GENRE: Memoir
 
~~~~~~~~~~~~~
​BLURB:
 
Shortly after I was born, my family left Vietnam’s strict Communist regime by escaping on a tiny fishing boat in the middle of the night.
 
Luckily, Canada accepted us as refugees and we were excited for a new beginning. However, any hopes of a brighter future vanished before an abusive alcoholic father who’s repeated physical violence against my mom left me screaming for any stability. Sexual, physical and emotional abuse clouded my childhood years leaving me so damaged that it changed who I was meant to grow up to be.
 
In my early twenties, I bought a house and converted it into a full blown marijuana grow op.
 
Soon after, I entered into the world of elite call girls and became one of the most sought after girls in my agency. By my late twenties, I was on top of the world and the proud owner of a multi-million-dollar luxury day spa.
 
Just when I thought I had it all, I made the ultimate mistake that ended in me losing everything and hitting rock bottom.
 
I was spiritually broken and in desperate need of healing. I had no choice but to reconcile with my past. This decision brought me down a miraculous journey that opened me up to consciousness and enabled me to exist in the space I do today; that of uninhibited peace.
 
The Last 10 Pounds: One Woman’s Journey to Love (by shedding Fear, Anger, Hatred…and Everything In-Between) is my personal journey and a testament that it is possible to heal and transform. To be the person you were born to be.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Excerpt One:
 
“Uncle Quinn… please stop. Please stop Uncle Quinn! Stop it you’re hurting me!” I wailed loudly.
 
“Shhh… I’m just playing with you,” he replied with a sly look on his face, as he continued to grope me with both hands.
 
This had happened many times before, the constant touching and fondling of my private parts every time Uncle Quinn saw me. See the thing is, I didn’t make it easy for him because of my feisty nature. Usually I would be able to run away before he could really get a hold of me and on the times that I couldn’t get away, his inappropriateness would only last a few minutes until I would squirm so hard that he would finally release me from his grasp.
 
But today was different and I felt it immediately. His huge hand pinned down both my tiny wrists and with his other hand he proceeded to maliciously rip off my summer jumpsuit. His weight crushed my petite frame to the floor so much so that I couldn’t move. No matter how hard I tried, I couldn’t create enough wiggle space to escape his 6’2 lanky stature. With his free hand he pushed his fingers inside me with such ferocity that a loud scream escaped my mouth before I could even discern what was happening. 

AUTHOR Bio and Links:
 
Lina Sage is a writer, speaker, producer and entrepreneur. She is the creator and founder of Chic Spirituality; a movement whose philosophy is to live your life with heightened awareness by surrounding yourself with things you deem beautiful. Lina believes balance of mind, body and soul, is the key to unlocking all things beautiful. Therefore, she enjoys physical activity to maintain a strong body and meditation to calm the mind. But she especially cherishes time spent with her beloved husband and dog because they are what brings her soul the greatest joy. Lina also likes to surround herself with great food and exotic travels around the world.
 
Social Media Links:
 
website: www.linasage.com
facebook: www.facebook.com/chicsage
instagram: www.instagram.com/chicsage/?hl=en
​

GENRE: Contemporary Romance
 
~~~~~~~~~~~~~
 
BLURB:
 
Why has no place in what the heart knows for sure.

On the eve of their wedding Victoria Gliden and fiancé Owen Walker call it quits. He accuses her of not being able to get over her deadbeat father’s vanishing act when she was a child and she and her cold feet run and don’t look back.

An interior designer, Victoria, has an important meeting on Cancun that could garner her a promotion and the plan was to incorporate her presentation with the honeymoon cruise that’s journeying to the island. Since she’s sure Owen is on his way to Portland to escape the aftermath of their ruined wedding, Victoria takes the honeymoon cruise anyway. Only Owen has the same idea and they’re stuck with each other for six days, five nights.

Tony Gliden, Victoria’s father, dies in a freak accident and is sent back to earth disguised as a crotchety old man with the mission to convince his daughter to believe in love. So, he, too boards the ship.

At sea, destiny takes a detour when Victoria befriends the quirky old man with kind eyes and together they join forces with a quartet of unabashed women in their fifties who drink pink martinis and flirt with the wait staff but are wiser than they look. While trying to dodge Owen, Victoria’s new acquaintances help her face old wounds and confront new fears.

