'Christmas at Barncastle Inn' delivers Christmas fun and romance

The four novellas that make up "Christmas at Barncastle Inn" take the reader through four depictions of love. The book covers several years because Barncastle Inn's new marketing niche allows patrons to rent the entire bed-and-breakfast  for the holidays and enjoy Christmas with their family and guests in the era of their choice.

Part of the fun in the stories comes from how each era is recreated and the various snags that are encountered. The love stories at the core of each novella share a locale but little else as each author brings a different perspective to the individual story. Each couple is different and the road they must travel to romance takes a variety of forms.

These tales are good, clean fun with a Christmas heart and very readable. If you enjoy history, romance, Christmas or any combination of the three, you should put "Christmas at Barncastle Inn" on your list for Santa!

Disclaimer: This review is based on a purchased copy of the book.

I'm in this one!

Please forgive this blatant self-promotion, but...

"Not Your Mother's Book on Being a Stupid Kid" is out today. This new non-fiction anthology from Publishing Syndicate is of special interest to me, because I have a short story in the book. Can I claim that I'm on Amazon.com now (even if it is as part of an anthology)? Here's the link, if you're interested: http://amzn.to/TJsVWo. Kindle version should be out in a few days.

You can also ask your local bookseller about ordering it, if you prefer.

Blessings,

Mary Beth

Newly published author begins series with ebook and its challenges

Marlene Urso’s first published novel hit the bookseller sites as an eBook. Under her nom de plume of Paisley Kirkpatrick, she released “Night Angel,” set in a fictional town patterned on her home of Placerville, California. The Desert Breeze publication is an eBook only release and as such, presents its own challenges.

So how does a new author market a book that she can’t display in stacks on tables? Urso uses a number of strategies. First, she networks like crazy. She is a member of several writing groups, including the Sacramento Valley Rose chapter of Romance Writers of America, From the Heart, Celtic Hearts and Hearts Through History. She has received mention on many of the blogs and websites of her fellow members. Some of those appearances include Cynthia Woolf’s blog, Fierce Romance blog, Sweet ‘N Sexy blog and Reviews and Opinions.

Read more from my interview with Marlene Urso here.

Jennifer Hudson Taylor's 'Path of Freedom' provides history, adventure

Author Jennifer Hudson Taylor shares an intriguing story of faith, friendship, courage and love in “Path of Freedom,” part of the Quilts of Love series from Abingdon Press. Her novel takes us inside the world of Quakers and the Underground Railroad from the viewpoint of a Flora Saferight, a young Quaker woman called into service on a dangerous mission because of her training as a midwife.

Flora and her young sister Irene will accompany Bruce Millikan as they spirit an escaped slave couple to safety in the north. There’s a complication: Flora and Bruce have been at odds since their school days. Can they declare a truce long enough to complete their assignment? Guided by a quilt provided by Flora’s mother, the threesome begins their dangerous journey. They collect the escapees in a specially built wagon and head north.

Read the full review here.

An 'Unstoppable' faith guides a spirit-filled life

"One of the biggest advantages of being a reviewer comes from the advance notice one receives on upcoming books. That’s the case with evangelist and inspirational speaker Nick Vujicic’s new book, “Unstoppable.” 

Vujicic was born with no arms or legs. In earlier times, he might have been abandoned to die or institutionalized out of polite society’s view. Today, he not only lives in society; he is changing society with his uplifting message of the importance of every life in God’s sight. His ministry Life Without Limbs reaches around the world. His story can be found in his books and on YouTube. He appears on television programs and shares his words of hope with all who will listen.

Check out the first chapter of the book for free here."

You can read more about this new book here.

Love and reality clash - Review of 'Celeste' by Michelle Devon

Author Michelle Devon puts a new twist on the age-old question, “If a tree falls in the forest and no one is there to hear, does it still make a noise?” in her novella, “Celeste.” She does it with style and an intense atmosphere that will bring classic Alfred Hitchcock to mind.

Protagonist Kyle McRoy has a lot going for him: nice job in the accounting department of a big company, nice apartment, a beautiful girlfriend. He also has a brother who tries to keep tabs on him and a psychiatrist that he’s been seeing since a breakdown following his parents’ deaths. 

McRoy faces a lot of questions from his brother and the doctor. Mark wants to meet Kyle’s girlfriend, but Kyle resists. His relationship with Celeste is something personal and treasured, not for public consumption. Dr. Lower wonders why Kyle keeps coming back for sessions when he seems to be doing so well. And Kyle just wants to enjoy the gift of his life with Celeste.

So the new twist on the old question: “If a man falls in love with a beautiful woman but doesn’t bring her home to meet the family, does she exist?” Devon explores the nature of reality as she pursues the answer to the question. She presents a likeable protagonist surrounded by not-always-so likeable characters. Kyle’s gentle, logical approach to the rest of life doesn’t lessen the passionate relationship he shares with Celeste. Which world is the reality? Which Kyle is the reality?

Devon presents Kyle’s situation from all sides. The balanced story has some very sexy scenes, as Kyle and Celeste explore their relationship. It delivers a look at the working environment and the world of psychotherapy. Primarily, “Celeste” provides a thought-provoking examination of the nature of reality and how human beings judge it.

Readers who enjoy noir overtones will find plenty of them. Mystery and intrigue lurk in the story, as well as romance. The novella is available for purchase as an eBook here.

“Celeste” by Michelle Devon

Disclosure: This review is based on a review copy provided by the author with no constraints placed on its content. All opinions are my own.