"Just Like Elizabeth Taylor" by Lu Ann Brobst Staheli

REVIEW

Just Like Elizabeth Taylor

by Lu Ann Brobst Staheli

This review opportunity for Just Like Elizabeth Taylor is brought to you by Ebooks for Review.

Description

"I was named after a movie star. Elizabeth Taylor. Mom didn’t have any idea that my life - and hers - would turn out to be filled with those same unglamorous experiences her idol had faced. Life wasn’t all movie stars and parties."

Twelve-year-old Liz Taylor has known for a long time that she would escape - escape the abuse against herself - escape her mother’s boyfriend Mark. Liz just doesn’t know how or when.

Then the perfect opportunity comes - money left of the table by Mark - and Liz is on the run. But a girl her age doesn’t have many options when it comes to hideouts, making a K.O.A. Kampground and a nearby middle school her perfect choices...

Winner of the Utah Arts Council Original Writing Competition, Juvenile Division. Winner of the League of Utah Writer’s Juvenile Novel & Diamond Quill Award.

Note: This is a YA coming of age novel. There is some abuse before she escapes her house, but nothing graphic.

Praise for the Book

"The things I liked most about this story are the characterization and voice. There’s an outward feel of innocence and simplicity at first glance, but there’s so much more lying right beneath the surface, and that’s what made it beautiful, funny, and heartbreaking all at once. If I could ask for more, it would be for, well, more – I’d love to have been able to spend a little more time with Elizabeth… " ~ Author Annette Lyon

"Very well written. My heart broke for these characters. Elizabeth was amazing. Wonderful story of triumph in difficult situations." ~ Mindy

My Review

By Lynda Dickson

Twelve-year-old Elizabeth Taylor was so named because her mother was - and still is - obsessed with the actress of the same name. Unfortunately, just like the actress, Elizabeth is going through a hard time. He mother is being physically abused by her boyfriend, and Elizabeth herself is being sexually abused by his son Ryan. Elizabeth makes a plan to run away and waits for the perfect moment - when Mark leaves his money on the kitchen bench while he's passed out drunk in the living room. She rides her bike to the next town and finds an empty shed in an abandoned campground, where she proceeds to hide in plain sight by enrolling in the local middle school and changing her name to Beth Burton. She makes a friend, Ida Mae, and she comes to the rescue of the lunch lady, Ms Meyers. But then her old life intrudes on her new life, making it impossible to keep up the charade. Elizabeth discovers that running away can cause more problems than it can solve.

This is a heartbreaking and eye-opening story of what a young girl has to endure when she has no support. From an adult's point-of-view, I found the story to be a bit contrived and predictable. There are too many coincidences, and things seem to work out a bit too easily. I'm also disappointed that Ms. Meyers' situation is never explained. Nevertheless, it is well-suited to the target young adult audience, with no explicit language or sexual content.

About the Author

Friends of Lu Ann Brobst Staheli (1954-2015) are compiling her unfinished collections and putting her published e-books into paperback. All royalties go directly to her husband and five sons.

Lu Ann got her start as a celebrity paparazzi-stalker-chick, which led to her award-winning career as a ghostwriter for celebrity memoirs. A masochist at heart, she taught junior high school English for 33 years and then moved to the school library. She once spent two weeks summer vacation backpacking through Europe with 15 of her students. Lu Ann won three Best of State Medals - two for writing and one for teaching.

Lu Ann's published works include Men of Destiny: Abraham Lincoln and the Prophet Joseph Smith; Tides Across the Sea; Just Like Elizabeth Taylor; Leona & Me, Helen Marie; A Note Worth Taking; Temporary Bridesmaid; "A Fezziwig Christmas" in the Silver Bells Romance Anthology; When Hearts Conjoin: The True Story of Utah's Conjoined Twins; Psychic Madman; One Day at a Time: Teaching Secondary Language Arts; Books, Books, and More Books: A Parent and Teacher's Guide to Adolescent Literature; as well as numerous articles and essays.

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"Still Life" by A. M. Johnson

NEW RELEASE and EXCERPT

Still Life
(Forever Still Book 1)

by A. M. Johnson

Still Life, the first book in A. M. Johnson's Forever Still series, has just been released and is currently on tour with S.B.B. Promotions. The tour stops here today for an excerpt. Please be sure to visit the other tour stops as well.

Description

Loss… a word Elizabeth Haddington knows only too well. Despite the tragedies she’s endured, she’s been able to rise from the adversity she’s faced and begin her life again. Being a self-assured and strong woman, she knows she doesn’t need anyone to make her whole.

Hate, pain, and twisted memories are all Sawyer Bryant’s ever known. He’d slowly lost who he was and what he should’ve become. His only escape was the military… Eight years later, as an ex-Navy SEAL, he’s forced to confront his father and their disturbed and violent past.

