Hang On To Your Bookshelf: a Guest Post from ElaineRobertson North, author of I’ve Been Waiting for You

I've Been Waiting for You

 

About the book, I’ve Been Waiting for You Ive Been EN_IBWFY_Front Cover Artwork FINAL

  • Publisher: Independently published (January 22, 2024)
  • Language: English
  • Paperback: 319 pages
  • Scroll down for a guest post from the author

Esther grew up with a violent criminal father and suffered the loss of her mother at just fourteen.

When her brother, Matt, turns up after another long unexplained absence he falls for Esther’s friend, Abi. Two months into their relationship, Abi is dead and Matt is missing.

Now Esther must do everything she can to find Matt but doing so means opening herself up to a past she has worked hard to escape.

Esther knows she has no choice and must act quickly.

Matt’s life could depend on it.

Buy, read and discuss this book:

Amazon (US) | Amazon (UK) | Goodreads


About the author, Elaine Robertson North Ive Been Elaine Robertson North

Elaine spent twenty-five years working in marketing and communications in the media and entertainment industries. This included seven years marketing national newspapers, running the publicity campaign for three Red Nose Days and a number of years working in entertainment PR. She held senior communications roles at Capital Radio and UKTV, and latterly, she was the MD of a small marketing agency. It was all fast and furious and a fantastically rich source of material.

Having harboured a desire to write for many years, Elaine finally made this her focus once she’d hung up her corporate hat, publishing her first book, I Can’t Tell You Why in 2019. Her second book, Bring Me To Life, followed in 2022.

Today Elaine lives in North London with her husband and their two sons. When she’s not writing, she can be found looking harassed on the school run, on the side lines of her sons’ football matches, or singing her heart out with her local branch of Popchoir.

Connect with Elaine:

Facebook | Instagram | X (Twitter)


Guest Post – Hang On To Your Bookshelf!

lesly-juarez-EW2cPMEp0mI-unsplashI’m so excited to bring you this guest post from Elaine Robertson North. All authors begin as readers, after all, and what to DO with all those books is a never-ending dilemma. After you read her thoughts on this very important subject, I’m certain that you’ll want to add her book, I’ve Been Waiting for You, to your bookshelf. I know I did!

I can’t imagine living in a home without a bookshelf, or more likely, shelves. Apart from an obvious love of books, my bookshelves tell a story of their own from my changing tastes in fiction to the poetry I love, and from my travel aspirations to the people who’s lives I’ve wanted to know more about. Without exception, all of them say something about me and my interests. I still have a small collection of my favourite children’s books too so those slices of wood that adorn my living room walls go way beyond a functional or decorative addition to the room; they hold a collection of memories, hopes and dreams, and so much more. In fact I can’t think of another collection of items in the home, other than perhaps photographs, where each one represents a physical link to a past moment in time.

I think the same goes for everyone who keeps and displays their books. The first time I visit someone’s house, I love a discreet browse of the bookshelves, knowing they will offer some immediate insight into that person’s personality and passions. There’s always at least one book that immediately becomes a talking point; a book you’ve read and loved, one you want to read but haven’t yet, something rare and beautiful that you’re almost afraid to even touch, and so it goes on.

These days, most of my reading is done on a Kindle so it’s a while since I’ve added a new book to a shelf which is starting to cause me concern. Is this the beginning of the end for my bookshelves? Will there come a point where they lose their poignancy and relevance? But it’s not just the way we read books that’s changing. Ebooks may be super popular, and audio books too, but paperbacks are still big business and are by no means out of style. In fact, I’m pretty sure sales of paperbacks still far outweigh those of ebooks. But one difference today is that we’re quite rightly encouraged to recycle whenever we can so lots of people I’ve spoken to no longer keep books they’ve read but instead pass them on to friends, or donate them to charity shops which is a great way to give a book a second lease of life and raise money for great causes at the same time. All very positive but once again, it does sadly mean less books for the shelf!

Recycling aside, there are of course other benefits to having a house filled with books. Lots of people find comfort in the presence of their old books. I read someone describing them like old friends which I particularly liked. And an extensive study found the mere presence of books in the home increases children’s academic success and also their vocabulary development which has to be reason enough to find room for a home library!

