New Book Review Blog

Happy Holidays!

May you have a beautiful Holiday
wrapped in warmth
touched with wonder
and filled with love

May your New Year be filled with health and happiness.

Cool Christmas Giveaway

Who doesn't like free books, free ebooks, and a free gift card? No one who is sane, that's for sure!

My friend and fellow author, Helen Smith, has rounded up some authors (I'm one of them!) who have offered free copies of their novels that she'll be giving away each day on her blog between now and Christmas. The books are from various genres: thrillers, romances, award-winning short stories, women's fiction, sci-fi, suspense, historical fiction, young adult, mystery, romantic comedy. . .105 copies of over 30 different books by 18 authors. Wow!  

And on top of that, she's giving away an Amazon gift card as well. So pop over to her blog today--and every day between now and Christmas--and enter to win. 

 http://www.helensmithblog.blogspot.com/

Happy holidays to you and yours!

Donna Fasano IS Donna Clayton

Announcement

My friend and fellow author, Imogen Rose, has a new book available. I hope you will check it out! Imogen is a wonderful writer and her Portal Chronicles is a great series.

A note from Arizona Darley

Once upon a time–well, a year ago now!–I suddenly woke up as Arizona Darley, a blonde California cheerleader, which, of course, I’m not. I am actually Arizona Stevens, a varsity ice hockey player from New Jersey. It was confusing to the say the least–I mean really? A blonde Barbie doll... sheesh, not! It turns out that my mom’s time travel  portal was somehow responsible. Anyhow... it’s now a year later and the portal is now active again, which means that I can go home to my real dad....

-Arizona

Book Description

A whole year has passed. It’s October again… or is it?

As California teen, Arizona Darley, contemplates traveling back through the portal to seek out her dad, her life is plunged into a whirlwind ride through the unknown.

But this time, she doesn't disappear through the portal.

Has Arizona been kidnapped–again? Is Raj Sen to blame? Could Dillard have taken her?

As Kellan, David and her parents launch a frantic search with the help of the Wanderers, it becomes apparent that things are much more complex than they seem – for all of them. While investigating her daughter's latest disappearance, Olivia faces shocking revelations about the Wanderers and her life with Rupert.

In the meantime, what's happening in New Jersey? Are both of Arizona's worlds about to collide?

Quantum is the third book in the Portal Chronicles. Catch the start of Arizona’s adventures in Portal and Equilibrium.

LINK

http://www.amazon.com/QUANTUM-Portal-Chronicles-Three-ebook/dp/B004BSGMS6/ref=sr_1_3?ie=UTF8&m=AG56TWVU5XWC2&s=books&qid=1289597785&sr=1-3

Updates

I thought I'd take a moment to offer a few updates.

First off, my dad. He's doing okay. I'd love to say he's dancing jigs, but that would be fibbing and I was taught that all fibbing gets you is a stint in time out. :::grin:::

Dad started physical therapy this week and his doctor hopes that Dad's balance will improved by some exercises meant to strengthen his legs. He's also practicing some moves that will improve his coordination. I took him to lunch early in the week (the only time he left the house:::frown:::), and he lost his balance in the restaurant. Luckily, I was close by and he didn't fall. He's being a pretty good sport about the PT, thank goodness.

Secondly, I want to remind everyone of the contest I've got going. I have one entrant from PNN and few others who have registered over at Good Reads. Who couldn't use a $20 Amazon gift certificate?  

And one last update: I'll be leaving for Italy on July 26 and I'll be returning Aug 3. I'll choose a contest winner just as soon as I get back. Good luck!

Going To Italy

My son is marrying a lovely Italian girl on August first, and the wedding will take place in her home town of Veroli. From what my daughter-in-law-to-be tells me, Veroli is a small mountain town located about an hour south east of Rome (or Roma, as she calls it).

As happy as I am about my son's wedding, my new daughter-in-law, and the trip to Italy, I'm somewhat dismayed today. You see, I went shopping.

Why is it that every time I go clothes shopping I end up feeling like a Holstein? I used to be able to wear all the most fasionable styles. But now I have veiny legs and lumpy hips. When the heck did that happen?

