Thursday, May 27, 2021

⭐AUTHOR INTERVIEW ⭐ ISLA GREY⭐ AUTHOR OF MU: THE GRIMM CASES COLLECTION PART ONE⭐





Lyla Oweds is an Amazon bestselling paranormal romance and urban fantasy author who resides in the beautiful Pocono Mountains, Pennsylvania. She grew up near Gettysburg, Pennsylvania and is a native of Baltimore, Maryland, and has a deep appreciation for the paranormal, hauntings, and Edgar Allan Poe. As such, she loves all things fantasy, mystery, crime, and horror.

When not reading, writing, or working as a web programmer, Lyla can be found doing adult-y things such as being a mom to small children, cleaning, and gardening. She also frequently enjoys makeup videos, massages, wine, and coffee.

WEBSITE & SOCIAL LINKS:

Website: http://lylaoweds.com

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






The things I see aren’t for the faint of heart.

And I am no longer willing to ignore them. Not even when my family, and my best friend, tell me to keep quiet about what’s happening. They say people will think I’m crazy.

Maybe I am.

But the spirit haunting my professor’s house is definitely trying to tell me something, and I’m the only one who can see it.

The one person who can help me is my best friend’s brother. But I don’t know if I can trust him or his friends. Or if I can step outside the protective bubble I’ve built around myself.

At this point it’s a toss up: the ghosts will kill me or my panic attacks will.

Either way, I figure I’m going to die.

ORDER YOUR COPY

Amazon → https://amzn.to/3r4qCRt



Thank you for this interview!  I’d like to know more about you as a person first. When did you start writing?

I started writing comedy fanfiction in high school, then stopped for a few years even as I plotted out my current series in my head. Then, as a way to cope with some changes happening in my personal life, I began to write again as a form of therapy.

As a published author, what would you say was the most pivotal point of your writing life?

The day I began to work on my own series. It’s one thing to consider fanfiction, but an original work is a completely different ballgame.

If you could go anywhere in the world to start writing your next book, where would that be and why?

China. My series is based heavily in Chinese Five Element theory (as I used to practice it as a therapist). I was going to study abroad, but my funding fell through at the last minute, so I’ve actually never had a chance to visit the country.

If you had 4 hours of extra time today, what would you do?

Sleep!

Where would you like to set a story that you haven’t done yet?

A cruise ship.

Back to your present book, The Grimm Cases series, how did you publish it?

I’m self-published. There were a few publishers I was considering originally, but in the end decided to self-publish so I could have full control of my characters, the story, branding, etc. Since the story is so important to me, I couldn’t see myself caving in any of those things.

In writing your book, did you travel anywhere for research?

No.

Why was writing The Grimm Cases so important to you?

The Grimm Cases is a story about recovery. The main character, Bianca, was extremely traumatized as a child with elements of physical and sexual abuse. She’s made it into adulthood, but has refused to acknowledge any of her past, and instead opts to ignore that it’s affecting her. However, it does affect her, because she is barely able to function in the real world due to her anxiety and fears. This is a story about a character who has comes to terms with the fact that she has no choice but to explore those aspects of herself if she wants to truly be at peace.

Where do you get your best ideas and why do you think that is?

Lying in bed listening to music. That’s basically the only time I’m alone without children, so I can think.

Any final words?

Thanks so much for having me! I hope that you all love this series as much as I do.


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Friday, May 21, 2021

Book Feature: Patti Cake by Donielle Ingersoll

 

 










 

Inside the Book:





Title: Patti Cake
Author: Donielle Ingersoll
Publisher: iUniverse
Genre: Inspirational Romance
Format: Ebook

All Patti Murray asked the Lord for was help in finding a God-fearing husband who would be a good provider for her and the family she hoped to raise. Oh, and if he were tall, dark, and handsome, that wouldnt be so bad either. Aside from this goal, she wanted to continue to grow her cake decorating business. This would give her the opportunity to exercise her unique creative talent and earn a little money on the side while being a full-time mommy. However, when one of her exquisite wedding cakes comes to the attention of a national celebrity, Patti is suddenly thrust into the exotic world of the rich and famous and a whole new chance for romance. Was this Gods plan all along?

