Friday, December 13, 2013

Twelve Days of Christmas 2013 Day Two

Happy Friday, good people of the blogosphere! Well, day one of the giveaway and review contest took off like a rocket! If you want to see the master prize list, look here. Let's do a rundown of the fabulous books on my list so far (as you all know, I don't use affiliate links, so these are just the amazon+ASIN in case you want to check them out, too):

Renee Novelle Reflections Amazon Kindle $0.99
Marc Nash An Eye For An Eye For An Eye Amazon Kindle $2.99
Robin Murphy Federal City's Secret Amazon Kindle $2.99
Rebecca Trogner The Last Keeper's Daughter Amazon Kindle $7.99
Scott Marlowe The Five Elements Amazon Kindle $2.99
S.G. Night Attrition: the First Act of Penance Amazon Kindle $4.98
Niramisa Weiss The Liar Amazon Kindle $9.60
L.K. Evans Keepers of Arden: The Brothers Volume 1 Amazon Kindle $2.99
Kimberley Clark The Species Within (Battles in the Dark #1) Amazon Kindle $2.99
Elle Todd The Elect Amazon Kindle $2.99
Ginette Atcheson The Legacy: Fate Amazon Kindle $0.99
Jay Allan Storey Eldorado Amazon Kindle $3.99
Sarah Mäkelä The Witch Who Cried Wolf Amazon Kindle $0.99
Doris Schneider Borrowed Things Amazon Kindle $4.95
Cat Brown Awakening (The Dark Rituals Book 1)  Amazon Kindle $0.99
Christina Marie Morales Ambience Amazon Kindle $0.99
Felicia Tatum Masked Encounters Amazon Kindle $0.99

If you entered and your name doesn't appear in the above list, you forgot to do something on the Rafflecopter. Only those authors with three entries on the excel form made it into this list. If you only left your book pitch and link in the comments, I didn't pick it up. You gotta fill out the form.

Remember, every book that's pitched stays in until the end! I'll announce a new choice every day. If you're an author, be sure you're following along each day to get a new way to join me on social media (this will matter when your review goes up). You can enter a book each day if you come back and fill out the new Rafflecopter form.

Moving on! Bet you're all dying to know who the winner of the printed Mystic Anthology is, huh?

Here's the answer:
a Rafflecopter giveaway

Congratulations Christina! I'll be in touch today to find out where to send your book! It's pre-release so you're getting all kinds of awesomeness.

And the lucky Indie author added to the review list for 2014 is...

Drumroll, please...

The Last Keeper's Daughter by Rebecca Trogner

Your book has been shared, pinned, tweeted and added to my Goodreads TBR for this contest! Congratulations, Rebecca!

From now until day 12, that book will be recognized with an * after the title when I do my rundown.

**Kindly remember there's no guarantee your book will be reviewed by me. You did get a purchase and I'll try my best to read it. But if I find I can't give it more than 2 stars, I won't write the review.**

Now, we'll move on to today's widget. Good luck everyone!
a Rafflecopter giveaway

Well, that's all for today, folks! Until next time, WRITE ON!

Jo

38 comments:

  1. I think I commented yesterday about the book which gives advice to indie authors. The Indie Author's Guide to: Building a Great Book

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    1. Yes ma'am you did :) That book is so chock full of goodness for Indies, it's crazy :) Thanks for the comment, Jane! Always awesome to see you :)

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  2. I must have! Must have....I want that I, Zombie book! It'll go so good with a blog post I just read elsewhere about mummified mice.

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    1. This is Alana. One of these days I must change this other name.

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    2. :) I recognize you :) How could I not? You've been such an awesome supporter of my work and my blog. I can't thank you enough. <3 Always lovely to see you, hon!

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  3. Your new Zombie book looks awesome! I also want to read your Mystic series!

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  4. Hi Jo,

    Back for day 2! Looks like you've got quite a list going. The next two weeks should be fun. I might even have to check out some of these titles.

    L. K. Evans

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    1. Howdy, L.K.! Is that your dog in your avatar? My boyfriend would go crazy for that pup! Simply beautiful! Sharing the love in the season is always awesome :) Thanks for the comment! :)

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    2. That is my baby, at least one of them. We have two Siberian huskies, two cats, and three newts. I'm a huge animal lover. Luckily my husband keeps me inline or else I'd have a houseful.

