Virtual Book Tour and Giveaway: A Curse of Mayhem (Alyssa McCarthy's Magical Missions #2) by Sunayna Prasad

Welcome to my stop on the virtual book tour for A Curse of Mayhem by Sunayna Prasad. This book tour was organized by Goddess Fish Promotions. On my stop, I have an excerpt from the book as well as a guest post from the author. There's also a tour wide giveaway for a chance to win a $25 Amazon or Barnes & Noble gift card. Be sure to follow the rest of the tour for more content. Enjoy!

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Title: A Curse of Mayhem
Series: Alyssa McCarthy's Magical Missions #2

Author: Sunayna Prasad

Publication Date: February 15th 2020

Print Length: 173 pages

Genre: Middle Grade Fantasy

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History, like magic, has a habit of repeating itself.

It’s been six months since thirteen-year-old Alyssa McCarthy left magic behind for good. Or so she thought…

Then the enchanted objects that protected her disappear. Now a skeleton named Errol has cursed her with magical powers that keep getting her in trouble. Suddenly strange things are happening with disastrous effects, and if Alyssa can’t remove the magic, she will lose everything she holds dear.

In order to get rid of her unwanted wizardry, Alyssa will have to boost her bravery and confidence and determine who Errol really is. But every time Alyssa uses an enchantment, Errol is one step closer to getting his flesh back and becoming alive, and he will do anything to achieve his goals…even if it means destroying Alyssa’s happiness.

Originally published in 2016 as “Wizardry Goes Wild” and “The Unruly Curse” in 2019, “A Curse of Mayhem” is book two in the exciting and suspenseful “Magical Missions” series.

Goodreads * Amazon *

Barnes & Noble * Kobo

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EXCERPT:

Lilac-colored smoke poured in through the slight opening under Alyssa’s bedroom window. Alyssa leaped back. She swore the window had been closed when she’d come in here a few minutes ago.

The gas clouded into her room, blocking her sight. It washed onto her, causing her to squint and lean back. She coughed, rubbed her eyes, and opened them. The smoke faded. Someone must’ve pulled a prank, and not just any kind—one that involved…wizardry. 

Alyssa’s breathing sped up. She shut the window and gazed at the huge yard and long driveway. No one was outside—not even Alex, her godfather and legal guardian. 

Perhaps the trespasser had escaped or had hidden somewhere—maybe behind the tree on the lawn or somewhere else on the property. 

Alyssa hurried out, brushing ash from her muted purple shirt. She entered the ground floor and opened the front door. “Hello?!”

There was no answer. 

“Whoever set that smoke off, it wasn’t funny!”

The silence continued.

Despite the freezing air this autumn evening, Alyssa stepped onto the front porch. A piece of paper appeared out of nowhere, making her jump. She picked it up, anyway.

Welcome back to magic.

Her chest tightened. She hadn’t encountered a single instance of wizardry in six months! Plus, she had two objects that were supposed to protect her from such encounters.

She dashed back up to her room and opened the closet door. Tape hung from a shoebox, and the items that she had left in there…were missing.

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ABOUT THE AUTHOR:

Sunayna Prasad enjoys writing fantasy books for children, as well as cooking, creating artwork, watching online videos, and blogging. She has also written The Frights of Fiji, formerly titled as From Frights to Flaws. She is passionate about modern life, fantasy, and world-building. Aside from her website, she also has a blog about different creative and entertaining topics, including fiction and writing, called “Sunayna Prasad’s Blog”.

Sunayna has graduated from college in May 2017. She lives in Long Island, NY.

Website * Amazon * Blog *

Facebook * Goodreads * Twitter

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GUEST POST:

- What boosts your confidence when you're afraid or upset? 

A clear face mask

There have been several times I’ve dealt with high levels of anxiety or unhappiness. There have also been moments where I was afraid to do something but got past it naturally. An example includes jumping off heights. As a preteen, I tried pushing myself to jump off the high-dive at a local swimming pool, but got scared and gave up. Ten years later, in my early 20’s, I jumped off a cliff dive with no problem.

Aside from overcoming fears naturally or by maturing, there have also been treatments to overcome anxiety or low moods for me.

The best one happened recently, which is when I ordered a clear face mask in the mail. Ever since the pandemic started and face masks have become required, I have been stressed, anxious, and depressed at times. Not only did I hate living with a bunch of restrictions and a lack of control, but I also felt extremely uncomfortable not seeing peoples’ facial expressions, especially smiles. I know, face masks are for protection and drastically save lots of lives. So, I understand the mandate of wearing them. 

