Jersey Girl Book Reviews: August 2013

Friday, August 30, 2013

Virtual Book Tour Events: Week of 9/1-7/13

Virtual Book Tour Events: Week of 9/1-7/13

Monday 9/2/13

Working It Out by Rachael Anderson

In association with I Am A Reader

Book Review / Contest Giveaway

Book Description: Working It Out

A chance encounter . . .

Grace Warren’s life is safe and predictable—exactly the way she likes it. But when she gets roped into going to an auction to help out a friend, everything changes. She meets Seth Tuttle—a guy who unexpectedly kisses her then disappears, leaving her flustered and upset. If she never sees him again, it will be too soon.

A chance for love . . .

Weeks later, when Seth limps into Grace’s rehab clinic post surgery, she immediately recognizes him. Unfortunately, he’s every bit as frustrating and annoying as she remembered. Yet there’s something about him that makes her second-guess her carefully placed boundaries even though he’s everything she’s sure she doesn’t want in a man. But maybe Seth is exactly what Grace has needed all along—assuming she’s willing to risk safe and predictable for a chance at love.

Tuesday 9/3/13

Zoe & The Moment Of Zen by Cat Lavoie

In Association with Author Cat Lavoie

Virtual Book Cover Reveal Event

Book Description: Zoe & The Moment Of Zen

When coffee shop owner Zoey Everwood takes her obsession with ex-boyfriend Braden too far, everyone—except Zoey—is convinced a bit of fun in the sun at the Moment of Zen Wellness Resort will help her get over him once and for all.

But Zoey's relaxing vacation turns out to be anything but peaceful when she meets Shane Lawson, a resort guest who bears a striking resemblance to Braden. And things get even more complicated when the resort's owner starts spilling secrets about Zoey’s aunt Nessa, the woman who raised her. Add a snarky Wellness Coordinator and Nate Holmes—Shane's grumpy friend—to the mix, and you've got the recipe for a perfect tropical storm.

When Zoey comes back home with a new husband instead of tacky souvenirs, she must convince everyone she hasn't completely lost her mind. As Zoey and Shane struggle to keep the magic alive outside the resort, Zoey discovers that she isn't the only one having trouble letting go of the past. And when Nate drops a bombshell that changes everything, Zoey must decide if the old saying is true—what happens at the Moment of Zen stays at the Moment of Zen.

Wednesday 9/4/13

Riverstar by Tess Thompson

In association with Chick Lit Plus Blog Tours

Book Review

Book Description: Riverstar

After ending a dysfunctional affair with a powerful movie producer, feisty Hollywood makeup artist Bella Webber finds herself back in the quaint Oregon town of River Valley, the location of a famous director’s latest film. Despite trying to distract herself with work, Bella is unnerved by the proximity of Benjamin Fleck – a man she fell instantly in love with during a chance encounter at her brother’s home. Unfortunately, he sees her as nothing more than a heartbreak waiting to happen.

When an actress is found murdered after she’s seen leaving the restaurant Riversong with Ben, he is accused of the crime and arrested. Convinced of his innocence, the River Valley friends band together to find the real killer, and Bella must face her biggest fear to ensure the truth is revealed.

Romantic, suspenseful, and engaging, bestselling author Tess Thompson’s third novel in the River Valley Collection delivers another tribute to the power of community and the bonds of friendship.

******

Romancing The Million $$$ Ghost

By Heide Aw Kaminski, Pam Ryan

& Dorothy Thompson

In association with Pump Up Your Book! Virtual Book Publicity Tours

Virtual Book Cover Reveal Event / Contest Giveaway

Book Description: Romancing The Million $$$ Ghost

Eccentric tobacco tycoon Rodger Hawthorne III can have anything his heart desires except his dead wife, Sarah. Feeling responsible for the car crash that killed her twenty years earlier, he offers one million dollars to anyone who can find her spirit and bring it to him within one week or the money is forfeited. Six spiritually-challenged—but highly intuitive—women find his ad over the Internet and accept his challenge only to embark on a journey they didn’t quite expect that covers astral traveling, past life regressions and spiritual encounters of the unworldly kind. While this book is lightly based on a true story of a real man who is offering one million dollars to anyone who can prove that spirits exist, this story is purely fictional. Or is it?

Thursday 9/5/13

Lying To Meet You by Anna Garner

In association with Author Anna Garner

Author Guest Post / Book Review

Book Description: Lying To Meet You

Does being in a relationship make you a hot commodity in the eyes of would-be suitors?

