Candidate for Murder ~ Review, Book Trailer and Giveaway

Candidate for Murder
A Mac Faraday Mystery #12
By Lauren Carr

Spenser, Maryland, is caught up in the season - election season and the news is bad.  The two candidates running for mayor have lower popularity ratings than anyone running for office should have. And then there are rumors about both candidates that could spell doom for the small resort town of Spenser.

With Mac Faraday away on his honeymoon with Archie it is up to Police Chief David O'Callaghan to save the election and Spenser. And he has the perfect plan ~ Gnarly! But quickly what was political statement of protest becomes something bigger when Gnarly becomes the overnight front runner in the race. Unfortunately for Gnarly his opponents are willing to do anything to win this election - including digging into his past looking for any buried bones he may have hidden away.

With Gnarly's military service and even his status as an American citizen called into question Gnarly's friends have their work cut out for them with the election drawing near. And when a murder comes into the mix this election season just became a whole lot more complicated.

As the present and the past collide in this latest installment of the Mac Faraday Mystery series Gnarly has his work cut out for him running a campaign, protecting those closet to him and uncovering a threat to national security.  For most people this would be an impossible task, but Gnarly isn't most people and with his highly developed intellect this is one German Shepherd that could go as far as the Oval Office if he so desired!

Candidate for Murder has it all murder, intrigue, betrayal, and just enough scandal to make the national news. And then there's the story involving Gnarly, a burning building, and a family of cats... If your looking for a candidate who can think on his feet you may have found him, just be sure to carefully guard your dinner plate.

Overall this was a highly entertaining book with some interesting moments that you're left shaking your head at the absolute insanity of the situations that could very likely happen.  And I have to say all the scenes involving Nigel were priceless especially when Gnarly was involved. I totally loved the cast of dogs in the book and their unique personalities.

Politics will never be the same with Gnarly on the ticket...

I was provided a copy of this book through iRead Book Tours in exchange for my honest review.

About the Book:

It’s election time in Spencer, Maryland, and the race for mayor is not a pretty one. In recent years, the small resort town has become divided between the local year-round residents who have enjoyed their rural way of life and the city dwellers moving into their mansions, taking over the town council, and proceeding to turn Deep Creek Lake into a closed gate community—complete with a host of regulations for everything from speed limits to clothes lines.

When the political parties force-feed two unsavory mayoral nominees on the town residents, Police Chief David O’Callaghan decides to make a statement—by nominating Gnarly, Mac Faraday’s German shepherd, to run as mayor of Spencer!

What starts out as a joke turns into a disaster when overnight Gnarly becomes the front runner—at which point his political enemies take a page straight out of Politics 101. What do you do when you’re behind in a race? Dig up dirt on the front runner, of course.

Seemingly, someone is not content to rest with simply embarrassing the front runner by publicizing his dishonorable discharge from the United States Army, but to throw in a murder for good measure. With murder on the ballot, Mac Faraday and the gang—including old friends from past cases—dive in to clear Gnarly’s name, catch a killer, and save Spencer!

Buy the book:   Amazon

Author's Bio:

Lauren Carr is the international best-selling author of the Mac Faraday, Lovers in Crime, and Thorny Rose Mysteries. The twelfth installment in the Mac Faraday Mystery series, Candidate for Murder will be released June 2016.

Lauren is a popular speaker who has made appearances at schools, youth groups, and on author panels at conventions. She lives with her husband, son, and four dogs (including the real Gnarly) on a mountain in Harpers Ferry, WV.

Connect with Lauren: Website  ~  Twitter  ~  Facebook

Book Trailer:

Giveaway:​

Prize: ​

Win a Fire Tablet, 7" Display, Wi-Fi, 16 GB
(Open internationally)

Winner will be person to use #Vote4Gnarly most often

Giveaway ends Sept 24.

a Rafflecopter giveaway

The Florentine Deception ~ Spotlight with Giveaway

The Florentine Deception:

A seemingly mundane computer clean-up leads to an electrifying quest for an enigmatic—and deadly—treasure in this gripping techno-thriller.

After selling his dorm-room startup for millions and effectively retiring at the age of twenty-five, Alex Fife is eager for a new challenge. When he agrees to clean up an old PC as a favor, he never expects to find the adventure of a lifetime waiting for him inside the machine. But as he rummages through old emails, Alex stumbles upon a startling discovery: The previous owner, a shady antiques smuggler, had been trying to unload a mysterious object known as the Florentine on the black market. And with the dealer’s untimely passing, the Florentine is now unaccounted for and ripe for the taking. Alex dives headfirst into a hunt for the priceless object.

