Virtual Book Tour Events: Week of 4/27-5/3/14

Virtual Book Tour Events: Week of 4/27-5/3/14

Monday 4/28/14

Crimson Clouds by Claude Nougat

In association with Goddess Fish Promotions

Book Review / Contest Giveaway

Book Description: Crimson Clouds

Robert is at a crossroads. Just retired from a brilliant career as a UN manager in humanitarian aid, he could work as a high-level consultant or pursue his childhood dream of becoming an artist. He chooses the latter to the dismay of his wife Kay. Twenty years his junior, Kay is a lover of Contemporary Art, deeply involved in her work as the owner of a trendy art gallery in New York. She is horrified by his academic paintings. They fight over Art - he's square, she's cool - but more separates them than diverging views on Art. A secret Kay has never revealed weighs on their marriage and threatens to break it apart...

This contemporary romance resonates with the complexities and wistfulness of mature passion the second time around.

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Prejudice Meets Pride by Rachael Anderson

In association with I Am A Reader

Virtual Book Blast Event / Contest Giveaway

Book Description: Prejudice Meets Pride

After years of pinching pennies and struggling to get through art school, Emma Makie’s hard work finally pays off with the offer of a dream job. But when tragedy strikes, she has no choice but to make a cross-country move to Colorado Springs to take temporary custody of her two nieces. She has no money, no job prospects, and no idea how to be a mother to two little girls, but she isn’t about to let that stop her. Nor is she about to accept the help of Kevin Grantham, her handsome new neighbor, who seems to think she’s incapable of doing anything on her own.

Fun, compelling, and romantic, Prejudice Meets Pride is the story of a guy who thinks he has it all figured out and a girl who isn’t afraid to show him that he doesn’t. It’s about learning what it means to trust, figuring out how to give and to take, and realizing that not everyone gets to pick the person they fall in love with. Sometimes, love picks them.

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Previously Loved Treasures by Bette Lee Crosby

In association with Author Bette Lee Crosby

Virtual Book Cover Reveal Event / Contest Giveaway

Book Description: Previously Loved Treasures

A lonely widow and a young woman trying to rebuild her life discover a family connection and a run-down second hand store where the clairvoyant owner anticipates every need. When a pocket watch is stolen, he warns of the danger ahead, but will the young woman listen and heed his advice?

Tuesday 4/29/14

Covet by Tracey Garvis Graves

In association with Author Tracey Garvis Graves

Book Release Day Event / Book Review

Book Description: Covet

What if the life you wanted, and the woman you fell in love with, belonged to someone else?

Chris and Claire Canton’s marriage is on life support. Downsized during the recession and out of work for a year, Chris copes by retreating to a dark place where no one can reach him, not even Claire. When he’s offered a position that will keep him away from home four nights a week, he dismisses Claire’s concern that time apart could be the one thing their fragile union can’t weather. Their suburban life may look idyllic on the outside, but Claire has never felt so disconnected from Chris, or so lonely.

Local police officer Daniel Rush used to have it all, but now he goes home to an empty house every night. He pulls Claire over during a routine traffic stop, and they run into each other again at the 4th of July parade. When Claire is hired to do some graphic design work for the police department, her friendship with Daniel grows, and soon they’re spending hours together.

Claire loves the way Daniel makes her feel, and the way his face lights up when she walks into the room. Daniel knows that Claire’s marital status means their relationship will never be anything other than platonic. But it doesn’t take long before Claire and Daniel are in way over their heads, and skating close to the line that Claire has sworn she’ll never cross.

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Monday, Monday by Elizabeth Crook

In association with Author Elizabeth Crook

Book Review

Book Description: Monday, Monday

In this gripping, emotionally charged novel, a tragedy in Texas changes the course of three lives.

On an oppressively hot Monday in August of 1966, a student and former marine named Charles Whitman hauled a footlocker of guns to the top of the University of Texas tower and began firing on pedestrians below. Before it was over, sixteen people had been killed and thirty-two wounded. It was the first mass shooting of civilians on a campus in American history.Monday, Monday follows three students caught up in the massacre: Shelly, who leaves her math class and walks directly into the path of the bullets, and two cousins, Wyatt and Jack, who heroically rush from their classrooms to help the victims. On this searing day, a relationship begins that will eventually entangle these three young people in a forbidden love affair, an illicit pregnancy, and a vow of secrecy that will span forty years. Reunited decades after the tragedy, they will be forced to confront the event that changed their lives and that has silently and persistently ruled the lives of their children.

