If This Makes U Uncomfortable, Then U Make Me Uncomfortable #RRBC

I can call a snake a snake. Can you?

Watch Nonnie Write!

“We can’t understand their lives until we walk a day in someone else’s shoes.  And, because the shade of our skin isn’t interchangeable, what we can do, is we can all stand (or kneel) together to affect positive change, not for one, but for all.  For this dream to become reality, we must change the way we look at each other, realize that the strongest thing that binds us is color…not the color of our skin, but the color of the blood that courses through each of our veins. And whether you like it or not, that color makes us equal and all the same.”

~ Nonnie Jules

Take a look:

 Who can believe that in 2016, we are still feeling the effects of racism?

What I can believe is this, if we can’t talk about it, we can’t change it.  And, until we start having those deep conversations about…

View original post 265 more words

Pull Up a Chair with Maretha Botha @MarethMBotha

Pull Up a Chair with Maretha Botha @MarethMBotha

I am pleased to feature author Maretha Botha as my Rave Reviews Book Club “Pay It Forward” club member for Friday!

<><><><><>

Pull Up a Chair and get to know Maretha Botha Librarian, Children’s author/illustrator and self-confessed bookworm, chocolate and black coffee addict, animal and bird lover, occasional gardener and hiker on the moors.

Maretha is a South African Italian, born in a small town called Montagu. She grew up in nearby Worcester in the Western Cape – a town reminiscent of living in Switzerland among the snow-capped mountains. Worcester had a small library. Young Maretha’s visits were limited to three times a week, because the librarian told her, “You spend too much time with your nose in a book and neglect your school work.” Nothing much has changed, because she’s still a confirmed bookworm who constantly strives to raise more bookworms who enjoy reading, not just as a pleasant past-time, but as an excellent tool to be used when grown-up. Before immigrating to the UK to settle in Lancashire, Maretha worked as an assistant librarian in a private school in Botswana, where one of her tasks was to encourage children to enjoy reading. That was a labour of love for this bookworm, providing valuable help in carving her own career as a children’s author/illustrator. It brought her face to face with the literary industry’s toughest critics – children and preteens. She saw that many students also enjoyed reading about birds and animals, their care, habitats and general well-being, especially when a few added catchy rhymes here and there made reading sessions interesting and alive. In 2012 her job was localised and as things often happen, this unforeseen occurrence led to a new chapter in her life. To remain motivated, she wrote down everything she could remember about her family’s pets – their little habits and characteristics. For example, the character of the working-dog hero in Fauna Park Tales is based on the different traits of every single dog her family ever owned. Researching habits, habitats and interesting titbits about martial eagles and eagle owls, as well as many smaller birds such as crimson-breasted shrikes and hoopoes, made it easier to illustrate them and tell a believable story. Her illustrations appear throughout Fauna Park Tales. Maretha Botha admits to being a chocoholic and unreformed coffee addict, a keen gardener and bird watcher, who likes to walk on the moors where the stiff breeze coming in from the sea, quickly clears her head, making way for more inspiration.

She may be contacted and followed via the following websites and social media sites:

http://marethabotha2013.com/

https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/8447177.Maretha_Botha

https://www.facebook.com/flameandhope.co.uk

https://twitter.com/MarethMBotha

The first three books of “Fauna Park Tales: An African Adventure” are available as eBooks and black/white illustrated paperbacks.

A 210 page, Gold Band DELUXE COLOUR ILLUSTRATED EDITION – “Tales from Fauna Park, An African Adventure: Flame and Hope” is available and will also be enjoyed by better readers (9-12) who still like seeing illustrations.

