Blooming with Books: Virtual Tour and Interview

Showing posts with label Virtual Tour and Interview. Show all posts

10.15.2015

Interview with Author John Otte

Today we welcome John Otte who has taken time out of his busy (and rather chaotic schedule) for a short interview. And in case you hadn't heard, he has a book releasing tomorrow (which is why he's been one of the trending topics on my Facebook Page). But before The Hive is set free tomorrow get a glimpse into the man behind it.

1) This series now has two books Numb and The Hive which cover do you like best and why?

I have a favorite but I'd like to know if you as the author do.

Wow, that’s a good question. I like both of them for different reasons.

The cover for Numb was part of a contest on 99designs. My publisher at the time, Jeff Gerke, wanted to try that out and see what we would get from it. And we had an interesting range of entries. Some were good, a lot...well, weren’t. A few even were violations of copyrighted material. But when that cover popped up in the contest, I just about fell out of my chair. I loved it the moment I saw it. Thing was, we were going to open the design contest to the public and ask them to pick the best one. So I made sure to vote for it, and then asked as many of my friends as I could to vote for it as well.

The cover for The Hive, though, was the brainchild of Steve Laube. After I pitched the book to him, he got really excited and told me that he just saw the cover pop up in his mind’s eye. His excitement was contagious. And again, when this cover showed up in my e-mail box with the question, “What do you think?” I about fell out of my chair again.

So I like both of them pretty much equally, but if I have to pick a favorite, I’d go with The Hive. It’s attention getting, that’s for sure.

2) When you're in the process of bringing your story to life do you have a song that goes through your head? If so does this set the mood for the story? Or is it like a theme song for your character?

Not really, no. I do listen to music when I write, but I tend to stick to generic music without lyrics. It helps me focus on just writing without getting distracted by whatever the singer is trying to say.

3) How many books do you see this series going? I realize the prevailing trend is three, but I like series that continue past that point.

I’m not sure. Right now, I have an idea for a trilogy of stories that would be set in this same universe and would pick up after The Hive left off. I’ve been working on the first book and I’m in the middle of my first round of revisions. No contract for it yet, but there you go. If I get those three published, then I don’t know. It really depends on what my brain gins up.

4) Do you see yourself in any of the characters you've brought to life?

A lot of them, actually. I see a lot of myself in Failstate, my teenage superhero. And I see glimmers of myself in both Crusader and Scorn.

5) Would you spend time with any of these characters outside of the story-verse you've created for them? And if so when and where?

From The Hive, the one “person” I’d want to hang out with would be Hopkins, Scorn’s apartment’s AI. I just really love the way he turned out, especially his sense of humor. Plus, having a virtual assistant like him would be really cool.

6) With the new Star Wars movie fast approaching who is your favorite character in Star Wars? (This can be either from the films or the books)

Oh, that’s easy. Corran Horn from Michael Stackpole’s Rogue Squadron series. I love Corran, especially after he became a Jedi. It was such a different take on what it was like to be a part of the order, and I really appreciated the way Stackpole put him together.

Once again, John, thank you for taking the time to take time from your busy schedule to answer a few questions and sharing with my readers.

If you haven't checked out my review of The Hive

you can do so by clicking here

10.02.2015

Luther and Katharina ~ Review and Author Interview

Luther and Katharina
A Novel of Love and Rebellion
By Jody Hedlund

Katharina von Bora was of the noble class given to the church at a young age. But she dreamed of a life outside Abbey after reading the words of Martin Luther. But escaping from the cloister was only the beginning. Her life as a nun had not prepared her for what laid beyond the world she knew.

Martin Luther wanted change - a return to the Scriptures. But the reform he sought was being used as a means of seeding rebellion and revolution across Germany. But rebellion against the nobility could end the princes's protection of the Reformation.

Plagued by doubts Luther suffered as outside pressures and expectations closed in around him. Determined to stay apart from the world and its temptations, Luther never planned to marry. But our plans are not necessarily God's plans.

Katharina was not a woman whom one would expect to lower herself to wed a man of a lower class And yet she had nothing to tempt a man of nobility - no dowry, a name without a title, and a quickly passing youth.

