I bought, borrowed from the library, or got books free in exchange for an honest review.

Monday, June 23, 2025

NAOMI'S IMAGINATION

  

 

NAOMI'S IMAGINATION

Kiana, Arya, and Thea Holder

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GENRE:  Picture Book




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BLURB:

 

The authors of My Beautiful Curly Hair present: Naomi's Imagination. Is a long car ride the most boring thing you can imagine?

 

Meet Naomi, a 10-year-old girl who turns a boring car ride into an exciting adventure using her imagination. As she travels with her family, Naomi discovers she can escape to magical places, from deep underwater scenes with colourful mermaids to a vibrant forest and a sugary candy land.

 

Naomi’s Imagination inspires children to explore the endless possibilities of their minds. It's an engaging tale that encourages young readers to find joy and wonder in everyday moments through the power of imagination.

 

* Explore diverse and imaginative worlds

* Learn the value of creativity

* Perfect for young readers under 12

* Engage with Naomi’s colourful adventures

* Bright playful illustrations

* Readers will learn the importance of self-expression

 

Naomi’s Imagination is an interactive book that poses questions to the reader, actively engaging their minds. It concludes with reading comprehension questions that the entire family can enjoy.

 

 

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Excerpt:

 

Naomi dreams about the biggest toy store ever made filled with all her favourite toys from large teddy bears, her favourite dollies and many bracelets. Naomi runs down the toy aisle with the biggest smile on her face. She wants to play with all the toys.

 

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Review:

I have to say, this really is a cute story with a charming premise behind it. The idea is to get a bored kid to use her imagination. Naomi, her sister, and their mother are driving along, when Mom gives her child the good advice. After all, developing one's imagination is not only fun, but it is good for the mind and will help one throughout their life. I really liked the illustrations as well. They are vividly drawn with bright colors and engaging images. This story shows kids how they can use their own imaginations to have just as much fun as Naomi does in this tale. Kids are likely to want to read this story over and over. As a bonus, there are questions at the end of the book to get kids talking and to check their understanding. This book is a winner!




 

AUTHOR Bio and Links:

 

Kiana Holder is a passionate author whose love for fantasy and sci-fi began in her childhood. Her diverse and imaginative storytelling spans genres from all types of fantasy and romance for adults to engaging tales for young readers, with a strong focus on ensuring representation for Black and Brown kids. When she isn’t immersed in her writing, Kiana embraces the fulfilling role of being a super mom, skillfully balancing her creative endeavours with family life. Her dedication to both her craft and her family shines through in every page she writes. 

 

Amazon link: https://www.amazon.ca/stores/Kiana-Holder/author/B0DGNXRRF6

Goodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/21555549

TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@storytellingwithkiana 

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/storytellingwithkiana/

 

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 follow the tour and comment; The tour dates can be found here:  https://goddessfishpromotions.blogspot.com/2025/05/review-tour-naomis-imagination-car-ride.html

 

GIVEAWAY INFORMATION:

 

Kiana Holder will be awarding a $20 Amazon/BN gift card to a randomly drawn winner. 

Enter here:

 

http://www.rafflecopter.com/rafl/display/28e4345f5155





Saturday, June 21, 2025

Cinematic Destinies




Patricia Leavy is giving away copies of CINEMATIC DESTINIES, her upcoming romance from She Writes Press. How to get yours? It's easy... just complete the Rafflecopter below and you'll receive one from the author! Plus, one lucky entrant will receive a $150 Amazon gift card!

So, what's the book about? Here's the info:

For fans of Tessa Bailey and Hannah Grace, Cinematic Destinies is a feel-good, contemporary romance about a trio of adult children searching for love and beauty in the shadow of their parents’ legendary Hollywood fairy-tale romance.

Legendary actor Finn Forrester and his wife philosopher Ella Sinclair Forrester met on the location shoot for Jean Mercier’s film Celebration. The world has been captivated by their fairy-tale romance since Finn famously proposed on the red carpet at the Cannes Film Festival. As the couple now prepares to celebrate their thirtieth wedding anniversary, they wonder if their children will ever find love.

