Sandy Wolters - Sandy's Spotlight

Soul Mates, a new PNR/Time Travel Romance by Sandy Wolters Book Tour Information

Fri, 17 May 2013 02:03:31 GMT

Soul Mates Bewitching Book Tour Starts Monday, May 20th!

Bewitching Book Tours has put together a whirlwind two-week book tour for my new steamy PNR (Magic)/Time Travel Romance, Soul Mates! You'll find 9 different excerpts, 5 interviews, 4 video guest blog posts and new reviews for Soul Mates on the different stops. That's right! 18 stops in 2 weeks.

I'll be giving away a digital copy in the e-reader format of the winner's choice of Soul Mates to one lucky winner on each stop. In the event the winner already has a copy of Soul Mates, I'll be happy to gift them a digital copy of one of my other books.

Here's the Soul Mates Book Tour schedule:

May 20 Spotlight (Excerpt) Sapphyria's Steamy Book Reviews
May 20 Spotlight (Excerpt) Share My Destiny

May 21 Guest blog and review Jessica Loves Books
May 21 Interview Pembroke Sinclair

May 22 Interview Musings of Mistress of the Dark Path

May 23 Guest blog 2 Bibliophiles Guide
May 23 Spotlight (Excerpt) and review DEB SANDERS

May 24 Interview Roxanne’s Realm

May 27 Spotlight (Excerpt) Cover Reveals
May 27 Excerpt Brianna Lee Book Reviews

May 28 Interview Fang-tastic Books

May 29 Guest blog A Bibliophiles Thoughts on Books

May 30 Guest blog Butterfly-o-Meter Books
May 30 Spotlight (Excerpt) Reviewing in Chaos

May 31 Spotlight (Excerpt) and review Faerie Tale Books
May 31 Spotlight (Excerpt) and review Readaholic's Reviews

June 3 Interview Bianca2b
June 3 Spotlight (Excerpt) All I Want and More

Click on book cover to read first 2 chapters

Soul Mates Blurb:
Pulled Back Through Time, Shandelle Is Caught Between An Enduring Love And A Wizard’s Magic

In the beginning of time, one soul splits into two. Lifetime after lifetime, the two souls are reborn and seek to reunite. Like a beacon of light from heaven above, their light shines for each other. Without the other, there is only darkness. A wonderful blessing that can only come from a deeply-bonded love, the sharing of one soul can also be a black curse if something disrupts the moment of their coming together.

Ireland 1323... Donovan, chieftain of the Clan O'Brien, has unsuccessfully searched his entire adult life, to the detriment of his clan and all those around him, for that elusive possession that will bring his soul peace. He doesn't know what it is, but he will give up everything to find it. One day, he is summoned by the Wizard and told the secret of his obsession—his soul mate. She is no longer living in his time, but there is a way to bring her back to him.

Phoenix 2013... Shandelle and Ian are embarking on their new life together. She is everything Ian ever wanted but never realized he needed before he met her. Shandelle is a generous soul who lives to make Ian and everyone around her happy. Unfortunately for them both, evil is stalking them. The blood bond duty of a close friend brings betrayal and evil into their lives. How were they to know that the death of a six-year-old girl in the early fourteenth century could have such grave consequences on their lives today?

What people are saying about Soul Mates:

"Simply Captivating"

My husband has read four books written by Author Sandy Wolters. He has liked all her books because they are well written and story lines are easy to follow. I asked him today, "Give me two words about Sandy's book." He said it in one word, "Captivating." Being that I just finished reading this story, I agree.
Nancy Silk

*****

"In the beginning of time, one soul splits into two. Lifetime after lifetime, the two souls are reborn and seek to reunite." And with that in mind, Sandy hooked me from the very first page. I loved reading about 14th century Ireland and I loved how easily she transitioned from that time period to present day Arizona.
Ann Swann

*****

Quality of writing: Superb
Pace: Vigorous
Characters: Captivating and unique
Plot development: Excellent. Unique twists and turns.
Story line: Potent. Engaging. Candid.
Enjoyability: This one is a bit harder to classify. Read "My Thoughts" for additional details.
My Thoughts:
My emotions were all over the map while reading Soul Mates. Wolters does a wonderful job crafting a time-travel type story with elements of the past and present woven seamlessly throughout it.
The BookChick

*****

Soul Mates by Sandy Wolters offered a completely different take on the typical “soul mates” story. I was afraid the future and past parts of this story would become too tangled and steal from the actual story. Boy, was I wrong. Ms. Wolters did a great job at juggling so much that could be confusing, instead making it not only understandable, but fun and exciting.
Tina "coffee and books"

*****

I have to tell you that Sandy not only has a wonderful sense of story, but she also has a deep connection with her characters, which comes across in the stories she tells. All her books are paranormal romance, and she blends the paranormal with the romance beautifully, not allowing it to overwhelm the story or the characters.
Dannye Williamsen (my editor)