Of course, neither I nor anyone can make others wear clear face masks. But when I first researched them, looking at pictures of people in them made me feel a thousand times better and comfortable.

When I tried on my clear mask, I also felt a lot better. Besides the fact that I could see my mouth, I also unintentionally laughed and smiled. Something about the clear mask boosted my mood, happiness, energy, and positivity. It was if it had some mental and psychological effects on me.

After I tried it on, I felt happier, more energetic, confident, and free of any negative feelings I’ve experienced recently amid the pandemic.

Before that, my low moods and stress were pretty bad. It ruined my physical health and emotional well-being, where I’d feel upset all the time and even regress. It has been many, many years since I admitted my distastes for gifts. But this Christmas, I expressed my dislikes for the presents my mom got me, and she was offended. I felt sorry.

But, perhaps, the clear mask will help with my negative feelings and progress me back to the level of happiness and confidence I had before the pandemic. It really is a medicine for my unhappiness. 

Obviously, I don’t know if clear masks would necessarily make others happier. There will be people who don’t like them at all, and will only wear masks where their facial expressions are hidden. Ironically, the clear masks get some mixed and negative reactions online. But for me, it’s beyond 5 out of 5 stars. 

It would be nice to see lots of people wear clear masks. Maybe it would also help their moods and confidence, too.

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GIVEAWAY:

Sunayna Prasad will be awarding a $25 Amazon or Barnes & Noble gift card to a randomly drawn winner via Rafflecopter. To increase your chance of winning, leave a comment at a different stop on the tour each day. Good luck!

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Virtual Book Tour and Giveaway: What We Bury (Detective Madison Knight #10) by Carolyn Arnold

Welcome to my stop on the virtual book tour for What We Bury by Carolyn Arnold. This book tour was organized by Goddess Fish Promotions. On my stop, I have an excerpt for you from the book and an author interview as well as the tour wide giveaway for a chance to win a $10 Amazon or Barnes & Noble gift card. Be sure to visit the other blogs participating in the book tour for more content. Enjoy!

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Title: What We Bury

Series: Detective Madison Knight #10

Author: Carolyn Arnold

Publisher: Hibbert & Styles Publishing

Publication Date: October 28th 2020

Print Length: 362 pages

Genre: Mystery Thriller

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She’s dying, and she knows it. If only she can stay alive long enough to leave one last message. As the rain beats against the metal roof, she uses her blood-soaked fingertip to scrawl on the floorboards... The letters GB.

Detective Madison Knight has been house hunting, but a call from her real estate agent has nothing to do with finding the perfect property. She’s found a woman’s body, stabbed multiple times. Madison arrives on scene and is presented with an unknown Jane Doe and two letters written in blood. There’s no murder weapon, and it seems Doe was attacked somewhere else.

As Madison works to find justice for the victim, Madison’s own life is put at risk. What she comes to discover is some people will go to extreme lengths to protect their secrets—even as far as murder. But will learning that lesson come too late for her?

Buy this international bestselling book today and join the investigation! Uncover clues, follow leads, and catch a cop killer like thousands of readers have done before you. 

Goodreads * Amazon * Barnes & Noble *

Book Depository * Books-A-Million * Google Books *

Half Price Books * iBooks * IndieBound * Kobo

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EXCERPT:

Several minutes later, Cynthia stepped out from the shed, a camera strapped around her neck. “There’s something you’re going to want to see.”

Madison gave a curious glance at Terry and followed her friend inside, Terry at her heels.

Cynthia pointed at the pool of blood on the left side of the body. Mark shone a flashlight on the area.

“What am I looking at?” Madison crouched down.

“Right there. See it?” Cynthia swooped a fingertip over an area of blood. “It’s rather faint to the naked eye, but—” she lifted her camera and held it so that Madison and Terry could see the screen “—it shows up quite clear in a photo.”

“Is that…” Madison squinted at the screen. 

“Letters written in blood?” Cynthia said. “Yep. And given the caked blood under the index fingernail of her right hand, I’d say she wrote it herself.”

“GB.” Madison straightened up, placed her hands on her hips. “What does it stand for?”

Terry took out his phone, pecked on it. “GB can stand for gigabyte, Great Britain…”

Madison looked at her partner. “Just a guess, but I think Doe had something—or someone—else in mind. Maybe the first two letters of her killer’s name or their initials?”

“So she knew her killer?” Terry volleyed back. “We’re leaping to that.”