​What starts out as a seemingly innocuous pursuit quickly devolves into a nightmare when Alex discovers the true technological nature of the Florentine. Not just a lost treasure, it’s something far more insidious: a weapon that could bring the developed world to its knees. Alex races through subterranean grottos, freezing morgues, and hidden cellars in the dark underbelly of Los Angeles, desperate to find the Florentine before it falls into the wrong hands. Because if nefarious forces find it first, there’ll be nothing Alex—or anyone else—can do to prevent a catastrophic attack.

The author is donating all of his proceeds from sales of The Florentine Deception to charities to help underprivileged and low-income students.

1,620 books sold,  $8,173.00 donated as of December 31st (with $182 pending)!

Let's help him reach his goal of selling 2,000 books and donating $10,000!

Visit http://florentinedeception.weebly.com/charities.html to see the list of charities.

​Buy the audiobook:  Amazon  ~  Audible

Buy the book:   Amazon  ~  Barnes and Noble

Author's Bio:

Carey Nachenberg is Symantec Corporation's Chief Engineer and is considered one of the inventors of Norton AntiVirus. As Chief Engineer, Carey drives the technical strategy for all of Symantec's core security technologies and security content. He has led the design and development of Symantec's core antivirus, intrusion prevention and reputation-based security technologies; his work in these areas have garnered over eighty-five United States patents.

In addition to his work in the cyber-security field, Carey has also recently published his first novel, a cyber-security thriller entitled “The Florentine Deception,” and is donating all proceeds from sales of the novel to charities supporting under-served students and veterans. Carey holds BS and MS degrees in Computer Science and Engineering from University of California at Los Angeles, where he continues to serve as Adjunct Professor of Computer Science.

Connect with the author:   Website   Twitter   Facebook

Book Trailer:

Giveaway:​

Prizes: ​

Win 1 of 5 copies of The Florentine Deception, 

winners can choose between print, ebook or audiobook 

(open internationally)

a Rafflecopter giveaway

The God Wave ~ Review

The God Wave
The God Wave Trilogy #1
By Patrick Hemstreet

It started as a study of the human brain.  An exercise to study EEG's and stimulate the brain during different activities.  But where it took them was something no one could have anticipated.
Chuck Brenton has always been fascinated by the inner workings of the human mind - now he's about to help bring it to the next level.  And the next level is unbelievable - the ability to manipulate the world around us with the mind.  Is this merely a result of Chuck's experimentation or is it the next stage that our minds were waiting to enter with the proper stimuli?

Chuck and his team (an assortment of people with a wide ranging area of expertise - scientists, coders, artists, engineers) are going to explore this breakthrough and offer it to the world.  There is just one problem—someone has taken an interest in their accomplishment and they are willing to do whatever it takes to control it.  But how do you control the greatest discovery ever when it resides within the human mind?

But when you discover something that could change the world as we know it, who do trust with your discovery?  Answering this question could very well determine the fate of the world... if they have the time to get to the truth.

The God Wave is an exciting and intriguing book that will take you on a journey that won't be ending anytime soon.  Suspenseful doesn't begin to describe what you are about to experience when you open the cover of this book.  A powerful mix of conspiracy, manipulation, and scientific discovery will lead to an explosive conclusion in this, the first book of Patrick Hemstreet's trilogy.

I was provided a copy of this book through PUYB in exchange for my honest review and tour participation.

   

 ~ About the Book ~
Release Date: May 17, 2016
Title: The God Wave
Author: Patrick Hemstreet
Publisher: Harper Voyager
Genre: Thriller/Suspense
Format: Ebook/Paperback/Hardcover/Audio

A team of neuroscientists uncover amazing new capabilities in the brain that may steer human evolution toward miraculous and deadly frontiers in this spectacular debut work of speculative science fiction—Limitless meets James Rollins—that combines spirituality and science in an inventive, mind-blowing fashion.

For decades, scientists have speculated about the untapped potential of the human brain. Now, neuroscientist Chuck Brenton has made an astonishing breakthrough. He has discovered the key—the crucial combination of practice and conditioning—to access the incredible power dormant in ninety percent of our brains. Applying his methods to test subjects, he has stimulated abilities that elevate brain function to seemingly “godlike” levels.

These extraordinary abilities can transform the world, replacing fear and suffering with tranquility and stability. But in an age of increasing militarization, corporate exploitation, and explosive technological discovery, a group of influential power brokers are determined to control Brenton’s new superbeings for their own manipulative ends—and their motives may be far from peaceful.