Purchase Links For Soul Mates:
Amazon - Kindle and Print
Amazon UK - Kindle and Print
Barnes and Noble
Kobo
Apple iTunes
All Romance Ebooks
Diesel eBook Store
Smashwords - all e-reader formats

Sandy's Spotlight - BOOK REVIEW - Obsession by Sharon Buchbinder

Mon, 06 May 2013 22:05:26 GMT

Sandy's Spotlight
BOOK REVIEW
Obsession
By
Sharon Buchbinder

The following is my May 6, 2013, 5 Star Review:

Book: Obsession
Author: Sharon Buchbinder
Genre: Romantic Suspense
Length: Approximately 246 Pages

OBSESSION by SHARON BUCHBINDER is a fast paced romantic suspense that will have you sitting on the edge of your seat. This book has all the elements that I, as a romantic suspense lover, really enjoy. The plot is complex with two very gripping storylines coming together flawlessly and sexual tension that will have the reader sweating. Whew!

I must admit that the subject matter in this book is not something that I would normally read. Mexican drug lords? Well, I live in Arizona, so I get to hear enough about them on the news. Fanatical religious cults? This is something I personally find so taboo that it's just never been a priority to use my reading time on. I mean, really, what fun is that? Well, I'm here to tell you, you won't be able to put the book down. It's just that good.

There were also some supernatural elements introduced in this book that I really enjoyed. Getting down to the very basics, Good VS Evil? You bet, and I LOVED every minute of it. Even if this is not a subject matter that you normally read, take a chance. You won't be let down. I highly recommend OBSESSION by SHARON BUCHBINDER.

Obsession Blurb:
A year after a barbaric childbirth, complete with a near-death experience and an encounter with her guardian angel, Angie Edmonds is just happy she and her son, Jake, are alive. She's finally in a good place: clean, sober, and employed as a defense attorney. But at the end of a long work day, she finds herself in a parent's worst nightmare: Jake has been kidnapped and taken across the Mexican border by a cult leader who believes the child is the "Chosen One."

Stymied by the US and Mexican legal systems, Angie is forced to ask the head of a Mexican crime syndicate for help. Much to her chagrin, she must work with Alejandro Torres, a dangerously attractive criminal and the drug lord's right-hand man. Little does she know Alejandro is an undercover federal agent, equally terrified of blowing his cover--and falling in love with her.

Author Links:
Website
Blog
Goodreads
Facebook
Twitter

Sandy's Spotlight - The 4 Cs of Problem-Solving by John Dean Williamsen

Wed, 17 Apr 2013 21:37:13 GMT

Sandy's Spotlight
CD Review
The 4 Cs of Problem-Solving
by
John Dean Williamsen

This is not a normal blog post for me. I do not normally share my personal opinions about these types of things, but this CD has literally changed my life for the better and I wanted to share it with everyone. I believe that things come to you as you need them and I was in great need of hearing this seminar. I've never been good at problem solving and this seminar helped me work through that. I hope it helps you as well.

Click on cover to learn more

The following is my April 17, 2013, 5 Star review:

CD: The 4 Cs of Problem-Solving
Author: John Dean Williamsen
Genre: Personal Growth/Self Help
Length: Approximately 1 Hour

Life Altering Seminar

I'm a worrier. It's something I've done my entire life. In the past, problems have literally dragged me down and overwhelmed me. I just can't seem to move past them. When I finally feel as though a problem has been resolved, it seems to pop up again. The players may be different, but the root problem always seems to be the same.

The first time I listened to the 4 Cs of Problem-Solving, it gave me hope. My entire being felt lighter because I was actually being given a step-by-step game plan to solve problems and move on. It also changed my viewpoint on what a problem actually is. Now that I'm looking at my problems in an entirely different light, I feel as though I actually now have the tools to confront them and move on. I'm not fooling myself into thinking that using these four Cs is going to be an easy task. It's not. It's a difficult process but well worth the energy.

Through the revelations I've learned listening to this seminar, I know now that problems are actually opportunities for growth. Now that I've learned to look at problems in a more positive light, I feel pretty confident about tackling the 4 Cs and actually moving through my problems instead of floundering in them and never really moving past them.

I've listened to this seminar time and time again. Each time, I hear something new and different. If you are like me and have difficulty managing or solving problems, I highly recommend this seminar. I've found it very helpful and will use these tools I've been given the rest of my life. This seminar has been life altering for me and I'm so grateful to have this knowledge.

Track Listings:
1. Why You Really Worry About Problems
2. The Purpose of Problems
3. The First C
4. The Second C
5. The Third C
6. The Fourth C
7. The Benefits of The 4 Cs Method

Click HERE for more information about this CD

Where to find more information about John Dean Williamsen:
Author Website
Facebook
Blog

Sandy's Spotlight - New Release - SOUL MATES, a steamy paranormal romance

Tue, 09 Apr 2013 00:22:05 GMT

SOUL MATES,
a new steamy paranormal romance
by Sandy Wolters
has just been released!

