Exciting News - The Audiobook is Live!

Hello, beautiful readers! I'm very excited to share with you that the audiobook for The One Discovered is finally complete and ready for purchase! :-)

My reader, Cammy Maughan, has done a wonderful job providing voices for each of my characters.  For those of you who are audiobook listeners, you are going to LOVE the way she brings my story to life!

The One Discovered is now available in three different mediums. Pick your passion!

Digital Copies are available on:

Smashwords for FREE

Barnes and Noble for FREE

Kobo for FREE

Amazon for FREE

Print Copies are available on:

Amazon for $11.99

Audiobooks are available on:

Amazon

Audible - link coming soon

iTunes - link coming soon

ALL ABOUT THE #RRBC SPONSORS BLOG HOP!

Welcome to the first ever ALL ABOUT THE SPONSORS BLOG HOP!  These kind members of the RAVE REVIEWS BOOK CLUB (RRBC) donated their support during the 2017 conference, in the way of gift card and Kindle e-book donations for our Gift Basket Raffle. They supported us and now we are showing our support of them by pushing their book(s).  

We ask that you pick up a copy of the title listed and, after reading it, leave a review.  There are several books on tour today, so please visit the HOP'S main page to follow along.  

Also, for every comment that you leave along this tour, including on the HOP'S main page, your name will be entered into a drawing for an Amazon gift card to be awarded at the end of the tour!

The book that I am hosting is:  

​THE IMPROBABLE JOURNEYS OF BILLY BATTLES​

​​2017 KCT INTERNATIONAL LITERARY AWARD GRAND PRIZE, GOLD “TREAT” Award Winner!!!

Blurb:  

Billy Battles is definitely not in Kansas anymore. 

As Book 2 of the Finding Billy Battles trilogy opens, Billy is far from his Kansas roots and his improbable journeys are just starting. 

The year is 1894 and Billy is aboard the S S China sailing to the inscrutable Far East. Trouble is not far behind. He has met a mysterious and possibly dangerous German Baroness. He has locked horns with malevolent agents of the German government and battled ferocious Chinese and Malay pirates in the South China Sea. 

Later, he is embroiled in the bloody anti-French insurgency in Indochina–which quite possibly makes him the first American combatant in a country that eventually will become Vietnam. Then, in the Philippines, he is thrust into the Spanish-American War and the brutal anti-American insurgency that follows. But Billy’s troubles are only beginning. 

As the 19th century ends and the 20th century begins, he finds himself entangled with political opportunists, spies, revolutionaries, and an assortment of vindictive and dubious characters of both sexes. How will Billy handle those people and the challenges they present? The answers are just ahead. 

​Author:  

​Ron Yates​

Remember to pick up a copy of his book and read it! :-)

This blog hop sponsored by:  4WillsPublishing

#RRBC's Buy the Book Segment

Good morning, beautiful readers! I am honored to share with you that I will be the guest author on today's episode of "Buy the Book". Below is the official invitation. I would love for you all to join me if you have the time.  For those of us living in the EST zone, it will be at 1pm. :-)

We'd like to invite you to join us today, February 17, at 12pm CT on RAVE WAVES for another edition of "BUY THE BOOK" with host, Beem Weeks. Today, Beem is being joined by Guest Author, Yvette Calleiro, Author of THE ONE DISCOVERED.

RRBC is such a close-knit community of authors and readers, and these interviews give us even more insight into the people we interact with daily on social media. You never know what you might learn or who you might meet when you tune in to one of the RAVE WAVES shows.

Here is the direct link into the studio where the show will begin promptly at 12pm CT. We ask that you join in the discussion by following along on Twitter using the hashtag #RRBCBuyTheBook and also adding the #RRBC hashtag to your tweet (if you have room), so that our entire community can join you as well. If you're not familiar with following along with a conversation on Twitter, simply enter the #RRBCBuyTheBook hashtag into the Twitter 'SEARCH' box, found in the upper right hand corner of your Twitter page. Once you get to that hashtag's location, click the 'LATEST' button to follow along with the conversation. If you'd like to comment or ask questions of the guest or host (which we hope you'll do), simply click the TWEET button, located next to your image/logo/gravatar, etc.

Today's segment of "BUY THE BOOK" is being sponsored by HOME AT LAST, authored by Jan Sikes.

