***** Review of The Health Farm Murders by John Howard Reid

The Health Farm Murders by John Reid was fantastic.  For any murder mystery fan,  this title is sure to keep you guessing until the very end.

Merryll Manning is going on holiday.  In need of a break, and time to relax he heads to the Health Farm,  for some much needed rejuvination.

On the train he meets some others heading to the same place.   While Merryll is ready to start to relax,  that is the last thing that he will be granted as a series of murders take place.

As a Sergeant on the police force,  he must take command and help local police solve these murders.  The problem is,  it could be any one of the guests staying at the Health Farm.

Local police want to point the finger at a know "bad boy"  of the community,  only Merryll is sure it's not him.  Merryll must prove his innocence and find the real killer before "Jimbo"  Punter meets his demise.

Reid did a fantastic job writing The Health Farm Murders.  Action packed and sure to keep you guessing until the very end.  With a surprising twist you will definitely want to add this to your murder/mystery collection.

I give The Health Farm Murders ***** (5) Stars, BK Walker,  http://bkwalkerbooks.weebly.com

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BK Walker Books - All Rights Reserved

***** Review of My Punishment by Spring Carrion

My Punishment by Spring Carrion was a phenomenal read.  Spring is a newly published young author that holds nothing back when it comes to her writing.

Aubrey had the perfect life.  A mother and father who found love in high school and loved their daughter with all they had.  Life couldn't have been much better for Aubrey.

That is until the day tragedy struck.  Aubrey and her dad were on their way to her dance lesson when they were struck from behind and pushed into oncoming traffic.  Sadly,  this accident claimed her fathers life.

Through the turmoil of grieving the loss of the man they both loved,  Aubrey's finds she cannot cope,  turning to the bottle for relief of her pain.  Little Aubrey blamed herself,  and so did her mother.

As the years go on,  Aubrey finds herself in a life of solitude.  Kids from school pick on her,  her mother is in her own world,  Aubrey has nowhere to turn.  Her mother doesn't deal with the loss of "her one true love"  continually blaming Aubrey,  and eventually taking it out on her physically.

Through more desolation,  Aubrey deals with becoming pregnant,  to deciding to take her own life.  Will Aubrey escape the darkness that is determined to consume her?

Find out in My Punishment.  Carrion did a fantastic job writing this title.  This title definitely stirred emotions.  You will feel your heart breaking for Aubrey as you follow her through her life.  You will find yourself angry,  sad,  and wishing you could do something to help this child.

I give My Punishment ***** (5) Stars,  and hope to see more from Spring Carrion as she has a beautiful way of enthralling the reader from the moment you read the first sentence.  ~BK Walker,  http://bkwalkerbooks.weebly.com

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Learn more about this fantastic author - Spring Carrion

Purchase My Punishment - Amazon  My Punishment

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BK Walker Books - All Rights Reserved

Talking on Matters of the Heart with Cissy Hunt

Please give a warm welcome to my guest Cissy Hunt.  She is the author of A Rose Blooms Among The Thorns,  a fictional novel delving into the subject of domestic violence.  This title will take you through the storms of the life of LaRae,  from fear to healing. 

Cissy lives in the Ozark Mountains with her husband.  She loves working in her yard,  and the mountains give her serenity.  She is an ordained minister,  reaching out to help hurting woman,  helping them through the healing process.

Thank you so much for stopping in today Cissy.  I know domestic violence is something most people don't think too much about unless it is effecting their lives in some form.  I appreciate you discussing such a touchy subject.

Cissy Hunt speaks about Domestic Violence:

My book, A Rose Blooms Among the Thorns is a fictional story about a woman's journey from domestic abuse through healing to forgiveness. This book covers a subject matter that is very close to my heart. the subject matter it covers is domestic violence. Domestic violence is the willful intimidation, physical assault, battery, sexual assault, and/or other abusive behavior perpetrated by an intimate partner against another. It is an epidemic affecting individuals in every community, regardless of age, economic status, race, religion, nationality or educational background. Violence against women is often accompanied by emotionally abusive and controlling behavior, and thus is part of a systematic pattern of dominance and control. Domestic violence results in physical injury, psychological trauma, and sometimes death. The consequences of domestic
violence can cross generations and truly last a lifetime.

