In My Mailbox Monday

I'm starting back the old meme, In My Mailbox Monday. I stopped posting this meme because I cut back on buying hard copies of books and was utilizing my Kindle more frequently. But I'm going to post what books I've purchased via mail and Kindle to cover all purchases. So lets get started. Here's what I've purchased this week. I have already started reading Shadow of the Banyan Tree. It's is lyrically and literally a beautiful masterpiece. I said, I'm only going to read the first chapter and was on chapter five before I knew it. I'll let you know how the rest of the story goes.

If you want to add your In My Mailbox Monday post to the linky list below, please do and I'll come see what you have in your mailbox. :-)

In the Shadow of the Banyan

The Miseducation of Cameron Post

The Perks of Being a Wallflower

Looking for Alaska

R.I.P. to Bestselling Author Francis Ray

My condolences and prayers to the family of Francis Ray who recently passed away. She was one of my favorite authors and a benevolent person. She gave books to me on several occasions to giveaway on my blog. She would also send my winners nice notes in the mail. I'll never forget her kindness and generosity. Thanks Ms. Ray for your contribution in my life. It means so much when successful authors reach back to help those trying to ascend on their own journey. I will always remember your kindness.


New York Times and USA Today bestselling author Francis Ray is a native Texan and lives in Dallas. A graduate of Texas Woman’s University. In 1999 and 2000 she was nominated for Texas Woman’s University Distinguished Alumni Award. Ms. Ray’s titles consistently make bestseller’s lists such as Blackboard and Essence Magazine. INCOGNITO, her sixth title, was the first made-for-TV movie for BET. She has written over fifty titles to date. Awards include Romantic Times Career Achievement, EMMA, The Golden Pen, The Atlantic Choice, and Borders 2008 Romance Award for Bestselling Multicultural Romance. IF YOU WERE MY MAN was selected as Written magazine Book of the Year.THE TURNING POINT, her first mainstream, was a finalist for the prestigious HOLT Medallion Award.


Ms. Ray will have five titles released in 2013. First up is her 50th book ALL I EVER WANTED, February 26, 2013, then $1.99 eBook ALL OF MY LOVE, May 14, 2013. Next is AFTER THE DAWN, June 18, 2013. ALL THAT I NEED, is slated to hit stores July 2, 2013. At the end the year, we will get a chance to catch up with the Graysons series, Rio Sanchez in ALL THAT I DESIRE, October 29, 2013.


Below is the announcement given to fans of Francis Ray on her Facebook page.


------------------------------------------


Dear Readers and Friends!

I am writing with great loss and sorrow in behalf of Francis Ray's family to inform you of Francis' passing and that an Official Announcement will soon be forthcoming from Francis' family and Publisher. Pertinent information will be provided at that time and the family appreciates the love and support you are showing.


This is a huge tragedy for everyone who has been a fan of Francis Ray and to all who knew her. Therefore, you can understand that the family would appreciate respecting their need and desire for privacy during this sad time.
Please do share that the family has made the decision to only communicate through this Francis Ray Fan Facebook Page.

The family would appreciate help in sharing this information and directing all to Francis' Facebook Fan Page where all expressions of support and love can be given to Francis' family.


Sincerely,
Shannon Aviles
More Than Publicity


For more info and updates visit: francisray.com or www.facebook.com/FrancisRayAuthor

Reading is Fundamental

In 1966, former teacher Margaret McNamara brought a bag of used books to four boys in Washington, D.C., whom she tutored in reading. When she told the children they could each select a book to keep, their astonishment and delight led her to discover that these children, and many of their classmates, had never owned any books. By that summer, McNamara had gathered a group of school volunteers, and on November 3, 1966, they launched the book distribution and reading motivation program they called Reading is FUNdamental. From November 1966 through the early 1970s, RIF expanded from a pilot project at three elementary schools in Washington, D.C., to a program reaching children in 60 of the city's public schools. Its well-known slogan during those times was "Reading is FUNdamental". In 1975, the U.S. Congress created the Inexpensive Book Distribution Program (IBDP) which provides federal matching funds to sites that qualify for RIF's national book program. Today, through its contract with the United States Department of Education to operate the IBDP, now supplemented with private funds, RIF programs operate in all 50 states, the District of Columbia, Puerto Rico, the U.S. Virgin Islands, and Guam. RIF is also affiliated with programs in Argentina and the United Kingdom.

Reading Is Fundamental (RIF) is the largest children’s literacy nonprofit in the United States. They prepare and motivate children to read by delivering free books and literacy resources to those children and families who need them most. They inspire children to be lifelong readers through the power of choice. RIF provides new, free books for children to choose from and make their own. The seeds of inspiration in these books have motivated children to follow their dreams and achieve their potential. Yes, it seems incredible for a book to launch a life, but it happens every day as hungry, inquisitive young minds reach out and grab hold of the new people, places, and ideas that books bring them.

