Showing posts with label marriage. Show all posts
Showing posts with label marriage. Show all posts

Tuesday, January 20, 2015

"Jeremy's Promise" by A. R. Talley

EXCERPT and GIVEAWAY
Jeremy's Promise
(David's Song Trilogy Book 2)
by A. R. Talley


Jeremy's Promise is the second book in A. R. Talley's trilogy. Also available: David's Song and Annie's Choice.



This book blast and giveaway is brought to you by I Am A Reader, Not A Writer.



Description
The trip that was meant to save Annie and Jeremy’s marriage brought it to near ruin. Now Annie has returned home, frightened and confused. Jeremy, too, is frightened - and angry. What will it take to save their marriage?
It’s clear. Jeremy needs to forgive - Annie needs to forget.
A promise is made. A tragedy occurs. A second honeymoon is disrupted. A chance encounter brings David Andrews back into Annie’s life.
Annie is determined to remain faithful. She’s made a promise she intends to keep - Jeremy’s Promise.


Excerpt
"Are you okay?" he asked. Before I could reassure him once more that I was fine, the stewardess started the safety demonstration. I directed my attention to her, happy for the diversion. Jeremy and I had spent most of the day before in small talk and sightseeing, intentionally avoiding the issues we faced. He was so relieved that I was staying with him that he made a Herculean effort not to upset me. And later, I had to admit, that night had been sweet and intimate. But sitting on the plane, I couldn't forget David's kiss or his haunting blue eyes. I couldn't forget the look of devastation on his face when he said goodbye at the elevator.
"Go home, Annie," he had said. And I was. I was going home, hoping that Jeremy and I could rebuild what I had destroyed.
I needed to reach out to Jeremy, reassure him. I needed him to know I still loved him and was committed to our marriage. When the stewardess finished talking, I turned to him and gently laid my hand on his cheek.
"Thank you," I said just above a whisper. He looked back in surprise.
"Thank you ... for what?"
"For coming to get me."
Instantly his eyes filled with tears.

Praise for the Book
"A. R. Talley gives you a believable look at the struggle of one couple to reconnect and heal their marriage, with dialog which sweeps you into the moment as if you were there with them, experiencing both their pain and recovery. Kudos to the author who has once again produced a book I couldn’t put down, as well as one I felt compelled to read multiple times." ~ Donna Dech
"Jeremy’s Promise, second book in a trilogy by A. R. Talley, is an awesome, emotional, romantic, highly recommended, well written story with captivating and engaging characters." ~ Debbie Ballard
"This is not a book I would have picked by myself! I loved it from start to finish! Eagerly waiting for the third book in the trilogy to come out!! I highly recommend this book!" ~ Goodreads reviewer

About the Author
A. R. Talley lives in Ohio with her husband Doug and the last of her seven children (the rest have flown the coop.) She loves to cook, read, write, watch movies, play piano, and laugh. Her second favorite vacation involves the British Isles and a small café in Scotland.






Giveaway
Enter the blast-wide giveaway for a chance to win a $50 Amazon gift card or PayPal cash.

Links



Saturday, May 10, 2014

"Marriage Isn't For You" by Seth Adam Smith

NEW RELEASE and GIVEAWAY
Marriage Isn't For You:
It's For the One You Love
by Seth Adam Smith


In 2013, Seth Adam Smith wrote a blog post titled "Marriage Isn't for You". Now you can get the book! Seth states: "My first book is officially published! Marriage Isn't For You is now available as a beautiful gift book! It’s the perfect gift for Mother’s Day, a recent engagement, anniversaries, birthdays, weddings, or just about any special occasion for the one you love. The book is based on my viral article that was read by more than 30 million people and translated into almost twenty languages. This gift book version of the article has been published through Shadow Mountain Publishers and is filled with gorgeous pictures and has a stunning design."
This book blast and giveaway is brought to you by I Am a Reader, Not a Writer.


Description
What is the best wedding advice you ever received?
For author Seth Adam Smith, it was the advice from his father who said, "Marriage is not for you. It is about the person you marry." These few words completely changed the way Seth looked at his relationship with his wife-to-be. Because at that moment he realized that an expression of love is not about the person expressing it. Rather, it is about the person they choose to be with. It is about making the person you marry feel loved.
Seth’s blog post on the subject was viewed by more than twenty-seven million people, and he has been featured on several national TV programs including The Today Show. Now released as a hardcover book, these sage words make the perfect gift for newly married couples, those who have been around the block a few times, or anyone who wants to learn how to make their relationships stronger.


The Book in the News



Praise for the Book
"This is raw, this is real…it reflects what a lot of couples experience… it pulls you in." ~ TODAY Show
"…a tender, honest story." ~ TODAY.com
"…overwhelmingly heartfelt and touching admission." ~ ABC NEWS
"This story has become a viral sensation!" ~ The NY Daily News
"The Internet is loaded with marriage advice, but rarely does one single tidbit resonate strongly with so many people." ~ Yahoo Lifestyle



About the Author
Seth Adam Smith was born in Anchorage, Alaska. Since 2004, he has produced videos and articles for businesses, nonprofit organizations, youth groups, artists, and political causes. He is the editor-in-chief of Forward Walking. He and his wife, Kim, live in Florida.







Giveaway
Enter the blast-wide giveaway for a chance to win a $50 Amazon gift card or PayPal cash.

