Tuesday, May 31, 2016

Trad Tuesday: Barrett's Privateers sung by the Corries




Barrett's Privateers is a pirate song from Nova Scotia. Sid Barrett was a pirate and this song is sung by a lad from Edinburgh who became a member of his crew.
The Corries are a well-known folk group from Scotland. Their name comes from the Highlands; a corrie is a deep bowl.

Saturday, May 28, 2016

How to identify, pick, and cook Fiddleheads!

In the latest book of the Antrim Cycle, Jane and the children go out to pick fiddleheads, a Maine delicacy in the spring. This article from the Maine Cooperative Extension will tell you all you want to know about Fiddleheads.

http://bangordailynews.com/2015/04/28/homestead/how-to-identify-pick-and-cook-fiddleheads-and-when-to-leave-them-alone/



Friday, May 27, 2016

Book Review: Old Town Nights by Linda Lee Williams

Old Town Nights is the first book in the Blood & Company series. Ambrose Slater helps his family run a series of excellent bakeries in Chicago. Oh, and he's a vampire. But such a nice vampire. In this take on the vampire genre, the vampires are normal people who happen to have a blood disease. They live almost normal lives, no extra long lives, no can't go out in the sun, etc. They do have powers of persuasion and they do bite.
Ambrose falls in love with Abby, a realtor, who he pretends to buy a house from, but is really setting up a situation where he will bite Abby and make her addicted to him. His conscience bothers him both before and after because he doesn't want to coerce her into anything against her will.
Ambrose's family is the focus of the book. Some of them are nice people, some not so nice, but all are interesting in how they approach their vampirism. It's a fresh and intriguing approach to the vampire genre that I really enjoyed.

Link to Amazon

Thursday, May 26, 2016

Book Review: 30 Days Stream of Consciousness: A Haunting by L.E. Moebius

#YourNextFavoriteAuthor tour, L.E. Moebius
Blurb:
Stream of consciousness refers to the practice of writing down ideas as they come into your head. The conventions of grammar and appropriateness of language is usually ignored when using this literary technique. For those of you who cringe at the misplaced metaphor, or the comma splice, or the occasionally correctly spelled wrong word so frequently seen in this day of spell-check reliability, don’t worry there are a lot more things in here to worry about. Concern yourself with the things that go bump in the night. The unexplained. The unexplainable. 
A word of caution to the easily offended: some of the word choice used by the voices may not be acceptable in mixed company. When you deal with fears like these it is important to allow the voice freedom.

Review:
30 Days Stream of Consciousness: A Haunting is the second book in a three book series (at least, so far) by L.E. Moebius. This is a novella length story written in first person stream-of consciousness style to tell the story of paranormal activities in the house the main character currently inhabits. 

The premise of the story is this is a 'haunted house' that the main character's friend bought at auction. The man can live there for 30 days rent-free if he helps with repairs. He agrees even though he knows that there have been rumors about the place for years.

The story starts out fairly normally with just a few odd happenstances, missing keys, objects moved, and so on. The episodes of strange behaviors start to escalate as the days go on. He adopts a kitten that he finds and the cat starts to manifest peculiar habits. And the 30 days continue with odder and odder happenings.

There is a lot of things left to the imagination in the story and that helps in a way. I'm not especially fond of this style of writing, but it worked in this setting and made for an interesting read. If you like Twilight Zone type stories, then this one is for you.

Here’s the link to Amazon .

A little about the author:
Lucinda Moebius has been a writer since she was a child and was first published in 2010. Since then she has worked hard to create unique visions and stories. Her work includes novels in multiple genres including: Science Fiction, Fantasy, Paranormal, Children’s Books, Screenplays and Non-fiction. Lucinda has a Doctorate in Education and loves teaching, but her greatest desire is to help others understand how literature and writing can bring enlightenment and understanding to everyone. She offers book coaching and advice to everyone, whether they want it or not.


You can connect with Lucinda on AmazonFacebook (fan page), Facebook Webpage (My Writer’s place), GoodreadsWebsite, and Twitter

Monday, May 23, 2016

Sunday, May 22, 2016

Book Review: Alora: The Wander Jewel by Tamie Dearen

Alora is a fifteen-year old girl living in Montana with her Uncle Charles. She has two good friends, Beth and Wesley and is a fairly high-school student until she starts having visions of a boy with green eyes. Kaevin lives in a different world, but he is having visions of Alora also. That's when Alora finds out that she has the power of traveling to his land and bringing him to her own.
I don't want to give too much away. Alora and Kaevin, with the help of their friends, must fight to stop a war between the Clans in Kaevin's land that was instigated by her father, a sorcerer and leader in one of the Clans. Alora's power to transport things is key to winning the war.
Alora and Kaevin are destined soul-mates. This is definitely YA fantasy and I am always a little wary of teenage 'mean-for-each-other' romances, but this is a sweet story that will appeal to teenagers and older.