Nearly two-thirds of low income families in the United States own no books. I wanted to highlight reading today because so many children are labeled as lazy in school. But I honestly think with today's technology they are over stimulated and are just tuning out. I remember days as a child, spending hours in the library debating over which books to check out. My family was poor so it wasn't until I was a teenager that I owned a book, which is probably why I won't loan out a book today. But I will buy you one. :-) And I perhaps if more kids had access or were encouraged to read in order to decompress from the outside noise and technology, maybe their grades from school would improve and the effort demonstrated by these students would increase.

My nine year old niece often ask me for books. Last night, she asked me for a book and a new bible. When she asks me, I get excited. I told my brother-in-law, you know if she asks me for books, I'm compelled to get them. Plus, I get to let out my book buying demon. Joy, joy and win-win for me.

So if you're out one day buying yourself a book, buy an extra one for a school classroom, library or family member or donate to RIF. Give back some of what you love, and the world may just be a little more productive because of it.

(Sources: RIF, Wikipedia and Margaret McNamara Memorial Fund)

Do you donate books or buy books as gifts?

Pinterest for Authors: 5 Ways to Use for Promotion

I admit, I'm a Pinterst addict. Shhh. Don't tell anyone. Nah...go ahead. Tell everyone. I've been using Pinterest for maybe a year, but seriously starting utilizing it in the past four months. I have sat at my computer some days not realizing I've spent 4 hours or more pinning images. I currently have 53 boards and over 3,500 pins and counting. It's amazing how quickly the images add up.

Since my emergence on the Pinterest scene, I've come across some great marketing strategies. So I want to share with you some of the amazing ways I've seen authors utilize Pinterest to strengthen their readership and promote their books and writings, as well as some of the ways I'm currently using Pinterest to promote my own book.

First, what is Pinterest?
It's a cross between a virtual pin up board and a scrapbook. Once you create your account, you are able to create boards for different interests by organizing photos and illustrations from websites and blogs. For instance, I have boards titled Shoegasms, Kick Ass Boots, Yummy Desserts, and My Beautiful Book Covers. Each album contains photos (pins) of items that fit the description. You can also allow others to contribute to your album if you desire, which fosters increased sharing and interaction.

So what five ways can you use Pinterest to promote your book or writing?

1. Create an album like I did for book covers. You can name your album whatever you choose. Then pin book covers to that album. Make sure and leave a great description of the book, so if someone is interested in purchasing it or getting more info, they can do it easily. It's best to leave shortened url links as they look better. Try using Bitly or Tinyurl.

2. Create an album for the characters in your book. I'm currently in the process of doing this one. I'm finding it hard though to find characters that fit what I think the characters look like, or if I want to even go that route. I may just find items that fit the scene or setting associated with the character. I haven't decided. Or you can create fashions, clothes or accessories that your character would likely wear. You can choose whatever you like and create an entire world for your character with an album. Another great tip: add your readers and fans to the album as contributors and have them come up with images they think represent the character. It's a great way to get your readers involved and stay connected.

3. Create an inspiration board. I have one titled, Why I Write. It contains images and photos of things that inspire and motivate me to write. I hope that other writers, authors and aspiring writers can use the same images to help them too. We all need a little motivation sometimes and it helps readers to know that we don't wake up everyday revved up and ready to type away. Some days, it takes a little prodding. You can also use images that help you write, such as a beautiful desk, gorgeous stationery, funky pens or quotes about writing.

4. Create a Favorite Books album. I have one titled, Page Turners. It's an album of all the books I couldn't put down or books I just absolutely love. Make sure and describe your images appropriately with the author and title. This helps because authors may search for images of their own books, how nice would it be for an author to see that you've pinned their book and leave a comment on your pin? It's also a great way to give book recommendations to readers. People don't want to be inundated with your self-promotion, they want resources and info they can use.

5. Get your readers involved. Ask your readers to contribute to your album for the next book. Ask them to come up with images that you need to add description to your characters. Maybe your character wears a certain type high heel shoe or drinks a certain vintage wine but you can't find it. They can help you with the research and pin it to your board. Readers would love to contribute their input and feel like they helped in the making of your upcoming book.

BONUS* I couldn't resist. Actually, five just sounds better than six.
**Create a board for your videos. Yep, you can pin videos. I have an album for all my book trailers called Video Voyeurism for Books. Sound naughty doesn't it. I love it. You can also create an album for trailers that could help writers, video book reviews, book signings, workshops, or just a video message to your readers.

Must do's once you're on Pinterest

* Use large images, they visually look better. Use catchy album titles that sound attractive and appealing.

* Put a Pinterest widget on your blog or website so people can follow you on Pinterest. (mine is below near comments for pinning and at the top for following me)

* Reciprocate. Just like in the blogging community, people like to have comments and likes, but they also want their images repinned. Don't just put up photos and think that's it. You must engage by repinning other photos and following their albums.