Click on book cover to read excerpt

So this is why I haven't been around much in the month of March! I'm so excited to let you all know about my new book, SOUL MATES.

Click on the book cover to be directed to an excerpt of SOUL MATES.

Blurb:

Pulled Back Through Time, Shandelle Is Caught Between An Enduring Love And A Wizard’s Magic

In the beginning of time, one soul splits into two. Lifetime after lifetime, the two souls are reborn and seek to reunite. Like a beacon of light from heaven above, their light shines for each other. Without the other, there is only darkness. A wonderful blessing that can only come from a deeply-bonded love, the sharing of one soul can also be a black curse if something disrupts the moment of their coming together.

Ireland 1323 - Donovan, chieftain of the Clan O'Brien, has unsuccessfully searched his entire adult life, to the detriment of his clan and all those around him, for that elusive possession that will bring his soul peace. He doesn't know what it is, but he will give up everything to find it. One day, he is summoned by the Wizard and told the secret of his obsession—his soul mate. She is no longer living in his time, but there is a way to bring her back to him.

Phoenix 2013 - Shandelle and Ian are embarking on their new life together. She is everything Ian ever wanted but never realized he needed before he met her. Shandelle is a generous soul who lives to make Ian and everyone around her happy. Unfortunately for them both, evil is stalking them. The blood bond duty of a close friend brings betrayal and evil into their lives. How were they to know that the death of a six-year-old girl in the early fourteenth century could have such grave consequences on their lives today?

**This book contains adult sexual content.

Sandy's Spotlight - Author Spotlight and Review - Sarah Ballance, Last Call

Sun, 03 Mar 2013 17:59:16 GMT

Sandy's Spotlight
Author Spotlight and Book Review
Last Call
By
Sarah Ballance

Amazon.com Widgets

I'm a huge fan of Sarah Ballance, so I'm really excited to introduce you to her and share some of her books. Last Call is the fourth book of Sarah's that I've read and I just can't get enough!

More about Sarah Ballance:
Sarah and her husband of what he calls “many long, long years” live on the mid-Atlantic coast with their six young children, all of whom are perfectly adorable when they’re asleep. She never dreamed of becoming an author, but as a homeschooling mom, she often jokes she writes fiction because if she wants anyone to listen to her, she has to make them up. (As it turns out, her characters aren’t much better than the kids). When not buried under piles of laundry, she may be found adrift in the Atlantic (preferably on a boat) or seeking that ever-elusive perfect writing spot where not even the kids can find her.

She loves creating unforgettable stories while putting her characters through an unkind amount of torture—a hobby that has nothing to do with living with six children. (Really.) Though she adores nail-biting mystery and edge-of-your-seat thrillers, Sarah writes in many genres including contemporary and ghostly paranormal romance. Her ever-growing roster of releases may be found at http://sarahballance.com.

Author Website
Blog (One of my favorites to visit)
Facebook
Twitter
Goodreads

The following is my March 3, 2013, 5 Star Review for Last Call:

Book: Last Call
Author: Sarah Ballance
Genre: Romantic Suspense
Publisher: For the Muse Publishing, 2013
ISBN 13: 978-0-9889995-0-3
Length: 33k (approx. 110 pages)

In the past, he left her wounded in the hospital without saying goodbye. Now he's back and she must put her trust in him to help keep her alive.

LAST CALL by SARAH BALLANCE is a romantic suspense that will have you clutching your Kindle tighter and tighter as you read. The suspense in this book starts out at the very beginning and propels the reader forward throughout the book. The action is so exciting, you won't be able to sit still when you're reading. If that's not enough to convince you to read this book, how about sexual tension between Rhys Clark and her ex-partner, Nick Massey, that is so well written, you as a reader will be begging for them to come together? BEGGING!

I'm a huge fan of Ms. Ballance. I've read several of her books and always look forward to reading more of her work. LAST CALL by SARAH BALLANCE is a must read for all of you lovers of romantic suspense! Don't pass this one up!

Last Call Blurb:
In a perilous game of trust, a shocking betrayal deals a dangerous hand.

An accidental witness to a murder-for-hire, ex-cop Rhys Clark becomes the target of ruthless killer—one determined to silence her at any cost. Playing dead seems to be the most likely way to stay alive, but when her protection comes in the form of mega-sexy former adversary Nick Massey, Rhys can think of a few fates worse than death.

Nick Massey may have walked away from his troubles, but he never got past wanting Rhys. Once paired undercover, they’d been nothing but fireworks until a botched assignment ended her career, sending his into a tailspin. Now a mysterious client threatens Nick’s life if he doesn’t keep Rhys safe, but it isn’t until fate takes a critical turn that he realizes the devastating truth: he’s been her greatest threat all along.

LAST CALL is available from: For the Muse Publishing, Amazon, Barnes & Noble, and Smashwords (formats: .mobi, .epub, HTML, PDF, RTF, LRF, PalmDoc, and Plain Text). Click here to add to Goodreads or here for reviews.