Then one day, his life is turned upside down, when he glimpses a woman singing in her car at a set of traffic lights. Thinking he’d never see her again, amazingly he finds her performing with her band at the local bar. This chance encounter brings these two lost souls together. Once Sawyer gets a taste of her melodic voice, there’s no turning back.

For Elizabeth, when she meets Sawyer… she realizes she’s fallen hard. But is this really love she’s feelingor does love build slowly over time?

What happens when fate turns things around on you, creates flashes you can’t turn from… moments that will shape your life?

They are faced with the choice of darkness surrounding themor to rid themselves of the guilt and pain and move toward the light.

This story is about life’s moments. How they can make you or break you, and one man’s hope that… Love, won’t judge him.

Warning: This book deals with some dark themes including PTSD and abuse.

Excerpt

It was unseasonably warm for late September, with the windows down in my car I enjoyed the dry breeze as I pulled up to the traffic lights. My eyes were drawn to the car next to me. She was enjoying the warm spell too. Her windows were down and she was blaring some unknown music from her stereo. The side of my mouth pulled into a grin as I watched. She didn’t notice me watching at first. She sang freely, her voice strong and beautiful. The song was feminine and the guitars were light. She had long very dark hair pulled into a high ponytail. I was transfixed.

Suddenly, she started and bit her bottom lip. Her once tall posture and confidence waned. Slowly, she glanced over to look at me, chagrin written all over her face. I couldn’t tell, was she blushing? She was embarrassed to have been caught that’s for sure, her solo concert abruptly ended. I gave her a huge smile. She just bit her lip again and looked forward, sinking into her seat. I watched as she fidgeted uncomfortably, waiting for the light to change. She was so pretty. No, not pretty, but plainly beautiful. I suddenly had a crazy urge to call out to her, ask her name when she sped off. The car behind me honked their car horn and I was sharply pushed from my reverie.

I pulled into my apartment complex. I felt dejected. I wanted to see that girl again.

I focused on that memory while I looked down at her in that hospital bed. I tried to stop the bleeding, she’d lost so much blood. She was here now, eyes closed, her silky hair ran through my fingers. This small touch caused shivers to run up my spine. I placed a small kiss on her cool cheek. Resting my forehead against hers, her breathing light and steady, blew against my lips. We’d get through this. We had to, there was no other choice…

Playlist

Praise for the Book

"I enjoyed this book, and I am sure it will be the first successful book of many by this new author. [...] I am looking forward to reading more in this series of books and I can thoroughly recommend this read." ~ Kaylene Osborn

"What I found between the pages was magic! I was so drawn into this book that I read it within about 12 hours. It had me, completely, from the beginning, not just about what was going to happen next in the story, but also because the feelings, the hurt and cuts were palpable, jumping right off the page and slicing my heart. [...] It moved at the right speed and I couldn't put it down. It has also made me desperate for the next one in the series!" ~ Mrs Md MacDonald

"I was sucked into this story immediately and felt that tug at my heart when I know I am going to love it. I went through many feels while reading. [...] You know those books, that when you read a certain line or paragraph, you just have to stop for a moment because it triggers certain emotions... This is absolutely one of those books and don't even get me started on the tears. Definitely have tissues on hand. I cannot believe this is her first book it is really amazing!!" ~ BookObsessedGirl

"Wow there are not enough words to describe how much I loved this book!!! It's one of my top favorite books!!" ~ teri

"This was such a beautiful love story. [...] Truly emotional and breathtaking. Overall thank you for an amazing read. Hope to read more of your books soon" ~ Kindle Customer

About the Author

Amanda Marie Johnson was born and raised in Valrico, Florida. She’s now surrounded by mountains with her husband and three children in Ogden, Utah. She attended Weber State University and graduated with her A.S.N. She is a full-time registered nurse and works on the mother/newborn unit.

Reading and writing have always been something she is passionate about. She loves to write about the human experience, love and happily ever afters. Still Life is her debut novel.

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"Running in Heels" by Mary A. Pérez

INTERVIEW

Running in Heels:
A Memoir of Grit and Grace

by Mary A. Pérez

Running in Heels is currently on tour with Write Now Literary Virtual Book Tours. The tour stops here today for my interview with the author. Please be sure to visit the other tour stops as well.

Description

"More than a memoir - this book is a promise of hope for anyone who was abandoned as a child, to anyone who woke up hungry and went to bed hungrier every day, for every wife who has loved a husband who left bruises on her heart and on her body."

Somewhere between stealing cold cuts from stray cats and watching a stranger leave her mother’s bed after breaking in through their bedroom window, Mary figured out that her family was dirt poor. Worse than her empty stomach, she was hungry for acceptance and love. She thought she found it when her baby sister was born and she became her "mommy", taking care of her needs as best she could at the age of seven. Then she had to say goodbye over a small white casket.

