Ghost Hunters Goodness Galore!

This Halloween Dodge presents Ghost Hunters Halloween Live 2011, a chilling Syfy-exclusive, six-hour event. For one night only. They'll have interactive events set up for the event too! You can get the scoop on all of the scary action on Syfy HERE. It begins at 7 p.m. Central time on Halloween, Monday, October 31st.

After you get your scare on with Syfy you can continue it with two cool books from the Ghost Hunters. The first is Ghost Files: The Collected Cases from Ghost Hunting and Seeking Spirits from Jason Hawes and Grant Wilson.

Ghost Files
The Collected Cases from Ghost Hunting and Seeking Spirits
Trade Paperback, 560 pages
Published by Simon and Schuster
Available on Amazon


"In this hair-raising omnibus, Jason Hawes and Grant Wilson, founders of The Atlantic Paranormal Society (T.A.P.S.), reveal the memorable and spine-tingling cases featured in their smash-hit collections, Ghost Hunting and Seeking Spirits. From their never-seen-on-television adventures as budding paranormal investigators to the behind-the-scenes accounts of heart-pounding supernatural encounters featured on their popular show, these fascinating and frightening real life tales will keep you up at night!"

My Thoughts: This is a cool book written in journal style by the guys, and it includes pictures. Over 500 pages of ghostly goodness. I liked the way it was set up because it was fun to read much like an anthology where I could read a story at a time. Fans of the show will consider it a "must read", but even if you've never watched the show it's a compelling, eery book.

Ghost Trackers
By Jason Hawes, Grant Wilson and Tim Waggoner
Paperback: 384 pages
Publisher: Pocket Books
Available on Amazon

SUMMARY: For fifteen years, Amber, Drew, and Trevor have barely been able to recall—let alone explain—what happened the terrifying night they decided to explore the old, abandoned Lowry House. According to local legend, the house was cursed by a dark past and inhabited by evil. It burst into flames on the night of their visit, leaving the friends traumatized and nearly dead with only vague memories of the frightening events they had witnessed inside. Now, on the eve of their high school reunion, they have gathered to reopen their investigation and figure out, once and for all, what took place that fateful night . . . before the supernatural entity they escaped threatens to overtake them again.

My Thoughts: After you get into the adventures of Jason and Grant as they hunt ghosts, give yourself a scare by reading their creepy, fast paced novel, Ghost Trackers. It's the perfect companion to Ghost Files even though it's fiction. The story is gripping and eery, which will make it perfect for readers that love horror and suspense. Again, if you haven't seen the show you'll still love it for the plot, characters and scare factor.

Find out more about Jason and Grant on the T.A.P.S. website:
http://www.the-atlantic-paranormal-society.com/

Find out more about the Ghost Hunters on Syfy here:
http://www.syfy.com/ghosthunters/

HAPPY HALLOWEEN!
~Brenda

Authors4theCure: Entangled Anthology

Entangled
A Paranormal Anthology
File Size: 537 KB
Publisher: Authors4theCure
Available on Amazon, B&N, Smashwords

Eleven authors have banded together to support breast cancer research with their writing. Authors4theCure, which includes award-winning, USA Today and New York Times bestselling authors, as well as two breast cancer survivors, is donating proceeds from the sale of their paranormal anthology, Entangled, to the Breast Cancer Research Foundation (BCRF).

SUMMARY: Ghosts, vampires, demons, and more! Entangled includes ten paranormal short stories from authors Cynthia Eden, Jennifer Estep, Edie Ramer, Lori Brighton, Michelle Diener, Misty Evans, Nancy Haddock, Liz Kreger, Dale Mayer, and Michelle Miles, plus a Seven Deadly Sins novella by Allison Brennan. Stacia Kane contributed the foreword.

I bought the Entangled as soon as it was released but I wanted to wait until October when the book tour was over, and perhaps reach a few people who still hadn't heard about this amazing anthology. I loved the stories-all ten are worth buying on their own, so $2.99 is a bargain. Some of the authors were favorites, but others were new to me. That's the joy of an anthology. This one though is special for another reason; proceeds from the sales are donated to the Breast Cancer Research Foundation.

After each story the author shares why they decided to participate. It's a very special e-book that brings awareness and support for survivors and their families. It's so much more though, because as we all promote and talk about this anthology we are encouraging women we know to take care of themselves by doing self exams and going in for their physicals and mammograms.