Chloe Lane is about to find out. When her childhood pal, Ethan Webster, asks her to play the part of his girlfriend in order to test this theory, she reluctantly agrees. As a work-crazed fashion designer, boutique owner and soon-to-be reality show judge, Chloe has no time for a real boyfriend, but being part of a faux pair will do just fine. Not that she has any intention of trying to attract someone else.

However…

Opportunity unexpectedly knocks when Chloe meets fellow reality judge, William Shannon. Super successful and super sexy, this high-powered entrepreneur inspires Chloe to test Ethan’s theory herself. Now, on top of keeping her fashion business productive, carving out a new role as a television personality, maintaining a fake relationship and attempting to lay the groundwork for a future relationship, she’s lying to William, lying to her friends, lying to her family and quite possibly lying to herself. Will Chloe be able to keep it all together, or are things about to explode?

******

Sophie's Encore by Nicky Wells

In association with Author Nicky Wells

Virtual Book Publication Release Day Event

Author Guest Post / Book Review / Contest Giveaway

Book Description: Sophie's Encore

Her rock star is waiting in the wings, but will he get a second chance?

It’s all change for Sophie Jones—only this time, there is more at stake than just her happiness.

Rock star extraordinaire, Dan Hunter, has been her patient and caring friend through the highs and lows since her wedding day, but now he figures it is time for her to start over. By stealth, the rock singer draws Sophie into the behind-the-scenes work for his band’s latest album. Through the days and weeks spent together at the mixing desk, Sophie discovers whole new horizons for her life, yet before she can even begin to explore them, she faces the very real threat of losing her rock star for good.

Join Sophie and Dan in Sophie’s Encore to find out how their journey will end…

Friday 9/6/13

The Eyes Of Love by Angelina Rose

In association with Virtual Book Tour Cafe

Author Guest Post / Book Review / Contest Giveaway

Book Description: The Eyes Of Love

After a tragic loss five years ago, Sally Overby becomes an Attorney in Atlanta. She convinces herself that all she'll ever need again is her young son, David, and her life as an attorney. Until one day, Colin Dean barges back into her life and promptly blows her safe world apart, driving her crazy as only a guy she'd had a "school girl crush" on can.

Although shocked and thrilled by Colin’s attention, Sally is wary to love deeply. Only, with every loving look Colin gives her plus every sweet kiss, as the attraction between them sparks, she can’t help but wonder if she’s met the one she should be with. And although Colin didn’t realize his life was going to change so quickly, amazingly, he isn’t the least bit interested in fighting that change. Instead, he’s gearing up for a different fight altogether… the one for Sally’s heart.

Will Colin be able to convince her that's it safe to love him... and that forever isn't really out of reach?

Romantic, amusing, and deeply moving, Book 4 in the Mill Creek Crossing Romance Series, is a tale that will stay with you.

The Eyes of Love is a novella… you will be able to enjoy it in just one day!

Marcie by Carly M. Duncan (Author Guest Post / Book Review)

In association with Pump Up Your Book! Virtual Book Publicity Tours, Jersey Girl Book Reviews is pleased to host the virtual book tour event for Marcie by author Carly M. Duncan!

Author Guest Post

The Process of Writing A Novel

By: Carly M. Duncan

The process of writing a novel is a hefty task, but not if you approach it in sections. Everyone has his or her own recipe for success and there’s no right or wrong way to attack a page until you’re able to write, “The End.” Through the course of finishing my first novel, Marcie, and my upcoming novel, Behind You, I’ve found a process that works best for me.

I always know the ending before I begin. I can’t begin a new project without understanding where the story is going to land at its completion. I’ve tried to blindly lead myself down a path, but always end up wondering what it’s all for. I think it gives me a sense of relief to know what the last line will be. The hard part is making up all of the elements that are going to get me there. Generally speaking, I like an ending that feels like a friendly punch to the gut: something that leaves you slightly breathless and shocked, but otherwise unharmed.

For me, one of the most exciting parts about starting a new story is the creation of characters. Almost every character I’ve ever invented stems from a line someone said to me or a person I saw or a few quirks of those closest to me. I begin with something I know and then I build an individual around that. Once I know who I’m working with, I give them a problem. When I have the appropriate obstacle, I think about how this person would proceed. Would they make mistakes? Would they act maliciously? Would they do what is right? I learn to navigate the story based on understanding what my character might do next. For me, writing is a lot like acting because I’m always trying to pretend I’m in someone else’s shoes.

