IWSG, Bad Fairy by Elaine Kaye, Book Tour, Giveaway

I APOLOGIZE to Chrys Fey and her mother, Elaine Kaye. This was supposed to have been posted today but for some reason it was still on draft. My excuse is, it's been a hard week for me from last Wednesday to today. Suffice it to say, we had a bad storm and lost two trees. Then there's the political and social unrest. Then there's going back to work when I don't really want to, but have to. I haven't even check my emails.

Anyway... Here she is, Elaine Kaye! 

This sounds like a charming story.

I'm pleased to introduce Chrys Fey's mother, Elaine Kaye, who is debuting her first middle grade novel...

BAD FAIRY

Series: A Bad Fairy Adventure (Book One)

Author: Elaine Kaye

Publisher: The Wild Rose Press

Genre: Fantasy Middle Grade

Length: 66 pages

Age Range: 8-12

Thistle Greenbud is not a bad fairy. She simply doesn't like rules, and it's just her luck that her homework is to create a new rule for the fairy handbook. But first, she has more important things to do. Like figure out how to get back at Dusty and Moss for playing tricks on her.

Before she can carry out her plan, though, disaster strikes and she finds herself working alongside the very fairies she wanted revenge on. Can they work together and trust each other, or will things go from bad to worse?

BUY LINKS:

AMAZON / BARNES & NOBLE

What do fairy houses look like?

Fairy houses are usually made out of sticks, pinecone scales, or tree bark. For chairs, they use uncapped acorns, mushrooms, and stones. They can also make furniture, such as sofas, out of sticks. Their beds are hammocks made out of silky spiderwebs. They have a lot of the same furniture we have. Even kitchen tables and desks.

For light, when it gets dark, fairies put fireflies in cages. But don’t worry, when the fairies go to bed, they set the fireflies free. In fact, fairies and fireflies are good friends.

They use walnut shells for bowls and smaller shells for cups. Sycamore seeds (aka helicopter seeds) are often turned into spoons by fairies. Leaves are, of course, used for a lot, including clothes and napkins. Grass and straw can be made into rugs, too.

Fairies pretty much utilize anything in nature. Nothing is ever wasted.

In Bad Fairy, Nutter Mills is the factory where fairy clothes and furniture are made with spiderwebs and thistledown, the fluffy-like material that protects the tops of thistles.


(This is me, Bish. I've spotted these fairy houses made of stones. Some people may misidentify them as cairns, but those of us who believe in fairies know better.)

Here is an excerpt that describes Thistle Greenbud’s bedroom.

EXCERPT:

My room is the color of deep pink with a red hammock-bed covered with a maroon, fluffy blanket. Dried pink, red, and purple flowers hang upside down, decorating the walls. Next to my bed is a nightstand, and my desk is by the window. I gaze out that window more than I do my homework. Ssh, don’t tell.

I open my closet and stare at the options. Raspberry red, cherry red, pomegranate red? Or maybe something pink. Strawberry pink, watermelon pink, peach pink? Next to my shirts and dresses hang black skirts, shorts, and pants. I choose a currant-red shirt and a black skirt.

Soon, I am out the door, cruising up to the tree tops. A gentle breeze makes it easier to do loop-de-loops, crazy eights, and somersaults. Not to brag but I am the best at flying tricks. I’m doing a somersault when something whizzes past my ear.

What in Fairy Land was that?

I don’t remember seeing bees. It couldn’t have been a fly because they live closer to the ground. Flies and bees are good friends with fairies. Gnats and fleas are another story, but I’m too high for those bugs to bother me.

I start flying again.

Whoosh.

Something pelts me in my ear.

I freeze midair, with my hands on my hips, and glare at my surroundings. I strain my pointy ears. Laughter. Someone is laughing at me!

GIVEAWAY:

3 Signed Paperback Picture Books –

Pea Soup Disaster, Doctor Mom, The Missing Alphabet

Eligibility: International

Number of Winners: One

Giveaway Ends: July 1, 2020 12:00am Eastern Standard Time

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Elaine Kaye is the author of A Gregory Green Adventure series. She first created Gregory Green after her son, who loved her homemade pea soup, thus inspiring the story Pea Soup Disaster. Bad Fairy is her middle grade debut and the first of A Bad Fairy Adventure series.