Eldest daughter Betty is excelling in a medical residency program in New York City—and has convinced herself that distancing herself from emotions is the path to success. Youngest son Albert, a recent college graduate, is trying to find his footing in Boston as he struggles with his identity. Free-spirited Georgia, her mother’s spitting image and an actress following in her father’s footsteps, has been cast in Jean Mercier’s final film, mysteriously titled Beauty. When she arrives on set in Iceland and meets her costar, sparks fly. Is history repeating itself? How has growing up in the shadow of the world’s most iconic love story affected each of the Forrester children?

Patricia Leavy is giving away copies of CINEMATIC DESTINIES, her upcoming romance from She Writes Press.  How to get yours?  It's easy... just complete the Rafflecopter below and you'll receive one from the author! Plus, one lucky entrant will receive a $150 Amazon gift card!

 

So, what's the book about?  Here's the info:

 

For fans of Tessa Bailey and Hannah Grace, Cinematic Destinies is a feel-good, contemporary romance about a trio of adult children searching for love and beauty in the shadow of their parents’ legendary Hollywood fairy-tale romance.

Legendary actor Finn Forrester and his wife philosopher Ella Sinclair Forrester met on the location shoot for Jean Mercier’s film Celebration. The world has been captivated by their fairy-tale romance since Finn famously proposed on the red carpet at the Cannes Film Festival. As the couple now prepares to celebrate their thirtieth wedding anniversary, they wonder if their children will ever find love.

Eldest daughter Betty is excelling in a medical residency program in New York City—and has convinced herself that distancing herself from emotions is the path to success. Youngest son Albert, a recent college graduate, is trying to find his footing in Boston as he struggles with his identity. Free-spirited Georgia, her mother’s spitting image and an actress following in her father’s footsteps, has been cast in Jean Mercier’s final film, mysteriously titled Beauty. When she arrives on set in Iceland and meets her costar, sparks fly. Is history repeating itself? How has growing up in the shadow of the world’s most iconic love story affected each of the Forrester children?

 

“If you’re a romantic with a brain and a heart, this is your jam . . . I closed the book with a full heart and a goofy grin.” Literary Titan, 5-star review


Cinematic Destinies is a stunning and poignant celebration of romance, the magic of movies, and life itself. The exotic Icelandic film set, well-drawn characters, and smart writing make this book impossible to put down . . . This is a gorgeous novel.” —Laurel Richardson, author of Lone Twin


“Overall, the writing, the characters, the little nods of sizzle, and the brilliant family dynamic make this book a winner. Very highly recommended.”—Readers’ Favorite, 5-star review

“Leavy’s latest must-read novel features a trio of romantic storylines about the quest for love and identity in the shadow of a Hollywood fairy tale . . . Cinematic Destinies is a spellbinding ode to love, art, and what it means to live.” —Mary E. Weems, author of Blackeyed

Amazon link: https://www.amazon.com/Cinematic-Destinies-Novel-Carpet-Romance-ebook/dp/B0DWNGNM1Z/ref=tmm_kin_swatch_0


About the Author:  Patricia Leavy is an award-winning, best-selling author. Formerly Associate Professor of Sociology and Founding Director of Gender Studies at Stonehill College, she has published more than fifty books; her work has been translated into many languages, and she has received more than one hundred book honors. Her most recent novel, Shooting Stars Above, was featured on People “10 Romance Books to Read After Great Big Beautiful Life by Emily Henry.” She has also received career awards from the National Art Education Association, the American Creativity Association, the American Educational Research Association, and other organizations. In 2018, she was honored by the National Women’s Hall of Fame and SUNY-New Paltz established the “Patricia Leavy Award for Art and Social Justice.” In 2024 the London Arts-Based Research Centre established “The Patricia Leavy Award for Arts-Based Research.” Patricia lives in Maine. In addition to writing, she enjoys art, reading, and travel.

 

Patricia Leavy will award a free digital copy of her upcoming book CINEMATIC DESTINIES to the first 7500 people who enter the Rafflecopter and one lucky entrant will receive a $150 Amazon gift card.