Sometimes, I’ll send a few chapters of the book to a friend or family member who happens to enjoy the genre of book I’m writing. I ask them about what they’re most curious about, what they think is going to happen next and what they want to happen next. I consider this my own sort of case study and it’s especially helpful if I’ve hit a good ‘ol fashioned writer’s block and need help deciding where the story will go next.

Finally, and perhaps the most important thing I’ve learned about the process of writing a story, is figuring out how I’m going to continue to keep my readers’ interest peaked. What is going to make them want to turn the page? I try to end each chapter with a bit of a tease or a demanding closing line – something that will make them want to begin a new chapter before going to sleep. If I finish a chapter, but there’s nothing to propel me into the next one I’m not done with that chapter.

The process of writing a novel is overwhelming, challenging, wonderful and cathartic. It may take time (sometimes too much of it), but in the end I feel this incredible pride in what I’ve accomplished and relieved that that story has come to an end.

For a peek at an ending that has left readers asking me “AND THEN WHAT?!” check out my novel, Marcie, available on Amazon and BarnesandNobles.com. Don’t forget to pay me a visit too! I’d love to hear from you. Just “like” my Carly M. Duncan Facebook page and say hi.

About The Author

Carly M. Duncan is a television producer by day and a writer whenever there is time. She loves baking, scripted television and is working on easing her addiction to her too-smart-phone. She lives with her husband, two daughters and beloved Westie in Brooklyn, New York.

Her latest book is the chick lit novel, Marcie.

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Marcie by Carly M. Duncan ~ Virtual Book Tour Page: Pump Up You Book! Virtual Book Publicity Tours

Book Review

Marcie by Carly M. Duncan

Publisher: Independent Self Publishing

Publication Date: May 10, 2013

Format: Paperback - 136 pages / Kindle - 229 KB

ISBN: 148011832X

ASIN: B00E8858OI

Genre: Chick Lit / Contemporary Fiction / Women's Fiction

BUY THE BOOK: Marcie

AMAZON

BARNES & NOBLE

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Disclaimer: I received a copy of the book from the author in exchange for my honest review and participation in a virtual book tour event hosted by Pump Up Your Book! Virtual Book Publicity Tours.

Book Description:

When Kate’s mother, Marcie, dies mysteriously she is forever tormented by the many questions surrounding her mother’s death. In Marcie’s absence Kate clings to her mother’s husbands, searching for solace.

As family secrets are revealed Kate works to build her own life and family, but the mystery of her mother’s death sidetracks her until she finally gets the answer she’s always hoped for.

Book Excerpt:

A call in the middle of the night can never bear good news. In fact, the sound of each ring sends a chill through me. Even the tiny hairs on my arm stand on edge.

A glance at the clock tells me two things; either there is an emergency, or the neighborhood middle school kids are having a prank hay day. The frequency of the latter enables me to calmly and patiently let the phone continue to ring a few more times.

I don’t have an answering machine, and there’s no reason I wouldn’t be home (asleep) at this hour, so whoever is dialing knows I’ll answer as long as they challenge me with the annoyance of each ring. I pretend that I’m dreaming, but by the seventh ring I can’t ignore reality. There is, after all, the small possibility that the call could be something important. I answer.

It’s my stepbrother, Terry, and there isn’t a greeting at all. Just, “Something’s happened to Marcie. I just got a call from Guam. Get to my house as soon as possible.”

Terry is six years older than I and is someone who entered my life when I was five years old. He is his father, Beau’s, clone in every way a son can and should be. He’s handsome, loud, bossy and, though I sense a lot of anger from the depths inside of him, he’s always laughing.

He lives nearby with his mother, so we see him often and he’s another protective, embarrassing older brother I could’ve done without. I imagine if I were to enter into a family that wasn’t my own, I might do so gradually and with care, but Terry immediately jumped into his role as big brother and was happy not only to have a brother to team up with, but a little sister to antagonize as well.

I’m nineteen and my brothers still insist on making fun of me. I figured it would die down once I exited junior high, then thought it would lose its charm once I turned eighteen, but it happens to be our family’s form of entertainment, so I laugh. I try to get my share of punches in on them. I remember that they jest out of love, and convince my normally overly sensitive side to giggle with them on occasion.

