A Hundred Small Lessons

A Hundred Small Lessons

By Ashley Hay

     This is one of those books that is, worth sharing. Heck , it’s worth reading. True, it doesn’t fit into the type of books I normally read.  It is in fact a classic story. You know one that as a woman makes you feel good. There is a touch of realness in Hay’s story that is hard to miss. A simple magic.  The main characters Lucy Kiss and Elsie are the glue that makes this book work.

     It’s a story about two women and the journey each will take. I don’t want to give away anything so I will keep it a little vague. The story takes place in Australia both in the not so distant past and present.  The story revolves around a house and the two women who occupied it. There joy, sorrows, and lessons. 

     There is no jaw dropping high or dramatic low to stir the blood and create drama. Like a comfy pair of slippers this story will wrap around you and draw you in. You’ll be pulled in to the lives of both Elsie and Lucy. I couldn’t put this one down. I am honestly not sure if it was the beautiful simplicity of this story with is vibrant colors, that both sooth and compel the reader to continue.  This is definitely worth the read.

Over all this one gets four stars

      

Morrigan Blade of Grace

Available through Amazon enter to win a free copy of

  Morrigan Blade of Grace. 

If you like strong female characters, that
can kick ass and take names then what are you waiting for.
Do you like fantasy about immortals, vampires, witches and the like.
Get your copy of Morrigan Blade of Grace today. 

The exciting sequel to Racheal Awakened.
 let us know what you think on Amazon and Goodreads. 

Go Set A Watchman A Look from Outside

Go Set A Watchman
By Harper Lee
     When I heard that Harper Lee was going to revise her character Scout from To Kill a Mockingbird I was ecstatic. I can remember reading it in school as a child and was drawn to the characters of the story. In fact it was one of my favorite novels of all time, I know there are many others out there who had similar experiences with Harper Lee's first book. To be Frank, it was special.
     That being said, I must admit I was pretty shocked when I heard some of the initial reviews given for her new work. Some were very negative as readers became upset with the journey Mrs. Lee took her character Scout & Atticus along with several other players.  Initially, I was disturbed by the negative press; This caused me to delay reading it for several weeks. I even debated if I wanted to see this new world she had created.
     Now I will let you know that there are some spoilers in this review so read on at your own risk. A necessary evil in order to help readers understand why this journey is perhaps just as special in Scouts life as the first one was.
     The reality is, as a writer I wasn’t sure just where she would take our Scout. It seemed as if there was no place else she could go, but I was mistaken. We catch up with Jean Louise Finch (AKA Scout) as a young woman in her twenties who now lives in New York. It is on a return visit that her story unfolds. The slow southern pace of Lee’s writing is soothing to say the least. She bravely touches on some hot issues that plagued the south in the early 60’s concerning racial conflict and bigotry after the Supreme Court in Brown vs. Board of Education decision that forced the integration of black and white students. It also gets into some of the conflicts with the NAACP that stirred up strong emotion in the south at that time.
     Underneath the conflict that initially puts daughter against father, there is so much more going on and that, I think is the true beauty of the story. For most of us there comes a time when we are forced to put aside the rose-colored glasses we see our parents through as children. Usually one or the other of our parents gets that special honor. As children, we tend to put them up on a pedestal, not unlike a false god with feet of clay. We are afforded the opportunity to see Scouts world no longer through the eyes of that child but  instead through the eyes of a woman coming to terms with the imperfection of her parent.
 

 Atticus Finch isn’t a racist monster as some have claimed, he is not unlike others in that his goal was to do damage control in his hometown during a time that tore the south apart. That she was able to show us this with compassion and grace, I felt didn’t diminish either character but brought them both into a less distant past. I didn’t walk away hating Atticus Finch for being a product of his values, or his time in history, nor could I fault Jean Louise for her dogged conviction. As a parent, I’ve seen that same doggedness in my children when they grasp an idea or view that may differ from my own.
     At the end of the day was  this book worth the read? Yes, most definitely. There are views that for their time in history, I felt were real and relatable. People found themselves in a position with the world changing before them. I had never seen the other side of the coin in regards to the racial integration, and the era of the civil rights. Although I do consider myself a staunch support of human rights I could understand the attempts to make the transition from where they had been to where they needed to go as painless as possible.
Go Set a Watchman touches on some sensitive subjects but if you take the time to listen it is very clear that the layers to this story are as beautiful woven together as her prior book. It may not be the “Politically Correct” moral compass for some but I think for many it truly is a lesson about growth and acceptance, but most of all love. Accepting those we love for who they are is a part of growing up. After all, we each do have to Go Set a Watchman in our own lives.