 

AMAZON

“Flame and Hope: An African Adventure” is the first book of the series called “Fauna Park Tales” based on “African Adventures of Flame, Family, Furry and Feathered Friends”, a GOLD MEDAL WINNER on Authonomy, supported by HarperCollins. The following is an excerpt from the HarperCollins Children’s Editor Review:

“A vivid and engaging world of animal characters . . . the use of cleverly animalised verbs is very creative – Dolly Cat’s ‘whispurr’. The exploration of interrelationships between animals is a very successful topic in the children’s literature genre, and you have created some great personalities – the stubborn goat ‘Plump-Grump’ and the conceited ‘His Handsomeness, King Rat’ being some of my favourites . . . “

Life takes strange turns for Flame, a puppy born in the African desert. Adopted by a free-range cattle farmer, the pup faces the challenge of proving himself to more than one of his new family. As Flame grows into a strong and brave dog, he finds friendship with many loyal furry and feathered friends who teach him to keep The Promise – protecting the helpless ones in Fauna Park, a secret sanctuary within the boundaries of the farm. One of his feathered friends is Hope, an elusive bird with strange pink eyelids who tells stories about a tall leader and his gang of villainous poachers, ups and downs of life in the bush and Flame’s ingenious plans to banish foes to the Llokodi Hills.

These stories are perfect to be read before bedtime to younger children. Preteens will enjoy escaping into an imaginary world where many bush creatures always have hope that everything ends well when the sun goes down.

 

AMAZON

“Friends: An African Adventure” is the second book of the series called “Fauna Park Tales” based on “African Adventures of Flame, Family, Furry and Feathered Friends”, a GOLD MEDAL WINNER on Authonomy, supported by HarperCollins.

Life takes strange turns for Flame, a puppy born in the African desert. Adopted by a free-range cattle farmer, the pup faces the challenge of proving himself to more than one of his new family.

As Flame grows into a strong and brave dog, he finds friendship with many loyal furry and feathered friends who teach him to keep The Promise – protecting the helpless ones in Fauna Park, a secret sanctuary within the boundaries of the farm. This ordinary desert dog becomes a hero when, to keep his promise, he saves a zebra foal from a fire.

These stories are perfect to be read before bedtime to younger children. Preteens will enjoy escaping into an imaginary world where many bush creatures always have hope that everything ends well when the sun goes down.

 

AMAZON

“The Orphans’ Plight: An African Adventure is the third book of the series called “Fauna Park Tales” based on the original African Adventures of Flame, Family, Furry and Feathered Friends, a GOLD MEDAL WINNER on Authonomy, supported by HarperCollins.

“Bad humans are disturbing the peace in Molodi valley, and two small orphans are in danger. One of them, Larita, speaks the bush creatures’ language – Faunalang – a rare and wonderful talent that they want to use. Alone in the desert, who will help them? Young and old will enjoy reading about the furry and feathered friends’ latest thrilling adventures, when Molodi’s bush creatures meet friends and foes in their quest to stick to The Promise to protect helpless ones in Fauna Park. Plump-Grump, the stubborn goat, and his harem do their bit, but what will happen at the farm while Flame and his friends are on a dangerous mission? His Handsomeness, King Rat returns, but is he a friend or foe?”

Fauna Park Tales (3 Book Series)

AMAZON

What a joy to support such a wonderful author as Maretha Botha.

CHALLENGE REVIEW BLITZ @amydawsauthor

CHALLENGE REVIEW BLITZ @amydawsauthor

Title: Challenge

Author: Amy Daws

Release Date: Sept 23, 2016

Add on Goodreads

He’s her patient. She’s his doctor. They shouldn’t. But God, do they want to. 

Camden Harris, the famously hot, hulk of a footballer is laid up in a London hospital. But his busted knee doesn’t stop him from running his well-practiced game on Indie Porter—his redheaded spitfire of a doctor. She’s not his type, not even close. But she could be the perfect distraction from the soul-crushing damage this injury could cost him.

Indie’s tired of her naivety putting a target on her back. As a gifted child, she’s let her education take the front seat her whole life. But a fling with a footballer like Camden might be just what she needs to grab life by the balls.

And he could be the perfect guy for the plan she’s been sitting on for over two years.

But when feelings make a final play, there’s no amount of medicine that can heal the damage to their hearts.

We arrive at my building and take the lift up to my fourth floor flat. As I’m unlocking the front door, she asks, “Are you a good dancer, Camden?”

This question is odd, even for her. “Why do you ask?”

She sighs and leans against the wall just as I open the door. “I envisioned you were tonight when I was dancing with some bloke.”

