Too Close - by Elizabeth Krall Exclusive Excerpt and Giveaway with @Goddessfish Promotions

 This weeks Monday feature is an exclusive excerpt from Too Close by Elizabeth Krall.

 Watch the official  Trailer

video trailer for Too Close

Elizabeth will be awarding an eBook version of EACH of her three short stories to a randomly drawn commenter at each stop, plus a grand prize of an eBook version of her first novel, Ship to Shore, will be awarded to a randomly drawn commenter during the tour. 


So Don't forget to leave your comments on the blog and Follow the tour here. The more comments you make the more chances you have of winning.

The Deets....

What rules would you break for the one you love? What lies would you tell?

Three weeks before their wedding day, Nicola and Greg discover that they may have the same mother.

They met when Greg joined the San Francisco newspaper where Nicola is the travel editor. After six months, eager to start a life together and raise a family, they decide to marry.

When Nicola finally meets his family in Seattle, and mentions the circumstances of her adoption, Greg’s horrified mother is forced to reveal the shameful secret she has kept for 36 years.

As they struggle to deal with her revelation, their relationship is challenged and strained. If his mother’s suspicions are true, they will be forced into a devastating choice: break all of society’s rules and fight for their love, or break their hearts and give each other up.

It will be the greatest test their newfound love has faced – and their love may not survive.

Exclusive excerpt

Scene: Nicola has told her family (father Arthur, mother Gwen) that she and Greg are engaged. Her family is concerned that they don’t know each other well enough for marriage.

“Are you positive, Nicola?” Arthur asked. “Do you truly want to make such a commitment to a man you’ve known for only six months?”

“Oh, Dad,” she sighed, torn between frustration at her family’s unwillingness to understand and appreciation of their concern. “Six months or six years, our feelings won’t change!”

“Well, then,” he said, like a man who has come to a decision. “Gwen!”

From across the room, her mother had been watching them with a look of satisfaction, apparently sure that Arthur would make their wayward daughter see sense.

“Do we have plans for next Sunday?” Arthur asked.

Gwen frowned, and shook her head.

His round, wrinkled face broke into a smile. “Then phone everyone we know! We’re having a party for our daughter and her fiancé,” declared Arthur. He pointed out the window, to the lawn behind the house. “Right there.”

“A party!” Gwen gaped at them. Then a smile spread across her own face, and she pushed herself out of the armchair. With a laugh, she said, “If you can’t beat ’em, join ’em, huh?” She flung her arms around Nicola.

Nicola hugged her mother tightly, the soft body so familiar. “You sure you’re okay with this, Mom?”

“Oh sweetie, I do like Greg, you know that. I just don’t want you to get hurt again, or make a mistake,” Gwen said.

Nicola smiled. “Loving Greg could never be a mistake.”

 

Buy Too Close

Too Close on Amazon | Too Close on Barnes & Noble | Too Close on Kobo

Who is Elizabeth Krall? 

Elizabeth Krall grew up in Canada and lived in London, England, for many years. She has now settled in Sydney, Australia.

Most of her career was spent as an editor, but now she works as a print and digital graphic designer. An unexpected side-effect of leaving editing was the resurgence of an interest in writing. Her first novel, Ship to Shore, was published in February 2012; her second, Too Close, in January 2013. 

She is also the author of an occasional series of short stories themed around holidays, called Holiday Romances.

Elizabeth’s interests include travel, tall ship sailing and cocktails.

website/blog | Pinterest

Erin

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Book Review: The Hourglass by Sharon Struth

I'm not sure how many books feature main characters who are reaching middle age or features the obvious signs of aging but I do know I've never read anything like The Hourglass before. 

Last weeks Friday Feature is a thoroughly enjoyable read. The main characters Brenda and CJ meet and clash at a writer's conference,  and after being a stubborn assed jerk, CJ has to rely on Brenda to help with his next book. Both Brenda and CJ have demons. Things which haunt them from their past and prevent them from moving on with their lives.  But meeting one another means they have to face the ghosts that haunt them.

It's not so much their journey that makes this novel, because I didn't find it to be the fastest or the most gripping novel to read, however it is a page-turner and the chemistry between the two main characters is fun. They challenge one another, make each other face truths in the other. Things they've been running from for so long. They're engaging and with so many near misses I found myself waiting for the first kiss.

In the books ive read in the past, characters of a certain age dont seem to make a big deal of it. But Struth handles the gradual aging process beautifully.  The insecurities of the male and female characters from wrinkles to unexpected loss of a spouse and taking steps to move on,  and the biggest one of all guilt. 

I loved it all the way to the last word! 

Spotlight on SHIFTY MAGIC by Judy Teel (@GoddessFish)

It's with great pleasure I welcome Judy Teel back to Beyond My Writing Space. I'm a big fan of Judy's novels, so I'm delighted to be showcasing her latest offering, Shifty Magic.

Judy is running a $25 Amazon Giftcard Giveaway. See below for details how to enter.

 The deets ...

 ...some people will do anything for revenge.

A tough PI struggles to track down a vengeful serial killer only to discover that the murderer holds the key to her secret magical heritage.