Author Donielle Ingersolls Patti Cake: An Inspirational Romance, ventures into the world of this witty cake decorator as she has humorous encounters with a tall dark stranger. Enter her kitchen and watch as she creates her magical cake creations. Join her as she tries to fit into the dazzling world of the elite. Youll empathize with her as she struggles with intense, conflicting emotions as secrets from her deep, dark past come bubbling to the surface. And be with Patti as she makes the decision to marry for love or love and money.

Youll be able to create your own versions of Pattis delectable desserts because Patti Cake: An Inspirational Romance includes recipes. Enjoy them as you follow Patti on her journey to find love.

Purchase Here

Meet the Author:

Donielle Ingersoll was gifted with a double portion of creativity and an active imagination. Located in the western portion of the United States, this author brings a unique view of God’s guidance in our lives to readers who love spiritual romance and adventure. Sometimes it is good to see life through the eyes of others.


Giveaway

Donielle is giving away a $25 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 Gift Certificate to the e-retailer of your choice
  • This giveaway begins May 17 and ends on May 28.
  • Winners will be contacted via email on May 29.
  • Winner has 48 hours to reply.
Good luck everyone!

ENTER TO WIN!

a Rafflecopter giveaway 

Tour Schedule

Monday, May 17
Book featured at Review From Here
Book featured at Literal Exposure

Tuesday, May 18
Book featured at The Writer's Life
Book featured at As the Pages Turn

Wednesday, May 19
Book featured at Splashes of Joy
Book featured at Personovelty

Thursday, May 20
Book featured at Blogher
Book featured at SheWrites

Friday, May 21
Book featured at A Title Wave
Book featured at I'm Shelf-ish

Monday, May 24
Book featured at Read My First Chapter

Tuesday, May 25
Book featured at The Dark Phantom
Book featured at The Book Rack

Wednesday, May 26
Book featured at The Zen Reader
Book featured at Inkslinger's Opus

Thursday, May 27
Book featured at All Inclusive Retort
Book featured at A Taste of My Mind

Friday, May 28
Book featured at Bent Over Bookwords
Book featured at Feeling a Draft
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Book Blast: CBT for Psychotherapist by Avigdor Bonchek

 

 








 

Inside the Book:



Title: CBT For Psychotherapists
Author: Avigdor Bonchek
Publisher: PartridgeSingapore
Genre: Psychology
Format: Ebook

Avigdor Bonchek, a clinical psychologist, explores how cognitive behavioral therapy and treatment programs that derive from the theory can help solve a variety of psychological problems in CBT for Psychotherapists.
Drawing on professional literature and his decades of professional experience, he encourages readers and practitioners to think critically when deciding how to use CBT.
In straightforward language, he explains what CBT isand isntand how it differs from other approaches. He also highlights some of the strengths of CBT, including:
It takes a here-and-now approach: Knowledge of the patients past is not essential to helping the patient solve his problem.
It offers an individualized treatment plan for each patient: There is no one size fits all to solve problems.
It outlines clear behavioural goals for patients: CBT helps people overcome their problems.
Therapists take an active role: They direct the therapy, assign homework, and coach their patients
Lastly, CBT therapists usually see their patients as having a problem rather than seeing them as problem patients.
Filled with examples, anecdotes, and insights on varied approaches, this book is a balanced guide to CBT for new and experienced therapists alike.

Purchase Here

Meet the Author:

Avigdor Bonchek is a clinical psychologist with more than fifty years of experience as a therapist. He received a doctoral degree from New York University and did post-doctoral studies with pioneer behavior therapist Professor Joseph Wolpe at Temple University. He also studied with Professor Giorgio Nardone in Italy. He taught in universities in the United States and Israel for more than thirty years and is the author of numerous articles and books on psychotherapy and psychology.


Giveaway

Avigdor is giving away a $25 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 Gift Certificate to the e-retailer of your choice
  • This giveaway begins May 17 and ends on May 28.
  • Winners will be contacted via email on May 29.
  • Winner has 48 hours to reply.
Good luck everyone!

