It's the FINAL countdown!

do do dooo... do do do do! (singing)

IT'S THE FINAL COUTDOWN.... to the big switch!  Don't forget that as of August 2nd, 2012... I will no longer be posting anything on Novel d'Tales.  All posts will now be on Hily's Beehive!  Check it out -->  HilyBeeHive.blogspot.com  

Share, Tweet and Facebook the new page (check the Contact Me tab for links)!  Don't forget to follow me on Twitter and Facebook as well.  I still post there!

Hily's Beehive - the home of HilyBee, the mini-Bees (Ella, Zach and Jason), Yosuke (the dachshund!), books, food, animals and more.  We have a blast over there already.  Join in the fun! :D  Happy relaunch day!

Cher'ley Grogg: The Secret in Grandma's Trunk

I’m so glad to have this opportunity to share a little about myself and my children’s novel “The Secret in Grandma’s Trunk”, which is free to download from Amazon for a limited time.   The inspiration for the book came from my grandsons. I have three grandsons and a granddaughter. My granddaughter loves to read, but the boys do not, so I decided to write a book they would love to read. I knew it’d have to have strong kids in it, strong physically and head strong too.  The characters would all have to be realistic with problems and scuffles among themselves, it would have to be fast paced and full of adventure.  Plus my grandsons like sports and girls so I needed to put that in there as well. I couldn’t leave my granddaughter without someone to relate to so I gave the brothers in the story a female cousin who could keep up with them in most things and top them in other things. In addition to the children, there are some strong, funny and interesting adult characters. This book appeals to people of all ages.

The main character in “The Secret in Grandma’s Trunk”, Brandon is not quiet. He’s very outgoing and loud. He’s a leader and his outgoing boisterous personality works well for him, but not listening also gets him into a lot of trouble. Jordan his cousin is a female version of Brandon, but Jacob his brother is the opposite. He’s a quiet listener, a thinker. The 13 year olds get in a passel of trouble because of not listening, and Jacob quietly follows them.

Here’s the Blurb: A teen's life disrupts when his Great-Grandmother, a stranger comes to live with him and his family. She upsets his life so much that he stoops pretty low to get rid of her, including trying to find a way to get into the oversized trunk she has stored in his garage. Spunky Grandma keeps the key in a special place.

The kids expect treasure, but discover a terrible secret instead, which puts Grandma in danger’s way. Will she turn to her grandchildren for help or to a young ghost?

This is an excerpt from Chapter Fourteen:

Jacob looked astounded. "How in the world did you pull that off?"    

            "A girl has to have stuff." She grinned. "You know girl's stuff."      

              "No, we don't know, and we don't want to know. The important thing is you got the card." Brandon reached for the credit card.  

              "I want to know," Jacob said.    

              "Believe me, you don't want to know," Jordan laughed as she handed the card to Brandon.     

              "Hurry up. I need to get Dad's card back to him before Mom's out of the shower."

In the next chapter the kids went to play soccer. Grandma went with them. Here’s an excerpt from Chapter 15:

    Lilly turned to Grandma. "It doesn't matter what she thinks, she's not on our team. I don't know why the coach favors Jordan. Maybe he feels sorry for her. She's so big and clunky."        

              Grandma's eyes flashed, and her little fist doubled up.  Brandon hoped she wouldn't spit. He put his hand on Grandma's shoulder. "Let's go."                          

"I'll go, but I want her to know that Jordan sure is big.   She has a big heart, and a big personality, and she's twice the lady that girl is. She would never put someone else down to try to make herself look better."    

  "I don't need to put her down to make myself look better. I always look good."    

  Grandma turned her head and spit.

“The Secret in Grandma’s Trunk” is currently free on Amazon!

Download for Free on Amazon-limited time!!

Cher'ley's Books are all available on Amazon or at your local bookstore.

Stamp Out Murder

The Secret in Grandma's Trunk

Join Cher'ley on her Facebook Fanpage, managed by one of my most faithful fans: Cindy Ferrell.  Don't forget to check out her website as well!  Happy Reading!