* Try to use as many images from your own blog or website, it helps generate traffic, which could land you a new follower or reader. You can track how many people come to your blog from Pinterest by using your Google Analytics.

* Share your Pinterest albums with your other social media outlets like Facebook and Twitter.

* Use your time wisely. Pinterest can be a time sucker just like an other social media tool. Your objective is to promote, engage, connect and WRITE. Can't write if you're stuck on Pinterest all day.

Do you use Pinterest? What are some of your favorite Pinterest albums? If you've used Pinterest to market your book tell us how?

Fall Into Books Giveaway Hop

Welcome to the Fall into Books Giveaway Hop. This hop runs from September 17 -30, 2012. Each blog participating is hosting their own giveaway with a minimum $10 value. So join us as we hop from blog to blog, entering giveaways and increasing our chances of winning.

Rules:
Giveaway is open to U.S. residents and International participants.
Just fill out the rafflecopter form to enter. You can fill out as many options as you like or as few. All entries are optional.

What's up for grabs?
(1) $20 Amazon gift card or up to $20 in purchases from the Book Depository.

Don't forget to hop on over to the other blogs participating in the hop. For a list of other blogs, click HERE. Or scroll down to bottom of the post. Thanks to Literary Addicts for hosting this event.


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Thanks for participating!

Books to Movies Giveaway Hop

My name is Lena and I'm a bookaholic. I'm also a movie addict. Add the two together and on any given weekend you have a certified couch potato. I have many favorite books to movies, but my favorite would have to be The Color Purple. I can literally quote the entire movie or perform a one woman show of the movie with proper dialect and costume changes if need be. My other favorite books to movie would be Forrest Gump, Fried Green Tomatoes, The Hunger Games, Sophie's Choice, Push (titled Precious for film) and For Colored Girls Who Have Considered Suicide When the Rainbow is Enuf (titled, For Colored Girls for film). So to highlight my favorite books to movies I'm participating in the Books to Movies Giveaway Hop, it will run from September 11-17, 2012.

For this giveaway I'm offering:

(1) $20 Amazon gift card and one copy of any of the film titles I listed above. 

If you are an international participant, you can choose up to $20 in purchases from the book depository, but your selections must be books that have been made into movies. 

Rules: Fill out the Rafflecopter form.

Giveaway is open to U.S. residents and international participants.

There are nearly 100 other blogs participating in this giveaway hop with their own giveaways up for grabs. Hop on over and enter their giveaways as well. Click HERE for a list of the other blogs participating. A special thank you to Sweeping the USA and I Am a Reader, Not a Writer for hosting.

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Wordless Wednesday w/Linky

Actual Cake...Yum Featured by Style Unveiled

Antique Book Cake...Great Detail by Michelle Bommarito

Don't forget to link your Wordless Wednesday post up by clicking your next to add your WW image.

Creative Marketing Ideas for Authors

A couple of weeks ago, I shared with you my upcoming workshops with the Alabama Writers' Conclave and the Alabama State Poetry Society being held July 20 -22, 2012. I'll be conducting two workshops. The first one is titled, Low Cost Creative Marketing Strategies. In this workshop we will discuss ways to market your book creatively and on a budget. I often come across aspiring authors who think once they publish their book, they'll instantly sell millions of copies, major publishers will come knocking at the door and they'll walk into a major bookstore and see their book on the New York Times Bestseller List. Unfortunately, it doesn't work that way. Marketing is not something that often produces results overnight. It takes work, lots and lots of hard work and a lot of effort and consistency. Some of the ideas listed may not be right for your work and you will likely need to try a combination of ideas to see results. Just remember to keep track of what worked and what didn't and don't give up. Do something everyday to get your book noticed or read.

Marketing Ideas for Your Books

• Know the optimal publishing date for your book. College textbooks, cookbooks, calendars and diet books need to be published at a different time than most novels.
• Business Cards (carry them everywhere you go)
• Bookmarks (keep several on hand, leave several at bookstores and cafes)
• Join trade associations (Association of American Publishers, NAIP, SPAN & IBPA)
• Attend Trade Shows (Book Expo of America and ALA aka American Library Assoc.)
• Newspaper Ads

• Radio Spots
• Personal Letters
• Vanity Phone Number
• Professional Web Address
• Professional Website
• Start a Blog
• Postcards
• Forums
• Radio appearances
• Email Signatures
• Landing pages for your website, blog, etc
• Pay-per click ads
• Collaborative ventures
• Podcasts
• Video tutorials

