Into the Free by Julie Cantrell

Posted on January 5, 2016 by Reecaspieces

  
Overview

In Depression-era Mississippi, Millie Reynolds longs to escape the madness that marks her world. With an abusive father and a “nothing mama,” she struggles to find a place where she really belongs.

For answers, Millie turns to the Gypsies who caravan through town each spring. The travelers lead Millie to a key which unlocks generations of shocking family secrets. When tragedy strikes, the mysterious contents of the box give Millie the tools she needs to break her family’s longstanding cycle of madness and abuse.

Through it all, Millie experiences the thrill of first love while fighting to trust the God she believes has abandoned her. With the power of forgiveness, can Millie finally make her way into the free?  

Review

Let me start by saying….this is not my genre. I am not a Christian fiction fan. I find them overly dramatic and preachy. However, I met this author in the food truck line at Southern Festival of books in Nashville this year. I was very impressed. She informed me she would be at Square Books in Oxford, MS in January. I decided to give her a try before her appearance.

Millie is a young girl from an abusive home during the depression era in Mississippi.  She struggles to find the right path. When her parents die within several days of each other, this sends her life spiraling out of control. She has to come to terms and be strong to overcome. 

This is a tale about the true struggles in life and the strength needed to get through them. I absolutely loved Millie.  She fights with strength she doesn’t ever realize she has.  All her trials and experiences help her grow and become the woman she wants to be. 

I enjoyed this story for the many aspects it portrayed about strength and endurance needed to succeed in life. I loved the setting and especially the part about the gypsies. 

This author is not afraid to show the hypocrisy in some Christians or the evil in people. This is one of the reasons I enjoyed this novel. Her characters were real and experienced real-life emotions with many different ups and downs. 

Very impressive. I am looking forward to her new novel. 

  

 
 

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Center of Gravity by Laura McNeill BOOK SPOTLIGHT plus Guest Post

Posted on January 4, 2016 by Reecaspieces

   

Overview

The truth could cost her everything.

Her whole life, Ava Carson has been sure of one thing: she doesn’t measure up to her mother’s expectations. So when Mitchell Carson sweeps into her life with his adorable son, the ready-made family seems like a dream come true. In the blink of an eye, she’s married, has a new baby, and life is wonderful

Or is it?
When her picture-perfect marriage begins unraveling at the seams, Ava convinces herself she can fix it. It’s temporary. It’s the stress. It’s Mitchell’s tragic history of loss

If only Ava could believe her own excuses.

Mitchell is no longer the charming, thoughtful man she married. He grows more controlling by the day, revealing a violent jealous streak. His behavior is recklessly erratic, and the unanswered questions about his past now hint at something far more sinister than Ava can stomach. Before she can fit the pieces together, Mitchell files for divorce and demands full custody of their boys.

Fueled by fierce love for her children and aided by Graham Thomas, a new attorney in town, Ava takes matters into her own hands, digging deep into the past. But will finding the truth be enough to beat Mitchell at his own game?

Center of Gravity weaves a chilling tale, revealing the unfailing and dangerous truth that things—and people—are not always what they seem.

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A Day in the Life of Laura McNeill

2015 has been a year of big changes for the McNeill family! Not only did I have the release of Center of Gravity in July with HarperCollins, but I also moved my son to New York for college, was offered a new job, moved to a new city, and started work on my Ph.D. in Instructional Leadership.

All of the changes have meant adjusting to a new schedule with my writing and editing. In addition to my new position as an Instructional Designer at the University of Alabama (Roll Tide!), I’ve been busy getting ready for the April 19th, 2016 publication of Sister Dear, while writing the draft of my 3rd domestic suspense manuscript, The World Breaks Everyone, set in New Orleans, Louisiana.

Right now, my weekday schedule looks like this:

5:30 am -7:15 am –​Editing current work in progress, The World Breaks Everyone

7:45 am – 8 am – ​Social media posts on Instagram, Facebook, & Twitter

8 am – 12 noon -​University of Alabama job

12 noon – 1 pm – ​Workout and/or lunch

1 pm – 4:45 pm – ​University of Alabama job

5 pm – 7 pm – ​Grad school reading and homework (all online), dinner

7 pm – 8 pm -​​Answer personal email, social media, write blog posts

8 pm – 9:30 pm – ​Reading

9:30 pm – ​​Bed

What about weekends? My weekends are similar, and I still get up relatively early to write. I like the peace and quiet of mornings, and usually settle in with a cup of coffee at my desk and work while the rest of the world is still asleep. In the earliest part of the day, I find that I can focus better, I’m more creative, and the words seem to flow much more easily. Of course, when I am on deadline, I can push myself to work on my manuscripts just about anytime of day or night! 