About the Author:
Patrick Hemstreet is a novelist, neuroengineer, entrepreneur, patent-pending inventor, special-warfare- trained Navy medic, stand-up comic, and actor. He lives in Houston, Texas, with his wife and sons. The God Wave is his first novel.

The War of Words ~ Review with Giveaway

The War of Words
By Amy Neftzger

War has been waging across the kingdom it seems forever.  The kingdom is fighting a sorcerer whose enchantments are confusing reality for those sent to fight against his mysterious army of shadows.

Daily attacks are the norm as the war continues, while magical means are sought to help rid the kingdom of this evil darkness that has spread throughout.

Rumors of an unreadable book could be the key that they seek, but if none can read what is within what hope does this fabled book provide?  Kelsey, a young officer in the king's army, is determined to find this book and wield whatever weapon it may offer.  But she can't do it alone and has to rely on the friendship of a local soldier and her few friends who are scattered throughout the kingdom.

This is a war for reality and truth.  To win they must discover how to use their most powerful weapon the word, which has the potential to yield good or evil depending on the user's intent.

This is a fantasy that is intriguing in how this world and its war are based on the power of word and truth. Middle grade readers should enjoy this book and this is a world that I wouldn't mind revisiting though this story appears to be complete in and of itself.  I could also see this book being used for an afternoon classroom read-aloud selection.  Highly recommended for those looking for fantasy and adventure in a fun clean read.

I was provided a Advanced Review Copy (ARC) of this book through iRead Book Tours in exchange for my honest review and tour participation.

About the Book:

Sometimes there's no better way to understand reality than through fantasy, and the best way to find truth may be in a book - if you can find the right one.

Battles against darkness, a quest for truth, and a search for the book that no one can read are all part of the fantasy adventure in The War of Words. As an evil sorcerer wages war by using mysterious shadows and seeks to gain control by confusing the residents as to what's real and what isn't, the fate of the kingdom rests in the hands of Kelsey and Nicholas.

As the youngest officer in the king's army, Kelsey fights the evil sorcerer s shadows on the battlefield as she explores the kingdom searching for the key to winning the war. Nicholas, a young sorcerer in training who is mastering his craft, discovers how the right words can change the course of the future.

Explore an enchanted maze, uncover the power of words, and learn about friendship in this whimsical tale.

​Buy the book:   Amazon   Barnes and Noble   Book Depository

Author's Bio:

Amy Neftzger is the author of fiction books for both adults and children. She has also been published in business and academic journals, as well as literary publications. A few of her favorite things include traveling, books, movies, art, the Oxford comma, and gargoyles.

Connect with the author:  Website   Twitter   Facebook

Giveaway:​

Prizes: ​

Win 1 of 5 print copies (USA)  

1 of 5 ebooks (international)

1 of 2 $25 Amazon gift cards (international) 

(12 winners)

12 prizes in all!

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Reaching Angelica ~ Review with Giveaway

Reaching Angelica
The TAG Series #2
By Peter Riva

Reaching Angelica is set more than 100 years since the events of The Path. Simon and Cramer are back though with a bit of a physical difference thanks to the SynthKid technology.  The Artificial Intelligences that were a product of Simon's work within the System are also integral to this book - Apollo is still Apollo but Ra like Simon and Cramer has made use of SynthKid technology and has assumed the identity of Aten.

Simon, Cramer and Aten are on their way to Alpha Centauri B aboard a marvel of technology a spaceship that is transporting a large crew that will colonize this new world.  But when they discover that the threat they had adverted in The Path is still a reality they realize that not only is all life on earth in danger so are they.

Even more shocking is the discovery that they make about the universe and its parallels to the brain.  The fate of all human life rests squarely on Simon's shoulders yet again and he needs to rely on his old coder skills that aided him in communicating with Peter, Apollo, and Ra.  But this time he is tapping into the universe to communicate with the unknown and to bargain for their very existence.

If you are a fan of Sci-fi or Cyber-punk you'll want to check-out this series from Peter Riva that takes you into a new uncharted world.  But are we ready for such a world?  The TAG series is about to confront this very question and explore this unknown dimension, one that will take us beyond the known.

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

About the Book:

In a massive spaceship destined for Alpha Centauri B, with a genesis crew including Zip the telepathic dog, his old friendly nemesis Cramer, and a computer being named Ra (now inhabiting a human form and calling herself Aten), Simon Bank emerges from a hundred-year coma and is hailed as an awakened hero. Stuck with unwanted responsibility, he is forced to try to solve the entire enigma of the universe—a small undertaking—before the spaceship, his friends, and all life on Earth are swatted out of existence by super beings he has accidentally awakened.