So if I promise to reread the books I keep every now and again so that they continue to serve a genuine purpose, I hope it’s still okay to hold on to them. I’m in no doubt that my living room would be completely soulless without them.


Check out the Other Great Blogs on This Tour

Ive Been Waiting For You Full Tour Banner

Facing the Enemy, by DiAnn Mills – Guest Post & Giveaway

BNR Facing the Enemy

 

About the book, Facing the EnemyCover Facing the Enemy

  • Publisher: Tyndale House Publishers
  • Date of Publication: September 5, 2023
  • Genre: Christian Fiction / Suspense / Romance
  • Number of Pages: 352 pages
  • Scroll down for Giveaway!

When the long-awaited reunion between Risa and her brother, Trenton, ends in tragedy, Risa is riddled with guilt, unable to cope with the responsibility she feels over his death. On leave from the FBI, Risa returns to her former career as an English teacher at a local college, only to see her past and present collide when one of her students, Carson Mercury, turns in an assignment that reads like an eyewitness account of her brother’s murder, with details never revealed publicly.

Alarmed by Carson’s inside knowledge of Trenton’s death, Risa reaches out to her former partner at the FBI. Special Agent Gage Patterson has been working a string of baby kidnappings, but he agrees to help look into Carson’s background. Risa and Gage soon discover their cases might be connected as a string of high-value thefts have occurred at properties where security systems were installed by Carson’s stepfather and children have gone missing. There’s a far more sinister plot at play than they ever imagined, and innocent lives are in danger.

Buy, read, and discuss this book:

Click to Purchase | Discuss on Goodreads


About the author, DiAnn Mills Author Photo Mills

DiAnn Mills is a bestselling author who believes her readers should expect an adventure. She is a storyteller and creates action-packed, suspense-filled novels to thrill readers. Her titles have appeared on the CBA and ECPA bestseller lists; won two Christy Awards; and been finalists for the RITA, Daphne Du Maurier, Inspirational Readers’ Choice, and Carol award contests.  DiAnn is a founding board member of the American Christian Fiction Writers, a member of Advanced Writers and Speakers Association, Mystery Writers of America, and International Thriller Writers. DiAnn continues her passion for helping other writers be successful. She speaks to various groups and teaches writing workshops around the country.

Connect with DiAnn:

Blog | Instagram | Facebook | X (Twitter) | Pinterest | Goodreads | BookBub | YouTube | LinkedIn

 

 

 

 


Facing the Enemy Insert Banner

Read a Guest Post from DiAnn Mills:

“The Power of Adoption”

Guest Post by DiAnn Mills 

Decades ago, a doctor gave me the diagnosis of my inability to bear children. I was emotionally crushed and depressed, and I looked for second and third opinions. After two years of escalating doctor bills, monthly reminders of no pregnancies, and an ocean of tears, adoption grasped my attention. The process began with mounds of paperwork that first lead me into foster care, which was rewarding and provided a critical need for children but also depressing each time a child shared our home, then returned to their parent(s).

A day arrived with an opportunity to adopt a two-and-a-half-year-old little boy. Oh, the excitement of an arranged appointment to meet this little boy at the foster parent’s home. The foster mother met us at the door with half a brown paper bag of the child’s belongings. She didn’t know me, but she told me to take him home. Outraged, I did. And he became adopted son number one. Six weeks later, we were presented with another opportunity to adopt a four-month-old baby boy. He became adopted son number two. Six weeks later, we were presented with the baby’s half-brother, a twenty-three-month-old little boy. He became adopted son number three. While that sounds like a fairy tale come true, and it was, I lived in fear of the biological parents deciding they’d made a mistake and wanted their son back.

XTRA 3D Cover Facing the EnemyGood thing I was young! I had three boys under the age of three who all desperately craved a mommy’s attention. I loved the sound of “Mommy.” I thrived when all three wanted me at the same time. We needed each other, and there was plenty of love to go around. When the youngest son reached two-years-old, I miraculously gave birth to a boy, increasing my sweet sons to four.

The advantages of adoption are rewarding and beneficial to the child and the parents.

Benefits:

  1. The ability to love and nurture a child born of the heart and not of the womb.
  2. The opportunity to provide a permanent home for a child or children who might otherwise be raised in the foster care system.
  3. The joy of having your own child.
  4. The child knows he/she was chosen—special.
  5. The realization of endless love.
  6. The sharing of happiness as the child and parents become a family.