I was able to find a few tasteful outfits that make me look (:::gulp:::) my age.

Is it just me that hates shopping for clothes, or are there others of you out there who abhor entering department stores? 

Enter to win!

CONTEST!
INDIE AUTHORS READER APPRECIATION!
Win Amazon Gift Cards!

Ok, so here's the deal. During the month of July, if you purchase a copy of my ebook, The Merry-Go-Round, from Amazon:

http://www.amazon.com/dp/B002ZNJL78

or from Smashwords:

http://www.smashwords.com/books/view/9466,

 you are eligible to enter the Indie Authors Reader Appreciation Contest.  Both Kindle and Smashwords purchases count. (Smashwords has ePub format that is compatible with the Nook.) After you buy my book, come back here and leave a comment to let me know you've purchased the book...and you're entered.

No Kindle, Nook or iPad? Have no fear! I got you covered. :-) You can download a free e-reader application of your choice. Links to various apps are here:

Kindle App for PC/Laptops/Netbooks- http://www.amazon.com/gp/feature.html/ref=kcp_pc_mkt_lnd?docId=1000426311

Kindle App for iPad- http://www.amazon.com/gp/feature.html/ref=kcp_ipad_mkt_lnd?docId=1000490441

Kindle App for BlackBerry- https://www.amazon.com/gp/feature.html/ref=klm_lnd_dtl?docId=1000468551

Kindle App for iPhone/iTouch- http://www.amazon.com/gp/feature.html/ref=kcp_iphone_mkt_lnd?docId=1000301301

Adobe Digital Editions--for ePub formats- http://www.adobe.com/products/digitaleditions/

.
But, what do I win?
You can win an Amazon gift card! For how much?
Well, dear reader, that depends on how many people enter! You see...
0-30 entries = one $20 Amazon gift card will be randomly awarded
31-50 entries = prize increases to  $40 amazon gift card
51-70 entries = prize increases to  $60 amazon gift card
71-90 entries = prize increases to  $80 amazon gift card
91+ entries   = prize increases to  $100 amazon gift card

Make sense?

Ok, but the title says Amazon gift cardS. As in, multiple.
Very observant. You see, there are many other authors participating in this contest as well. Buy a copy of their book and head on over to their blog to enter their contest as well for more chances to win. Yes, each author is giving away an Amazon gift card (amount to be determined by the number of books sold).
So to sum it up, buy a $3 book and get a chance to win $100 on Amazon if enough people enter. Not a bad deal, I'd say!
Below are all the awesome Indie authors involved.

Fantasy
Jessica Billings (YA)
      To enter - http://jessicabillings.weebly.com/JULY-CONTEST.html
      To buy - http://www.amazon.com/dp/B003F779P4/

Jason Letts (YA)
      To enter - www.powerlessbooks.com/blog
      To buy - http://www.amazon.com/dp/B003OQUOFI

J.M. Pierce (YA)
     To enter - http://www.facebook.com/group.php?gid=113897971961168&ref=ts
     To buy - http://www.amazon.com/dp/1451591284/

R.A. Scully
      To enter - http://www.highwizardofsilvinesh.com/
      To buy - http://www.amazon.com/dp/B003QCIQLY/

Danielle Bourdon
      To enter - http://www.daniellebourdon.com/
      To buy - http://www.amazon.com/dp/B003PPDHWA/

Tracy Alley
       To enter-http://tinyurl.com/28zgf2f

        To buy-http://www.amazon.com/Erichs-Plea-Witchcraft-Wars-ebook/dp/B003HS4V4S

Science Fiction
Imogen Rose (YA)
      To enter - http://www.facebook.com/pages/PORTAL/243074017116
      To buy - http://www.amazon.com/dp/B0035RPGOK

Shannon Esposito
      To enter - http://murderinparadise.com/
      To buy - http://www.amazon.com/dp/B003RISP1S/

Mystery
T.L. Haddix
     To enter - http://tlhaddix.com/content/
     To buy - http://www.amazon.com/dp/B003ES5S7U/