Link to Amazon

Book Review: Forest of Demons by Debbie Cassidy

Forest of Demons in the first book in the Sleeping God series by Debbie Cassidy.
The author says the book was inspired by her father's love of Hindu mythology and I found the story very interesting. Priya is a young woman, living with her parents and a little old by the standards of her village to be unmarried. The reason she is unmarried is because she is in love with her friend who is engaged to her other friend. Demons live in the forest all around the village and occasionally, one of the inhabitants is killed by them. This is what happens to Priya's friend who is engaged to marry the man Priya loves.
Meanwhile, the blacksmith Ravi looks out for Priya also and wants to marry her. The story is entertaining and the characters introduced are interesting, each with their own secrets that are discovered as the book proceeds.
Then the book suddenly switches to another culture and lead character, Aryan, a warrior in a militarized city. Again, the myths told and the customs of the new city are interesting though for most of this part of the story, I didn't understand the connection with the first part of the book. Eventually, the stories mesh and some of the background is made clear.
Forest of Demons is good story-telling. I would have liked something up front that hinted at the divergent stories; it was disconcerting to suddenly switch. I also am a person who is not fond of cliffhangers, though I deal with them better if I know upfront. While the paperback apparently indicates this is Book 1, I couldn't tell from the ebook edition until I reached the end and saw the author's note about Book 2. However, this is my own personal quirk and it probably won't bother most people.
I will read the next book because the story is good and the culture and mythology engrossing.

Link to Amazon



Book Review: Atlantis after Midnite by Lisa Kulow

Atlantis after Midnite is the first book by Lisa Kulow. The story is an alternate tale of what happened to Atlantis.

The land of Atlantis has been struck by a plague and other disasters. A maiden named Yew'll is the one person who is immune to the disease and King Urian orders her to be brought before him so he can learn her secret. His son, Prince Kyrian, falls in love with her beauty and the two begin a romance. Meanwhile, the king tries to save his people from the destruction coming from the gods. I don't want to give the rest of the story away, but suffice it to say that this is a different twist to the Atlantis myth.

There are a lot of characters and the story alternates from person to person, making it someone confusing at times. The book could benefit from an editor. There are a lot of steamy scenes so be prepared.

Link to Amazon

June Issue Fantasy Worlds emag is out!

June issue...out now!!!! You can download the pdf from media fire..or read online via ISSUU - http://www.mediafire.com/…/huwzr8nh38fe…/June_Issue_2016.pdf
http://issuu.com/fantasyworldsemag/docs/june_issue_2016



Tuesday, May 17, 2016

Trad Tuesday: I am Stretched On Your Grave - sung by Kate Rusby


"I Am Stretched on Your Grave" is a translation of an anonymous 17th-century Irish poem titled "Táim sínte ar do thuama" It was translated into English several times, most notably by Frank O'Connor. It was put to music by musician Philip King in 1979.

It is set to the tune of "Taim Sinte ar do Thuamba", Hymn #47 in Danta De: Idir Sean agus Nuad (the Trinity Sunday hymn "Dia an t-Athair do shealbhaig flaitheas naomhtha"). The hymnal says the tune is from Munster. (from Wikipedia)

Kate Rusby is one of my favorite singers. She comes from Barnsley, Yorkshire, England and is one of the most noted contemporary folksingers.

Book Review: The Purse by Julie Burns

The PurseThe Purse is an interesting mystery, full of twists and turns. Lydia Blackwell comes home to visit her dying father and finds out that the mother she thought died when she was little is still alive. She meets a stranger at his funeral who gives her an antique purse that belonged to her mother. This sets off a trail of murder, kidnapping, and family secrets revealed.
Lt Sonja MacIntosh is assigned to  investigate one of the murders and she and Lydia have an instant attraction to each other. Together, they work to unwind the story of Lydia's mother and who the mob figures are who have so impacted Lydia's life.
I enjoyed this book. I liked the relationship between Lydia and Sonja and how it evolved. Overall, I liked the evolving twists in the story, though I thought a few were a bit too coincidental (her highway car breakdown was one). Still, the writing was good and I will definitely read more by this author.

