City Life Reader

Monday, September 5, 2016

Maggie Blog Tour #Giveaway

Have you ever wondered what it would be like to share your home with an unearthly spirit who can’t find closure? Living on the edge of a cemetery with souls dating back to the 1700s would be enough to spook anyone, but Naomi finds it oddly romantic, and becomes inspired to write her next novel. Why not, when her muse, Maggie, calls to her from beyond her own window?   

After all, the story couldn't possibly be as complicated as Naomi's own love life. Torn between Ryan, the mysterious and seemingly perfect man she just started dating, and Bryce, the sexy single dad who recently moved in next door, Naomi must navigate the tangled web of dating—all while trying to solve the mystery of Maggie's death.

When things turn dangerous, Naomi quickly learns whom she can trust and, more importantly, whom she can’t. Will she be able to write Maggie’s story and finally give Maggie the peace she deserves?

Buy links

Author Bio

Mya O’Malley was born and raised in the suburbs of New York City, where she currently lives with her husband, daughter and three step-daughters. The family also consists of a boxer, Destiny, and a ragdoll cat named Colby. Mya earned an undergraduate degree in special education and a graduate degree in reading and literacy. She works as a special education teacher and enjoys making a difference in the lives of her students.

Mya’s passion is writing; she has been creating stories and poetry since she was a child. Mya spends her free time reading just about anything she can get her hands on. She is a romantic at heart and loves to create stories with unforgettable characters. Mya likes to travel; she has visited several Caribbean Islands, Mexico and Costa Rica. Mya is currently working on her ninth novel.

Social Media

Character Interview for Naomi

DDB- Hi Naomi. It’s a pleasure having you with us today. Let’s get started. Can I just say that you’ve had a very busy time lately! Tell us about it.

Naomi- Hi there. Thanks for having me here. Yes, I guess you could say I’ve been pretty busy. I don’t want to give anything from the story away, but let’s just say that I have recently finished writing the most amazing story AND I helped some amazing people get the justice they deserved.

DDB- So you’re a writer?

Naomi- Yes, and this particular story will stay with me forever. The past several months have been frightening, heartbreaking and beautiful, if you can imagine that. Maggie’s spirit came to me, begging me to help solve a cold case and give her peace and closure. How could I resist? Maggie is a beautiful but tortured soul. I simply had no choice but to help and I couldn’t stop until I gave Maggie the justice she deserved.

DDB- Sounds fascinating. I’ve heard that you met someone recently and fell in love. Is that true?

Naomi- Oh, that’s true. I met someone very special but it took me a while to figure things out. Let’s just say I was confused about the men in my life for a while.

DDB- Oh, come on. Who is it? Don’t leave us hanging like that!

Naomi- Sorry, if you want to find out, you’ll just have to read the story.

DDB- Wow- you have been busy! Dealing with ghosts, a love triangle and helping to solve a cold case?

Naomi- Well, yes.

DDB- I hope you have a chance to relax now that your book is written and all.

Naomi- Oh, I don’t think so. I’m starting to find out when you live on the edge of a cemetery, there’s not much chance for relaxing.

DDB- Wait- are you saying there’s more to the story?

Naomi- Let’s just say there might be a little bit more I have to add to my story now.

DDB- Are you saying that you’re working on a sequel to Maggie?

Naomi- (winks)

DDB- I can’t wait to hear more about that. For now, try to take some time to relax and enjoy that new boyfriend. It’s been wonderful having you here.

Naomi- I’ll try. (laughs) Thanks again for having me.

Playlist

Jar of Hearts – Christina Perri

A Thousand Years- Christina Perri

To Make You Feel my Love- Garth Brooks

The Air that I Breathe- The Hollies

Fire and Rain- James Taylor

Your Wildest Dreams – The Moody Blues

Someone Like You- Van Morrison

Street of Dreams- Rainbow

Against All Odds

10. If – Bread

xcerpt/Spoltligh

EXCERPT #1

“He scooped her up and placed her on top of the large rock. Following suit, he climbed up the slight incline and joined Maggie. Kissing her again, he cupped her head in his hands. Moments later, his hands smoothed over her body.