Book One in the YA13 paranormal/mystery series Dangerous Magic by Judy Teel. "Expect action, on-the-edge-of-your-seat suspense, and the perfect touch of romance."

Sneak Peek inside Shifty Magic

Resting my right hand on my gun, I poked the yellow button of my office door’s remote with my left index finger. My muscles tightened for action as the thick metal barrier swung ponderously open with a long-suffering hiss of hydraulics.

Cooper’s curious gaze swept over me and around the room. Wizard’s attention swept over Cooper. When the two of them locked eyes, the Were tensed and the cat started purring. Wizard rose to her feet and arched her back in a luxurious stretch, her focused attention never leaving the Were.

He was dressed for work, which in the FBI world meant black slacks and shoes, crisp white dress shirt, black jacket and a tie. The tie was bright yellow with a picture of Bugs Bunny on it.

He narrowed his luminous silver-green gaze on my cat, and then landed it back on me. “You should check your video readout before opening the door,” he said with that kind of authoritative sternness that inspired people like me to do the opposite.

I frowned at him. “What do you want?”

“To hire you. But first I need your alibi.”

“It’s too early for alibis,” I said, taking a sip of coffee to cover my surprise. As far as I knew, I hadn’t done anything obviously illegal. At least, not lately.

He glided into my office in that graceful, menacing way Weres had, and I buzzed the door closed. Despite looking barely old enough to buy a beer, Cooper radiated energy and purpose like the sun did heat. As the door clicked shut, he filled the space making the bread-box size of my office feel more like a matchbox.

His expression sobered as he eased himself gingerly onto one of the spindly folding chairs. “Where were you last night between the hours of eleven and one?”

 

Buy Shifty Magic for Nook:  |  Buy Shifty Magic for Kindle: 

The Giveaway

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Who is Judy Teel? 

Judy Teel lives in North Carolina with her boisterous family (husband, three kids, a dog and a geriatric bunny). When she’s not writing, she’s doing the family thing, horseback riding when she can, hiking occasionally, camping as much as possible, reading, playing video games, and generally pursuing her ambition to someday be a impressively lazy.

Judy knew she wanted to be a novelist since she was fifteen. She’d always written stories, but it was in 10th grade literature class during a boring lecture on Billy Budd (sorry Mr. Melville) that it hit her—the world needed more magic in it. What would be sweeter than writing fun, exciting stories for a living?

There have been a lot of ups and downs since then and a lot of delays, but she’ll be the first to tell you that you can make your dreams come true. It takes determination and hard work, but it’s never impossible.

Webpage | Facebook | Twitter | Amazon AuthorPage

Erin

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Temptation Tuesday - Deceiving  an Heiress by Judy Teel

Giveaway Winners

Winners Announced! 

Tainted Love Blog Tour $25 Gift card Giveaway

For the last two weeks of June excerpts from my first novel,Tainted Love: the Faith McKenzie Story, were showcased on a 14 stop blog tour. During this time readers had the opportunity to enter a giveaway for $25 Amazon gift-card.

I'd like to say a big thank to all the bloggers who feature Tainted Love during the tour and a massive thank you to Samantha at CLP Blog Tours for making the tour possible.

All entries were counted up to 6th July and the winners have been selected via random.org

The winners are:

T**** M**** (winners name withheld)

Debbie Jenson

The winners have now been notified. Thank you everyone who  followed the tour, shared and entered, your favourite romance novels have been collated and the results will be posted on Beyond My Writing Space in the next few weeks.

Keep your eye out for the very first Erin Cawood Newsletter  winging its way to you on 1st August 2013. (If you opted out of the newsletter you can opt in here).

Friday Feature, The Hourglass by Sharon Struth (@GoddessFish Blog Tour, Excerpt and GiveAway)

Today, I'd like to welcome both fiction and non-fiction author Sharon Struth to Beyond My Writing Space. Sharon Struth is the author of the multi-award finalist for her unpublished title Share the Moon. But today, my Friday Feature is the award winning The Hourglass, a novel which I am immensely enjoying right now! 

Sharon Struth is be awarding a $20.00 Amazon GiftCard to a randomly drawn commenter during her tour. So don't forget to leave your thoughts on this post.

The deets .... 

Can forgiveness survive lies and unspoken truths?

Until Brenda McAllister’s husband committed suicide, she appeared to have the ideal life: a thriving psychology practice, success as a self-help author, and a model family. But her guilt over her affair with Jack’s best friend prevents her from moving on. Did Jack learn of her infidelity? Was she the cause of his death?

The release of Brenda’s second book forces her into an unexpected assignment with arrogant celebrity author CJ Morrison, whose irritating and edgy exterior hides the torment of his own mistakes. But as she grows closer to CJ, Brenda learns she wasn’t the only one with secrets—Jack had secrets of his own, unsavory ones that may have led to his death. While CJ helps Brenda uncover the truth about her husband, she finds the path to forgiveness isn’t always on the map.