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If you cannot embed the code, please use this HTML link:

 

<a href="http://www.rafflecopter.com/rafl/display/28e4345f5181">Enter to win a $150 Amazon GC - and everyone wins a free digital copy of CINEMATIC DESTINY - a Rafflecopter giveaway</a>


Reviews

“If you’re a romantic with a brain and a heart, this is your jam . . . I closed the book with a full heart and a goofy grin.” Literary Titan, 5-star review

“Cinematic Destinies is a stunning and poignant celebration of romance, the magic of movies, and life itself. The exotic Icelandic film set, well-drawn characters, and smart writing make this book impossible to put down . . . This is a gorgeous novel.” —Laurel Richardson, author of Lone Twin

“Overall, the writing, the characters, the little nods of sizzle, and the brilliant family dynamic make this book a winner. Very highly recommended.”—Readers’ Favorite, 5-star review

“Leavy’s latest must-read novel features a trio of romantic storylines about the quest for love and identity in the shadow of a Hollywood fairy tale . . . Cinematic Destinies is a spellbinding ode to love, art, and what it means to live.” —Mary E. Weems, author of Blackeyed

About the Author:
Patricia Leavy is an award-winning, best-selling author. Formerly Associate Professor of Sociology and Founding Director of Gender Studies at Stonehill College, she has published more than fifty books; her work has been translated into many languages, and she has received more than one hundred book honors. Her most recent novel, Shooting Stars Above, was featured on People “10 Romance Books to Read After Great Big Beautiful Life by Emily Henry.” She has also received career awards from the National Art Education Association, the American Creativity Association, the American Educational Research Association, and other organizations. In 2018, she was honored by the National Women’s Hall of Fame and SUNY-New Paltz established the “Patricia Leavy Award for Art and Social Justice.” In 2024 the London Arts-Based Research Centre established “The Patricia Leavy Award for Arts-Based Research.” Patricia lives in Maine. In addition to writing, she enjoys art, reading, and travel.

Amazon: https://www.amazon.com/Cinematic-Destinies-Novel-Carpet-Romance-ebook/dp/B0DWNGNM1Z/ref=tmm_kin_swatch_0

Patricia Leavy will award a free digital copy of her upcoming book CINEMATIC DESTINIES to the first 7500 people who enter the Rafflecopter and one lucky entrant will receive a $150 Amazon gift card.

a Rafflecopter giveaway  

Wednesday, March 19, 2025

Shooting Stars Above

 

Patricia Leavy is giving away copies of SHOOTING STARS ABOVE, her upcoming romance from She Writes Press. How to get yours? It's easy... just complete the Rafflecopter below and you'll receive one from the author!

So, what's the book about? Here's the info:
For fans of Colleen Hoover comes an emotionally charged contemporary romance about a internationally best-selling novelist and a federal agent fighting to heal past wounds.

Tess Lee is a world-famous novelist. Her inspirational books explore people’s innermost struggles and the human need to believe that there is light at the end of the tunnel—but despite her extraordinary success, she’s been unable to find personal happiness. Jack Miller is a federal agent working in counterterrorism. After spending decades immersed in a violent world, a residue remains. He’s dedicated everything to his job, leaving nothing for himself.

The night Tess and Jack meet, their connection is palpable. She examines the scars on his body and says, “I’ve never seen anyone whose outsides match my insides.” The two embark on an epic love story, but old traumas soon rise to the surface as Jack struggles with the death of a loved one and Tess is forced to confront her childhood abuse. Can unconditional love help heal their invisible wounds? Together, will they be able to move from darkness to light?

Praise for the book

Featured on Ms. Career Girl “A Book for Every Type of Reader to Kick off 2025.”

Featured on She Knows “22 Incredible New Books That You’ll Want to Get Your Hands on in 2025.”

“Patricia Leavy crafts a riveting narrative that shows the healing power of love and how it helps wounded souls become whole once again.”—Readers’ Favorite, 5-star review

“For readers seeking a story that restores faith in humanity and shines a light on the beauty of connection, this novel is a must-read.”—Literary Titan

“For so many of us, perhaps all of us, life is challenging as we learn to live through and with trauma, grief, and loss. Shooting Stars Above shows us how to thrive through unconditional love. Read this book—it will crack your heart wide open.” —Laurel Richardson, author of Lone Twin

“Leavy has done what she does best: write a story that you won’t be able to put down until you finish the final sentence. Shooting Stars Above is a love story about friendship and real romance, but most importantly, it is a story about learning to love ourselves, the most difficult love of all.” —Sandra L. Faulkner, author of Poetic Inquiry: Craft, Method, and Practice


