Apr 172013
 

 

Moonlit

Eighteen-year-old Tanzy Hightower knows horses, has grown up with them on Wildwood Farm. She also knows not to venture beyond the trees that line the pasture. Things happen out there that can’t be explained. Or undone. Worse, no one but she and the horses can see what lurks in the shadows of the woods.

When a moonlit ride turns into a terrifying chase, Tanzy is left to question everything, from the freak accident that killed her father to the very blood in her veins. Broken and confused, she turns to Lucas, a scarred, beautiful stranger, and to Vanessa, a charming new friend who has everything Tanzy doesn’t.

But why do they seem to know more about her than she knows herself?

Amazon Kindle * Amazon * Goodreads

WiDo Publishing * Barnes & Noble

 

 

Praise

“Virginia’s trees look like they’re burning. Most of them blaze crimson or gold, but some still have a chokehold on their green. I wish they’d give it up already. Leaves are more beautiful when they’re dying.”

And so Moonlit begins. From here the story rolls from one twist to another with many vivid characters whose motives are hard to predict. I found myself being suspicious of everyone, wanting to tell Tanzy to be very careful. The deeper I fell into the plot, the more questions kept rising to the surface. But not to worry, all of my questions were answered. Appropriate for all ages, if you love paranormal fantasy mixed with suspense, mystery and other-worldly romance, you’ll love this novel!

~Author Julie Ford

 

Prologue

The first anniversary of my father’s death was even harder on my mother. Back then, I thought she was haunted most by what she didn’t know. I refused to blame her when she raged above me on our staircase that night, drunk and sad and angry. When she made me promise I’d never ride again. When she hurled a half-full bottle of vodka at my face and it exploded on the wooden stairs at my feet. I hadn’t tried to get out of the way. She had just missed.
I wanted to tell her that knowledge was no solace, that what you know can burn inside you until there’s nothing left but guilt and ash. I also wanted to protect her from losing the only piece of him she had left. So I didn’t say a word.

 

Author Jadie Jones

Georgia native Jadie Jones first began working for a horse farm at twelve years old, her love of horses matched only by her love of books. She went on to acquire a B.A. in equine business management, and worked for competitive horse farms along the east coast. The need to write followed wherever she went.
She currently coaches a hunt seat equitation team that competes in the Interscholastic Equestrian Association, and lives with her family in the foothills of north Georgia. When she’s not working on the next installment of the Moonlit series, she is either in the saddle or exploring the great outdoors with her daughter. Moonlit is her first book.


Book Blast Giveaway

$50 Amazon Gift Card or Paypal Cash

Ends 5/5/13

a Rafflecopter giveaway

 

Nov 192012
 

 

Excerpt

Bonnie lay on her side staring across the small bedroom. A faint light from the street filtered through the curtains, touching hard lines with pale illumination. Beside her, Glen breathed deeply as he slept, his body spooned against hers, his arm draped over her torso. She held on to his arm, feeling his warmth and sureness. She clung to him as if he were an anchor, as though if she were to let go, she’d drift away from him forever.

They’d been married only three short weeks, and still she could scarcely comprehend how she came to be in this bed with a husband who loved her. It had all seemed an impossible dream not so long ago. Her only aspiration then had been to survive, to find work, and become invisible. She never expected to fall in love, had never even hoped to. And now that she was, Bonnie felt certain she didn’t deserve it.

The thought of losing her new found happiness terrified her. She never wanted to go back to the dark days she’d lived before, the empty days of lies and secrets. She never wanted to live even one day without Glen. There were no guarantees, she knew, but Bonnie vowed to make Glen happy, to do everything in her power to keep his love for her alive. But most of all, she wanted to prove herself worthy of his love.

 

My Review
(I gave the book 4 out of 5 stars)

I enjoyed reading ‘Secrets of the Red Box’.  I wasn’t sure if I was going to like it reading the description, but I did. The book is set in the 1940′s, during World War II, when Roosevelt was president.  I think all women are fascinated by the 1940′s.  Most movies you see of that time period romanticize the 1940′s.  The women’s hairstyles were lovely and what was not to love about their clothes.

Bonnie is a young woman that was physically abused by her father growing up, as was her mother.  She was made to work in the fields at a very young age picking strawberry’s.  She never felt love from her father, and all she ever wanted was to feel loved and that she mattered to someone.  As a little girl Bonnie promised herself that she would have money and would never have to work again. She was a runaway at the age of 16, and was very determined to make a better life for herself.

I didn’t like Bonnie much in the first part of the book.  She was selfish, manipulative and a liar.  Lies rolled off of her tongue very, very easily.  She didn’t let anyone get close to her, for the fear of being hurt and she didn’t want anyone to know her past.  As in the title of the book, …Red Box, Bonnie carried the red box with her every where she moved to.  You don’t really know what is in the box, until the end of the book.  She does hint to the contents of the box though.  You learn that it has something from her past, something that she doesn’t want anyone to know about, something that she is ashamed of, but doesn’t really admit that do herself.