Advice:

  1. Interview others who have adopted children for what to expect in the way of legal proceedings, the adopted child’s potential behavior, and how to show the child unconditional love.
  2. Research the biological parent for any physical or mental challenges, then establish a plan if assistance is needed.
  3. Enlist a psychologist or counselor who can help the child and the parent work through abandonment and behavior issues.
  4. Anticipate questions from family, friends, and the adopted child regarding the adoption. It’s normal and expected.
  5. Prepare for signs of abandonment in the child, anger, lack of confidence, fear, identity crisis, and more. Note biological children can all face the same challenges.

The willingness of those who long for a child of their own or want to add to an existing family brings power to the family unit. Through love and acceptance.

Perhaps you are adopted or know someone who is adopted. Can you share with others your experience?

Extra insert 3

 


Giveaway

FOUR WINNERS:

Each winner gets choice of B&N or Amazon $25 gift card.

(US only; ends midnight, CDT, 9/1/23)

Giveaway Facing the Enemy

a Rafflecopter giveaway


Visit the Other Great Blogs on This Tour

Click to visit the Lone Star Literary Life Tour Page with direct links to each blog, updated daily, or visit each blog directly:

08/22/23 Hall Ways Blog Notable Quotables
08/22/23 The Book’s Delight Review
08/23/23 Chapter Break Book Blog Guest Post
08/23/23 Librariel Book Adventures Review
08/23/23 LSBBT Blog BONUS Stop
08/24/23 Stories Under Starlight Guest Post
08/24/23 Forgotten Winds Review
08/25/23 The Real World According to Sam Review
08/26/23 The Clueless Gent Review
08/27/23 Bibliotica Guest Post
08/28/23 Reading by Moonlight Review
08/28/23 Shelf Life Blog Guest Post
08/29/23 StoreyBook Reviews Review
08/30/23 Rox Burkey Blog Review
08/31/23 The Plain-Spoken Pen Review
08/31/23 Boys’ Mom Reads Review

blog tour services provided by

LoneStarBookBlogTours

Spotlight on The Unfaithful Widow Ten Years Later, by Barbara Barth, with Guest Post

The Unfaithful Widow Ten Years LaterAbout the book, The Unfaithful Widow Ten Years Later

  • Print Length: 374 pages
  • Genre: Memoir
  • Publisher: Amazon Digital Services, LLC
  • ASIN: B07YBNHXZG
  • Scroll down for Guest Post and Tour Info

Picking up where The Unfaithful Widow ended, Ten Years Later continues the author’s journey from widow to a slightly askew woman. A memoir written with warmth and candor on being single again, aging, and finding a creative path surrounded by dogs, friends, laughter, and a bit of craziness. Barbara Barth shares stories on the adventures that followed her first year alone as she moved headfirst into a new life, listening to her heart, sometimes not so wisely, but always full speed ahead. Join her on the ride of her life, from owning an antique shop to moving to a Victorian cottage outside of Atlanta, and all the follies in between. Going into the next decade with six dogs by her side, the author proves you are only as old as you feel, and happiness begins with a grateful heart. A funny and engaging memoir for anyone who wants to be their own superhero facing life’s good and bad moments.

Buy, read, and discuss this book:

Amazon | Goodreads


Barbara BarthAbout the author, Barbara Barth

Author, blogger, sometimes antique dealer, dog hoarder, bedazzled by life. Widowed ten years ago, Barth writes about finding a creative path back to happiness. Her recent move to a 1906 historic cottage brought many surprises, including discovering the Monroe–Walton Center for the Arts where she started the monthly Walton Writers group and is on the MWCA Board as Literary Arts Chair. Barth is a contributor to Walton Living Magazine and a former blogger for The Balancing Act, Lifetime Television’s morning show for women. Currently she lives with six dogs, rescue dogs that rescued her.

Connect with Barbara

Website | Amazon | Twitter


Guest Post from Barbara Barth

Grief Over the Years and Finding Happiness Again

Writing about grief is a tough subject. Everyone handles it in their own way. There is no right or wrong way to move forward. My memoirs are only my stories, but I hope they make people laugh and see they are not alone with their sadness, loneliness, or crazy way of dealing with life.