For a free copy of the book, please fill out the Rafflecopter below
(this giveaway is limited to US residents only and to the first 10,000 copies)


a Rafflecopter giveaway

Monday, March 10, 2025

OUR LIVES IN BETWEEN

  

 

OUR LIVES IN BETWEEN


Author Page

 

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GENRE:  Young Adult Paranormal Romance

 

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BLURB:

 

It had been five years since the accident that derailed Veronica’s life, which left her suffering from a strange flu-like illness ever since. Thanks to a barrier set in her mind at birth, she can’t remember her name is Harmony and that this is not her real life. She has no memory of the many lives she had lived before this one and how several of those lives had been cut short. How she must uncover the reason why those lives had ended so early, and how this moment may hold the key, or she risks losing herself and Earth forever.

 

As Harmony, she wants to uncover the reason why her lives keep ending so soon. As Veronica, she wonders how much longer she has to live like this? What could possibly be left for her? Little did she know, she was about to get her answers...

 

Fans of YA paranormal romances and coming-of-age fantasies will be captivated by this unique and emotional tale of love, loss, and the search for one's true self. If you enjoyed books like "Evermore" by Alyson Noel, then you'll love this gripping story that explores the power of soulmates and the possibility of eternal love. Don't miss out on this epic journey!

 

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Excerpt:

 

The next few lives on Earth were more of the same thing. Kaleb and I would concentrate on finding each other before we would leave here. Then, after some years would pass on Earth, we would. Not once did we miss. Every first greeting was basically the same. The second we would get close enough to each other down there, that’s when the acrobatics would start. We would slam right into each other, bump our heads together, tripping and flipping over one another every single time. Always somehow causing one of us—mainly me—if not both of us, to die.

 

No matter how far apart they placed us on Earth, Kaleb and I would find each other. It was my guess that using my theory made us like magnets—accident magnets, as Gwen so kindly put it. We were hurdling toward each other like comets at light speed, coming at each other so fast that we were literally crashing into each other. We gave a new meaning to the phrase “bumping into each other” because we actually were.

 

It’s a unique feeling, being on this end of this odd little situation. I had been shoved out a second-story window, and then was lucky enough to snap my neck and be trampled by a horse I had spooked once when I hit the ground. In the next life, I was rolled onto a very highly active beehive and then stung to death (no, I am not kidding). Then, imagine the surprise I felt in the life after that one, when a certain someone was running with a wallet he had stolen, and then shoved us both off a train platform into the path of an oncoming train. I still don’t know if that person ever got their wallet back.

 

I am sure all of this must seem rather disturbing from where you are sitting. I know I would certainly feel that way if I were reading this from where you are. It’s quite an interesting perspective for me, being here, right now, knowing all that I do, versus being on Earth and having the limited knowledge that we were allowed. It really turns things around and sheds a different light on it—don’t you think?

 

With the knowledge of home blocked from our memory, life and death can seem so absolute from the human perspective. Death seems final, bringing with it fear of the unknown, and such anguish to the ones that are left behind.

 

You know what they say: hindsight is always 20/20. Imagine what Earth would be like if this knowledge weren’t blocked from our memory. It would certainly change the way we view our lives while we are there. Naturally, if some were armed with this knowledge, they would be much more adventurous, never taking their life seriously enough to truly learn anything. Life on Earth would take on less meaning. Then again, perhaps knowing our lives do go on would help some to live their life with less fear and appreciate their time there. Maybe they would strive to be better because they know. Isn’t having a little knowledge better than no knowledge at all? Something is better than nothing, isn’t it? To be able to utilize this knowledge might help propel us forward and help us gain a sense of purpose. If only there were a way to leak some of this knowledge somehow…

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Review: 