Did you know?
One in every four women will experience domestic violence in her lifetime. An estimated 1.3 million women are victims of physical assault by an intimate partner each year. 85% of domestic violence victims are women. Historically, females have been most often victimized by someone they knew. Females who are 20-24 years of age are at the greatest risk of nonfatal intimate partner violence. Most cases of domestic violence are never reported to the police.

Even though A Rose Blooms Among the Thorns is a fictional book it is taken from my own life experiences. I choose to make it fiction rather than non-fiction because I want every woman that has gone through domestic violence to be able to relate to it. I don't want them to just read about another woman who experience domestic violence. I want them to know that another man is not the answer that healing is their answer.
Jumping into another relationship after domestic violence without healing 90% of the time leads to another abusive relationship. Yet, if they take the time to heal then they can find a new life that does not include domestic violence.

I would like to leave you with this exert from my book.

After stepping to the podium, LaRae looked down at the urn holding Terri's ashes then to the picture displayed on the easel before looking back up and beginning to speak.

"Terri never made it to true womanhood for she was only nineteen years old when she died. She will never know what it means to be a mother or a grandmother because her life was devalued so greatly by
her abuser that it meant nothing to him to take it. Her life was snuffed out instantly with no thought of remorse because her life wasn't her own; it had been taken from her. She had become property not a human being.

Domestic violence and emotional abuse are behaviors used by one person in a relationship to control another. Do you know that every nine seconds a woman is assaulted and battered in this country, and 5.3
million women are abused each year, and that Domestic Violence is the single major cause of injury to women, more than muggings and car accidents combined. Fifty percent of all women murdered in the
United States are killed by a spouse or an intimate partner. Also, over 500,000 women are stalked by an intimate partner each year. An average of about four women per day dies because of domestic violence.

So you see on the day Terri died at the hands of her abuser so did three other women. Three other families in this country lost a mother, a sister, a daughter, an aunt, or a niece.  Terri Carter is not the first nor will she be the last this town will gather together in mourning over. I wish she would be the last, I pray she would be, but until this community starts changing and becoming aware of domestic violence; there will be more victims like Terri. Think about it! The next service could even be held for one of your family members...maybe even one of your daughters."


Thanks again for chatting with us on such an important subject Cissy.  Please visit Cissy's website at http://cissyh.webs.com  for more information about Cissy and her book.  Leave a comment today for your chance to win a copy of A Rose Blooms Among The Thorns or purchase at Amazon.

VBT Pit Stop with Arlene Crenshaw, author of Twelve Roses for Uretta

Today my guest is Arlene Crenshaw,  author of Twelve Roses for Uretta.  This title touches on a very meaningful subject...Domestic Violence.  Please give her a warm welcome as we discuss her book.


Thank you so much for stopping in Arlene? 

Thank you for having me.


Please tell us a little bit about yourself.....

I’m a 48 yr woman with one son and two grandchildren, I raised my son on my own. We struggled many of days but we made it.  I blessed in so many ways.  I lost my job about a year ago for something that was not my fault.  It’s been difficult, finding work, and I prayed everyday for God to help me find something in this world I enjoyed doing, and in a dream a voice came upon me (God) and said to me. “You are here for a purpose and it is to write and inspire people.”  Something I’ve did all my life…inspire people, who would think that I would be writing novels today. Dreams do come true if you believe.


Is Twelve Roses for Uretta your first novel?

Yes it is, and I’m so very proud of myself.


What inspired you to pen this novel?

I had reached a point in my life that the pain became too much. I was tired of suffering mental and physically with my health and everyday life I was just plain unhappy no matter what I did or what other did for me. I realized I had be crying my entire life and sometimes I didn’t even understand why, so I decided It was time to go right to the cause and this was my way of healing within. Thank God, it worked now I feel like a whole new world has opened up to me.

Do you relate to your characters in any way?

In my book I am Erica who tells the story.


What was the hardest thing about writing this particular novel?

This is a true story, the hardest thing was all the memories I had to deal with, and how the more I wrote the better I felt getting it all out of my system after 47 years of carrying this pain around. It was very hard for me but it was something I had to do for myself.  I wrote, I cried and I got it all out.  I got rid of the pain that claimed most of my life.