MY FRIEND DIANE
A dear friend of mine, Diane, died before my children were born. She had skipped her physicals for two years, thinking it would be okay because she felt fine. She was short on money being a divorced, single mom, with one teenage daughter still at home. When she finally went in to the doctor, they found out she had ovarian cancer and it was too late for the treatments to work. She was at home as long as she could be, and then went to hospice. I still miss her and it's been over 20 years now. She taught me to open myself up to friendship and hugs, instead of holding back. She also taught me that it was okay to take a chance on love again after ending a bad relationship. If not for her, I might not have given my husband the chance he needed to get past my defenses.

I wish Diane and I had discussed our health and been as open about things as I am now with my family and friends. I would have encouraged her to go to the doctor, and paid for it, or at least helped her out with the payment, if I had known. She may have been able to fight the cancer and would have been alive to meet my children, who only know her through my stories. She would have loved them, and I could have told her what a difference she made in my life. I became a better person and opened up to my husband and later my children, because of the lessons she taught me.

Buy Entangled because it's a wonderful 5 star read, but also buy it because the proceeds will benefit others. Discuss the stories, and the authors, with the women in your life. Don't be shy about reminding your friends to take care of their bodies. They won't mind:)

*My Book Addiction and More has some amazing guest posts this month:
http://mybookaddictionandmore.com/

*Cynthia Eden has details and an excerpt here:
http://www.cynthiaeden.com/books/entangled/

*Stacia Kane has a wonderful post on Entangled here:
http://www.staciakane.net/2011/09/08/entangled-anthology-is-available/

*The Entangled Goodreads page is here:
http://www.goodreads.com/book/show/12373508-entangled

~Brenda

Interview With Kersten Hamilton

Last year I read an author new to me, Kersten Hamilton, and fell in love with the characters in her book Tyger, Tyger. You can read that review here. I was so excited when she emailed me and asked if I would like to read an ARC of her new book In the Forests of the Night, the second book in the Goblin Wars series. I shot off an email to Kersten when I finished her amazing new story, and she graciously answered my questions.

Brenda: I loved In The Forests of the Night, possibly even more than the first book in the series, which I didn't think would be possible. I have a few questions if you have time to let me pick your brain.

We have to talk about the continuation of the series. You didn't leave us with a huge cliffhanger, which I appreciate SO much, but obviously there's going to be amazing adventures ahead. Is the third one in the works yet? How many books would you love to see in the series?

Kersten: I’m glad it wasn’t too much of a cliffhanger. Each of the books has to have a little bit of a cliffhanger; like the Lord of the Rings Trilogy, this is one story arc that spans multiple books. I do like to leave the story at a breathing place though—a place where something big has been resolved, and the reader can catch their breath before plunging straight back into the story. That helps me, too, because the story is very intense, so it takes a great deal of emotional energy to write. I would like to see a four book arc, but it may end up at three. If it does, the third book will be a bit longer than the first two.

Brenda: I love your use of poetry and songs. Authors sometimes do this and it falls a little flat or they go on too long, etc. I found myself waiting to see what you would use next, plus it made me realize that I hadn't read poetry in way too long. How did you decide what to use in the story?

Kersten:I choose my very favorite poems and songs—I am writing for kindred spirits, after all. If the words resonate with me I know others will love them as well. Usually they are very well known, like William Blake’s The Tyger. But a new song, Future of Forestry’s Set Your Sails, features large in book two, In the Forests of the Night. It fit the theme perfectly:




Brenda: Do you have favorite books from your childhood that inspired your imagination?

Kersten: I loved A Wrinkle in Time, The Borrowers, My Side of the Mountain, Where the Red Fern Grow, Owls in the Family, Over Sea Under Stone, Podkayne of Mars, The Star Beast, Have Spacesuit Will Travel, Ender’s Game (it came out when I was a little older), The Dragonriders of Pern, The Borribles (which also came out when I was a little older), The Three Musketeers, The Lord of the Rings trilogy … lol lots and lots and lots of books. I was inspired to write about goblins by George MacDonald’s book The Princess and the Goblin.

Brenda: If you could give one message or lesson to your readers through your books what would it be?

Kersten: That creation is deeply good, and the choices we make, even small choices, really do matter.