Many are familiar with Martin Luther and the Reformation which he helped flame into being, but the woman he married is not as well known to the general population. This is their story - Martin Luther had already flamed the flames of reform across Germany when his words reached Katharina in the cloister in which she had spent 19 years. His words gave her the courage needed to leave behind all that she knew. She in turn would help him conquer the doubts and fears which lead to bouts of depression.

Two more unlikely people would never be expected to make a marriage and yet they were who the other needed - each a strength to the other's weaknesses. Katharina was the woman who was meant to marry the man who was viewed as the reformation and he was the man meant to marry a woman who escaped the life of a nun.

This is a story of sacrifice and change. A story of love unexpected. A story of new beginnings.

Some aspects of the traditions and expectations of this time are rather shocking and perhaps a tad disturbing. It is interesting to see the differences with how they lived compared to how we live today. Perhaps we would have a greater appreciation of what we now enjoy if we could experience even a day or two of their lives.

As we approach the 500th anniversary of Martin Luther's reform efforts it is amazing to see how far we have come and yet many are still searching for the way to win God's favor.

Discover the woman who reformed the reformer by marrying him and taking his name as her own.

I was provided an advanced reader copy of this book in exchange for my honest review.

Author Interview:

1. Your latest book, Luther and Katharina, details the true romance between Katharina von Bora and Martin Luther. What led you to this remarkable story?

As I homeschooled my children and gave them history lessons, I began learning a lot about some of the great heroes of the faith. I was particularly fascinated by the wives of these great heroes, especially those who were long forgotten by our modern world, women who had stood by their husband’s sides during dangerous times and had helped shape those men into the heroes they became. I wanted to bring these women to life for our modern generation. I wanted to tell their stories.

Katharina von Bora is one of those women who has been largely ignored by today's culture, but she's a strong woman whose story deserves to be told every much as her husband's. I'm excited about sharing her story, about her daring and dangerous escape from a convent, how she met Luther, and how the two of them overcame many obstacles to eventually fall in love and form a strong marriage.

2. Katharina von Bora is a name that most people would never connect with Martin Luther. Why do you think it’s important that we uncover and shine a light on some of the forgotten female figures who helped shape the Church?

My goal is to give a voice to the forgotten women of the past. Since most of history has been written by men, unfortunately all too often the accounts neglect to include or minimizes the many women who played critically important roles in the shaping of history.

As a mother of five children and a wife to a husband in Christian ministry, I've had a firsthand learning experience of the incredible work load and responsibility that comes with raising a family, being a wife, managing a home, as well as helping do all of the things necessary to provide emotionally, physically, and financially for our family. As I go about this calling God's given me at this stage in my life, I have a greater appreciation for the women of the past who also struggled through the same issues (but without all of the modern conveniences that I have!).

I believe modern women will benefit from hearing their stories, will be incredibly encouraged to see these women who persevered through discrimination and found the strength to use their God-given abilities to make a difference. Not only did they make a difference in their era, but today (decades and even centuries later) we can see the fruits of their bravery and strength. These women of the past have encouraged me to persevere and to use my skills and talents to make a difference in my time. No matter how big or small that difference might be, I want to be faithful to leave an impact, just as those women did

3. What was the biggest surprise in researching this story?

As I dug into the research, the thing that surprised me most was that Luther and Katharina didn't experience "love at first sight." In fact, they had no thought of marrying each other. Katharina was a woman of noble birth and Luther a man of peasant beginnings. They were in two different social classes, which doesn't sound like a big deal to us today. But at that time, social class was extremely important.

After leaving the convent, Katharina expected to marry a nobleman. And even though Luther preached the goodness of marriage and encouraged other monks and nuns to leave their convents and get married, he had no intention of getting married himself. So, the question begs answering, how did these two opposite people with opposing personalities and aspirations, end up together? You'll have to read the book to discover the answer!