• Books
• Ezine ads
• Reciprocal link exchanges
• Google AdWords (pay to be linked to specific key words in Internet searches)
• Public Service Announcement
• Free seminars
• Free workshops
• Speak at Schools, Churches, Book fairs, Colleges, Business Luncheons, Non-profit organizations, Rotary Club, Kiwanis, the Lions, Sororities, Fraternities, Alumni Associations, Chamber of Commerce, Writing Groups, etc
• Have Free Readings
• Become Friends with the Competition
• Publish Articles
• Webinars
• YouTube Channel
• Give Speeches
• Judge a writing or poetry contest
• Coupons
• Giveaways
• Guest Posting on other Blogs
• Bartering Services
• Create Folders of Favorites on Pinterest.com (You can create a folder of favorite book covers, favorite characters, etc. Include your book in some of the folders.)
• Submit Books to Book Sites and Blogs (bookblogs.ning.com)
• Newsletters
• Write a Column
• Write an article
• Send an editorial to the newspaper
• Free trials
• Free eBooks
• Presell your books

• Sell Your Books Door to Door (people get to meet an author and get it autographed)
• Have an Easy to Remember Email Address
• Give Away Sample Chapters
• Join Press Associations
• Submit Press Releases
• Solicit Book Reviews
• Get to Know the Librarians
• Sponsor a Contest
• Sponsor an Award
• Sponsor a Scholarship
• Attend Trade Shows
• Attend Writing Conferences
• Have an Attractive Book Cover
• Book Tours
• Virtual Book Tours
• Sneak a copy on a retail store shelf at airport gift shops, hotels and tourist shops. The store may sell it unknowingly and order more or if nothing else, someone read your book and may spread the word.
• Serialize Your Books or Create a Series
• Use Actual Stamps (People generally throw away junk mail unopened)
• Submit for Literary Awards and Honors
• Provide Free Waiting Room Copies
• Submit for Book Cover Awards
• Solicit for Blog Interviews
• Have a Launch Party
• Donate Books to Charity Events
• Be an Expert in Your Field

• Offer Free Shipping
• Product Placement on TV Shows and Movies (Creative Entertainment Services and UPP Entertainment Marketing)
• Participate in Local Theater (After the performance, you can sell your books and take photos)
• Send copies to Advocates

• Create a Fan Club
• Create a Facebook Fan Page
• Create a Twitter Account
• Direct Mail
• Include Sticker Bookplates with Books
• Use Classified Ads
• Submit Your Book to Home Shopping Network or QVC
• T-Shirts (walking billboards)
• Buttons
• Notepads
• Custom Book Bags
• Movie Theater Commercials
• Attend Book Festivals and Fairs
• Teach People to Do What You Do
• Have a Home Book Party

• Become a Consultant
• Register with Speaking Bureaus
• Speak at Churches
• Speak on Cruise Ships
• Get a Celebrity Endorsement, Blurb or Foreword
• Reply to Your Email
• Create Listmania List on Amazon.com
• Become an Expert on Amazon.com
• Write Reviews about Books and Products on Amazon.com
• Follow Up on Books Sold (send a thank you card a few weeks later)
• Promote Books to Local Bookstores, Gift Shops or Small Secluded Shops
• Mail Your Catalog or List Directly to the Book Buyer of a Bookstore (for a list of top 700 Independent Bookstores, contact Open Horizons at www.bookmarket.com)
• Sell to Places Other Than Bookstores: Supermarkets, Auto Part Stores, Banks, Beauty Salons, Drug Stores, Pet Stores, Gourmet Shops, Toy Stores, Arts and Crafts Stores, Fitness Centers, Museums, Newsstands, Novelty Shops, Office Supply Stores, Prison Commissaries, Travel Agencies, Tourist Shops, Stationery Stores, Print Shops, Hospital Gift Shops, Florist, Military PX’s and Discount Stores

Do you have any marketing ideas to share? 

Feel free to share this list, just please make sure to link back to my blog or give credit. 

Vacation Reads Giveaway Hop

Hello everyone and welcome to the Vacation Reads Giveaway Hop. This giveaway hop runs from July 19 - July 25, 2012. To enter, just fill out the rafflecopter form below. This giveaway is open to U.S. participants and international participants. Thanks to The Bookish Mama and I Am A Reader Not a Writer for hosting this hop. There are over 100 blogs participating in this hop, please take time to visit them and enter their giveaways as well. You never know what you may win. To view the list of other blogs participating, click Blogs Participating in Vacation Reads Hop.

Giveaway: $ 20 gift card to Amazon.com or up to $20 in purchases from the Book Depository.

To Enter: Just fill out the rafflecopter form.
Mandatory: Must be a follower of my blog through RSS, GFC, email or newsletter. These follow options are located at the top right hand corner of my blog.

• All other entries on the rafflecopter are optional. If you decide to tweet about the giveaway, you do  not have to copy and paste the link back into the rafflecopter. I think it's such an inconvenience. I will get a notification once it done.

Good luck and have a wonderful summer of reading.

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Armchair BEA: Best Books of 2012

Today's theme is share a few of our favorite books of 2012. My reading has been slack to put it mildly. But there are a few that I immensely enjoyed that made me go hmm.