The Echoes of Lives Lived: Exploring Billie Kowalewski's "Our Lives In Between" Billie Kowalewski's "Our Lives In Between" plunges the reader into a world where the familiar boundaries of identity and reality blur, presenting a compelling narrative about Veronica, a young woman grappling with a life derailed by a mysterious illness five years prior. Unbeknownst to her, Veronica is actually Harmony, a soul trapped within a forced amnesia, blocked from remembering her past lives and the reason they were tragically cut short. This central conflict – the tension between Veronica's present struggle and Harmony's urgent mission – drives the adventurous and, at times, slightly perplexing narrative. The novel skillfully explores the duality of Veronica's existence. As Veronica, she's consumed by the suffering inflicted by her illness, questioning her purpose and the prospect of a fulfilling future. This tangible despair grounds the fantastical elements of the story, making Veronica's internal struggle relatable and poignant. In contrast, Harmony represents a higher calling, a desperate need to unravel the mystery behind her recurring untimely deaths and prevent a potentially catastrophic outcome for herself and the entire planet. The narrative effectively uses this contrast to build suspense, hinting at a deeper, more significant purpose behind Veronica's seemingly ordinary life. While the book promises a thrilling adventure, some readers might find certain parts slightly confusing. This could stem from the complex nature of the multi-life narrative and the intricacies of Veronica/Harmony's suppressed memories. However, this ambiguity arguably adds to the mystique of the story, encouraging readers to actively engage with the narrative and piece together the fragments of Harmony's past. Ultimately, "Our Lives In Between" offers a unique blend of personal struggle and grand adventure. Kowalewski crafts a captivating tale that explores themes of identity, purpose, and the enduring power of memory, leaving the reader eager to discover if Veronica, or rather Harmony, can unlock the secrets of her past and secure her future.

 

AUTHOR Bio and Links:


 

Billie Kowalewski grew up in a small town along the Connecticut shoreline. She’s always had a wild imagination and spent her childhood dreaming up stories. This would often lead her to the library or whatever bookstore where she would be combing the shelves for books that closely resembled what was in her head at the time. A lot of the time she would come close and would be satisfied with what she found. However, there was always this one story she could never find. It was in 2010 that she decided to write it herself. In whatever spare time she has left, she enjoys listening to pretty much anything that rocks, like 80's hair bands, metal, etc. She also has a gift for finding the strangest movies and shows ever (according to her children) and loves spending time with her family.

 

iTunes: http://books.apple.com/us/book/id1212458275

Kobo: https://www.kobo.com/us/en/ebook/our-lives-in-between

B&N: https://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/books/1143953733?ean=9781535604505

Google Play: https://play.google.com/store/books/details?id=WMrREAAAQBAJ&pli=1

Amazon: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0CG3PFJKD

 

My Socials:

https://www.billiekowalewski.com

https://www.instagram.com/kowalewskibillie

https://www.youtube.com/@billiekowalewski9288

https://www.facebook.com/authorbilliek

https://www.facebook.com/enlightenedbookofficialpage

https://www.twitter.com/enlightened31

https://www.bookbub.com/authors/billie-kowalewski

https://www.goodreads.com/harmony31

https://www.tiktok.com/@billiekowalewski3

 

 

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GIVEAWAY INFORMATION 

 

Billie Kowalewski will be awarding a $25 Amazon/BN gift card to a randomly drawn winner and a Our Lives In Between book bag to a second randomly drawn winner.

 

Enter here:

 

 

If you cannot embed the code, please use this HTML link:

 

http://www.rafflecopter.com/rafl/display/28e4345f5080

Follow the tour


 https://goddessfishpromotions.blogspot.com/2024/12/review-tour-our-lives-in-between-by.html






Friday, February 28, 2025

FINDING HIS WYOMING SWEETHEART

  

 

FINDING HIS WYOMING SWEETHEART

Virginia McCullough

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GENRE:  Sweet Western Romance




 

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BLURB:

 

When it comes to his seven-year-old son, new lodge owner Mack Fisher has a lot to make up for. Fortunately, the small Wyoming town of Adelaide Creek provides the perfect fresh start—that is, if he can avoid the distraction of Erin Hunnicutt’s warm brown eyes. The free-spirited musician has a way of bringing out the best in everyone—especially Mack. When they're thrown together unexpectedly to help their town, sparks fly and a dangerous secret is uncovered. But searching for the answers only leads them to fall deeper for one another…and starts Mack wondering if there’s room for one more in his new family.