4. At the time of the story, how were Luther’s teachings and writings already inspiring change and revolution?

At the start of the book in 1523, Martin Luther had already been declared a heretic by the pope and the church. He'd already nailed his 95 Theses to the door of the Wittenburg church (which detailed his concerns about the corruption within the church). He'd already faced an inquisition by important people sent by the pope in the city of Worms. He'd faced the Emperor himself and had refused to recant his teachings and writings. He'd been excommunicated and declared a heretic. And since that time he'd essentially been hunted down so that he could be burned at the stake for his beliefs.

Luther went into hiding for a time, but continued to write and preach. During that time, his band of followers began to grow exponentially. As Luther's popularity grew, his teachings spread and made their way secretly into the convent where Katharina lived. When Katharina and some of the other nuns heard Luther's views on the unnaturalness of cloistered life and the goodness of marriage,
something about his message resonated deeply within them. And their lives (and many others like them) would never be the same again.

It's also thought by some that Luther's teachings incited the peasants in Germany to revolt against authority. Although Luther was of peasant origin and was tempted to side with the peasants, he maintained his relationship with the Elector and a number of other princes.They finally gave the Reformation and the gospel their allegiance in a move that likely wouldn’t have happened had Luther sided with the peasants during the Peasant Revolt. He had alienated himself from the peasant class, but in doing so had preserved the success of the Reformation.

5. Beyond the entertainment factor, what do you hope your books bring to your audience? What do you want a reader to walk away with after having read Luther and Katharina?

First I hope that after witnessing the great commitment of faith of believers in past ages, readers will come away with a greater commitment to their own personal faith especially in light of the difficulties and trials that may come our way. If a man like Martin Luther was willing to go to the stake for what he believed, that should give us courage. And if a woman like Katharina von Bora risked her life, comfort, and future for her growing faith, that too should inspire us to do the same.

Second, I hope that readers will have a greater appreciation and understanding of the dangers and difficulties that many went through in their efforts to preserve the gospel of Jesus and to correct corruption. Again, I ask readers to consider what they're willing to face in order to stand against corruption and to speak the truth in today's culture that is once again shifting away from Scripture.

About the Book:
Katharina von Bora has seen nothing but the inside of cloister walls since she was five. In a daring escape, Katharina finds refuge with Martin Luther and seeks his help to pair her with the noble, wealthy husband she desires.

As class tensions and religious conflicts escalate toward the brink of war, Martin Luther believes that each day could be his last and determines he will never take a wife.

As the horrors of the bloody Peasant War break out around them, the proud Katharina and headstrong Martin Luther fight their own battle for true love, in one of the greatest love stories of history.

6.29.2015

Hearts Made Whole ~ Review and Author Interview

Hearts Made Whole
Beacons of Hope 2
By Jody Hedlund

Hearts Made Whole is the second book in the Beacons of Hope series. Set at the Windmill Point Lighthouse we are taken on trip to 1865's Michigan. The country is recovering from years of war that have torn at its very foundations.

As the country rebuilds, two individuals struggle to rebuild their lives in Lake St. Clair. Caroline Taylor is trying to retain her position as light-keeper, one that she assumed temporarily at her father's death. But standing in her way is Ryan Chambers, a man haunted by the horrors of war and his wounds - physical and emotional. Both need this position. Caroline to care for her younger siblings and Ryan in an attempt to right the wrongs he feels burdened by.

But letting go of our guilt is often the only way to heal. Can Ryan let go of his guilt? Can he accept that sometimes we need a helping hand to make our hearts whole again. And true freedom from the guilt that binds our hearts can only be found in the forgiveness offered to us by God.

But Hearts Made Whole is more than just an entertaining story, it is a step back in time. And not that far a step back at that. A time when inequities were being fought. A simpler time, though not necessarily an easier time. A time when rights were being fought for. A time of unrest. A time when healing was being sought. Not all that different from the world in which we find ourselves today.

Jody has a talent for bringing a piece of history to life, introducing us to characters which we grow to care for and others which we loath more with each encounter. Her story and the characters that populate it have a depth that can at time be lacking in other works. Her characters add the extra dimension that a page needs to make it three dimensional.

I was provided a copy of this book through the generosity of both the publisher and the author in exchange for my honest review.