Cover art by For the Muse Design

Click here to see my March 22, 2013, 5 Star Review.

Title: HAWTHORNE
Author: Sarah Ballance
Genre: Paranormal Romance (ghost)
Publisher: Astraea Press, 2011
ISBN 13: 978-1-93685-244-4
Length: 63 pages

Hawthorne Blurb:
After a terrifying encounter with the unexplained, it took ten years and the news of her grandmother’s passing for Emma Grace Hawthorne to return to her childhood home. She sought peace in saying a proper goodbye, but what she found was an old love, a sordid family history, and a wrong only she could right.

Living in the shadow of Hawthorne Manor, Noah Garrett never forgot about Emma Grace. In a house full of secrets, his search for missing documents revealed a truth that could cost him everything. What he found gave Emma the freedom to walk away from the mansion, her heart free and clear, but at what price to Noah?

HAWTHORNE is available from: Astraea Press, Amazon, Paperback, Barnes & Noble, Apple iTunes,Kobo, Books on Board, and more! Click here to add to Goodreads or here for reviews

Title: UNFORGIVEN
Author: Sarah Ballance
Genre: Romantic Suspense
Publisher: Noble Romance Publishing, 2011
ISBN 13: 978-1-60592-636-0
Length: 133 pages

Unforgiven Blurb:
Riley Beckett’s past just came back to haunt her … and this time, he’s got a gun.

When Gage Lawton finds his brother shot dead on his back porch, every shred of evidence points to one person: his former lover, Riley. They didn’t part ways on good terms, and they’re not going to reconnect there, either—not when he’s got a revolver pointed at her head and a finger on the trigger.

A year after Riley swore she and Gage were over, he returns in a hail of gunfire. One look into those achingly familiar blue eyes and she knows how wrong she was to let him go, but now far more than their heated past stands in the way. A twist of fate puts them in the cross hairs of a killer, leaving Riley with two slim options: trust her greatest betrayer, or face a murderer on her own.

UNFORGIVEN is available from: Noble Romance, Amazon, Barnes & Noble, All Romance eBooks, and more! Click here to add to Goodreads or here for reviews.

Click here to see my July 24, 2012, 5 Star Review.

Title: TIDE OF LIES
Author: Sarah Ballance
Genre: Romantic Suspense
Publisher: Noble Romance Publishing, 2012
ISBN 13: 978-1-60592-408-3
Length: 123 pages

Tide Of Lies Blurb:
Haunted by three unsolved murders, Detective Holden Whitlow is stunned when his cold case takes a heated turn. Julia Cohen, his ex-lover, is back in town, and in the face of a brutal attack she’s ready to run. No matter how tightly she holds her secrets, for Holden, turning away from the woman he’s spent a decade trying to forget isn’t any more an option than walking away from his job . . . even when it threatens to cost Julia her life.

Julia is still reeling from a past she can’t bear to face. When she becomes the target of a killer, fate throws her back into Holden’s arms, but she’s yet to recover from a truth that has stripped her of everything—and everyone—she loves. Will she tell him the secret that will destroy him, or will her lie destroy them both?

TIDE OF LIES is available from: Noble Romance, Amazon, Barnes & Noble, All Romance eBooks, and more! Click here to add to Goodreads or here for reviews.

More titles by Sarah Ballance: (Click on book cover for more information)

Sandy's Spotlight - NEW COVER REVEAL - Maggie Mae by Sandy Wolters

Thu, 28 Feb 2013 17:09:05 GMT

Sandy's Spotlight
NEW COVER REVEAL
For
MAGGIE MAE BY SANDY WOLTERS
A Contemporary Romance with a
Ghostly Paranormal Twist

Click on book cover to read first two chapters

First of all, I'd like to thank my very dear friend, editor and now book cover designer, Dannye Williamsen, for all of her invaluable help. I never would have been able to put this cover together without her. When I decided to change the cover for MAGGIE MAE, she's the person I sent picture after picture to for her thoughts. What a trooper.

When I first wrote MAGGIE MAE, I had a clear picture in my mind of exactly what I wanted on the front cover. Maggie's character is a woman who loves the outdoors. Like me, she has a special place she goes to center herself. I wanted that image on the front cover. It just made perfect sense to me. It was something that was very special to me and I knew the readers would understand the cover when they read the book.

Recently, I requested a review from The Bookchick. I have to thank her for being so honest with me. While she was reading MAGGIE MAE, she took the time to e-mail me to let me know she didn't think the book cover represented the book well at all and thought I would gain more readers for the story if I changed it to something more appropriate for the genre. I found this form of constructive criticism very comforting because it meant she cared enough about the book to give me her honest thoughts.

I can only imagine how difficult it was for The Bookchick to speak so candidly to me about this, but I am so grateful she did. I really had no idea people were getting a "Little House on the Prairie" vibe from my cover. Boy, did I ever miss the mark on that one!