Simon’s only hope is to plunge into other dimensions with his mind—into the secrets of the universe’s pan-dimensions—as only he knows how. The fate of all life hangs in the balance as he struggles to prove himself worthy of the Path and the absolute trust his friends place in him. Simon knows all too well that if he fails there is no hope—none at all—for anyone, and that includes his best friend, an artificial intelligence computer called Apollo, which he sadly left behind. Besides, Zip would not be pleased, either.

For fans of cyberpunk and classic science fiction, Reaching Angelica (Yucca Publishing; February 2, 2016; 978-1-63158-069-7) is the second book in Peter Riva’s Tag trilogy, the comic, thrilling, and continuing saga of Simon Bank—ex–master system computer wrangler and very unlikely galactic hero.

Praise for Reaching Angelica

“Thrilling moments keep the suspense high in space. . . . The way Riva describes the mysteries of the universe is intriguing. . . . This cyberpunk world has its own laws of stretching brains wide with its mind-bending concepts.”

—Jake Vyper, Fantascize.com

​

Buy the book:  Amazon   Barnes and Noble   Book Depository   Chapters/Indigo

​

Author's Bio:

Peter Riva has worked for more than thirty years with the leaders in aerospace and space exploration. His daytime job for more than forty years has been as a literary agent. He resides in New York City.

Connect with the author:   
Website  Twitter   Facebook

Giveaway:

Prizes: ​

Win 1 of 5 sets of books 
(The Path Book 1 and Reaching Angelica Book 2) 

+ 1 of 2 $25 Amazon gift cards

(open internationally)

a Rafflecopter giveaway

By the Stars ~ Review

By the Stars
By Lindsay B. Ferguson

A once-in-a-lifetime love,

a raging war,

and a promise...

From the moment he first saw her Cal Morgan knew Kate Clayton was special. She was his ideal as he went through school. But Kate was beyond him, too beautiful, too popular, too perfect for a farm boy.  But he had something to offer that no other man had offered Kate.  He offered her friendship and in return he got to know the heart of the young woman who captured his.

Kate is determined to never fall in love, but there is something about Cal that calls to her, that threatens to break through the wall that she has erected around her heart.  But friendship with Cal seems like an acceptable compromise.  Time is short with World War II soon to take him into the dangers of the Pacific Theater.

When Kate's deep-rooted fears keep her from acknowledging that she and Cal have something special, he heads out with a broken heart.  But Cal's absence makes Kate realize just how much she is giving up.  And she is determined to let Cal know just how she feels before it is too late.

With the promise of Kate's love awaiting him Cal faces the horrors of war in the jungles of the Philippines.  The struggle to survive and yet remain true to himself and God drives him.  But his greatest strength lies in his hope of a future with Kate.

This is a love story that spans the years and faces the uncertainties of the future of a world at war. This is a story that rings true and will touch your heart.  This is Cal Morgan's story -- the love story that made his life.  A beautiful and touching story that one won't want to miss.

I was provided a copy of this book by the publisher Cedar Fort in exchange for my honest review and tour participation.

About the Book:

He was lost. Lost in those

deep brown, beautiful eyes.

As clear as day, Cal heard a voice

inside his head: "That is the girl

you are going to marry."

 

When Cal finally gets a chance with Kate, the girl he’s loved since grade school, their easy friendship quickly blossoms into a meaningful romance. But World War II soon cuts their time far too short, and Cal prepares to part from her -- possibly for good. With Kate's memory willing him on, Cal must put his trust in God to survive if he hopes to ever return to her. Inspired by a true story, By the Stars is a romance that stands the test of time and the most intense obstacles.

About the author:

As a Communication graduate from the University of Utah, Lindsay Ferguson worked as a PR and marketing writer for a computer software company for several years before resigning to focus on raising her family. As a contributor to Deseret Digital Media, she has had lifestyle articles published by ksl.com, Deseret News, and FamilyShare.com. She lives in a suburb of Salt Lake City with her husband and four children. By the Stars is her first novel.

The Calling ~ Review and Author Q&A

The Calling
A Seer Novel #2
By Rachelle Dekker

Fear is a powerful sedative for rebellion

A year and a half has passed since Carrington Hale and Remko Brandt left Authority City behind.  But the city is not so far removed that they are free from its reach.  And they have lost many friends to the new leadership - Damien Gold has started a new reign of fear against the Seers and anyone remotely connected to them.

But Remko has a secret - he is a prisoner to his fears and his anger.  Each loss of a Seer to Damien's ever increasing campaign against them brings a greater sense of failure to Remko.  As Remko's sense of inadequacy grows the tensions within his camp grow.  Just how far Remko can go before he breaks is of utmost importance to Damien.