Link to Amazon

Sunday, May 15, 2016

New Release: Dead by Morning by Kayla Krantz

Obsession is deadly. No one learns that better than Luna Ketz, a pessimistic high school senior. She wishes more than anything to graduate but things don’t always go as planned. Luna quickly finds herself trapped in a web of lies and murders, spun by the least suspected person in her hometown. It’s not long before she realizes she’s being targeted by the person she despises most in the world. When Luna figures out who is behind the killings, things make a turn for the bizarre when she is contacted by a friend she has not heard from in years. It is then Luna realizes she is very much in danger, but although she can avoid the killer in reality, she cannot avoid him in her dreams.





Author Bio: Proud author at Rambunctious Ramblings Publishing Inc. responsible for Dead by Morning, fascinated by the dark and macabre. Stephen King is her all time inspiration mixed in with a little bit of Eminem. When she began writing, she started in horror but it somehow drifted into thriller. She loves the 1988 movie Heathers. She was born and raised in Michigan but traveled across the country to where she currently resides in Texas.

She has ideas for books in many genres that she hopes that publish in the future.

Friday, May 13, 2016

RRPI

Rambunctious Ramblings Publishing Inc. (RRPI) is celebrating their 1 Year Anniversary with a



Join the fun and learn about RRPI - A traditional publishing company unrestricted by genre.


Giveaways Include:

Scrivener Software License



A paperback copy of The Purse by Julie A. Burns
Synopsis: When Lydia Blackwell visits her dying father for the last time, he reveals the deeply hidden truth about her mother. After the funeral, the stranger Derek Meade gifts her with a gorgeous antique purse. But before she has the chance to connect with the man who knew her father intimately, Lydia finds Derek murdered in his home.
Lieutenant Sonja MacIntosh is assigned to investigate Mr. Meade’s death, but her career on the force never prepared her for Lydia Blackwell. As Sonja works to solve the murder, Lydia takes the greatest risk of her life in leaving Chicago to search for clues to her mother’s past. Their instant attraction surprises them both, but even through the chaos Lydia can’t deny the intensity of her feelings for the strong willed Lieutenant.
Lydia’s possession of the antique purse throws her already chaotic life into a whirlwind of kidnapping, blackmail, vengeful mob bosses, and mind-numbing revelations. Through it all, Lydia must find the strength to accept herself – and those closest to her – despite their darkest secrets.

A paperback copy of Calling the Reaper by Jason Pere
Synopsis: Follow the harrowing tale of eight of the greatest warriors who ever lived. Watch them as they each live out their final days and make one critical choice that condemns them to the domain of Purgatory. This is a glimpse into eight widely-varied, fantastic world cultures, but layered within the history of the realm of Man there is a greater unifying theology at work. Steal a peek into the juxtaposed worlds of Paradise and Purgatory and learn about the torturous kingdom where all who are condemned find themselves sentenced. The stories of the eight mortal spirits start as unique and individual threads, but soon you will see that they are all bound for a magnificent collision course. Calling the Reaper is only the beginning of a chilling descent.

A paperback copy of Collective Ramblings Volume One
Twenty stories, four genres. See where these talented and varied authors take your imagination. Travel to worlds with superheroes, mystical, time-warped islands, a world where criminals are tortured to death, and a city plagued by mosquitoes.
Collective Ramblings Volume One is the first in an annual short story compilation by Rambunctious Ramblings Publishing Inc.


A paperback copy of Dead by Morning by Kayla Krantz
Synopsis: Obsession is deadly. No one learns that better than Luna Ketz, a pessimistic high school senior. She wishes more than anything to graduate but things don’t always go as planned. Luna quickly finds herself trapped in a web of lies and murders, spun by the least suspected person in her hometown. It’s not long before she realizes she’s being targeted by the person she despises most in the world. When Luna figures out who is behind the killings, things make a turn for the bizarre when she is contacted by a friend she has not heard from in years. It is then Luna realizes she is very much in danger, but although she can avoid the killer in reality, she cannot avoid him in her dreams.

Tuesday, May 10, 2016

Trad Tuesday - The Frost is All Over played by The Chieftains and the Low Anthem



The Frost is All Over is a jig that has been around for over 400 years. It is known by many names including: “The American Dwarf,” “Kitty Lie Over,” “Paddy’s Return,” “The Mist Of Clonmel,” “The Praties Are Dug,” “What Would You Do If You Married A Soldier?,” and “What Would I Do If The Kettle Boiled Over?”

The Chieftains are perhaps the premier Traditional Irish band, formed in 1962. They have played all over the world with an amazing amount of guests. Here they are playing with the Low Anthem, a Indie folk band from Providence, Rhode Island.