With electrifying storytelling and the powerful sense of destiny found in Ann Patchett’s Bel Canto, and with the epic sweep of Jess Walter’s Beautiful Ruins, Elizabeth Crook’s Monday, Monday explores the ways in which we sustain ourselves and one another when the unthinkable happens. At its core, it is the story of a woman determined to make peace with herself, with the people she loves, and with a history that will not let her go. A humane treatment of a national tragedy, it marks a generous and thrilling new direction for a gifted American writer.

Wednesday 4/30/14

A Comedy of Erinn by Celia Bonaduce

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

Book Review 

Book Description: A Comedy of Erinn

Erinn Wolf needs to reinvent herself. A once celebrated playwright turned photographer, she’s almost broke, a little lonely, and tired of her sister’s constant worry. When a job on a reality TV show falls into her lap, she’s thrilled to be making a paycheck–and when a hot Italian actor named Massimo rents her guesthouse, she’s certain her life is getting a romantic subplot. But with the director, brash, gorgeous young Jude, dogging her every step, she can’t help but look at herself through his lens–and wonder if she’s been reading the wrong script all along…

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The Author Training Manual by Nina Amir

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

Author Guest Post / Book Review 

Book Description: The Author Training Manual

Anyone can publish a book and become an “author,” but if you want to become a successful author with a profitable publishing career, you need a clear, step-by-step guide to help you develop book ideas that sell. In The Author Training Manual, expert editor and book coach Nina Amir reveals the exact process successful authors have used to create business plans and proposals for their books and teaches you how to view your ideas through the eyes of acquisition editors and literary agents.

Whether you write fiction or nonfiction, plan to traditionally publish or self-publish, The Author Training Manual provides you with the tools you need to achieve your goals and become the author publishers and readers want. Inside you’ll find concrete steps, evaluations, sample business plans, in-depth training activities, editor and agent commentaries, and much more – all designed to help you stand out, from the slush pile to the shelf.

Thursday 5/1/14

Book Reviewer Yellow Pages - 5th Edition

In association with I Am A Reader

Virtual Book Blast Event

Book Description: Book Reviewer Yellow Pages 5th Edition

Book Reviewer Yellow Pages, Fifth Edition

This is a wonderful resource for any author or publisher that wants to get their book reviewed. There are hundreds of detailed listings, explaining each book reviewer’s preferred submission guidelines, contact information, turnaround time, and genre preferences.

The book also includes a section in the back with author’s services, where an author can find an editor, cover designer, etc. And no one has paid a fee to be listed in the book, so you know that you can trust the information.

The PDF is priced at just $9.99, and is DRM-FREE. A must-have for any author, agent, or publicist.

Friday 5/2/14

A Promise in Pieces by Emily Wierenga

In association with Litfuse Publicity 

Book Review / Contest Giveaway

Book Description: A Promise in Pieces

A baby quilt touches many hearts as it travels from family-to-family and through generations.

After the end of World War II, Clara Kirkpatrick returns from the Women's Army Corp to deliver a dying soldier's last wishes: convey his love to his young widow, Mattie, with apologies for the missed life they had planned to share. Struggling with her own post-war trauma, Clara thinks she's not prepared to handle the grief of this broken family. Yet upon meeting Mattie, and receiving a baby quilt that will never cuddle the soldier's baby, Clara vows to honor the sacrifices that family made.

Now a labor and delivery nurse in her rural hometown, Clara wraps each new babe in the gifted quilt and later stitches the child's name into the cloth. As each new child is welcomed by the quilt, Clara begins to wonder whatever happened to Mattie---and if her own life would ever experience the love of a newborn. Little does she know that she will have the opportunity to re-gift the special quilt---years later and carrying even greater significance than when it was first bestowed.

