Tuesday, January 24, 2012

A Winter's Respite Read-a-Thon: Prize Page

PRIZES FOR READ-A-THON/MINI-CHALLENGE GIVEAWAYS AT THE TRUE BOOK ADDICT
Most books will include promotional info.  Others will have clickable titles to learn more about the books.

Thanks again to all the generous authors/bloggers who donated all of our prizes! You are awesome!

***Prizes will be awarded on a first response basis***


REMAINING PRIZE (for book details, scroll down):


--Author David Russell--eBooks (International) (1) copy Self's Blossom
Winner--Tobey


REMAINING PRIZES (for details on these books, scroll down):
--Khantara: A Haanta Novel by Michelle Franklin-New Edition/Deluxe PDF eBook (International) (1)  Winner--Risa
--Pandora's Reading Room, Volume I by Pandora Poikilos--Three Two One Kindle copies (International)
Winners--Julie, Ashleigh, JP
--Author David Russell--eBooks (International) (1) copy Self's Blossom (1) copy Explorations
"Explorations" winner--Tracy (just another bookworm)
"Self's Blossom" winner--


*Titles/quantities struck through indicate prize is taken--winners' names will be listed beside prize as well*

Donated by Julie @ Knitting and Sundries--print copies (U.S./Canada)
"Bright and Distant Shores" winner--Melissa @ Jayne's Books
"Sweet Tea and Secrets" winner--Shaunie @ The Space Between

Sweet Tea and Secrets by Nancy Naigle

Bright and Distant Shores by Dominic Smith

Khantara: A Haanta Novel by Michelle Franklin-New Edition/Deluxe PDF eBook (International)   Winner--Risa
Khantara tells the story of the Den Asaan's father and mother, how they met, how Khantara saved Anelta's life, and how their secret bond was threatened by impending war. It is the first stand-alone novel in the series.
From Chapter 4 
The instant Khantara began to walk the short path to the barracks he was attacked by swarms of wrens and sparrows from the nearby willows, all of them in a flutter to have their turn to speak to the gentle mountain. The owls and nighthawks had taken his evening and now it was only fair that they should have his morning to themselves. He must hear of their new nests and warbling chicks and horrid neighbors, and they were going to claims their perches on his head and shoulders and tell him whether he wished to listen or to ignore them accordingly. He would listen, however; the quick and nervous conversation of the sparrows was often one-sided and he was therefore required to do nothing but allow them to nest in his hair and continue walking. The wrens, however, were lest content to permit him to be indifferent: they would have him hear of every rude caterpillar and impudent butterfly flitting around trees they knew to be theirs. Theirs was a talk of territory, and they would have Khantara understand their plight. It was wrong of the caterpillars to climb their trees and enter theirnests, and it was so devious of them not to be edible though their bright colours and squirming movements were so enticing. How horrendous it was that the bustle and brilliancy of the butterflies’ wings should be so fascinating. They could hardly capture the creatures to feed to their chicks with such a violent display of beauty. Would only Khantara tell the caterpillars to taste more agreeable, the obnoxious moths to make their cocoons somewhere else, and the owls to leave the worms alone when there was mice enough for them. Khantara, however, would say nothing to the purpose. He only smiled and shook his head at the wrens, and their loud and intricate trills conveyed their indefatigable displeasure toward the giant’s infuriating civilities. He would let nature go its own way, and the birds could do little to convince him otherwise. The wrens threatened to claim strands of the giant’s long molded locks for their nests if he did not comply, but he would not regard their threats as any so troublesome. He simpered at their attempts and silently declared that they could not break his draping tendrils no matter how hard they should try when the giant suddenly found himself at the barracks.

Praise for "Khantara"
"Exceptional world building and character development- talents which completely draw the reader in, making them impervious to everything going on around them. I don't think it possible for the reader to not fall in love with Khantara, the most kindhearted and selfless giant..." --Avery's Book Nook

"This is a beautiful love story. Khantara and Anelta’s lovely beginning was marvelous." --Kindle Book Review 

"Riveting to the core. Fantasy at its very prime with a sweet helping of romance and adventure. Khantara is a welcomed edition to a that series I love so much..." -LovLivLife Reviews

Visit Michelle Franklin at her website


The Wandering Valkyr by Dan Wright--eBook (International)   Winner--Jane Harfeld
GENRE: Fantasy
BLURB: Long before the Dragonkin, the Valkyr once defended the planet Draconica from evil forces. Now they are all but extinct and Alix and Dylan are all that remain of their chapter, wandering the world and working as bounty hunters for a crime syndicate. But when a new evil arises that threatens to destroy the world they must spring into action or else the world is doomed. One problem - the heart of the evil is a woman whom Dylan thought he lost long ago.