“I’m just spitballing, Terry, and keeping an open mind.”

“Since when?” he shoved out with a chuckle. 

Madison met Cynthia’s gaze, and her friend said, “He does have a point.” 

“Very funny, you two.” Madison said.

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ABOUT THE AUTHOR:

CAROLYN ARNOLD is an international bestselling and award-winning author, as well as a speaker, teacher, and inspirational mentor. She has four continuing fiction series—Detective Madison Knight, Brandon Fisher FBI, McKinley Mysteries, and Matthew Connor Adventures—and has written nearly thirty books. Her genre diversity offers her readers everything from cozy to hard-boiled mysteries, and thrillers to action adventures.

Both her female detective and FBI profiler series have been praised by those in law enforcement as being accurate and entertaining, leading her to adopt the trademark: POLICE PROCEDURALS RESPECTED BY LAW ENFORCEMENT™.

Carolyn was born in a small town and enjoys spending time outdoors, but she also loves the lights of a big city. Grounded by her roots and lifted by her dreams, her overactive imagination insists that she tell her stories. Her intention is to touch the hearts of millions with her books, to entertain, inspire, and empower.

She currently lives in London, Ontario with her husband and beagles and is a member of Crime Writers of Canada and Sisters in Crime.

Website * Amazon * Facebook * Goodreads *  Twitter

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AUTHOR INTERVIEW:

-Tell us about your writing career.

I started as a teenager as a way of dealing with my emotions, and from there I wrote novella-length romantic suspense. It had been a dream of mine to write a full-length novel! I even wrote into Harlequin for their submission guidelines without my parents’ knowledge. I remember hunkering down in the furnace room reading their response. However, it wasn’t until I was thirty that I wrote my first full-length novel. In fact, I’d been away from writing for thirteen years. Since 2006, though, my life changed, and writing’s been a part of my daily life since then.

It so happened that I worked for a fairly large corporation and my department knew that a layoff was coming because they were moving it to the Toronto area. Needless to say, myself and my fellow employees weren’t exactly motivated. One day the receptionist—who I had become friends with—emailed me toward the end of the day and said randomly, Tell me a story. I responded with a few paragraphs off the top of my head. My co-worker loved it and asked for more. This is how we spent the rest of the day—going back and forth. She then told me I had to finish the story. Hmph. Well… I accepted the challenge. It took me a full year to write that novel, but I did it! 

Now don’t ask me the year, but probably around 2013, I cut back my hours at the day job from five days a week to four. Then I went to three. But see, I promised myself that if I ever got to the point I was going to ask to work two days, I would quit instead. That made complete sense to me. Why divide my time if I didn’t have to, and if I could afford to cut back to a couple of days a week, I’d get by without the money for those days. So that’s what I did. In summer of 2014, I quit my day job! And I’ll tell you, as sure as I was about my choice, I was also terrified! But I’m so very happy that I made that decision! It was the perfect time!

Further blessings came when my husband, who is a graphic designer, was also able to quit his day job in 2016 and join me full-time! He does a fantastic job with my covers and formatting my book interiors and making them not only gorgeous but providing a great reading experience. (And this is only a bit of what he does for me!)

But note that none of this just came about. I worked hard. I wrote before I left for the day job, I wrote on my lunch break, I wrote when I came home, and I wrote on weekends. Any spare moment I had I wrote. But I was driven and motivated by passion. Writing and editing was never a burden, but rather an honor. I love entertaining and inspiring people! In fact, an insider bit… I have two beagles and when I’m getting ready to go to my office, I say to them, Let’s go entertain and inspire. Often they’re a few steps ahead! My oldest beagle will often start toward my office when I’m stirring my coffee. 😊

- How long does it take to write the first draft of a book? 

My first book, as I said, took a full year. My second six months, then three months. Now I can write a first draft in three-four weeks.

- What does your writing schedule look like?

Wow, there’s a good question. It’s packed. LOL But it’s the editing stages that occupy most of the time. I find it hard to be editing one book and writing another. Maybe some day I’ll get that down.

- Please describe your work ethic as an author.

I have always viewed writing as something important. Even before I made a dime with my writing, it was never a hobby. When I decided to publish, I approached the industry with the respect and professionalism it deserves, and I have emulated the traditionally published market to the best of my ability. There have been some little bumps along the way, and I’m constantly learning—but that’s life! 