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Courier by Terry Irving

In association with JKS Communications

Author Guest Post / Book Review

Book Description: Courier

“This is a goddamn big story. It’ll make those jerks at the Post look like idiots and Watergate look like a cop taking an apple off a fruit stand.”

It’s 1972. The Watergate scandal has Washington on edge and Putnam, a Vietnam veteran and courier for one of the capital’s leading television stations, is trying to get his life back together after his nightmarish ordeal in the war. Racing at breakneck speed through the streets of the capital, he not only intends to be the best courier in the business, he also intends to escape the demons that haunt him. But when Rick picks up film from a news crew interviewing a government worker with a hot story, his life begins to unravel as everyone involved in the story dies within hours of the interview and Rick realizes he is the next target.

Enlisting the aid of friends who have discovered a way to hack into the government’s computer databases, and a beautiful young Indian Rights activist, Eva Buffalo Calf, Rick races full throttle through the streets of the nation’s capital to stay ahead of his pursuers as he searches for answers. When he discovers the killings have been orchestrated by a rogue CIA agent and his team of assassins, Rick isn’t surprised when his road to the truth leads directly to 1600 Pennsylvania Avenue.

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Precious Words by Leigh Fleming

In association with Chick Lit Plus Blog Tours

Author Guest Post / Book Review 

Book Description: Precious Words

Emberly Fallon is a smart, beautiful American attorney who goes on a dream vacation with her two best friends to the UK, where she meets the irresistible Niccolo Bartoli, an Italian tennis pro who is just as commanding off the court as he is on. Emberly resists his advances, not wanting anything to do with paparazzi and Nico’s rabid fans.

Currently ranked number two in the world, Nico finds himself struggling with his game and his personal life. Although always surrounded by his entourage, he is lonely in his world of celebrity and constant travel. Emberly makes him feel grounded, and despite her best intentions, she does fall in love with the dashing, foreign sportsman.

Their romantic adventures take them to Miami, New York, and Rome. This whirlwind love story was not in Emberly’s future plans, but she allows herself to be happy with Nico—until she becomes the victim of threats. Someone is trying to bring Nico’s success and newfound happiness to a tragic end … and that person is much closer than they suspect.

******

Roadtrip to Redemption by Laurie Larsen

In association with Reading Addiction Blog Tours

Virtual Book Cover Reveal Event / Contest Giveaway

Book Description: Roadtrip to Redemption

It started out a trip to lose old memories. It became a journey to find her heart.

Leslie Malone faces an empty, lonely summer. Her marriage is over. Her daughter is overseas, living her dream. Her students are enjoying a carefree summer break. What's the purpose of her life if she's not a wife, mother and teacher? The idea of a roadtrip beckons her. Aimless wandering? Or inspired discovery? A woman of faith, she asks God for His guidance, then does her best to follow His direction.

Hank Harrison is a quiet man, good with his hands, but short on words. He's paid a heavy price for not forgiving his son for horrible mistakes made years ago, mistakes with vast consequences. Leslie is an answer to his prayers, and together, they begin to mend their futures.

Neither of them plans to fall in love. Will the worst summer of Leslie's life become the season that redeems them both?

Just Destiny by Theresa Rizzo (Book Review)

In association with Author Theresa Rizzo, Jersey Girl Book Reviews is pleased to host a virtual book feature event for Just Destiny!

Book Review

Just Destiny by Theresa Rizzo

Publisher: Independent Self Publishing

Publication Date: February 22, 2014 (Paperback) / March 31, 2014 (eBook)

Format: Paperback - 374 pages / Kindle - 320 pages - 592 KB / Nook - 542 KB

ISBN: 0989045021

ASIN: B00JCBRA9M

BNID: 2940045694315

Genre: Contemporary Romance / Women's Fiction

BUY THE BOOK: Just Destiny

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Disclaimer: I received a copy of the book from the author in exchange for my honest review.

Book Description: 

What would you do if your whole world fell apart?

Jenny Harrison made some poor choices in the past, but marrying Gabe was the best thing she’d ever done. They had the perfect marriage, until a tragic accident leaves Gabe brain dead and her world in ruins.