Throughout the book you see that Bonnie carries no real affection for any of the men she meets.  She uses them for what they can give her.  She picks military men, men that are lonely and that crave love and attention.  When she met Glen all of that changed.  Then we see a different side of Bonnie, one that is softer, caring and giving.   I started to care about Bonnie in the second half of the book.  She genuinely loves Glen, and they are happy together.  Then something happens to change that.

Throughout the book I thought the Red Box held evidence of Bonnie killing someone, or a horrible family secret she didn’t want revealed.  You don’t find out the contents of the Red Box til almost the very end.  I was actually surprised of it’s contents.  I would have never guessed what was in there. 

If you have never read one of Ms Hall’s books you should pick this one up.  It has a little of everything, history, romance, mystery and a little drama.  The first few chapters were a little slow, but keep reading and you want be disappointed.  Secrets of the Red Box was very well written,  and I will be reading more of Ms Hall’s books.

You can enter the giveaway to win a $50 Amazon Gift Card or $50 PayPal Cash from Author Vickie Hall, for Secrets of the Red Box book tour hosted by ‘I’m A Reader Not A Writer’  HERE.

 

Happy Reading!

 

**I received a copy of this book to review.  I was not obliged to review or give a good review.  This review are my own thoughts about the book and were in not way influence by the author.  This review includes 1 affiliate link.

Nov 062012
 

 


I started blogging because I wanted to share stories about my family, poetry, art, thoughts and short stories, but I haven’t done that as much as I thought I would.  I get stage fright, if that makes any sense.   I have always been able to express myself with writing and poetry, but not with this blog.  I have shared a few things, but not as much as I would like to.  Lately I am in a rut!  If I could go back and start over with this blog, there are a few things I would do differently.  I hope that I still can.  Not go back but move forward, start new!

 

1.  Have a specific niche in mind and plan ahead.  Write about something you are good at.

It never occurred to me when I started this blog blog that no one would want to read it.  Not because I was so great but because I had something to say.  (sigh)  That was really stupid on my part.  There are so many blogs today, ones that post DIY projects, blogging tips, words of wisdom.  After all would wants to read about MY family?   How would I help people?  Would I touch someones life and keep them interested enough to keep coming back?  In short, I wasn’t prepared.


2.  Have at least 5 or so post ready before going live with you blog.

I picked out a blog name, signed up for hosting and wrote a post all in one day.  One post!  Looking back, to me that was light going to a gun fight with no gun.  Not very smart.  Having post pre written will allow you to schedule those post over several days and in the mean time research, write, and pick out media for your next post.


3.  Post topics of interest to others and post often.  ‘If you write it well, they will come.’ 
(giggle… I had to say it…it just popped in my head)

I don’t mean you have to post everyday (which is not a bad idea), but at least 2 to 3 times a week.  If you don’t post topics of interest and post more that once a month, you will most likely lose any readers you may have gained.  Who wants to go to a website and find that nothing is new since you were there a month ago.


4.  Turn off the internet and just write!

I have what I call shinny object syndrome.  I have many, many unpublished post, because start writing and I start doing a little research online and the next thing I know I have about 6 windows open and I haven’t wrote more than 2 sentences for my post.  Now you may be more disciplined than I am and have the ability keep your mind on your post and write.  I on the other had get distracted easily.  Stay focused on your post if you expect to get anything done, or go old school and write with pen and paper.  I have started doing that and hopefully I will have good results.


5.  Create a Facebook fan page or a Twitter page for your blog and share often.

Share your own blog post, but at the same time share other bloggers post and things they post about.  I am learning the importance of commenting on someone elses tweet or their Facebook post.  It get’s you to interact with fellow bloggers or fans of your page.  Think of it this way, what would you think of someone that only talks about themselves and never wants to hear about you?  Like most you would think they were self centered, self absorbed and so on, right?  The same is true with your blog, FB Fan page and Twitter.


5.  Search for blogs that are close to what you are writing about.  See how their readers are responding to what they write.

This will help you to see what you can improve on.  Do they get their readers engaged in the conversation?  You can get a lot of good ideas from other blogs in you niche.  Ideas being the key word here.  Please, please never copy another bloggers work work.  I am sure you have already read this somewhere else, but if you are going to copy or quote from one of their blog post it is a very good idea to ask first.  You don’t want to lose your credibility.  I have never copied another bloggers work, because it just isn’t good etiquette.

6.  Lastly but certainly not lease.  Never compare yourself to another blogger!

Most of the blogs that you see with 1,000 followers and have been around quit a while.  If you compare yourself to them, you will most likely get discouraged.  I know because I did that.  Just do your best!

Photo by andrea joseph’s illustrations


 Posted by at 2:21 pm
Nov 012012
 

It’s simple.
Take a moment each day in November to
thank someone in your life.

Send a text, make a call, leave a post-it,
write an old fashioned letter…
Make eye contact.
Smile.
And say, “thanks.”
It doesn’t matter how you thank them.
Simply think of someone in your life – each day -
and tell them why you are thankful for them.

Give them your thanks.