I am the perfect little sister because I make the jokes easy to come by (or perhaps simply being a little sister allows the jokes to flow freely.) Like when I enter the living room, ready for a date, and my big brothers say to me, “You’re not honestly going out like that, are you?!” My super jock-y, rule-the-school brothers are used to a hotter level of date, I guess.

My Book Review:

Marcie is an intriguing novella written in the first person narrative that delves into the dysfunctional family relationship and quest of a young woman to find the answer to her mother's mysterious death and journey to healing and moving forward with her life.

Author Carly M. Duncan weaves an emotional tale that draws the reader into Kate's story of seeking answers and closure after her mother Marcie is lost at sea in Guam in February 1977. Kate's story follows a timeline from February 1974 when Marcie informs Kate that she and her stepfather Beau are moving from California to Guam, weaving forward through August 1983, when Kate receives the closure that she had longed for since her mother's death.

Kate has not had an easy family life, the dysfunction is apparent as she reveals Marcie's history of marriages and divorces, she never felt like she ever connected with her mother, and as young woman of nineteen, she is dealt a blow when her mother disappears in a hurricane. As Kate and Marcie's story unfolds, the reader is drawn into the complexity of their lives, it is a story that runs the emotional gamut from loss and sadness to strength and love. You can't help but get drawn into their story and feel for Kate as her journey to seek closure and the strength to move forward with her life is not an easy one, it keeps the reader engaged and wondering about the mystery of Marcie's disappearance and death until it is revealed in the closing sentence of the story.

Marcie is a beautifully written novella that will pull at your heartstrings, it is a wonderful debut for author Carly M. Duncan.

RATING: 4 STARS ****

Virtual Book Tour Schedule

Marcie by Carly M. Duncan ~ Virtual Book Tour Page

Tour Schedule:

Monday, August 5 – First Chapter Reveal at Pump Up Your Book
Monday, August 5 – Interview at Examiner
Tuesday, August 6 – Book Featured at Margay Leah Justice
Thursday, August 8 – Book Featured at My Devotional Thoughts
Friday, August 9 – Book Featured at Laurie’s Thoughts and Reviews
Tuesday, August 13 – Book Featured at Confessions of a Reader
Thursday, August 15 – Book Review at My Reading Table
Friday, August 16 – Book Review at From the TBR Pile
Monday, August 19 – Guest Blogging at The Writer’s Life
Tuesday, August 20 – Guest blogging & First Chapter Reveal at Alana Munro
Wednesday, August 21 – Book Review at Melissa’s Midnight Musings
Thursday, August 22 – Character Guest Post at Gina’s Library
Friday, August 23 – Book Review at The Self-Taught Cook
Monday, August 26 – Book Review & First Chapter Reveal at Mom in Love with Fiction
Tuesday, August 27 – Book Review at Mary’s Cup of Tea
Wednesday, August 28 – Guest Blogging at Lori’s Reading Corner
Thursday, August 29 – Guest Blogging at Authors and Readers Book Corner
Friday, August 30 – Book Review & Guest Blogging at Jersey Girl Book Reviews
Friday, August 30 – First Chapter Reveal at Literary Winner
RESCHEDULING: First Chapter Reveal at Read 2 Review

Thursday, August 29, 2013

Winter In Full Bloom by Anita Higman (Book Review / Contest Giveaway)

In association with Litfuse Publicity, Jersey Girl Book Reviews is pleased to host the virtual book tour event for Winter In Full Bloom by author Anita Higman!

Winter in Full Bloom Kindle Fire Giveaway and Facebook Party!

Enter Today - 8/12 - 8/29!

Book Review

Winter In Full Bloom by Anita Higman

Publisher: River North

Publication Date: July 15, 2013

Format: Paperback - 304 pages / Kindle - 2759 KB

ISBN: 0802405800

ASIN: B00BV0FK6W

Genre: Christian Fiction / Romance

BUY THE BOOK: Winter In Full Bloom

AMAZON

BARNES & NOBLE

GOODREADS

Disclaimer: I received a copy of the book from the author / publisher via NetGalley in exchange for my honest review and participation in a virtual book tour event hosted by Litfuse Publicity.

