Author Spotlight Saturday ~ Meet Carmel Harrington

Welcome to this weeks Author Spotlight Saturday! This week we have Carmel Harrington, the author of recently released The Life You Left. Keep an eye out for my review coming very soon. I will say this much, it had me in tears and laughter! A great novel. Welcome Carmel to Genuine Jenn!

Tell us a little bit about your book(s) and yourself. 

Hell Jennifer, thanks for having me on your blog!  I’m from Ireland and I live in a beautiful coastal village, in the South East of Ireland, with my husband Roger and two children Amelia (4) and Nate (2).

Life is busy, as I wear several hats every day - Stay-at-home mum, Wife,  Author, Freelance Writer!  But it’s never boring and there is a lot of laughter in our home.

I write contemporary fiction for Harper Collins’s romance imprint, Harper Impulse.

I love exploring themes of love, loss, hope and strength in my novels, always with both laughter and tears sprinkled throughout.

My first novel Beyond Grace’s Rainbow won several international awards, including Romantic eBook of Year 2013 and Kindle Book of Year 2013!  The Life You Left was published as an eBook on 19th June and follows in paperback on 3rd July and I am giddy with excitement about it all! 

When was your first book published? 

My first book Beyond Grace’s Rainbow was initially self published August 2012, but republished by Harper Collins September 2013. 

Are you currently working on anything? 

Yes, I’m working a sequel to Beyond Grace’s Rainbow, but with the focus this time on Abby, Tom and Gerry, who are Grace’s friends.  It’s lovely getting back to the old gang. 

Why did you decide to become an Author? 

Jennifer, I’ve always wanted to write, ever since I was a young girl in our local library.  I used to look at all the bookshelves and imagine what it would be like to see one of my books nestled amongst them.  That ambition stayed with me throughout my childhood and adulthood, but it took till I turned 40 to find the nerve to do something about it! 

Who and what inspired you to write? 

I get inspiration from my husband Roger and children Amelia and Nate and stepdaughter Eva, all the time. 

When you are writing to you like to listen to music? What is on your playlist? 

Oh great question!  Actually I tend to write in silence, but at certain parts in my stories, I often look to music for inspiration.  ‘She’ by Elvis Costello inspired me for several chapters in The Life You Left and gets a mention in the book in fact.  

Who is your favorite character in your books? 

I really can’t pick Jennifer, I love nearly all of them! In fact, even the baddies I’ve written in The Life You Left, I kind of love to hate them if you know what I mean!  I think I will always have a soft spot for Grace though, from Beyond Grace’s Rainbow, because her character was the very first one I wrote. 

Do you ever take characteristics or nuances from close friends or family when working on character development and if so has that friend or family member noticed and what was their response to it? 

I’ve had both friends and strangers contact me and say, ‘thats me!’ or ‘that happened to me!’ but honestly, all are from my imagination. 

What is your favorite book of all time? 

I hate getting asked this question, because I always seem to have a different answer, because I have so many favourites!  Today, I’m saying ‘Wuthering Heights.’ 

Tell us in one sentence why we should read your books. 

Because reading my books will make my small children happy and you want to see them smile don’t you?

Ok, only joking!  How about this? ‘I’ve been told that I can make the reader both laugh and cry at the turn of a page, I’d love to try to do that with you!’ 

List your books that are available 

Beyond Grace’s Rainbow

The Life You Left

Where can people connect with you? 

Facebook | Twitter | Website | 

Thanks for taking your time to answer some questions for my readers at Genuine Jenn.

~*Disclaimer: This post was written by Genuine Jenn. All opinions are honest and my own.*~

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Meet Jennifer Weiner in Toronto

~*Disclaimer: This post was written by Genuine Jenn. All opinions are honest and my own.*~

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Author Spotlight Saturday ~ Meet Tessa Brookfield

Please welcome Tessa Brookfield to Genuine Jenn for this weeks Author Spotlight Saturday! I recently reviewed Tessa's first book called Blinders Off you can check out my review of Blinders Off and pick up your copy today! Tessa is also a fellow Canadian!

Tell us a little bit about yourself.

First off, thank you for having me Jenn. I am married with two teenage children at home and a stepson that is away serving in the Canadian Military. I work a full time job, taxi my children around and write every spare minute I get. I write Romance – Contemporary and Romantic Suspense, all with a definite steam factor.

When was your first book published? 