Thank thirty people in thirty days.
Can’t think of thirty people?
Look more closely at the people you encounter in a day.
The postman.
The barista.
The friendly teller at the bank.
The woman who always stamps your parking ticket.
Your neighbor down the street.
Is there a local store owner who makes you feel
welcome every time you shop?

Do you have a favorite sacker at the grocery store?
How about someone you work with that
makes you laugh?

Do you have a favorite hair stylist, or a massage therapist,
or yoga teacher?

Have you you told your best friend how much you
appreciate their friendship?

Did you ever thank your favorite teacher?
Has anyone helped change the course of your life?
What about someone you are really close to –
like your kids or spouse –
when’s the last time you thanked them?

If you choose to join us, please let me know by contacting me HERE.

Post your stories on Shannon’s Facebook, share your blog links there, too.  
Send out tweets and use #30daysofthanks to mark your posts. 

And if you have a blog,

grab badge HERE.

Sep 102012
 

Deanna over at B & D Novelties is giving away some of there awesome handmade jewelry and greeting cards over the next couple of weeks.  Deanna started this crafting business with her mother not to long ago and are doing a great job.  Go check out their website, but before you do that enter the giveaway below and show them some love!  Just fill out the easy Rafflecopter form below to enter starting September 10, 2012, and earn more entries too!

 

Take a look at what you could win!

 

Assortment of Handmade Jewelry and Accessories
3 Gem Magnets and 2 Greeting Cards
Close up of Beaded Bracelet with 3 charms.
 Close up of Beaded earrings
List of Prizes:
1 Beaded Bracelet with 3 Charms
1 Purple Hemp Beaded Adjustable Bracelet
1 Pair of Purple Hemp and Beads Earrings
1 Pair of Beaded Earrings
1 Brown Hemp Ring
1 Purple Hemp with Silver Spiral Beaded Keychain
1 Large Pony Bead Bracelet with Football
1 Small Child’s Pony Bead Pink Heart Bracelet
3 Gem Magnets (1 pumpkin, 1 purple camo, 1 sunset)
2 Greeting Cards (1 Halloween, 1 Christmas)
Approximately $30 worth of prizes!!!!
Enter now for your chance to win and share with your friends!
We will be doing these types of giveaways often throughout the year!

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Aug 282012
 

 

The Labor Day Blogfest & Book Fair is in honor of Melynda Fleury, she almost lost her eyesight because of diabetes.   Wayman Publishing is throwing a Blogfest and Book Fair Giveaway during the week of Labor Day.  You could win:

1.)  ALL of the ENTRANTS will get unlimited access to download any of Wayman Publishing’s Top 10 Books (the link will be provided to all of the entrants on 9/1/2012).  (1 winner)

2.)  In addition, Mommy Blog Designs, will be giving away one of her Premade Designs with full package ($269 Value) for FREE to one lucky winner!

3.)  $200 paypal cash! (1 entrant will win)

 


 

Wayman Publishing  and the bloggers that helped organize this giveaway (voiceBoks, Linkie’s Contest Linkies, Mommy Blog Designs, and Terri’s Little Haven) thanks for your participation!    
 
Enter to win on the Rafflecopter form below for your chance to win, and to show support for Melynda!  Thanks!

 
 
a Rafflecopter giveaway

Aug 242012
 

Ron Ostlund Jr., an artist who was featured in this post on Silverfaeries & Dragonflies back in April, is celebrating, and with good reason!

Ron has been working hard on his jewelry line, G2G. He recently decided to take on a project that required him to “break out of his box” as he puts it, and did an amazing job in a little over a week! You can find his post on that project here.

Ron also spent this summer working hard on redesigning the Ostlund Custom Works website! Now, you can find his blog and all of his available G2G pieces in one place! And let me tell you….the site looks amazing!

To top it all off, Ron welcomed his son Lucas into the world on August 14th! I don’t know how he’s managed to accomplish so much in just one summer, but I do know that if anyone has a reason to celebrate, it’s definitely Ron.

Ostlund Custom Works, Silverfaeries & Dragonflies, Thoughts n’ Such, Work at Home Adventures and have joined together to bring you a fantastic giveaway to celebrate this wonderful and blessed summer for Ron! His success has been earned every step of the way!

One lucky reader will win this beautiful, hand crafted necklace designed by Ron himself!

Isn’t it just gorgeous?

The “Emily” necklace is a bold and beautiful arrangement of graduated 1/8″ brass bars and gunmetal beads. This was the first style made in the drop bar style, shown here modeled by Emily. (she owns and wears this necklace often) The center bar is 2″ long and each bar graduates 1/4″ till they reach 1″ on the sides. It really makes a statement with a stunning evening gown but can still be worn as an accessory for casual wear. The cord is measured on each side with the standard length being 16″. If you would like a custom length leave a note with your order with the requested length. A small tip for maximum versatility you can get it full length and tie it up to whatever length you wish.

And winning this necklace is super easy! All you have to do is fill out the required entries on the Rafflecopter form below! If you’d like extra entries, there are plenty of chances to get those too! Share the giveaway, tell your friends, that way everyone has a chance to win!

a Rafflecopter giveaway

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