Sneek Peek inside the pages

She’d jabbed him a little, but wasn’t sure why, since this type of egging on was usually reserved for those closer to her. She rose from the sofa and followed him to the kitchen. Leaning against the doorjamb, she crossed her arms.

He reached into the refrigerator.

“CJ?”

He pulled out the bottles and glanced over. “I would have brought it to you.”

“I know. Listen, I’ve never done anything like this before. My role in this project is a little unclear to me.”

“We’ll figure this out.”

“What if we can’t? I tend to be direct. Maybe you’d rather find someone more accommodating. I sure don’t want to be added to your list of challenges.”

He moved toward her and stopped, just a little too close. Brenda couldn’t move, trapped by dark chestnut irises that silently commanded her attention. The room seemed to pulse around them. Brenda’s breath bottlenecked at her throat.

“You won’t.” His answer carried quiet confidence. The smooth baritone timbre of his voice grew soft. “Something tells me you’ll be on a list all your own. The way you are is fine. I’d like it if you’d stay.”

Brenda’s breath vanished. Who was this man? It certainly wasn’t the same CJ she had met at the conference. “All right,” she mumbled.

“Besides,” CJ continued, sporting a grin capable of making a nun reconsider her vows, “I climbed Mount Everest. I’m pretty sure I can handle you.”

He handed over a bottle of water. She wanted to twist off the cap and splash some on her face, just to be certain this new and improved version of CJ wasn’t a dream.

Giveaway

Here's you chance to enter the $20.00 Amazon GiftCard giveaway. Let the author know your thoughts, and follow the tour. The more comments you make the better your chances are.

The tour dates can be found here: 

http://goddessfishpromotions.blogspot.com/2013/05/virtual-reviews-tour-hourglass-by.html?zx=8e5bdf7f6c14e213

Who is Sharon Struth? 

Novelist Sharon Struth believes you’re never too old to pursue a dream. The Hourglass, her debut novel, received first place in the Dixie Cane Memorial Contest and second place in the Golden Heart. She writes from the friendliest place she’s ever lived, Bethel, Connecticut, along with her husband, two daughters and canine companions. For more information, including where to find her published essays, please visit http://www.sharonstruth.com.

Connect with Sharon

Website  |  Facebook Author Page  |  Blogs at"Life in the Middle Ages” | THE HOURGLASS Webpage and Trailer 

 Buy at Amazon  |  Buy at Barnes&Noble |  Buy at All RomanceEbooks  |  Buy at Kobo  

Cassie Scot: Paranormal Detective by @ChristineAmsden (@GoddessFish Book Tour and Giveaway)

I'd like to give a big warm welcome to Christine Amsden, author of the award winning The Immortality Virus. Today on Beyond My Writing Space I'm showcasingChristine's latest offering Cassie Scot Paranormal Detective. 

Christine will be awarding a $10 Gift Card to a randomly draw commentor throughout the tour. So don't forget to leave your comments below.

The deets ...

Cassie Scot is the ungifted daughter of powerful sorcerers, born between worlds but belonging to neither. At 21, all she wants is to find a place for herself, but earning a living as a private investigator in the shadow of her family’s reputation isn’t easy. When she is pulled into a paranormal investigation, and tempted by a powerful and handsome sorcerer, she will have to decide where she truly belongs.

Sneak Peek inside Cassie Scot: Paranormal Detective

At random, I picked up a bottle of perfume from the top shelf and read: “Induces powerful lust. Spray on your intended and make sure you are the first person they see. Lasts about an hour.”

           

The thing you have to understand about any magic is that there are good ways to use it, and bad ways to use it. The concept of black magic is a hotly debated topic among sorcerers. Even death, in self defense, is a shade of gray. As I stood there, reading the functions of the various love potions, I thought of all the innocent and harmful ways they could be used. A couple in a committed relationship might have a lot of fun with a spray of lust. On the other hand, using it on an unwilling victim...

           

I shuddered as I replaced the bottle and accidentally knocked one of the neighboring bottles of perfume to the ground. It shattered, splashing perfume all over my open-toed sandals.

           

“Crap.”

           

“What happened?” Evan asked, his voice hard and alert. I could hear him moving closer.

           

“Stop! I don't want to see you right now.”

           

“Which potion was that?” Evan asked, still in that hard-edged voice of command.

           

I pointed to the row of similar bottles on the top shelf. “Lust.”

           

One of the little bottles floated away from the shelf, but I did not turn around to see what Evan was doing with it. Instead, I started looking through my purse for a pack of tissues to clean the mess off my feet.

           

“Cassie, I have some bad news for you.”

           

“Worse, you mean?”

           

“This potion doesn't take affect until you actually look at someone. Your hour starts then.”

Who is Christine Amsden?

Award-winning author Christine Amsden has written stories since she was eight, always with a touch of the strange or unusual. She became a “serious” writer in 2003, after attending a boot camp with Orson Scott Card. She finished Touch of Fate shortly afterward, then penned The Immortality Virus, which won two awards. Expect many more titles by this up-and-coming author.

Connect with Christine

Website  |  Blog  |  Twitter  |  Facebook  |  Goodreads  |  Google+

Erin

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