Kaye has worked as a library assistant and teacher’s assistant in elementary schools in the Sunshine State. She currently lives in Florida, but she has called Michigan; Honolulu, Hawaii; and Okinawa, Japan home. She is a grandmother of three boys.

Amazon / Goodreads / BookBub / Instagram / Facebook Twitter / LinkedIn / Blog

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Yolanda Renee, Book Tour

It’s a pleasure to be participating in author Yolanda Renee’s MURDER, JUST BECAUSE Blog Tour through MC Book Tours today.

The author is offering an awesome tour-wide international giveaway. More information on the giveaway is listed below.

MURDER, JUST BECAUSE
by Yolanda  Renée

◊ Genre: Mystery, Thriller, Suspense
◊ Publisher: Yolanda Renee
◊ Series: Detective Quaid Mysteries
◊ Paperback: 291 pages
◊ Print & eBooks
◊ ISBN-10: 0985820632
◊ ISBN-13: 978-0985820633
◊ Contains explicit sex & graphic violence

You can find her book on Amazon and Smashwords.

"While this book does contain explicit sexual language and graphic violence, it could easily be taken from the daily headlines. The content is plausible and realistic as we look at the world around us. The events in the book are not overly done but give a pragmatic look at the terrifying actions killers can and sometimes do take."

Excerpt:

It was a matter of beginner’s luck, but rookie detective Steven Quaid’s career and reputation as an elite investigator skyrocketed when he captured one of the most sadistic serial killers in Alaskan history: Stowy Jenkins, AKA the Snowman. But that was ten years ago.

And now…Jenkins is back. Escaped from prison and on the move, his bloodlust is stronger than ever, and his methods of torture are even more horrifying than before. As his bloody rampage continues and the number of mutilated bodies mounts, terrified Alaskans increasingly doubt Quaid’s ability to catch the killer again. The detective’s reputation is on the line, and he’s going to need a lot more than luck, because this time, Jenkins is driven by more than the thrill of a random kill.

This time, it’s more personal. He’s out for revenge…and his ultimate target is Quaid. In a deadly game of cat-and-mouse, Jenkins starts picking off the people in Quaid’s life…slowly, gradually tightening his circle of corpses and drawing ever closer to the most important person in Quaid’s life...his wife. Can Quaid do the impossible again? Can he outmaneuver the killer, or has the detective's luck finally run out?

Author Yolanda Renee

For those who aren’t familiar with the author, here’s a bit of background on her in her own words.

At one time Alaska called to me, and I answered. I learned to sleep under the midnight sun, survive in below zero temperatures, and hike the Mountain Ranges. I’ve traveled from Prudhoe Bay to Valdez, and the memories are some of my most valued. The wonders, mysteries and incredible beauty that is Alaska has never left me and thus now influences my writing.

Despite my adventurous spirit, I achieved my educational goals, married, and I have two handsome sons. Writing is now my focus, my newest adventure!

For more on Yolanda and her writing, you can connect with her here:

Blog    *     Facebook     *     Twitter     *     Pinterest    

GIVEAWAY DETAILS:

This tour-wide giveaway is for a complete set of the Detective Quaid Mystery series books for one winner, paperback copies of MURDER, JUST BECAUSE for five winners, and a Kindle copy of MURDER, JUST BECAUSE for 10 winners.

To enter the giveaway, just click on the Rafflecopter widget below and follow the instructions. The widget may take a few seconds to load so please be patient. If the widget doesn’t show up, just click HERE and you’ll be directed to the widget.

Thanks for stopping by and be sure to follow Yolanda on her week-long tour HERE. You never know what you might find out. Do you enjoy watching a character grow from one story to the next?

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The Blind Shot, by J.L. Campbell

Helping out our friend, Joy Campbell, on the release of her latest book. Congratulations, Joy!