ENTER TO WIN!

a Rafflecopter giveaway 

Tour Schedule

Monday, May 17
Book featured at Write and Take Flight
Book featured at  Fiction to Fruition

Tuesday, May 18
Book featured at 
A Title Wave
Book featured at The Hype and the Hoopla

Wednesday, May 19
Book featured at 
Voodoo Princess
Book featured at 
As the Page Turns

Thursday, May 20
Book featured at  All Inclusive Retort
Book featured at 
Confessions of an Eccentric Bookaholic

Friday, May 21
Book featured at 
I'm Shelf-ish
Book featured at 
The Literary Nook

Monday, May 24
Book featured at 
Lover of Literature
Book featured at 
A Book Lover

Tuesday, May 25
Book featured at 
From Paperback to Leatherbound
Book featured at 
Write and Take Flight

Wednesday, May 26
Book featured at 
The Writer's Life
Book featured at 
Harmonious Publicity

Thursday, May 27
Book featured at 
Bent Over Bookwords
Book featured at 
Review From Here

Friday, May 28
Book featured at 
The Revolving Bookshelf
Book featured at 
Literal Exposure

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Thursday, May 13, 2021

⭐BOOK FEATURE: REEL TO REEL: MOVIE MISTAKES FROM HOLLYWOOD'S FAVORITE FILMS⭐ BY ISLA GREY⭐

 



REEL TO REEL is a collection of some of Isla Grey's "Movie Mistakes" column for Bellaonline spotlighting the fun goofs found in some of our favorite movies...


By Isla Grey

Title: REEL TO REEL: MOVIE MISTAKES FROM HOLLYWOOD’S FAVORITE FILMS
Author: Isla Grey
Publisher: Independent
Pages: 287
Genre: Nonfiction / Entertainment

BOOK BLURB:

Lights, Camera, Action! From the very beginning, the world of cinema has captivated us. We have found ourselves laughing at our favorite comedies, crying when love finally comes to fruition, being beamed to other worlds or battling in the midst of action sequences. While movies might be the perfect entertainment, most have slight imperfections, mistakes, which go unseen, until they’re released and caught by the movie audience. These mistakes don’t detract from the film, and finding them are just as fun as watching the movie.

For the past several years, Isla Grey has written a “Movie Mistakes” column for Bellaonline. “Reel to Reel” is a collection of some of those columns, spotlighting the fun goofs found in some of our favorite movies. Can you spot them? Grab the popcorn, sit back, and happy movie watching!



The Wizard of Oz

The story of Dorothy Gale and her dog, Toto’s trip to the Land of Oz is one of the most beloved movie tales of all time. After their home is hit by a tornado in Kansas, the pair find their house has landed in an unusual land as well as sitting on top of what used to be the sister of the Wicked Witch of the West. The grateful Munchkins and Glinda, the Good Witch of the North, urge Dorothy to travel to the Emerald City, home of the powerful Oz, the one person who could help her get back home to Kansas. During her travels, Dorothy befriends the unusual trio of the Scarecrow, Tin Man and Cowardly Lion who come along with her on the journey.  Dorothy must also watch out for the evil Wicked Witch of the West who’s not only out for revenge for her sister’s death, but more importantly, wants her sister’s ruby slippers, which are now Dorothy’s.  Here are a few movie mistakes to look for while watching “The Wizard of Oz”.

 Dorothy and Toto arrive in Oz and meet the Munchkins. During one part of their song and dance routine, they give Dorothy a lollipop and flowers.  The Wicked Witch arrives, and Dorothy can be seen holding both items in some views and just the flowers in others. During some portions of the scene, she’s holding neither.

 If you watch Dorothy closely when she starts walking down the yellow brick road, you’ll notice her hair becomes longer by the time she meets the Scarecrow.

 Dorothy and the Scarecrow meet the Tin Man when the Wicked Witch of the West arrives. The Wicked Witch of the West throws fire at the scarecrow and disappears. Scarecrow falls to Dorothy’s left while the Tin Man is on her right side.  They stand up a couple moments later and the Tin Man is now on her left while the Scarecrow is on her right.

 The Tin Man sits down on a tree trunk. Dorothy’s basket has his oil can, but it can be seen falling out and onto the yellow brick road. In the next view, however, the oil can is back in the basket.