My jaw clenches. “I don’t need to hear about you dancing with other guys.”

She smirks. “But I was thinking about you so it shouldn’t count.”

“It counts.”

“I think I like this jealous side of you. I might have to use it to my—”

Her snarky comment is cut off by a satisfying yelp as I wrap my arms around her waist and throw her over my shoulder.

“What are you doing?” she squeals as I savour the feel of her bare legs in my hands.

I turn and walk her inside, kicking the door closed with my foot. “Do you think you’re smart, talking to me like that?” I ask, completely unable to hide the smile on my face.

Her hair tickles my back as she giggles. “I am quite smart, actually. I skipped three whole grades in primary school. Did you know that?”

“I didn’t know that. Tell me then, what did they do to punish clever girls with smart mouths in boarding school?”

“Oh, naughty, naughty things.” She giggles again and I have a momentary desire to put her down just so I can see her face when she does it.

“I might need a demonstration.” I walk down the hallway and straight to my room, forgoing the polite flat tour, the offering of drinks, and the inane small talk. Our arrangement is for sex and sex alone.

“I might be inclined to oblige.” Her voice is breathy when we reach the quiet darkness of my room. 

My book review is pending and shall be added this weekend. Thank you for understanding.

Amy Daws lives in South Dakota with her husband, and miracle daughter, Lorelei. The long-awaited birth of Lorelei is what inspired Amy’s first book, Chasing Hope, and her passion for writing. Amy is a lover of all things British and her award-nominated contemporary romance series, The London Lovers Series, is centered around Americans in London. It’s emotional and self-deprecating with lots of humor sprinkled in. 

On most nights, you can find Amy and her family dancing to Strawberry Shortcake’s theme song or stuffing themselves inside children’s-sized playhouses because there is nothing they wouldn’t do for their little miracle. 

   

 

Empire Excerpt Reveal @AuthorKCoopmans

Empire Excerpt Reveal @AuthorKCoopmans

“These people are ruthless, Calla. Are you sure you can handle it?” I told her as well as Alina and Anna the same thing I’m telling Roan. I’m extremely aware of how dangerous this situation is. I may not have had the displeasure of personally dealing with these wretched leaders who don’t play fair in our world; on the contrary, I will not tolerate any of them treating me any different because I have tits and a vagina. If it weren’t for women, they would be fucking each other over more than they do now. Welcome to the first episode of badassery and women power, you self-righteous dicks.

I’m a firm believer in women’s rights. I don’t care what men’s opinions are of us or what a woman is trying to accomplish. We are all equal. The only difference we have is, women use their brain the way we should, while most men use what hangs between their legs to do their bidding for them. And I can guarantee, these overbearing suckers have dicks that should be playing a role in Ripley’s Believe it or Not. Small dicks, small brains, and all that jazz.

I’ve been fighting round after round with Cain for weeks over this. The need to protect me I get. We have a daughter, is his argument. “Why do you feel the need to take on this role? You don’t have to, you know? One of us can.” It’s not that Cain wants this position. No. That’s not it at all. The man is scared of losing his wife. Of the things I will see, the things I may have to do. How I’ll react to being threatened. Will the same thing or worse happen to me like it did before? It’s not one bit funny, but the only way to shut that man up is to flash my tits and vagina in his face. Then fuck him until his cock—which isn’t small by any means—takes over his worried brain. Like I said, men. I love my man, though. These pissy, arrogant cock-suckers who will be calling a meeting at any time are the worthless pieces of shit. Except the Solokovs, who think in this century and treat everyone equally like we do, not like these fools who I’ve studied until my eyes were bleeding and could no longer make out their faces through my blurred vision. Most of them I haven’t met yet, and they already make me sick and make me want to hurl all over their expensive Armani suits. They could all learn a thing or two from a woman.

“Get to the point, Calla. You said we don’t have time to fuck around. Let me hear your theory.”

“You need to loosen up, Roan. You sound like Hitler, for god’s sake.” I salute him.