Thank you for having me on your blog today, Brenda!

In the Forests of the Night
By Kersten Hamilton
The Goblin Wars, Book Two
Available for Kindle and in Hardcover from Amazon

MY THOUGHTS
Kersten Hamilton's writing is vivid, descriptive, and captivating. Sometimes her words grab the reader into her world with a jerk- causing surprise, horror or disbelief. Other times her words bring about joy, whimsy or sadness because they convey what the characters are feeling so clearly that we experience their emotions right along with them. I loved In the Forests of the Night, and I cannot wait for the third book in this magical adventure. The hero and heroine, along with their friends and family, continue to learn, grow, fight and love in this second book in the series. If you enjoy Melissa Marr, J.R. Tolkien, The Narnia series or Terry Brooks you'll love Kersten Hamilton.

Find Kersten:
On Goodreads: http://www.goodreads.com/author/show/17046.Kersten_Hamilton
Her Website: http://home.comcast.net/~kerstenhamilton/

Steampunk Goodness!

First, I'm giddy today because the amazing Meljean Brook answered two of my steampunk questions on her blog. It really helped clear up a lot for me as far as if steampunk HAS to be Victorian, plus she gave some great information on cyberpunk, dieselpunk and more. Read her post here: http://meljeanbrook.com/blog/archives/6349

Also, if my fellow steampunk fans haven't seen this creepy, but amazing video from Panic at the Disco you will love it since it's filled with steampunk coolness:



~Brenda

Interview With Donna Grant

I've been reading Donna Grant's Druid Glenn series, featuring fae, Highlanders and historical goodness that I have truly enjoyed. She's such a wonderful, prolific author and this older series has given me a great place to start. I was given the opportunity to read and review her new Halloween themed novella, Primal Heat, and jumped at the chance to interview her as well. This story is a bit of a switch for Donna because it her first romance set in contemporary times plus it mixes a bit of sci fi, time travel and a unique take on werewolves. I really enjoyed it, and will be sharing my thoughts plus a giveaway in the next post!

Brenda: Donna, I just finished Primal Heat and loved it. It had a completely different take on werewolves plus it had a little bit of sci fi, time travel and a lot of romance.

Donna: Brenda, I'm so glad you enjoyed PRIMAL HEAT. It is different than anything I've written before, but it was so much fun to write.

Brenda: It must have been hard to pack so much into a novella. Did you have to cut/edit a lot after writing it, or were you able to keep it on track from the beginning? Did you find that hard to do?

Donna: For me, I love writing novellas. When an author writes a full book, we can pack in as many secondary characters, and even a secondary story. We can go on and on about a scene or some inner reflection for a character. But for a novella, an author has to learn to choose her words wisely. We have to learn to condense a story into two main characters only. It's not always easy. Novellas can teach an author a lot, however. It helps an author to learn to build tension quickly as well as to keep a story fast paced. So, when I sit down to write a novella, a pantster like me who doesn't plot out a book, I have to remember the book is just about the two characters I have. In that, I can generally do all right on the word count and not have to cut anything.

Brenda: Do you think you'll visit this world again in another story?

Donna: Actually, I've had several emails from readers asking me to give Stefan his own story. This was just meant to be one novella in for a Halloween project, but it might turn into much more. :)

Brenda: Was it odd writing a contemporary story? You paint such wonderful, vivid pictures for readers in all of your Highland stories-- was it hard to step out of that world?

Donna: I love to push myself and my writing, to see how far I can go. Its how I grow as a writer. So, when I was first asked to write a contemporary Halloween novella about either werewolves or vampires, I hesitated. I'm a historical writer. It's what I'm most known for. But, I figured, what the heck? How will I know if it fails miserably or soars if I don't give it a try. Some author's "voice" only suits one kind of setting, and that's what I always feared mine would do after writing so many historical novels. I guess the answer lies in the readers hands. :D

Brenda: If a reader is completely new to your writing, what book would you suggest they start with?

Donna: Oh...good question. This is always a hard one. I know my writing has changed/grown with every book I write, so I usually tend to say whatever the newest book is. But then again, if its a series, I hate starting a book mid-series. So, I guess in my long way of answering, I'd have to say DANGEROUS HIGHLANDER, the first in my Dark Sword series. I truly love this series and the characters. I really am going to hate when the series ends one day.