Blinders Off, a contemporary romance, was my debut novel and was published by Devine Destinies (a footprint of eXtasy books) April 1, 2014.

Are you currently working on anything? 

Yes, I currently have two projects on the go that are both Romantic Suspense.

Why did you decide to become an Author? 

Writing was always something I thought about for many years. As I started to get older I started thinking about it more and finally decided to give it shot. I set myself a goal, which was, to have at least one book published before the time I turned forty. I’m not forty yet and by the time I get there I will have had two published and a third shortly after. It is what hard work and extreme determination got me. Writing is what I love to do and what I want to continue doing.

Who and what inspired you to write? 

For the who: When I think about this question, the one person that stands out is my mom. Growing up she always told me, “You can do anything you set your mind to.” That has stuck with me and has definitely kept me pushing forward as embarked on this journey.

For the what: I find music quite often tends to inspire me.

When you are writing do you like to listen to music? What is on your playlist?

I don’t listen to music while I’m writing, but certain songs that I hear get me thinking about potential scenes. Quite often you will find references to certain songs in my work. I like to listen to current pop.

Who is your favorite character in your books? 

Hmmm…I would have to say Tiffany, who is in a project I’m currently working on. She has to overcome some significant emotional obstacles and has been my biggest challenge. She really controls the direction of the story and I have found myself having to take some long breaks from her story when I have tried to change direction. She continues to become a strong willed determined character that keeps me on my toes. She is my favorite because I love a challenge and I can’t wait to see where she will take the story.

Do you ever take characteristics or nuances from close friends or family when working on character development and if so has that friend or family member noticed and what was their response to it?

If I do, not intentionally. I’m sure at some point it’s bound to happen, if it hasn’t already.

What is your favorite book of all time? 

That’s a tough one. One that sticks out to me is The Notebook.

Tell us in one sentence why we should read your books. 

Everything is worth giving a try at least once. :) 

List your books that are available:

Blinders Off

Trapped Inside – July 2014

It All Leads To This – August 2014

Where can people connect with you?

 

Website | Facebook | Twitter | Goodreads |

Thanks for taking your time to answer some questions for my readers at Genuine Jenn. 
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Are you an author that would like to be featured on Author Spotlight Saturday or have your book(s) reviewed on Genuine Jenn. Please fill out this form. Thank You!


~*Disclaimer: This post was written by Genuine Jenn. All opinions are honest and my own.*~

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This Summer Get Soaked with Nerf!

Now that the hot weather is here to stay for a bit they kids are always looking for fun ways to stay cool. Each summer the kids can't wait to pull out the Nerf water guns and this summer isn't any different.

There are some fun new Nerf water toys out this season! Check out the new Nerf Super Soaker Barrage. This is one major soaker that will be guaranteed to soak your friends from head to toe. The chamber holds up to 84 ounces of water! It is BIG! Even though it is big it is easy to pump and fire. Be prepared it is a bit heavy when full but my 8 year old boy had no problems chasing his sister around the yard with this soaker! P loves that it has 3 soaking modes and they are easily changed by a turn of the nozzle. He was able to do this while chasing his sister and myself.  Get ready to hit targets up to 38 feet away with the Distance mode!

For A the new Nerf Rebelle Dolphina Bow Blaster was a HUGE hit. She absolutely loves it. Once she got the hang of holding it upright when pulling the lever back then pushing it forward she was great. Chasing her brother around to "soak" him was a blast also. It has an easy to load chamber that holds up to 25 ounces of water.

I know the kids will have a Blast this summer with the new Nerf Soakers! 

Visit Hasbro Canada website!


~*Disclaimer: This post was written by Genuine Jenn on behalf of Hasbro Canada. I received the above products in exchange for an honest review. All opinions are honest and my own.*~

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This Wicked Rush {Wild Rush #1} by Jessie Evans ~ Book Review

Book Synopsis:

“You know what I like, Caitlin. You know I want you to beg for it.”

Gabe

I’ve never been the kind of person to give up on something I want. Now, I refuse to take no for an answer. I want this girl. I want to help her, and sleep with her, and steal things with her, and make her laugh the way she did right that night in her friend's car. We’re going to have a summer neither of us will ever forget, and by the time we go our separate ways, she’ll have enough money to go to college, and I will have had her…every way I want her.

Caitlin

I’m starting to forget why it’s a bad idea to get in any deeper with a boy who is a walking, talking contradiction. A boy who has a taste for breaking the law, a wicked way with words, and a confident touch that leaves no doubt he’s way more experienced than I am. I’ve spent my life putting aside my own needs and cleaning up after other people’s mistakes. Now, I want to make a mistake of my own.