Book Description:

Lily Winter’s wings are folded so tightly around her daughter that when empty nest arrives, she feels she can no longer fly. But Lily’s lonely, widowed life changes in a heartbeat when she goes to visit a woman who is almost a stranger to her-a woman who also happens to be her mother. During their fiery reunion, her mother reveals a dark family secret that she’d been hiding for decades-Lily has an identical twin sister who was put up for adoption when they were just babies.

Without looking back, Lily-with her fear of flying-boards a jumbo jet and embarks on a quest to find her sister which leads half way around the world to Melbourne, Australia. Befriended by imprudent Ausie, he might prove to be the key to finding her sister. But her journey becomes a circle that leads her back home to attempt a family reunion and to find the one dream she no longer imagined possible-the chance to fall in love again.

Book Excerpt:

“I promise they’ll be no hint of those dastardly words fiancée or wedding.” He let me go. “At least not yet anyway.”

I chuckled. “Okay.”

“Unless, of course, you bring it up and you force the nuptial issue.” He went back to his work at the counter. “Then I might have to reconsider.”

“No. There’ll be no arm twisting from me.”

“Believe me, you wouldn’t have to twist my arm at this point. My theory is . . . it might only take a kiss.”

I shook my head at him, but a grin was not far behind. It grieved me that my sister had waited too long for a man to propose to her, and yet it felt like Marcus wanted to pop the question way too soon. Why did things have to be so complicated? So backward?

“Mmm. It might only take a kiss. That has a starry-eyed sound to it . . . like a line a writer might use.”

“Owww.” Marcus winced. “Ouch.”

I grinned. “I’m not the only one around here who can tease.”

He dropped his work again and strolled over to me. “Maybe it’s more than a line. Maybe it’s a romantic theory worthy of further study.” He lowered his gaze to my lips.

One hand pushed him away while another pulled him to me. “Sounds delicious, but we’re never going to get supper done at this rate.”

He locked his eyes on me. “There’s more to sustenance than mere food, woman.”

“I forgot to ask you what you thought of my mother.”

He tilted his head at me. “I think she has issues that can be resolved, but this isn’t the best time to chat about your mother.” “I agree.”

“Finally.”

The embrace took a more meaningful turn then, and even though the sauce was spattering all over the stove, and the pasta pan was nearly boiling dry, we hovered toward each other.

Marcus whispered in my ear, “I think I’d like to test this theory of mine . . . that it might only take one good kiss to summon a proposal.”

“Well, I can’t guarantee anything,” I whispered back, “but I’d certainly hate to be a hindrance to your research.”

My Book Review:

Winter In Full Bloom is a wonderful story that delves into the intricate facets of family relationships: from long held secrets to strained relationships, Lily Winter embarks on a journey to find a way to mend the family bonds with love, forgiveness, acceptance, faith, hope and redemption.

Written in the first person narrative and set between Houston, Texas and Melbourne, Australia, author Anita Higman weaves an inspirational tale that captivates the reader's attention from the start as they follow Lily's journey in search of Camille, her identical twin sister that she never knew due to her estranged mother's deception and long held secret. Traveling halfway around the world, little does Lily know that her search will change the way she views her life, she confronts the demons in her past, and learns to accept the present, with a chance to move forward and open herself to love once again.

I loved this story, from the conversational style of the first person narrative, to the vivid descriptive settings of Houston and Melbourne, to the memorable cast of characters, Lily's story unfolds before the reader in a way that transports the reader into the story as if you were sitting right next to Lily. It is an emotional, heartwarming and inspirational story that tugs at the heartstrings. It provides the reader with hope and faith that family bonds and romantic relationships can weather the best and worse of life's challenges. Lily's journey of self discovery comes full circle with amazing grace: that what was once lost can be found.

Winter In Full Bloom is a wonderful story of love, faith, hope, trust, forgiveness, healing, and redemption. The author provides the reader with a gentle reminder of the Christian message that God does have a plan for everyone's life.

RATING: 4 STARS ****

About The Author

Best-selling and award-winning author, Anita Higman, has over thirty books published (several coauthored) for adults and children. She’s been a Barnes & Noble “Author of the Month” for Houston and has a BA degree, combining speech communication, psychology, and art. Anita loves good movies, exotic teas, and brunch with her friends.

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Winter In Full Bloom by Anita Higman ~ Virtual Book Tour Page: Litfuse Publicity

Virtual Book Tour Chat & Contest Giveaway

Anita Higman’s Winter In Full Bloom Kindle Fire Giveaway and Facebook Party on 8/29!