1. Silver Sparrow by Tayari Jones                  
This novel is captivating with its rich language and wittiness. It's a story about a bigamist and his two families, the secret family is unaware of the husband's other family and the other family knows about the secret family. A must read indeed. One of my top favorites of the year. And Ms. Tayari Jones is sweet and very personable, which helps when you actually like the author personally.

2. The Immortal Life of Henrietta Lacks by Rebecca Skloot
This book had me whewing. You know that feeling when you read something so remarkable and unbelievable that you sigh out loud with a whew. The story was told delicately, with honesty and integrity. And I felt Ms. Skloot told it from an objective viewpoint. Her interview about the book was great and she was quite inviting and funny.



3. The Family Business by Carl Weber
This book was really good considering it was out of my recent comfort zone of feel good book or books with lots of action and adventure such as dystopian and apocalyptic novels. This book is often labeled as urban literature. But back in my day, I read nearly every book he cranked out. The Family Business was a pleasing book that helped me get reacquainted with Mr. Weber's work.

HAPPY BEA WEEK!

What are some of your favorite books of 2012?

Don't forget to enter My Favorite Reads giveaway going on right now. Click My Favorite Reads to enter for a chance to win one $25 Amazon Gift Card or up to $25 in purchases from the Book Depository for international participants. Hope you take a moment to enter. Good Luck!

Top 20 Sites for Free Ebooks

Well, with a heavy heart, I have decided to suspend Friday's Free eBooks. The reason being, it's very time consuming. Even with the help of my book loving friend, Ollie Moss, it still consumes the better part of my day to format, link all the books, double check to make sure they are still free the day of and to cross check and see if they are available on other formats aside from Kindle. Another reason is there are tons and tons of blogs and websites that are solely dedicated to informing readers about free books that I'm just a tiny drop in the bucket. So I've decided to list the several sites that list free ebooks for your enjoyment. This list is in no particular order. I've used many of the sites, some may require that you register for free first like Smashwords and Amazon. You can bookmark this page and use it as a reference.

Thank you for tuning in every Friday for past weekly lists. Hope you'll still check back throughout the week for other book related news, resources, updates and giveaways. Thanks again for staying with me on this journey! You can still keep up with Ollie on Twitter for her daily updates about free ebooks. If you know of some other great free ebook sites please leave a recommendation in the comments section. So here's your top 20 sites for free ebooks, plus a bonus one. Blessings!

Google Books
This Google mega ebookstore is loaded with books, most of them aren't free. However, there are a lot that are. Scroll down and look at the Best of the Free section.  



Amazon Free Ebook Section
A great listing of the most popular free Ebooks available on Kindle.

Project Gutenberg 
Project Gutenberg is the place where you can download over 33,000 free ebooks to read on your PC, iPad, Kindle, Sony Reader, iPhone, Android or other portable device and too in different formats. 

Smashwords 
Smashwords is an ebook publishing and distribution platform for ebook authors, publishers, agents and readers. They offer multi-format, DRM-free ebooks, ready for immediate sampling and purchase, and readable on any e-reading device. 

Scribd
Scribd is the site where the world comes to read, discover, and share reading. It's like Youtube for documents.

Free Ebooks.net
An online source for free ebook downloads, ebook resources and ebook authors. Besides free ebooks, you also download free magazines or submit your own ebook. We tried the search function and weren't really impressed. Instead, try clicking on the categories or headings and browsing. 

The Online Books Page 
A listing of over 1 million free ebooks. It is hosted by the Library of University of Pennsylvania.

ManyBooks.net
You can browse through the most popular titles, recommendations, or recent reviews from the site visitors. There are more than 29,000 free eBooks available here. 

Neotake
Neotake is a new eBook search engine which has indexed several eBooks in various formats like ePUB, PDF, LRF, TXT, Mobipocket etc. It also has a mobile version of the site. More than 200,000 eBooks have been indexed currently. 

Free Nook Books (Barnes and Noble)
The creators of the nook ebook reader have a spot on their ebook store called Free nookbooks.

Get Free Ebooks
You can download free books totally free. The ebooks which you find within this site are collected from all over the net or either personally compiled by founder. 

PDFGeni
A search engine to help you find out the ebooks that interests you. 

Open Library
The world's classic literature at your fingertips. Over 1,000,000 free ebook titles available. While the home page looks like it's filled with ancient texts, try out the search function and you'll be surprised at the newer ebooks you can find. 

Bibliostastic
This site is Connecting authors with open-minded readers, digitally. This site provides a great platform for new and evolving authors to reach a wide audience and for readers to give them direct feedback. 

Ebookee
Ebookee is a free eBooks download search engine where you can find relevent links for numerous e-books. 

ReadPrint
Website offers thousands of free books for students, teachers, and the classic enthusiast." Lots of free classic books and literature here.