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  5. Hello, Jo.

    I'm a scientist envisioning science fiction, and always thought 'literary' can march together with Science Fiction. I've written since I was able to hold a pencil and then for my professional career as a scientist at CERN and the Lawrence Berkeley Lab.

    I'm writing a post-apocalyptic trilogy; the human race has been culled by one of the dominant races in the galaxy. Both have been published independently but making use of professional services for proofreading, editing, and book cover graphics.
    It is not ‘just’ sci-fi; NYT international best seller Author Jennifer Blake gave it a 5-star review and called it “Sci-Fi with a heart."

    In Vol.1 — a full novel at 90,000 words — we are presented with a silent but deadly invasion that leaves the few survivors befuddled, wary, and broken. Dan and his family awake one day in a world where everyone is dead but no evidence points to a cause. Initial searches for survivors yield nothing and, in panic, the family turns their house into a stronghold.

    Eventually, they find Laura, a young survivor who manages to win their hearts... and leads Dan to temptation, and challenges the notions of right and wrong, or ethical and moral, in their new reality.

    In Vol.2, "Once Humans", — 74,000 words — in a dark future, aliens are regenerating a new, transgenic species of humans called the Selected. But when sabotage and conspiracy threaten -- and a divided humanity risks destroying itself -- can one special human save his species in time?

    The story reveals a cosmic conspiracy full of betrayal and fear, being hatched with the hope of pushing the world perilously close to the brink of self-destruction. The Daimones Trilogy deals with many themes, from survival and the rebirth of the race of man after an alien apocalypse, to love and romance in a dying world, and the rise of new ethics and morals.

    Currently, I'm writing Vol.3 - "The Rise of the Phoenix.” The Prelude (chapter 1-4) has been published last July.

    An independent audiobook publisher “Sci-Fi Publishing LCC” has released last two weeks the audiobooks for both Vol.1 and Vol.2

    The books are available from all major retailers, BAM, B&N, Walmart, online (the usual suspects), and on order from bookstores.

    Well, thank you for your time and consideration.

    All the best,
    Massimo Marino
    ---------------
    Massimo Marino
    Author of the "Daimones Triloy"
    2012 PRG Reviewer's Choice Award Winner in Science Fiction
    2013 Hall of Fame - Best in Science Fiction, Quality Reads UK Book Club
    http://www.amazon.com/Massimo-Marino/e/B008O53L5O/
    http://massimomarinoauthor.com
    http://www.facebook.com/MassimoMarinoAuthor
    https://plus.google.com/+MassimoMarino01/about
    @Massim0Marin0

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    1. Welcome to the blog, Massimo! I read Dragon's Mind last year and enjoyed it quite a bit! It was my first real venture into true sci-fi (I've read a few that dabbled before that) but I found the genre fascinating :) I also have a son named Phoenix so, you score brownie points with that one!! Thanks for dropping in and joining the madness. I look forward to reading your sample.

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    2. Thanks, Jo. You can also hear the samples. Hop to the audiobook edition in Amazon and listen to the story from "Dan" himself.

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  6. Hi! Thanks for this opportunity! :-) It's kinda fun and exciting! I'd love it if you picked my book, despite the fact that it seems your review list is getting quite long! :-)

    Here's the rundown:
    "One life will make the difference." Macey Holsinger has been hearing that promise her whole life. But it hasn't saved anyone yet, not even her little brother.

    The disease has claimed countless lives in the last hundred years, and the government is working hard to find a cure through human testing. Testing that has killed nearly as many people as the disease.

    At sixteen, Macey has better things to think about than saving lives and submitting to any rule other than her parents'. As a budding artist, she has her whole life ahead of her, at least until she faces her own testing.

    Questions plague Macey. Questions that make everyone else nervous. How can death be justified with more death? What's the point of all this?

    Answers evade her until she's left with only one question: How much will she sacrifice in the name of the cure?

    Happy reading!! :-)

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    1. Welcome, Stephanie! Thanks for playing. My review list hasn't been chosen :) Those are just the first round entries. I'm going through the samples and reading to choose this year. Last year I used random.org and it didn't turn out so well in the end. LOL! Thanks for pitching your book. I look forward to reading your sample!

