Showing posts with label giveaway. Show all posts
Showing posts with label giveaway. Show all posts

Thursday, February 16, 2012

MYSTERIES AND MAYHEM GIVEAWAY



Love psychic suspense?  A little romance? Character driven fiction?  Then I have a treat for you today.  Ten lucky winners will get two books – New Release by Linda S. Prather—Bet you can’t…FIND ME and a copy of Natural Reaction - A Mary O'Reilly Paranormal Mystery (Book 6) by author Terri Reid.

Yea, though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil: for You are with me…
 
But He wasn’t with her.
She leaned against the cold steel door, her eyes closed in prayer. “Father, why have you forsaken me? What sins have I committed that you would punish me this way?”
When you spread out your hands in prayer, I will hide my eyes from you; even if you offer many prayers, I will not listen. Your hands are full of blood.
“Fiank-o!” she screamed.
Her eyes flew open, and she spread her hands in front of her. Blood rimmed her manicured nails. Out of the corner of her vision, she saw the blood-soaked blouse plastered to her chest. So much blood for such a tiny body.
Ripping at her blouse, she mewed like a wounded animal. “Then take my eyes, so I no longer see the blood of my child on my hands. Take my ears, so I no longer hear the shrieks from below, the clanging of the chains.”
Silence met her cry. God was no longer listening. She sank to her knees and ripped at her hair, bordering on madness. How could they do this to her? Had she not served them well for more than ten years?
“You know what you must do, Aggie. I have seen the feux-folet. She is the child of Diablo, and she has cursed you.”
For a moment, rage blocked the pain squeezing her heart. “You!” Her eyes filled with hatred, fists clenched at her side. “You brought this upon us with your superstitions and your curses.”
“Mwen pòv zanj pèdi—you know I speak the truth. I was here when she was born without life, her body blue, her soul already beyond this world. Five years have come and gone. As she grows, so does the evil. They warned you this day would come.”
The old woman’s words washed over her like a river of ice, extinguishing the fire of her rage, leaving only a cold, still emptiness.
“I begged them, Mother. Begged for her life as her blood seeped through my fingers. I have served God, and I have served the spirits. But they have forsaken me.” She raised tortured eyes to beseech the old woman, her efforts met with stony silence and beady eyes filled with accusation. “I begged them!” Her voice tapered to a whimper. “She is only five. I have lost Catherine. Must I lose Mary also?”
The old woman knelt beside her. Taking her right hand, she pried open the fingers and closed them around the cold steel of the knife. “You can’t cure a mad dog, Aggie; you can only put it down. You disobeyed. You have been punished. Now pick up your cross, and carry it.”
The silence in the room was broken only by her whimpers; the old woman had left as quietly as she’d come. The knife lay heavy in her hand, just as the task before her lay heavy on her heart.
      She rose and opened the door to the basement, ignoring the shrieks and clang of the chains. Her feet descended the steps slowly, the old woman’s words echoing inside her head: You can’t cure a mad dog, Aggie; you can only put it down.

 
The last few students climbed through windows, black smoke billowing out of them. The teacher turned to his student. “I’ll let you down first.”
“But Coach, whose going to help you?”
“Hey, you’re my best fielder, I expect to jump right into your arms,” he said. “Just promise not to whip me over to Smith for a double play.”
The young man, his face streaked with soot, grinned at his coach. “Yeah, Coach, I promise.”
He took the young man’s hands in a tight grip and slowly lowered him out the window. When he had extended his reach as far as he could, he let him go.
The student fell into the evergreen boughs, the prickly needles scraped his arms, but the branches kept him from hitting the ground. He rolled off the bushes and jumped up as fast as he could. He turned his eager face up to the window. “Okay, Coach,” he called.
The explosion violently blew the windows out of the building. Screaming students darted across the lawn, barely escaping the shards of glass raining down on them. All of the students except Stevo, who still stood below the gaping hole in the wall, oblivious to the blood running down his face and arms. “Coach, Coach,” he screamed. “I’m here, Coach. Coach, I’m here.”
Mary O’Reilly investigates the death of a beloved high school coach while she tries to overcome the repercussion of solving Jeannine’s murder.