Devastated by grief, she decides to preserve the best of their love by conceiving his child, but Gabe’s family is adamantly opposed, even willing to chance exposing long-held family secrets to stop her. Caught in a web of twisted motives and contentious legal issues, Jenny turns to best friend and attorney, Steve Grant. Steve wants to help Jenny, but he has reservations and secrets of his own.

When something so private and simple turns public and complicated, will Jenny relent? What is Steve willing to sacrifice to help Jenny?


Book Excerpt:

Prologue

Steve Grant’s heart pounded as if it might hammer its way right out of his chest. He took a measured breath, stretched an arm across the back of Annie’s chair and settled into his stadium seat. What’s the problem, man? You’ve faced down Billy Ray Butler and Crush Davis, stared them down across home plate, in front of a sold-out crowd without breaking a sweat; you can do this. It’s the right thing to do.

The band’s drums, trumpets and trombones belted out the Michigan fight song. “Let’s! Go! Blue!” The Ann Arbor crowd cheered as one.

“Why’d you give up your fifty-yard-line seats for these nosebleeds?” Annie raised her eyebrows.

“Lemme go,” the three-year-old behind her shrieked as he strained and bucked in his mother’s arms.

Annie winced, covered her ear and gave Steve a knowing look. When they went out without her children, he knew she wanted a break from all kids. These seats cost a small fortune; who in the hell brings their kid along? Steve scanned the packed seats around them—not a damn kid in sight. What were the chances they’d be sitting right in front of the only holy terror?

“One of our paralegals, Pete McGaffy, has his dad in town this weekend to celebrate his first year cancer free. Pete helped me a couple of times so when I found out his dad’s a huge Michigan fan, I gave them my tickets and got these instead.” He glared at the kid beating an annoying tattoo on the back of Annie’s chair, tempted to grab the little ankle to still him. “We have a great view of the whole field from here. Besides, I thought you’d enjoy sitting with Notre Dame fans instead of the enemy for a change.”

Annie had gone to Notre Dame and was a die-hard Irish fan, where as a Michigan alum, Steve’s season tickets bordered the Michigan sideline. She held out her hand for the binoculars and jerked forward as the kid pounded her chair with both of his feet. Stiff backed, Annie scooted forward in her chair.

“Switch seats with me.” Steve stood and pulled Annie out of her seat. She should be safe in front of the dad.

Annie stood and threw the little brat that warning look mothers seem to perfect, before slowly lowering herself into the other seat. Not exactly the mood he wanted to set.

He hoped it wasn’t an omen. Chill, man. She’s gonna love it.

He looked at the giant scoreboard—five minutes to halftime. Steve settled back in the seat, rubbed tight neck muscles, and rolled his shoulders.

He’d chosen these seats carefully. The first row in club level seating had lots of leg room, a bird’s eye view of the whole field, and the cameramen should have no trouble zooming in on them. It was perfe—the boy put a sticky hand on Steve’s head and lunged over his shoulder, nearly falling into his lap. Steve caught him and shoved him back at his parents.

“Henry. I’m sooo sorry. Really. Sorry. I . . . ” His mortified mother tried to lift him onto her lap, but the little boy arched his back and bellowed.

“That’s enough!” the father said. He handed his wife his beer and reached for the boy at the same time the kid jumped up, knocking her arm.

The halftime buzzer sounded loudly as Steve lunged forward, but he couldn’t right the cup before a wave of beer cascaded over the lip, splashing all over Annie’s shoulder, arm, and chest.

Annie gasped, jumped up and whirled on the threesome. Fury burned in her eyes as she shook her arm, spraying beer. “Are you freaking kidding me? What’s wrong with you people? Haven’t you ever heard of a babysitter?”

Steve stepped back and stared in horror. The pink of Annie’s shirt grew increasingly dark as it soaked up the beer.

“I’m so sorry.” The woman rummaged in her bag, yanked out some baby wipes and held them out to Annie. “I . . . please. We’ll pay for dry-cleaning.” 

Annie snatched the wipes, made a few futile dabs at her arm before throwing them on her seat and pushing past Steve.

“Laaadies and geeen-tlemen,” The announcer drew out.

Steve grabbed her arm. “Where’re you going?” 

“Preee-sent-ing the two-hundred thirty-five member Michigan marching Band. Baaa-nd . . . take the field.”