Anita Higman's latest novel, Winter in Full Bloom, has just been released. She's teamed up with her publisher, River North Fiction, for a fun giveaway and a Facebook Author Chat Party on August 29th.

One grand prize winner will receive:

A Kindle Fire HD
Winter in Full Bloom by Anita Higman

Enter today by clicking one of the icons below. But hurry, the giveaway ends on August 28th.Winner will be announced August 29th at the Winter in Full Bloom Author Chat Party on Facebook. During the party Anita will be hosting a book chat, talking about family, announcing the winner of the Kindle Fire, and giving away a ton of books, gift certificates, and more. Oh, and she'll also be giving party goers an exclusive look at her next book.

So grab your copy of Winter in Full Bloom and join Anita on the evening of August 29th for a chance to connect and make some new friends. (If you haven’t read the book, don’t let that stop you from coming!)

DON’T MISS A MOMENT OF THE FUN; RSVP TODAY. HOPE TO SEE YOU ON AUGUST 29th!

Wednesday, August 28, 2013

Angel Killer by PJ Nunn (Author Guest Post / Book Review)

In association with Pump Up Your Book! Virtual Book Publicity Tours, Jersey Girl Book Reviews is pleased to host the virtual book tour event for Angel Killer by author PJ Nunn!

Author Guest Post

People Don't Buy Your Book Because It's Good

By: PJ Nunn

Have you ever really thought about that? They might buy it because they’ve heard it’s good. But what does that really mean?

I’ve been a book publicist for more than fifteen years and have literally represented thousands of titles over the years. Some are out of print, some won the biggest awards and most fall somewhere in between. Still, I learned a long time ago that I don’t have to read a book to be able to sell it, contrary to popular belief. Why not? Because people don’t buy books based on what they find inside the book. We think if the author has talent and the book is good, it will sell. But seriously – why do we buy books?

We might buy a book because –
· It’s by an author we know
· We like the cover
· We like the title
· Somebody told us we’d like it
· We liked its prequel
· It’s on sale
· We read a review that was positive
· We like the topic
· We like police drama, or serial killers, or beach romance or whatever
· Another author we like gave it a blurb

The point is – the only way we’d know the book was good would be if we’d already read the book. Few people buy books they’ve already read. So it’s really important for us as authors to understand this and make sure that we are providing our potential readers with as many reasons to buy our book as we can.

How do we do that? Make sure the book description on the cover, on Amazon, Goodreads, our promo material and wherever else is text that really communicates not just facts but atmosphere of the story. Does it tell too much? Does it make you want to read more?

Don’t tell people how good it is, show them. Sometimes an excerpt or short scene is a better salesperson than a description. Use your text wisely. If you’re making good use of Facebook pages and blog space, keep your voice true. For instance, I have two books out right now and they are from two different series. One is humorous and kind of campy. It’s written in first person and the protagonist has a sharp, sarcastic wit. The other is more serious, a little more hardboiled and the protagonist is a psychologist so there’s more thought taking place. If I’m promoting Private Spies, I’ll probably write in first person and keep the voice light and hopefully funny. If readers respond to that voice, they’ll like the book. But if they like that voice and pick up Angel Killer instead, it’s so different it may not appeal to them at all.

Personally I like both, but different moods are for different times. Do you have some ideas to share about what provokes you to buy a book?

About The Author

As with most things, PJ Nunn’s career started out as something else entirely. She started out in retail then moved to property management. That led to teaching high school, then serving as a counselor and liaison to the local police youth services division. She also spent five years as chairperson of the Coryell County Child Welfare Board and spent years counseling abuse victims and serving law enforcement as a trauma counselor and consultant (something she still does today). When she moved to Dallas, a family illness caused her to leave a job teaching psychology at Dallas County Community College District to become a freelance writer, but found that a few favors she was doing for friends—writing press releases and setting up book signings—was better suited to her talents and her drives.

In 1998, she founded BreakThrough Promotions, now a national public relations firm helping authors, mostly of mystery novels, publicize themselves and their work. The business is thriving and PJ is excited about the release of her first novel, Angel Killer.

PJ lives with her husband some of their five children near Dallas, TX.