You’ve probably heard write drunk, edit sober. Not this girl! I’m ALWAYS completely sober all stages of the writing process—even final read throughs! Just think, would you show up to your day job with a flask? And if you did, how would you be received?

- How do you balance your work as an author with the other aspects of your life?

I have goals and deadlines but try to go with the flow of life. If I’m stressed or get feeling overwhelmed, I make myself step back and take just a few minutes out to reboot and refresh. If my schedule allows, I’ll move projects around. If my schedule is tight, I’ve been known to wake up at four in the morning and work until five at night. If I find that I’m very stressed by my workload, I look forward and see how I could improve my schedule in the future. Could I allow myself more time between projects and more time with a book that comes back from the editor…that type of thing. I’ve learned that handling two rewrites back to back are too much for me! Once in a period of seven weeks, I reworked two novels and added seventy thousand new words between them! Needless to say, I was feeling a little burnt for a few days after that. But I learned that in the future, I won’t book rewrites one after the other.

- Is there a special program you use to write, or do you write in Word?

I write the first draft in Scrivener and rewrite and edit in Word.

- What is your writing process? Do you outline diligently or write more in the flow, organically?

I wish I could outline meticulously like some of my fellow authors, but I’m an organic writer. The most of an outline I can hope for is a bullet-point synopsis, but even then, my characters are usually far too impatient to wait for me to lay much of anything out in advance. I love writing in the flow, though, because I really find that’s where the magic happens! For example, I know Madison needs to question someone. I might not have a clue what they’re going to tell me, but after I write the scene Madison often walks away with amazing revelations and leads in the case.

- Do you ever find yourself afraid of your manuscript? If so, how do you overcome that?

Every time. I don’t really know why. I’ve written over thirty novels, and I’ve just come to accept that fear and doubt are part of the process. But, yes, I normally think do I have another book in me and do I have enough to say to write a full-length novel? The secret is I start writing anyway. Then the characters and the plot take over and it comes together. And I wish I could say the fear and doubt disappears for the remainder of writing the first draft, but it swells up again. 

Usually by the midway point, I start doubting myself, wondering if it’s boring or moving at a good pace. By the time I reach two-thirds, I think I have so much to say the book will be forever long. (Shakes head. Lots of ups and downs.) But the most important thing is to just keep writing. You have time to beautify the manuscript during the editing process—of which there are several stages.

- You write several series, but what inspired you to write Detective Madison Knight?

Detective Madison Knight needed to be heard, and the world was in need of more tough, female protagonists. That’s where it all started. Well, that and the fact that I loved watching crime dramas and reading the same, so it was a natural transition from romantic suspense.

- Is Madison based on anyone in real life and what about other characters in the book like her partner Terry?

Madison Knight is a lot like me—just more outspoken. She’ll say the things I’ll often think but hold back. She’s tough on the outside but has a vulnerability to her. That’s how my husband described me when we first got together. 

As for Terry, he’s a bit like my husband. The banter between him and Madison is definitely how conversations could go between us. 

- Where did the name Stiles come from? 

Stiles is a fictional city that’s named after my husband’s maternal grandmother.

- Why did you decide to go with a fictional city and is it based on a real city? What are the advantages for an author?

Stiles is sort of based on a blend of Toronto and London, Ontario. But with a fictional city, there’s a lot more freedom! I adhere to basic US police procedures and forensics, but what goes on within the city is my decision. Of course, I base it on logic. But, say, for instance I want a body shop that’s open twenty-four seven, I can have that! (Which I do in What We Bury.)

- If you had any advice for new authors what would it be?

Often you’ll hear write X per day. I say write for a set amount of time and schedule it as an appointment with yourself that you won’t miss. Focusing on the number brings a lot more pressure. You don’t want to be constantly thinking, oh, did I hit the number yet? Writing is a magical—and spiritual—process and is so much better when you just allow yourself to sink into it. I’d also say focus on the outcome. Visualize how exciting it would be to announce on social media that you wrote that day, maybe how many words, and this will only encourage other writers too! 😊

- Please tell us about What We Bury.

The body of a forty-something woman is found stabbed in a shed—no ID, no personal belongings, no sign of the murder weapon, but there are the letters GB written in blood. AND the actual scene of the crime is unknown because it quickly becomes evident the woman didn’t get attacked where she was found. So Madison needs to find her identity, the initial crime scene, unravel the mystery of “GB,” and find means, motive, and opportunity. But while she’s doing all that, she’s also determined to ferret out corrupt cops in the Stiles Police Department and bring the Mafia down. (Wish her luck! She’ll need it!)

