HE GAVE ME BARN CATS

Author Maria Santomasso-Hyde

is visiting today as part of her

HE GAVE ME BARN CATS

Blog Tour with MC Book Tours.

Her book is scheduled to be

released March 14 by Dancing Lemur Press.

Introduction

Charlotte, 6-1-09

Apparently, my name is Charlotte now. The woman keeps saying it in my direction―and I like it. The way she says it makes it sound like I’m something special, “Charrrr-lit.” It’s like she’s trying to purr; maybe I can teach her how.

I’m B.C.―Barn Cat. The woman’s friend told her to name me “Charlotte” because I was living in the barn and that’s the setting of the book Charlotte’s Web. The women laughed and thought they were so clever. Whatever. All I know is I like the way the woman says my name, so I tend to perk up and listen when she says it. Also, it sounds classy. Perhaps Queen Charlotte would be better, since I am regal, especially for a B.C. I have large, golden eyes and a silky all-black coat that looks like something humans would pay a lot of money to wear. I’m sensually slim, and humans find me quite attractive and want to touch me all the time.

Since I’m the voice of this book (for now), I need to take a minute to warn you. If you got this book because you saw the title and thought this would be about cute, little kitties, then you’re only partly right. As a cat, I know deep, mysterious things. If a person wants to spend time with me, then he or she will learn to be quiet and still, to listen, to be calm. Then the human will think more deeply, and they, too, will know the mysterious things. That’s why we cats were worshipped in the ancient days (the good old days).

*****

If you’re looking for a story that will touch your heart, you’ve found it in this tender story of love, loss, and inspiration. You could win your own copy, just check out the giveaway details.

◊ He Gave Me BARN CATS
◊ by Maria Santomass0-Hyde

◊ Published by Dancing Lemur Press, L.L.C.

◊ Available March 14, 2017

◊ $10.95, 6x9 Trade paperback, 134 pages

◊ Genres: Christian Fiction / Christian Life-Death, Grief, Bereavement

◊ Print ISBN 978-1-939844-21-7 eBook ISBN 978-1-939844-22-4

◊ Order through Ingram, Follett Library Resources, or from the publisher

◊ $3.99 eBook available in all formats

Inspired by true events...

        Maria has cared for her very ill mother for many years. Her burdens are heavy, causing a sadness bordering on darkness.  When she discovers her historic barn is now home to a mother cat and kittens, she feels lighter than she has in years. As the kittens grow, they teach her as only animals can do.

          Then tragedy strikes. As Maria loses her family, the darkness envelopes her like the heavy fog that blankets her Blue Ridge Mountain home each morning. She creates a scorecard:  God: 9, Maria: 0.  Her questions turn into anger at God.  She searches to find answers as to why her loving God would take away so much in such a short time.

          How will she learn to trust again? Can the kittens in her barn help her heal?

HE GAVE ME BARN CATS is available for pre-order in print format at following sites: Amazon, Barnes and Noble, Books A Million, Everything Cats, Foyles, and Chapters-Indigo.

HE GAVE ME BARN CATS is available for order in eBook format at the following sites: Barnes and Noble, Kobo, iTunes, and Amazon.

Be sure to add HE GAVE ME BARN CATS to your shelf on Goodreads.

Formerly a newspaper reporter, Maria Santomasso-Hyde now owns Alta Vista Fine Art Gallery.

She lives in Valle Crucis, North Carolina, with her husband, Lee, and The Queen of the Universe (Roma, their Black Cat) … and other Black Cats who decide to move in.