Jody's Bio:
Jody Hedlund is a best-selling and award-winning author who loves history and happily-ever-
afters. She makes her home in Midland, MI with her husband and five children. When she's not
writing another of her page-turning stories, you can usually find her sipping coffee, eating
chocolate, and reading.

Contact Jody:
I hang out on Facebook here: Author Jody Hedlund
I also love to chat on Twitter: @JodyHedlund
My home base is at my website: jodyhedlund.com
For lots of fun pictures, follow me on Pinterest: pinterest.com/jodyhedlund
I get personal on Instagram: instagram.com/JodyHedlund/
Or you're welcome to email me at: jodyhedlund@jodyhedlund.com

Interview with Jody Hedlund

1. How did you come up with the idea for Hearts Made Whole?

Historical textbooks are full of stories about men like George Washington, Thomas Edison, Andrew
Carnegie, and so many more. And while such men are truly remarkable, all too often their stories
overshadow equally courageous and remarkable women. One of my goals as an author is to help bring forgotten women of the past to life.

In the Beacons of Hope series, I'm focusing on historical women light keepers who have often been kept in the dark by the more prominent stories of their male counterparts.

As I researched for writing a lighthouse series, I came across a fantastic book called, Ladies of the Lights: Michigan Women in the U.S. Lighthouse Service. The book is a tribute to the approximately 50 or so women who served either as primary or assistant keepers in Michigan Lighthouses.

I based the heroine in Hearts Made Whole on one of those women light keepers. It's my hope to bring her and the other women keepers out of the historical shadows and into the spotlight.

2. Is there anything about this second lighthouse book that ties it to the first one? Or are they both stand alone novels that can be read in any order?

All of the books in the Beacon of Hope series can stand alone. Readers don't need to read one book to understand the next. However, I do recommend starting with the novella, Out of the Storm (free in
ebook format) which lays the foundation for a common theme that stretches through each book in the
series.

The hero of Hearts Made Whole, Ryan Chambers, is the brother of the heroine from the first book (Love Unexpected). Readers will enjoy meeting the younger, more carefree Ryan in Love Unexpected. But they'll fall in love with him in Hearts Made Whole even if they haven't yet met him in book 1.

3. Many of the heroines in your books are inspired by real women. Is that true of the heroine in
Hearts Made Whole? If so, what women provided inspiration?

The woman light keeper in Hearts Made Whole is inspired by Caroline Antaya. Caroline lived at the
Mamajuda Lighthouse on the Detroit River a short distance away from Windmill Point Lighthouse.

Caroline's husband served with honor in the Union army during the Civil War, losing several fingers on his hand at Gettysburg. Eventually after returning from the war, her husband was named as keeper of the Mamajuda Lighthouse, but he passed away of tuberculosis.

Part of what really impressed me about Caroline Antaya's situation was that she had been doing a
fantastic job as a light keeper. But the district lighthouse inspector trumped up charges against her
saying that she was in ill-health and incompetent. He took away her position simply because she was a woman and gave it to a man instead. Fortunately, her community rose to her defense and enlisted the help of a Michigan Senator to help her get her position back and she went on to serve as a light keeper for another three years.

In those days, when women were regularly discriminated against because of gender, Caroline's story is inspirational and an encouragement to persevere in the face of injustice. I admired Caroline's will to stand up for herself and to pave the way for women coming after her to use their God-given talents and abilities in roles and jobs that had previously been closed to women.

4. You also like to base your villains on real Michigan criminals. Who inspired the villain in Hearts Made Whole?

The villain in Hearts Made Whole is Stephen Simmons, a real rogue from the pages of Michigan history. While he lived in the early 1800's in the decades before the Civil War, I used this villain as the basis for Mr. Simmons in the book. He had a tavern outside of Detroit and was a Goliath-of-a-man. At first he gave the impression of being cultured and educated. But once people got to know him, they realized what a brute he really was.

The community where Simmons lived grew to fear him because when he was under the influence of
alcohol, he searched out his enemies, picked fights, and inflicted painful beatings. Eventually he killed his wife in a drunken rage.