The Wandering Valkyr is a story about love and loss, redemption and the bond of family. Follow the the brother and sister duo as they must work out a plan to stop this evil - whilst Dylan tries to save the woman he loves.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR: Dan Wright lives in Canterbury Kent in the United Kingdom. A huge fan of both fantasy and manga, he combines both within his writing to create a style unique to him. Authors who have inspired Dan are Douglas Adams, J.R.R Tolkien, H.P Lovecraft, Alan Moore, Joss Whedon and Hiromu Arakawa.

Dan’s first book was Trapped on Draconica, which introduced readers to the world of Draconica. He plans to write more books set in the world of Draconica and expand on the world. He is also a reviewer on the website www.read2review.com, where he reviews the latest in science fiction and fantasy.

Contact Dan via the following links:
FACEBOOK
TWITTER @PandragonDan

Nicole @ Tribute Books--YA eBooks (International)
"Until Next Time" winner--Bri
"The Priest and the Peaches" winner--Celine Nyx

The Priest and the Peaches by Larry Peterson


Author Bryan Healey--print copies (U.S. only)
"A Line Blurred" winner--SenoraG
"Shattered Wings" winner--Justice 




A Line Blurred
Kevin is a depressed executive living a predictable life. When he unexpectedly deviates from his paralyzing routine to be with another woman, he finds himself risking everything for redemption. Kylie, his frustrated and defeated wife, finds solace in a flirtatious encounter with a younger man that sparks a dangerous relationship. Both unable to pull themselves from their newfound happiness, they rationalize their actions to satisfy their guilt, coming ever closer to an emotionally shattering end for both themselves and their children, who are unwillingly swept into their downward spiral.


Shattered Wings
John has a hold of the American dream: Love, a beautiful little girl, a lovely home and a well-paying job. But a sudden layoff brings it all into question, as he deals with the unexpected financial and emotional strain. As he struggles to find new work, a growing sense of despair triggers a return to alcohol and causes him to face his demons of addiction, discrimination, and regret as he tries desperately to recover his once happy life before it's too late...

Author Bio: 
Bryan Healey attended Northeastern University, studying Computer Science before entering the workforce as a software engineer. He is currently pursuing an additional degree in English. He lives in Rhode Island with his beautiful wife.  

Visit Bryan's Website


The Devil's Dime by Bailey Bristol aka Mary Schwaner--print copy (U.S.) eBook (International)
Read about author Bailey Bristol at Goodreads
Int. winner--Srivalli   U.S. winner--Melissa @ Must Read Faster


Eromenos by Melanie McDonald--paperback copy (International)
Winner--Abigail

Eros and Thanatos converge in the story of a glorious youth, an untimely death, and an imperial love affair that gives rise to the last pagan god of antiquity. In this coming-of-age novel set in the second century AD, Antinous of Bithynia, a Greek youth from Asia Minor, recounts his seven-year affair with Hadrian, fourteenth emperor of Rome. In a partnership more intimate than Hadrian's sanctioned political marriage to Sabina, Antinous captivates the most powerful ruler on earth both in life and after death.

This version of the affair between the emperor and his beloved ephebe vindicates the youth scorned by early Christian church fathers as a "shameless and scandalous boy" and "sordid and loathsome instrument of his master's lust." EROMENOS envisions the personal history of the young man who achieved apotheosis as a pagan god of antiquity, whose cult of worship lasted for hundreds of years—far longer than the cult of the emperor Hadrian.