Have you received much controversy with this book?  If so, how do you handle it?

I have… most people really enjoyed my book; they said it was a very emotional read. I did have some problems within my family, but I had to remind them this story was told through the eyes of a child.  It was not meant to hurt anyone, it was told for self healing and remembrance of someone that was so special to me.  And I also wrote it for awareness that things like this happen everyday, and It happens to those who you least expect it to happen to.  They just may be going through situation like in my book or going through something even worse.


What message do you hope readers will take away from your book? 

My book “Twelve Roses for Uretta” takes this message seriously.  Love should not hurt and domestic violence can kill, don’t be a victim, there is always help. “Just reach out.”


What dreams have been realized as a result of your book being published?

My wildest dreams, that I able to do something wonderful and that is creative by me, something people enjoy and seem to really like and they want more and more.  I realized that dreams do come true.  I was once told that the only thing that comes to a dreamer is a dream.  Well I’m living proof that dreams do come true and I’m enjoying every bit of the ride.

Where do you hope your writing will take you in the future?

I love writing I hope to put out as many books as I can but my goal is for someone out there to see my writing talent and pick me up to be one of the writers on HBO or Lifetime Channel.  I would love to be a writer on projects like 24, Treme, Flash Forward, Big Love or even True Blood I love those series.  Wish me luck…


Are you currently working on any new projects?

I’m always working on something, I have another book coming out in mid July 2010, a book of short stories and also I’m putting together another book for later this year.


What advice can you give to aspiring authors? 

 If people listen to what you say when you talk or even write it down, both in my case, and want more and more from you, give them what they want…write books.  I’ve always been told I was in the wrong career, which was the medical field all my life.  Then one day I decide to take charge of my life and do what I loved to do and that was.  “Write stories and quotes” and I do them both daily.


What is one thing your readers would be most surprised to know about you?

That would be I never thought I would be a writer. I can write stories all day but, my punctuation sucks…


Any events or news you would like to share with us today?

Yes, my next novel is called “Hidden Closets” due to be release the middle of July 2010.  This novel is a book of short stories about people’s hidden secrets that they keep hidden, and want to remain hidden.  There is a variety of stories that I challenged my self on, there is a lot of drama, suspense, comedy, and down right outrageous things that people hide. In this book, I really put secrets out there a truly must read.


Where can your readers connect with you?  Facebook, Myspace, Twitter?

I’m on facebook daily, where I do my daily quote of the day. I do that to encourage, enlighten, inspire and, motivate people to keep on keeping on, no matter how tough any situation in their lives may be, they can always come to my facebook for a quote of the day to be inspired.


Any parting comments?

Always inspire to be the best at whatever you are, and with you’re dreams there is no dream that can’t come true. It’s you’re world as well as mine spread your wings and soar high.


Thank you so much for taking time to chat with us today.

You’re so very welcome…stay blessed!

Arlene is on virtual book tour with Twelve Roses for Uretta,  so be sure to leave her a comment here today for your chance to win a copy of her book.  Her next stop will be June 15,  where she will be guest blogging at http://waterytart23.blogspot.com

When I Remember Love by Trish Silver

 Please give a warm welcome to my guest today - Trish Silver.

Trish Silver

When I Remember Love

Publisher iUniverse

Copyright March 2009

http://trishsilver.com

Maybe purchased online at Amazon, Smashwords, Barnes and Noble, and trishsilver.com

http://www.amazon.com/When-Remember-Love-Trish-Silver/dp/1440119562/ref=tmm_pap_title_0

 

Bio: I was born and raised in Whitefish Bay, WI. I went to college at the University Of Cincinnati School Of Journalism. I moved to Los Angeles in the turbulent 1960's and met my husband Ed. We have been happily married for 42 years and have two sons, Matthew and David and a wonderful daughter-in-law Kathy. We also have two beautiful grandchildren, Sarah and Jack. I always dabbled in writing and was told that I had a gift. I finally found my passion in writing this novel. Life has been good to me.