So, why make time to read nearly every day? I believe that it’s crucial to pushing myself to grow and bettering myself as a writer. Stephen King, in On Writing, advises that authors “Read a lot and write a lot.” I take King’s advice seriously, and in addition to reading for pleasure, right now, I am perusing Larry Brooks’ Story Fix and James Scott Bell Write Your Novel from the Middle—both excellent resources for experienced and novice authors!

Why continue to take classes? One Saturday a month, I also have classes at the University of Alabama, which I really enjoy. I love the other students in my class and my professors (one of whom is a romance author). A lot of friends ask … why pursue another degree? The answer is pretty simple. Though I would love to eventually write full time, I also have a passion for lifelong learning and an interest in higher education. I think the best of both worlds would be to write novels and teach a few classes in a university setting. 

It’s all about balance! Although I love my quiet time at the keyboard, I’m also a real “people person.” I adore my time with friends, classmates, and coworkers. It’s through talking to other people—hearing about their lives, their challenges, and their adventures—that I often come up with my story ideas. I keep a notebook in my bag at all times so that I can jot down ideas whenever they strike!

In all, heading into 2016, I feel extremely blessed for all of the support and love from my readers, friends, and family. I hope you’ve enjoyed this little look into my life! I can’t wait to share Sister Dear with you all in April, and look forward to releasing The World Breaks Everyone in late 2016 or early 2017. 

Happy New Year!

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Husband Wanted by Charlotte Hughes COVER REVEAL 

Posted on January 3, 2016 by Reecaspieces

  

  

Husband Wanted

By Charlotte Hughes

Genre: Romance

Book Description

Frannie Brisbane knew it was an impossible scheme, but unless she went through with it, the daughter she had given up thirteen years ago and who now wanted to visit, would discover that Frannie had painted a very different picture of her life in the letters they’d exchanged. Frannie’s close friends rally around her, and next thing she knows, she is living in a mansion and wearing designer clothes. 

The only thing missing is a husband. 

Confirmed bachelor, Clay Coleman, has ulterior motives when he agrees to play the role of loving husband, but Fannie, who nursed a crush on him for years, fears she is flirting with danger in their role of let’s pretend. But Fannie and Clay aren’t the only ones keeping secrets. Sooner or later, the truth comes out, exposing everyone involved. Can Frannie ever get past her hurt when she discovers that the truth about Clay? 

http://readcharlottehughes.com

http://twitter.com/charlottehughes 

https://www.facebook.com/authorcharlottehughes

Purchase on Amazon: http://ow.ly/WvLgA

  

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Before and After…

Posted on December 31, 2015 by Reecaspieces

I am ashamed to show this pic…but here it goes

  
Is this not embarrassing!! Since I finished my Christmas cards I have had so many projects going on. I just kept piling stuff on my work desk…no I am not a hoarder….even though you can’t tell it. 

Here is the after!!! Do not even want to tell you guys how long it took me to clean it up!!! And it is still not exactly as I want but at least NOW I can start creating again!!! STAY TUNED 

  

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The Guest Room by Chris Bohjalian  

Posted on December 30, 2015 by Reecaspieces

  

Overview

     When Richard Chapman offers to host his younger brother’s bachelor party, he expects a certain amount of debauchery. He sends his wife, Kristin, and young daughter off to his mother-in-law’s for the weekend, and he opens his Westchester home to his brother’s friends and their hired entertainment. What he does not expect is this: bacchanalian drunkenness, a dangerously intimate moment in his guest bedroom, and two naked women stabbing and killing their Russian bodyguards before driving off into the night. In the aftermath, Richard’s life rapidly spirals into a nightmare. The police throw him out of his home, now a crime scene; his investment banking firm puts him on indefinite leave; and his wife finds herself unable to forgive him for the moment he shared with a dark-haired girl in the guest room. But the dark-haired girl, Alexandra, faces a much graver danger. In one breathless, violent night, she is free, running to escape the police who will arrest her and the gangsters who will kill her in a heartbeat. A captivating, chilling story about shame and scandal, The Guest Room is a riveting novel from one of our greatest storytellers.

Review

Richard hosts a bachelor party for his brother.  It turns into a night of debauchery and murder. The fallout from this evening is never ending. 

This novel has so many levels and so many layers it is so hard to put down. One minute you are at a naughty bachelor party, the next you are envolved with Russians and sex slavery, not to mention, the repercussions on a marriage, job and family during the days after the party. 

This story just kept getting deeper and more envolved the more I read. Chris Bohjalian has not dissappointed me yet. I am amazed at his talent of weaving a tale. 

There is one part that should be reworked and I usually never just pick one, but this one irked me. When Richard is telling his wife on the phone about the murders, she repeats verbatim everything he is saying to her. That is not a conversation a wife would have with a husband. She would be yelling WHAT!!!! Or OH MY GOD!! She would not be repeating what he said. There would probably be expletives.  I think this is where I began not to like her. She is a little bit of whiner throughout this story.  However, she definitely redeems herself at the end. And the ending caught me by surprise. I never expected it. Just made the story better…if even possible. 