Review Day: Fire (The Hand of Kali Series Book 1)

It's Review Day!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Title: Fire (The Hand of Kali Series Book 1)

Author: Tee Ayer

My Rating: 5 stars!

Book Blurb:

Normal people sneak out to a party and have fun. Maya Rao ends the evening by incinerating the guy who attacks her.

Nik Lucas, sexy, new in town and totally forbidden, happens to walk in on her. Normal guys would run for the hills. Nik knows a whole lot more than he's telling.

Maya doesn't believe the gods are real, doesn't waste her time with mere mythology. But when gods, demons and hellhound's become the new normal and wielding fire becomes her new skill, she must decide what it is she really believes.

Can Maya accept that normal is something she will never be because it isn't normal to be
...the Hand of Kali.

My Review:

Another absolutely stunning novel by Tee Ayer!  Maya Rao is a reincarnated Goddess who is must use her fire skills to battle the very demons that are trying to kill her.  She can barely keep herself alive, let alone have a normal teen life.  A new mythological/paranormal, YA series I am in-love with!  This series reminds me so much of the Soul Screams series by Rachel Vincent (one of my all time fav paranormal, YA series).  With the mix of teen life, mythology, and the fight to survive, this series has something for everyone - even you guys!  I absolutely LOVE it!

Maya and Nik are perfect main characters.  Maya has the perfect amount of sass, strength and teen issues for the plot.  Nik is exactly what Maya needs, a non-Indian male that wants to protect her and be with her at all times.  I can not wait to read more of this series!  I will be counting down the days until the remaining books come out.  Definitely adding this to my fav series list!

Excerpt:

Fear spun Maya around on stricken feet. To defend her back perhaps. She just felt less vulnerable facing her attacker, where she could see his next move. He barreled straight at her. And for all her training in martial arts, she did the one thing her dad always said never to do. She ducked her head and hid her face with her hands. Hands out, as if she could fend off this vicious attacker merely with the soft skin of her palms.

Maya felt the heat before she saw it.

Byron was on fire. A living column of shimmering orange flames. She couldn't breathe. Was afraid to breathe. How did that happen? She glanced around the bathroom as panic filled her veins, her fear taking on a whole new level of hysteria. She had to put the fire out.

She turned to the faucet to fill her hands with water. And froze. In the mirror she saw the burning reflection of Byron disappear. Byron was there one moment and gone the next. Only a few burnt shards of fabric left to say he was ever there. But she remembered the last thing she'd seen before Byron became nothing: brilliant blue eyes turning a frighteningly blood-red.

And Nik, holding the doorknob, staring at the empty space on the floor behind her. 

(end of excerpt)

Pick up a copy of Fire (The Hand of Kali Series Book 1) on Amazon! I also highly recommend all of Tee Ayer's other novels as well.  She is just an incredible author all around!  Happy Review Day!

Updates: From Novel d'Tales to Beehive

Hey guys! Quick update on how things are going.  If you haven't read it yet... Novel d'Tales will soon be shutting down.  Instead, we will be switching over to Hily's Beehive.  My fun new blog that will incoporate a little bit of everything - everything from Novel d'Tales, food, my pets, reviews, and the all new MiniBees!  Read the full details here.

The big switch will *officially* happen on August 2nd.

If you haven't been over to the Beehive yet... head over there now!  It has been up and running for two weeks.  I have been writing posts for the site that do not get up on this one.  Definitely check it out and tell me what you think.  There's a whole new look, MiniBees and so much more.  Grab the new button for your blog or just to share. :)  I hope you like it as much as I do!  Happy Update Day!

Review Day: In Stone

It's Review Day!!!!

Title: In Stone

Author: Louise D. Gornall

My Rating: 4 stars

Book Blurb:

Beau Bailey is suffering from a post-break-up meltdown when she happens across a knife in her local park and takes it home. Less than a week later, the new boy in school has her trapped in an alley; he’s sprouted horns and is going to kill Beau unless she hands over the knife. Until Eighteenth-century gargoyle, Jack, shows up to save her.