Annie frowned as if he was crazy. “To the bathroom.”

“Now? You can’t go now.”

Eyes widening, she plucked the wet shirt from her chest. “I’m covered in beer.”

Shit. Shit. Shit. “Uh . . . there’ll be a long line. Just wait a little bit.” He turned her toward the field. “Watch the show.” He glanced at the forty-seven by eighty-five-foot screen to see the camera zooming in on them. He pointed toward the field. “Look, they’re spelling out something.”

“I don’t care.” She tried to pull free.

Steve tightened his grip on her shoulders. “Listen. It’s that Bruno Mars song you love.”

“What is wrong with you?” She glared. “I’m soaked and smell like a frat party.”

Steve pivoted her toward the field and locked his arms around her. “Look.”

The band had spelled out “M-A-R-R-Y M-E” and dissolved to reform one last word. “A-N-N-I-E.”

The announcer boomed, “Weeeell, Annie?”

Annie looked toward the huge board where the camera had zoomed in on them and they stood larger than life. Her glare melted as awareness set in. She brushed her hair back and a tentative smile flickered across her face.

Steve released her. He wiped damp palms on his thighs, then dropped to one knee and took her hand. “Will you marry me, Annie?”

Hand covering her mouth, Annie dragged her gaze from the huge screen long enough to nod at him. Her glance darted back and forth from the screen to him. She thrust out her left hand. He took the ring box from his pocket, then slid the ring onto her finger.

Annie yanked her hand back and after a quick inspection of the 3-carat marquise, held it up for everybody to see as if she were a winner lofting her trophy. Steve pulled her into his arms for a hug while the crowd cheered and clapped.

Smile, Steve. Even if he couldn’t give her his heart, he’d embarrassed himself in front of millions of people and given her her dream proposal. The love would come.

My Book Review:


Are you ready to read an emotionally charged story that will simply leave you breathless? Well then, Just Destiny is the book for you.

For two years, twenty-eight year old Detroit newspaper journalist Jenny Harrison had a wonderful marriage to Gabe, a forty-three year old general surgeon with two college-aged children. Adding to her happiness is the excitement of learning that she is newly pregnant, even though they had originally made the decision not to have children. While on an anniversary weekend getaway, a tragic accident takes the life of Gabe, and a sudden miscarriage turns her world completely upside down. Jenny's life falls apart with the sudden death of Gabe and their unborn baby. Jenny agrees to donate Gabe's organs, and creates an ethical controversy when she requests that Gabe's sperm be recovered and stored at a sperm bank so that she can still have a baby as a loving legacy to her husband. But someone stands in her way ... Gabe's elderly uncle George threatens to sue Jenny if she willfully pursues the artificial sperm insemination.

Steve Grant, an ex-professional baseball player turned attorney, is Jenny and Gabe's next door neighbor and best friend. Steve is a loyal friend who lends his total support to Jenny after Gabe's death. He does not agree with the decision that Jenny has made, but he stands by her during the emotional and controversial legal battle, because deep down he has stronger feelings for Jenny than just friendship, even though he is engaged to another woman. When Steve reveals his true feelings to Jenny, will their friendship turn into something more because it is just destiny?

Oh My Goodness! Author Theresa Rizzo sure does know how to weave an emotionally powerful story that pulls at the heartstrings and stirs the soul! Written in the third person narrative and set in Detroit, Michigan, the readers are easily drawn into Jenny and Steve's story. This is a beautifully written storyline that captivates the reader's attention, it is full of angst, suspense, and enough twists and turns that keeps them guessing. I loved following Jenny and Steve as their relationship gradually changed and developed. You can feel the palpable connection and the angst and guilt that they have because of Gabe's death, it leaves the reader hoping that somehow they'll both find their way to each other.

With a strong cast of characters who are realistic and easy to relate to; dramatic dialogue and interactions; and a stunning storyline that mixes romance, heartache, dark secrets from the past, and titillating courtroom drama; Just Destiny is one hell of a compelling story that will leave the reader emotionally spent.