Author Spotlight - Shirley Harris Slaughter

Please join me in welcoming Shirley Harris Slaughter to my blog! Shirley's book, Our Lady of Victory: The Saga of an African American Catholic Community, was chosen to be highlighted this month as part of the Rave Reviews Book Club's 2018 Causes Calendar.

Shirley Harris-Slaughter’s first book, Our Lady of Victory, the Saga of an African American Catholic Community is a natural progression from her evolution as a preservationist. In 1992, she spearheaded a campaign to restore the old train station (Michigan Central Depot) in downtown Detroit. That is when she learned she had a passion for saving old buildings and preserving history. She wrote a blueprint plan, galvanized her community into action, and received lots of local publicity for her efforts. She presented her preservation plan (her thesis) to the dean of Clearly University where she earned her BBA. That plan has become a permanent record there.

“Why did Harris-Slaughter write this book?

"I felt compelled because being passionate about history, it became alarming to me that my church and school had closed and there was nothing left of its history to share with the new generation. There are so many church and school closings going on in Detroit, and I thought this is a good time to educate people to a church that was doing well before its demise. The school was just torn down in October of 2008 so it was imperative to record its history."

Harris-Slaughter’s most recent position was as a business manager at Our Lady of Good Counsel, Detroit where she believes she was inspired to write her community’s story. She retired in 2005 and took up her passion full time. Slaughter was employed for 13 years at the Detroit Free Press and has served on the Oak Park School Board. She mentored freshman girls in the Winning Futures program. She is married to Langston and continues to be active in her Oak Park community.

Here is a little bit more about the book:

One act set in motion a chain of events that threatened one Catholic community's ability to thrive.

It happened between 1945 and 1946 at the headquarters of the Archdiocese of Detroit in the Chancellor's office. Msgr. John C. Ryan called an emergency meeting with the cardinal...
And so the stage was set for the years of turmoil that followed and the subsequent demise of this once vibrant church. Here comes the author who gives the reader an intimate look at her church, the township she grew up in, and its historical significance to World War II, Henry Ford's auto plant, migration from the south, and the housing crisis that was unfolding.

The reader is introduced to the pioneers of this West Eight Mile Community who helped shape and establish this community that shaped her. But the book takes a different turn as the research uncovers forgotten secrets...

Today (2014) this little church is in danger of closing its physical doors forever!! Stay tuned as this story continues to unfold.

I have read the book. I'm not one to read historical books because my brain tends to block out anything related to history (lol), but I can honestly say that this book held my interest from beginning to end.  If you would like to purchase a copy, here are the links:

On sale right now at www.rememberourladyofvictory.com or visit the following online venues at Amazon.com   Createspace   Barnes & Noble.

Call 248-417-7192 for information on book signings, seminars and workshops, speaking engagements, genealogical groups, or submit an e-mail to: sharrislaughter@gmail.com

Would you like to know more about this amazing author? Read on!

*What books have you written?

Biography, History: Our Lady of Victory. 

Self Help: Crazy! Hot! And Living On The Edge!!

*Where can readers connect with you?

Twitter: @sharrislaughter

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Our-Lady-of-Victory-796220353772511/

*What do you love most about writing?

The power of the written word brings chills to my heart. Having the ability to influence the masses, and affect change gives you an incredible feeling.

*How did you decide to write Our Lady of Victory?

 There was this nagging voice that kept after me to write it until I could no longer ignore it. There were several signs but the final straw occurred when I got the opportunity to work at a Catholic Church. I think we are put in places for a reason because I was able to see records that set me on the path to take on this huge project. So never ignore that voice because that is God or your sixth sense telling you that you must do this.

*What was the most valuable thing you learned through the process? 

     That if you wait for someone else to do it, you will be waiting in vain. You are the chosen one. Once you get that idea into your head you will do it.

     *How hard is it to write about personal experiences and expose yourself to others?

     It was extremely hard. Secrets that I had kept for years finally were released in my story in Part 1 “A Personal Perspective.” I sat at my computer and cried because I was able to release it at last and it was so emotional for me. Writing my second book was even worse and I fear that I was unfair to my readers because I didn’t tell the whole story. I still have not come to terms with that and maybe I’ll re-write it someday.