Maggie stiffened, pulling away. He sat back, eyes wide. “What is it, Maggie? What the hell is the problem now?”

“I’m just not ready.”

Placing his head in his hands, he sighed dramatically. “You’re not ready.” His laugh was sharp.

“Why not? Didn’t I just tell you I love you?” His tone rose in agitation.

Was that why he had declared his love for her? Her face must have given away her thoughts.

“Are you kidding me? You think that’s why I shared my feelings with you?” He stood and paced on the boulder. “Let’s go. Time to go.”

What had just happened here? How had everything deteriorated in a matter of mere minutes? And how much of it was her fault?

“No. Don’t. Sit down. Please.” Her eyes looked up at his height, pleading for him to stay.

“I don’t get you, Maggie. I have to be honest here with you. You’re kind of driving me crazy. Pushing my limits, you know?” His face flushed red as he paced.

How was she pushing him? “Sit, please just come back and sit beside me.” Maggie patted the spot beside her, her lip trembling. She didn’t know why he was so upset, only that she wanted things to return to how they were prior to this walk by the river.

“Fine.” He plopped himself beside her, leaving at least a foot between them.

Maggie reached over for him, taking his hand in hers. He didn’t

move closer but didn’t pull away either.

“Maggie. You’re killing me. I love you. I freaking love you, and I feel you not returning my feelings.”

“I…”

“Let me finish. I open up to you, try to show you how much I love you and I’m met with a slam of the door.” His hands moved dramatically. Maggie leaned back so that he wouldn’t swipe her as he spoke.

“No response from you, telling me that you love me back, and now I can’t even show you how I feel.” He was upon her, grabbing her face, his eyes intense.

It was true. She hadn’t said she loved him back. She hadn’t been ready. What she definitely wasn’t ready for was showing him. The words slipped out of her mouth before she could think. “I love you, too.”

Tears sprang from his eyes as he kissed her face over and over. “Oh Maggie, you have no idea how happy you have made me.”

Maggie’s shoulders slumped. Uneasiness washed through her. It was almost as if she had been bullied into saying the words. Then again, she had always had the tendency to overanalyze her thoughts and actions.

Maggie bit her lip and kissed him.

EXCERPT- #2

Sky high cliffs, the serene Hudson River, and blue skies surrounded them. Seagulls screeched overhead as they made their way up the wide, winding path. Maggie jumped out of the way as a cyclist whizzed past.

“Oh!”

He grabbed her waist, holding her tight. “You need to watch out for those guys. They can be relentless around here.”

Didn’t she know it. The local roads were dominated by the cyclists in the warm weather. More than once in the past few weeks, Maggie had to pull over to the side of the road to allow them to pass.

“This is nice.” Maggie followed the sound of the gulls’ cries overhead. Not a cloud in the sky.

“It is, but then again, anything would be nice with you by my side.”

“Thanks.” She snuggled her head against his shoulder for a moment as they walked hand in hand further up the path.

Walking in a companionable silence, Maggie was happy. This was nice, being here with him.

“Would you look at that?” He pointed up toward the edge of the cliff. Maggie could just about make out the tiny figures of two people. She swayed slightly. They had to be nuts to get that close to the edge. They had to be nuts period.

“Yeah, well if you ask me, they’re crazy.”

“Crazy? How do you figure?” His eyes bore into hers.

“Going way up there? They must have a death wish.” Maggie nearly shivered even though the temperature was mild.

He stopped her, placing his hands on her shoulders. “You’re afraid of heights?”

“No, don’t be ridiculous.”

“You are, aren’t you?” His eyes lit up.

“If I’m not mistaken, it seems as if you’re deriving some kind of sick pleasure from this,” Maggie mumbled, head down.

“No, honey. No.” He wrapped his arms around her as more cyclists scurried by. “I didn’t mean to react that way. It’s just that in my eyes you’re perfect. I didn’t imagine you’d have a fear in the world.”

If only he knew. She had plenty of fears, but Maggie figured most people did.

“Really? That’s nice of you to say. Untrue, but nice.”

“Come on. Say, what’s your greatest fear? Top fear of all time?”

Strange turn in conversation. “Where are you going with this line of questioning?”