I've never been a cover person myself. Before I had my Kindle, I would go to the bookstore, go straight to the genre I was looking for at the time, pull books from the shelves and read the back cover oftentimes never even looking at the front of the book. If I liked the blurb, I'd buy it. Now with my Kindle, I do the same thing. I've just never taken the cover into consideration.

It's funny, but I found that picking a book cover is something akin to looking for a wedding dress. I found several pictures that were possibilities, but when I found THE picture, I got chills. When I see Maggie Mae in that beautiful embrace, I can feel the passion and the love from deep within her. I hope you like the new cover as much as I do!

MAGGIE MAE BLURB:
July 4th 2005, Maggie Mae's wedding day was the happiest day of her life, the most painful day of her life and the day she died three times.

Maggie lives as a recluse in the home that she and her dead husband, Jimmy, built together. It's all she has left of him. She has her friends but has turned her back on the world and any possibility of spending her life with another man.

Five years after Jimmy's tragic death, Maggie's world is once again turned upside down when their home, the last hold she has to her husband, is destroyed. Maggie is thrown into the path of a man, the only man, who can bring her back to life. Elk Bend Chief of Police Michael Rogers is there to help her pick up the pieces and move on.

Rafferty, a close friend, has loved Maggie for years. Waiting for her to get over the loss of her husband so that she will be with him, Rafferty has inserted himself into Maggie's life so deeply that she doesn't see his obsessive behavior— that she was being stalked by Rafferty even before the death of her husband—nor the danger that Rafferty represents to her. Rafferty believes Maggie is his, and he will do whatever he has to do in order to keep her.

Will Maggie be able to start a new life with Michael? Or will she be so consumed with the fear of losing him that she is paralyzed to move forward with her new life? Will Rafferty have the power over Maggie to extinguish any feelings she has for Michael? Or will he destroy her trying to wrestle her away from her fate with another man?

In this steamy contemporary romance with a ghostly paranormal twist, the depths of love as well as sorrow are explored as you experience the horror of Maggie Mae’s husband’s death, the joy and laughter of friendships, and, most of all, the wonder when love transcends death.

Purchase Links:
Amazon
Amazon UK
Barnes and Noble
Apple iTunes
Smashwords (All e-reader formats)

Sandy's Spotlight - BOOK REVIEW - Curbchek by Zach Fortier

Tue, 26 Feb 2013 01:02:18 GMT

Sandy's Spotlight
BOOK REVIEW
Curbchek
By
Zach Fortier

To read an excerpt, click on the book cover

The following is my February 16, 2013, 5 Star Review:

Book: Curbchek
Author: Zach Fortier
Genre: True Crime, Crime Drama
Length: Approximately 230 Pages

Whew! Amazing read. This is one of those books that took me a long time to get through. Mainly because I would read a chapter and then read it out loud to my husband who enjoyed the book as much as I did.

Each chapter is a specific incident that happened to Mr. Fortier while serving as a police officer. If you're looking for a book to read that will keep you mesmerized, and yet not bog you down because you just don't have time to get through the whole thing at once, this is the perfect book for you. Each chapter has a conclusion to that specific story Mr. Fortier is telling.

If you are a fan of the TV show Southland, this is a must read. I now know the true meaning behind the word gritty.

I would like to personally thank Mr. Fortier for his service as a police officer. I've always had a huge respect for policemen and policewomen, but after reading this, I just can't imagine how their lives are affected by protecting all of us.

Curbchek Blurb:
Curbchek is the story of a damaged cop, Zach Fortier. Fortier worked in the police department for the city where he grew up. One foot in the world of the cops, courts and legal system. The other in the world of gangs, drugs, thugs and street violence. Where the laws and rules are made by the strongest, the schemers and most brutal. Read about the transformation of Fortier from a green rookie to a damaged paranoid veteran seeing danger in every situation. Follow along as he walks this tight rope. Trying to make difference, breaking the laws he promised to enforce. This is a story of law and order uncensored.

Author Links:
Author Website
Goodreads
Facebook
Twitter

Sandy's Spotlight - BOOK REVIEW - The Seasons of My Soul by Dannye Williamsen

Sat, 23 Feb 2013 14:48:24 GMT

Sandy's Spotlight
BOOK REVIEW
The Seasons of My Soul
By
Dannye Williamsen

The following is my February 23, 2013, 5 Star Review:

Book: The Seasons of My Soul
Author: Dannye Williamsen
Genre: Poetry
Length: Approximately 59 pages

Let me just start this review out by saying that I do not read poetry. I've never much cared for it, and I've never really understood it. I know that it touches many people, but it's never touched me. With that out of the way, one of my favorite authors, DANNYE WILLIAMSEN, has published THE SEASONS OF MY SOUL, a book of poetry that she's written throughout her life.