    *What do you hope readers will take away from your books?

      My readers are walking away with more knowledge than they ever had about the subject – Black Catholics. I hate using the term but there is no other way to describe history that is in danger of being lost forever.

    I hope you have enjoyed getting to know a little bit more about Shirley! I've read both of her books and would recommend them. Thanks for visiting today, and feel free to share this post with your friends. After all, sharing is caring! ;-)

Author Spotlight - Susanne Leist

 

Please join me in welcoming Susanne Leist to my blog. Susanne is a fabulous author who is part of the Rave Reviews Book Club. She has always been an avid reader. She grew up on Agatha Christie and Sherlock Holmes, but the supernatural called to her and enticed her. Susanne wanted to write a book with all the sarcasm and wit of the TV show, Supernatural, the mystery of a classic murder mystery, and the incredible thrills of the TV show, The Originals. So, she sat down with those goals in mind and wrote The Dead Game.

Susanne has an M.B.A. in Finance and worked as a Financial Analyst. What made her decide to give this up and pursue a writing career? A feeling deep inside.

TO BE OR NOT TO BE

To be or not to be a writer

has been the hardest question for me.

Should I continue my pursuit,

or step away and claim defeat?

One book dances around on Amazon and Nook.

It reaches new heights in its niche

and then slowly bows its head in silence.

The highs feel inspiring and lofty.

The lows feel depressing and sad.

Is it worth it? 

I am told that a writer must keep writing.

More books to dance around.

More highs and lows.

Should I keep doing this?

Will I keep doing this? 

Yes, for now

as I wait for the next high. 

Susanne spent eight years writing The Dead Game, and in the process, wrote a few poems. Here are three that she shared with me:

AN ODE TO MY BOOK

Nothing can be as fine

As the dear book of mine.

It might not be sold in a big bookstore,

But you will not find one to offer more.

It was created with much love and hope

Even though it wasn’t blessed by a Pope.

It has my blood, sweat, and tears.

Might raise many of your fears.

It has action, murder, and romance.

I can even do a little dance.

Please try it, and you’ll see

It has the best of me. 

THE DEAD GAME

Look through the palm trees,

Past the sanded beaches,

Beyond the swimming pools,

And you will see the truth.

Hear the raging winds,

Feel the spray of the tall waves,

Taste the salt in the air,

And you will know Oasis, Florida.

For what it is,

A town that lives on the edge,

In fear of the nights,

Of the dark shadows.

THE DEAD GAME

Do you love mazes?

Being lost in the dark

and searching for an exit.

Only to find more hallways.

More traps.

More illusions.

What if a house was a maze?

Guests trapped inside.

Doors leading to more horrors.

Blood.

Welcome to End House

and The Dead Game.

I've just begun reading The Dead Game, and I've got to say that those characters are crazy to keep living in that town. LOL! Here is some more information on her book in Susanne's own words:

The Dead Game is the first in a series of three books. The first one resolves the murder mystery, but at the same time, opens a Pandora box of new mysteries. Its surprise ending leads to more surprises.

I am about finished writing the second book. It has a name, but I am keeping it a secret until it is released in 2018. The Dead will find themselves at an exclusive club in Disney World. The main character, Linda, is torn between two men. Her best friend, Shana, has her heart broken and is drawn to a new man. The book will resolve the mysteries of The Dead in the United States, while the last book of the series will follow The Dead and their activities abroad.

Will Linda and Shana find happiness? Will Oasis return to being a vacation paradise? Come and join us to find out.

Here is a book trailer about The Dead Game. Check it out! https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5R8rQjyKyBc

To learn more about The Dead Game, here are the links:

Kindle

http://amzn.to/1lKvMrP

Nook

http://bit.ly/1lFdqNj

Thank you for joining us today. You’re invited to visit Susanne Leist's sites and blogs and to purchase her book, of course.