RULES:
1. Tell one (1) incident where you've experienced Paranormal activity and you'll be entered to win each copy of the books listed above. Note: Because we're here to have fun, if you don't have an experience MAKE ONE UP!
2. Each book will be gifted to the winner through Amazon kindle.
3. Winners will be announced 2/17/12 @ 6:00pm EST
As a courtesy, Writers love to hear from readers who enjoy their books. If you feel so inclined, please leave a review.


GIVEAWAY IS CLOSED AND WINNERS HAVE BEEN CONTACTED!

Saturday, December 3, 2011

THE TOP SHELF BIRTHDAY BASH!!!


So here it is the end of the big birthday bash for my blog.  It’s fitting the last stop is on the blog of an author that helped me out from the beginning.  I owe a lot to Val Maarten.  She’s co-admin over on my page, she’s given me solid advice ever since we first met.  She always keeps us in mind when there’s a freebie or a good deal she sees. 

The next couple days will be deciding winners for contests.  Honestly, I’m glad this is over.  Not in a bad way, in a I think I should plan for huge disasters sort of way! My GOD could anything worse have happened?  Of all things my back started acting up again.  Maybe if I plan for a tsunami or an earthquake, that’ll make things go smoother.  After all, they say plan for the worst and hope for the best!

I think it has went out with a really cool bang.  I’m giving away a lot of awesome stuff today.  Things that should have went up before this had things gone as planned.  It’s okay though..it’s like a grand finale in a fireworks show or something.  Only at the end, I’m gonna collapse in a great heap and go whew!

People have been saying that I put an insane amount of effort into this and some of them wonder why.  Well, you only turn 1 once.  But I’d still push myself anyway because authors and readers have made my blog THE PLACE to be.  We have our fingers firmly on the pulse of this awesome time.  Scott Nicholson just said to me today that there’s so many good reads out right now that he feels bad for new writers trying to start out.  I told him I’m loving it, because right now is a GREAT time to be a reader.  I will never say no to an author for the same reason he mentioned.  I might miss something great to pass on to you guys.  I’ve given you a large variety here with this two week shindig.  You’ve gotten some things I’ve read and loved, my absolute favorites and some things I’m looking forward to getting to.  Believe me when I say that when I get to them, I’m going to love discussing them with you.

So here’s to a new year for The Top Shelf.  Here’s hoping that we manage to soar even higher in year two.  Because it is of course my style to outdo myself. 

I leave you all with a question and a giveaway..  but question first!

What would you like to see happen at TTS?  What authors would you like to see?  What books would you like reviewed? 

GIVEAWAY!!!

I’m giving away two e-book copies of The Gift of Joy on Val’s own blog.  Why?  Because it’s almost Christmas, I can and I thought it would be funny!  All you have to do is leave a comment by Sunday December 4th at 8pm eastern.  And ya know what?  I’ll let Val pick the winners however in the heck she wants to.



When Joy Tate was just a naive, little girl who still believed in dreams and wishes, she had only wish for Santa Claus.  It was a selfish hope that caused her to lose the most important person in her life.  Now all she wishes for is...THE GIFT OF REDEMPTION

Gabriel Hawthorne spent his entire childhood ignoring the sad, lonely girl from across the street, but could never fully keep her from his thoughts.  But after reuniting with her, he's impressed with the strong, fierce advocate she's become.  And when he's with her, she gives him the greatest gift of all...THE GIFT OF JOY


Tuesday, November 22, 2011

WINNERS: SAVE A TURKEY - GOBBLE A BOOK BLOG HOP TOUR



It saddens me that we were not able to give all of the participants a free copy of the eBooks offered.  However, there will be more opportunities to participate and possibly win in future Blog Hops.  We have more planned, so stay tuned!!!