THE BLIND SHOT BY J.L. CAMPBELL

Stand-Alone: yes
Series: Par for the Course, Book 3
Publisher: The Writers’ Suite
Publication Date: September 20, 2019
Genres: Romance, Contemporary Romance, Women’s Fiction, Multicultural
Heat Level: Sensual

Book Blitz: September 20, 2019

Contact: info@honmagpr.com

THE BLIND SHOT BY J.L. CAMPBELL

When all else fails, love will find a way.

Kofi Danquah has travelled halfway around the globe for fifteen years, satisfying his need for advancement and adventure. In that time, he has never met another woman as intriguing as Regina Chu. She's a chameleon—a wild child with issues she hides behind a playful persona.

In Gina's eyes, Kofi is a mystery—exotic, intense and secretive. His sober nature balances her bubbly personality and unconventional approach to life. Plus, he's appealing enough to make her forget they're from separate worlds.

Time spent together changes Kofi and Gina's platonic relationship into an attraction that burns hot despite their cultural differences and the disapproval of their families. But fairy tales don't always last and true love needs fertile soil in which to bloom.

Excerpt

Kofi left my side and took a spin around the room. He stopped beside a window that gave a view of the yard. Even in a white tee-shirt and knee-length shorts, he was distracting—despite the state I was in. After several minutes, he faced me. "Come here." 

I dragged myself to where he stood and looked up at him. 

He took me by both hands and as he drew me in, his breath wafted across my forehead. Cherished and protected, that's how I felt in his arms. 

"What was that for?" I asked.

"Do I need a reason to hug you?" 

I shook my head and tried to lighten the moment. "You're getting to be as weird as I am." 

He kissed my forehead and then chuckled. "Nope. Since I knew you needed a hug. I supplied it." 

Stepping backward, I met his eyes. "Do you believe what I just told you?"

"Why wouldn't I? Everything you've told me supports what I thought before you said a word about what happened to you." 

"And you still want to be with me?" 

"I ask you again. Why wouldn't I?" He pulled me close, squeezing me to his chest. "Come here, you crazy woman." 

While he hugged me, I mumbled in his shirt. "I just thought that maybe you'd think less of me." 

"Why would I? It wasn't your fault." Kofi tipped my chin up, but I wouldn't look above his lips. "It only makes me love you more." 

My heart stopped for at least a couple of seconds. I was sure of it. Since I wasn't convinced Kofi's words weren't a mistake or him trying to comfort me, I let the moment pass. 

"You know the worst part?" I asked, sniffling.

"I can't know, so I'm asking you to share that with me." 

I ran one finger over the bulging muscles in his arm. "The biggest problem my mother has with you is the color of your skin … as if we aren't black, too." 

Kofi's grin was filled with mischief. "I figured that out the minute she laid eyes on me." 

AVAILABLE ON

AMAZON

 

ENTER TO WIN

a $10 Amazon gift card

CLICK HERE

 

ABOUT J.L. CAMPBELL

J.L. Campbell writes contemporary, paranormal, and sweet romance, romantic suspense, women's fiction, as well as new and young adult novels. Campbell, who features Jamaican culture in her stories, has penned over thirty books. She is a certified editor, who also writes non-fiction. When she’s not writing, Campbell adds to her extensive collection of photos detailing Jamaica’s flora and fauna. Visit her on the web at www.joylcampbell.com

 

CONNECT WITH J.L. CAMPBELL

AUTHOR SITE | FACEBOOK | TWITTER | INSTAGRAM | NEWSLETTER | PINTEREST | GOODREADS | BOOKBUB | AMAZON AUTHOR PAGE

The Grand Tour Continues - Week Three of The Bowl and the Stone

Here's where I'll be this week. Do stop by and say hello. I promise you'll probably learn something you didn't know before.

17th - Diane Wolfe, Spunk on a Stick - Manchineel - A deadly tree

18th - Clara Gillow Clark - Earliest known ghost stories (win a print copy!)

19th - Crystal Collier - 2 Truths and a Lie (win an ebook!)