 

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Excerpt:

 

The familiar and happy sounds of a baby attempting to talk pulled Erin out of her reverie and back into the noisy party as Quincy approached with her niece Naomi in his arms. Erin looked past him to the other end of the room where she spotted her brother Tom following Willow out one of the side doors. Secure in Grandpa Quincy’s arms, Naomi was happy, at least for the moment.

 

“Are you sure you’re ready to take the baby home?” Quincy asked. “If you’d like, I could take babysitting duty for the first couple of days of Tom and Willow’s trip.”

 

Erin reached for Naomi. “Not a chance, Grandpa. I’ve been looking forward to this.” She turned one way and then the other as she said, “I’m ready to roll, raring to go.” She gave the baby a quick kiss on the forehead. That was the truth. 

 

Holding Naomi, Erin did little dance steps in a circle to distract the baby from Grandpa Quincy leaving to go back to the party. “We’re going to have so much fun at my house. You’ll be my Valentine and eat cookies I made especially for you.” She touched the tip of Naomi’s nose, making the baby laugh, so she twirled again and gave the baby’s nose another quick tap.

 

After making a third full circle, she came face to face with a tall man and a small boy standing in front of her. The man looked slightly familiar, but she couldn’t quite place him. Whoever he was, she’d recognize him the next time. He was studying her through his unforgettable bright blue eyes.

 

“You don’t know me,” the man said, “but I know a little about you.” He looked down and spoke to the boy. “This is Ms. Erin Hunnicutt, the woman with the pretty voice who sang for us at the Halloween party with Dr. Tom.”

 

With a jolt of pleasure in her chest, Erin held out her hand to the boy. “And what’s your name?”

 

“Liam, uh, Liam Louis Fisher.” He pointed to the baby. “That’s Willow’s baby, huh?”

 

“Right you are. Aren’t you the smart one? I happen to be Naomi’s very proud aunt.” Erin couldn’t place the name Fisher and why it was familiar. Then she remembered. Still addressing the boy, she pointed to the man. “Is his name Mack? Is he your dad?”

 

“Uh huh.” The boy gave her a shy smile. “My dad owns the Tall Tale Lodge.”

 

Mack grinned at Erin. “Admittedly, an awkward introduction. But you’ll have to overlook it.” He put his hand to the side of his head. “I can barely think straight.”

 

 

Erin frowned. What did that mean?

 

 

“I’m awestruck,” he explained, his grin widening. “It’s not every day I come face to face with a woman who’s a talented musician and also a restoration expert who brings battered and charred wood back to life.”

 

Without thinking, Erin returned the smile. “Now you’re making me blush.” It was true what he said. She’d built her work life around wood restoration, but making music was her favorite hobby. Although those things weren’t making her cheeks heat up. That had more to do with Mack’s deep, smooth voice and how her stomach fluttered looking into those amused blue eyes. She’d always had a soft spot for a neat—but not too neat—beard.

 

“As I recall, Mack, you don’t live in Adelaide Creek, but here you are, celebrating the grand opening of the restored town hall with the rest of us. And on Valentine’s Day, too.”

 

 

“We do too live here.” Liam stood up a little straighter and lifted his chin a notch. “In a bunkhouse. Real cowboys lived there a long, long time ago.”

 

 

“That’s right, kiddo.” Mack spoke to Liam with a laugh in his voice before turning to Erin.

 

 

“I’ve heard all about that bunkhouse. Very cool, Liam,” Erin said. “My house is a big cabin. It’s pretty cool, too.”

 

A sly smile tugged at the corners of Liam’s mouth. “Is the baby going to your house? Do you have Valentine cookies there?”

 

Obviously not expecting that question, Mack laughed a little nervously. “Uh, I think we’ve had our share of cookies, Liam.”

 

 

Erin made a quick decision to keep Mack engaged and maybe surprise him a little. “As a matter of fact, the cookies I made are shaped like hearts. Why don’t you and your dad come over to my house and have a treat or two?

 

 

“Do you mean it?” Liam’s eyes widened. A deeper shade of blue than Mack’s, the boy’s eyes were every bit as distinctive.

 

Mack shifted his weight from one foot to the other. “I didn’t have any idea…I mean I wasn’t fishing for an invitation.”

 

“I know,” Erin said. “But I have a ton of cookies, and I’m taking the baby home.” She glanced at Liam. I share the house with Neptune. He’s a golden retriever and he likes kids.”