RATING: 5 STARS *****

About The Author

Theresa Rizzo is an award-winning author who writes emotional stories that explore the complexity of relationships and families through real-life trials. Born and raised in Grosse Pointe, Michigan, she now lives outside of Boulder, Colorado with her husband of thirty years.


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Comfort of Fences by Stacy Overman Morrison (Author Guest Post / Book Review)

In association with Premier Virtual Author Book Tours, Jersey Girl Book Reviews is pleased to host the virtual book tour event for Comfort of Fences by Author Stacy Overman Morrison!

Author Guest Post

10 Things You Probably Don't Know About Me

1. I am NOT a grammar Nazi. I love language and emotion not the rules that determine how language reveals itself on the page. I do see grammar as a necessary evil, though.

2. I married the first time at 17 years old. I do not recommend this! I stayed married for 10 years by sheer determination and desire to prove I was not wrong. I was. I got over it.

3. I love horses, dog, and cats. I break out in hives after petting them because I am highly allergic to all three. When my Clydesdale died last year, I decided not to get another horse because losing one hurt my heart so bad. Also because of said allergies. Loving animals, and inevitably losing them, breaks my heart. Loving on animals breaks out my skin. Therefore, I am on an animal fast.

4. I am 41 years old and think I am doing pretty darn well. I am happy but still working to cultivate my best self. I am moving forward but not in competition. I am in love and in like with my spouse. I adore and like my children and if I met me, I’d want to be friends.

5. I still struggle with the preceding statements because society has conditioned me to make self-deprecating remarks about myself instead of self-edifying statements about myself.

6. My daughters are 12 years apart and are on opposite ends of the personality spectrum. Think Wednesday Adams and Shirley Temple. It is like having two only children.

7. I am an intellectual rebel but pragmatic prude. I have big, open ideas but lead a pretty traditional lifestyle.

8. I love the Pacific Northwest and could see myself living there in my old age.

9. I love Playa Del Carmen and wish I could live there someday.

10. I love people. I love humanity—so many stories, characters, motivations, and revelations in every encounter!

There you have ten random things about me. Thanks for letting me introduce myself and if I am completely honest, I will admit of all my characters I’m most like Ruth. This is not necessarily a good thing!

About The Author

Stacy Overman Morrison was born and raised in Texas. She earned her Bachelor’s and Master’s of Arts degrees in English from the University of Texas of the Permian Basin. Upon completion of her Master’s, she taught secondary English and adjuncted at the University. She took time off from her teaching career after the birth of her second daughter and has pursued her writing since. She continues to live in Texas with her husband, two daughters, two dogs, and two horses. Comfort of Fences is her first novel and she is hard at work listening to the voices of her characters in her second.


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Comfort of Fences - Book Trailer

Book Review

Comfort of Fences by Stacy Overman Morrison

Publisher: Telemachus Press, LLC 

Publication Date: October 15, 2013

Format: Paperback - 244 pages / Kindle - 504 KB / Nook - 586

ISBN: 1939927560

ASIN: B00FY2QROW

BNID: 2940045356770

Genre: Contemporary Women's Fiction

BUY THE BOOK: Comfort of Fences

AMAZON *Kindle eBook currently on sale $2.99*

BARNES & NOBLE

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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 Premier Virtual Author Book Tours.

Book Description: 

Comfort of Fences explores the unconditional love between a trio of women: Ruth, the matriarch and builder of boundaries; Denise, her special-needs adult daughter with powerful secrets of her own; and Georgia, Ruth’s best friend and source of strength and practicality. The dynamics of their relationships expose the ironies that the people we love the most can also be the people we most underestimate and that the strongest of loves has nothing to do with romance.

Praise for Comfort of Fences:

“I enjoyed reading Stacy’s book very much. It was a very strong story of a mother’s love for her daughter from birth to adulthood and how being protective can be a double edged sword. I don’t want to give too much away so I won’t go into detail. If you are or have ever been a single mother, this story will hit home with you however, that doesn’t mean that any mother wouldn’t appreciate what a mother does for her child. From my own personal experiences so many years ago, it’s also a story about how friends can come through when family doesn’t. All I can say is read it!! You won’t be disappointed!”-Barbara, This and That, As I Bounce Thru Life