A recent review on Amazon written by a friend made me stop and think about the past ten years (the subject of my new memoir).  I’m sharing it with you here because it speaks better than anything I could write.

“Barbara Barth lost her husband, her mother, and three dogs she loved. Most of an inheritance she had was a casualty of several business ventures that were not financial successes–though she tells us they were successful in other ways. She endured three major surgeries, including a hip operation that went badly wrong putting her temporarily in the Nursing Home From Hell. Given all that, you would expect this book to be a sad or depressing book. Yet it is anything but. Ms. Barth deals with her troubles and with life in general with good grace and a quirky sense of humor and a spirited will to live a creative life come what may. As long as there are dogs.”

Of course, my initial reaction to that list made me think I sounded like a darn train wreck. Then I smiled. The important part of that review are the final words; good grace and quirky humor, and of course, the dogs.

I have a passion for art, writing (which was new to me after I lost my husband), books, antiques, dogs, and making new friends. Keeping busy, doing all the things I loved, helped me find myself again. I wanted to do something I’d never done before (writing) to make sense of my loss and the year I had my shop (2011) brought many creative people into my life. I felt full of purpose, and purpose is a powerful drug for me.

The loss of my mother in 2016 changed things again. She was always in my corner with all the crazy things I did, and we had writing in common. At 84 she started writing again (she wrote when we were kids) and we shared our stories at night. We talked every evening on the phone and, as her health declined, sometimes several times a day. I didn’t always like calling her at 10 PM, which I did even if I was out with friends, but I knew how much she looked forward to hearing another voice at night. My nights are quieter now without those calls, but if I get lonely, I pick up the phone and find a friend to laugh with. Friends are my lifeline and I treasure mine.

My only advice, if you call it advice, is to stay involved with life. Do what you love, be it art or writing or dancing or grandkids. We all have those buttons that make us happy. Press those buttons and carry on the best you can. Take all the time you need to heal but reach out to life and friends, even if it is only baby steps until you feel grounded again.


Visit the Other Great Stops on this Tour

Today @ The Muffin

What goes better in the morning than a muffin? Grab your coffee and join us in celebrating the launch of Barbara Barth’s new book The Unfaithful Widow Ten Years Later. You can read an interview with the author and enter to win a copy of the book.

http://muffin.wow-womenonwriting.com

 

November 12th @ All Things Audry

Author Barbara Barth is a guest writer over at Audry’s blog today and will be talking about women friendships.

http://allthingsaudry.blogspot.com/

 

November 13th @ Words from the Heart

Stop by Linda’s blog and you can read a guest post by Barbara Barth about publishing anthologies.

https://contemplativeed.blogspot.com/

 

November 14th @ Thoughts in Progress

Visit Mason’s blog today and you can read Barbara’s guest post about starting a writing group. Don’t miss it!

https://masoncanyon.blogspot.com/

 

November 15th @ The World of My Imagination

Visit Nicole’s blog and read her review of Barbara Barth’s book The Unfaithful Widow Ten Years Later.

http://theworldofmyimagination.blogspot.com

 

November 16th @ Lori Duff Writes

Stop by Lori’s blog today where you can read her interview with Barbara Barth and read her review of Barbara’s book The Unfaithful Widow Ten Years Later.

https://www.loriduffwrites.com/blog/

 

November 16th @ Jill Sheets Blog

Visit Jill’s blog today and you can read Barbara Barth’s guest post about self-publishing.

https://jillsheets.blogspot.com.

 

November 17th @ A Storybook World

Be sure to stop by Deirdra’s blog today and check out her spotlight of the book The Unfaithful Widow Ten Years Later and enter to win a copy of the book!

http://www.astorybookworld.com

 

November 18th @ Beverley A. Baird’s Blog

Be sure you visit Bev’s blog and read Barbara Barth’s guest post about starting over at 70. You won’t want to miss this!

http://beverleyabaird.wordpress.com

 

November 19th @ Look to the Western Sky

Be sure to visit Margo’s blog and read her interview with author Barbara Barth. Don’t miss it!

https://margoldill.com/blog

 

November 20th @ Anthony Avina’s Blog

Make sure you visit Anthony’s blog today and read Barbara Barth’s guest post about publishing anthologies.

http://www.authoranthonyavinablog.com

 