 

Liam lifted himself onto the balls of his feet. “Can we go, Dad? Can we?”

 

Mack looked at Liam and then at Erin. His curious frown made it clear she’d thrown him off kilter.

 

Erin flashed Mack a look intended as a friendly dare. Her quick invitation flustered him, and her devilish side enjoyed it, perhaps a little too much.

 

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AUTHOR Bio and Links:


 

Award winning author, Virginia McCullough writes romance for the Harlequin Heartwarming line, and FINDING HIS WYOMING SWEETHEART is Book 4 of her Adelaide Creek series. She also writes women’s fiction and nonfiction on a variety of topics. Virginia’s characters could be your family, friends, or neighbors, and all her stories offer hope, healing, and plenty of second chances. Drawn to water, she almost always sets her stories on a body of water, from oceans, lakes, rivers, and the winding Adelaide Creek. 

 

A ghostwriter, book doctor/editor, coach, and experienced workshop presenter, Virginia is a wanderer, but currently lives in Northeastern Wisconsin. When she’s not writing, she’s walking on trails near her home or in some faraway place. She reads, streams series, hangs out with other writers, and daydreams about her next adventure. 

 

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/virginia.mccullough.7

Readers’ Group: Our Book Buddies: https://www.facebook.com/groups/2699129450293155

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/virginiaauthor47

Newsletter: https://www.virginiamccullough.com

 

Book Buy Links:

Amazon:  https://www.amazon.com/Finding-His-Wyoming-Sweetheart-Uplifting/dp/1335051384/

Apple Books:  https://books.apple.com/ca/book/finding-his-wyoming-sweetheart/id6479752823

Kobo:  https://www.kobo.com/us/en/ebook/finding-his-wyoming-sweetheart

Nook:  https://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/finding-his-wyoming-sweetheart-virginia-mccullough/1145141293?ean=9780369751812

Google Play:  https://play.google.com/store/books/details/Virginia_McCullough_Finding_His_Wyoming_Sweetheart?id=JbH8EAAAQBAJ

 

 

 

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GIVEAWAY INFORMATION 

 

Virginia McCullough will be awarding a $25 Amazon/BN gift card to a randomly drawn winner.

Enter here:

 

http://www.rafflecopter.com/rafl/display/28e4345f5084


Follow the tour:

https://goddessfishpromotions.blogspot.com/2025/01/blurb-blitz-tour-finding-his-wyoming.html




Monday, January 27, 2025

Review of Ghosting Academy

  

 

GHOSTING ACADEMY


LS Delorme

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GENRE:  paranormal psychological thriller

 

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BLURB:

 

It’s been years since Amelie abandoned her home to become an elite agent of the Academy.

 

In its embrace she has found support and stability, but in return the Academy uses her gifts for destruction and control. For ten years, she has chosen to live only for the moment, neither questioning nor considering the motives of her employer. But when Amelie and her pod of fellow agents, “graduate” into becoming strategic operatives, they are spirited off to an isolated island. Here they uncover a labyrinth of deception and lies far more sinister than any they ever imagined, including Verite, a new virtual reality game, in which time has no meaning and your blood holds the keys to your soul.

 

In the Ghosting Academy, consciousness is currency, morality is shackles and there is no death.

 

~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Excerpt:

 

Widget picked up a needle and motioned to Amelie. She grimaced and shook her head.

            

“I hate these things. Vaccinations are the worst,” she muttered.

 

“No, death is the worst. This is just a little prick in your arm,” Majo said.

 

“So can I assume you have already signed up for Evermore then?” James asked with a smirk. 

 

“What’s Evermore?” Amelie asked.

 

“Do you never read the news?” James said.

 

“Not unless it’s pertinent to my job. Why?” 

 

“It’s been all over the news lately,” Majo replied. “There is a company that claims to be able to move your consciousness from your body and into a virtual world that they have created.”

 

“Created to your specifications,” James added, getting up as Widget nodded to him. 

 

“So they say that they can identify and isolate your actual soul, and move it?” Amelie turned to face James, who was stoically getting his vaccination.

 

“Oh, they don’t mention souls at all,” Majo said. “They only discuss consciousness.”

 

“And they know it works?” Amelie asked.