Bookyards
Bookyards has a total of 17,008 books, 41,784 external web links, 4,197 news & blogs links, 384 videos, 32,963 Ebook links and access to hundreds of online libraries (800,000 Ebooks) for your reading pleasure. 

2020ok 
They have links to loads of specific ebooks sites for kids, so well worth a visit.  Their selection seems to be largely Out Of Copyright ebooks, so thus not the latest writings obviously, but some jewels none the less.


Globusz
Globusz provides a platform to new authors to get their writing skills test by the actual readers. And readers don’t have topay anything to read or download the content. 

Ebook Junkie
You can get number of free downloadable ebooks from this site. You also have the option of variuos categories to choose from. 

Bookboon
On this site you can download free ebooks for students and travelers in PDF format. All the books can be downloaded without registration. These ebooks are legal and written exclusively for Bookboon 

Carl Weber: The Family Business

I recently went to a book signing for Carl Weber and Eric Pete for their book collaboration, The Family Business. It was a great event. Carl Weber is an excellent speaker. He spoke about his journey to publication and the inspiration behind each book. Carl Weber said that his books derive from personal experience either directly or indirectly. Which I suspect is how most writers get their inspiration. It was a nice turnout considering it was Superbowl Sunday. Overall, it was a great event and I look forward to reading my copy of The Family Business.

By day, the Duncans are an upstanding family who run a thriving car dealership in Queens. By night, they live a dangerous secret life! Carl Weber and Eric Pete deliver a thrilling underworld drama in The Family Business.L.C. Duncan, patriarch of the family, is at the age when he’s starting to think about retirement in sunny Florida. But the recession is taking a bite out of the business and, worrying more, he has to decide which of his children should take over. When his workaholic son Orlando gets the nod, Orlando’s siblings—including the favorite son Vegas, conniving daughter London, glamorous party girl Paris and flamboyant nightclub owner Rio—are up in arms. But so are the Zunigas, a rival family whose fragile business alliance with the Duncans may explode at any moment.When Vegas suddenly breaks away from the family, London’s lawyer husband, Harris, makes a play for the company and all hell breaks loose. Selling cars, it turns out, is only a small part of the Duncans’ family business. Each member of the family has a secret expertise to reveal. And now, under siege from the Mafia, Mexican drug cartels and the Zunigas, the Duncans will have to stick together—or die separately!

Valentine's Day Books With Love Giveaway

This hop is where we share all and any books that have to do with LOVE. The giveaways in this hop will have a theme of romance or love or they may be gift cards or books from The Book Depository. 

This hop will run from February 14th until February 19th. Winners should be announced on the 20th. Giveaway is opened to U.S and International participants.

• The winner will receive a $20 gift card from Amazon.com or up to $20 in purchases from The Book Depository. 
• To enter, just sign up for my newsletter. All other entries on the Rafflecopter are optional. If you decide to Tweet about the giveaway. You DO NOT have to paste and copy the url back into the Rafflecopter. It's not necessary and it's more of a hassle in my opinion. I will get a notification that you tweeted it if you decide to Tweet.

Sign Up For My Newsletter by Email  

Don't forget to stop by and visit the other blogs participating in the hop. There are some great prizes to be won. 

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Ollie, Ollie, Books Free! 2/10/12

Abducted by T.R. Ragen
Free on Kindle
Product Description: Amazon
Elizabeth Gardner (Lizzy) is seventeen-years old when she tells her parents she's going out with her girlfriends. Instead, she meets up with Jared Shayne, her boyfriend of two years. As she walks home beneath an inky black sky, her perfect night becomes her worst nightmare.


Fourteen years later, Lizzy is a licensed PI known as the "one who got away." When she's not searching for runaway teenagers, working on insurance scams, or talking to her therapist, she's at the local high school teaching young girls to defend themselves. But her world is turned upside down for the second time after she receives a call from Jared Shayne. He's an FBI special agent now and he needs her help. Lizzy has no plans to get involved. Not until Jared tells her the kidnapper left her a personalized note. Escaping from a madman should have been the end of her nightmare...but it was only the beginning. Not available on Nook.

Chosen by Denise Grover Swank 
Free on Kindle
Product Description: Amazon
Everything Emma Thompson owns fits in a suitcase she moves from one roach infested motel to another. She and Jake, her five year old son who can see the future, are running from the men intent on taking him. Emma will do anything to protect him even when it means accepting the help of a stranger named Will. Jake insists she needs Will, but Emma’s never needed help before. And even though she’s learned to trust her son, it doesn’t mean she trusts Will. 