Connect with Maria on her

Website or on FaceBook

Come join the blog tour and learn more about Maria and HE GAVE ME BARN CATS by visiting the following blog:

March 7 - Joylene Nowell Butler, Suspense Author - Feature

March 8 - Rockin' Book Reviews - Guest Post

March 9 - Mello & June, It's a Book Thang! - Feature

March 10 - Defending The Pen - Excerpt

March 13 - Reviews by Crystal - Q&A

Alex J. Cavanaugh - Guest Post

March 14 - Thoughts in Progress - Review

March 15 - Open

March 16 - A Bluestocking's Place - Excerpt

deal sharing aunt - Review

March 17 - Juneta @ Writer's Gambit - Q&A

March 20 - Reviews From the Heart - Review

The Story of a Writer - Feature

CBY Book Club - Excerpt

March 21 - bookworm1102 - Excerpt

Storey Book Reviews - Excerpt

Celticlady's Reviews - Feature

Giveaway Details:

This is a tour-wide giveaway for two (2) print copies (U.S only) and two (2) eBooks (international). To enter just click on the Rafflecopter widget below and follow the instructions.

a Rafflecopter giveaway

NATURE'S ARTISTRY

Yolanda Renee © 2017

From

a palate like no other

the Artist creates

beauty without description.

*****

Introducing:

the cover of the Snowman

Mason Canyon of MC Blog Tours

 is organizing the Blog Tour for

the Snowman

Please go HERE to sign up /

or leave a comment with your email address.

I'd love to send you a review copy or do a guest post or interview!

Thank you, in advance!

Sign Up Now Tour May 1-June 2, 2017

Excerpt:

Her face froze in a silent scream. The glass dropped from her hand, and red wine stained the virgin snow. Shattered into small chunks, the angel statues dripped blood.
         Several spotlights glowed red.
         Three grotesquely staged female torsos were draped across the frozen creek. Their heads hung from the ornate bridge, tied in place by their hair. A red stream trailed from each body. Their grisly end caught in deaths final scream.
          Gigi reeled backward. He eyes widened as she read the crude message: Welcome Home, My Love.

*****

EARLY MORNING FIREWORKS

I was privileged to watch a storm,

miles from shore.

So lovely!

Lightening flashes above the clouds,

and in the clouds,

they lit up the morning sky.

Yet,

so far away

I couldn't hear the cracks of thunder.

My own private fireworks show.

Such a beautiful sunrise.

I am blessed!

~~*****~~

In case you missed the IWSG post I've added the sign up information for the Blog Tour for the Snowman!

Please consider helping a girl out! :)

Introducing:

the cover of the Snowman

Mason Canyon of MC Blog Tours

 is organizing the Blog Tour for

the Snowman

Please go HERE to sign up /

or leave a comment with your email address.

I'd love to send you a review copy or do a guest post or interview!

Thank you, in advance!

Sign Up Now Tour May 1-June 2, 2017

Excerpt:

 Maggy struggled against the restraints. “Please don’t do this.” her voice wavered in her throat.

Stone tilted the autopsy table and locked it in place. The old relic, now refurbished, worked like new.

Stone’s heart raced. “Oh, but I do.” he said silkily. “I need your blood to create the new colors for my latest masterpiece."

"I'll give you my blood. As much as you like.”

"I know, sweetheart.  I know." Stone smoothed the sweat soaked hair back from her face. "Sweet little Maggy. So lovely of you to offer."

*****

IWSG - OLD STORIES / NEW PROJECTS

INSECURE WRITER'S SUPPORT GROUP

ALEX J. CAVANAUGH

First, I have to say thank you, to everyone who’s supported me these last few months while I work to achieve a goal – the completion of my novelette the Snowman.

My appreciation is 10-fold, truly, as I’ve been horribly absent from the social side of blogging due to this deadline, but your support has meant the world.

I’d initially thought I’d be announcing the completion of Motive for Murder, and while I gave it everything I had, I couldn’t seem to get it to gel. Not yet – maybe later – maybe never.

But, the Snowman has gelled. Stowy Jenkins, aka Stone (his artistic pseudonym) aka the Snowman, demanded my attention, and I gave it to him.

Therefore, he granted me two books. Well, a novelette, sans the Snowman, and the next novel in the Detective Quaid series, Murder, Just Because.

I don’t think of my time writing Motive for Murder a complete loss, it's just NOT this books time.