November 21st @ Cassandra’s Writing World

Stop by Cassandra’s blog today and read her review of The Unfaithful Widow Ten Years Later. You can also enter to win a copy of the book as well!

https://cassandra-mywritingworld.blogspot.com/

 

November 22nd @ Karen Brown Tyson’s Blog

Join us at Karen Brown Tyson’s blog where you can read a guest post about self-publishing by author Barbara Barth. Don’t miss it!

http://www.karenbrowntyson.com

 

November 23rd @ Beverley A. Baird’s Blog

Visit Bev’s blog again and you can read her review of Barbara Barth’s book The Unfaithful Widow Ten Years Later.

http://beverleyabaird.wordpress.com

 

November 24th @ Choices

Be sure to stop by Madeline’s blog and read Barbara Barth’s guest post that will be talking about women friendships.

http://madelinesharples.com/

 

November 25th @ Wild Woman Writer

Visit Anne’s blog today and you can read Barbara Barth’s blog guest post about starting over at 70.

https://wildwomanwriter2018.blogspot.com/

 

November 26th @ Life Like A Galaxy Girl

Stop by Alanna’s blog today and you can read her review of Barbara Barth’s memoir The Unfaithful Widow Ten Years Later.

http://lifelikeagalaxygirl.com/

 

November 27th @ Lisa Haselton’s Reviews and Interviews

Visit Lisa’s blog today and you can read her interview with author Barbara Barth and find out more about this incredible author!

http://lisahaseltonsreviewsandinterviews.blogspot.com/

 

November 28th @ Bibliotica

Stop by Melissa’s blog and make sure you read Barbara Barth’s guest post about grief over the years and finding happiness again.

https://www.bibliotica.com/

 

November 29th @ Stranded in Chaos

Visit Sara’s blog and you can read her review of Barbara Barth’s book The Unfaithful Widow Ten Years Later.

https://strandupdate.blogspot.com/

 

November 30th @ Anthony Avina’s Blog

Visit Anthony’s blog again and read his review of Barbara Barth’s book The Unfaithful Widow Ten Years Later.

http://www.authoranthonyavinablog.com

 

December 1st @ Words from the Heart

Visit Linda’s blog and read her review of Barbara Barth’s book The Unfaithful Widow Ten Years Later. 

https://contemplativeed.blogspot.com

 

December 2nd @ Women’s Writing Circle

Stop by the blog Women’s Writing Circle and you can read a guest post by Barbara Barth about adopting dogs while all her friends are having grandkids. Don’t miss this one!

http://www.susanweidener.com/

The Unfaithful Widow Ten Years Later

Guest Post by Stolen Obsession author Marlene M. Bell – with Giveaway

Stolen Obsession

About the book Stolen Obsession Stolen Obsession

  • Genre: Spicy Romantic Mystery
  • Publisher: Ewephoric Publishing
  • Date of Publication: March 20, 2018
  • Number of Pages: 284
  • Series: Annalisse, book 1
  • Scroll down for the guest post and giveaway!

PEOPLE DIE, BUT LEGENDS LIVE ON.

Manhattan antiquities appraiser Annalisse Drury dreams of a quiet life on the family farm among the sheep she loves, when her best friend is murdered. The police assume robbery is the motive because her friend’s expensive bracelet is missing. But the 500-year-old artifact is rumored to carry an ancient curse, one that unleashes evil upon any who dare wear the jewelry created for the Persian royal family—and Annalisse believes her friend is the latest victim.

Weeks later, Annalisse sees a necklace matching the stolen bracelet at a gallery opening. Convinced the necklace is part of the deadly collection, Annalisse begs the gallery’s owner to destroy the piece, but her pleas are ignored— despite the unnatural death that occurs during the opening. With two victims linked to the jewelry, Annalisse is certain she must act.

Desperate to keep the gallery owner safe, Annalisse reluctantly enlists the owner’s son to help—even though she’s afraid he’ll break her heart. Wealthy and devastatingly handsome, with a string of bereft women in his wake, Greek playboy Alec Zavos dismisses Annalisse’s concerns—until his parents are ripped from the Zavos family yacht during their ocean voyage near Crete.

Annalisse and Alec race across two oceans to save his mother, feared dead or kidnapped. As time lapses, the killer switches mode and closes in on the man who’s meant for Annalisse with the lifestyle she wants most.