These are her links:

https://susanneleist.wordpress.com

http://susanneleist.tumblr.com

https://twitter.com/SusanneLeist

http://susbs1000.wix.com/susanneleist

http://thedeadgamebysusanne.blogspot.com

https://www.facebook.com/susanne.leist.98

https://www.facebook.com/AuthorSusanneLeist/

https://www.facebook.com/SusanneLeistAuthor/

https://plus.google.com/u/0/+susanneleist

Reflections of 2017

I want to take a moment to say goodbye to 2017.  It's been a whirlwind of a year for me, but through it all, I have found an inner peace that is wonderful.  It was always there, but the busyness of life and my anxieties had smothered her until she was buried so deeply that I couldn't even get a glimpse of her.  I have spent this year healing physically and mentally, and I've peeled away the layers of burden that had trampled upon my soul. I am stronger in every way and I am happy, not because of an event that has occurred or because a special someone has given me attention but because I am learning to be mindful and to be present in the moment.  It isn't always easy, but the rewards supersede the effort exerted.

 So, I leave 2017 with my box of memories filled with the most valuable staples of my life.  I'll share a few with you. :-)

Family and Love

Moments with my family are priceless. I am grateful for the close bond that I have with my parents and my sister. And I love that my cousins want our family to be close. Each year, we take two camping trips with all the cousins and our kids.  Our kids have become very close and love those trips.  Not only is it great bonding time, but it also resets our systems because we escape our hectic lives and remember to slow down and appreciate the little things.

 

Nature

My country (USA) is so beautifully rich in nature.  I am in awe of its magnificence. My road trip this year took me across the west coast, and I loved every minute of it. From the snow-capped mountains to the waterfalls (that we climbed to the top of). I live in Miami, so I take every advantage of enjoying the beaches around me as well as the campgrounds in Florida. The beach always calms me and grounds me.  Maybe it's the Pisces in me, but the ocean has always reset my system. :-)

Accomplishments and Wonder

As a single mom, I focus on teaching my son the value of learning and trying new things.  I am beyond proud of the accomplishments that he has earned in school, but the life lessons are just as valuable.  I love his curiosity and his excitement at trying something new. I marvel at how he feels trepidation before the event but pushes through anyway and revels in the moment.  This year included a lot of firsts for us. Two of those firsts were riding in a hot air balloon and playing in snow.  The picture of my dad is here because he inspires me.  My dad has had 14 surgeries on his foot in that past three years.  There was a time that we thought he would lose it, but he never gave up.  This year, he and I hiked up hills and mountains together.  It did not matter how high or how rough; he was going to climb that mountain and prove to himself that he still could.  It is that spirit and determination that I carry with me when I get frustrated. Of course, I could not leave out the release of The One Awakened. ;-) This series has been a work of heart for me, and I am proud of this book. :-)

Adventure and a Zest for Life

This year, I learned to embrace those parts of me that make me different, to accept that they help make me who I am, and to love myself no matter what.  As I welcome in 2018, I look forward to continuing to enjoy this journey called life.  Here's to another year filled with family, love, nature, and wonder! Happy New Year, everyone! :-)

Christmas Gifts for All!

Merry Christmas, beautiful readers! Did you get a new Kindle for Christmas?  Did Santa bring you a new phone or device?  Did you already download the Kindle app? Some of my favorite #RRBC authors have joined together to help you fill that device with great reads! Below are a few books that are on sale right now! Get them while the price is perfect! And give your friends an extra Christmas gift by sharing this post with them so that they, too, can take advantage of the deals! ;-)

The One Discovered

by Yvette M Calleiro (me)

If you love a great young adult fantasy series, then this is the book for you! It is FREE from today through December 29th!

The One Enlightened

by Yvette M Calleiro (me)

Continue reading The Chronicles of the Diasodz with the second book of the series! It's only $0.99 now through December 29th!

Haunted Hearts

by Kim Cox

I've read this one, and it's worth getting! This one is also romance, paranormal mysteries, and psychics.  In fact, it's book one of the Lana Malloy series! Best of all, it's FREE right now!

Christmas Cruise

by Kim Cox

I've read several Lana Malloy books, and you will want to get this one as well! It's just $0.99 right now!

The Fall of Lilith

by Vashti Quiros

If you enjoy reading dark fantasy about angels, then you will LOVE this book! It's already on my Kindle, and I cannot wait to read it! It's just $0.99 right now through December 26! 

Our Lady of Victory: The Saga of an African-American Catholic Community

by Shirley Harris Slaughter

If you enjoy memoirs rich in the history of our citizens, then you will enjoy this book! I've read it, and it's a great read! And it's FREE from today until December 29th! 