Which leads me to this month’s IWSG Question, very apropos by the way!

Because when you consider the time and effort that I’ve put into Motive for Murder, it does sting a bit that I can’t make it happen as a novel right now. Still, I don’t count it out .. not yet!

IWSG Question: Have you ever pulled out a really old story and reworked it? Did it work out?

Many times, I have a storehouse of short story ideas that I go back to, especially when I need something in a pinch, or if a prompt reminds me of something I’ve already penned.

Many a time, I’ve sat down and written something  inspired by something seen or done that day. You never know when an idea will grow into a full-fledged book.

So, there’s hope for Motive for Murder, right?

What about you?
Have you ever shelved an entire novel?

Be sure to stop by and thank the co-Hosts:

Tamara Narayan
Patsy Collins
M.J. Fifield
Nicohle Christopherson

Introducing:

the cover of the Snowman

Mason Canyon of MC Blog Tours

 is organizing the Blog Tour for

the Snowman

Please go HERE to sign up /

or leave a comment with your email address.

I'd love to send you a review copy or do a guest post or interview!

Thank you, in advance!

Sign Up Now Tour May 1-June 2, 2017

Excerpt:

 Maggy struggled against the restraints. “Please don’t do this.” her voice wavered in her throat.

Stone tilted the autopsy table and locked it in place. The old relic, now refurbished, worked like new.

Stone’s heart raced. “Oh, but I do.” he said silkily. “I need your blood to create the new colors for my latest masterpiece."

"I'll give you my blood. As much as you like.”

"I know, sweetheart.  I know." Stone smoothed the sweat soaked hair back from her face. "Sweet little Maggy. So lovely of you to offer."

*****

MONDAY

Yolanda Renée © 2017

 “When you start to do the things that you truly love, it wouldn't matter whether it is Monday or Friday; you would be so excited to wake up each morning to work on your passions.”

― Edmond Mbiaka

TOPSY-TURVY

Yolanda Renée © 2017

Sometimes, no matter what you do,

you can’t keep the world

from going topsy-turvy!

 **

LEAD, KINDLY LIGHT

Lead, kindly Light, amid the encircling gloom,

Lead thou me on!

The night is dark, and I am far from home,--

Lead thou me on!

Keep thou my feet; I do not ask to see

The distant scene,--one step enough for me.

I was not ever thus, nor prayed that thou

Shouldst lead me on:

I loved to choose and see my path, but now

Lead thou me on!

I loved the garish days, and, spite of fears,

Pride ruled my will: remember not past years.

So long thy power hath blessed me, sure it still

Will lead me on;

O'er moor and fen, o'er crag and torrent, till

The night is gone;

And with the morn those angel faces smile

Which I have loved long since, and lost awhile.

---John Henry Newman

BULLETS ARE FLYING! - FORBIDDEN BY F. STONE

I'm thrilled to be part of the book launch of

Forbidden

 by
 F. Stone

Better Wear Your Flak Jacket

FORBIDDEN
 

AMAZON

Synopsis:

Year 2047, City of Samarra, capital of the Republic of Islamic Provinces & Territories

Fifteen American travelers have vanished. Surrendering to Mayor Aamir's demands, Captain Sharif becomes the reluctant keeper of his city’s bloody secret – and the witness, Eliza MacKay. The devout Muslim is horrified to discover that if he exposes the cover-up, his family will suffer dire consequences.

The CIA has the lying Sharif in their cross hairs. Sharif’s only hope is to prove his country's government is free of guilt. Secretly, he hunts forensic evidence. Cryptic messages, backstabbing informants, and corruption threaten Sharif’s resolve to see justice served. When he discovers the shocking truth, he and MacKay become the targets of a ruthless killer.

Sharif is tortured by his attraction to the impetuous Eliza MacKay. In spite of her struggle with PTSD, he’s drawn to her vivacious personality. Islam forbids the intimacy he craves. In desperation to save Eliza, Sharif plots an act most forbidden and fatal.