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GIVEAWAY:

Carolyn Arnold will be awarding a $10 Amazon or Barnes & Noble gift card to a randomly drawn winner via Rafflecopter. To increase your chance of winning, leave a comment at a different stop on the tour each day. Good luck!

a Rafflecopter giveaway

NBtM Virtual Book Tour and Giveaway: Haunting in Old Tailem (Haunting Clarisse #3) by Janice Tremayne

Welcome to my stop on the NBtM virtual book tour for Haunting in Old Tailem by Janice Tremayne. This book tour was organized by Goddess Fish Promotions. On my stop, I have an excerpt from the book as well as a guest post from the author about ghosts! There's also a tour wide giveaway for a chance to win a print copy of the book. Be sure to follow the rest of the tour for more content. Enjoy!

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Title: Haunting in Old Tailem

Series: Haunting Clarisse #3

Publisher: Millport Press

Publication Date: November 29th 2020

Print Length: 268 pages

Genre: Supernatural Thriller

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An Australian Ghost town. A resident demon and a local Shaman. A confrontation with evil awaits. 

Clarisse realizes that running from evil is not a bad idea until you figure out you can't hide. When some ghosts get tired of hanging around, they latch onto you. At the centre of the war on evil is a historic Church that carries dark secrets within its walls. After she meets with the local Shaman, Clarisse discovers secrets with evil consequences by digging too deep into the town’s past. When matters become complicated, she visits a circus of young performers on the outskirts of town triggering unexpected paranormal events and unleashing memories of a one-hundred-year curse. After being caught in the crossfire of a battle for evil supremacy, Clarisse confronts Little Charlie as he rallies the town's ghosts into an impeccable evil stronghold. 

Can the local Shaman and townsfolk rally in her quest to defeat the evil incarnate or will the town succumb to Little Charlie and his evil crew? 

Haunting in Old Tailem is the third book of the Haunting Clarisse Series. If you like spine-tingling, chilling, creepy and spooky supernatural thrillers, then you will love this story by 2020 USA Readers' Favorite International Book Awards Finalist in Supernatural Fiction, Janice Tremayne. 

Pick up your copy today and follow Clarisse through her battles with evil!

Goodreads * Amazon * Barnes & Noble
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EXCERPT:

She heard a flurry of steps run across the graveyard as stones flicked off the ground and crushed, dried-out weeds propelled into the air. Tiny steps that she had encountered once before—in Hartley. Was it Little Charlie? 

Then another ominous sound. Children laughing and giggling while the faint sound of a circus tune played in the background. Da, da, da, da, da …

She immediately turned around to find four children, each one standing next to an unmarked grave.

One little girl, no more than ten years old, with a black ponytail, knee-high cotton socks, and a white frilled dress, played with her hula hoop. She swung it around in motion and with the equilibrium of an expert. She smiled as her, dark eyes with thick, black eyeliner resonating toward Clarisse.

Next to her was a young boy, no more than eight years old, playing hopscotch between two graves. His knee-length shorts, long socks, and blood-stained shirt, held up by suspenders, were ragged and worn out. He looked like he had been in a terrible accident and dragged across the ground, oblivious to any pain. While playing hopscotch, he balanced three small balls in the air like a juggler, quite a trick and well-coordinated.

Next to him was Little Charlie, sitting on a gravestone with his rope lassoed and legs crossed. He swung his lasso repeatedly and flung it toward an empty can as his target. He liked showing off his prowess to Clarisse, even though he couldn’t say any words, throwing his hands up in the air each time he conquered his target.

Another girl, albeit younger than the first, stood behind Little Charlie on an unmarked grave. She was wearing a crimson dress with frills and brown, country-style boots. Her dress was tainted red in parts from bloodstains, and her face was white as snow. It accentuated the eyeliner around her black eyes and sculptured face. She tilted her head slightly to the side as her red hair was tossed around in the slight breeze while holding a Raggedy Ann doll next to her face. She looked directly at Clarisse, smiling while caressing the doll.

The Raggedy Ann doll smiled one thoughtful expression, blinked its right eye two times rapidly, and then nodded before going back to its original posture.

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ABOUT THE AUTHOR:

Janice Tremayne is an Amazon bestselling and award-winning ghost and supernatural writer. Janice is a finalist in the Readers' Favorite 2020 International Book Awards in Fiction-Supernatural.