 

“The gamers who did the beta testing all came back singing its praises and wanting to go back in,” James replied. “Who knows, maybe the human race has finally found a way to cheat death.”

 

Review: 

 Ghosting Academy by L.S. Delorme offers readers an intriguing glimpse into a world where the lines between agency, morality, and reality blur dramatically. The story follows Amelie, a dedicated agent of the Academy who has spent a decade honing her gifts for the sake of her employer. Initially, the Academy provides her with a sense of belonging, support, and stability, yet this comes at a significant cost—her autonomy and ethical compass. As Amelie and her fellow agents transition into strategic operatives, they are thrust into an isolated environment filled with deception and darker truths than any of them had anticipated. Delorme's narrative is a compelling exploration of the consequences of blind allegiance to a powerful institution. 

 

Throughout the first ten years of her tenure at the Academy, Amelie exemplifies the idea of living in the moment, casting aside questions of morality and the motives behind her assignments. This mindset reflects a broader theme in the novel—the seductive allure of power and the ease with which it can corrupt. The transformation from an elite agent to a strategic operative serves not only as a pivotal plot point but also as a metaphor for the loss of innocence and the awakening to the complex realities of the world around her. The introduction of Verite, the sinister virtual reality game, serves as a crucial device within the narrative. It challenges the characters’ perceptions of time and consciousness, suggesting that one's very essence can be commodified. In this dystopian setting, consciousness becomes a form of currency, and the inherent value of human life is undermined. Delorme skillfully uses Verite to illustrate how technology can manipulate and control, raising questions about the ethical implications of such advancements. As Amelie navigates this labyrinth of deception, readers are compelled to ponder the extent to which society is willing to sacrifice its humanity for the sake of technological progress. However, the story is not without its issues. 

 

The awkward sexual dynamics that permeate the plot can detract from the central themes, leaving some readers feeling uneasy. These elements may feel like an unnecessary distraction from the otherwise gripping narrative. Additionally, while having read earlier books in the series can enhance the depth of understanding and character backgrounds, the story does stand on its own, making it accessible to new readers. In conclusion, *Ghosting Academy* is a thought-provoking exploration of power, morality, and the human experience within a haunting landscape. L.S. Delorme crafts a narrative that is both engaging and cautionary, reminding us of the potential perils that lie within unchecked authority and the allure of technological escapism. As Amelie confronts the realities of her world, readers are invited to reflect on their own lives and the choices they make in the face of societal pressures and the complex web of morality. Ultimately, Delorme's work serves as a powerful reminder that while the pursuit of knowledge and advancement is essential, it must never come at the expense of our humanity.

 

 

AUTHOR Bio and Links: 


 

Lexy is the author of the “Limerent” novel series. She has also been a travel writer and author of The Unofficial Guide to Disneyland Hong Kong and An Expat Mom’s unofficial Guide to Disneyland Paris. She is an ex rock musician, ex science grad, recovering attorney and now an expat writer. Her love of writing stems from an eclectic life. As a navy “brat,” she grew up in various states across the US until her father retired to North Carolina when she was a teenager. As an adult, she has continued this “tumbleweed” life, having since lived in 3 countries, 9 US states, and 21 cities around the world. But, through all this change, her love of writing has been the one constant. Writing the Limerent Series allows her to use her unusual past to help create new worlds. Lexy now lives in Paris with her husband and two very cool sons.

 

Website:  https://www.lsdelorme.com/

Twitter: http://www.twitter.com/lexyshawdelorme

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/lsdelormeauthor

TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@lexyshawdelorme

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/lexy-shaw-delorme-357830/

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

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/lexy.delorme

 

Free to read on Kindle Unlimited: https://www.amazon.com/Ghosting-Academy-Psychological-Thriller-Limerent-ebook/dp/B0DGF3C9M5

 

 

~~~~~~~~~~~~~

 

GIVEAWAY INFORMATION 

 

LS Delorme will be awarding a $20 Amazon/BN gift card to a randomly drawn winner.

 

Enter here:


http://www.rafflecopter.com/rafl/display/28e4345f5058


Follow the tour:


https://goddessfishpromotions.blogspot.com/2024/11/review-tour-ghosting-academy-by-ls.html




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