ΩΩΩ

MY REVIEW:

One of my favorite things about this book is the dedication. Once you read that you’ll know the heart of Forbidden.

Set in the year 2047, politics and religion combine to create a volatile atmosphere for a coup. Police Captain Hashim Sharif meets a feisty Eliza MacKay, after the brutal murders of her companions. Working to expose the truth becomes a dangerous journey through betrayal, government corruption, and multiple assassination attempts.

The setting, the politics, but especially the principles and faith of the lead character, Captain Sharif is both heartwarming and a breath of fresh air. His Islamic faith, intelligently described, features prominently in the story as Eliza MacKay tests his virtue, and he proves her determination.

Despite fighting PTSD, Eliza MacKay surprises her protector every step of the way. No wilting flower, Eliza starts out fighting and continues the fight all the way to the last page.

If I have any criticism, it’s that I wish a few of the key players had been mentioned earlier in the novel. Still, I highly recommend Forbidden, a novel that is superbly written, with well-crafted characters, a twisting plot, and non-stop action.

James Patterson says to write a novel as if it’s a movie playing out for the reader. Ms. Stone does this beautifully.

Truly suspenseful this intriguing novel tells a sweet love story and has the kind of ending you’ll love. Kudos, Ms. Stone!

ΩΩΩ

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Enter your name in my rafflecopter for a chance to win:

-   GRAND PRIZE:  AMAZON coupon valued at $100 USD,

-   Second prize:  Amazon coupon $50,

-   PLUS five ten dollar amazon coupons.

ΩΩΩ

LAUNCH SCHEDULE

February 13:

Review by Lily Eva Blake

February 14:

Guest Post with Pat Garcia

Review and Guest Post with Juneta Key

February 15:

Featured in OPAL Magazine

Guest Post with Lily Eva Blake

February 16:

Review and Showcase with Nicki Elson

Showcase with Jennifer Lane

February 17:

Showcase with Nancee Cain

Interview with Tyler Wiegmann

February 18:

Review and Showcase with Yolanda Renee

Showcase with Michelle Willms

ΩΩΩ

Romance Under Fire
Author Feather Stone / F. Stone / Judy Weir:

On our cattle ranch, when an animal was in distress or injured, I was put in charge of nursing it back to health. Never mind that I was just a kid and hated the sight of blood, but I had to muster up the courage to apply home remedies. My survival rate was pretty good. It seemed like a foregone conclusion that I would progress to nursing – humans. After one year into nurses training, I bolted. Bed pans and chronic diseases pushed me in different direction; a career of dealing with drug addicts, murder, suicide, fatalities, and biker gangs. In 1983 I graduated with honors as a paramedic and worked in the City of Edmonton’s Emergency Services.

For the next twenty years, I came face to face with scenes most people would rather not think about. I loved it. Having experienced life in the most deadly and gut wrenching events, and work alongside the police service, I gained the fodder for creating intense novels.

My first novel, The Guardian’s Wildchild, was published by Omnific Publishing in 2011. The setting is on a naval ship, under the command of a surely man who is under suspicion of treason. When a battered woman is brought to his ship for execution, he has no idea that she is about to turn his disciplined life into chaos – and that she is no ordinary woman. The Guardian’s Wildchild has a rating of 4.1 at Amazon.

Social Media Links: Stop by and say hello at:

Romance Under Fire Blog

Facebook: FSauthor

Twitter: Featherwrites

Pinterest

Goodreads

Ω

HOW ARE YOUR SAILS SET?

A changing sky for your enjoyment.

"One ship drives east, and another drives west,

With the self-same winds that blow.

"Tis the set of the sails, and not the gales

Which tells us the way they go.

"Like the waves of the sea are the ways of fate

As we voyage along thru life.

"Tis the set of the soul which decides its goal

And not the calm or the strife."

                                     - Ella Wheeler Wilcox

Photo's were all taken Friday, February 17, 2017 as the sun made his appearance.

All pictures Copyright 2017 by Yolanda Renée