She is an emerging Australian author who lives with her family in Melbourne. Her recent publication, Haunting in Hartley, reached number one on the Amazon kindle ranking for Occult, Supernatural, and Ghosts and Haunted Houses categories, for hot new releases and bestsellers.

Janice is well-versed in her cultural superstitions and how they influence daily life and customs. She has developed a passion and style for writing ghost and supernatural novels for new adult readers.

The concept of writing the Haunting Clarisse series was spawned over a cup of coffee many years ago, and she has not looked back since. Her books contain heart-thumping, bone-chilling, and thought-provoking ghost and paranormal experiences that deliver a new twist to every tale.

Website * Amazon * Facebook * Goodreads
---GUEST POST:

- Do you believe in ghosts? If so, what was your most memorable experience with one? 

Yes, I do believe in ghosts; however, I prefer to refer to them as transient entities. Spirits or energies that are hanging around and have not passed to the other side. That is how I characterize ghosts in my books with the storyline and the role of the antagonist.

I did have a ghost experience as a child when I was around ten years old. I still remember it today. We lived in an old home, and I woke up in the middle of a night to see the image of a man in uniform kneeling at the fireplace. The ghost didn’t engage with me or threaten in any way. I recall screaming out for my dad in the next bedroom. I was so petrified. It was so vivid at the time. Was I dreaming? Who knows….But it was genuine to me.

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GIVEAWAY:

Janice Tremayne will be awarding a paperback of Haunting in Tailem to a randomly drawn winner (US and UK only) via Rafflecopter. To increase your chance of winning, leave a comment at a different stop on the tour each day. Good luck!

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Excerpt Tour and Giveaway: Rise and Fall of My Beloved by Utanu MAA

Welcome to my stop on the excerpt tour for Rise and Fall of My Beloved by Utanu MAA. This tour was organized by Goddess Fish Promotions. On my stop, I have an exclusive excerpt from the book as well as the tour wide giveaway for a chance to win a $20 Amazon or Barnes & Noble gift card. Be sure to follow the rest of the tour for more exclusive excerpts. Enjoy!

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Title: Rise and Fall of My Beloved

Author: Utanu MAA

Publisher: Tellwell Talent

Publication Date: October 27th 2020

Print Length: 59 pages

Genre: Poetry

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Rise and Fall of My Beloved is a collection of poetry and prose about resilience—about the experience of stigma and rejection, disease and suffering, love and care, loss and grief—and also a testimony of gratitude, forgiveness and togetherness. Each of its three parts is a journey through life's struggles, pain and loss, all of which require an inner force to overcome, build, rebuild, succeed and heal: resilience. It expresses an undercurrent to an imposed destiny or stigma.

Based on the life experience of my late brother, Rise and Fall of My Beloved is a tribute to mankind's resilience to overcome adversities. The book takes readers from his vulnerable childhood as a neglected orphan set to die, through a childhood in which he was bullied, to his rise as an accomplished engineer, and sadly to his fall as a dying patient of HIV/AIDS. Each poem depicts the essence of unconditional love and care, the dignity of dying of AIDS, forgiveness, and family bond. This book is a manifesto of my brother's exceptional resilience, the best memory of him that will live forever. It is an invitation, an inspiration, a reflection that, when mankind encounters struggles, disease, pain, death, loss, grief, we have to grieve and heal, and rebuild.

Goodreads * Amazon * Apple Books *

Barnes & Noble * Book Depository *

Bookshop * Chapters * IndieBound *

Kobo * Smashwords

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EXCLUSIVE EXCERPT:

The Creation

“And God saw everything that he had made,

and behold, it was very good…” (Genesis 1:31, ESV.)

But what have we done to the creation, then?

What went wrong in our entire world?

Why have we killed it? Why are we hiding?

And you, Zola, what have you done to your precious life?

“And God saw everything that he had made, and behold…”

Wait! Is it still “very good”?

You, Zola, you were a good, beautiful creature,

A loving one now dearly missed forever.

With an everlasting love I hug you, again and again,

In a last attempt of closeness with you invisible but present.

A drop of tears in my eyes, a memory of your scent,

But you are already gone. I grieve to the core.

Silence and silence, forever. 

Your life, though short, was a manifesto of blessings:

Resilience, unconditional love, and care.

For the man you became after all, I give thanks and praises.

While you are entering into grace and sublime light,

I am embracing the inevitable emptiness

But with certitude that, no matter the flow of time,

I will always love you dearly.