I know I’m playing with fire, but for Gabe I'm willing to beg to be burned.

THIS WICKED RUSH is an edgy, sexy, boundary-pushing read intended for readers over the age of seventeen. The book features graphic love scenes, violence, strong language, and thieves in love. Read at your own risk.

Purchase a copy on Amazon.

About the Author:

Jessie Evans gave up a career as an international woman of mystery to write the sassy, Southern romances she always wanted to read.

She's married to the man of her dreams, and together they're raising a few adorable, mischievous children in a tree house in the boonies. She grew up in rural Arkansas, spending summers running wild, being chewed by chiggers, and now appreciates her home in a chigger-free part of the world even more.

When she's not writing, Jessie enjoys playing her dulcimer (badly), sewing the worlds ugliest quilts to give to her friends, going for bike rides with her house full of boys, and wandering the woods, glass of wine and camera both in hand, on the lookout for Bigfoot.

A southern girl, born and bred, Jessie loves writing Southern romances with just the right amount of sizzle, and hopes you'll enjoy her stories set in the fictional town of Summerville, Georgia. Especially the "Always a Bridesmaid" series!

Connect: Website | Twitter | Facebook | Goodreads |

Review:

This book was one Wicked Rush of emotions! I was hooked right from the beginning. The wild rush that Caitlin experiences with Gabe while a robbery right until the end I was on the edge of my seat wondering what will happen next and then tears by the end of the book. This was a wild rush for sure.

The storyline was great, fast paced and keeping me interested right until the end. I loved the characters Gabe and Caitlin. Caitlin being dealt a hard life but not falling apart, she steps up and takes on the role of a mom to her three younger brothers and her two year old niece. While working to keep the family together in the family home. She is very strong and doesn't take crap from anyone. Gabe was a wild guy and really sexy. This is a great steamy romance that you know wont be "just fun for the summer". I can't wait to read more about these two in book #2 and more from Jessie Evans.

I give this book a 4.5 out of 5 stars! 


~*Disclaimer: This post was written by Genuine Jenn. I received a copy of the above book for review purpose. All opinions are honest and my own.*~

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A Vampire's Salvation by Virna DePaul ~ Book Review

Book Synopsis:

Francesca Marie Stewart has never wanted any man as much as she wants Jake Rios. His chiseled body and dark, intensely masculine energy draw her like a moth to a flame. But Frankie has been burned before, and now a mysterious figure from her troubled past has resurfaced with a terrifying new threat. Can she trust Jake not only with her heart but with her very life?

Jake’s hunger to possess this beautiful redhead goes beyond searing desire. He’s a vampire, and his very existence depends on bonding with a mate. He aches to ravish Frankie, but he must take it slow—for what he will ask of her will require profound sacrifice even as it gives her unimaginable pleasure. And once he has claimed her—body and soul—Jake will go to any lengths to protect her.

A Vampire’s Salvation is an erotic romance intended for mature audiences.

Purchase a copy on Amazon

About the Author:

A former prosecutor, Virna DePaul writes "heat, heart, & HEA" for Harlequin and Random House. She is also a bestselling Indie author, with Bedding The Wrong Brother being a top 100 contemporary romance on Amazon with over 150 5* reviews.

Connect: Website | Facebook | Twitter | Goodreads |

Review:

This is a steamy, hot yet fast read. I am only giving this book a 3 stars because I found that there was too much to explore in this book for it to be a novella. I love the concept of the vampire's walking among everyone else. Jake is looking for his soul mate and found it in Frankie. Jake being the alpha-male and Frankie on the mend from a really horrible experience as a teen, they really did make a good pair. I felt that the storyline would have been much better for a full length novel and I look forward to reading more in this series. The romance was hot for sure but not raunchy. It was a great read for those nights you just want to sit and finish a book.

I give this book 3 stars out of 5.


~*Disclaimer: This post was written by Genuine Jenn. I received a copy of the above book for review purpose. All opinions are honest and my own.*~

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Mani Monday ~ Morning Dew Jamberry

This week I decided to use my Morning Dew wraps! I absolutely love these ones especially for summer! I think they would love very nice for a summer wedding.

Don't forget to visit Mani Monday with Shari over at The Knit Wit!