  
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Pieces Like Pottery by Dan Buri

Posted on December 29, 2015 by Reecaspieces

  
Overview

The first collection of short fiction from Dan Buri, Pieces Like Pottery is an exploration of heartbreak and redemption that announces the arrival of a new American author. In this distinct selection of stories marked by struggle and compassion, Pieces Like Pottery is a powerful examination of the sorrows of life, the strength of character, the steadfast of courage, and the resiliency of love requisite to find redemption. 

Filled with graceful insight into the human condition, each linked story presents a tale of loss and love. In Expect Dragons, James Hinri learns that his old high school teacher is dying. Wanting to tell Mr. Smith one last time how much his teaching impacted him, James drives across the country revisiting past encounters with his father’s rejection and the pain of his youth. Disillusioned and losing hope, little did James know that Mr. Smith had one final lesson for him. 

In The Gravesite, Lisa and Mike’s marriage hangs in the balance after the disappearance of their only son while backpacking in Thailand. Mike thinks the authorities are right—that Chris fell to his death in a hiking accident—but Lisa has her doubts. Her son was too strong to die this young, and no one can explain to her why new posts continue to appear on her son’s blog. 

Twenty-Two looks in on the lives of a dock worker suffering from the guilt of a life not lived and a bartender making the best of each day, even though he can see clearly how his life should have been different. The two find their worlds collide when a past tragedy shockingly connects them. 

A collection of nine stories, each exquisitely written and charged with merciful insight into the trials of life, Pieces Like Pottery reminds us of the sorrows we all encounter in life and the kindness we receive, oftentimes from the unlikeliest of place.


Review

Like all short story books, some of the stories really grab you and some do not. I have to say, there were very few tales in this collection that fell into that category. These tales are so creative and intriguing. With my work schedule, they were perfect for me to snatch a quick read at work (gasp…don’t judge).  

The compassion shown in each story is of a different nature. Each shows creativity and a uniqueness that really plays on your heartstrings. The “real world” is played out differently in every story. 

I loved the passion I felt the author portrayed. A great talent! 

  

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Whatever it Takes by L. E. Bross #XOXperts 

Posted on December 26, 2015 by Reecaspieces

  
Overview

Tess is burdened with a responsibility she’s not quite sure she can handle, and Ryan is determined to save her from it—if she ever stops pushing him away—in this sexy follow-up to Right Where You Are, the first new adult novel in the captivating Second Chances series.

Tess is a lot of things. Strong. Independent. Determined. Completely overwhelmed by the responsibilities of being her little brother’s caretaker. But she can handle it. She has to. Because there’s no way in hell she’s letting anyone else raise Noah.

Ryan’s happy with a life on cruise control. He has no intention of tying himself down. That road only leads to heartbreak, a lesson he learned the hard way when he was fifteen. So why can’t he stay away from the one woman who broke his heart?

Tess knows exactly why Ryan keeps popping up right when she needs the most help: He’s got a hero complex big enough to save Cinderella. But Tess isn’t that girl, and she refuses to let him be part of her life. Not even when Noah takes a liking to him. Not even when they kind of, maybe, hook up.

Not even when she starts to fall for him…

Review

Tess is having a hard time in her life. She is trying to make ends meet, finish college and raise her little brother. Ryan, her old boyfriend, steps back into the picture. He is determined to keep her from failing. 

This story took me by surprise. I am a notorious insomniac. I usually end up reading about an hour or so in the middle of the night. I picked this book up during one of my “bouts of insomnia” (sigh). When I looked at my clock, it was 4:30AM. I had been so engrossed in this story, I think I read about 4 hours non stop.  

One of the attractions for me in this tale is,  it is so real. The struggles Tess faces are so common in real life.  The story is so relatable. Tess is a very strong woman character. She makes tough choices and works hard. Ryan is also, just a regular guy. Don’t we all want a knight in shining armor to save the day.  Ryan is that knight. He wants to “fix” all that is wrong in Tess’ life.  

This is a fabulous “real life” novel with real characters and events. I am really looking forward to another issue of the “Second Chance Series”. 

I received this novel from Simon and Schuster as part of the XOXpert

  
  

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Fooling Around with Cinderella by Stacy Juba 

Posted on December 21, 2015 by Reecaspieces

  
OVERVIEW

Get the special launch sale price before it turns into a pumpkin! What happens when the glass slippers pinch Cinderella’s toes? When Jaine Andersen proposes a new marketing role to the local amusement park, general manager Dylan Callahan charms her into filling Cinderella’s glass slippers for the summer. Her reign transforms Jaine’s ordinary life into chaos that would bewilder a fairy godmother. Secretly dating her bad boy boss, running wedding errands for her ungrateful sisters, and defending herself from the park’s resident villain means Jaine needs lots more than a comfy pair of shoes to restore order in her kingdom. First in the Storybook Valley series, a blend of sweet romance, chick lit, and fairy tale fun.