Mary’s grandparents, first generation immigrants from Puerto Rico, took her in and gave her a glimpse of faith and stability. For a brief, shining spell, she had a real home - until they decided that Mama needed her. They may have been right, but Mama needed more than a little girl could give and Mary lost her way again.

Just out of Juvy Hall, Mary found a knight in shining armor to take her away. She became a teenage bride to a man twice her age - a man as deeply enslaved to booze as every "step-dad" she’d had as a child. She loved him anyway, even wearing the bruises he gave her, even when she tried to leave him to give their children a better life. Despite her fear and loneliness, she never imagined it would take a gunshot in the middle of the night to teach her courage. She was even more surprised when rediscovered faith paved the path to forgiveness after so many years of pain.

Running in Heels is a memoir of the grit and grace that carried a young girl through the shadows of her mother’s choices and on through an abusive marriage. Mary A. Pérez narrates an incredible story of survival in the face of hopelessness, and learning to forgive against all odds.

A story of coming of age, and coming into grace.

Praise for the Book

"Running in Heels: A Memoir of Grit and Grace is an exercise in truth and bravery, written by Mary Perez. Running in Heels represents the triumph of the female spirit over the phantom of abuse and instability that follows those of us who are unfortunate enough not to have the benefits of an 'idyllic childhood'. This book is an inspirational exercise in human struggle and salvation. Mary Perez has opened wide the door to her life and welcomed us all in without fear of recrimination. Written in clear and precise language, this is the story of a young girl, neglected to the point of abuse - a situation that is counteracted at times by the opportune intercession of grandparents who are able to plant the seeds of love, Christianity, and self-respect within her. This seed eventually matures and helps to save her life." ~ linrich

"Wow what a book. Could not put it down. Get ready to be moved. Keep tissues handy, lol. You will not be disappointed. Great book for a book reading club. Thank you Mary for your courage to write it. May the Lord Bless you." ~ Grace Ashton

"I honestly believed Nicholas Sparks was the only author who would make me cry with his novels, made up love stories, struggles & thrillers ... but along came Running in Heels that within a few pages had tears running down my cheeks, & to think it was all true, the struggles, the love stories, the shock, circumstances, & stories all lived and experienced in real life by the author herself made it that much harder to read, yet ironically so hard to put down. I literally devoured her book." ~ Silvia Martinez

Interview With the Author

Hi Mary, thanks for joining me today to discuss your memoir, Running in Heels: A Memoir of Grit and Grace.

For what age group do you recommend your book?

I would recommend anyone from ages 18 to 80!

Why did you write this book?

My intention for writing my memoir initially was geared more toward my children. I felt they needed to know some things about their mom. The more I wrote down memories from my past, the more passion developed in wanting to inspire others.

What was the hardest part to write in this book?

There were many parts that were hard to write about. Mentioning the death of a loved one or a love lost, brought back some painful memories of that time period in my life.

How do you hope this book affects its readers?

My prayer is whoever reads Running in Heels will come to the realization that there is hope for the hopeless and forgiveness for the inexcusable.

What advice do you have for someone who would like to become a published writer?

If you have the drive to have your work published, make sure you do your homework. Read all you can about the craft of writing, become part of a group with likeminded writers and authors, and finally, pay to have your work professionally edited.

What does your family think of your writing?

All my family from abroad and afar support my writing. My husband (which is my second marriage going on 21 years) has been supportive of my writing since day one. My children and I have had open hearted discussions mingled with tears that have drawn us closer and appreciate one another even more. My mother warmed up to the idea of her daughter being an author and proudly speaks of it to her friends. She and I have had some heart-to-heart talks as well that have helped to bring closure.

Please tell us a bit about your childhood.

Looking back, I realized I was neglected and forced to grow up too fast. I was ashamed of my childhood and bitter that I was my mama's mother. I sought love and security, thinking I'd escape the poverty and neglect at home with Mama by running into the arms of an older man. I soon found myself as a teenage bride to a ruthless man twice my age. As I matured, settled down, married and had children of my own, along the way I discovered that I was a stronger person because of some things that I endured, even after my marriage ended in painful divorce.

How did your childhood experiences influence your writing?

My childhood experiences have deeply influenced my writing in every sense of the word. Running in Heels is my journey of a coming-of-age girl seeking love and security with a difficult mother.

Did you like reading when you were a child?

I lived for two blissful years with my maternal grandparents. It was there that I grew a love for reading while visiting public libraries with them.

Which writers have influenced you the most?

Writers that pull on the heartstrings along life's journeys, such as: Jan Karon, Charles Martin, Karen Kingsbury, Terri Blackstock, and Richard PaulEvans to name a few. I love the classic story of Charlotte Brontë's Jane Eyre.

Do you hear from your readers much? What kinds of things do they say?