Breaking the spirit of the rebels is Damien Gold's goal but sometimes a broken spirit is the key to healing and freedom.

In The Choosing we are introduced to Carrington and Renko.  We are taken on Carrington's journey to a life that Aaron and his Father have introduced her to.  The Calling is Renko's journey.  Before he was following the woman that he loved.  But is love enough to keep him with the Seers in the face of doubts and opposition?  Remko's path to faith will not be easy but it is one that needs to be taken.

The Calling is the second book in the Seer series.  Though told from several character's perspectives, the main perspective is Remko's followed by Carrington's, Damien's, and Jesse's.  Remko and Carrington have grown since the first book - they've married, become parents, and have become leaders within the Seers.  There are losses, joys, betrayals, and unexpected twists throughout the book. This is a book that you won't want to put down until you get to the last page.

But be warned this book will leave you wanting book 3.  This is most definitely a cliffhanger that will have you wondering what will come next.  Highly recommended reading not to be missed.

I was provided a complimentary copy of this book by Tyndale House Publishers in exchange for my honest review and tour participation.

About the Book:

Remko Brant had never been so sure of anything as escaping the Authority City with Carrington Hale. But bravado comes easy when you have nothing to lose. Now a husband, father, and the tactical leader of the Seers, Remko has never had so much at risk.

As he and his team execute increasingly dangerous rescue missions inside the city, they face growing peril from a new enemy. Recently appointed Authority President Damien Gold claims to be guiding a city shaken by rebellion into a peaceful, harmonious future. But appearances can be deceiving. In order to achieve his dangerous ambitions, Gold knows he must do more than catch the rebels—he must destroy the hope their message represents . . . from the inside out.

With dissension in his own camp—and the City Watch soldiers closing in—Remko feels control slipping through his fingers. To protect those he loves, he must conquer his fears and defeat Gold . . . before one of them becomes his undoing.


About the Author:
The oldest daughter of New York Times bestselling author Ted Dekker, Rachelle Dekker was inspired early on to discover truth through storytelling. The Choosing is her critically acclaimed debut novel. She graduated with a degree in communications and spent several years in marketing and corporate recruiting before making the transition to write full-time. She lives in Nashville with her husband, Daniel, and their diva cat, Blair. Visit her online at rachelledekker.com.

Q and A with Rachelle Dekker

Remko struggles with his anger often throughout the book. Is this expression of anger connected to his fears? If so how?

Anger is just a natural reaction to the circumstances Remklo faces. Sometimes being afraid can stir up anger because it makes feel weak or out to control. This is definitely true for Remko in The Calling.

Carrington struggles with the pain that comes from watching Remko miss the Truth that was so clear to her. What encouragement would you give to others that have loved ones who do not yet share their faith? 

Everyone needs to take the journey. For some, truth comes more easily, and others have to struggle to see it. It can be incredibly hard to watch someone you love miss the truth right in front of them, but don’t forget that the Father is still God, and He holds them in His hand. So love those that struggle restlessly and trust that the Father is ever-present, even in the darkness. 

In the book you talk a lot about surrendering to fear. What does this look like and how does this help us not to be afraid?

I think sometimes the natural reaction to fear is to hide from it, or try and push it away. Its the idea that if we can't see it then it must not be there, but we all know that unless dealt with the unseen things often come back to bite us. The only way to face fear is to walk through it; surrendering to Father God and letting Him reminds of our true identity. Only then do we really see that the light within us is always greater than the fear we face.

Do you relate to any of the characters in The Calling in terms of how you've faced and handled fear in your life? How so?

Of course, every character I write ends up having some reflection of things I've faced personally. You can only write what you know, as they say. I, very much like Remko, have the tendency to be in "in my head" too much when faced with fear, and I struggle to let go of the need for control and simply surrender. That's one of the main reasons I decided to write this story.

What do you hope readers will take away from the story?

I hope they take a moment to see themselves as children of the Father. I hope they see that true freedom and fearlessness rest in surrendering, and that when they stand with the Father than nothing can stand against them. There is incredible peace in that truth,and I hope, like I am beginning the experience, that readers feel that same peace.

About the Author:

The oldest daughter of New York Times bestselling author Ted Dekker, Rachelle Dekker was inspired early on to discover truth through storytelling. The Choosing is her critically acclaimed debut novel. She graduated with a degree in communications and spent several years in marketing and corporate recruiting before making the transition to write full-time. She lives in Nashville with her husband, Daniel, and their diva cat, Blair. Visit her online at rachelledekker.com.