REVIEW

Jaine goes after a job that doesn’t exist. It turns into more of challenge than she expected. She ends up playing Cinderella in a local theme park and her childhood nemisis also works for the company. Challenges indeed!! 

This is a cute read. I enjoyed so many aspects of this book. Jaine and her sisters, learning about how to play Cinderella(did not know there was so much that went into it) Jaine and Dylan, all of these just make the story. I loved that Jaine is such a go getter and hard worker. She and Dylan make a great team plus they have wonderful chemistry. 

I cannot wait for the next installment in this series. If you like chick-lit, this book is a great read at a great price. 

I received this novel from the author for a honest review. 
  
PURCHASE HERE 

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Two Tales of the Moon by Jennifer Sun BOOK SPOTLIGHT plus GIVEAWAY 

Posted on December 20, 2015 by Reecaspieces

   
Two Tales of the Moon

By Jennifer Sun

Genre: Literary fiction 

Two lives converge over a high stake international deal between U.S. and China – Will Donovan, a successful cyber technology business owner and Lu Li, a Wall Street investment banker. From New York City to Washington, DC, to Shanghai, together they have to face ethical dilemmas, make life choices, and come to terms with their past. 

East meets West, past clashes with present. Blending romantic suspense with ethical intrigue. TWO TALES OF THE MOON is a compelling story that reveals that human struggle is the same regardless one’s past or cultural upbringing.

Clarion/Forward gave the book a four star rating, calls it “a thoughtful portrait of a modern woman who must choose between the burden of memory and a future of her own making…the writing takes on the sharpened focus of a play… the work effectively captures the effects of communism in searingly personal ways. 

BlueInk Review says:

 

“Jennifer Sun draws on personal knowledge of China and a former career in telecommunications/finance for her well-crafted debut novel about the meeting of East and West. Blending romance and ethical intrigue, Two Tales of the Moon is a unique novel, with characters of psychological depth. 

 
 
Author Bio 

Jennifer Sun has a MBA from George Washington University and a B.A. in English Literature from Fudan University in Shanghai, China. She has held several executive financial management positions at Fortune 500 companies in telecommunication and web technology industries. She currently writes full time and lives with her husband in Vienna, Virginia. She is also an avid reader, a runner and a foodie.

http://www.Facebook.com/JenniferSunAuthor 

@JenniferSun8

http://www.JenniferSunAuthor.com

https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/14554078.Jennifer_Sun 

Available on Amazon: http://amzn.to/1Ns0irQ

The author is giving away a digital copy of Two Tales of the Moon.

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The Covenant by Jeff Crook

Posted on December 18, 2015 by Reecaspieces

  

Overview

Jackie Lyons investigates a father’s mysterious death, in the second installment of her ghostly mystery series

When photographer and former Memphis police detective Jackie Lyons finds Sam Loftin’s lifeless body in the same location where his daughter died five years earlier, there’s no reason to think he didn’t kill himself, too. No reason, except Jackie has just seen Sam’s ghost act out the last violent moments of his life.

In investigating his murder, Jackie is drawn into a tumultuous battle between wealthy and powerful suburbanites and a charismatic preacher trying to serve the poor and homeless. But a deeper mystery lurks beneath the petty rivalries and jealousies of a gated community, one that stretches back into the distant past and reaches out to snare the youngest of this generation. A secret so dark, it can only be protected by “The Covenant.” 

Review

Jackie is a former Memphis city cop turned photographer. She lives in cheap motels and barely gets by. She takes a job to photograph an old plantation home on the outskirts of Memphis.  This turns into a bigger job than she bargained for. 

I was intrigued during the first part of this book. When the author opened with “the liquor store on the corner of Poplar and Highland” I knew exactly where he was talking about. (FYI, the liquor store is Busters and it is the best in Memphis). 

Jackie is a tough character and I really enjoyed her. She absolutely made the story! I love her quick wit and swagger. She brought a lot of intelligence into the plot. 

I love stories about old houses and their pasts. This tale is alluring from the very start. On the other hand, the writing is choppy and not very smooth in spots. There are also a few places the characters do things that are not possible. I know it is a “ghost” story but some just are not feasible. However, it is a quick, enjoyable read.  

I would love to catch up with this author at a signing somewhere. I love my southern authors and I would really like to pick his brain. 

I do like this cover….makes you want to pick up the book and settle in. 

I received this novel from Netgalley for an honest review. 

   

  

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