Jack has woken from a century-long slumber to tell Beau that she’s unwittingly been drafted into a power struggle between two immortal races: Demons and Gargoyles. The knife is the only one in existence capable of killing immortals and they’ll tear the world apart to get it back. To draw the warring immortals away from her home, Beau goes with Jack in search of the mind-bending realm known as the Underworld, a place where they’ll hopefully be able to destroy the knife and prevent all hell from breaking loose. That is, provided they can outrun the demons chasing them.

My Review:

A fascinating YA novel about Gargoyles, Demons, the Underworld, Purgatory, high school and more.  I was hooked from the first page and loved reading this one.  With under 200 pages, this is a great summer/beach book - just long enough to get a great story but not super long.  I loved Beau - a strong, independent, courageous, female character that many young women would be inspired by.  She was very intelligent and quick thinking, yet she was also down-to-Earth.  I also liked Jack - the "main" Gargoyle that helped Beau throughout the story.  He was a perfect fit for miss Beau.

After a while, I was able to predict what was going to happen.  I'm not sure if this is because I read a ton from the YA/paranormal/romance type of genre or if it was apparent to everyone else.  I also felt like the ending was just okay.  I liked it for the most part, but was really hoping for a few more answers to my questions as well.  Overall, this novel was very good!  I definitely recommend it to those readers (age 13+) who like the paranormal, light romance, YA series.  I hope there is a sequel!

Pick up a copy of In Stone on Amazon!  Happy Review Day!!

Wordless Wednesday: Cuteness Overload

Yosuke

Happy Wednesday!

Release Party: Take Me Now

** This book is intended for adult readers only.**

Title: Take Me Now (Take Me Now, #1)
Author: Faith Sullivan
Expected release date: July 16, 2013
Genre: Contemporary Romance
Age Group: New Adult
Ebook available at: Kindle | Nook ($2.99) 

Book Blurb:

How do you survive the internship from hell?

Don't fall in love.

Ivy thought being a reporter-in-training at the Independent Gazette would be her dream summer job. Little did she know, interviewing Eric, a landscaper with a heart of gold, would derail her plans. It turns out Ivy's boss, Lauren, has been eying his chiseled physique for quite some time.

But at twenty-four, Eric already has a tragic past, one that he is still reeling from. Even though his ordeal turned him into some sort of local celebrity, it's been a while since he's shared his bed with anyone. When he comes to Ivy's rescue out of the blue, it's not long before the two of them start seeing each other behind Lauren's back. When they get caught, Ivy's journey toward a college degree is jeopardized and her relationship with Eric is severely put to the test.

Career versus love? In the end, a shocking turn of events provides Ivy with a revelation she never saw coming.

Excerpt:

If only I were open to the possibility of romance, but I’m not. There’s no way I can be. There are circumstances that can’t be wished away or ignored. My heart’s not ready—not yet. And while this absolutely gorgeous girl has wandered into my life, I’m not going to act on it. It’s too soon.

I stride into my shop, gently placing her on the counter. Her feet are bleeding and she looks like she could use a drink of water. She’s covered in dust from the road but she looks adorable sitting there. I don’t know what it’s like to be in a scenario like this with a girl. I’m used to things being straightforward and laid out before me. This looks like something I could get easily lost in if I’m not careful.

We still haven’t said a word to each other, and I hate to break the silence but it can’t be avoided. “Rest here a minute. I’ll be right back.”

Her hand lingers on my upper arm, her thumb massaging by bicep. I exhale heavily, trying desperately to clear my head. Her touch is stirring things inside me I haven’t experienced in quite some time. Emotions I never thought I’d feel again. “Thank you,” she whispers, her eyes never leaving mine.

“No problem,” I try to say as casually as possible. She’s looking at me like I’m her knight in shining armor and I don’t want her to get the wrong idea. I can’t go down that road again. I just can’t. My soul still isn’t fully healed from the last time. I can’t trust myself in these kinds of situations. I need to back away as gracefully as I can.

Other New Adult contemporary romances by Faith Sullivan! 

Click covers to purchase.

    


Author Links: Blog | Amazon | Twitter | Goodreads

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Happy Release Day!! 

Review Day: Hello Hot Lunch, Hello Cool Lunch!

It's Review Day!!!!!!!!!!!!