Racheal Awakened

Morrigan Blade of Grace Available for Sale

Available for sale through Lulu

Available for sale through Amazon for Kindle

Now Available for download on iTunes

Morrigan would give anything to get out of Chicago for a few weeks of R&R. Of course, she jumped at the chance to fly to Saint Petersburg to let off some steam. All work and no play can make even this immortal long for the excitement of the Russian nightlife. She just has to ditch Kam her guardian angel and slip out for some fun after dark. No problem there for a red-blooded elemental like herself. Bring it! Of course, she wasn’t expecting Cain the oldest of the vampires to show up. Tall, dark and dangerous their attraction smoldered from day one. Except, he is trouble with a capital “T.” Morrigan won’t slow down though, not even for Cain or the danger that surrounds him. She’s young, hot and knows what she wants, no reason not to live life to the max and have some fun while doing it.

Book Crazed & Dazed: Racheal Awakened by Robin A. Dilks

Book Crazed & Dazed: Racheal Awakened by Robin A. Dilks: To start I won this book free through a Goodreads giveaway*. This is the first book in the Daughters of Lilith series.

Enter to Win Through Amazon

OOPs! This promotional giveaway is done. If you missed out check back for another chance to win a copy of Racheal Awakened. 
Look for the upcoming release of 

Book II Morrigan Blade of Grace

A Review of Leading Man (Hollywood to Olympus Book 3) By Elle Rush

Leading Man Available through Amazon

(Hollywood to Olympus Book 3) 

By Elle Rush 

     Elle Rush has created a story that can either be read in sequence or as a stand-alone novel. Having not had the opportunity to read the two prior books I found Ashleigh and Nick’s story easy to follow and charming. The chemistry between the two is instantaneous from their first meeting.

     Each has a successful life of their own and are strong characters. Elle is able to draw her readers into the story making you want to know what is coming next. Ashleigh a professional dance instructor is asked to help Nick learn to dance in less than a month.

     Nick and Ashleigh both find they must overcome more than Nick’s two left feet. Without spoiling it for you, I can say with clarity that although this was out of my normal reading genre, I thoroughly enjoyed it and do highly recommend it as a must-read.

An author worth checking out, I will definitely be going back and reading her two prior books.  

Coming Soon Morrigan Blade of Grace

 

  Coming Soon Through LULU publishing

   "Morrigan Blade of Grace"

     Here is a small teaser from the book. I hope you will enjoy it.  From Chapter 2 of Morrigan Blade of Grace. If your interested in pre ordering this book please email me directly at daughtersoflilithseries2014@gmail.com 