But when it’s her turn as the hunted, will she choose to save Alec and his mother, or sacrifice everything to save herself?

Hold on for a heart-thumping adventure through exotic lands in this fast moving, romantic suspense mystery by Marlene M Bell.

Watch the Trailer for Stolen Obsession:

Pre-Order Stolen Obsession:

AMAZON US    AMAZON UK    AMAZON CA    AMAZON AU


About the author, Marlene M. Bell

Marlene M. BellMarlene M Bell is an acclaimed artist and photographer as well as a writer. Her sheep landscapes grace the covers of publications such as, Sheep!The ShepherdRanch & Rural Living and Sheep Industry News. Ewephoric, her mail order venture, began in 1985 out of a desire for realistic sheep stationery. A color catalog of non-fiction books and sheep-related gifts may be requested at  www.marlenembell.com  or www.texassheep.com.

Marlene and her husband, Gregg reside on a wooded ranch in East Texas with their 50 head of Horned Dorset sheep, a lovable Maremma guard dog named, Tia, and 3 spoiled cats who rule the household.

Connect with Marlene:

Website║ Facebook ║ Twitter ║ LinkedIn ║ Google+ ║ Blog


Guest Post: The Top Nine Writing Pitfalls by Marlene M. Bell

Stolen ObsessionWriting is hard.

Toiling on STOLEN OBSESSION for nearly a decade felt insane at times. It never occurred to me to give up on the project or stop learning the craft as the years ticked by. I love a challenge, but honestly, birthing a novel was the hardest chore I’ve ever undertaken. And I raise breeding stock sheep! I thought that was tough. Being an artistic person with a paintbrush or camera ought to have helped me tackle a creative project like, the novel. I was sure of it. How hard could writing fiction be? Think of a story, dig through personal memories and cherry pick the best ones. Layer the juicy episodes between characters and create a great read. Easy, right? If you’ve written a novel to the end, your laughter stings my ears.

Would I tackle STOLEN OBSESSION the same way if I could shave off some time? C’mon, eight years is an eternity in front of a computer. I’ve asked myself that question many times and wondered what my story would’ve looked like without the stops and starts. Pretty rotten and unreadable, I’d say. Here’s a link to the press release for STOLEN OBSESSION if you’re interested in how my 8-year project turned out. Novel Release Date: 3-20-2018.  https://tinyurl.com/yaqenzp3

In case you’ve considered writing a book, or have entered the deep, squishy end of your work in progress, I’ve listed 9 areas of frustration I had to learn the hard way:

  • Crack open books on how to craft fiction before writing the first paragraph.
  • Lots of reading = the greatest chance for stellar writing.
  • Debut authors should outline the story ahead of time.
  • Critiques and edits are ALL subjective.  
  • Know what genre or sub-genre your story falls within.
  • Network with fellow writers.
  • Budget for the expense of a good developmental editor, (or two.)
  • Most novels need tons of rewrites. 
  • There are writing rules. Read from famed authors at great peril.

To read more about my experiences with each of these pitfalls, click to visit my blog for the full post!


GIVEAWAY!  GIVEAWAY!  GIVEAWAY!

TWO Readers Each Win a SIGNED COPY

+ $50 AMAZON GIFT CARD!

MARCH 1-10, 2018

(Open Internationally)

 

Giveaway Stolen Obsession_preview

a Rafflecopter giveaway


Stolen Obsession Blog Tour Stops:

3/1/18 Notable Quotable The Page Unbound
3/1/18 Notable Quotable Momma on the Rocks
3/2/18 Review Syd Savvy
3/2/18 Excerpt 1 Books and Broomsticks
3/3/18 Review Tangled in Text
3/4/18 Review The Librarian Talks
3/5/18 Author Interview The Clueless Gent
3/5/18 Excerpt 2 Missus Gonzo
3/6/18 Review Chapter Break Book Blog
3/7/18 Guest Post Bibliotica
3/7/18 Author Interview The Love of a Bibliophile
3/8/18 Review Rebecca R. Cahill
3/9/18 Scrapbook Page Reading by Moonlight
3/9/18 Excerpt 3 Forgotten Winds
3/10/18 Review StoreyBook Reviews

 

LoneStarLitLife

LoneStarBookBlogTours sm