Will protects Emma and Jake on a cross-country chase from the men pursuing them, while struggling with memories from his past, his apprehension of Jake, and his growing attraction to Emma. Will’s overwhelming urge to protect Emma surprises him, especially since it has nothing to do with his paycheck and possibly everything to do with the tattoo Jake branded on his arm. Rich and powerful men are desperate to capture Emma, and Will must discover why before it's too late. Available at B&N paperback $12.81

The Heart of Abundance by Candy Paull

Free on Kindle
Product Description: Amazon

Discover more abundance, encouragement, and simplicity in your life. Be present, see the divine at work in all circumstances, and experience ordinary life as sacred. Learn to practice the art of abundance as a form of spiritual awareness based in gratitude. Quotes, meditations, prayers, and instant inspiration to remind you that life can be good, no matter what challenges you may be facing right now. The Heart of Abundance offers selections from the Artful Living series and other books by Candy Paull. Also Free on Nook.

Last Fire of Sunset by Sian Audra 

Free on Kindle

Product Description: Amazon

Thomas and Leta Howard are, on the surface, typical new homesteaders in the Dakota Territory in 1863—a young couple with a baby, just starting out in the world. That surface hides a deeper secret. Leta is half black, her mother a former slave, and her marriage to Thomas is illegal. The Civil War is raging, but hundreds of miles away. Leta and Thomas think they're safe to raise their son in peace and isolation. But when neighboring landowners discover their secret, their safety is revealed as an illusion. Thomas dies to the bullets of a posse, and Leta and her son John are badly wounded. All Leta has left is her life and her son—and vengeance. With the help of a Sioux man outcast from his own tribe, she will hunt down the posse, one by one. She will kill every one of them, or lose her life trying.

Available at B&N for $4.99

Of Blood and Honey by Stina Leicht

Free on Kindle (A Savings of $14.99)

Product Description: Publishers Weekly
Set in the Ireland of the Troubles, before the recent détente, this fraught debut captures the backdrop of tension and choosing sides that overlays even the smallest act. The lingering effects of the Kesh and Malone prisons are gut-wrenchingly convincing. Less developed are the magical elements. Former prisoner Liam's ignorance of his fae side makes sense, as his mother, Kathleen, and mentor, Father Murray, seek to protect him, but Leicht only introduces one full-fledged fae, Liam's father, and his offstage war with the Redcap is more told than shown. Liam's marriage to Mary Kate is a believable complex of love, lust, pride, anger and forgiveness, but the really pivotal relationship is with Father Murray, a member of an arm of the church that kills the fae in the belief that they are Fallen. Perhaps later books will expand the intriguing premise. Available on Nook for $8.19

50 Ways to Hex Your Lover by Linda Wisdom

Free on Kindle

Product Description: Publishers Weekly

When she isn't getting into trouble with her oddball companions—a vicious pair of bunny slippers and a frustrated ghost who haunts her sports car—hot-tempered witch Jazz Tremaine earns money lifting hexes and driving limos for Southern California's All Creatures Limo Service. When the vampire cop she's loved and hated for centuries, Nikolai Gregorivich, seeks her help in catching a serial vampire slayer, Jazz fends him off to focus on her own problems (the sleazeball limo service owner; a client who generates supernaturally disgusting odors). She can't resist her sexy vamp lover for long, though, especially as clues in the killings point to an evil figure from her past. With clever writing, a high sensuality factor and an unfettered imagination, Wisdom makes a sparkling entry into lite urban paranormals. Available Free on Nook.

The Rent-A-Groom by Jennifer Blake

Free on Kindle

Product Description: Amazon

Even though Gina cancels her wedding mere days before the ceremony, she’s determined to keep her reservation for a famous honeymoon suite in Dallas. Enter Race, a Texas cowboy who cleans up rather well, and who declares himself her substitute groom for the week.Thinking her best friend hired Race, Gina goes along with the fun – at first. But is Race really who he seems? Why is Gina’s ex-fiance staying at the same hotel? And just how far is Gina prepared to go with Race and that model-worthy face of his on their "honeymoon"? Not available on Nook.

Scream by Mike Dellosso 

Free on Kindle

Product Description: Amazon

While talking to his friend, Jeff, on the phone Mark Stone hears a cacophony of otherworldly screams. Seconds later, Jeff is tragically killed in an accident. Mark experiences the screams several more times and each time they are followed by an untimely death. Battling his own failure as a husband and struggling with a damaged faith, Mark embarks on a mission to find the meaning behind the screams and hopefully stop death from calling on its next victim. Meanwhile, a maniac obsessed with a demented sense of justice is on the loose, abducting women and trapping them in an abandoned barn. When Mark’s estranged wife, Cheryl, is abducted the two stories collide. Unaware that his wife has been abducted, Mark calls her cell phone. Cheryl tells Mark about the abductions but has no idea where the barn is located. During the call, Mark hears the eerie screams signifying Cheryl’s imminent doom, her appointment with death. And thus begins a frantic search to find her before it’s too late. Also available for FREE on NOOK.

Thanks to Ollie for helping with the Free list. She is doing a great job. Thanks Ollie! 