In EROMENOS, the young man Antinous, whose beautiful image still may be found in works of art in museums around the world, finds a voice of his own at last. (from Goodreads)

Read my review HERE


About the author:
Melanie McDonald won a 2008 Hawthornden Fellowship for her debut novel, Eromenos (March 2011, Seriously Good Books), a 2011 GalleyCat Handpicked Title and a finalist for the 2011 Next Generation Indie Book Awards. She has an MFA in fiction from the University of Arkansas. Her work has appeared in New York Stories, Fugue, Indigenous Fiction, and online in Fiction Brigade and Squawk Back. She has pursued her writing in New York, Galway, and Paris, where she studied with C. Michael Curtis, senior fiction editor for the Atlantic Monthly. She spent several months in Italy at work on Eromenos. A native of Arkansas, she now lives in Virginia.   Visit Melanie: Website | Facebook 


The Long Weekend by Savita Kalhan--two (2) (1) print copies (one U.S., one Europe) 
Winners--Mirjam & Tobe
Take a look at the book trailer HERE.  It's awesome! 

Visit Savita at her WEBSITE
Find her on Twitter @savitakalhan


Pandora's Reading Room, Volume I by Pandora Poikilos--(3) (2) (1) Kindle copies (International)
Winners--Julie, Ashleigh

Author David Russell--eBooks (International)


Self's Blossom 
This is about a young woman's self-discovery. Selene is a 'success story', having become a top journalist, while retaining her dazzling looks. However, in the past she has had unhappy relationships, and feels she has missed out on hedonistic fun. This she obtains, firstly with a young stranger on a beach, and finally with enigmatic Hudson: tryst is preceded by cultural tourism, and careful sizing up of minds. Afterwards Selene returns to her 'I stand on my own' attitude.

While she is on holiday, her mind is free to ramble, often into Selene's chequered past. Flashback blurs into the present, past-rooted interior monologue into direct observation. The dialogue is sparse. Selene is a cautious, premeditative type, in whom thought, reflection and analysis outweigh direct action.
Selene’s subtle, monitoring mind coolly observes and controls all the events. Maybe she is super-confident, or perhaps has a deep, underlying insecurity. She is many things to many readers.


Explorations   Winner--Tracy
Newly divorced and looking for interesting new experiences, Janice takes an art class with live models and the star makes her want more than a coincidental meeting. Art model, Cedric, thinks he knows the lady from somewhere when he sees her again at the pool. Body language says a lot and chance meetings lead to a desire for more. Will Janice ask Cedric over for a private modeling job and will he accept?

A review: 
This short is all about rediscovering oneself – mentally, physically, emotionally and sexually. Janice and Cedric, who have both been in stale relationships, cross paths a few times before deciding that they both want more from themselves, for their lives. Determined to take a risk Janice makes her move, leading to sexual explorations with Cedric.

I liked Janice. I think she represents a lot of women who find themselves in a position of not being where they want to be in life or even who they want to be. Her feelings rang true, making this story seem more real and her risks even more worthwhile. I also like how Russell writes from Cedric’s point of view as well. I like being able to see where each character has come from, and how each character reacts to the same situation. I found Explorations to be a great read and very satisfying!

About the author:
Born 12 June 1940 and living in West London, UK, David is a writer in all genres, including poetry, fiction, and criticism, and he is a guitarist and singer-songwriter. Some of David’s erotic poems have been featured in anthologies produced by Forward Press. He has a collection of poetry and prose entitled Prickling Counterpoints, that has been published in many magazines. He has written two novellas: High Wired On (speculative fiction) and Self’s Blossom (romance). The latter, together with the short story Explorations, have been published by Silk’s Vault. His albums include Bricolage (Hangman Records, 1992) and Bacteria Shrapnel (Posterity Recordings, 1997).


The Stranger from the Valley by Oscar Case--print copy (International)
Winner--Gina @ Book Dragon's Lair

U.S. Marshal Chappie Wesford is recalled to Army duty and sent to Altaveel to award two citizens with a Civil War Medal. The Henberry family thinks he has come to take over their business and try to run him out of town. Chappie meets Esther Bigknife, a widow and friend of Milt Henberry, who thinks he is interfering there, too, but Chappie falls for Esther and it all comes to a head at the big Fourth of July celebration. Chappie returns to Altaveel on the trail of bank robbers and there is a shootout on Six Mile Road when he catches up with them.

About the author:
Oscar William Case began writing family history and genealogy and morphed into Western novels. He was born during the Depression in the small town of Altonah, Utah, in the foothills of the Uintah Mountains and the setting of five of his books. He is author of The Upamona Gold Claim Wrangle and Blood and Blazes in Upamona and two other stories yet to be published. Mr. Case is a member of the Arizona Authors Association and writes a blog on the internet entitled BlogginCurly. His short stories have been published on the internet at ropeandwire.com, frontiertales.com, and thewesternonline.com.   