     Cain rode out at first light; he would go in solo kill the woman and then pull out. He had already decided that they had spent too much time in this land. Its soft green rolling hills had lulled him into lingering when they had already captured enough slaves for the distant markets and gold from the villages they had sacked.
     He was growing weary of this type of work, yet he was cursed to wander the earth, the land would not grow for him. Not even when he had others do it for him. It was as if the earth knew that it was him trying to make it bear fruit from their labours. Heading down towards the village, he paused watching from a hilltop. The woman he had come to kill slipped out of her hut and headed towards the rocky cliff than down a path that lead to the beach far below.
H could not pass up the sweet opportunity, and new a better one would not comealong. Heading in the direction, she went he left his horse on the ridge grazing on the sweet grasses that grew here in this sacred land.
     Pausing he watched as she headed down the beach away from her village towards a rocky outcropping. It was as if she were giving him the perfect opportunity to kill her without gaining the attention of her whole village. Foolish girl he thought. His long legs silent as he made his way following a distance behind her. Cain could not help but admire the way the rising sun made her hair glisten like spun gold when it hit the long strands that blew in the breeze. Even from this distance he could see she was perfection, her tiny waist and rounded hips gave her the perfect shape. She stood proudly looking out to sea as if searching for something.
     It wouldn’t matter if she were pining for a dead lover she would soon join him. He thought; this idea made him uncomfortable. He didn’t want her to be pining for a lover. As the sun kissed her skin, he sped up moving to within several feet of her, so he was behind her. Turning she saw him, drawing her sword in the same motion.
 “Who are you? She demanded, looking at his massive height as he towered over her. With a gasp, she took in his amber eyes and stepped back away from him. “Leave me be demon or I will do more than take your hand.” She said.
“I think not my lady. I am Cain of Eden here to kill you for taking my friends hand.” He said his own eyes were trapped and held by her stormy green ones. What a shame to snuff out such a beautiful creature. She was by far the most exquisite woman he had ever seen. Her golden hair curled and cascaded down her back framing a mischievous face with dimples and sensuous lips that were lush and pink.
     “What is your name girl?” He demanded, seeing if he could intimidate her. Instead, she laughed, a musical tinkling laugh that almost made him smile.
     “I am Morrigan daughter of King Oberon, the Fierce. Demons do not make demands of me. If it is a fight, you want then it is a fight you shall have.” With a sudden graceful move she lunged at him thrusting her sword, she nicked his arm before dancing away. Her skirt that wrapped around and around her body and was pinned at her shoulder on a blouse. Her bare feet gave her the freedom of movement, not unlike a dancer.
     The two fought each other jumping on rocks to try to gain an advantage; each was an expert with a sword.
     Cain found himself fascinated, moved by her spirit and skill. Every move he made to put her on the defensive she countered instantly as if she knew what he would do.
     “Not bad, fair Mora, but to win you have to anticipate what I will do before I do it. Not just react, to my sword.”
     Morrigan looked at him impressed with his skill. She knew he could have ended this earlier. He had her beaten both with his size and strength. “You’re holding back demon. I thought you sought vengeance. Perhaps your need for vengeance isn’t as strong as you think.” She said as their blades clashed.
His handsome craggy face looked briefly annoyed. “I am not a demon. I am a man cursed.”
     Morrigan dropped her sword and stepped back. “What do you mean cursed? I can see you are not like the other, yet you still have the same amber eyes and the same fangs, although yours do not show as much. Why have you stopped fighting me?” She asked, confused by the sudden change in his manner.
     “You dropped your sword, not I. My story is an old one, let’s just say I made a mistake and was damned to wander the earth for it.” Cain stood before her no longer a threat. His thick dark wavy hair blew in the early morning breeze. He towered over her; she realized all muscle and strength. Aside from his eyes she would not have taken him for anything more than a raider. Even his manner seemed different from the other demons.
     “Then why do you raid our villages taking our women and children, killing our men? Or perhaps that too is a mistake,” she demanded.
“That is our way. The strong will always conquer the weak; my people have raided your lands for hundreds of years. Others like me will continue to do so for many more years to come. When we are not fighting wars, we raid for profit.” He answered her without remorse.
     “You are wrong Cain, as long as there is an ounce of courage my people will fight to the death to hold onto their freedom. It is our right as the gods have given it,” she said, disgusted with his narrow minded stance. “You are no more than a barbarian trying to bully your way into what is not yours to take.”
    “I cannot deny that your people have a fierce fighting spirit; it is one of the things that make them desirable as slaves in my land. They are only humans, chattel to be bought and sold.”
    Morrigan spat on the ground. “Damn you Cain of Eden you will regret those words someday. Your words speak ignorance, not truth.” Raising her sword she again lunged ready to end their conversation. In her head, she knew her odds of beating Cain were slim. That he hadn’t taken her sword already showed a level of restraint few had ever shown her. With a move like a cat, she slipped under his arm bringing her sword down across his bottom with a resounding thwack!
    “Ow!” He yelled turning towards her.  That she hadn’t given up yet pleased him on some level, nor had she grown tired of fighting him. He was amazed; it is no wonder she took Abaddon’s hand, he thought. The fool should have run when he had the chance instead of attacking.
     He watched no longer interested in killing her but wanting to see if he could best her. She was very good, but he had been a student for centuries in combat. Lunging suddenly he grabbed her arm flipping her over his shoulder believing that would be the end of their duel.
     Morrigan laughed as she somersaulted over his head landing on her feet in the sand, taking a dancers stance with her blade prepared to lung.
“You are good I will give you that Cain of Eden.” She sounded barely winded from their battle. In truth she knew she was beginning to grow weary, it was only determination that kept her going and would only be a matter of time before the demon won this battle.
     Abruptly he did in fact lung pushing her back against the rocks knocking her sword from her hand. His body pressed against hers as his blade rested against her throat.
      Looking into her deep blue eyes, he found himself drowning there his own amber eyes lost in the depth of her. He could spend a lifetime looking at her and never grow bored. Her face showed so much life and joy. Unable to crush such beauty, he instead bent his head; his lips hovered above hers, and he waited to see if she would attack. Her sweet breath touching his face giving him the scent of mint, he watched her lick her lips, her pupils dilated with what looked like desire. He softened allowing himself a moment to taste her plump lips, shocked when she responded to his touch.
   Their lips tasted, touched, tongues tentatively dancing. Cain sunk his fingers into her golden hair as she moaned. He pulled her closer, wanting more of the sweet magic of her lips. He could feel the raging fire inside his body, wanting to claim her for himself. With a curse, he pulled his head away breathing heavily looking at her face. Her kiss swollen lips were open as if to speak, her breathing heavy. His decision made he stepped back holding her at arm’s length.
   