~*Disclaimer: This post was written by Genuine Jenn. All opinions are honest and my own.*~

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Author Spotlight Saturday ~ Meet Donald R. Grippo

Please Welcome Donald R. Grippo to Genuine Jenn this Saturday! 

Tell us a little bit about your book(s) and yourself

Before retiring in 2010, I practiced oral and maxillofacial surgery in northeast Connecticut. I’m married to Pauline and we have three daughters. I’ve lived in several towns and cities in Connecticut as well as New York City, Syracuse, New York, Nashville, Tennessee, and Sanford, Florida.

I received degrees from Syracuse University, Meharry Medical College School of Dentistry, and Cornell Medical College / The New York Hospital. My history includes working as a jail guard and a prison dentist.

My hobbies include reading prose and poetry, playing tennis, and studying martial arts.

To Sleep…Perchance to Die is a story of an ill-fated love triangle that involves deception, betrayal, and murder. One of the characters is non fictional but portrayed in a fictional manner. That character is well-known Hartford, Connecticut criminal attorney, Hubert (Hubie) Santos. The novel is a tale that combines fiction and with fact and is meant to entertain and inform the reader. Among other things, the reader will be introduced to the field of oral and maxillofacial surgery, northeast Connecticut, and a famous Connecticut lawyer. Chapter heading are lines from Shakespeare’s sonnets and poetic references are found throughout the book.

When was your first book published? 

A Guide to the Guy or Gal Who Takes Your Teeth Out was published in 2007. It is a collection of eight short stories about oral surgical problems and their treatment. It was meant for older children and adults. The intention was to allay fear associated with oral and maxillofacial surgery. The book was inspired by the questions a young patient of mine asked.

Are you currently working on anything?

I have sent Revenge Best Served Bloody, the sequel to To Sleep…Perchance to Die, to my publisher for editing. It is slated to be released in June, 2014. I’m working on the outline for the third novel of the Bret Manley series.

Why did you decide to become an author?

I’ve been an avid reader of prose and poetry since my early school days. Becoming an author has been in my mind for as long as I can remember. Over the years I started novels only to discard them after one or two hundred pages. The modest success of A Guide to the Guy or Gal Who Takes Your Teeth Out, especially the feedback I received from readers and parents, was an incentive. 

In addition, I knew that in retirement it would be essential to maintain intellectual activities. As a result, I decided to embark upon a new career in writing. I knew it would be a uniting of my vocation with my avocation. 

I took creative writing courses, read how-to books, joined the Florida Writer’s Association, and attended writer’s seminars and meetings. I’ve found that a writer’s quest for knowledge never ends. Becoming an author has opened a new world for me.

Who and what inspired you to write?

My number one inspiration has been my wife, Paulie. She has encouraged me at every step of the new road I’ve taken.

Writers such as King, Cornwell, Michener, Clancy, and P.D. James have been role models. I’m in awe of their ability to put words to page.

Stephen King’s book, On Writing, not only teaches writing techniques, but also highlights the importance of persevering in one’s goal of becoming a writer. Another point of kinship I have with him is that we both came from humble beginnings.

When you are writing, do you like to listen to music? What is on your playlist? 

I don’t play music while I write because I wouldn’t hear it. When I write, my focus and concentration is on my computer and what I’m putting on the page. I tend to block activities and sounds that are around me.

Who is your favorite character in your books?

My favorite and most important character in my books is Mai Faca. She is psychologically complex, has several layers of personality, and to me is the most interesting character of my novels. Mai is able to drive a plot in overt and subtle ways.

Do you ever take characteristics or nuances from close friends or family when working on character development and if so has that friend or family member noticed and what was their response to it? 

Most of the characters in my books are composites of friends, work associates, patients I’ve treated, and jail and prison inmates with whom I’ve dealt. Those who feel I’ve used their persona in my characters have been pleased and flattered. No one has been offended. 

In To Sleep…Perchance to Die, my non-fictional character, Hubert (Hubie) Santos, is my cousin. He’s a well-known Connecticut attorney who gave me permission to use him in my novel. I’ve tried to give a true picture of him. He also is pleased with the result. 

What is your favorite book of all time? 

The Moon and Sixpence by Maugham. 

Tell us in one sentence why we should read your books.

The plots of my books are a weaving of fiction and fact that make interesting and pleasurable reading.

List your books that are available. 