Brenda: Thank you so much for your time Donna. I look forward to whatever you choose to write next:)

Donna: It was a pleasure, Brenda! Thank you so much. ;)

Visit Donna's website for more information on Primal Heat and her other books here:
http://www.donnagrant.com/book_shelf

Primal Heat is available for the Kindle HERE,

Primal Heat Review & Giveaway

Primal Heat
By Donna Grant
Kindle Edition
File Size: 79 KB
Released 9/27/2011
Available for the Kindle on Amazon

SUMMARY: Being an American in Britain isn’t easy. For Krista, its downright hard especially when she’s plagued by erotic dreams that increase as Halloween approaches. So when she’s given a dare by her co-workers to pluck a rose from the most haunted house in Cardiff, she agrees never thinking it would be more than a scare tactic.

As a Tracker, all Orrin wants to do is capture the Were’s before they feed off the people of Cardiff, but when he lands on Earth and discovers the woman he’s been sharing dreams with is there, he can’t help but find her. All he plans to do is talk, but the lust that flares between them leaves no room for talking.
But the Were’s have come for more than food. They’ve come for Krista, to claim her as the mate to their leader. To resist their seduction is futile. Unless a Tracker is involved.

MY THOUGHTS
I really enjoyed this unique take on werewolves with it's Halloween themed suspense, and steamy romance. Krista disrupts her entire life in search of something she doesn't understand. All she knows is something or someone is pulling her towards Cardiff, but when she gets there she struggles to fit in with her coworkers. They challenge her to steal a rose from a haunted house and the story takes place during the night of Halloween. I found myself relating to Krista since I too had moved to a city years ago and struggled to fit in with coworkers. Orrin is protective, tough, sexy and he kicks werewolf butt in his job as a Tracker. I loved the chemistry between them, and was on the edge of my seat as the night progressed, and events unfolded.

Primal Heat is a fast paced sexy read that's perfect entertainment for a cold, windy day when you can take the time to brew a cup of tea and escape for an afternoon with a steamy romantic adventure.

Read an excerpt and learn more about Primal Heat on Donna's website here:
http://www.donnagrant.com/book_shelf

GIVEAWAY
Donna has graciously offered to give away an e-book to one of our commenters.

The winner may choose from Highland Fires, Highland Magic, Dragonfyre, Mesmerized, or Forever Love. They are all excellant choices.

Please leave a comment answering our question with your email, and I will randomly choose a winner on Monday, October 17th, 2011.

QUESTION: If you had to choose between Highlanders, Werewolves or a sexy, space traveling hunk, which would you choose?

Farewell Sara Douglass

Sara Douglass, Australian author and passionate gardener, passed away in September. She was a talented, passionate author, writing epic tales in the fantasy genre.

I first discovered her after she was recommended to me by an Australian friend many years ago. Her edgy, passionate, adventurous writing brought back my love of fantasy. I read all of her books--devouring each one as quickly as I could. Her words reach out and grab the reader, taking them into her worlds, painting pictures, making us ride a roller coaster of emotions as we get to know her characters. She took chances with her characters and skirted along the edge of themes that were uncomfortable at times, but she was always true to her characters and their world.

I will miss her, but I'm comforted that she gave us so much of herself in her books. I can only hope that she is now free of pain, and thriving in the after life, whatever or where ever that may be.

This article shares much of how Sara felt about dying, and how her family and friends are dealing with her passing. She was truly an amazing person. Read the article here: http://www.perthnow.com.au/late-authors-lasting-legacy/story-fn6o0xxk-1226157495712

Below are my favorite books by Sara Douglass. They should be read in order to truly appreciate the characters and the world. The Darkglass Mountains trilogy takes place much later than the other books, but is the same world, and brings in a character or two from the other stories. If you enjoyed Terry Goodkind or Elizabeth Haydon you'll love Sara's books.

Axis
1. Battleaxe (1995)
2. Enchanter (1996)
3. StarMan (1996)

Wayfarer Redemption
1. Sinner (1997)
2. Pilgrim (1998)
3. Crusader (1999)

Darkglass Mountains
1. The Serpent Bride (2007)
2. The Twisted Citadel (2008)
3. The Infinity Gate (2009)

Farewell.

~Brenda