“The dynamics of mother and daughter, the ties that bind together family and friends, the way we try to protect ourselves and the ones we love from pain suffering only to realize that we’ve isolated ourselves… These themes and so much more resonate through this very powerful book that stands as a wonderful and unique pillar in the women’s fiction genre. Ruth is an unforgettable character and as you follow her on the long and trying journey of her life, watching the difficult and often infuriating choices she makes (which of course are always for the right reasons, at least to her), you get the sense that she is a very real person. The same goes for the other characters in the book, Georgia and Denise. You laugh and cry with them. You don’t want it to end. I appreciate the vibrancy and the wisdom with which Morrison writes, and the way she weaves together a tapestry of textures that imprint themselves on your mind and stay there for the long haul. I guarantee five years down the road, you’ll still remember Ruth and Denise.”-Allison Dickson, Author

“I am always searching for a book that I can fall into; one that wraps itself around me like a warm, comfy blanket that doesn’t let me escape so easily from its soothing fibers. Stacy Overman Morrison’s novel, Comfort of Fences, pulled me in from the very first paragraph and kept me intrigued into the wee morning hours. This is a story about the intensity of relationships that weather life’s most difficult battles. In today’s literature, there are so many weak female characters that it was refreshing to find three female protagonists that exemplified strength, yet conveyed a myriad of emotions that made them as familiar to you as your own mother, daughter, or best friend. If you are looking for an honest tale that makes your heart sing and cry at the same time, this is the novel for you. Comfort of Fences is a smart novel that will leave you examining your own female relationships.”-Piper Punches, Author

“In writing her novel, Comfort of Fences, Midland author Stacy Overman Morrison has reached a higher level of literary expertise. She moves the reader emotionally as nuanced feelings either suppressed or forgotten rise from what the characters say, feel or experience. Morrison’s writing style is such that when Ruth speaks the reader feels a two-way conversation with her. When she is speaking to a third person, the reader is included as a witness to what’s being said. Denise is an absolute delight with not only wit but simple logic and wisdom. Then, there is Georgia, the outside anchor of unwavering friendship, who is practical and there to help when stress peaks or emergency arises. Even as these players may be so characterized, there is an irony that underlies the unconditional love between this trio of women. The people we love the most can also be the people we most underestimate. You will recognize this underlying current when you read the book, and read it you must. Comfort of Fences will touch your deepest emotions, yet comfort you with real-life understanding.”-Glen Aaron, My West Texas


Book Excerpt:

Chapter 1
RUTH

Spring 2008

The little paper gown doesn’t cover or protect a thing, but I pull it closer and hug my arms up to my flat, mutilated chest. No one told me how cold I’d get, or how my whole body chemistry would be forever thrown off by chemo. They also neglected to tell me that I would look down in the shower and be shocked, over and over again, at the sight of my absent breasts. My seventy year old body is an atlas of scars.

The scars are a homing device and the cancer has located me once again. I feel it clawing at the backs of my eyeballs and I see it in the hieroglyphics it splatters across my vision in squiggly black dots and lines. The poor little physician’s assistant doesn’t have to say a word; the tear that hovers at the edge of her eyelid makes the diagnosis.

“Honey, why in the world did a doctor ever paint the walls in this place blood red? I can’t look at that wall without thinking about permanent blood stains. Makes my stomach roll. You tell Dr. Ranga she needs to paint it a different color.” I try to play my role of crotchety but funny old woman because if I break down, this girl will be falling to pieces right along with me. I wonder how many of these diagnoses she’s had to make, and I feel sorry for her. Stupid, since I am the one dying.

“I’ll tell her, Mrs. Yoakum. She’ll be in here in a second. Got tied up on the phone. Can I call someone for you?” she asks, concerned that I am alone.

“Oh no, dear. I’ve been through this before without somebody holding my hand. I figure I’ll get through it this time too. Don’t worry about me, unless Dr. Ranga’s gonna make me wait another hour. Then I’m gonna need you to call for a pizza.” I only half-joke and think of my sweet Denise sitting at home. I hope she’s eaten the salad I left for her in the refrigerator.