AUTHOR WEBSITE
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Angel Killer by PJ Nunn ~ Virtual Book Tour Page: Pump Up Your Book! Virtual Book Publicity Tours

Book Review

Angel Killer by PJ Nunn

Book 1: A Shari Markham Mystery Series

Publisher: Oak Tree Press

Publication Date: July 1, 2013

Format: Paperback - 286 pages / Kindle - 473 KB

ISBN: 1610090799

ASIN: B00DQ33KSM

Genre: Mystery / Suspense / Psychological Thriller

BUY THE BOOK: Angel Killer

AMAZON

BARNES & NOBLE

GOODREADS

Disclaimer: I received a copy of the book from the author / publisher in exchange for my honest review and participation in a virtual book tour event hosted by Pump Up Your Book! Virtual Book Publicity Tours.

Book Description:

The death of a child is every mother’s nightmare. But what if the child has no mother? What if their little bodies are discarded like garbage and no one even seems to care that they’re gone?

Shari Markham, psychologist for the Dallas Police Department, knows what it feels like to be unclaimed and unwanted. She can’t turn away, even if it means demons dancing in her dreams at night. But when her relentless pursuit of information to help apprehend this madman gets a little too close, he turns the tables, warning her that his next scheduled victim will be her own three-year-old granddaughter, Angel!

Book Excerpt:

Fog swirled around her, transforming everything into vague shapes and blurs. A small sigh escaped her as Shari parked her mocha Taurus next to the Grand Prairie squad car and got out. The sudden loss of heat prompted her to pull the front of her jacket closed against the damp air. Texas was never this cold in November. Sleep had been elusive. She’d just settled in when the jangling of the phone chased away warm, fuzzy dreams and replaced them with harsh, cold reality. Now the distant sound of thunder matched her mood and didn’t bode well for the crime scene. The sky, a creepy morning shadow with no delineation, met the ground while a fine mist settled on her without a single, discernible drop. Shari slammed the door and walked across the grass toward the officer securing the scene.

After more than a year as criminal profiler for the Dallas Police Department, she wondered if the time would ever come when she’d accept these early morning wakeup calls as typical rather than feeling as if she’d been thrown into a tornado. Emotional autopilot would kick in any minute though, separating her from the horrors to come and allowing her to function within the safe realm of clinical objectivity. At least that’s how it worked in theory.

“Morning,” she greeted the uniformed officer as he walked toward her, headed back to his squad car. He didn’t look any more cheerful than she felt. Nobody liked to work crimes against children.

My Book Review:

If you are looking for a psychological crime thriller that will captivate you from start to finish, then Angel Killer by author PJ Nunn is the book for you! Written in the third person narrative and set in Dallas, Texas, author PJ Nunn weaves an engrossing and suspenseful tale surrounding the brutal murders of young children that will send chills down the reader's spine.

Shari Markham, criminal profiler and psychologist for the Dallas Police Department gets involved in investigating the mysterious deaths of young children. But when her pursuit for information and truth is getting too close for comfort, the serial murderer turns his attention to Shari's three-year-old granddaughter Angel, marking her as his next victim! Can Shari help solve the case of the senseless murders of the young children, and bring the madman to justice before tragedy strikes her own family?

Angel Killer is the kind of book that easily draws the reader in with its thrilling storyline full of mystery, suspense, and unexpected twists and turns, that keeps them guessing what will happen next. The author even throws in a complicated romance between Shari and an FBI Agent named Luke, who was called in to assist in the investigation.

The author's educational background in psychology and criminology is clearly demonstrated throughout this dark psychological thriller. The characters are realistic and easy to relate to, the investigative techniques are intriguing and believable, and the storyline has a satanic twist that simply grabs the reader's attention with its intricate web of suspenseful clues, and unexpected twists and turns, it lures them down a dark path into the serial killer's mind that will keep them sitting on the end of their seat until the surprising conclusion.

Angel Killer is a disturbing and dark psychological thriller that is a must read for mystery/thriller fans. It's a story that will make parents hold onto their children with extra care.

Angel Killer is the first book in the A Shari Markham Mystery Series.

