller without revealing that which makes it exciting and suspenseful? I don’t know… The Cured is a legal, medical thriller that takes the divergent characters populating it on a roller coaster chase across the country in an effort to save lives and stop a horrendous act of bio/medical-terrorism. In the process, the life of each of the characters is forever changed.

Did something specific happen to prompt you to write this book? 

David: Yes, a life-long close friend of mine had a severe form of cancer—treatable. After treatment the cancer went into remission. He died less than a year later of a viral infection. It was around the same time that several medications came to light with terrible side-effects including death and, coincidentally (or not), there were several reports of medical terrorism—the tampering with, and contamination of, medications. For me, it was easier to think that some unknown person had done something to my friend’s medication than that he died of some horrible coincidence. From that, The Cured was born.

Who or what is the inspiration behind this book? Who is your biggest supporter? 

Terese: My kids are probably my biggest supporters. My son used to bring my books in and show them around to his teachers and class, and my daughter used to sit in my lap when she was small and “write” on the back of the pages as they came out of the typewriter because she was going to be a writer, too. She’s just sold her first short story. Both kids have always loved to be included in the plotting process and make suggestions for plot turns and twists – especially when I was bogged down in the middle of a book. Now that they’re grown, they tell their friends about the books, share good news for me on the various social media sites and generally let me know that they’re proud of me. I couldn’t be prouder of them and the people they’ve become.

What cause are you most passionate about and why? 

David: The cure of pancreatic cancer, which is almost always fatal. There are several cures being worked on, but none have proven overly effective. I lost my mother to this disease, and watched the terrible way it took her life. I continue to hope that one day this disease and others like it will be wiped away.

Terese: Disaster relief, putting an end to child abuse, and animal rescue – and before you wonder which I’m most passionate about, it changes by the needs of the day. Right now, for instance, I’m cobbling together a new and revised version of the charitable collaboration a group of us released to benefit the International Red Cross right after the 2004 tsunami and just in time to help with the aftermath of Hurricanes Katrina and Rita. My husband and I have been doing dog / cat rescue since the start of our marriage – right now we have four dogs living with us, but have had as many as eight (temporary) visitors. And as for kids and child abuse… Let’s just leave it at I will do what I can, where I can, and when I can to alleviate an abusive situation.

In the last year have you learned or improved on any skills? Do you have any rituals you follow when finishing a piece of work? 

Terese: Well, I clean the house by putting away all of the research, books, papers, printouts, and clutter I’ve used to get me through a manuscript. It’s amazing how uncluttered the entire house looks (yes, movable office: my 16 year old Lhasa Apso can no longer climb stairs, so I work where it’s easy for him to find me) in between projects. Unfortunately the clutter-free zone doesn’t last long because I’m lost without a book to work on.

Who has influenced you throughout your career as a writer? 

David: Ah, that truly is the question! The single most influential person who literally forced me to do what I had always wanted to do was a writing teacher at ‘The New School’ in NYC. When I submitted my first assignment, which was the first chapter of my first novel, I was excited. A week later I got back thirteen pages with red pen marked throughout and at the very top, in an overly neat scrawl, it read ‘STOP, You have no business trying to write!!!’ Well, I left the class that night and never went back. I was so angry I spent every night after that writing. Two years later I sold my first novel. The Cured is my thirty-fifth.

What is the most important thing in your life right now? 

David: Exactly what it has always been, my family: my wife, Bonnie, my three children and my grandson, followed by my writing.

Terese: I’d have to echo David. My family, my kids, our critters, and my writing are the most important things in my life – and if you were to ask me which is the most important, I’d have to tell you the order varies by the day and the hour.

What are you currently working on? 

David: Something a bit different…a fantasy set 3000 years in the future—’nuf said. Also, Terese and I are also thinking about a second novel with one of the characters from The Cured, but which one….you have to read the book to know.

Do you have any advice for writers or readers? Is there an author that inspired you to write? 