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  7. Today I'm pitching Mangled Hearts, a story of love, loss, addiction, and hope. Francesca and Cade are near and dear to me, so...of course I'll pitch them!!!

    Have I mentioned I love your blog this time of year? Cause I do. <3

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    1. Well, isn't this an awesome surprise :) Book 2 of the mini-series, eh? :) I seriously can't wait to get into these. Thanks for playing, Felicia! Always nice to see your smiling face around here.

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  8. I'm pitching my epic fantasy novel, "Heart of the Witch, available for only $2.99 (regular price $3.99) until the end of the year here on Amazon: http://www.amazon.com/Heart-of-the-Witch-ebook/dp/B00AR5HMZO/

    Blurb:

    Zerrick's fears are closing in on him. A local girl has been accused of witchcraft. There are murmurs of a cursed illness in town. And Zerrick's father, the town Reverend, has announced that he is leading a vendetta against magic and will burn them at the stake.

    The problem is, Zerrick is the witch.

    This is the start of what will be a monumental journey for Zerrick, to answer the question that most plagues him. His people, colonists in the land of Argessa, think that magic is evil, yet the native tribes use it as a tool for good. As he travels deep into the land, Zerrick must decide for himself if he is damned or blessed. A woman, an old scout, and a funny little creature will all help him face his worst nightmare, the Ravenger, a demon of unspeakable power.

    In the end, he'll find the heart of magic.

    judygoodwin@diamondprintpress.com
    Blog: http://judygoodwin.wordpress.com
    website: http://www.diamondprintpress.com
    Twitter: @judygoodwin

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    1. I adore fantasy novels, Judy! Thanks for taking the time to pitch! :) I can't wait to get my hands on the sample. Welcome to the madness!

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  9. Hi Jo :)

    I am pitching "Surrender To You" which was my debut novel, which is very close to my heart...and shocks & surprises everyone who reads it.

    Blurb:

    Stefan never thought she'd come home...
    After five long years, she's within his reach and he's determined to find out what she kept hidden from him, while hoping that his own secret won't tear them apart again.

    Simon never expected to fall in love with her...
    Asking her out had been impulsive, but suddenly the Doctor is falling for this woman who makes him ache like nobody else ever has and he's determined to make her his.

    Elizabeth never knew she'd feel so strongly for two men...
    Torn between the love of an ex she pushed away in the past and the love of a new man that makes her feel alive again, she must make a decision that will ultimately result in a broken heart for one of them.

    When tragedy strikes, will she be confident in her final decision?

    Thanks for this! :)
    -Cass

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    1. PS: I know you can read the blurb on Amazon...it's hard for me to say WHY you should read it because I honestly can't give anything away! But...what happens in the book is something that happens to a lot of people and I feel the story sheds light on it, and how people react to such things. And although people think it's a love triangle, it's really not! :) Mostly I am recommending it because so many readers love it and are taken by it...and I think you'd love it too!

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    2. Sounds like an epic love triangle there, CS! I'm excited to download the sample. Welcome to the blog and thanks for playing along with us!

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  10. I'm excited to read I, Zombie but of course I want to finish the Mystic series. Sharing the Day 2 Link =)

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    1. Hiya, Heather! Crazy around here, eh? Thanks for sharing the contest and I'm glad to hear you're excited about I, Zombie!! I just got it back from Tia and she said great things :) WOOT! Thanks for the comment, too. Hugs!

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  11. Hi Jo
    In reading about your remarkable path as a mother and writer, I thought you might enjoy my first novel, Something Taken. If we only remained as smart as we believed we were at 18, we'd be set for life. Terrie, the main character, believed she could do it all on her own, even though she still continued to make mistakes that youthful invincibility and naiveté cause. When she becomes the victim of an assault, from an unexpected perpetrator, she begins to learn that life on her own isn't all it's cracked up to be. Its not the easiest read, but it is based on real events. And it has been professionally edited.

    http://www.amazon.com/Something-Taken-Jerrie-Brock/dp/1490997717/

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    1. Amen to that, Jerrie! :) Welcome to the contest. Something Taken sounds like an awesome book. I'm very interested in grabbing your sample! Thanks for pitching!

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  12. Hi Jo, I guess something went wrong during the first entry. I've reentered the necessary information and hope it works this time around. I'll be looking forward to hearing your thoughts on my book. Thanks.