He blew out a hearty chuckle. “Come on, it’s all in good fun. I’m just trying to get to know you.”

“Okay. Heights. My top fear is heights.” She wished to change the subject but wondered what his own fears were now that the topic was on the table.

Maggie

Sunday, August 14, 2016

Rose Delacroix and the Lost Eye of the Serpent

I know this sounds crazy when I say it, but I think my sister Rose really is Sherlock Holmes. How else can I credit what she achieved, during that long, strange summer of 1893? And when she was still only a girl of fifteen, no less? I mean, who ever heard of a girl of fifteen being a Detective?

The trouble started quickly. My family and I were minding our own business (that business being the opening of our hotel, the Delacroix), when the Emerald Serpent jewels showed up. They had come all the way from China, but they weren’t in our hotel safe for even twenty-four hours before somebody stole them. What’s worse, the blame for their theft fell right on my brother Bill, who was minding the hotel front desk when the jewels disappeared. Pretty soon, it seemed as though the whole town of Hope Springs was out to get him. Our hotel business fell right off, what with everybody in the area believing that the Delacroix family was a bunch of thieves. Dad was afraid we might even have to sell off our hotel.

Interview Questions with Jeremy Phillips

Why do you write?
I write because I enjoy it, and I feel compelled to express my ideas in written form. I have always been a big reader, and I enjoy exploring the idea of writing, creating stories that I would find myself reading if I were the one doing the reading.

Do you work from an outline or plot or do you prefer to just see where an idea takes you? I always create an outline for how I want the story to go, but then when I am writing the story, it always organically changes from that outline into something else, hopefully something better. I think that if I found myself writing something that didn’t change somewhat and offer itself up to alteration as I am writing it, then I would know that I’m just going through the motions. That would probably be time for me to stop writing that story, at least for the day. Perhaps forever. Some stories just don’t make it, they are dead on arrival, and it’s important for me to be honest with myself when that happens and try something else instead.

What was the hardest thing about writing your latest book? The hardest thing about my new book, and perhaps the most fun thing, was doing some good research on the historical period in which it is set. The story is set in 1893, so we’re talking post-Old West stuff. It’s not the chaotic Gunslinger West, but it also isn’t the modern America, either. So that’s an interesting time to write about, as there would have been elements of both, Old West and Modern, present in such a time and place. And often, those two elements would not get along nicely.

How did you develop the idea for ‘The Rose Delacroix Files Book One: The Lost Eye of the Serpent’?

To be honest, I originally wrote the story with the idea in mind that the kid detectives in the story would be younger than they ended up being. But as I started to write the story, I realized that if Rose and Jon were actually fifteen years old, then they would be on the cusp of adulthood. People grew up fast in those long-ago days, and these kids would be expected to be nearly adults at that age. With the two protagonists as near-adults, the story ends up being much richer and more interesting. Rose would be expected to be looking around for a suitor to marry and start a family with, either that year or in her very near future. This is an expectation that Rose rejects soundly, as she has a much more modern view of what a woman can be and can do. She ends up rejecting a lot of expectations of her time, and for the reader, that will give them a window into her world, too.

What is your main character like?

My main character is Rose Delacroix, who is a young woman of fifteen, who stubbornly believes that women can do the same things that men can do, if they feel like it. In her case, that involves wanting to become a detective like her hero, Sherlock Holmes. As the story develops, especially throughout the other books in the series, she will grow into becoming something larger than that; but at first her intention is to become like Sherlock Holmes. The story is told through the eyes of her brother Jon, who is her twin brother, and who takes an almost Watson-like role in Rose’s story, to Rose’s Sherlock Holmes.

About the Author

Jeremy Phillips has lived and worked in Spokane, Washington for most of his life. When he isn’t writing or keeping busy being a father and husband, he works as a Respiratory Therapist at several different hospitals. He lives in Spokane with his wife, children, dogs, and bonsai trees. This is his second novel.