On to the reason for this post...to announce the lucky winners!  Thank you for joining us and having fun on our little hop to help you usher in one of the greatest holidays of the year, Thanksgiving!

   

THE LUCKY WINNERS ARE!!!

1.  Inga
2. Ronda Tutt
3. Desi The Blonde
4. Gena R
5. Tweezle

You will receive an email requesting your desired format.  As always, your email will be concealed at this point and will not be used for any other purpose but to contact you about the contest.  CONGRATS!!!

Sunday, November 13, 2011

Save a Turkey: Gobble a Book Blog Hop Tour (NOV 14-21)


Flash Fiction from INTO THIN AIR by Valerie Maarten

Action/Crime/Thriller

This was the first time in 8 years Maia got to celebrate Thanksgiving with family and friends.  It was an experience she hadn't realized she missed.  The rich scents of rosemary, nutmeg and cinnamon began to unlock the memories she tucked safely away in her heart years ago.

"That smells good," Raul said.  He walked up behind Maia and placed a kiss on the back of her neck.

"I hope it tastes as good as it looks.  I never cooked before and I'm a little nervous about it," Maia said.  "But the recipe seemed easy enough to follow."

"It looks wonderful and I'm sure it'll taste better than it looks.  You give yourself no credit for the things you've accomplished in your life," Raul said.
He was right.  When it came to domestic issues, like cooking and cleaning and running a house, Maia felt inept.  She was better at things most people didn't want to tackle.  She was at her best when she was ridding the streets of pedophiles, rapists and murderers.  Wearing an apron and cooking...this was definitely outside her element.

"Is China going to make it?" India asked as she walked into the kitchen.  She knew China was bringing the deserts and she couldn't wait to sink her teeth into them.

Maia looked over at India.  She looked like a little princess in her frilly, pink dress with ruffles and bows.  Maia shook her head at the sight and chuckled underneath her breath.  India is such a girly-girl.  Maia was thankful India never suffered the same atrocities as the rest of them.  India was going to have a normal life.

"Do you need help setting the table?" India asked.

"Auntie Becca is in charge of the table settings.  Go see if she needs help," Maia said.

India skipped out of the kitchen and into the dining room to help.


When the doorbell rang, everyone ran to answer it.  It was a long time since China had gone away to college and her presence in the house was greatly missed.  Maia was the first one at the door.  She snatched it open, a broad smile on her face.

China thrust her desert in Maia's outstretched hands and scooped up a waiting India in her arms.  "I missed you so much, princess."

"I miss you, too.  Are you coming back to live with us now?" India asked.

She never got used to the idea of China having to go away for school.  And when China would come home for the holidays, that was usually the first question she'd ask.

China rubbed her nose against India's and gave her a tight squeeze.  "No, but I will be here for a couple of weeks this time."

India giggled.  China made her nose tickle.  "Can I take the dessert to Auntie Becca?" India asked.

"No!" Maia and China said in unison.  It was a beautiful cake and India was not known for her grace and coordination.  No matter how much she tried to be elegant and graceful, she had two left feet and stumbled over them often. 

"I'll take it to her," Maia finally said.


Family, friends and love were the elements that filled the small gathering at the Estevez home.  They caught up on the latest gossip, teased each other about their domestic skills and gave thanks for the circumstances that brought them all together...making them into the people they are today.

"Now for the Estevez family tradition," Raul announced.

"And what might that be?" Maia asked.

Raul dragged out the boxes he spent most of the morning fishing from the attic.  He placed it in the living room by the fireplace.

"We get to put up the Christmas tree," he said.

Maia walked over to her husband and gave him a tight hug around his waist.  "I love you, you know?  You always know how to make our simple lives...perfect."

"That lesson, wife, I learned from you," Raul said.


TOUR RULES:


1)  HAVE FUN!!!

2)  INVITE ALL OF YOUR FRIENDS!!! SPREAD THE WORD!!!