RATING: 4 STARS ****

Virtual Book Tour Schedule

Angel Killer by PJ Nunn ~ Virtual Book Tour Page

Book Tour Schedule:

Monday, August 5 – Book Featured at Laurie’s Thoughts and Reviews
Tuesday, August 6 – Book Review at Miki’s Hope
Wednesday, August 7 – Character Guest Post at Moonlight Lace & Mayhem
Wednesday, August 7 – Book Review at The Self-Taught Cook
Thursday, August 8 – Guest Blogging at Inside BJ’s Head
Friday, August 9 – Guest Blogging & Book Giveaway at Darlene’s Book Nook
Friday, August 9 – Book Feature at Tales of a Book Addict
Monday, August 12 – Book Review at Mary’s Cup of Tea
Thursday, August 15 – Book Review at My Cozie Corner
Friday, August 16 – Character Guest Post at Books R Us
Monday, August 19 – Book Featured at Books R Us
Wednesday, August 21 – Book Featured at Confessions of a Reader
Thursday, August 22 – Guest Blogging at Lori’s Reading Corner
Friday, August 23 – Book Review at Literary Winner
Wednesday, August 28 – Book Review & Guest Blogging at Jersey Girl Book Reviews
Thursday, August 29 – Book Review at A Room Without Books is Empty
Friday, August 30 – Book Review, Interview & Character Guest Post at Melina’s Book Blog
Friday, August 30 – Guest Blogging at Read 2 Review

Sun, Sand & Seances by Kathleen Ann Gallagher (Virtual Book Blast Event)

In association with Pump Up Book! Virtual Book Publicity Tours, Jersey Girl Book Reviews is pleased to host the virtual book blast event for Sun, Sand, and Seances by author Kathleen Ann Gallagher!

Sun, Sand & Seances by Kathleen Ann Gallagher

Publisher: Decadent Publishing

Publication Date: June 21, 2013

Format: eBook - 54 pages / Kindle - 205 KB / Nook - 337 KB

ISBN: 9781613335512

ASIN: B00DJUZDKA

Genre: Contemporary Romance

Book Description:

Bobbi Collins is a caring and devoted kindergarten teacher who had her world turned upside down when her fiancé died after a lover’s quarrel. Five years later, she still struggles with acceptance. Her role as an educator fills up her week, but on weekends, she longs for something more. When she stumbles across a newspaper ad for a psychic fair in the historic town of Cape May, New Jersey, it seems like the answer. Bobbi is determined to revive her once vibrant life.

Kevin Carlton a successful realtor is tired of the dating game. He doesn’t remember buying a raffle ticket, but when his co-worker announces he holds the winning number, he decides to take a chance and attend the all expense paid weekend in Cape May, at the Lady of the Sea's Psychic Fair. He hopes to find a spiritualist who has the ability to contact his late father and prove he has become a man to be proud of.

Sparks fly when Bobbi and Kevin run into one another at the fair. When strange happenings occur, Bobbi rushes into her ex-boyfriend’s arms. She never imagined having a weekend of magic, memories, and a chance to rekindle the flame with her lost love.

Can sun, sand, and séances cast a spell on their hearts and allow the reunited couple to find what they both desire, or will the spirits sabotage it all?

Book Excerpt:

Kevin sat and slid close to her.

“Don’t be scared. Old hotels need constant repair. Try not to let all of the ghost stories get to you. It’s all in fun.”

“The stories I’ve heard sound real.”

“I think the air conditioner made the noise.”

He laughed.

Bobbi grabbed the blanket from the edge of the bed and placed it around her shoulders. “Don’t you feel the cold air?”

“Did you turn it on when you came into the room?”

“No, I thought you did.”

“Now, that’s weird. I didn’t touch it.”

Kevin slowly put his arm around her shoulder. With their bodies close, neither of them said another word.The warmth of his touch calmed her nerves, and Bobbi turned to gaze into his eyes. She gasped when Kevin gave her an intense stare, and gently placed his hand on the side of her face. Her desire surfaced and the wall she’d built began to loosen. As Kevin pulled her close and nuzzled her neck, she placed her arms around his broad back. Then, when he placed his lips on hers and searched her mouth with his tongue, she whimpered and surrendered to his passionate embrace.

BUY THE BOOK: Sun, Sand & Seances

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About The Author

Kathleen Ann Gallagher lives in New Jersey with her husband and their two puppies. Her children are all grown, but her three grandsons keep her spirit energized. She is a registered nurse who works in an emergency room. Her passion for story telling began when she was a young girl. Since her father was a professional magician, she learned how to use her imagination while assisting him with his act. When Kathleen is not writing, her favorite place to relax is down the Jersey Shore. You might find her under an umbrella, wearing a straw hat, dreaming of a new story.

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Sun, Sand & Seances by Kathleen Ann Gallagher ~ Virtual Book Tour Page: Pump Up Your Book!