Last chance to win prizes!

"If you’re ready to win one of several prizes, hang on to your hat because it’s then last day of our 2016 Spring Fling Giveaway! For the second year in a row we’re celebrating spring by giving away a slew of prizes that readers love! So get ready, set, go, and enter our 2016 Spring Fling Giveaway today and everyday through April 18-30. Meet new authors, find incredible book deals (many free and heavily discounted books by Amazon, NY Times, and USA Bestsellers) in the genres you love! What could you win? How about a Kindle Fire 6″ HD ($99), A Kindle Kid’s Bundle ($99), 1-Year of Amazon Prime ($99), Amazon gift cards ($50, $25, $25), or a Ghirardelli Chocolate gift basket. Yum!
What: Spring Fling Giveaway. 
When: Apr. 18-30, 2016
$440 in Prizes: 1 – Kindle Fire 6″ HD ($99), 1 – Kindle Kid’s Bundle ($99), 1 – 1-Year Amazon prime ($99), $50, $25, and $25 Amazon eCards, and a Ghirardelli Chocolate gift basket ($40). That’s $440 in prizes!

HINT: There is no purchase necessary to win or enter,  but you get BONUS points when you buy a book. So scroll through the book covers and check out the titles that appeal to you. You just might find a new favorite author! Best of all, a portion of your purchase(s) will support Pencils of Promise. Click on the book covers to connect your purchase to Pencils of Promise."

To enter the site click on the banner at the top or 

https://www.thekindlebookreview.net/2016-spring-fling-giveaway/ 

If you would like to purchase my book, BELOVED ENEMY, scroll down towards the bottom, my book cover is the first cover on the third line from the bottom.   And don't forget, if you buy one of the books on the site you'll not only be eligible to win a prize but you'll be helping 'Pencils Of Promise' and Global Education too.  

Monday's Ramblings - Space is amazing

Picture courtesy of EarthSky website

I 'm sure you know by now I write Science fiction romance,  Two reasons for this. ROMANCE -
I am an incurable romantic!

SCIENCE FICTION -
when I was young the word 'science' put me off reading Science Fiction - I'm sorry I loathe the term 'sci-fi' not sure why, it just sounds derogatory to me somehow. I know everyone uses it, it's just me! But I have no illusions about myself  - I know what I write can more accurately be termed 'Space Opera' rather than 'real' science fiction, and I'm fine with that. Strange isn't it, how some words can grate on us and others might rub someone else up the wrong way but sound fine to our own ears!

Anyway, I digress. I have always loved looking at the night sky, with its myriad stars.  Thinking that each star is a sun, whose light has taken countless light years to get to us - and imagining what it would be like to explore space, and visit strange new worlds. What I didn't realise at the time (I'm talking about when I very young!) was that this is actually the basis of much of popular science fiction, rather than the monsters and laboratory test tubes I had imagined. One of the first Science Fiction books I read was Ray Bradbury's  'The Martian Chronicles' and I was hooked, and I swiftly devoured books by  Arthur C Clarke, Isaac Asimov, Anne McCaffrey etc.  I knew I'd found my genre and wrote my first SF adventure 'Starquest' several years ago. It started off as a straight futuristic adventure  but rapidly changed to a romance, I find it possible to write anything without a love interest!

I subscribe to an online newsletter called EarthSky which as well as a wealth of information, also has the most beautiful photographs many of them from hubble. The one on the top of this page is The Bubble Nebula.  I think its absolutely stunning. Who knew there were bubbles in space! If you believe God created the Universe, He must surely have a great sense of humour - as well as a wonderous sense of beauty.

Don't Forget

 I'm taking part in the fantastic Spring Fling, with loads of prizes.

"If you’re ready to win one of several prizes, hang on to your hat because it’s time for our 2016 Spring Fling Giveaway! For the second year in a row we’re celebrating spring by giving away a slew of prizes that readers love! So get ready, set, go, and enter our 2016 Spring Fling Giveaway today and everyday through April 18-30. Meet new authors, find incredible book deals (many free and heavily discounted books by Amazon, NY Times, and USA Bestsellers) in the genres you love! What could you win? How about a Kindle Fire 6″ HD ($99), A Kindle Kid’s Bundle ($99), 1-Year of Amazon Prime ($99), Amazon gift cards ($50, $25, $25), or a Ghirardelli Chocolate gift basket. Yum!
What: Spring Fling Giveaway. 
When: Apr. 18-30, 2016
$440 in Prizes: 1 – Kindle Fire 6″ HD ($99), 1 – Kindle Kid’s Bundle ($99), 1 – 1-Year Amazon prime ($99), $50, $25, and $25 Amazon eCards, and a Ghirardelli Chocolate gift basket ($40). That’s $440 in prizes!