5. Do you do a lot of research for your novels? Do you do it before, in the middle, or after you write your novel.

Since I write historicals, research is an integral part of my writing process. I usually spend anywhere
between 4-6 weeks on initial research, reading biographies, getting a feel for the time period, and
digging into the meat that will comprise the plot of my book.

Once I start writing the first draft, I have to stop from time to time to do a little more research,
particularly if I switch settings within the story. But usually, if I don’t know something, I’ll highlight it and then do more research during my editing phase.

6. What do you do to get away from it all?

READ!! I absolutely love reading! When I find a really good book, I have a hard time tearing myself away from it to get to sleep.

4.06.2015

Dawn of Destiny ~ Review, Author Interview, and Giveaway

Dawn of Destiny
Epic Book 1
By Stephen Lee

Earth is under attack from various species, the Bakma seemingly the most vicious and persistent in their attacks. Earth's defense is found in EDEN - Earth DEfense Network. When a Bakma attack takes out almost an entire platoon - Falcon Platoon is rebuilt with rookies - a highly unusual situation, but necessary considering the state Falcon Platoon finds itself in.

It is to Falcon Platoon based out of Richmond that Scott Remington finds himself stationed. Scott never wanted to go to war, but he feels that this is something he has to do, that this is something that God wants him to do.

Scott more than proves himself to the surprise of everyone, but his success may prove to be more curse than blessing.

The audio version of this book is very impressive. Dawn of Destiny is more than just a narration. This is an extrasensory experience with a full cast performance and background sound effects that add a depth that one isn't normally treated to in an audiobook.

Though there is plenty of action this is more of a character driven story. And more than anything this is Scott's story. This is truly an EPIC performance that you don't want to miss!

I was provided a copy of this audiobook by the author through iRead Book Tours in exchange for my review and participation in this tour.

Interview with Lee Stephen:

Do you write anything besides science-fiction?

Yes! I’m actually starting a new series that’s totally outside of science-fiction and that I’m very excited about, but I really can’t talk about it yet. I’m also working on a few other projects that fall outside the realm of sci-fi, but they’re mostly conceptual at this point.

In today’s tech savvy world, most writers use a computer or laptop. Have you ever written parts of your book on paper?

Though I’ve never written any actual novel material on pen and paper, I do prefer pen and paper for my notes.

As a new dad writer, how do you balance your time?

My son comes first. If I’m writing and he runs up to me to play, the laptop closes. I can find time to write later!

What is the last great book you’ve read?

I’m currently reading George W. Bush’s Decision Points, which is a fascinating read regardless of where you fall on the political spectrum. I read almost exclusively nonfiction. I’m too competitive to enjoy fiction, sadly.

What’s the scariest thing that ever happened to you?

Being diagnosed with cancer at age 31. I have mycosis fungoides, a rare form of incurable lymphoma. The good news it’s that it’s a manageable cancer, so it shouldn’t kill me, but it still puts life in perspective.

Book Details:
Book Title: Dawn of Destiny (Epic #1) by Lee Stephen
Category: Adult Fiction
Genre: Sci-fi
Publisher: Stone Aside Publishing, L.L.C.
Published: November 2006
Available in: Print, ebook (mobi for Kindle and ePub) and audiobook

Content Rating: PG-13 for violence and depictions of war. There is no profanity, sexual content, or drug use.

Book Description:

Some men go to war for the glory. Some men go to war to escape. For Scott Remington, war is entirely different. It is a belief. It is a calling. It is a destiny. Leaving everything behind—his fiancée, his future, his life—he embarks on a mission of faith into a battle he can barely understand. This is his story. This is his war. This is only the beginning.

Audiobook Description:

The Dawn of Destiny audiobook project is a full adaptation of the first book in the Epic series. It's not your typical “audiobook,” even though technically that's what it is. When people hear “audiobook,” there’s a certain type of thing that usually comes to mind. Most likely it’s the thought of someone reading a book to them, occasionally with music playing in the background. This isn't that.