David: No, not an author…. Edgar Rice Borroughs, Frank Slaughter, Rafael Sabatini, Isaac Asimov, Andre Norton, Robert Heinlein, Philip K. Dick.

Terese: Oh man, there are so many authors who inspired – and inspire – me to write (Ray Bradbury, Madeline L’Engle, Dr. Seuss), but probably the single most inspirational person wasn’t a writer, but a storyteller. My Irish grandmother (yes, straight out of the old country) told me some of the most wonderful stories and tall tales about her childhood in Ireland that I couldn’t not want to put them down. The woman died at the age of 106 (and that’s a low estimate because she lied about her age so often) and hung by her ankles to kiss the Blarney Stone for the last time at the age of 85 or 90. Allegedly that’s when she stole her second or third piece. The fruit does not fall far… ;-)

What are some of your long term goals?

Terese: To collapse at my desk at the age of 105 and die writing – but first I want to finish all of the stories that are taking up space in my computer and cluttering up my office. If I can do that and entertain people with what I do, I’ll have lived a blessed life.

What do you feel has been your greatest achievement as an author?

David: That’s the easiest question of all: Having a reader tell me how much they enjoyed reading one of my books.

What do you feel sets this book apart from others in the same genre? 

David: The reader’s personal experience. Almost everyone takes medication of some sort, from a vitamin pill to prescription meds. After reading The Cured, you will wonder about the pill you just took…

You know the scenario – you’re stuck on an island. What book would you bring with you and why? 

Terese: It’d be a toss-up between the Bible (so many stories!), Ray Bradbury’s Dandelion Wine (no matter how many times I’ve read it, it’s always new), and Mike Resnick’s Stalking the Unicorn (because if I’m on a deserted island with no paper to write my own stories, something completely entertaining and provocative had better be available to keep me sane.)

Are you a different person now than you were 5 years ago? In what way/s? 

Terese: Yep, very. I’m more directed. I’ve always known what I wanted out of life / what I wanted to be (a writer-novelist), but I now better able to go beyond that very simple want and say “this is the kind of novelist I want to be, and this is how I intend to go about it and achieve it.” That’s a huge step forward.

ABOUT DAVID WIND

David WindDavid Wind is the author of 34 Novels. He began writing in 1979 and has published novels of suspense, adventure, science fiction, historical fiction and romance. David's novel, Angels In Mourning, won the reader's choice Book Award from thebookawards.com. It is available as an Ebook and Trade Paper. David's thrillers are The Hyte Maneuver, (a Literary guild alternate selection), As Peace Lay Dying, and Conspiracy of Mirrors which were originally written under the pen name David Milton. For the mystery/suspense novels, And Down will Come Baby, Now I Lay Me Down To Sleep and Shadows, David worked with his wife Bonnie Faber Co-Op, is a mainstream novel about the lives of people inhabiting a New York City cooperative apartment building. Queen of Knights, a medieval fantasy, and The Others were stories of fantasy and science fiction. In 1988, David was honored by science fiction writer and Hugo Award Grand Master Andre Norton, who, after reading Queen of Knights, asked David to write a short story for inclusion in her Andre Norton's Tales From The Witch World 2 Anthology Series. David also wrote the novelization of the 7 day ABC miniseries, The Last Days Of Pompeii. David lives in Chestnut Ridge, NY, with his wife Bonnie and their sub-standard poodle, Alfie.

ABOUT TERESE RAMIN

Terese RaminTerese Ramin is the award winning author of 10 novels of romance, romantic suspense, adventure, paranormal romance, and thrillers available in the U.S. and worldwide. Her shorter works have been published in anthologies, including the charitable collaborations Bewitched, Bothered, & BeVampyred (to benefit the International Red Cross) and The Sound and the Furry (to benefit the International Fund for Animal Welfare – IFAW). Her work has been translated and published in Dutch, French, German, Icelandic, Italian, and Portuguese. Among her many writing achievements Terese has been awarded RWA Golden Heart Award and the Romantic Times Reviewer’s Choice Award. She lives in Michigan with her husband. For more information about Terese, please visit tereseramin.com
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Thursday, December 12, 2013

Book Blast! A Tragedy of a Broken Heart by Willie Pilgrim, AKA 'Woody' - Win a $25 Amazon Gift Card!