The tiny crack of a smile he had moments ago falls; in its place is the face of a man who’s suffered loss and hardship. This look on him is what I hate. I’ve been busting my ass to help him out here. Searching through tiny holes for any goddamn thing I could find.

What Cain and Roan don’t understand is the craving I have to protect them too. It’s my right. I may not have lived my entire life growing up in this environment of murder, drugs, stealing, and the latest, underground illegal fighting, but I’m no fool. I can play with fire, but I’m not allowing myself to get burned.

“I’m not afraid of those men, you know. I’m not afraid of you either. In fact, I just may be your biggest weapon. Remember that, Roan,” I seethe. Between him and Cain trying to scare the crap out of me, I’m ready to prove myself to them more than anyone else.

The sharp tongue, piss, and vinegar are all in my blood. Just like Roan, I will kill for my blood. I also know Roan. That man protects with his life, as do the rest of these men. He’s going to have someone on me at all times. Maybe even several men. What he fails to realize is, my dad will never allow anything to happen to me. He’s already volunteered to go where I go. People are scared to death of the unstoppable John Greer, and they should be. He’s killed and made more people disappear than I want to know about, but he’s my father, my protector, and even though I trust our friends and family, I trust him more. His eyes are everywhere, trained on point. I don’t want anything to happen to my dad. I do know he will refuse to let anyone take care of what’s his, especially after the hell I went through with Roan’s older brother, Royal; a man I didn’t know before he kidnapped me. Besides, both of them know my dad has trained me to shoot. I hope I remember how. I’m not invincible, none of us are. But I sure as hell will not lie down and let anyone trample all over me. Especially men who don’t respect me.

I’m sick and tired of this shit. Here we think everything is fine. Those people will stick with the rules. You stay in your territory, and I’ll stay in mine. Hell no, someone crossed over. Someone shot our loved one in cold blood.

 

 

 

Special Pre-Order Price of 99¢

Price increases to $2.99 on release day!

EMPIRE

by Kathy Coopmans

Releasing October 5, 2016

This is the final book in The Syndicate Series

Haven’t read this series yet?

Download The Wrath of Cain

for FREE here: http://bit.ly/2dfwxyp

Amazon US – http://amzn.to/2bxKYR0

Amazon UK- http://amzn.to/2bKBX4D

iBooks – http://apple.co/2akiRm1

Nook – http://bit.ly/2aFX47F

Kobo – http://bit.ly/2ao2kOe

 

We’ve loved.

We’ve lost.

We’ve hated.

Our Empire is crumbling right before my eyes. No one can be trusted for reasons that are consuming me, controlling me and ripping me away from my family.

This new family who has taken over the streets of New York has taken someone away from us. We will not let them take anymore. The only way to stop them is to sacrifice one of us.

But who? They want to end me and my cousin, Calla.

I will never allow that to happen.

This is our EMPIRE. Our LIFE.

What it boils down to is… her life or mine.

The answer is MINE!

I’m perceived as weak, all because I’m a woman.

A woman on a mission now that they’ve stolen someone I love.

They have threatened my family, my child, my love.

I may be a woman but, I’m the daughter of a notorious killer.

They want to end me and my cousin, Roan.

I will never allow that to happen.

This is our EMPIRE. Our LIFE.

What it boils down to is… his life or mine.

The answer is MINE!

I’m loved.

I’m lost.

I hate.

 

The Wrath of Cain

(book 1 in the Syndicate Series)

Amazon US: http://amzn.to/1LQp9pV

Amazon UK: http://amzn.to/1M2rREu

The Redemption of Roan

(book 2 in the Syndicate Series)

Amazon US: http://amzn.to/1SVUsPe

Amazon UK: http://amzn.to/1qCCESh

The Absolution of Aidan

(book 3 in the Syndicate Series)

Amazon US: http://amzn.to/1OE8yn5

Amazon UK: http://amzn.to/1RRM20g

The Deliverance of Dilan

(book 4 in the Syndicate Series)

Amazon US: http://amzn.to/1WcWcZu

Amazon UK: http://amzn.to/1rfMPgG

 

Kathy Coopmans

Amazon Best Selling Author Kathy Coopmans, lives in Michigan with her husband Tony where they have two grown sons.