Title: Hello Hot Lunch, Hello Cool Lunch

Author: Lisa LeConte

Rating: 3 stars

Book Blurb:

Hello Hot Lunch, Hello Cool Lunch is now serving 2 books in one. One side is full of fun and über cute hot lunch ideas, tips, and recipes. The flip side serves up fun cold lunch ideas with more tips and recipes. Your family and friends will crown you Royal Lady of Lunches after enjoying your new-found creative foodie genius!

My Review:

A fun, creative way to make lunch - especially for the picky eaters out there!  This is a great little book for babysitters, parents and beginning food artists.  Anyone, yes I mean even the worst of cooks, will be able to use this handy little book to make something cute and appetizing at the same time.  The book is choked full of pictures of the recipes, stencils, ideas and lists to help get the most out of it.  These recipes are great for parties or treats for your kids on special occasions.

The only down side - the recipes are bland.  They are definitely meant for children or people who don't like sauces, spices, strong seasoning, etc.  I was going to make several of the recipes myself, until I read them.  Many of the recipes call for a vegetable, cheese or fruit, some type of noodle for hot, bread or salad for cold and maybe a meat (hot dogs, lunch meat...).  These aren't exactly the types of meals that sound that great to me.  The recipes are very simple, easy and quick - very handy when taking care of children.  Keep in mind, you may want to use the recipes as more of a snack or side than a full lunch.  They are not very well rounded and may not fill you up depending on how much you eat.  Also, plan on spending a bit of time "sculpting" the dish if you want it to be cute.

Pick up a copy of Hello Hot Lunch, Hello Cool Lunch on Amazon!  Happy Review Day!

Trilogy Alert!

Your favorite preacher and serial killer is back! Charlie is still trying to recover from his first encounter with a member of The Three. He has a new job and a potential girlfriend, but before he can get too comfortable, an even darker, more powerful member of The Three has come for him. If they have their way, Charlie will suffer for interfering with their plans. As if that isn’t enough, the FBI is investigating him and a drug cartel has mistaken him for a rival. Despite the odds, Charlie will stay in the fight for his sake, and the rest of humanity.

Pick up your copy on Amazon!  Happy Release Day!

Review Day: Ghostly Summons

It's Review Day!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Title: Ghostly Summons

Author: John A. Karr

My Rating: 3 stars

Book Blurb:

Lars Kelsen doesn’t believe in psychic phenomenon. To him, visions of murder victims are a form of mental illness. Once they begin, options are limited; he can try to ignore them or deal with them by exposing a killer. Only the latter provides any semblance of peace. Temporarily, anyway. Five years into his new life as a programmer, Kelsen—ex-crime beat reporter with a penance he can never fully satisfy—sees a victim.

In person. Upright. Staring.

Typical of such past "Visits" as he calls them, he doesn’t welcome this one. The nude form of a beautiful millionairess in his cubicle means murder has come to the vacation haven known as North Carolina’s Outer Banks. It means he’ll have to go places he'd rather avoid. See things he'll wish he hadn’t. Do things that don't come naturally, like in-your-face confrontation and bending the law. Actually, breaking the law ... but with good intent. It also means dealing with one very attractive county coroner, who pushes his buttons in a not entirely unwelcome way.

So begins Kelsen's return to investigative reporting—complete with attempts on his life, fights, deception, and all the technological tricks, such as GPS and computer hacking, at his disposal. And maybe even finding a new love interest.

My Review:

Such an intriguing story line!  The characters were entertaining, especially Lars.  I liked getting to know his background in writing, why his visions where occurring and what he planned to do/not do about it.  I was looking forward to a paranormal/psychological thriller type of novel, and got a bit of that plus a little bit of romance thrown in (bonus!).

I enjoyed the story overall, but felt like it was a bit forced.  There were several parts that were over explained and didn't need to be.  The book was over 500 pages, and could easily have been cut down to 300 pages.  The chapters were also very very long.   If the book sounds good to you, download the first chapter for free first.