 The foursome reach Emerald City and the Cowardly Lion starts a song and dance number. During the scene, the Tin Man makes a crown out of a ceramic flower pot and places it on the Lion’s head. In the next close-up view, the crown has changed position. Also, during this scene, when the guard tells them to go away, the crown falls from the Cowardly Lion’s head and bounces on the ground instead of breaking. Something else to look for-- during the Cowardly Lion’s solo, after the crown has been placed on his head, you can see the white vertical wire behind him that swishes his tail back and forth.

 Dorothy, Scarecrow, The Tin Man, Cowardly Lion and Toto are walking through the Haunted Forest. The Cowardly Lion is carrying a net and mallet. He’s still carrying them when he tries to run away but in the next view of him, they’re gone.

“The Wizard of Oz” (1939) stars Judy Garland, Ray Bolger, Jack Haley, Bert Lahr, Margaret Hamilton, Billie Burke, Clara Blandick, Charley Grapewin and Terry the dog. It runs 101 minutes and is rated G.

 


















Isla Grey is from Central Virginia and at an early age developed a love of movies.  She shared many Sunday afternoons watching old favorites with her grandmother that included everything from “Gone with the Wind” and “Rio Bravo” to “Titanic” and “The Mummy”.

Working as Bellaonline’s Movie Mistakes editor since 2012 has given Isla the opportunity to indulge in two of her passions—movies and writing.

When Isla isn’t writing or watching movies, most of her time is spent with her ever active daughter and her band of cats.  She also enjoys good music, reading biographies and ghost stories and taking quiet strolls.



Website:  www.islagrey.com

Twitter:  https://twitter.com/IslaGrey1

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









Sponsored By:

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Tuesday, May 11, 2021

Book Feature and Excerpt: Made in Korea by Sarah Suk

 


 

Made in KoreaNetflix’s Start-up meets David Yoon’s Frankly in Love in Sarah Suk’s MADE IN KOREA (On Sale: May 18, 2021), a feel-good romantic comedy about two entrepreneurial Korean-American teens who butt heads, and maybe fall in love, while running competing Korean beauty businesses at their high school. Perfect for fans of K-Beauty and Korean pop culture, this sweet #OwnVoices hate-to-love romance speaks honestly to the Asian-American experience, exploring everything from the power of fandom to the pressures of tight-knit immigrant families. Don’t miss this captivating summer debut, perfect for AAPI Heritage Month!


 

MORE ABOUT THE BOOK

There’s nothing Valerie Kwon loves more than making a good sale. Together with her cousin Charlie, they run V&C K-BEAUTY, their school’s most successful student-run enterprise. With each sale, Valerie gets closer to taking her beloved and adventurous halmeoni to her dream city, Paris.

 

Enter the new kid in class, Wes Jung, who is determined to pursue music after graduation despite his parents’ major disapproval. When his classmates clamor to buy the K-pop branded beauty products his mom gave him to “make new friends,” he sees an opportunity—one that may be the key to help him pay for the music school tuition he knows his parents won’t cover…

 

What he doesn’t realize, though, is that he is now V&C K-BEAUTY’s biggest competitor.

 

Stakes are high as Valerie and Wes try to outsell each other, make the most money, and take the throne for the best business in school—all while trying to resist the undeniable spark that’s crackling between them. From hiring spies to all-or-nothing bets, the competition is much more than either of them bargained for.

 

But one thing is clear: only one Korean business can come out on top.


Excerpt:


[from pages 51-54]


I pushed through the crowd, ignoring the complaints of the students in line and Charlie calling out behind me.

Amelia was at the front, batting her eyes at Wes as she filled her tiger-striped tote bag with face masks.

A tote bag that said CROWN TIGER in big metallic

letters across the front.


“Oh, hey, Valerie!” Amelia said, spotting me. “Are you a Royal Stripe too?”


“A what?” It was taking all of my control to keep my voice level.


She pursed her lips. “Well, if you don’t know, you obviously aren’t one. It’s the name of Crown Tiger’s fandom.”


“That’s great.” I turned to Wes, who was desperately trying to avoid eye contact with me, even though I was

literally standing right in front of him. How dare he pretend I’m not here? “Hey. Wes Jung. Can I have a word?”


“Oh, hey, Valerie,” he said in an Oh, I didn’t see you there! Kind of way. I wanted to take Amelia’s tote bag

and throw it at him. “Sure. Um, Pauline? Will you be okay on your own for a sec?”