Most of all, Victoria and Owen both realize it all boils down to one word—why?

By journey’s end will two broken hearts get their answer?
 
~~~~~~~~~~~~~
 Excerpt One:
 
Words spilled from Owen’s lips before he had the chance to think. “I don’t know, Vic, maybe on some level I was meant to be here on this ship.”
 
She didn’t respond, kept her tooth locked down on that lip. But, her eyes were windows to some distant place he longed for. So, he and his glass of vodka let more words tumble free. “Sometimes I still can’t believe you really did this.” He gulped his drink in an effort to shut himself up, but it was fuel to his fire. “That you did this to us.”
 
“Don’t.” Victoria grabbed the fancy clutch that she’d squeezed into a misshapen blob of sparkly fabric.
 
“You know what?” He couldn’t stop and suddenly he didn’t want to. “It’s just too bad you’re so ridiculously afraid of veering off that rigid path you’ve carved out for yourself. That’s got to be a tough trek, Victoria. You must be exhausted.”
 
She stood up from the bar stool, chin held high, eyes swimming.
 
“You’re leaving.” It wasn’t a question. Owen knew the answer too well.
 
“Um, yes, I uh, promised my friends that I’d meet them.”
 
“Well, I guess I’ll see you back at the suite then, huh?” Pent-up energy raced around in him banishing every urge he had to stroke her hair, pull her to him, make them right again. His tone was caustic and it felt good and lousy both.
 
For each millisecond that he held her gaze, Victoria squirmed, her hands wringing that now pretty ugly evening bag, that tooth all but drawing blood as it pressed the pink flesh of her lower lip. She broke the stare and darted away as though she were being chased.
 
Owen’s heart squeezed like a fist had wrapped itself around the muscle. A tear pricked his eye. Victoria could run all she wanted, but for the first time in almost two days something finally made sense. She loves me.

 
AUTHOR Bio and Links:
 
Born to a feisty Italian mother and a gentle blue-eyed Irishman, I was given the name “Marykate,” inspired by Maureen O’Hara’s character in the movie, The Quiet Man, an old-time favorite love story that co-starred John Wayne. With a grandmother Catherine and an Aunt Mary the name was an obvious choice.
    
I've been writing stories all my life. There's an old Macy’s box in my attic filled with my writings from childhood, now smudgy-looking pages produced on my portable Olivetti Underwood typewriter, an eighth-grade gift from my Grandmother Catherine.
    
I am a recent First Place winner of a short story contest sponsored by Reader’s Digest Magazine and write a column entitled “Boomer Humor” that appears monthly in my neighborhood newspaper.
    
My husband and I are our own love story. We have a slap-happy middle-aged second marriage with a combined total of six grown children, one delightful granddaughter, another precious little baby on the way and one ridiculously spoiled, amazingly handsome cat named Sammy.
 
Website:          www.mkatequinn
Twitter:            @mkatequinn
Facebook: Fans of M. Kate Quinn
Amazon Author Page:  www.amazon.com/M.-Kate-Quinn
Goodreads Author Page:  www.goodreads.com/author/show/4128663.M_Kate_Quinn
Blog:  www.mkatequinn.com/blog
​

GENRE: Thriller (conspiracy)
 
~~~~~~~~~~~~~
 
BLURB:
 