I hope you will check back and follow us for updates and release dates. 

     “Today you live my lovely Morrigan, my men and I will leave your shores and never return. I swear this before your gods.” Before she could speak, he disappeared as if he had never been there. Only their footprints stood as a reminder of their dance with swords. Tired, shocked, and shaken she placed her hands on her knees to catch her breath and figure out what had just happened Cain’s image freshly stuck in her head. Why had he stopped?

Hard Times For The Workin Man

Writing Dawdling and Changing Gears

   Ok so I do have to admit, I have been working on my current project (The Bitch). No I'm not sure if that is the final title but its what I am going with for now.
My intention was to focus on that story and get it down on paper. I worked on it for two hours, got two of the chapters tightened up and felt Ezareal's story calling to me. I know I'm weak but his story really wants to be told so I switched manuscripts and spent the rest of the night working on Ez's story. "The Damned" For book 3 in "The Daughters of Lilith Series".
    How could I not be tempted by a story of a tall dark and dangerous immortal trapped in hell for a millennium. So the race is on, to see which one gets finished first. There both good stories, and the idea's are percolating like crazy. How could I not be excited. I hope you will look for Racheal Awakened on Amazon, and  Morrigan's tale Morrigan Blade of Grace has a tentative release day of January. So I will leave you with a quote from Ezareal, "Chivalry is not dead, he has just been overlooked."

Cover Art provided by phatpuppy creations
"The Damned" Ezareal's story coming in summer of 2015

Goings On....

 
   Book two in the daughters of Lilith series is in its first round of editing. Next it actually will go to my editor. Taking a few days to start working on a new project I am excited about. The Bitch, a contemporary murder mystery, with minor flavors of the paranormal. I can tell you how excited I am about this new project.
     It was a toss up if I should start book three in the Daughters of Lilith Series "The Damned" Ezareal's story. I know its daughters of Lilith, "Hey wait and see if you can figure out the connections." You won't be disappointed. Oddly enough I already have the artwork for the cover of  "The Damned" Check it out and let me know what you think.
     "Racheal Awakened" will be available in Smithville at Days of Olde this Friday. We are still working on setting a date for the book signing and will have lots of goodies for you. I hope you will come out and join me in celebrating this milestone.
   

the New Cover for "The Damned"
Book Three in the Daughters of Lilith Series.
Perfect. Artwork provided by Phatpuppy Creations.

Dont miss out on Racheal Awakened Available on Amazon now and through Createspace. If you are interested in carrying this book in your location please message me through my facebook page or google.