HINT: There is no purchase necessary to win or enter,  but you get BONUS points when you buy a book. So scroll through the book covers and check out the titles that appeal to you. You just might find a new favorite author! Best of all, a portion of your purchase(s) will support Pencils of Promise. Click on the book covers to connect your purchase to Pencils of Promise."

To enter the site click on the banner above or 

https://www.thekindlebookreview.net/2016-spring-fling-giveaway/ 

If you would like to purchase my book, BELOVED ENEMY, scroll down towards the bottom of that page, my book cover is the first cover on the third line from the bottom.   And don't forget, if you buy one of the books on the site you'll not only be eligible to win a prize but you'll be helping 'Pencils Of Promise' and Global Education too.  

Kings Ransom Review Spotlight, #Giveaway and Review

BOOK INFORMATION

TITLE – Young Knights of the Round Table: The King’s Ransom AUTHOR – Cheryl Carpinello GENRE – Middle Grade Arthurian Legend PUBLICATION DATE – 2016/2012 LENGTH (Pages/# Words) – 120 Pages PUBLISHER – Beyond Today Educator COVER ARTIST – Kaytalin Platt

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BOOK SYNOPSIS

Answer the hero's call to Adventure with the Young Knights of the Round Table on their Quest.

Three friends. Three quests. Three mysterious predictions.

In medieval Wales, eleven-year-old Prince Gavin, thirteen-year-old orphan Philip, and fifteen-year-old blacksmith's apprentice Bryan are brought together in friendship by one they call the Wild Man. When an advisor to the king is killed and a jewelled medallion is stolen from the king's treasury, the Wild Man is accused of the theft and murder. Filled with disbelief at the arrest of the Wild Man, the three friends embark upon a knight's quest to save their friend's life. To succeed, the three must confront their fears and insecurities, and one of them will have to disclose the biggest secret of all. Join Gavin, Philip, and Bryan on their quest and share the adventures that await them in the land of King Arthur and his Knights of the Round Table.

My Review

This is an excellent young adult adventure which I really enjoyed.The three main characters are very well drawn and it is easy to relate to them and their various personalities, and while they each come from different backgrounds, their bond of friendship is strong and enduring.  A tale of loyalty and courage, set in medieval Wales in the time of King Arthur, i was immediately drawn into the story. Being from Wales myself, and steeped in both Celtic and Arthurian legend I found nothing that drew me out of the story and it kept me turning the pages. There is a great  double twist at the end, involving two of the major characters, and I really didn't see it coming.  This is not only a wonderfully told adventure story for young people, but one that I can imagine would fire their imagination and create a lasting interest in reading and history.  I can thoroughly recommend 'Kings Ransome for boys and girls of all ages, as well as young at heart adults.

AMAZON KINDLE US – AMAZON KINDLE CA – KINDLE UK AMAZON PAPERBACK – BARNES & NOBLES PAPERBACK GOODREADS

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EXCERPT

Prince Gavin

Gavin’s gaze was drawn back to the castle’s battle-scarred walls and the heavily armed guards. The evil emanating from the structure surrounded and held him captive, like a lone deer surrounded by hungry wolves in the dead of winter, unable to move, its eyes glassy with fear, its limbs frozen by the hypnotic gleam of the wolves’ yellow eyes. Even knowing its life was ending, the deer wouldn’t break and run. So Gavin sat frozen in front of the castle. 

The enormity of his quest enveloped Gavin and he sighed. Continuing on meant he might save the Wild Man, but he might put himself in danger as well. King Edward was his father’s enemy and possibly responsible for Aldred’s murder. If Gavin were caught, Edward wouldn’t treat him kindly. The young prince summoned his courage and focused on the Wild Man. It had seemed so simple last night in the company of Bryan and Philip.

Philip

“I’ll be lucky if I ever get to the top. I need another lightning strike,” he muttered. He pushed himself upward. It took several more minutes and more backward progress before his wish for lightning was fulfilled. With the few seconds of illumination it provided, P

hilip spied a trail to the left leading to the top. He made his way over and was rewarded with firmer footing provided by the rocks imbedded in the dirt. He made it to the top in half the time it had taken him to get to the trail. 