An unambitious young man finally finds himself, only to nearly lose everything in an apparent web of international economic terrorism and intrigue. But, as his world begins to unravel, has he become genuinely delusional? Or is he really on to one of the most dangerous global conspiracies of all time? Against all odds, only love and a true friend's faith can save both him and the world as we know it from the abusive power of evil.
 
~~~~~~~~~~~~~
 Excerpt Two:
 
Lary weaved in and out of traffic driving like a maniac toward the intersection of I-495 and the beltway.  He continued on the bluetooth.  'Good work, by the way.'
 
Marvin kicked back in his chair.  His pale and puffy moon face was lit by the glow of several monitors in the darkened room.  He casually shoveled a handful of Cheddar Jalapeno Cheetos into his mouth, crunched a few times then continued.  'Lucky break.  Seeing that woman with the manager down by 3410.  I thought something was up.  Especially when that hillbilly retard started showing her the camera.'
 
'How'd you know when to look?'
 
He slapped his hands across each other to remove the crumbs.  Flecks of fluorescent orange dust   fell all over his coffee stained stretched out blue business shirt.  'Trade secret, boss.'  He giggled.  'No, really. I have a passive IR device hooked up to an android cellphone utilizing an IP webcam application that is  pointed down that alley.  Every time something crosses it, I get several JPEG photo captures that are instantly emailed to me with a security alert.'
 
'English, please.'
 
'A gadget that spies better than Nick Fury and Elektra combined.  And like I said last night, yesterday morning's capture feed looked suspicious.'
 
'Good work.'  He crossed into the shoulder just inside the fast lane and passed three cars in a row.  'Any other subsequent feeds give you a better view of our mysterious woman?'
 
Marvin swallowed and coughed.  'Not really.  Damn nice ass, though.  Athletic.  Dark hair.  Just saw her from back.  Plus those cameras they have out there are total crap.  That moron doesn't give a rat's ass about his system. Now, if it was me, I'd have—'
 
'Enough, Marvin.  Look, hang tight.  I may need your help again if they happen to get loose.  Remember our agreement.'
 
Silence.
 
He patted his suit coat.  'Mr. Glock and I are going to make this collection call.'

AUTHOR Bio and Links:
 
John grew up in Rancho Palos Verdes, California and graduated from UC Davis with a B.A. Degree in Economics and has worked in numerous corporate finance and project management jobs in the consumer electronics and IT industries. In 1990, after taking an extended backpacking trip of the South Pacific before attending graduate school, he met his would be wife and in 1991 was married. They settled back in Irvine and South Orange County area of California. In 2003, he and his family (now with two kids in tow) relocated to Christchurch, New Zealand.
 
John's interest in writing began when he was a student at UC Davis, having worked as a Feature Writer for the California Aggie Newspaper. Possessing the desire to write again, and with a bucket list goal of eventually trying his hand at thriller novels, he took the plunge, and in 2014, began writing his first novel, The Fiduciary Delusion. John's interests also include: science, existential philosophy, health, and both western and eastern holistic medicine. John also plays guitar, piano, sings and writes music. In addition, John is an admitted “gym rat” and can be regularly found lifting weights, trudging up hills, sea kayaking, and getting out and about enjoying the beautiful wild outdoors.
 
Amazon:
https://www.amazon.com/Fiduciary-Delusion-John-Molik-ebook/dp/B01DWA5BVW/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1471837879&sr=8-1&keywords=the+fiduciary+delusion#nav-subnav
 
 
AmazonUK:
https://www.amazon.co.uk/Fiduciary-Delusion-John-Molik-ebook/dp/B01DWA5BVW/
 
 
Goodreads:
https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/29866402-the-fiduciary-delusion
 
 
Ask David:
http://askdavid.com/reviews/book/conspiracy-thriller/13075
 
  

​GENRE: Contemporary Romance
 
~~~~~~~~~~~~~
 
BLURB:
 
Come home this Christmas to…
 
CHRISTMAS TOWN, TENNESSEE
 
Where everyday dreams come true!
 
New York Times and USA Today bestselling author Ginny Baird brings you the start of a brand new holiday series…
 
THE CHRISTMAS COOKIE SHOP
 
(Christmas Town, Book 1)
 