I picked this book up because I'm such a fan of Ms. Williamsen's paranormal reads. She has a beautiful writing style that keeps the reader captivated, so I thought I'd give it a go. I must say that I was more than pleasantly surprised by the poems in this book. Maybe it's because of the way they are presented. Ms. Williamsen makes this a very personal undertaking by describing events that were happening in her life when she stopped to take the time to write these poems. Maybe it's that format that made this such a beautiful read to me, why I was able to understand and feel the words so much more than other poetry I've tried to read. I was able to relate to many of the poems because all of us have found ourselves in many of the situations that Ms. Williamsen was in when taking pen to paper and writing these very thoughtful and at times heart wrenching thoughts about ebbs and flows in our lives.

The thing that made me happiest about this book of poems was the feeling I had after I read it. I was filled with hope that even though I may revert to my old way of thinking, there will come a time when I will be able to move forward again in a positive light.

Even if you are like me and do not normally read poetry, this is a wonderful read and I highly recommend it.

The Seasons of My Soul Blurb:
Dear Friends,

I wouldn't begin to pretend that these poems have any value to the literary world because I’m quite sure they don’t. They were simply my way of expressing the emotions that were overtaking me at different times in my life and yet filling me with wonder at other times.

I won’t apologize if their structure falls short because these “poems” were my safety valve—the outlet that let me release my unproductive emotions. They were also the way I was able to express my personal growth when those around me did not see things the same way I did. So, I bless them. . .warts and all!

As you read the poems, you will notice that I have given you the date each was actually written, beginning in 1963 when I was 14 years old. I also shared the event or attitude that sparked the poem.

After I discovered these expressions of mine tucked in-between the boxes and boxes of paper I had accumulated over the years, I absent-mindedly put them in chronological order. That was when I realized it was an order that defined my spiritual journey with all its ups and downs, lessons ignored, and lessons learned.

So at the top of each poem, you will see a running commentary. It is psychological in nature. With hindsight and hopefully greater wisdom, I have tried to present an inner perspective, showing my true journey from 1963 to the poem I wrote when I reached fifty.

Friends who have read my compilation have uniformly told me that even though I had different experiences than some of them, they still recognized the emotions behind the different poems. They said that some evoked memories while others stirred up emotions they thought they had resolved.

Whatever their effect on you, please know that I lay no claim to being a poet. I do believe, however, that we are all one, struggling to express ourselves and experiencing the same emotions with differing circumstances. If my journey can help you in any way, I am simply grateful.

Dannye Williamsen

Author Links:
Website
Goodreads
Facebook
Twitter

Sandy's Spotlight - Author Spotlight - Jaye Frances, Book Review and Give@way

Fri, 15 Feb 2013 01:22:02 GMT

Sandy's Spotlight
Author Spotlight - Jaye Frances
BOOK REVIEW
The Beach

Jaye Frances

I first became aware of books by Jaye Frances through the Paranormal Romance Guild. I saw a review they did of her book, The Kure, and it sounded so good, I wanted the opportunity to learn more about Ms. Frances and her work.

Jaye Frances has been kind enough to offer an international giveaway of one Kindle copy of her book, The Beach, to a lucky commenter. I will be picking the winner via random.org on February 20th and provide the winner's e-mail address directly to Ms. Frances for her to contact you.

More information about this book is below as well as my 5 Star review for it. Don't miss out on your opportunity to win a Kindle copy of this book. It is a must read. All you have to do is leave a comment. Make sure when you complete the comment form, you leave a valid e-mail address. There is no need to put your e-mail address in the comment itself.

Please welcome Jaye Frances:

Thank you, Sandy, for featuring me today on Sandy’s Spotlight. I really appreciate the opportunity to visit with your readers and followers.

There’s nothing I enjoy more than meeting new people. Sometimes it happens while I’m waiting in the checkout line at the supermarket. Other times I find a friendly face—and a willing ear–at the gym. I’ve even started up a conversation with the people at the next table while having dinner at my favorite restaurant. Depending on the circumstances and the situation, the subject can vary from the superficial to the serious. During these impromptu exchanges, the question is often asked, “What do you do for a living?” My answer usually spurs another in the form of a challenge. “What would you write about me?”

I suppose it’s a common fantasy, wanting to cast ourselves in the imaginary role of hero or heroine. And why not? I do it all the time, often jumping headlong into the lives of my characters, vicariously enjoying a rush of joy and passion one moment, then resigning myself to wallow in the self-pity of disappointment in the next.

So how do I answer them? I try to encourage a bit of introspection by asking who they would like to trade places with or, if that stumps them, what’s the first thing they would want to change about their lives. After they’ve had a moment to think about it, I follow up with, “Based on what you would have to give up, is it a change you could live with?”

Some of the most interesting answers have inspired me, surprised me, and occasionally kept me awake at night . . .