What you’re going to hear in this project, is more of an audio “experience,” the audio equivalent of a summer blockbuster movie. Over thirty voice actors played a role in this. This is ear-splitting sound effects, bombastic music, and characters shouting back and forth in the middle of a war zone. This is unlike anything you've ever heard.

Publisher: Stone Aside Publishing, L.L.C.

Published: October 2014
Length: 9 hours, 47 mins

Meet the Author:

Born and raised in Cajun country, Lee Stephen spent his childhood paddling pirogues through the marshes of South Louisiana. When he wasn't catching bullfrogs or playing with alligators in the bathtub (both true), he was escaping to the world of the imagination, creating worlds in his mind filled with strange creatures and epic journeys. This hasn't stopped.

Now a resident of Luling, Louisiana, Lee spends time every day delving into the world of Epic, the science-fiction series that has come to define him as a writer and producer. Alongside his wife, Lindsey, their son, Levi, and their dog, Jake, Lee has made it a mission to create a series that is unique in its genre—one unafraid to address the human condition while staying grounded in elements of faith.

In addition to writing, Lee works full-time for the Department of Homeland Security and Emergency Preparedness. He has also spent time as a church deacon, guitar hobbyist, and New Orleans Saints season ticket holder. He is a graduate of Louisiana College in Pineville.

Connect with Lee: Website ~ Twitter ~ Facebook

Enter the Rafflecopter giveaway

10 prizes for 10 winners:

3 - poster

3 - $25 Amazon Gift Card

2 - Dawn of Destiny series

2 - Kindle Fire HD

All prizes open to US and Canada only, except $25 gift cards open internationally,

Ends April 17, 2015. April 17.

a Rafflecopter giveaway

11.25.2014

Becoming Beauty ~ Interview

Taking time from her busy schedule author Sarah Boucher took time for a short exclusive interview with me. Be sure to check-out my review of Becoming Beauty here!

1) What about Beauty and the Beast made you want to retell this tale?

I’ll admit it. I’ve always been obsessed with Beauty and the Beast. While other girls dreamed about the hunk of the week, I dreamed about the hulking Beast. Something about a person who can see himself as nothing but beastly is entirely relatable. Becoming Beauty was spurned by the fact that I have always adored him more than the prince he transforms into and because as much as I admire the sweet, self-sacrificing Beauty, I could see nothing of myself in her. The two issues festered in my mind until I discovered a way to create a non-princely Beast and a more contemporary Beauty.

2) What is your favorite Genre or do have a broad appreciation of genre types?

Fairy tales have always held a special place in my heart. As an adult, several traditional fairy tale
volumes still dot my shelves along with modern fairy tales and fairy tale retellings. Beyond that, I enjoy any type of clean Young Adult romance (contemporary or otherwise) and classics from authors like L.M. Montgomery, Jane Austen, the Brontes, and Shakespeare.

3) What is your best source of inspiration when you write?

During the writing process, I need complete quiet in order to focus. However, my career as a
kindergarten teacher has left me with a mind that can’t focus on anything for very long. A variety of
movies, books, and theater, along with nights out with the girls keep my mind fresh and my imagination alive before, after, and in the middle of projects.

4) Which character in Becoming Beauty do you most identify with? Why this character?

Bella is a conglomeration of every snarky comment, every great comeback, and every sassy thing I ever wanted to do or say. Underneath all that bravado beats the heart of a real girl who longs for something better. She’s both the girl I’m afraid I’ve become and the woman I long to be. Creating her exorcised a number of my personal demons, so is there really any question why I identify with her best?

5) Who is your favorite Fairy Tale character?

Without a doubt, Beauty is the fairy tale character I have always loved best. The Disney version with her bookish nature, kind heart, and preference for a crabby beast over the village’s most eligible bachelor is particularly appealing. In Belle, Disney lends depth to the one-dimensional fairy tale character in traditional tales. But really, what’s not to love about a girl who can appreciate a fabulous makeover and gorgeous gowns and shoes?

6.27.2014

Five Glass Slippers Tour ~ Clara Diane Thompson

Welcome to the fifth day of Author

Interviews/Reviews of the

Five Glass Slippers.