At the peak, the relentless wind nearly toppled him. But Philip had too much at stake to be defeated. He hauled himself into the full brunt of the storm. Out to sea, the whitecaps rose and fell like his chest. His breathing, like the waves, was choppy and erratic. Philip stepped back from the cliff’s edge and looked around. A blast of white light flashed across the sky, revealing a small cave to the right. There was no sign of Dunham. For a moment, Philip gave into panic. Maybe the murderer had already been here, contacted the ship, and gone.

Bryan

He rode hard, not sparing his horse. It was in his hands now. His failure would mean the Wild Man would die along with his dream of becoming a knight. After crossing the Western Cleddan River twice and using the main roads, he avoided the mayhem left by the storm, and rode into the quiet village of Fishguard early that evening. The fishermen were likely already asleep. They would be up before dawn and the work of hauling in loaded nets was grueling. Only the tavern where he stopped to purchase cheese and bread showed any activity. On his way to Strumble Head, he ate and washed it down with the water he had packed. 

He reached the Head at around eleven o’clock as the night was at its darkest. Only a sliver of moonlight forced its way through the clouds. It provided minimal light, but it was enough. He tied the grey in a stand of scrub well away from the trail, grabbed his sword, and walked to the point of the Head. The beach was deserted. His gaze swept the sea. Nothing.

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AUTHOR BIO

I am a retired high school English teacher. A devourer of books growing up, my profession introduced me to writings and authors from times long past. Through my studies and teaching, I fell in love with the Ancient and Medieval Worlds. Now, I hope to inspire young readers and those young-at-heart to read more through my Quest Books set in these worlds.

Also please visit my other sites: Carpinello’s Writing Pages where I interview Childrens/Tween/MG/YA authors; and The Quest Books where I’ve teamed up with Fiona Ingram from South Africa and Wendy Leighton-Porter of Abu Dhabi to enable readers to find our Ancient and Medieval quest books in one place.

AUTHOR FOLLOW LINKS

AMAZON AUTHOR PAGE – BEYOND TODAY EDUCATOR – ADVENTURE QUEST BOOKS BLOG – FACEBOOK – TWITTER – GOOGLE+ – PINTEREST – GOODREADS LINKEDIN PAGE - FREADO

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GIVEAWAY PRIZES

$25 Amazon/Paypal Gift Card

CLICK TO ENTER THE AUTHORS GIVEAWAY

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This event has been organized by

Monday's Rambles - Spring Fling

Greetings from a wet and miserable UK! It's April and the weather has been very seasonal, yesterday was showery but in between it was beautiful and springlike, so I'm not complaining, no really, I'm not!  

 I'm taking part in the fantastic Spring Fling, with loads of prizes.

"If you’re ready to win one of several prizes, hang on to your hat because it’s time for our 2016 Spring Fling Giveaway! For the second year in a row we’re celebrating spring by giving away a slew of prizes that readers love! So get ready, set, go, and enter our 2016 Spring Fling Giveaway today and everyday through April 18-30. Meet new authors, find incredible book deals (many free and heavily discounted books by Amazon, NY Times, and USA Bestsellers) in the genres you love! What could you win? How about a Kindle Fire 6″ HD ($99), A Kindle Kid’s Bundle ($99), 1-Year of Amazon Prime ($99), Amazon gift cards ($50, $25, $25), or a Ghirardelli Chocolate gift basket. Yum!
What: Spring Fling Giveaway. 
When: Apr. 18-30, 2016
$440 in Prizes: 1 – Kindle Fire 6″ HD ($99), 1 – Kindle Kid’s Bundle ($99), 1 – 1-Year Amazon prime ($99), $50, $25, and $25 Amazon eCards, and a Ghirardelli Chocolate gift basket ($40). That’s $440 in prizes!

HINT: There is no purchase necessary to win or enter,  but you get BONUS points when you buy a book. So scroll through the book covers and check out the titles that appeal to you. You just might find a new favorite author! Best of all, a portion of your purchase(s) will support Pencils of Promise. Click on the book covers to connect your purchase to Pencils of Promise."

To enter the site click on the banner at the top or 

https://www.thekindlebookreview.net/2016-spring-fling-giveaway/ 

If you would like to purchase my book, BELOVED ENEMY, scroll down towards the bottom, my book cover is the first cover on the third line from the bottom.   And don't forget, if you buy one of the books on the site you'll not only be eligible to win a prize but you'll be helping 'Pencils Of Promise' and Global Education too.  