I love hearing from my readers, especially with their reviews of my book coming in. One reader said, "You feel the heartbreak of a little girl, the turmoil of a troubled young woman, and the peace and beauty of the woman she grows into."

Thank you so much for taking the time to stop by today, Mary, and for sharing your story.

Lynda, thanks for having me as a guest today. I hope your readers will pick up a copy of Running in Heels: A Memoir of Grit and Grace, and leave feedback on Amazon. You can subscribe to my blog and follow me on Twitter and Facebook.

About the Author

Mary A. Pérez was born in the Bronx, raised in Miami, and now resides in Texas with her husband of twenty years. Her award-winning essays have appeared in La Respuesta and Sofrito for Your Soul.

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"Stanzas and Clauses for the Causes" by Brine Books Publishing

NEW RELEASE

Stanzas and Clauses for the Causes:
Brine Rights Volume 1

by Brine Books Publishing

Stanzas and Clauses for the Causes is the name of the first of many volumes for the upcoming Brine Rights anthologies. It is the delicious food for the hungry one’s mind which includes poetry, alongside some short stories, contributed by Nick Armbrister, Debra Ayis, Garry Beck, Lizz Brady, Henry Brasater, John Cassells, Paul Chapman, David Funk, Sid Gustafson, Bob McNeil, Melanie Mills, Andy N, Marc Nash, Amy Piner, Rachna Saxena, Paul Toth, and Saira Viola.

One of the partners and owners of the publishing house, Chris Brine, mentioned that he had helped to create this edition to give opportunity to bring more attention to various important issues through the use of literature and poetry. Brine Books Publishing's previous books won numerous readers' hearts and it's their hope that everybody will find a very special place on their shelves for Stanzas and Clauses for the Causes.

Much like all of Brine Books Publishing's other publications, some of the profits from Stanzas and Clauses for the Causes will go toward charities that help with human rights issues around the world.

Description

Inside is a collection of poetry and short stories that eloquently tell their own woeful tales on social and human rights issues that are important to that particular poet or author. There are numerous poems from an assortment of authors that skillfully show their own emotional connection to such problematic conditions in the world.

From poetry inspired by the troubles surrounding the imprisonment of Pussy Riot in Russia, which shows the government’s distaste of freedom of expression, to the adoption of a child forced into extreme conditions within India. There are stories and poetry for nearly everyone’s own important issue.

And of course this is only the first volume. Brine Books Publishing hopes to bring you, the readers, many more as authors provide them with more material for your thirst for new stories, new poetry, and new ways of looking at the dark places within the world around us.

Excerpt

Red Fish Blue Fish (Memory of a Gold Fish) by Dave Funk

Don't spend too much of anything on time gone past
Frequency is higher and the shorter it last
Pseudo simple partners go angry on their way
When I wouldn't hear about
The Good Ol Days

Always want to revel in
The Beloved Good Ol Days

Yes Kodachrome memories
They slip away too soon
All loved God and country
And dreamt of reaching for the moon

So Red White and Blue
That it never got lonely
Unless you were Black
In a room for whites only

So don’t look so pained
When I feel the need to say
It wasn’t all that great
In the Good Ol Days

Well a Man was a Man
In his castle he was King
He paid up all the bills
and drove a car with chrome and wings

And every women was a princess
fulfilling her three wishes
of a Maytag and a Speedqueen
And perfect spot free dishes

Isn't that just dreamy?
Is that what she would say?
In your picture perfect version
of the Good Ol Days

Does patriotic pride well up when you say
Oh say can you see
What was the Good ol Days

When gay wasn't safe
and gay wasn't pride
and the only gay right
was shame and suicide

The cities were all safe
from illegal immigration
But the only Natives here
were put on reservations

In the Good Ol Days
You better work for your wealth
Cause if you can't afford it
You don't deserve good health!

So welcome to my memories
is what I hope to say
When we close our eyes
On these, Our Good Ol Days.

Review

By Cassandra

Writing poetry isn't easy and, using the poetic form to testify to the social injustices of the world from rape to child hood poverty in Vegas, is a daring and bold accomplishment. Gathering voices from around the world, Brine Books has included powerful work from writers as diverse as Chapman, Viola and Toth. It is an eclectic mix of writers who each have a compelling story to tell. [...] A truly worthwhile collection featuring unique and upcoming writers of all genres.

From the Publisher

We are an activist publishing company that is established as a partnership by a husband and wife in Ontario, Canada. The mission of this business is to bring awareness for serious human rights issues around the world, all while raising funds for non-profits and charities whose purpose is to better the world.

Our main purpose as a company is to find ways to better the world through the use of literature and poetry. We feel that if we fail in this mission then we fail as a business, so we will not give up on our goal. The release of our books and the profits that we raise are meant for this very purpose.

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