I was inspired to write this book after closely following the journey of a real American Idol from his television debut to his realization of a life-changing career. This journey provided me insight into the characteristics of a phenomenal fan base, as well as an inside look at how someone can find the strength to stay grounded despite the unsettling impact of stardom.

Synopsis: Certainly. Aidan Price, born in Texas, was raised by his mother after his father left them when Aidan was only two years old. His musical talent was apparent at an early age and his mother encouraged its growth. Despite being teased by other kids for not liking sports, Aidan still pursued his love of music by singing in the school choir. By the time he was in high school, Aidan blossomed from an awkward child to a handsome teen with many followers, especially after his fantastic job as the lead in the school performance of Grease. Later he began performing at weddings, bar mitzvahs, and other high-end parties to supplement his income while in college. After losing his girlfriend in a tragic accident, he dropped out of college and formed a rock band. At the encouragement of his fans, Aidan auditioned for American Star and thus begins his exciting journey in the music industry. When Aidan agrees to meet his new music agent's niece, he never dreams of the role she will come to play in his life.

 

Jenna Holden grew up as an only child, surrounded by love from her parents, Kate and Nathan. They were a close knit family. Jenna's mother was her best friend. Then suddenly Jenna loses Kate to brain cancer and her world is turned upside down. Jenna and her father fell into the routine of watching American Star, the reality television show, where talented singers perform in hopes of winning a recording contract. She became mesmerized by contestant Aidan Price whose beautiful voice brought comfort during her time of grief. Jenna is persuaded to go visit her Aunt Vanessa in Los Angeles, who happens to be a music agent and has just signed on none other than Aidan Price. Jenna's aunt, who knows of her fondness of Aidan, invites Jenna to come with her to a lunch meeting with her newest mysterious client. When Aidan walks into the restaurant Jenna's life is forever changed a second time.

Aidan and Jenna are instantly drawn to each other and are aware of little else in their surroundings. The two spend some magical time together and shortly after fly to Las Vegas to get married. They embark on a beautiful journey of love where their relationship is put to the test as Aidan's rise to stardom begins to climb. The two will also have to deal with not only media scrutiny, but also personal crises that threaten to tear apart their happy family forever.

I am in the process of writing a sequel to When I Remember Love. The scalding temperatures of my characters are not ready to cool down without my readers. Writing the sequel, The Price of Love, I felt that we must continue following their journey of heated love and compassion that will develop into many surprises along the way. In this sequel, I design my plots as does an architect by fitting my characters in each room of their lives.

On the flip side of the coin, I am also creating a new series of self help books. So many people have told me that my novel reads like a marriage manual and has helped to make their couplings stronger and more amorous. This is why I decided to write this new series. Each book will cover a different aspect of married life and hopefully, will help lovers bond like Jenna and Aidan.


Thank you so much for stopping in Trish.  It has been a pleasure.

Behind The Words with L.E. Harvey

Today my guest is Lauren Harvey!  Please give her a warm welcome. 

L. E. Harvey is a writer and model in Harleysville, PA.  She greatly enjoys all that Philadelphia city life has to offer.  When L. E. is not writing or working on the political scene, she models as a pinup and "alt" (alternative) model.  L. E. admires women like Betty Page, and "Rosie the Riveter" has been her idol since childhood.  She is currently affiliated with The Gypsy Queens, Angels With Ink (AWI), The Cherry Girls, and Curvy and Rocker Pinups.  L. E. Harvey is a proud participating author in Operation E-book Drop, sending e-book copies of her books to the men and women of the U. S. military across the globe!

The Person Behind the Words 

L. E. Harvey 

Who are we writers, that you purchase our work without knowing us? It's a rarity in our times to make any kind of purchase without research, test drives, and the like. Yet, writers are in that tiny percentage of people whose work will be bought, and no one knows a thing about the person in that picture on the back.

Who are we writers? Are we recluses who hide away, typing words for hours on end? Or are we that person who smiled and said, “hi” as you passed by on the street this morning? Who, or what, makes a writer?

Well, just like anything else in life, there is a tremendous variety of personalities in the writing world. Some writers are reclusive. Others are always out and about. Some are extremely friendly. Others can't be bothered to give you the time of day. Writers are as different as peacocks are from chickadees.