3)  THIS TOUR STARTS:  Monday, November 14, at Midnight (Arizona Time)
      THIS TOUR ENDS: Monday, November 21, at Midnight (Arizona Time)
      Winners will be drawn and posted November 22nd! *** 

4)  MEET AND MINGLE WITH ALL THE AUTHORS! EXPERIENCE A NEW PARTY DESTINATION AT EVERY STOP! PARTICIPATE IN EVERY BLOG CONTEST AND BE ENTERED FOR CHANCES TO WIN MULTIPLE PRIZES! EVERY BLOG VISITED IS ANOTHER OPPORTUNITY TO WIN!!

5)  PARTICIPATION AT ALL BLOGS IS RECOMMENDED, BUT NOT REQUIRED. REMEMBER, THE MORE BLOGS YOU HOP, THE BETTER YOUR CHANCES OF WINNING PRIZES. EVERY AUTHOR AND PAGE IS WAITING TO MEET AND INTERACT WITH YOU, SO PLEASE BE SURE TO SHOW EVERY AUTHOR SOME LOVE!

6)  DID I MENTION TO HAVE FUN?  WHOO! HOO!! HERE WE GOOOOOOOOOOOO!

***Authors & Book Pages have full discretion to choose an alternate winner in the event any winner fails to claim their prize(s) within 72 hours of their name being posted or after notification of win, whichever comes first.  Anyone who participates in this blog hop tour is subject to these rules***



Now, for the chance to win a new eBooks recently released!

Five (5) lucky winners will be chosen to win a free e-copy of INTO THIN AIR (Freedom Fighters Series Bk. 1) Action/Crime/Thriller and a copy of SEASONS READINGS (Christmas Anthology)



1. Click follow on this blog for future contests, giveaways and fun, OR
2. Leave a comment on this blog with your e-mail address (in case you are one of the lucky winners) OR
3. Join us on Twitter for fun tweets, updates and interesting chats.  Feel free to butt in...OR
4. Join us on Facebook and leave a comment about your favorite time of year and why.

Each prize will be randomly drawn for one lucky winner for each eBook copy. Each participant has an opportunity to win multiple prizes on this tour.  For future opportunities to win AWESOME prizes, click on the link in left column and follow this blog for more fun and excitement to come.  GOOD LUCK!

In case you're lost and need to get back to the Blog Hop Linky List, click on the link below:


OTHER WORK BY THE AUTHOR


HAVE A SAFE AND HAPPY THANKSGIVING!

Tuesday, September 27, 2011

WINNERS: AUTUMN HARVEST: FALL BETWEEN THE PAGES BLOG HOP TOUR



Well, I have to say that this was a very difficult task...in a good way.  Still, it saddens me that we were not able to give all of the participants a free copy of the eBooks offered.  However, there will be more opportunities to participate and possibly win in future Blog Hops.  We have more planned, so stay tuned!!!

On to the reason for this post...to announce the lucky winners!  Thank you for joining us and having fun on our little hop to help you usher in one of the greatest seasons of the year.

THE LUCKY WINNERS ARE!!!

First Prize - A Hint of Murder by Lia Fairchild
msmjb65 - Mara J. Brandon

Second Prize - Toxicity by Libby Fischer Hellmann
Shadowestr

Third Prize - Burnout by Traci Hohenstein
KimC

Fourth Prize - The Nation's Daughter by Valerie Maarten
Alison

Fifth Prize - Children of the Plantation by Faith Mortimer
Terri Dion

Sixth Prize - Sacred Secrets AND The Gifts by Linda Prather
Pam P. Mandigo

You will receive an email requesting your desired format.  As always, your email will be concealed at this point and will not be used for any other purpose but to contact you about the contest.  CONGRATS!!!

Monday, September 19, 2011

AUTUMN HARVEST: FALL BETWEEN THE PAGES BLOG HOP TOUR (SEPT 19-26)


TOUR RULES:


1)  HAVE FUN!!!

2)  INVITE ALL OF YOUR FRIENDS!!! SPREAD THE WORD!!!