19th - Nicola Burggraf, Burggraf's Blog - Interview with Sam and her best friend Nick

20th - Erik, This Kid Reviews Books - Review
        - Diane Burton - The Long Road to Freedom

21st - Yolanda Renee, Defending the Pen - Interview with moi



Have you signed up my giveaway? (Mailing only within the USA)


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The Grand Tour Begins for The Bowl and the Stone

I'm so excited!

THE BOWL AND THE STONE: 

A HAUNTING TALE 

FROM THE VIRGIN ISLANDS

is finally here.

Below is the list of the wonderful, fabulous people who will be hosting me on their blogs during the month of October. I hope you'll stop by and visit with me as I share the history and mystery, the stories and insights, that went to into the writing of The Bowl and the Stone.

Although some posts are about the same subject (particularly those mischievous jumbies) each post is different, many with an excerpt from the book. Hope that piques your interest.

Also, for your reading enjoyment, I'm offering up my first Rafflecopter giveaway and crossing my fingers that I did it right! Plus, during week three, there will two other chances to win a copy.

Thanks EVERYONE for all your help. I couldn't have done it without you.

To kick off the tour, today I'm visiting with Carol Kilgore, Under the Tiki Hut, in which you will be introduced to Jumbies, those mischievous spirits that have nothing better to do than cause problems.

October:
4th - Robyn Campbell - Interview with moi
5th - Alex Cavanaugh - The Dungeon at Annaberg
      - Joylene Butler - St. John in 1962
7th - Roland Yeomans, Writing in the Crosshairs - Moko Jumbies (protective spirits)

10th - Jacqui Murray, Word Dreams - Interview with Sam (Samantha, who tells the story)
11th - Barbara Fisher, March of Time Books - Yard Culture (and we're not talking plants)
12th - Juneta Key, Writer's Gambit - Jumbies
14th - Chrys Fey, Write With Fey - Lignum vitae - The hardest tree in the world

17th - Diane Wolfe, Spunk on a Stick - Manchineel - A deadly tree
18th - Clara Gillow Clark - Earliest known ghost stories (I'll be giving away a print copy)
19th - Crystal Collier - 2 Truths and a Lie (I'll be giving away an ebook)
        - Nicola Burggraf, Burggraf's Blog - Interview with Sam and her best friend Nick
20th - Erik, This Kid Reviews Books - Review
        - Diane Burton - The Long Road to Freedom
21st - Yolanda Renee, Defending the Pen - Interview with moi

24th - Meradeth Houston, Write Stuff - A brief history of slavery
        - Natalie Aguirre, Literary Rambles - Follower News
26th - Shannon Lawrence, The Warrior Muse - Jumbies
27th - Jessica Height, The Secret Files of Fairday Marrow - Annaberg, a sugar plantation
28th - Karen Walker, Following the Whispers - The St. John slave revolt of 1733

31st - Lee McKenzie, The Write Game - The Mysterious Moving Grave

***

Pirates. Explorers. And spooky ghost hunters.

It’s 1962. Sam and her best friend, Nick, have the whole island of St. John, in the U. S. Virgin Islands, as their playground. They’ve got 240 year-old sugar plantation ruins to explore, beaches to swim, and trails to hike.

But when a man disappears like a vapor right in front of them, they must confront a scary new reality. They’re being haunted. By whom? And why? He’s even creeping into Nick’s dreams.

They need help, but the one who might be able to give it is Trumps, a reclusive hunchback who doesn’t like people, especially kids. Are Sam and Nick brave enough to face him? And if they do, will he listen to them? 

As carefree summer games turn into eerie hauntings, Sam and Nick learn more about themselves and life than they could ever have imagined.

Available now at:

Amazon

Createspace 

Smashwords

LOOK! A chance to win a signed copy! (Mailing only within the USA)

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***

I've joined this monthly bloghop because answering thoughtful/challenging questions is one way to expand one's mind. It's osted by Michael D'Agostino at A Life Examined .

This could be the last Question of the Month as Michael will be retiring from blogging. He's asked if someone will take over the bloghop and I rather hope someone does. 