Author links:

Facebook:
www.facebook.com/Jeremy.Phillips.Author

Twitter:
www.Twitter.com/Jphillips2323

Rose Delacroix and the Lost Eye of the Serpent

But then Rose stepped in. Rose was interested in the Sherlock Holmes stories, and more than anything she wanted to be a detective when she grew up. Before I even had time to think about it, Rose and I were both trying to find the person who had really stolen the jewels. It was the right thing for us to be doing, but I knew we’d have to get it done quick. Poor Bill was already locked up in the town jail, and I had a bad feeling that if he wasn’t freed soon, some town hothead was going to do something a lot worse than wait for him to go to trial…

Buy Links
Paperback
Kindle

Interview Questions with Jeremy Phillips

Why do you write?
I write because I enjoy it, and I feel compelled to express my ideas in written form. I have always been a big reader, and I enjoy exploring the idea of writing, creating stories that I would find myself reading if I were the one doing the reading.

Do you work from an outline or plot or do you prefer to just see where an idea takes you? I always create an outline for how I want the story to go, but then when I am writing the story, it always organically changes from that outline into something else, hopefully something better. I think that if I found myself writing something that didn’t change somewhat and offer itself up to alteration as I am writing it, then I would know that I’m just going through the motions. That would probably be time for me to stop writing that story, at least for the day. Perhaps forever. Some stories just don’t make it, they are dead on arrival, and it’s important for me to be honest with myself when that happens and try something else instead.

What was the hardest thing about writing your latest book? The hardest thing about my new book, and perhaps the most fun thing, was doing some good research on the historical period in which it is set. The story is set in 1893, so we’re talking post-Old West stuff. It’s not the chaotic Gunslinger West, but it also isn’t the modern America, either. So that’s an interesting time to write about, as there would have been elements of both, Old West and Modern, present in such a time and place. And often, those two elements would not get along nicely.

How did you develop the idea for ‘The Rose Delacroix Files Book One: The Lost Eye of the Serpent’?

To be honest, I originally wrote the story with the idea in mind that the kid detectives in the story would be younger than they ended up being. But as I started to write the story, I realized that if Rose and Jon were actually fifteen years old, then they would be on the cusp of adulthood. People grew up fast in those long-ago days, and these kids would be expected to be nearly adults at that age. With the two protagonists as near-adults, the story ends up being much richer and more interesting. Rose would be expected to be looking around for a suitor to marry and start a family with, either that year or in her very near future. This is an expectation that Rose rejects soundly, as she has a much more modern view of what a woman can be and can do. She ends up rejecting a lot of expectations of her time, and for the reader, that will give them a window into her world, too.

What is your main character like?

My main character is Rose Delacroix, who is a young woman of fifteen, who stubbornly believes that women can do the same things that men can do, if they feel like it. In her case, that involves wanting to become a detective like her hero, Sherlock Holmes. As the story develops, especially throughout the other books in the series, she will grow into becoming something larger than that; but at first her intention is to become like Sherlock Holmes. The story is told through the eyes of her brother Jon, who is her twin brother, and who takes an almost Watson-like role in Rose’s story, to Rose’s Sherlock Holmes.

Rose Delacroix and the Lost Eye of the Serpent

Wednesday, April 27, 2016

Blog Tour for Young Knights of the Round Table: The King’s Ransom

BOOK INFORMATION

TITLE – Young Knights of the Round Table: The King’s Ransom

AUTHOR – Cheryl Carpinello

GENRE – Middle Grade Arthurian Legend

PUBLICATION DATE –2016/2012

LENGTH (Pages/# Words) – 120 Pages

PUBLISHER – Beyond Today Educator

COVER ARTIST – Kaytalin Platt

Book Information:

Book Blurb

Three friends. Three quests. Three mysterious predictions.

In medieval Wales, eleven-year-old Prince Gavin, thirteen-year-old orphan Philip, and fifteen-year-old blacksmith's apprentice Bryan are brought together in friendship by one they call the Wild Man. When an advisor to the king is killed and a jewelled medallion is stolen from the king's treasury, the Wild Man is accused of the theft and murder. Filled with disbelief at the arrest of the Wild Man, the three friends embark upon a knight's quest to save their friend's life. To succeed, the three must confront their fears and insecurities, and one of them will have to disclose the biggest secret of all. Join Gavin, Philip, and Bryan on their quest and share the adventures that await them in the land of King Arthur and his Knights of the Round Table.