Since I fall into this interesting grouping of people, let me tell you a little about the person in my picture.

I am multi-racial. I grew up hearing various accents and languages. It makes for some very interesting and even comical stories. A Spaniard trying to speak to a Slav in English when English was not the primary language for either makes for an unusual conversation! I loved it, though. I am very proud of my mixed heritage. I love being a mutt. Plus, it can be fun to speak to people in unusual languages when they have no idea what you're saying. It's especially good for those annoying sales people that approach you on the streets of cities like New York or Las Vegas. 

I come from a small, but very tight family. Family was always very important, and we all love and respect each other tremendously. We also know how to make each other laugh. We've found that laughter is the most important thing in life, and we make sure that we can't get enough of it. It's a rarity that you see a family picture without at least one of us making some kind of comical expression.

Mine was also a theatrical family. We were always on stage. We sing, we dance, we act. Performing was such an enjoyable outlet for me as a child. The only real issue now is that I will often spontaneously break out into show tunes, and I can't really control it. I don't mind, though. It typically makes people laugh, which is a good thing. 

Since singing was an integral part of my upbringing, music has always been important to me. I listen to nearly every genre of music. There are a few I'm not necessarily particular for, but if the musicianship is good, then you can rest assured I'm listening to it. From opera to heavy metal to bagpipe music, I listen to it all!

That love of music, theatre and comedy has really come into play in my side work as a pinup girl. Let's face it: pinups are cute, coy and entertaining. Since making faces in front of a camera comes quite naturally to me anyway, I had no problem transitioning into the pinup world. It's just a new way for me to carry on the family's tradition of fun facial expressions. 

As for my “real” job as a writer, I've been writing my entire life. While most kids would go out and play baseball, I'd run up to my room to go write a novel. Writing has been my life-long passion, and I know that I am one of the very few people who get to say they are truly living out their dream.

There is so much more to a person than one can fit into a guest blog. Hopefully this has helped you to know the person behind the book. So, the next time a friend comes over and they spot one of my books on your book shelves and they ask about it, you can tell them I'm that crazy lady who breaks out into show tunes and knows how to say colorful phrases in Slavish! 

Lauren is currently on virtual book tour with Authors Supporting Authors,  so please leave a comment here today for her and gain an entry for your chance to win a copy of one of her book at the end of her tour. Lauren's next stop is June 5, with Katie Salidas at http://myimmortalstories.blogspot.com

Please also visit Lauren on the web at http://www.leharvey.com  and on Facebook too.  Thank you so much for stopping in Lauren.  It has been a pleasure. 

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VBT Pit Stop # 2 with Lorrie Struiff

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Everyone has secrets. Homicide Detective Rita Moldova has a secret, a crystal amulet from her Roma bloodline that allows her to see the last image a victim had seen in their eyes before they died. Now, a ritual killer is terrorizing her town and the crystal’s magic has suddenly stopped doing its job.
 FBI agent, Matt Boulet, is sent to lead the task force and gives the group strange orders. Worse, Rita senses he is holding back a deep, dark secret about the killer.
When she confronts her seer mother’s advice, she learns another secret about their clan that she finds impossible to swallow.

Rita swims through a whirlpool of confusion as the investigation continues. Can Rita deny the lore of the ancients? Can she deny her growing feelings for Matt Boulet?




Today I'd like to welcome Lorrie Struiff,  author of Gypsy Crystal.  Please give her a warm welcome,  and thank you so much for being with us today Lorrie.




Hi,



Thank you so much for having me here today. And, a warm welcome to all of you readers.

                           WHAT IS NEEDED FOR A GOOD STORY

Have you ever started reading a novel and fifty pages in, your eyes start glazing over? Or the same scene is described for two pages? The characters are cardboard- stiff?

You look again to see the name of the author who wrote the book. "Really?" you ask. Then you try to stay with the novel, but again with your eyes glazing until you must put it aside and reach for another book in your TBR pile. The story is not holding you, it's boring.

So, what is needed for a good story?

The best stories have a strong theme, a fascinating plot, a fitting structure, unforgettable characters, a well-chosen setting, and an appealing style. The story must be well written to capture the imagination.