But before we get started here is a tantalizing

tidbit about the book as a whole:

About the Collection

ONE BELOVED STORY,
FIVE EXCITING WRITERS
A COLLECTION TO CHERISH

What happens when Cinderella is so
painfully shy that she cannot bear the
idea of attending the royal ball? Or when
the slipper fits . . . but on the wrong girl?
What happens when Cinderella is determined to oust an impostor prince
from her rightful throne? Or when she is a cendrillon miner working from
a space station orbiting a cthonian planet? What happens when Cinderella,
a humble housemaid, is sent with a message for a prisoner trapped in a
frightening fairy circus?

Here is Cinderella as you have never met her before, wearing glass slippers
and off on unforgettable adventures!

Available now in paperback and Kindle formats!

And during this tour The Five Glass Slippers collection will be on sale for only
$.99 in Kindle format for the duration (June 23-28) of the tour!

Today's Cinderella of the Day is Clara Diane Thompson author of
The Moon Master's Ball.

My interview with Clara

Q) Why The Moon Master’s Ball, where did this
title come from?

A) That title came out of thin air. Well, it more
than likely came from God, but it seemed like
thin air to me! I was up late one night, planning,
wracking my brain on what I could possibly write
as a Cinderella story, when I thought of the moon.
The moon is kind of mysterious and romantic,
right? When midnight rolls around, the moon is out.
That was kind of Cinderella-ish. Well, what if there
was a master of the moon? His name would be the
Moon Master. Then the light bulb flickered on, and
I decided that I would form a story around a ball.
The Moon Master’s Ball, to be exact! So that is how the title came to be.

About Clara Diane Thompson:

Clara Diane Thompson lives in the swamps of Louisiana with her
loving family, dashing dog, and a very confused frog that resides
in the birdhouse outside her window. Aside from writing she enjoys
playing guitar, singing, Broadway plays (particularly The Phantom of
the Opera), ballet, tea with friends, and long BBC movies. An
enchanted circus may or may not appear occasionally in her back
yard.

You can find out more about Clara and her writing on her blog:
http://www.claradianethompson.blogspot.com/.

About The Moon Master's Ball:

After her terrifying experience there several
years ago, the one place young housemaid Tilly
longs to avoid is Bromley’s Circus. But when
kindly Lord Hollingberry begs her to deliver a
message to the mysterious Moon Master hidden
away among the circus dwellers, Tilly can’t
refuse . . . and finds herself ensnared in a web
of enchantment cast by the loathsome Mrs.
Carlisle and her beautiful goddaughter.

My thoughts:
Tilly has avoided Bromley's Circus since
she once visited it years ago and had a
experience she won't soon forget.

For some reason no one can understand why she refuses to go.
But that is about to change when her employer Lord Hollingberry
But who is this mysterious Moon Master and what is his link to Lord Hollingberry.

But Bromley's Circus isn't Tilly's only concern. Lord Hollingberry has just employed a new
housekeeper. And there is something not quite right with Mrs. Carlisle and her beautiful
daughter Drosselyn.

Can Tilly overcome her fear long enough to find her happily ever after? Or will she become
yet another "resident" of Bromley's Circus as her worst fears come true yet again.

Five Glass Slippers Giveaway:

Here’s your chance to be Cinderella of
the ball!
One lucky winner will receive a paperback
copy of Five Glass Slippers, several
Cinderella-themed items (including
a bookmark crafted by Belle on a Budget,
a journal, and a DVD copy of the Disney
movie), as well as special gifts handpicked
by a few of the collection’s authors (a
glass slipper cookie cutter with recipe,
freeze-dried astronaut ice cream, and
an Apple Tree Inn cup and saucer).

This giveaway is open to residents of the U.S. and Canada only.

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Tour Schedule

Monday, June 23^rd| Cinderella of the Day: Elisabeth Brown

· Blooming with Books + Review

· Books, Cats, and Whimsy

· Fictionally

· Historical Heartbeats

· i blog 4 books

· J.L. Mbewe

· Not All By My Lonesome

· Rina’s Reading

· The Splendor Falls on Castle Walls