Photobucket

Monday, January 23, 2012

Book Tour: Review and Give@way--Lifting the Wheel of Karma by Paul H. Magid


My thoughts:
This book really is amazing.  It's the perfect length, for if it had been longer, it would have lost it's impact.  Of course, this is a novel, but the main character Joseph is so real, it seems almost an autobiography.  Joseph has been tormented his entire life by nightmares and visions.  Little does he know that these occurrences will lead him to his destiny in life.

It's funny how I keep reading books that deal with reincarnation.  Each time I read about the phenomenon, the further I come in believing it.  Something that was said in the book about reincarnation was, "Because it only makes sense.  God is not cruel.  He is trying to teach us what we need to learn, and giving us many opportunities to learn it....there is too much to learn in just one lifetime.  Secondly, do you really think this little planet is the only place life exists in the universe?"  That is a convincing argument, in my opinion.

I really liked the spiritualism of this book and that it touched on something I truly believe is the answer in our world.  Kindness to everyone.  At one point, Joseph says, "...God wouldn't mind if we spent a little less time telling him how great he is and a little more time loving each other, and not just the people we're supposed to love, but everyone."  Wise words and ones I think we could all live by.

I have to say that this book did have a couple of problems.  I found myself wondering what happened to the girl Joseph fell in love with.  And the story didn't flow as smoothly as it could have at some points.  However, in all it is well worth a read because of the message it conveys.  We could all learn something from this book.


About the book:
Lifting the Wheel of Karma Book Summary
A Profound Spiritual Journey of Extraordinary Healing and Redemption

Joseph Connell is a gifted high school athlete from Montana, loved deeply by his family, yet tormented by nightmarish visions he can neither explain nor escape.

He believes the answer to what threatens to crush him can be found in the knowledge possessed by a mystical old wise man, who lives deep within the remote Himalayas of India.

If Joseph is ever to find the peace he so desperately seeks, he must get this wise old man to reveal what he truly knows, but that will not be easy…for this sage knows far more than he admits.

A modern tale that harkens back to the myths of antiquity. It takes you on a remarkable journey, while exploring the themes of healing, redemption, forgiveness, sacrifice, and ultimately...peace within.

About the author:
Paul H. Magid started writing his debut novel, Lifting the Wheel of Karma, twenty-five years ago while still in high school. It took him so long to complete because he tried repeatedly to abandon it, but the work refused to be forsaken. Eventually he realized that sharing this story with the world was, in fact, his Dharma.

Along the way he has worked as a Wall Street financial analyst, a waiter (not a very good one), a Hollywood Agent Trainee, a real estate developer, a summer day camp director, an award winning screenwriter, and independent filmmaker—including his autobiographical film, A Life Unfinished, which screened in The Hamptons International Film Festival. 

Paul H. Magid Website | Facebook

Lifting the Wheel of Karma:  Facebook

Tribute Books Blog Tours:  Facebook

Lifting the Wheel of Karma blog tour site

Paperback
Price: $15.00
ISBN: 9780984016068
Pages: 192
Release: September 23, 2011


eBook
Price: $9.99
Kindle


Giveaway details:
Paul was generous enough to offer three (3) paperback copies of the book to readers of my blog.  Open to U.S. entries only.  To enter, please leave a comment below and include your email address so I can contact the winners.  Giveaway will be open until January 31, 2012 at 11:59 pm CST.  Good luck!

Photobucket

I received a copy of this book in conjunction with a book tour with Tribute Books in exchange for an honest review.  I received no monetary compensation.

A Winter's Respite Read-a-Thon Starting Line


Welcome to A Winter's Respite Read-a-Thon! I hope everyone is ready to read and to have a ton of fun this week.  I'm am so appreciative of the massive outpouring of prize donations from authors and offers from other bloggers and authors to host giveaways and mini-challenges.  This is going to be so much fun!

First, I want to get some details out of the way.  Since I have such a large amount of prizes, I'm doing things a little differently.  Instead of doing a participant giveaway at the end with one or a few prizes, I'm going to do participant giveaways all week.  I will also have a few mini-challenges this week as well.  I'm sorting out the prizes and I will have a prize page posted tomorrow.  Each time someone wins, they will get to choose a prize from the prize page, kind of like how they do it for Dewey's 24 Hour Read-a-Thon's.  Each prize will (books) have info about the book and the author so you can make a conscious decision.  LOL!  International and U.S. only prizes will be stipulated by each prize and the prizes will be awarded on a first response basis.  I will have the winner email me with their prize selection and then I will mark that one off the list.  I hope this is to everyone's satisfaction.