“It should only be a few more minutes. Are you cold? Let me get you a blanket.” The PA digs in the coat-sized closet and pulls out a neatly folded pink blanket, and places it on my lap, tucking the corners underneath my thighs. “Why don’t I get you some socks, too? Your feet feel like ice.” She makes herself busy with my comfort and I let her. It gives her something to do and helps me think of something more pleasant than the news I feel coming with a thunder-following-lightning certainty.

After three short knocks, Dr. Ranga enters and sits on the wheeled backless stool. She scoots up next to the exam table and puts her hand on my knee. “I’m so sorry, Ruth. The MRI shows growths on the brain. I’ve been on the phone talking to a hospital in Dallas. They have a program where they target the tumor with direct radiation, gamma knife, they call it. We have some options here, too, but we need to act quickly.”

“How long?” I ask.

“That depends on you, what you want. How far do you want to go to fight this?”

“What kind of treatment are we talking about? Will I lose my hair again? I know it’s stupid and shallow, but I don’t want to die bald. I want my own hair on my head when they bury me.” My voice catches on the word bury.

“We’ll plan on radiation first, and then we’ll take this a step at a time,” Dr. Ranga pats my hand. “You’d be surprised how often I get that question. It isn’t shallow and surprisingly, as many men ask as women. It doesn’t matter how cool guys like Michael Jordan are, everybody still wants a full head of hair. I’ll do my best, okay?”

“Okay,” I agree and clutch her hand to seal the deal.

My Book Review:

Sometimes you come across an inspirational novel that just takes your breath away, for me, that novel is Comfort of Fences.

Comfort of Fences is a poignant story that follows the intertwining relationship bond between a dying mother, a special needs adult daughter, and a best friend. Author Stacy Overman Morrison weaves an emotional tale that draws the reader into the lives of Ruth, Denise and Georgia. Ruth is dying from cancer and is trying to make arrangements to provide for her daughter Denise, she is aided by the strong anchor and bond of a longtime friendship with her best friend Georgia. As Ruth prepares for her death, she writes their life story for Denise, a loving journey of their fifty-two year mother-daughter relationship.

Written in alternating perspectives, the reader is transported from the past to the present as Ruth and Denise's story unfolds. This is a heartwarming story about three strong women and their intertwining relationship bond that is born out of love, loyalty, friendship, secrets, choices, mistakes, consequences, and acceptance. This story is beautifully written with so much thoughtful emotion and compassion, the author easily draws the reader into the complex dynamic of the mother-daughter relationship and the loyal best friends relationship. Through laughter and tears, the reader can't help but embrace these three remarkable and unforgettable women, they will simply hold you captive until the conclusion.

Comfort of Fences is an amazing women's fiction novel that will tug at your heartstrings, speak to your soul, and leave you with a warm fuzzy feeling long after the last word has been read.


RATING: 5 STARS *****

Virtual Book Tour Schedule

Comfort of Fences by Stacy Overman Morrison ~ Virtual Book Tour Page Link

Tour Schedule:

Chicklit Central Mar. 31-Apr. 7 Bookshelf Feature
Teddy Rose Book Reviews Apr 1 Spotlight & Giveaway
Reader’s Muse Apr 2 Review
Reader’s Muse Apr 3 Guest Post
Jody’s Book Reviews April 3 Guest Post
From L.A. to LA Apr 4 Review & Giveaway
Indie Review’s Behind the Scenes Apr 5 Live Interview 11am cst
Wall to Wall Books Apr 8 Review & Giveaway
From Isi Apr 14 Review & Giveaway
Dr Bill’s Book Bazaar Apr 15 Review
Deal Sharing Aunt Apr 17 Review & Guest Post
Tracy Riva Books & Reviews Apr 22 Review
Books, Books, & More Books Apr 22 Review
Manic Mama of 2 Apr 22 Review
The Eclectic Reader Apr 23 Review & Giveaway
Heck Of A Bunch Apr 24 Review & Giveaway
Jersey Girl Book Reviews Apr 25 Review & Guest Post
Melissa’s Midnight Musings Apr 28 Review
Aspired Writer Apr 29 Review & Guest Post
Open Book Society Apr 30 Review
Crystal’s Many Reviewers May 1 Review
Giveaways & Glitter May 2 Review & Guest Post & Giveaway