Links



Saturday, February 22, 2014

"And I Trusted You" by Jamela

ON SALE for $0.99
And I Trusted You
by Jamela


The short story collection And I Trusted You is only one of the books by Jamela (also known as Ms. J) which are now ON SALE for only $0.99. You can also read my interview with the author below.


Description
It takes a strong woman to survive, no matter what the trial. Remember, it’s temporary.
Denise married her high school sweetheart, but things have changed over the years. Or have they?
Leslie is committed to her family, but other people have their own ideas about her life. Wonder what they have planned?
Samantha has tried everything, now there is nothing left to do but let him know how she feels. Who will walk away?
Adrienne wants this man so bad she can taste it and she knows he wants her, too. She finally gets him, but can she keep him?
Jessica has always been self sufficient, but did she put her trust in the wrong man?
Tasha loved her job and her boss loved her. How will she handle things with him and at home?
We can survive anything, from betrayal to violence as long as we are strong. Find your strength in one of these stories?

Excerpt (from "Because I Love You")
Denise was surprised when she felt Damon’s right hand slam into the side of her face. He had never done anything like this, because he knew better. Maybe he was just having a bad day. She covered the right side of her face holding her head down as she listened to him ranting and raving about nothing, once again.
“Don’t you ever make me choose between you and my career! I’ve told you time and time again what my career plans are. You don’t have any right to interfere with them. Do you know how long I’ve been working to get here?” Denise nodded her head slowly. She had never seen him this upset about anything.
“Apparently you don’t. I’m not gonna have this conversation with you again. And to think, you’re raising my children.” He mumbled. “You are so stupid. Please, Lord, don’t let my children grow up to be like her!” Damon said as he strode into the bathroom and slammed the door shut. She hoped that he would take his medicine and then go to sleep. It was getting more and more difficult to live with him and no one else knew what she was going through.

Review
I'm really not into short stories but boy this was definitely a great read. I enjoyed them all! Someone out there can at least relate to one of these stories if not more. Yes, I would recommend to a friend.

Interview With the Author
Hi Jamela, thanks for joining me today to discuss your book, And I Trusted You.
Which writers have influenced you the most?
What age group do you recommend your book for? 20-99.
What sparked the idea for this book?
Questions on how I've stayed married for so long.
Which comes first? The character's story or the idea for the novel?
The idea.
What was the hardest part to write in this book?
The first story which deals with domestic violence, it was inspired by some close to me.
How do you hope this book affects its readers?
I hope they realize that every relationship will have it problems, but if it is meant to be and both parties are willing to work at it, then it can last. It’s a testament to survival.
How long did it take you to write this book?
A few months.
What is your writing routine?
Now I write ever chance I get, I’m busier than ever with my education, my family and authors. Therefore I have to schedule time to write, which is why I have strict office hours to allow for this.
How did you get your book published?
I have a business partner and she published it for me.
What advice do you have for someone who would like to become a published writer?
Research. There are ways that it can be done for free, if you want to hurry and get your book out. You can also do it independently, as I did. For those looking to publish with one of the big companies, get an agent.
What do you like to do when you're not writing?
Read, play with my grandson, sing and cooking relaxes me.
What does your family think of your writing?
They say they are proud of me and they were the ones to encourage me to publish my writing.
Please tell us a bit about your childhood.
I was born in Baltimore, but was raised in South Carolina during the 70’s. I’m the oldest of six children born to a single mother who taught us to be good citizens and love God.
Did you enjoy school?
I loved school. I still do.
Did you like reading when you were a child?
Yes. I read all the time. My mother would fuss at me for trying to read in the dark with only a little light from the street.
When did you first realize you wanted to be a writer?
When I was ten years old. That’s when I started writing.
Did your childhood experiences influence your writing?
Yes and I believe that is the reason I like short stories.
Do you hear from your readers much? What kinds of things do they say?
I do hear from my readers. They have said that they love my style and appreciate that it is not full of sex and profanity. They have commented on how I am able to put the reader directly in the middle of the story. Often they ask for second parts to something I’ve written.
That's great! What can we look forward to from you in the future?
In early 2014 a fiction novella, Kidnapped In Love, is coming.
March 2014 The Journey: Domestic Violence is coming. This is a co-ed anthology of men and women with true stories or poems directly related to domestic violence. The is the secon Journey book which was started by Aija M. Butler, my business partner, as a part of her recovery series.
Mid 2014 Jamela’s Flash Fiction and Short Stories volume will be published.
Revenge is coming in the fall of 2014.
That is all I am aware of at the moment. However, I generally release at least 1-2 flash fiction pieces a month, as well as a short story or two. All of these are under Ms. J.
Next year, No Swerving, the sequel to Stay In Your Lane published by our company, will be out during the late spring or early summer.
Sounds like you'll be busy! Thank you for taking the time to stop by today, Jamela. Best of luck with your future projects.

About the Author
Jamela, who also writes under the names Ms. J and L. J. Thomas, has been writing for 30 years. She currently resides in Atlanta, Georgia, with her musician/videographer husband, who calls her a "lover of words". She reads almost anything and writes mainly fiction. She dabbles in poetry, prose, and other nonfiction works. She has been published in regional magazines and newsletters.
Jamela has several collections of short stories, which include And I Trusted You, What Is This World Coming To?, and The Run Trilogy. She also has a few standalone short stories and flash fiction pieces: Quickie, Cruel Intentions, Your Love, and Family Gathering. She is the co-author of the Trill Blood series.
She enjoys, reading, singing and obviously, writing. Jamela believes everything good will take hard work and is worth having, especially if it benefits others.

Links