Note:  I will not be included in any of my giveaways here at The True Book Addict, but since I am participating in the read-a-thon as well, I will enter mini-challenges and giveaways at other blogs.  If anyone objects, please let me know.

I will also be posting all of the mini-challenge hosts and giveaway hosts in a separate post so be watching for it.  It will be up later this morning.

If you're on Twitter, be sure to check in with us at #WintersRespite.


SIGN IN AT THE LINKY BELOW.  This is the first mini-challenge.  Do a post of what you're reading this week, take a picture of your read-a-thon TBR stack, or, if you've already done your post, just add your link below.  If you don't have a blog, you can link to Facebook, Twitter, or Goodreads.  Remember, what you list is not set in stone.  You're welcome to change you mind.  Above all else, just have fun!  If you talk to someone else who is doing the read-a-thon, be sure to ask them if they've signed in.  We don't want anyone to miss out on all the goodies!

This mini-challenge is open until Saturday at 8:00 am CST to give weekend participants a chance to join in.


Photobucket

Saturday, January 21, 2012

Important Announcements


A Winter's Respite Read-a-Thon is less than two days away! It starts at 12 midnight on Monday.  Have you signed up?  I have received a ton of prize donations and I have a few authors and bloggers hosting mini-challenges and giveaways so it's looking like it's going to be a fun time.  Like I ever had any doubt! If you'd like to sign up or read more about the read-a-thon, go HERE.  Or you can wait until it starts on Monday and sign in at the starting line.  All participants must sign in at the starting line to be eligible for the giveaways.   Remember, you can join us at any time during the week of the read-a-thon.  Just be sure to sign in when you're ready to start.  Again, the sign-in post will go live on Monday at midnight.  Hope you will join me!


I recently announced a new reading challenge which I am co-hosting with Kate from Read 2 Review.  The Stephen King Challenge is a perpetual reading challenge and will start on February 1, 2012.  To encourage regular reading of the books (because, let's face it, we all tend to procrastinate when there is no eminent deadline), there will be periodic mini-challenges with prizes and we will have occasional read-a-longs.  Of course, I will be participating, as well as Kate, but we will be excluded from winning any prizes, of course.  For more information about the challenge and to sign up (I hope you will), please visit the dedicated blog.


Yes, I signed up for one more reading challenge! Amber at The Musings of ALMYBNENR is hosting the 2012 Tudor Reading Challenge.  Of course, I couldn't resist this one, for my love for the Tudors knows no bounds.  LOL! Plus, it will fit in nicely with the Historical Fiction Reading Challenge.  Certainly looking forward to it! Of course, my progress on the challenge will be tracked at my challenge blog.

Photobucket

Thursday, January 19, 2012

Cat Thursday



Welcome to the weekly meme that celebrates the wonders and sometime hilarity of cats! Join us by posting a favorite LOL cat pic you may have come across, famous cat art or even share with us pics of your own beloved cat(s). It's all for the love of cats! Enjoy! (share your post in the Mr. Linky below)

I believe these speak for themselves...too funny!


Photobucket

Wednesday, January 18, 2012

I've Been Interviewed....and SOPA

Be sure to stop by Read 2 Review and check out my interview.  Go HERE.  Thanks!

Also, be sure to support the protest of SOPA today by displaying a badge on your blog, on your social networking profile images, and/or by blacking out completely.  I elected not to black out here or at Castle Macabre, but I did write letters to my congressmen and I signed several petitions.  This issue directly affects us so let's help put a stop to it! You can visit their site by clicking the badge over in the left sidebar.

Photobucket

Tuesday, January 17, 2012

2012 Reading Challenges!

Here are the reading challenges I'm signing up for this year! You can read full details about each one over at my reading challenge blog, Challenges of the True Book Addict.  To find out more about each challenge, click the individual button.








































































Photobucket
- See more at: http://www.techtrickhome.com/2013/02/show-comment-box-above-comments-on.html#sthash.TjHz2Px9.dpuf