Author Bio: Jaye Frances is the author of The Kure, a paranormal-occult romance novel, The Possibilities of Amy, a coming-of-age romance novella, The Cruise-All That Glitters, an adult satire, The Beach, a sci-fi supernatural tale about a man who is given the opportunity to receive his ultimate wish, and Love Travels Forever, a collection of poignant short stories and essays. She is also a featured columnist for the NUSA SUN magazine. Born in the Midwest, Jaye readily admits that her life’s destination has been the result of an open mind and a curiosity about all things irreverent. When she’s not consumed by her writing, Jaye enjoys cooking, traveling to all places tropical and “beachy” and taking pictures—lots of pictures—many of which find their way to her website. Jaye lives on the central gulf coast of Florida, sharing her home with one husband, six computers, four cameras, and several hundred pairs of shoes. For more information, visit Jaye’s website at www.jayefrances.com, or Jaye’s Blog at http://blog.jayefrances.com.

Amazon.com Widgets

Click on book cover above to be directed to the US Amazon purchase link. Other purchase links listed below each book blurb.

The Beach
Genre: Supernatural Suspense Thriller
Length: 108 pgs

The following is my February 14, 2013, 5 Star Review:

Note: This book contains two short stories

Wow! I'm completely exhausted after reading these two stories in THE BEACH by JAYE FRANCES. These are both stories about someone being enticed by an outside influence with a huge life choice. Is this a gift, or is it a curse? Do the characters make the right decisions? No.

This is the first work that I've read by Jaye Frances and it's not going to be the last. It has been quite some time since an author made me physically cringe while reading. I agree with the supernatural suspense thriller genre for this book, but I would also add horror to the mix.

These two short stories were written beautifully. Visually I could see everything that Ms. Frances was describing. I could feel the storm coming in, smell the beach. It was a fun read because the author did something very risky. She created very unlikeable characters. I had a deep dislike for the main characters and their sense of right and wrong. Ms. Frances was able to write about horrible character flaws in people, things that make most of us extremely uncomfortable (this is where I literally squirmed in my seat) and move the story to a thought provoking ending.

The two stories in THE BEACH by JAYE FRANCES are must reads.

The Beach Book Blurb:
Alan loves the beach. More than a weekend respite, it is his home, his refuge, his sanctuary. And for most of the year, he strolls the sand in blissful solitude, letting nature—and no one else—touch him. But spring has given way to summer, and soon, the annual invasion of vacationers and tourists will subdivide the beach with blankets, umbrellas, and chairs, depriving Alan of his privacy and seclusion—the fundamental touchstones of his life.

Resigned to endure another seasonal onslaught of beach-goers, Alan believes there is nothing he can do but prepare for the worst.

But fate has other plans. Delivered to him on the crest of a rogue wave, the strange object appears to have no purpose, no practical use—until Alan accidentally discovers what waits inside. Now he must attempt to unravel an ageless mystery, unaware that the final outcome will change his life, and the beach, forever.

In the companion novella Short Time, you’ll meet a respectable but bored middle-class executive, who exchanges his future for six months of excess and extravagance, only to find out the price he must pay for his hedonistic indulgence is beyond anything he could have imagined.

Amazon UK Purchase Link

The KURE Book Blurb:
Genre: Paranormal-Occult Romance (Best suited for a mature reader)
Length: 316 pgs

John Tyler, a young man in his early twenties, awakens to find a ghastly affliction taking over his body. When the village doctor offers the conventional, and potentially disfiguring, treatment as the only cure, John tenaciously convinces the doctor to reveal an alternative remedy—a forbidden ritual contained within an ancient manuscript called the Kure.

Although initially rejecting the vile and sinister rite, John realizes, too late, that the ritual is more than a faded promise scrawled on a page of crumbling paper. And as cure quickly becomes curse, the demonic text unleashes a dark power that drives him to consider the unthinkable—a depraved and wicked act requiring the corruption of an innocent soul.

Amazon UK Purchase Link
Barnes and Noble Print Purchase Link

The Possibilities of Amy Book Blurb:
Genre: Contemporary Romance, Chick Lit (Best suited for a mature reader)
Length: 101 pgs

Amy is the ultimate trophy girl—gorgeous face, killer body, and a vivacious personality. But there’s something else about her, something that makes her even more special. Amy is new. A transfer student from out of state, she’s starting her senior year without knowing a soul. And that means she’s up for grabs, available.

Infatuated from the moment he sees her, David is determined to meet Amy, and if the fates are willing, to spend the rest of his life with her. But his shyness prevents him from approaching her—until his friends devise a contest to determine who will be the first to prove their manhood by seducing her.

Amazon UK Purchase Link

Love Travels Forever Book Blurb:
Genre: Short Stories, Romance, Chick Lit, Inspirational
Length: 76 pgs

In Love Travels Forever, Jaye Frances captures the reader’s heart with an inspiring collection of seventeen stories filled with romance and passion, the hopeful innocence of youth, and a love so strong that it transcends the mortality of life. Here are just a few of the people you’ll meet:

Evan and Frankie, a loving couple traveling through life hand-in-hand, are unaware that the shadow of fate is about to tear them apart. Helpless to change their shortened future together, one of them makes a promise—a promise of devotion and courage, honoring a love that surpasses the boundaries of time.