3)  THIS TOUR STARTS:  Monday, September 19, at Midnight (Arizona Time)
      THIS TOUR ENDS: Monday, September 26, at Midnight (Arizona Time)
      Winners will be drawn and posted September 27th! *** 

4)  MEET AND MINGLE WITH ALL THE AUTHORS! EXPERIENCE A NEW PARTY DESTINATION AT EVERY STOP! PARTICIPATE IN EVERY BLOG CONTEST AND BE ENTERED FOR CHANCES TO WIN MULTIPLE PRIZES! EVERY BLOG VISITED IS ANOTHER OPPORTUNITY TO WIN!!

5)  PARTICIPATION AT ALL BLOGS IS RECOMMENDED, BUT NOT REQUIRED. REMEMBER, THE MORE BLOGS YOU HOP, THE BETTER YOUR CHANCES OF WINNING PRIZES. EVERY AUTHOR AND PAGE IS WAITING TO MEET AND INTERACT WITH YOU, SO PLEASE BE SURE TO SHOW EVERY AUTHOR SOME LOVE!

6)  DID I MENTION TO HAVE FUN?  WHOO! HOO!! HERE WE GOOOOOOOOOOOO!

***Authors & Book Pages have full discretion to choose an alternate winner in the event any winner fails to claim their prize(s) within 72 hours of their name being posted or after notification of win, whichever comes first.  Anyone who participates in this blog hop tour is subject to these rules***




WELCOME TO AUTUMN IN FLORIDA
The temp is currently 90 deg. and holding...

This is the closest we get to seeing the change that comes with Fall...

YET...

Most of us have moved here because this was our alternative...
So no more whining from me!

Now, for the chance to win exciting new eBooks and to introduce you to some wonderful authors!

1. Click follow on this blog for future contests, giveaways and fun, OR
2. Leave a comment on this blog with your e-mail address (in case you are one of the lucky winners) OR
3. Join us on Twitter for fun tweets, updates and interesting chats.  Feel free to butt in...OR
4. Join us on Facebook and leave a comment about your favorite time of year and why.

Each prize will be randomly drawn for one lucky winner for each eBook copy. Each participant has an opportunity to win multiple prizes on this tour.  For future opportunities to win AWESOME prizes, click on the link in left column and follow this blog for more fun and excitement to come.  GOOD LUCK!


FOR MYSTERY/THRILLER LOVERS!!!


LIA FAIRCHILD - Twitter
1. First Prize - "A Hint of Murder" - 1 eBook copy


LIBBY FISCHER HELLMANN - Twitter
2. Second Prize - "Toxicity" - 1 eBook copy


TRACI HOHENSTEIN - Twitter
3. Third Prize - "Burnout" - 1 eBook copy


VALERIE MAARTEN - Twitter
4. Fourth Prize - "The Nation's Daughter" - 1 eBook copy


FAITH MORTIMER - Twitter
5. Fifth Prize - "Children of the Plantation" - 1 eBook copy


LINDA PRATHER - Twitter
6. Sixth Prize - "Sacred Secrets"and "The Gifts" - 1 eBook copy of each (package)




In case you're lost and need to get back to the Blog Hop Linky List, click on the link below:

Friday, May 13, 2011

Buy One Get One

Everyone is always looking for a deal.  Don't pass this one up.  Click on the banner below for more details...




Mystery/Thriller - Category #1
   Buy One                  Get Free
Sacred Secrets, A Jacody Ives Mystery (Jacody Ives Mysteries)The Gifts, A Jacody Ives Mystery (Jacody Ives Mysteries) 

Contemporary Romance - Category #2
     Buy One                Get Free
Second ChancesThe Gift of Joy 


This is a fun way to fill up your Kindle.  Buy one ebook at regular price (less than $3) and get the second ebook (at equal or lesser value) for free.  Once the purchase is verified, you will receive an email with the second ebook as a gift.


Eligibility:
1. Must be 18 or older to enter.
2. One winner per category, as listed above.
3. Giveaway ends after the first 25 ebooks are given away, per category.