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ABOUT A TRAGEDY OF A BROKEN HEART

9781462010097_COVER-fqa.inddTitle
: A Tragedy of a Broken Heart
Genre: Memoir
Author: Willie Pilgrim, aka 'Woody'
Publisher: iUniverse
Pages: 108
Language: English
ISBN - 978-1-46201-009-7

 Mainstream society has its share of tragedy, violence, heartbreak, and greed. And then there are the dark shadows beyond society, where criminals and the incarcerated dwell, where a hard life can be twisted into something far worse—or where a man can rediscover himself. In A Tragedy of a Broken Heart, author Willie Pilgrim (aka “Woody”) retraces his path from the depths of his life’s tragic beginnings to the mending of his heart and finding God. The youngest of eight children, Woody was only one when his father left their family’s home in rural South Carolina, never to return. A harsh winter storm arrived the next day, and Woody’s large family narrowly escaped starvation. As Woody grew older, he became the target of his older siblings’ aggression and had to become a survivor. His vivid, passionate narration recalls his adolescent experiences with drugs, women, and the working life, as well as his young adulthood, where he faced the enormous challenges of raising children and keeping a family together while surrounded by the devils of depression, isolation, rage, drugs, and addiction. In the darkness of his cell and prison life, where Woody found himself after snapping from years of confusion and betrayal, Woody realized he had a choice. He could choose to go insane like those around him, or he could choose to live for the love of his children and carry forgiveness in his heart for his life’s burden and pain.

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ABOUT WILLIE PILGRIM, AKA 'WOODY'

Willie Pilgrim, also known as Woody, is a native of Spartanburg, South Carolina. He is the youngest of eight children and the father of four, and he is once again a bachelor. Pilgrim still works and resides in Spartanburg, South Carolina, and he likes to work on cars in his free time.

Pump Up Your Book and Willie Pilgrim are teaming up to give you a chance to win a $25 Amazon Gift Card!

Terms & Conditions:
  • By entering the giveaway, you are confirming you are at least 18 years old.
  • One winner will be chosen via Rafflecopter to receive one $25 Amazon Gift Certificate
  • This giveaway begins December 11 and ends on December 25.
  • Winners will be contacted via email on Thursday, December 26, 2013.
  • Winner has 48 hours to reply.
Good luck everyone!

ENTER TO WIN!

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Save Magic City by Rocsanne Shield Book Blast! Win a $25 Amazon Gift Card!

ABOUT SAVE MAGIC CITY

Title: Save Magic City
Genre: Children's Fantasy
Author: Rocsanne Shield
Publisher: iUniverse
Pages: 304
Language: English
ISBN - 978-1-45026-484-6

 Hurled into the time flow by a banishing spell, 13th century Edmund lands into the USA, 2007, in answer to Leona’s fervent prayers for help to save her town. The corporation employing the townspeople has left, the bank foreclosures have created whole streets of empty houses, people are leaving in droves… the town is slowly dying. A black magician in his old time, Edmund is forbidden to do any magic if it is not for helping other people. He discovers and is fascinated by the magical powers of Internet and wants to bring instant relief to the townspeople, but Leona, who does not trust their dependency on magic, forbids him to do so. Leo, Leona’s adoptive son, and his friends, Squirrel and Raccoon, accept the magic with enthusiasm and do their best to help the town to survive. When misfortune strikes, Leona gives her blessing for Edmund to use his magic.