About the Author, John A Karr:

John A. Karr believes fiction writing each day helps keep the demons at bay. Ghostly Summons is hisfirst full-length novel for Dark Continents Publishing. DCP has also published his Weird West novella, Ujahwek. He is the author of a handful of other novels: Death Clause, Hippocrates Shattered (scheduled for reprint by World Castle Publications as Shattered), Rhone, and Van Gogh, Encore. His short stories have appeared on webzines Allegory, The Absent Willow Review, and Danse Macabre. More works are in progress and in the marketing queue.

Karr is an ardent believer in the quote by Carl Van Doren (1885-1950), U.S. man of letters: Yes, it's hard to write, but it's harder not to.

Ghostly Summons can be purchased on Kindle, Kobo and Nook.  Happy Reading!

In Stone Blog Tour + Giveaway!

WELCOME to the In Stone blog tour!  Today I have quite a treat for you... Beau Bailey, the main character from In Stone, is here to introduce herself and a bit about the book.  Check it out!

Beau Bailey is an interesting and strong name - Does it mean anything?

Beau - It doesn't. At least as far as I know. It might...If it does I would undoubtedly be the last to know.

When you're not chasing down Gargoyles and Demons, what are you doing in your spare time?

Beau - Drawing or listening to music. Sometimes I read comics or man reception at the funeral parlor. My best friend, Leah, likes to hang out at this place called The Rock 'n' Rave. She's into this band, Buckets of Blood, they play there sometimes. Their music is sweet, but the Rock 'n' Rave smells like sour cheese and swamp water. I try to avoid it if I can. I guess these days, I spend way too much of my spare time trying not to think about kissing Jack.

If you could have any pet, real or mystical, what kind would it be and why?

Beau - I have a cat, Fish. She threw up on my bed last night. I'd trade her in for an Ewok. Nah! I wouldn't. Fish is the bomb.

What's it like dealing with an 18th century Gargoyle in the 21st century?
Beau - Terrifying. Everything he knows he's learnt from a manual. Last week he showed up at my house in a car, which, you know, looked like a fricking Transformer, and get this, there's an idiots guide to driving thrown on the front seat. Seriously? Just buy a bike.

What is your favorite food of all time?
Beau - Anything that my mom hasn't cooked. I know that sounds mean, but she'll tell you herself that she can't cook. We once spent an entire Sunday trying to scrape exploded egg off the ceiling. Just chew around the burnt bits is a philosophy at Chez Bailey.

What went through your mind when you found the knife?
Beau - The dying guy that gave it to me, Nicholas, freaked me out massively. The only thing I was really thinking was run. I wanted to drop it, but I couldn't. It was the strangest thing. Like my fingers were magnets and the knife was made of metal...I couldn't let it go.

Thank you Beau for being here and letting us get to know you!  Now, on to some more stuff about the book and the girl behind it!

About the Author, Louise D. Gornall:

Louise is a graduate of Garstang Community Academy. She is currently studying for a BA (Hons) in English language and literature with special emphasis on creative writing. YA aficionado. Brit bird. Film nerd. Identical twin. Junk food enthusiast. Rumored pink Power Ranger. Zombie apocalypse 2012 survivor. She is also an avid collector of book boyfriends.

Book Blurb:

Beau Bailey is suffering from a post-break-up meltdown when she happens across a knife in her local park and takes it home. Less than a week later, the new boy in school has her trapped in an alley; he’s sprouted horns and is going to kill Beau unless she hands over the knife.

Until Eighteenth-century gargoyle, Jack, shows up to save her.

Jack has woken from a century-long slumber to tell Beau that she’s unwittingly been drafted into a power struggle between two immortal races: Demons and Gargoyles. The knife is the only one in existence capable of killing immortals and they’ll tear the world apart to get it back. To draw the warring immortals away from her home, Beau goes with Jack in search of the mind-bending realm known as the Underworld, a place where they’ll hopefully be able to destroy the knife and prevent all hell from breaking loose. That is, provided they can outrun the demons chasing them.

Louise runs the popular book website called Bookish Blurb.  She also can be found on Twitter and Facebook.  Enter the giveaway below!  Keep in mind the giveaway is only open to residents in the US, UK, Australia and Canada.  Happy Reading!

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