    Here is the link: http://www.amazon.com/Hitman-short-Story-Peprah-Boasiako/dp/1304462439/ref=la_B00FTIPB2U_1_1?s=books&ie=UTF8&qid=1386965783&sr=1-1

    Peprah

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    1. It's there this time, Peprah!! I checked just a moment ago :) Thanks so much for taking the time. I know it's a pain. Good luck!!

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  13. I pitched and filled out the rafflecopter form yesterday. It said I had all three entries (three checks), but I don't see my name on the list. I also don't see how to fill out the form any more. It simply says "contest over." Is it still possible to enter. If so, how?

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  14. I filled out the form again today. Again it is showing three checks and says DONE, so I hope it worked this time! Here's a pitch again:

    Roots that Clutch is no ordinary romance, and the quirky and contemplative Jeb Anderson is no ordinary hero. Life isn’t like the simple country love songs he writes to turn a quick buck. It’s thorny and tangled, like family roots, like the poetry that haunts his soul. Roots that Clutch is a contemporary tale of family, reconciliation, and the obstacles we must overcome on the path to mature love.

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    1. You're IN, Molly :) I popped over and made sure!! I don't know what was going on yesterday. Sorry for the tech-hiccup! Thanks for stopping back and giving it another go. Hugs! Good luck!

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  15. Hi Jo,

    I filled out the Rafflecopter widget above for my entry The Bestiarum Vocabulum, which I told you about on the blog yesterday. I'm hoping I met all of your criteria this time. I hate to be a pain, but you could you please confirm?

    Please know that I reciprocate favors. Whether you happen to choose to review The Bestiarum Vocabulum collection I will certainly do the same for you. I'm a long-time professional in the creative field, and a strong advocate of paying good karma forward.

    Best of luck with this Twelve Days of Christmas project. Looks like you are having a great time with it.

    D.T. Griffith

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    1. Hiya, David! Welcome back! I'm having a super great time reading all these samples. So many different styles!! :) I checked and your entry today is in. Thanks so much for taking the time. I'm really looking forward to your book :)

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  16. I commented yesterday about my book Ambience. Thanks for adding it to your list. Just leaving another comment to get the extra entry for the reviews.

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    1. Welcome back, Christina! :) Thanks for the comment!!! This is fun, eh?

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  17. Kathleen Kelly GarlockDecember 13, 2013 at 7:33 PM

    Hi Jo,
    What a great idea and a wonderful gift for both your readers and fellow authors. Thank you for giving us all the opportunity to pitch our books to you. Here's mine:

    Gone for a Soldier

    Over four hundred women disguised themselves as men and fought on both sides of the American Civil War. Some fought for love, some for money and others out of patriotic fervor. Lucy Tessier just wants to escape the hangman's noose.

    The recent deaths of her father and brother have left Lucy alone in the world and vulnerable. Attacked by a neighbor, Lucy fights back. With a knife. A year has passed since the first woman in Minnesota was hanged and Lucy has no plans of being the second. Desperate, she cuts off her hair, dresses in her dead brother's clothing and enlists in the First Minnesota Regiment as Private Rob Edwards. Enjoying the respect and freedom given to her as a man, but denied her as a woman, Lucy stays inside the ranks. Her plans to desert change when she realizes she's in love with one of her fellow soldiers, but he likes another girl, and she's infatuated with Rob Edwards. To complicate matters further, the physician who saved the life of Lucy's attacker is the regiment's new surgeon. He's guessed Lucy's secret, but for reasons of his own, is keeping the knowledge to himself.

    As Lucy travels with the regiment, battling almost to the gates of Richmond, she's tested mentally, physically, and emotionally, and realizes that friendship, and love, are always worth the fight.

    Gone for a Soldier is the story of a real Civil War regiment and a fictional girl.

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    1. Welcome to the fray, Kathleen!! :) I got your entry and have downloaded a sample of your book. Thanks for entering. Your book sounds AWESOME! I love books with strong females :)

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  18. Entries for day Two are now closed. You must go to the new post for day Three to enter. Find it here:

    http://jomichaels.blogspot.com/2013/12/twelve-days-of-christmas-2013-day-three.html

    Thanks!

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