Great stories make a promise. They promise fun, excitement, and to take you along for a great
read. The reader trusts the author to deliver on that promise.

People decide if they like a novel after reading only a few pages. Great stories are rarely aimed at everyone. The most effective stories match the world view of a tiny audience--a target audience-- and then that tiny audience spreads the good word on the story.

In Gypsy Crystal, my theme follows the mystical lore and traditions of the Roma people. Imagine a homicide detective with a secret amulet that mysteriously helps her in her job. The plot of capturing a serial killer who is loose in her town, and the pacing of the structure slowly building with twists and turns to rise to a dramatic end. My main characters, Rita and Matt, spark feelings in the reader as well as with each other. The setting for my story takes place in a location I know well and adds to the authenticity. The story is trendy and fits with the paranormal style prevalent in today's popular novels.

Is Gypsy Crystal well written? That is for the reader to decide. But I think it will grab you from page one and your eyes will not glaze over because you will be too busy turning the pages. The novella has many surprises in store for the reader. Try it, I think you'll like it.


        (Blurb)

        Rita Moldova's best-kept secret, a crystal amulet that shows her the last image a victim
had seen when they died and has helped propel her career as a homicide detective ­ until
prostitutes start dropping.
        A ritual killer dubbed the Ripper by the media is terrorizing her town and it's Rita's job
to help end his killing spree. The problem ­ Rita's mystical amulet, passed down through her
Roma bloodline, has failed for the first time in memory to do its job ­ and it's making it a real
bitch for Rita to do hers.
        To make matters worse, the FBI has sent in hunky agent, Matt Boulet, to lead the case ­
and Rita finds herself attracted to him.
        When Rita visits her mother ­ a gifted seer in her own right ­ and her uncle to glean what
she can about the history of the amulet and the lore of their clan, she learns much more than she
bargained for, and the truth is too much for her to swallow.
        As the investigation continues, Rita learns she can't deny the lore of the ancients, or her
growing feelings for Matt Boulet.




Excerpt

    Detective Rita Moldova peeked around the corner to make sure the hallway was empty. Making a quick right turn, she slipped into the autopsy lab to have a few minutes alone with the body. She tucked her white shirt tighter into her jeans and zipped her windbreaker to stay warm in the chilly room. The harsh odor of
formaldehyde hit her nostrils and stung her throat.
    Her heart twisted at the sight of the young, auburn-haired woman lying on the stainless steel table. A white sheet covered her to the navel; bruises blemished the once pretty face. Contusions marred the pallid skin from elbow to shoulder. The gash on the front of her neck gaped, exposing open veins and torn tissue.
    Rita flipped her thick, dark braid back over her shoulder, snapped on one latex glove, leaned over the corpse, and peeled back an eyelid. In her bare hand, she clasped a star-shaped crystal hanging from the gold chain around her neck, an endowment from her maternal Roma bloodline. The crystal heated in her palm, warm energy pulsing up her arm to her shoulder. The face captured in the victim's eye coalesced and stared back. Rita drew in a sharp breath. Bobby Driscoll! She had known him since high school, and now he worked as a uniform in her precinct. What the hell was going on?


    Visit my website for more info. http://struiff.wordpress.com/ and to read the reviews.

Gypsy Crystal is now available in print and MultiFormat e-book at Amazon
http://www.amazon.com/Gypsy-Crystal-Lorrie-Unites- Struiff/dp/1770650415/ref=tmm_pap_title_0








Bio

Lorrie Unites-Struiff is a native of West Mifflin, twenty minutes from downtown,
Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. She writes short stories in different genres that have appeared in various publications and anthologies. When she is not sitting in front of her computer, she's often found checking out bookstores, leading her writing workshops, or having lunch with local authors.
 
Be sure to leave a comment here today,  and follow Lorrie on her tour,  leaving a comment along the way for your chance to win a copy of Gypsy Crystal.

Also by leaving a comment today,  you will be entered into a drawing to win a writer pack and a surprise book from BK Walker Books. 

Good luck!  Thank you again for chatting with us today Lorrie.  You have been very insightful and I just love the excerpt.  I can't wait to read your book,  it's on my list :).

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