Karen Cantwell -humorous mystery
 To enter-http://fictionfordessert.blogspot.com
  To buy- http://www.amazon.com/Monkeys-Barbara-Murder-Mystery-ebook/dp/B003SE7O40

Thriller
Mary McDonald
      To enter - http://www.mmcdonald64.blogspot.com/
      To buy - http://www.amazon.com/dp/B003PPDB8K/
 
Women’s Fiction & Romance
Donna Fasano
      To enter - http://donnafaz.pnn.com/15963-the-front-page
      To buy - http://www.amazon.com/dp/B002ZNJL78/
                   http://www.smashwords.com/books/view/9466

Claudia D. Christian-Dark Paranormal Romance
To Enter - http://claudiadchristian.com/blog/2010/06/amazon-gift-card-contest-july-1-july-31-2010/
        To Buy - http://www.amazon.com/dp/B0036B8YNA
           OR - http://www.amazon.com/Vicious-Bliss-fallen-2010-ebook/dp/B003O68EUU
General Fiction
R.J. Keller
      To enter - http://rjkeller.wordpress.com/
      To buy - http://www.amazon.com/dp/B001MTEN6K/

Kristen Tsetsi
      To enter - http://kristentsetsi.wordpress.com/
      To buy - http://www.amazon.com/dp/B002NPBSJM/
              OR http://www.amazon.com/dp/B002NGO5NC/
Humor
Dave Conifer
       To enter-http://www.facebook.com/daveconiferfanpage
       To Buy-http://www.amazon.com/Snodgrass-Vacation-ebook/dp/B002U0KXR8/

Do Interviews Equal Sales?

I was interviewed by Imogen Rose for the blog called Breakout Books. You can find the site here: http://breakoutbooks.blogspot.com/2010/0... Imogen asked me some interesting questions.

This is the third interview that I've given, and I'm pleased to say that I do think these interviews generate interest in my book. My sales have steadily grown. That's very good news. There is always a question that readers want answered, and that is when my next book will be available.

I recently received paperwork from my publisher and I'm happy to announce that I have acquired the rights to my first eleven novels. I have one additional manuscript that is complete and awaiting revisions. So the grand total stands at a cool dozen books that I am free to upload to Create Space, Smashwords and Kindle.

However, this is going to take some time. And time is something I seem to have very little of these days. But I'm a firm believer in that old adage that a journey begins with a single step. That's the only way to make things happen...simply move forward. And that's just what I intend to do. I will keep you posted as the books become available.

I'd like to thank Imogen for publicizing The Merry-Go-Round. Now I really must stop blogging and start working!

Have a great day, everyone.

Walking the Tightrope

My father is battling brain cancer, and I am his primary caregiver. This is a battle he cannot and will not win. I'm not above praying and hoping for a miracle as my faith is very strong, and should one arrive, I will shout my joyous alleluias, loud and long. However, I must also prepare myself, my Dad, and all those around us for the reality of the situation.

Many people who read that first paragraph are probably no longer with me, sure that this piece is going to be a real downer. But that isn't my plan, I promise you. You see, my father is and always has been a very positive, upbeat person. He loves his family and friends, music, food, laughter, his church-he loves life! And I thank the heavens above that I inherited those genes from him.

A bit of background: a few months ago (early Feb. to be exact), I began to notice changes in Dad; sporadic episodes of slurred speech that would come and go so quickly I was left second-guessing myself over having heard them, balance problems that he brushed off as "nothing to worry about," less than perfect penmanship and he'd always had such graceful handwriting. These things were worrisome, but getting my father to see a doctor when he was sure he was "healthy as a horse" was impossible. Two weeks later, we visited a doctor to have some stitches removed, and out of the blue, Dad told the woman that he'd fallen earlier that week. Total surprise had me sitting up straight in the chair as this was the first I'd heard of it. The doctor suggested a CT scan of Dad's brain, but my father said that wasn't necessary. I then mentioned the balance and speech problems and the shaky writing that I had noticed. The doctor didn't ask, just pulled out her pad and started writing a script for the test. The very day of the scan, Dad was admitted to the hospital and we were discussing treatment options with a neurosurgeon who gave my father two months to live if we chose to do nothing. On March 1st, my father had a tumor removed from his brain, and I said a prayer of thanks for the wonderful doctor who insisted on that CT scan. Dad came through the surgery with flying colors, but we were told about four other tumors in his brain. After meeting with an oncologist, the neurologist, a heart doctor (Dad had a triple by-pass in '08), and a radiologist, we learned that the best option for my father was 15 whole-brain radiation treatments to slow the growth of the tumors. He had those treatments in late April/early May. He's had an MRI and a CT scan, and we are scheduled to sit down with the oncologist next week to learn Dad's prognosis. I'm choosing to write this article now rather than later, because when I sat down to write this morning, my idea was to document my thoughts about ‘the now' not the future.