Mark and Janice, the perfect couple with the perfect life, are on the threshold of finally seeing their dreams come true—until an unexpected circumstance changes their lives forever.

Danny, a young soldier fresh out of boot-camp, is desperate to find a way to travel home and marry his sweetheart before being shipped overseas. Stranded in a train station on a three day pass with no hope in sight, Danny meets Wanda, an incredible woman who vows to find a way to bring Danny and his fiance together.

Nora and Georgia are two eight-year-old best friends who share giggles, dolls, and secrets. But when one of them faces sudden danger, the other responds with an unconditional act of love and forges a lifelong bond between them unaffected by fear or prejudice.

So find a quiet spot, get comfy, and grab a box of Kleenex. You’re about to take an unforgettable journey of the heart, to a place where compassion and hope have no limits, and where love continues to travel forever.

Amazon UK Purchase Link

The Cruise-All That Glitters Book Blurb:
Genre: Romantic Satire, Parody (Best suited for an adult reader)
Length: 124 pgs

The Cruise-All That Glitters is a satire on romance, with an edge of sharp humor, as told from the perspective of Dean, a confident, self-assured single guy in search of a romantic encounter with the perfect woman. The story contains mature language and situations and is best suited for an adult reader.

Here's a brief synopsis:

It’s love on the high seas for Dean, a thirty-something bachelor taking his first cruise, hoping for a shipboard romance. On the prowl for the elusive hard-body, he quickly becomes disillusioned, wondering if his expectation of a boatload of beautiful sea nymphs is something found only in travel brochures.

Until he meets Angel.

She is the girl of his dreams, brought to life as a bewitching goddess, ready to engage in every sensual delight. Quickly lured into submission by Angel’s seductive charms, Dean is ready to surrender his heart and soul to this provocative beauty.

Until he meets Marcie . . .

Amazon UK Purchase Link

Author Links:
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Blog
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Don't forget to leave a comment to be entered to win a Kindle copy of The Beach!

Sandy's Spotlight - BOOK REVIEW - His Chosen Bride by Sherry Gloag

Thu, 07 Feb 2013 20:05:34 GMT

Sandy's Spotlight
Valentine's Day Special Book Review
His Chosen Bride
Gasquet Princes Series - Book 2
By
Sherry Gloag

The following is my February 7, 2013, 4 Star Review:

Book: His Chosen Bride
Series: Gasquet Princes - Book 2
Author: Sherry Gloag
Genre: Contemporary Romance
Length: Approximately 98 Pages

HIS CHOSEN BRIDE by SHERRY GLOAG is the second book in the Gasquet Princes Series. I read the first book in the series, FROM NOW UNTIL FOREVER, while I was on vacation as a personally chosen read, so I didn't review that book, but I did rate it 4 Stars. I'm so glad I picked FROM NOW UNTIL FOREVER up. There are several reasons for that. My first genre of choice is romance. I love reading series, and there are princes involved. Need I say more?

HIS CHOSEN BRIDE is Henri and Monica's story. Henri has worked tirelessly for a year with the duties for his father, the king, while he recuperated from a nasty heart attack. Henri takes his duty to the throne seriously and gives no regard to his private life. Monica is a woman with a secret. She has a powerful gift that has sent everyone she's cared about running from her when they found out about it. She's sworn off personal relationships of any kind. You can't get hurt, if you don't let anyone in. And then, there was that one magical dance that left them both weak-kneed.

Although HIS CHOSEN BRIDE is the second book in the series, it is stand alone and there is no need to read them in order. There is a touch of paranormal (psychic abilities) in this book which I really liked. I also really enjoyed the relationships in these books. You have best girlfriends and brothers. It was entertaining seeing them interact with each other, and I thought the dialog was really great. This is a sweet romance just perfect for Valentine's Day. If you are looking for a fun read, a sweet romance and a couple of dream princes, this is the book and series for you!

Other Purchase Links for His Chosen Bride:
Barnes and Noble
Smashwords (All e-reader formats)

His Chosen Bride Blurb (Book 2 in the Gasquet Princes Series):
Prince Henri Gasquet is happy to let his father, the king, choose his bride for him, until he meets Monica Latimer.

Monica Latimer is not prepared to risk letting any man close enough to learn about her Gift. A gift that normally has men running for the hills when they find out about it.

What will happen when both mindsets are challenged?

Other Purchase Links for From Now Until Forever:
Barnes and Noble
Smashwords (All e-reader formats)

From Now Until Forever Blurb (Book 1 in the Gasquet Princes Series):
For Prince Liam, families meant bad news, unwanted commitments, and the loss of his personal freedom. Love spawned white picket fences, slippers at the hearth with a wife and kids making demands, so why did those images disappear when he met Melanie Babcot?

Melanie Babcot fought hard to escape the horrors of her youth and vowed to remain single and free, so when paid to protect Prince Liam from insurgents why did her personal pledge fly out the window?

Author Links:
Website
Blog
Facebook
Twitter
Goodreads

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