Crazy! Hot! And Living on the Edge!

by Shirley Harris Slaughter

This book delves into PTSD and other health issues that doctors have difficulty assessing and how this author found alternative ways to deal with the craziness in her life.  I've read this book and think it's one that everyone should read.  It's also FREE from today until December 29th!

One Dyke Cozy
by Rhani D'Chae



If you enjoy reading coming of age stories, then you will want this one to be on your device!  I've already bought it, and I've heard that it's a wonderful story! It's $0.99 now until the end of the year!


The Neon Houses
by Linda C Mims



This is a great urban paranormal story! There's a murder mystery wrapped up with a struggle for power, and the main character can't helped but get dragged into it all.  This book is just $0.99 now through December 29th!

Stocking Stuffers!

Good morning, last minute shoppers! Are you buying your favorite person a new Kindle or perhaps a new phone (with the Kindle app downloaded, of course!)? Why not add a little stuffing to their virtual stocking! ;-) Below are a few books that are on sale right now! Get them while the price is perfect!

Christmas Cruise

by Kim Cox

If your favorite person enjoys reading romance, paranormal mysteries, and psychics, 

then you will want this book! It's just $0.99 right now!

Haunted Hearts

by Kim Cox

I've read this one, and it's worth getting! This one is also romance, paranormal mysteries, and psychics.  In fact, it's book one of the Lana Malloy series! Best of all, it's FREE right now!

The Fall of Lilith

by Vashti Quiros

If your friend enjoys reading dark fantasy about angels, then they will LOVE you for adding this book to their device! It's just $0.99 right now!


One Dyke Cozy
by Rhani D'Chae



If your friend enjoys reading coming of age stories, then you will want this one to be on her device! It's just $0.99 right now!

#RRBC Holiday Train Book Trailer Block Party - Stop #3

Welcome to my final stop on the #RRBC Holiday Train Book Trailer Block Party! The party has been a blast so far, and if you haven't checked out the previous stops, I highly recommend you do so. You are missing out on some amazing books (and prizes!).

For those of you who have no idea what I'm talking about, I am a part of the Rave Reviews Book Club.  This month, we are having a book trailer block party.  Each day will have different authors who share book trailers with you.  All you have to do is watch the video and leave a comment on the YouTube page.  At the end of each day, one random person's comment will be chosen, and that person will win a prize!

It's that easy.  Watch a video.  Leave a comment.  Take a chance and win a prize!

Today is my day to share a video with you, so I am sharing my book trailer for my newest release: The One Awakened.  This is the finale of my Chronicles of the Diasodz series.  I have two prizes for today:

1 - A free e-book copy of the first four books in my series!

2 - An author spotlight on my blog!

I would love to hear your thoughts on the book trailer.  So click the following link to see the video: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NTBZ5uMVfzE&feature=youtu.be.  And then, check out all of the other videos that you can watch to win prizes here: https://ravereviewsbynonniejules.wordpress.com/rrbcs-holiday-train-book-trailer-block-party/

Happy Release Day!

Seven years ago, I had a dream that woke me up.  I couldn't stop crying because of the last scene in my mind.  I immediately wrote down what I remembered because it had been that powerful.  That dream began my journey into writing The Chronicles of the Diasodz.  Today, I celebrate with you the official release day for The One Awakened, the series finale!

I cannot begin to express to you the myriad of emotions that I feel right now.  This was an emotional book for me to write because I have become quite attached to my characters.  Some of them do not survive this book, and the concept of no longer writing about them hurts. In fact, I'm playing with the idea of writing a prequel or a collection of short stories that involve many of the Diasodz and Raizyns.  For now, though, I'm going to just enjoy the release of The One Awakened. :-)

For those of you who have been with me since the beginning, THANK YOU! I appreciate your support and your love for my books.  For those of you who are just falling in love with my series, I am honored that you have joined me, and I hope you fall as deeply in love with my characters as I have. I would love to hear your thoughts and reactions to this book (and every book in this series).

Join me in celebrating the release day of The One Awakened! You can purchase your copy here: https://www.amazon.com/One-Awakened-Chronicles-Diasodz-Book-ebook/dp/B0781WT73J/.  Happy reading! :-)