After raising her children, she decided to publish her first book and retire from working as a hairstylist.

She now writes full time.

She’s a huge sports fan with her favorite being Football and Tennis.

She’s a giver and will do anything she can to help another person succeed!

Facebook | Twitter | Website |  Goodreads | Newsletter signup

 

 

Pull Up a Chair with Suzanne Burke @pursoot

Pull Up a Chair with Suzanne Burke @pursoot

I am pleased to feature author Suzanne Burke as my Rave Reviews Book Club “Pay It Forward” club member for Wednesday!

~~~~~

Welcome to the World of Suzanne Burke

It’s a writers world, a world that seeks to explore and entertain

 ~~~~~

These are the words that greeted me when I first reached Suzanne Burke’s website. I learned early on that “Soooz” is her preferred salutation! Let’s see what Soooz’s world consists of!

~~~~~

 

About Author S.Burke aka Stacey Danson.

Well let’s see now. Soooz (My preferred name) is a Sixty something female lucky enough to reside in beautiful Sydney Australia.

I have a passion for writing that always existed, but I didn’t begin to write seriously until my mid fifties. Simply because I didn’t have the confidence in myself to allow that anyone would be interested in what I have to say.

I’m delighted that I was proven wrong.

My non-fiction works, “Empty Chairs” Book 1 in (Standing Tall and Fighting Back) series went on to sell extremely well, and remained on the Amazon top 100 for Biography and Memoir for over a year.

Book 2 “Faint Echoes of Laughter” did equally well.

Sadly my publisher closed their doors less than 18 months after my books release, and it has taken me almost 4 years to have the courage to self publish my work…BUT…here I am.

I have added to my books.

I discovered a delight in writing dark Thrillers with heavy Psychological overtones. Not for the faint of heart. They are fast paced and quite brutal. I’m so pleased they have started to resonate with readers and the reviews thus far are all five star. Color me content.

Here is the link to all my works on Amazon. I look forward to hearing from you.

Suzanne Burke Author Page on Amazon

Website:  www.sooozburkeauthor.wordpress.com

Twitter:  @pursoot

Facebook:  www.facebook.com/StaceyandSuzie

~~~~~

Additionally, Soooz supports other authors and friends on her website.

Her Previous Posts:

• Welcome to Karen Ingalls; my featured author in the Rave Reviews Book Club ‘Pay it Forward’ for Wednesday. September 21, 2016
• Welcome and say, Hi, to Children’s book author; Maretha M Botha. A marvelous collection to add to your Christmas or any other list for the younger folks. September 19, 2016
• Acts Beyond Redemption, on Lisa Burton Radio September 19, 2016
• Book Review: “Shadow of The Drill.” by Rhani D’Chae. September 7, 2016
• BOOK REVIEW: “Invasion”by Authors Poppet and Mary E. Palmerin. September 4, 2016

~~~~~

What a joy to support such a wonderfully diverse author as S.Burke aka Stacey Danson, Suzanne Burke aka Soooz!

Pull Up a Chair with Julie Watson @bornformidwife @rrbc

Pull Up a Chair with Julie Watson @bornformidwife @rrbc

Pull Up a Chair with Julie Watson

Julie grew up in a small rural town in New Zealand.

She started work in the local maternity annexe on leaving school at the age of sixteen. She met Barry and was happily married until the unexpected death of her second baby at birth. This tragic event in her life led to depression, loneliness, and despair.

Life was full of challenges and it was during this time that Julie became a Christian. In her late thirties she did her training to become a nurse and a midwife fulfilling a life long dream. ‘Born for life’ tells her story and she hopes it will encourage others to follow their dreams even with life’s difficulties.

Julie has travelled extensively and has worked in several countries around the world, caring for women of different cultures and nationalities. Midwifery continues to be her passion and love.

If you would like to contact Julie her email address is cherryhintonlimited@gmail.com.   Her Twitter handle is @bornformidwife, and she can be found on Facebook at Julie Watson.

 

A nurse aide position in the local maternity annexe at the age of sixteen gave Julie a love for being with women during labour and birth and caring for mothers and their babies.

Life could not have been happier until the tragic death of her own baby in the first hour of life, led to depression, loneliness and despair.

This true story tells of Julie’s struggle to triumph over adversity and follows her journey to fulfill her dream and become the midwife she was born to be.

Available on AMAZON

 

 

 

Lemons, Lemons Everywhere!

See what Nya Rawlyns is currently up to! I love reading her blog and keeping up with life on her place!

We all need to get her books and get reviews on Amazon to combat the review snatching!

Love's Last Refuge

These last few weeks have been… difficult. Medical issues (the pneumonia which persisted for a loooong time), blood work, then follow-up visits to the doctor, and the big push for this ‘n that test, have a pill… No wait! have three, oh hell make it an even dozen.

Honest-to-pete, I’m not a damn petri dish where you can dump stuff to see what happens.

But there’s one thing I could get on board with because it’s been a recurring theme for years: under-performing thyroid. Every test I’ve had over the years has been “inconclusive” so it was all *wait and see*, but this time the doc agreed to a trial treatment. I’ve got a 12-week regimen to follow (one pill a week), then back for more blood work and a re-eval.

The other worrisome, and very strange thing, was a dangerously low level of Vit-D. Now, that was…

View original post 542 more words

A Melange of Musings

Zen and the Art of Tightrope Walking

A Melange of Musings

September is a funny month; even now, more than thirty years since I left school, I can’t help feeling that “back to school” vibe that makes me want to buy a new pencil case and stock up on stationery. I did indulge in a very luscious Peter Pauper journal for a project that reflects the images on the cover; can’t recommend this range more highly. It combines great beauty, practicality with superb value; my only problem is that it can take me a while to bring myself to actually write in one, for fear of spoiling it with bad writing.

Which brings me on to my first musing: bad versus good writing. I’ve had to restrain myself from reading the several thousands of posts that come out on this topic, because it gets frustrating and upsetting. The majority of such articles are written for (and…

View original post 1,435 more words

RRBC BOOK & BLOG BLOCK PARTY

I want to be that ONE!

Life As I Know It

Hello, bloggers!!

Welcome to the Alabama stop on the #RRBC BOOK & BLOG BLOCK PARTY!! I am thrilled to have you stop by!!!

My stop’s Giveaway Prizes include these 3 fabulous items: 

1)  1st Edition RRBC Anthology

2)  2nd Edition RRBC Anthology

3)  $10 Amazon Gift Card

Which do you hope to get your hands on??? All you have to do is comment below and that will get your name in the hat!!  ;)

---

Now, for the book info…

RAVE SOUP FOR THE WRITER’S SOUL

AUTHORS:  Myself, along with many incredible authors of Rave Reviews Book Club.

GENRE:  Poetry

BOOK BLURB:  RAVE SOUP FOR THE WRITER’S SOUL Anthology is a compilation of motivational, inspirational and humorous stories from some of the most talented writers of the RAVE REVIEWS BOOK CLUB. These stories and poems are meant to inspire you and lift you up at the exact moment you need…

View original post 83 more words

5 Things Every #Author Should Know, #RRBC Book & Blog #BlockParty!

Nonnie Jules always knows how to tell it just like it is! I hope you enjoy this post!

4WillsPublishing Author Services

Location:  WORLDWIDE

#of Giveaways:  3

(1) 3-Day Weekend Blog Tour

(1) 24-Hr Twitter Support for winner’s book or blog

(1) $5 Amazon Gift Card

***

Hi, and welcome to 4WillsPublishing Author Services where our strong wills keep you moving forward!  We offer top-notch service with our book trailers, blog tours, book covers and more!  So, do take a look around and if you want the best, then you want to become a 4WillsPub client!

I know that you have been visiting some really awesome blogs along this block party tour, with really interesting blog posts.  Some were short and sweet, others were lengthy and filled with details.  Mine, well, it will fall somewhere in the middle.

I thought I’d feed you a little Author Stew…a little of this, and a little of that, but all in the helpful tips department.  So, here goes…I’m going to ask you 5…

View original post 911 more words