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ABOUT ROCSANNE SHIELD

Rocsanne Shield was born in Romania and traveled widely before settling in Canada. She spends her time among the flowers in her garden or at the computer writing more fantastic stories. You may visit her website at http://www.medievalhearts.com, where you can meet her other heroes and heroines.

Pump Up Your Book and Rocsanne Shield are teaming up to give you a chance to win a $25 Amazon Gift Card!

Terms & Conditions:
  • By entering the giveaway, you are confirming you are at least 18 years old.
  • One winner will be chosen via Rafflecopter to receive one $25 Amazon Gift Certificate
  • This giveaway begins December 2 and ends on December 13.
  • Winners will be contacted via email on Monday, December 16, 2013.
  • Winner has 48 hours to reply.
Good luck everyone!

ENTER TO WIN!

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Josh and Me by Richard M. O'Bryan Book Blast - Win a $25 Amazon Gift Card!

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ABOUT JOSH AND ME

Book-Cover1Title: Josh and Me Genre: Literary Fiction Author: Richard M. O'Bryan Publisher: iUniverse Pages: 108 Language: English ISBN - 978-1-46207-024-4 Joshua Logan David Person and Edward Jonathan Fitzhue McKay IV, better known to the residents of Jasperswitch, Virginia, as Josh and E. J., were both born on the Fourth of July. Only children, they live next door to each other, and they love each other like brothers. During the course of their childhood, Josh and E. J. share many crazy and fantastic adventures in their small hometown. Their intentions are always good, but the results don’t always turn out that way—like the time Josh is determined to fly from the barn roof on his family’s property straight into E. J.’s bedroom, or the Easter the two ten-year-old friends volunteer to babysit for ten preschool children while the adults hide eggs. Then there’s the time they meet George and Martha Washington on the school’s eighth-grade trip to Washington, DC. Wholesome and humorous, Josh and Me tells a story of two best buddies’ faith and love in God, each other, their friends, and their whole town. It is a story found in the heart of every person who has loved a place and been loved in return.

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iuniverse

ABOUT RICHARD M. O'BRYAN

Richard M. O’Bryan is a retired officer from the US Marine Corps as well as a retired high school history teacher. He currently is a motivational and inspirational speaker living in western Pennsylvania. O’Bryan and his wife, Karen, have been married for twenty-five years.

Pump Up Your Book and Richard O'Bryan are teaming up to give you a chance to win a $25 Amazon Gift Card!

Terms & Conditions:
  • By entering the giveaway, you are confirming you are at least 18 years old.
  • One winner will be chosen via Rafflecopter to receive one $25 Amazon Gift Certificate
  • This giveaway begins December 2 and ends on December 13.
  • Winners will be contacted via email on Monday, December 16, 2013.
  • Winner has 48 hours to reply.
Good luck everyone!

ENTER TO WIN!

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MORE Straight Talk by Dr. Ralph E. Jones Book Blast - Win a $25 Amazon Gift Card!

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ABOUT MORE STRAIGHT TALK

Book-Cover-2Title: MORE Straight Talk Genre: Self-Help Author: Dr. Ralph E. Jones Publisher: AuthorHouse Pages: 106 Language: English ISBN - 978-1-48173-628-2 In More "Straight Talk, Answers to Questions Young People ask about Alcohol," the author faces us with information on what continues to be one of the most pressing drug problems of our society, the consumption and abuse of alcoholic beverages. The question and answer format makes the topic easily understandable for young and old alike and the author approaches the topic from the understanding and empathic heart of a counselor. Without question, this book is a must read for anyone interested in the problems associated with alcohol abuse in our families and society. It is especially imperative for parents of young children to read this book to gain information which will enable them to answer honestly and factually their children's questions about the use and abuse of alcohol. This book is an invaluable resource to help educators, the clergy, those engaged in substance abuse prevention and treatment, and others engaged in health care and the helping professions. “Without question, Dr. Jones’ book is a must read for anyone interested in the problems associated with alcohol abuse in our families and society. It is especially imperative for parents of Young children to read this book to gain information which will enable them to answer honestly and factually their children’s questions about the use and abuse of alcohol.” Donald E. Smith, BS, M.Ed., Ed.D