 The question this month is: 

“What’s a decision you’ve made in the past that you know, logically, was the right decision to make, but which you still feel guilty or regretful about?”

In my youth I made some rather rash decisions that turned out to be for the best. There may have been a point where I regretted what I did, but days of regret are long gone. Every step I took led me to where I am now, which is a very good place indeed. So there's nothing to regret. Some decisions I made unintentionally and temporarily hurt people, but I made amends and have a clear conscience. 

What's Your Favorite Summer Vacation Spot Blog Hop!

I rarely post on Saturdays. But this was too good to pass up.

What is your favorite vacation spot?

A sunny beach, a bright city, 
or a secluded cabin? 

A romantic getawayor a place you loved as a child?  

We want to see it 
and know why it's your favorite!

Hosted by:

Lexa Cain

Melanie Karsak

T.F. Walsh

Vanessa Morgan

Jolie Du Pre

Stuart R. West

All of these wonderful people are offering up a thrilling selection of books which YOU TOO could win! So be sure to visit them either today or tomorrow.

Now, on to my favorite summer vacation spot(s).

Maybe it's lounging on a shaded and secluded tropical beach.

Maybe it's spending time amid magnificent redwoods.

Maybe it's drinking in the awesomeness that is the Rockies.

Maybe it's spending some alone time in a tree house.

Or, best of all, maybe it's sitting with my sweetie on our porch and watching the sun rise.

What about you? Where's your favorite vacation spot?

52 Likes by Medeia Sharif and An Award!

You still have a chance to win a $50 Amazon gift card and a free Kindle copy of 52 LIKES. Click on the Rafflecopter link below to sign up!

52 LIKES, Evernight Teen, 2015
Purchase from Amazon, Evernight Teen (vendor links will be updated on the author's site)

After a brutal rape and near-murder, Valerie wants to get past feelings of victimhood from both the assault and her history of being bullied. She’s plagued by not knowing the identity of her rapist and by the nasty rumors in school about that night. Valerie follows clues from ghostly entities, past victims of the rapist-murderer, contacting her through a social media site—why do all of their eerie photos have 52 likes under them? Their messages are leading her to the mystery man, although he’ll put up a fight to remain hidden.

Find Medeia – YA and MG Author

Blog   |   Twitter   |   Goodreads   |   Instagram   |   Amazon

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The Very Inspiring Blogger Award

It's been ages, an aeon! since someone has given me an award. Thank you Susan Drazic! What a treat.

The rules for accepting this award are as follows:

1. Thank the person who nominated you, and link to their blog.

2. Display the award logo. 

3. Nominate at least 15 other blogs (more or less) and provide 

a link where they may be found.

4. Then, go to their blog, leave a comment to let them know they have been nominated, and where to find the information they need to accept (rules).

5. Mention three things that inspired you the most during the past few weeks.


My 15 nominations are, in no particular order...

Robyn Campbell for her ever enthusiastic support
C. Lee McKenzie for helping me believe in my abilities
Alex Cavenaugh for being the Ninja, of course
Anne Gallegher for answering every question I can think up
DLHammons for helping lots of people feel good
Liza Salerno for her beautiful words and photos
Manzanita because she's an inspiration to us youngins
Angela Ackerman for being an incredible teacher
Joy Campbell for seeming to be everywhere and sharing what she's learned/learning
Marcia Hoehne for turning me on to kid books I haven't read
Vijaya Bodach for being my first virtual friend and mentor
Medeia Sharif for showing the rest of us how much we can get done in a day/week/month/year
Susan Kane for her wonderful vignettes on life.
Jessica Height for her whimsical riddles. I get the feeling we're kindred spirits
Carol Kilgore for being a supportive near neighbor whom I hope to meet SOON

Okay 3 things that have inspired me in the past few weeks.

1. My husband, for researching alternatives to the medication my doctor wants to put me on.

2. Life... it's everywhere and just doesn't seem to give up.

3. All of you wonderful bloggers!

***

Only 6 days left to win a copy of one of my books! Stop by Carol Kilgore's web page. 2 people will win!