From the day I learned of Dad's brain cancer, my goal was to do everything in my power to see to it that my father enjoys his life for as long as he possibly can. He's always been a man in control of his own destiny (well, as much as any of us can be in control of our lives, anyway). He's a strong-willed, hard-working, independent man, and taking care of him has been like walking a tightrope for me. I teeter every day between wanting to make sure he remembers to take his meds, check his glucose (did I mention he's diabetic?), and a dozen other things that constitute living a normal life, while not becoming too pushy or motherly or demanding. It's been difficult. (That's putting it mildly.) And I have toppled onto my chubby-cheeked bottom more than once. However, I am adamant to see this through, so I pick myself up, dust myself off, remember my goal, and climb back onto the taut cord of caring for him.

(Now, here comes the inspiration!) I want to proclaim to the world that this time spent with my dad has been utterly and positively precious. . .well worth the skinned knees and flashes of wounded ego I have sustained. These weeks-turned-months of daily interaction with my father have been rich and rewarding. Yes, I have had some terrible, tearful days, but I have also heard wonderful stories of his childhood and tales from his young adulthood that I otherwise might not have heard; Dad, my brothers, their wives, and I have shared more laughter and more love than I sometimes feel my heart can hold. Will there be pain in the future? Surely. Will there be sorrow? There's no doubt. But for now-for this moment-I choose to dive into the pool that is filled to brimming with love and tenderness and compassion beyond measure.

This might sound very odd, but there is a place of joy to be found at the end of one's life road. A freeing feeling that allows one to look back over the journey traveled and nod at the places one "got it right" and forgive oneself at the places where mistakes were made. I want to share that contentment with my dad. I want to bolster him in times of doubt and congratulate him on a life well-lived; I want to store up a thousand memories of his big, beautiful smile and his twinkling blue eyes. I want to tell my father, in no uncertain terms, just how much he means to me, just how much I love him. Because he does, and I do.

If this experience has taught me anything, it's that life is about one thing and one thing only-love. Love, alone, is what matters.

And the fear and grief that are nipping at my heels? I'll worry about them another day.

I'm New Here!

Brand new! And the excitement has me all aquiver. Although I am a writer, I've never blogged. So I've found a new place to do a new thing. Can you stand it?

I found PNN via Twitter via The Bloggess (she's an absolute riot), and I thought PNN might be a good place to tell people about my very first eBook that's available all over: Amazon's Kindle Store, B&N's eBook Store, Borders eBook Store, Smashwords, and Kobo, too. The Merry-Go-Round is a women's fiction novel and it's received some great reviews on Amazon. Here's the back-cover blurb: When Lauren goes to court it's usually to defend a client, but now she's divorcing the man whose mistakes have cost her far too much. Little does she know that she'll be awarded a rundown merry-go-round. Maybe restoring the circus menagerie will bring her some normalcy. Or will it spin her in circles and teach her a few lessons before bringing her back to where she started? One thing is certain; Lauren will discover that, when she's willing to open her heart to love and forgiveness, life never fails to offer a wild ride.

I hope you'll consider taking a look at The Merry-Go-Round. You can find it on Kindle here: http://www.amazon.com/dp/B002ZNJL78 and on Smashwords (in varous formats) here: http://www.smashwords.com/books/view/9466.

I'd love to get some feedback!