Lyrics:

What would you do if the kettle boiled over?
What would I do but to fill it again
What would you do if the cows eat the clover?
What would I do but to set it again
The praties are dug and the frost is all over
Kitty lie over close to the wall
How would you like to be married to a solider?
Kitty lie over close to the wall

What would you do if you married a solider?
What would I do only follow his gun
What would you do if he died on the ocean?
What would I do only marry again
The praties all boil and the herrings are roasted
Kitty lie over close to the wall
You to be drunk and I to be sober
Kitty lie over close to the wall

What would you do if the kettle boiled over?
What would I do but to fill it again
What would you do if the cows eat the clover?
What would I do but to set it again
The praties are dug and the frost is all over
Kitty lie over close to the wall
How would you like to be married to a solider?
Kitty lie over close to the wall

Monday, May 9, 2016

Learn about Goats!

Applegate Farm, the newest book in the Antrim Cycle, takes place on a working farm in Maine. Our main character, Jane, arrives and tangles with the resident goat.

Her question was never answered as something hard hit her in the butt and Jane fell forward, landing on her hands and knees. Something hit her again and she fell flat on the ground. Both children were yelling and the dog was up and barking and her butt hurt, but Jane didn’t understand why. From where she was laying on the ground, Jane saw the door of the double-wide fly open and a young woman rushed out, waving a broom.
“Git, you old goat! Git!”
Really, Jane thought, rubbing her sore tush, labels from the children are one thing, but this was just plain name-calling. She rolled over, trying to get up and explain, and that’s when she saw Sunny tugging at the collar of an evil-looking goat, trying to pull him away from her. Screech was helping, pushing against the other animal and barking loudly, while the goat started baaing or bleating, whatever goats did. Chickens were squawking and flying away from the melee. The woman had arrived and was batting at the goat with her broom while Rain stood on the bench waving her doll and adding to the general noise.

In truth, goats are not quite so evil and can be even very lovable. They are also great animals for a beginning farmer to raise. Here in Maine, you can learn all things goat at Stony Knolls Farm, or Goat School, in the tiny town of Saint Albans. http://www.goatschool.com/


Saturday, May 7, 2016

Spotlight: The Cape Isle Series by Allie Able

Cape Isle Banner

Series Spotlight

The Cape Isle Series

by Allie Able

Genre: Contemporary Post-Military Romance


pink swirl

Scattered Piecies (Cape Isle, #1)

Scattered cover
Blurb
The quaint coastal town of Cape Isle, South Carolina, is the perfect spot for Summer Foster when she escapes her abusive husband.

Finally able to live her dream of owning a bakery, Summer begins the task of rebuilding her life, making sure there is no room for romance or relationships, because in her experience they only lead to trouble. However, when Grant Hamilton, who has served as a Marine for the last ten years, crosses her path, the chance encounter has them both rethinking their futures, as there is no denying the magnetic pull they feel towards each other.

When Summer’s past returns to haunt her, will Grant help Summer pick up the scattered pieces of her life, or will they all fall apart?

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jacket


Teasers

t1

t2

swirl left

Damaged Pieces (Cape Isle, #2) 


Damaged cover
Blurb
"When something is damaged or broken, the pieces can be put back together, but they will never be the same.”

KATIE:
When I was left to raise my daughter alone, I decided dating just wasn't worth it. I never wanted my daughter to experience the kind of heartbreak only a man can give you and I didn't have the time, until Nicholas Sinclaire came walking into my life with his charming smile and his mischievous eyes. I just wish I would have known how it was going to end.

NICK:
I knew she was it for me the moment I met her, but I had to leave. I had one more tour to do overseas and then I could come home to her for good. Little did we know, I wouldn't come back the same man. I was damaged beyond repair, so I pushed I them away and hurt them. It didn't take me long to realize the mistake I had made. Now, I will stop at nothing to get them back in my life, but will Katie want my Damaged Pieces?
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Damaged jacket


Book Trailer


Teasers
 t3

t4

t5


 About the author
Allie
"Allie Able is a romance writer, who tries to juggle her time between being a mother, a wife and an author. Allie was raised in a small town in Mississippi and now resides in Georgia. Reading and writing romance has always been her first love. She decided to pursue her dreams of becoming a writer full-time, when the characters dancing around in her head wouldn't stop demanding her attention. Now she can be found sitting at her desk, feeding her coffee addiction, as she creates her love stories, that are sweet with a touch of spice"
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