Follow Ollie on Twitter @olliemarie

Disclaimer: These books are free and offered by Amazon for Kindle, Nook Book or various forms of digital download. I have not read most if any of these books. But they are free, and everyone likes something free. These books were offered at no cost (free) at the time I posted them, but make sure and confirm that the offer is still available before downloading. Enjoy and if you read any of the books on this list, please stop by and tell us what you thought about it. 

Ollie, Ollie, Books Free 2/3/12

Substitute by Lena Sledge
Free on Kindle (Today only)
Substitute tells the story of two brothers who have drifted apart. One brother, Washington, has become dependent on the assistance of their mother, while the other brother is set on finding the perfect woman and starting a family. But when their mother dies, Washington's fate falls into the hands of his brother who has no desire to take care of an obese grown man. Substitute is a thought provoking story that shows the journey from resistance to acceptance.

Substitute is a short story from the collection of ten short stories from If I Had My Way. You can purchase If I Had My Way for all ten short stories or purchase each story individually. Not available on Nook.

Jigsaw Words: A Word Game         
Free on Kindle
Jigsaw Words is a word game that challenges you to combine groups of letters into words that match the clues given. In each Jigsaw Words puzzle, you start with a set of 10 clues. You also have a set of randomly arranged puzzle pieces with letters on them. Your goal is to solve the clue. 

Beastly Week  by Phoebe Matthews
Free on Kindle
Last week ghosts attacked my cousin, a sidewalk attacked me, a wild bear moved into the back yard, my boyfriend's ex moved into our house, and a funeral ended in murder. Last week was easy compared to this week. Not available on Nook.




Uprising (The Fall of Haven) by Justin Kemppainen
Free on Kindle 
This book, formerly titled Haven, has received new cover-art and titling to prepare for the release of it's sequel. The two books together are now known as The Fall of Haven, books one and two called Uprising and Exodus, respectively. More editing has been done to alleviate complaints. B & N/Nook $Free 


Beauty Touched the Beast by Skye Warren
Free on Kindle
Erin cleans Mr. Morris’s house twice a week, soaking up every moment with the reclusive ex-soldier she secretly loves. Blake Morris knows he’s scarred both inside and out and is no good for the beautiful young woman who cleans his house to pay for college. But when Erin walks in on Blake touching himself and moaning her name, all bets are off.  B & N/Nook $0.99 




A Previous Engagement by Stephanie Hadddad
Free on Kindle
Tessa Monroe knows how to do exactly two things: climb her way up the corporate ladder and cheer up her best friend Christian Douglas, the main man in her life since paste was a snack. With the exception of a Ring Pop proposal and a pool-side kiss in college, not much has changed between them in.  B & N/Nook $0.99 



The Way They Were by Mary Campisi
Free on Kindle
He hasn’t spoken her name in fourteen years. She keeps a journal hidden in the back of her closet and permits herself to write about him once a year—on the anniversary of the first and only time they made love. They promised to love one another forever, but tragedy tore them apart. 
B & N/Nook $0.99 



Things Mother Used to Make by Lydia Maria Gurney
Free on Kindle 
This book was converted from its physical edition to the digital format by a community of volunteers. You may find it for free on the web. Purchase of the Kindle edition includes wireless delivery. B &N/Nook $2.99 


The Accidental Hero by Joshua Graham
Free on Kindle 
A ruthless hitman confronts his destiny in a startling tale of redemption. B & N/ Nook $Free 



Night of the Assassin by Russell Blake
Free on Kindle 
Night of the Assassin is the gritty, edge-of-your seat prequel to King of Swords. A no-holds-barred, breakneck-paced thriller, Night of the Assassin charts the early years of El Rey - the King of Swords - a super-assassin responsible for some of the world's most spectacular and daring executions. B & N/Nook $Free 


My True Essence by Shawneda Marks
Free on Kindle
Rebecca has everything she ever prayed for and more, and is living like she doesn't care if she loses it all. Dani's business is thriving and her faith is strong. Her diagnosis will expose her own insecurities and life's truth. Jenessa epitomizes the definition of a strong woman. A routine doctor's visit forces her to confront the genetic cloud that has hovered over her since childhood. B & N/Nook $1.49 


Beautiful (Beautiful Mess Series) by Kiexiza Rodriguez 
Synopsis of Beautiful What do you do when the one person who loved you for you is taken away without warning? When everything in life seems to go to hell after that? Well Tierra turned her tragedy into fuel to move up and on. She graduated HS left home went to college and NEVER looked back. 
B & N/Nook price $Free

The list of free books is provided by Ollie. Please give her a thanks for compiling the list for us this week. :-)
Follow Ollie on Twitter @Olliemarie

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Disclaimer: These books are free and offered by Amazon for Kindle, Nook Book or various forms of digital download. I have not read most if any of these books. But they are free, and everyone likes something free. These books were offered at no cost (free) at the time I posted them, but make sure and confirm that the offer is still available before downloading. Enjoy and if you read any of the books on this list, please stop by and tell us what you thought about it.