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ABOUT DR. RALPH E. JONES

Dr. Ralph E. Jones retired from the U.S. Air Force after a distinguished career of 22 years. He worked in various hospital settings before retiring from the State of Texas as a Health Care Administrator, Counselor, and Psychologist for another 22 years of service. Dr. Jones received many awards, decorations, and allocades during his career; to include Counselor of the Year for the State of Texas and induction into the Hall of Fame with the Texas Association of Addiction Professionals. Included in his four degrees were studies in Anthropology, in which he had always been interested in. These studies served as a basis for fulfilling his desire to be an Avocational Archaeologist. He visited many Archaeology sites throughout the world, and explored many areas pertaining to early man in Southwest Texas. His authored books include Straight Talk: Answers to Questions Young People ask about Alcohol, and The Adventures of Kele, Boy of the Rock Shelter.

Pump Up Your Book and Dr. Ralph E. Jones are teaming up to give you a chance to win a $25 Amazon Gift Card!

Terms & Conditions:
  • By entering the giveaway, you are confirming you are at least 18 years old.
  • One winner will be chosen via Rafflecopter to receive one $25 Amazon Gift Certificate
  • This giveaway begins December 2 and ends on December 13.
  • Winners will be contacted via email on Monday, December 16, 2013.
  • Winner has 48 hours to reply.
Good luck everyone!

ENTER TO WIN!

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The Rat Chronicles: Meta Cognition by G.W. Rennie Book Blast! Win a $25 Amazon Gift Card!



ABOUT THE RAT CHRONICLES

Title: The Rat Chronicles
Genre: Science Fiction
Author: G.W. Rennie
Publisher: iUniverse
Pages: 204
Language: English
ISBN - 978-1-47599-934-1

An alien race known as the Xzebuliens that exists in an alternate universe has developed the technology to create a rift in our own, that appears on the blind side of the moon. They send asteroids through the rift and deflect them to land on all the major continents of Earth, containing a virus engineered to wipe out the human race, so they can leave their dying world behind after we are gone. There will however, be limitations to the virus, like how far and fast it spreads from the epicenters of the land masses that they strike making our environment toxic to humans, but not to most any other forms of life on the planet. The virus, also designed to turn the environment against humans, including the plant and animal life. What the aliens did not count on is that the rats of Earth are affected by the virus in a way that mutates them, rendering the virus inert so as not to be dangerous to us through them, but giving them an ability to become telepathic with people through their Meta cognitive abilities that they share with human beings which is evidently lacking in other animal species. They eventually become our allies using their superior senses and intellect that work through us because of their mutated telepathic abilities and the Meta cognitive powers that both our species have in common in thwarting the alien attempts to invade. An ancient secret the rats discover in an otherworldly alien AI database that they reveal to us through their enhanced mental abilities is so shocking it will change the way people look at rats and our world forever. The human race becomes subservient to the rats because of their accidental alien viral metamorphosis as we depend on each other for the survival of both our species....

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ABOUT G.W. RENNIE

Gerald Rennie, currently working in Port Coquitlam in beer distribution, graduated High School in 1981, has a life long interest in the subject of rats. Previously published a short auto biography about experiences with them in The Rat Worshiper. Lives alone with his five rats in Maple Ridge, British Columbia.

Pump Up Your Book and G.W. Rennie are teaming up to give you a chance to win a $25 Amazon Gift Card!

Terms & Conditions:
  • By entering the giveaway, you are confirming you are at least 18 years old.
  • One winner will be chosen via Rafflecopter to receive one $25 Amazon Gift Certificate
  • This giveaway begins December 11 and ends on December 25.
  • Winners will be contacted via email on Monday, December 26, 2013.
  • Winner has 48 hours to reply.
Good luck everyone!

ENTER TO WIN!

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