Hannah Winchester is down on her luck and disillusioned with love, but her fortunes are about to change. When Hannah inherits a defunct bakery in East Tennessee, her first thought is to sell it and settle her substantial debt. Then the townsfolk welcome her warmly and she’s taken with the joyful spirit of the place, where stores employ holiday themes and residents have surnames like Christmas and Claus. After a handsome lawman comes to her aid dressed as Santa, Hannah learns he’s more than a hot guy in a red suit and shiny black boots. Sheriff Carter Livingston has joined in the cause of rejuvenating the town, and he’s encouraging her to do her part. Hannah’s great-grandmother, Lena, sold special holiday cookies that brought hope and renewal to the people of Christmas Town. Yet Hannah has plans elsewhere and isn’t looking to stay. Can she possibly reopen the shop known for kindling romance—without sacrificing her heart?
 
~~~~~~~~~~~~~
 
EXCERPTS (Please choose only ONE to use with your post):
 
Excerpt One:
 
Hannah held back the door, greeting the men on the street. Frank Cho gave a friendly smile, bomber jacket zipped up tight and thumbs hitched in his utility belt. “You must be Hannah.”
 
“Thanks for coming by, and on such short notice.”
 
“No problem,” Frank said as Carter followed him indoors, tipping his hat her way. “Electricity’s nothing to mess with.”
 
Just as Frank spoke, Carter locked on her gaze. Seconds ticked by as winds howled across the threshold. Frank turned to her, puzzled, and Carter reached up and smoothly shut the door. Hannah noted the paper bag in his hand. Its logo read The Elf Shelf Book Shop.
 
“Good to see you, sheriff.” Hannah shot him a smile. “Been shopping?”
 
“Had some errands to run.” Carter awkwardly cleared his throat. “On this street.”
 
Frank paused in unzipping his jacket to scrutinize them both. In a flash, his face registered understanding. “I’ll just go check things out, while you two get acquainted.”
 
“Oh no, we’ve—”
 
“Met,” Carter finished for her. His eyes were a thicket of pines: lush, green, and inviting. Heat warmed her cheeks as Carter removed his hat and pressed it to his chest.
 
“Right.” Frank repressed a grin. “In that case, reacquainted.” Hannah was vaguely aware of Frank turning her way. “Fuse box?”
 
“Kitchen,” she said weakly, never taking her eyes off Carter’s.
 
Frank clucked his tongue. “Uh-huh. Uh-huh.”
 
As he trailed away, Hannah could have sworn he said, “Major power surges could be an issue.”
 
Carter shifted his hat to the hand holding the bag. “Hannah…”
 
“Frank seems to have gotten the wrong impression.”
 
“What impression is that?”
 
Her color deepened. “That you and I—”
 
“But we’re not,” he assured her firmly.
 
“No.”
 
“Not even in the least.”
 
Hannah shook her head.
 
“The only thing is…”
 
Hannah waited, her heart drumming.
 
“We could be, if you wanted.”
 
“Could be what?”
 
“Going out.” A sly smile crept up his lips. “You did kind of invite me.”
 
“The rain check.” The words were a breathy whisper.
 
“Yeah.” Carter raised his free hand and lightly traced her lips with his thumb.
 
Hannah’s pulse raced and butterflies went wild within her.
 
“How about that rain check?” he continued. His palm was on her cheek now, the heel of his hand cradling her chin. Carter took a step closer. Only his hat and the shopping bag stood between them. “Can I cash it in?”
 
Copyright © 2016 Ginny Baird
 

​AUTHOR Bio and Links:
 
Romance writer Ginny Baird has published novels in print and online and received screenplay options from Hollywood for her family and romantic comedy scripts. Whether writing lighthearted romantic comedy or spine-tingling romantic suspense, she delights in delivering heartwarming stories.
She is a New York Times and USA Today bestselling author, a Top 10 Best Seller on Kindle, NOOK and iBooks, and a #1 Best Seller in several Romance and Women's Fiction categories. When she's not writing, Ginny enjoys cooking, biking and spending time with her family in Virginia. Ginny loves hearing from her readers! She invites you to visit her website and connect with her on social media. http://www.ginnybairdromance.com/
 
AUTHOR FOLLOW LINKS
AMAZON AUTHOR PAGE – https://www.amazon.com/-/e/B006KH1S1M
WEBSITE / BLOG – www.ginnybairdromance.com
FACEBOOK – https://www.facebook.com/GinnyBairdRomance/
TWITTER – https://twitter.com/GinnyBaird
GOODREADS –https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/5374955.Ginny_Baird
 
BUY & TBR LINKS
 
Amazon US
https://www.amazon.com/dp/B01JSTBE2Q
 
Amazon UK
https://www.amazon.co.uk/dp/B01JSTBE2Q
 
Amazon CA
https://www.amazon.ca/dp/B01JSTBE2Q
 
Amazon AU
https://www.amazon.com.au/dp/B01JSTBE2Q
 
Barnes & Noble NOOK
http://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/the-christmas-cookie-shop-ginny-baird/1124277151
 
Apple iBooks
https://itunes.apple.com/us/book/the-christmas-cookie-shop/id1141489207
 
Kobo
https://store.kobobooks.com/en-us/ebook/the-christmas-cookie-shop
 
Goodreads
https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/31358784-the-christmas-cookie-shop