Spring crocuses and daffodils

Yours Truly

Yours Truly, 2095
by Brian Paone
~~~~~~~~~~~~~
GENRE: Time Travel Romance
~~~~~~~~~~~~~

BLURB:

Jeff Blue - the victim of a time-travel conspiracy - wakes up trapped in the

year 2095. The only familiar face is J0, a robotic copy of the wife he left behind in 1981. But can she be trusted? J0 could be the only key to unlock Jeff's journey home, but it will require her to do something against her programming , something human.

During Jeff's perilous journey through the future, he will have to discover the truth about J0's origins, and solve the mystery behind how he wound up in 2095, in order to uncover the reality of his own destiny.

Armed with a one-way ticket to the moon, Jeff must race against the clock to seize what might be his last chance to return home to his time. A time without hover cars, Justice Computers, or TeleSkins - a time over 100 years ago.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~
EXCERPT

The front door opened and two men walked outside onto the front walkway. One of them saw J0.

“May I help you, miss?” he called loudly.

I felt the need to speak up and answer for her. We were both technically trespassing at this point.
“I’m sorry, sir,” I said.

Both men jumped. They hadn’t seen me yet.

“I’m Jeff. My wife and I used to own this house. Are either of you Mr. Kaminski?”

The larger of the two men walked toward me. As he approached, lights from the windows illuminated his face. He was broad-shouldered with dark hair and a full mustache—someone who had decided age wasn’t going to beat him.

“It sure is good to see you again, Jeff,” Mr. Kaminski said.

I was relieved that he wasn’t going to call the cops. Or would he have called the Justice Computer?
“Nice to see you again too, sir.”

J0 stepped onto the concrete walkway that was outlined with plastic flowers and walked toward the front of the house.

“Jeff had a bad accident and just recently came out of a coma,” she explained. “He’s suffering from an amnesia of sorts.”

“That’s terrible. I’m sorry to hear that,” Mr. Kaminski said. He looked from J0 back to me.

“We thought it might help with his rehabilitation if he saw his old house. If we’re causing you any inconvenience, we understand if you would prefer us to leave,” J0 said.

“No, not at all! I’d be happy to do what I can. I have the guys over for some poker anyway. You’re welcome to come in.”

The other man took his first drag of the cigarette he had lit up as we passed through the front door.

“Kelly’s inside helping the girls with a school project. She’ll be so thrilled to see you again, Jeff.”
We followed Mr. Kaminski into the living room. I heard a group of men talking and laughing somewhere in another room.

“Kelly? Could you come down for a minute?” Then he looked at me and inquired, “You play?”

“Poker?” I asked.

“Sure. You want in on the next hand?”

“No, I have too many tells.” I winked.

There were eight men sitting around the kitchen table with cards held at chest level. I smiled as I heard them talk among themselves.

“Okay, guys. Guys! Let’s not talk about this kind of shit, okay? I’m just here to play cards and get drunk. Play another hand.”


~~~~~~~~~~~~~
AUTHOR Bio and Links:

Brian Paone was born and raised in the

Salem, Massachusetts area. An award winning author, his love of writing began through the medium of short stories at the young age of twelve. After almost 20 years of consistently writing short stories for only his friends and family to read, Brian's first full-length novel was published in 2007, and he has published two more since then. Brian is married to an Officer in the US Navy, and they have 3 children. Brian is a Police Officer for the St. Mary's GA Police Department and has been working in Law Enforcement since 2002. He is also a self-proclaimed roller coaster junkie, and his favorite color is burnt-orange.

www.BrianPaone.com
www.facebook.com/BrianPaonesNovels
@PaoneBrian

Links to buy:
www.BrianPaone.com/yours-truly-2095  (personal)
http://www.amazon.com/Yours-Truly-2095-Brian-Paone-ebook/dp/B00YFLORGS/ref=asap_bc?ie=UTF8 (Amazon)
http://www.audible.com/pd/Sci-Fi-Fantasy/Yours-Truly-2095-Audiobook/B00ZJJHYVA/ref=a_search_c4_1_1_srTtl?qid=1453389160&sr=1-1 (audible)

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

FOLLOW THE TOUR HERE





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Tuesday's Ramblings. TRS Party Invitation

Yes, I know I usually ramble on a Monday, but  I thought I'd leave it until today
as I'm taking part in the TRS 'Stay At Home Party, commencing today.

http://trsparties.com/

Please pop in and say hello if you get a moment.  Apart from a 'galaxy pendant' and $6 Wild Rose Press I'm offering as a 'giveaway' there are lots of other prizes from the various authors taking part, as well as the chance to win a 

$100 Amazon Gift Card!