I will miss you immensely

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ABOUT THE AUTHOR:

I am Utanu MAA. I live in Toronto and work as a public servant within the Ontario Court of Justice. Originally from the Democratic Republic of Congo in Africa, where I studied French Literature and Law before migrating to Canada in 1991, and thereafter studied Fashion Marketing, Paralegal and Law (1year) programs. In 2004, I was a recipient of a prize for the Poetry contest organized by Canada Heritage during the celebration of the Francophonie. "Couleur d'une langue" (The Color of a language), my unpublished poem about the diversity and different accents that give rhythm and power to a language to become an umbrella of one identity. "Rise and Fall of My Beloved" is also my own journey into unconditional love and care, and the resilience to deal with pain, loss, grief, to grieve, heal and continue with life after my brother's death.

Website * Amazon * Facebook * Goodreads

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GIVEAWAY:

Utanu MAA will be awarding a $20 Amazon or Barnes & Noble gift card to a randomly drawn winner via Rafflecopter. To increase your chance of winning, leave a comment at a different stop on the tour each day. Good luck!

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Book Blast and Giveaway: Bolder Blindsided (Zack Bolder #1) by Janice Tremayne

Welcome to my stop on the book blast for Bolder Blindsided by Janice Tremayne. This book blast was organized by Goddess Fish Promotions. On my stop, I have an excerpt as well as the tour wide giveaway for a chance to win a print copy of the book. Be sure to follow along with the book blast for more content. Enjoy!

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Title: Bolder Blindsided

Series: Zack Bolder #1

Publisher: Millport Press

Publication Date: January 2nd 2021

Print Length: 261 pages

Genre: Supernatural Suspense Thriller

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An Australian alpine ghost town. A priest turned supernatural detective. A missing persons cold case. Will bolder track down the voracious demon?

When Detective Wellock hushers in Zack Bolder to investigate a missing person case in the Australian ghost town of Walhalla, they form the most formidable tag team of supernatural investigators, working for the police branch for unexplained crimes. Perched amongst the alpine area, this tourist backed ghost town is renowned for its gold mining past and stories of hardship, deprivation, and death. It becomes a perfect setting for an unexplained missing person's cold case.

When Bolder realizes every demon has a weakness—it’s blindside, he confronts the demonic presence, head on for an ultimate encounter to save the town. As this evil entity is sly as a fox with more turns that a two-mile car racetrack, Bolder must be at his best to overcome the devil that has cursed the town since 1876.

Can Bolder uncover the curse that strangleholds the town and thrust out the evil entity before more innocent people go missing and suffer an imminent fate?

Bolder Blindsided is the first book of the Zack Bolder Supernatural Suspense Thriller Series. If you like a fast-moving, energetic, and nail-biting supernatural suspense thriller guaranteed to raise your heartbeat, then you will love this story by 2020 USA Readers' Favorite International Book Awards Finalist in Supernatural Fiction, Janice Tremayne.

Pick up your copy today and meet Zack Bolder!

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EXCERPT:

The ghost wore a red-and-blue-checked shirt with suspended loose-fitted corduroy trousers, covered by an oversized sack coat and wavers for shoes—a type of waterproof gumboot. It had a white handkerchief tied around the neck and a broad felt hat. It peered with a skinny, sunken face, white and devoid of any existence. With an elongated nose and red bloodshot eyes—Gazza knew it was not from this world. 

Gazza was a panderer, a good-looking guy that liked to mix with beautiful girls—he was not a fighter. And yet, he realized he was going to confront the most significant battle for his life. He stood firm, upright and arms folded—a natural reaction as his defence mechanism kicked into overdrive. But that could not hide his vulnerability as he trembled inside in fear for his life. 

He continued flashing his torchlight at the phantasm circling him with prancing eyes, ready for its next move. Whatever happened to Jamie, I’m next, he thought.

The icy cold wind blew a gust across the mining shafts, and the moonlight made way for darkness as the clouds rolled in suffocating any virtue of hope. It was pitch black, and his torchlight was starting to fade slowly as the battery life dwindled. He tapped on his torch to get back the light he so desperately needed, but it was only temporary. The phantom continued circling and stomping on the hallowed turf, peering at him with penetrating eyes—ready to make its move. His phone torchlight was his next best thing, but that power source was also dwindling.

The phantom lifted a gold miner’s pickaxe and raised it into the air as a glitter of light reflected off the tips of the sharp end. Gazza instinctively covered his face by raising his right arm. The phantom came for him, and with an almighty swoop, the pickaxe fell on Gazza. He screamed for help, just like Jamie did—but no one was there to hear his final plight to the world. Had the demon murdered Gazza or taken him, prisoner?