Formats: All eBooks formats and paperback

Book Links

Amazon Kindle US

Amazon Kindle CA

Amazon Kindle UK

Amazon Paperback

Barnes & Noble Paperback

Goodreads

Author Information

AUTHOR BIO

I am a retired high school English teacher. A devourer of books growing up, my profession introduced me to writings and authors from times long past. Through my studies and teaching, I fell in love with the Ancient and Medieval Worlds. Now, I hope to inspire young readers and those young-at-heart to read more through my Quest Books set in these worlds.

Also please visit my other sites: Carpinello’s Writing Pages where I interview Childrens/Tween/MG/YA authors; and The Quest Books where I’ve teamed up with Fiona Ingram from South Africa and Wendy Leighton-Porter of Abu Dhabi to enable readers to find our Ancient and Medieval quest books in one place.

AUTHOR FOLLOW LINKS

Amazon Author Page

Website – Beyond Today Educato and The Quest Books

Carpinello's Writing Pages (Blog)
Facebook

Twitter

Google+

Pinterest
Goodreads
LinkedIn

Freado

Excerpts from Young Knights of the Round Table:

The King’s Ransom

by Cheryl Carpinello

Though he tried to keep track of the turns Gavin made, Philip became lost as they went

down a set of stairs to the right and then took another staircase up and turned left. They seemed to be walking in circles.

Gavin stopped in front of a tapestry whose bright colors had long ago faded. Still visible,

however, was the scene depicting a royal stag. Philip recognized the stag, its proud head held high, its regal stance, and its color...white.

Even he had heard of the white stag. The tales told of kings whose hunts for the animal had destroyed their kingdoms. It was said only the one true king of all Britain would succeed in capturing the white stag. And, if the king released the stag, his kingdom would stand forever, his descendants ruling until none were left. There was talk among the villagers that King Arthur had done just that, and he was the true king of all Britain.

Gavin’s hand on his arm pulled Philip back from his musings. Gavin raised a corner of the tapestry and disappeared behind it. Philip followed, trembling as he touched the cloth of legend.

#2

“Won’t you be missed?” Bryan asked. “You won’t be back before dark.”

Gavin shook his head. “Not tomorrow. The king still has a castle to run, my brothers will be out with the knights, and my mother will be busy with the funeral for Aldred.”

The look of concern in his friends’ faces forced him to go on. “I’ll be all right,” he said,

trying to reassure them. “We swore the Knight’s Oath to save the Wild Man. We have no choice. I have no choice. This is my test to see if I can be a true prince of Pembroke.” He paused and then added softly, “I have to do this.”

“We know,” Philip said.

“Be careful. Don’t get caught tomorrow,” Bryan warned.

They shook hands, and Gavin watched his friends go their separate ways. Once alone, doubt edged into his thoughts. The memories of his nightmares made him tremble. He shook off the fear and then stood and stared at the castle, afraid he might not see it again.

“I wonder if this is how a knight feels on the eve of battle?” he said. “You can do this,
Gavin,” he continued. “You are a Pembroke Prince, and the Wild Man’s life hangs on your courage.”

Tuesday, April 26, 2016

Review: Young Knights of the Round Table: The King's Ransom

In medieval Wales, eleven-year-old Prince Gavin, thirteen-year-old orphan Philip, and fifteen-year-old blacksmith's apprentice Bryan are brought together in friendship by one they call the Wild Man. When an advisor to the king is killed and a jewelled medallion is stolen from the king’s treasury, the Wild Man is accused of the theft and murder.

Filled with disbelief at the arrest of the Wild Man, the three friends embark upon a knight’s quest to save their friend’s life. To succeed, the three must confront their fears and insecurities, and one of them will have to disclose the biggest secret of all.

Join Gavin, Philip, and Bryan on their quest and share the adventures that await them in the land of King Arthur and his Knights of the Round Table.

_______________________________________________

Review

This is a great read. I believe that children and pert-teens would enjoy this story. There is a lot of action, magic and mystery. Knights and magic are two of my favorite things to read about so this is an amazing read for people who are a fan of that. Cheryl Carpinello writing is wonderful. It follows well. The characters are strong. Over all a great read!

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