Pauline glanced at me before giving him a nod. The angry, coiling feeling in my stomach grew tighter. Of all

people, why was Pauline Lim helping him? She didn’t even care about beauty products. She’d never shopped

with us once since we started our business.


Wes followed me to the side of the room. The first time we’d met, I thought I’d set him straight. I hadn’t heard

anything otherwise last week, so I thought things were back to normal, as they should be. So why was he back?

And the better question was, why was he back selling face masks?


I stared hard at him, trying to figure him out. He was tall with cool glasses that made me wonder if he really

needed them or if they were just for fashion. With his strong jawline and full lips, he could probably be a model

if he wanted to. He even had that deep, soulful look in his eyes that people loved in models. Ugh. Kristy Lo

was right. He was annoyingly handsome. I shook my head quickly, clearing my thoughts to focus. He kept

rubbing the back of his neck with his hand, like he was nervous around me. As he should

be. He had no idea.


“This, um, this isn’t what it looks like,” he said, looking at me with something like hope. “Can I explain? Please?”


For a second, I considered taking a deep breath and saying yes, fine, go ahead—like an adult would do, like Samantha would probably do. If I tempered my anger and looked at Wes, really looked at him beyond his potentially fake glasses, I could see that he had an air of open honesty to him that made me want to give him the benefit of the doubt. But then I heard Kristy Lo’s voice carry across the band room, exclaiming, “Give me two of everything. I won’t need another face mask for weeks!”


My walls immediately snapped back into place. The tight feeling in my stomach grew into flames. I knew what that fire was. Anger. Pure, unfiltered anger.


“You mean you’re not selling face masks at school and stealing my business?” I said, my voice faux cheerful.


“I’m not stealing—”


“You’re new, so maybe you don’t know how things work around here, but are you aware that you can’t just

sell products at school without the principal’s permission?”


He mumbled something unintelligible. I leaned forward with my hand cupped around my ear. It was a petty

action, and I hated it when Samantha did that kind of thing to me, but I did it anyway.


“What? I can’t hear you.”


His cheeks turned pink as I got closer to him. He glanced down at my mouth and then looked away, mumbling,

“I said I did get the principal’s permission.”


My smile faltered. “Oh? Well, do you also have a teacher mentor? Because you can’t run your own business

at school without a mentor from the faculty.”


“Mr. Reyes,” he said. “Mr. Reyes is my mentor. He said I can use the band room to sell.”


“What?” I blinked fast. It felt like someone had knocked the wind out of me. “You . . . you got permission to

start your own K-beauty business?”


“K-pop merch,” Wes said quickly. “It’s different from V&C. Today’s merch just happens to be face masks.”


“And your last sale just happened to be lip balm?” I asked, my voice rising.


He paused for a long moment. “People can still buy from both of us?” he said finally, but it came out as a

question, uncertain and naive.


“We’re high school students. You think we grow money trees in our backyard?” I cried. I glanced at the crowd,

where I spotted Natalie, Amelia, and Lisa Carol, who had been shopping with me since I first opened, gushing

over their new face masks. I turned

back to Wes, gritting my teeth. “And it looks like our buyers do

overlap, whether you think so or not.”


I can’t believe this. It took me years to build up my business, and this new guy thinks he can just waltz

in here and steal all my customers? Who the hell does he think he is? Does he even know anything

about running a business? He looked genuinely upset at how distressed I was, but before he could say anything, Pauline slammed her cash box closed and cried, “That’s it, everybody! We’re all sold out! Thanks for coming.”


I stiffened. I felt a lump rise in my throat. Shit, was I going to start crying? Now? I had to get out of

there. Shouldering past Wes, I ran as fast as I could out of the band room. I heard him call my name, but I

didn’t turn back.

 

Sarah Suk (002)ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Sarah Suk (pronounced like soup with a K) lives in Vancouver, Canada, where she writes stories and admires mountains. When she’s not writing, you can find her hanging out by the water, taking film photos, or eating a bowl of bingsu. Made in Korea is her first novel. You can visit Sarah online at SarahSuk.com and on Twitter and Instagram @SarahAeliSuk.

 

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