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ABOUT THE AUTHOR:

Janice Tremayne is an Amazon bestselling and award-winning ghost and supernatural writer. Janice is a finalist in the Readers' Favorite 2020 International Book Awards in Fiction-Supernatural.

She is an emerging Australian author who lives with her family in Melbourne. Her recent publication, Haunting in Hartley, reached number one on the Amazon kindle ranking for Occult, Supernatural, and Ghosts and Haunted Houses categories, for hot new releases and bestsellers.

Janice is well-versed in her cultural superstitions and how they influence daily life and customs. She has developed a passion and style for writing ghost and supernatural novels for new adult readers.

The concept of writing the Haunting Clarisse series was spawned over a cup of coffee many years ago, and she has not looked back since. Her books contain heart-thumping, bone-chilling, and thought-provoking ghost and paranormal experiences that deliver a new twist to every tale.

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GIVEAWAY:

Janice Tremayne will be awarding a paperback copy of Bolder Blindsided to two randomly drawn winners (US and UK only) via Rafflecopter. To increase your chance of winning, leave a comment at a different stop on the book blast each day. Good luck!

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Book Tour and Giveaway: The Witches of Vegas (The Witches of Vegas #1) by Mark Rosendorf

Title: The Witches of Vegas

Series: The Witches of Vegas #1

Author: Mark Rosendorf

Publisher: The Wild Rose Press

Publication Date: August 5th 2020

Print Length: 272 pages

Genre: Young Adult Fantasy

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Where can Witches and their vampire mentor practice their powers without being discovered or persecuted?

By using their magic, the Witches of Vegas become the number one act performing on the Las Vegas Strip—a great achievement for them, but not so much for the magicians—who can't possibly keep pace.

Isis Rivera is the adopted fifteen-year old daughter of The Witches of Vegas. Zack Galloway is the teenage nephew and assistant to the last magician left in the city. Although they should be rivals, when Valeria, a four-hundred-year-old witch with a long-seeded grudge against humanity arrives in Sin-City, both teens act to bring their families together to stop the evil hag in her tracks.

But can the combined witches' powers and the ingenuity of the magicians be enough to stop Valeria from taking over the city and possibly the world?

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BOOK TRAILER:

Mark Rosendorf 's writing is based on the personalities and experiences he has come across throughout his life, coupled with his own wild "if only I could do that" imagination. He is the author of the young adult series, The Witches of Vegas. He is also credited with The Rasner Effect series, a suspense/thriller trilogy published between 2009 and 2012.

Born November, 25th, 1974, and raised in Queens New York, Mark holds a Master's Degree from Long Island University's Human Development and Leadership program. He is a licensed Guidance Counselor for the New York City Department of Education's special education district. He began his counseling career in September, 2001. Prior to that, he worked in the hotel industry.

Mark has also moonlighted as a professional magician. Today, he teaches magic and Illusion to his students in order to teach teamwork while developing their confidence.

Having accomplished his goals of becoming an author, Mark decided on an early retirement from writing. Then, one night, at two a.m., a new and unique story shot into Mark's brain like a lightning bolt, screaming for him to write it. Mark found himself spending several nights taking notes on the characters and their stories. That is how The Witches of Vegas was born.

This is Mark's first young adult novel.

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They say every author has some weird habit when they write. For the most part, this is a true statement as creativity comes with quirks. I’m no different. My weird habit: I do most of my writing in the shower. I’m not sure why, but that’s where most of my ideas flow just like the water that hits my body from the faucet. Unfortunately, my ideas are like lightning—one bright flash, then it’s gone. That’s why I have notepads and a pen tacked up on the wall next to my shower. When I have an idea, I stick my arm out of the shower and write it down. It’s part of my writing process. 

The Witches of Vegas is a story about a family of witches and their vampire mentor who hide in plain sight as magicians on the Vegas strip. It is an award-winning young adult novel that has taken its audience by storm. It was also, mostly, written on notepads from the shower. The same can be said for the upcoming sequel, Journey To New Salem, which is scheduled for an early 2021 release. Both stories are clean, and so it the author. 

Every writer has a weird writing habit. Now you know mine. What’s yours?

Win one of the following prizes (one winner each):

- a $15 Amazon gift card (WW)

- A print copy of The Witches of Vegas by Mark Rosendorf (US only)

- an eBook of The Witches of Vegas by Mark Rosendorf (WW)

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