To Sleep…Perchance to Die (2013)A Guide to the Guy or Gal Who Takes Your Teeth Out (2007)

Revenge Best Served Bloody (the sequel to To Sleep…Perchance to Die) is scheduled to be released in June, 2014)

Where can people connect with you? 

People can connect with me through my website (dongrippo.com) that has links to twitter and facebook. Also, I can be contacted through my publisher, Turn The Page Publishing.

Thank you Donald R. Grippo for taking your time to be part of Author Spotlight Saturday!  

This post is also part of the Book tour for the following:

~*Disclaimer: This post was written by Genuine Jenn. All opinions are honest and my own.*~

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Teapigs Tea Review

I remember as a little girl my mom and I having tea together late in the evening. She used to give me some of her tea. It was only usually a splash and tons of warm milk. This is one of my favorite memories that my mom and I did together. 

Growing up I never really drank much tea. I did like the odd flavored tea but my drink of choice was always coffee. Lately though I have been trying to find a nice tea that I can have in the evenings that are caffeine free. I recently went to Twitter and asked "what is your favorite decaf tea?" I had a few people reply and one was Teapigs. They gave me a couple links to their teas suggesting a few of their favorites. I had the opportunity to check out some of their decaf and regular teas and I have to say I have really enjoyed tea a lot more after my experience. 

Teapigs is a lot different than the teas you would find in the grocery store. They sell whole tea leafs that come in tea temples. I have to admit these temples are awesome! They are big enough to not constrict your tea leaves when they are steeping and they are made of mesh. 

The first thing I noticed when pulling out the tea packs were the cute little packaging that is made from sustainably sourced cardboard and printed using vegetable based inks. Next you will notice right away with some of the teas that they contain whole flowers, pods, or chunks ingredients. The best way to make teas with whole ingredients.

Hubby and I have been making a habit out of putting the kids to bed and making a tea and catching up with each other. We enjoyed testing out each of the teas below.

 
The decaf teas we have tried were Peppermint leaves herbal, Super fruit, Rooibos creme caramel and Chamomile flowers herbal. It was really hard to pick a favorite out of these as they are all so flavorful. I don't think I will be able to drink a peppermint tea from anywhere else after having this one. I am not even a peppermint fan but really loved this tea. My son came into the kitchen when it was steeping and asked what smelled sooo good. The Rooibos creme caramel was likely my next favorite for a really nice flavor. I am super excited to have finally have found some great decaf teas I can enjoy in the evenings without keeping myself awake. I love to settle down with a warm drink and a book before bed and these teas have been great to do just that. 

The regular teas we tried were Chili Chai, Darjeeling Earl grey, Everyday Brew and Mao Feng Green Tea. I am not a big black tea drinker but I did really enjoy both of the everyday brew and the Chili Chai. I was thinking the Chili Chai was going to be super hot but it wasn't, it did have a nice heat to it though. My husband loved all these teas especially the Chili Chai and the Mao Feng Green tea. 

We both found all the teas to be more flavorful then we are used to and will be buying more. Teapigs is very new to Canada so we are hoping that the other great sounding teas on the UK & US site will be available to Canada soon. 

Connect with Teapigs Canada on Twitter! If you are shopping in Canada you can pick up some of these great teas at Coffee Subscription or check out Teapigs.com for shopping within the US.



~*Disclaimer: This post was written by Genuine Jenn. I received some teas from the company for review purpose. All opinions are honest and my own.*~

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Blinders Off by Tessa Brookfield ~ Book Review

Book Synopsis:

When a young, naive woman loses herself in the wealth and power of an older, well acclaimed businessman in New York, she is blinded by the enthrallment of the extravagant lifestyle he can provide.

For years, Chelsea Barwick has succumbed to the demanding confines of Leo Eiden only to realize that he is incapable of loving her the way she longs to be loved. With his love for money overshadowing his love for her, she is pushed to the edge of despair. The blinders come off and Chelsea finally sees Leo for what he really is, a deceptive, cheating man who believes that true happiness can only come from money.

Falling into the arms of Jax Goulding, who is as mysterious as he is gorgeous, was inevitable for Chelsea. Fueled by deceitful rage, she is determined to fight fire with fire, only to encounter more than what she bargained for. Getting involved with Jax doesn’t come without its challenges. It does, however, come with an undeniable physical attraction toward a man who teaches her a whole new meaning of the word desire with his sexual taunting tendencies that leave her begging for more.

Purchase a copy on Kobo | Amazon | Devine Destinies |

About the Author:

Hi! I'm Tessa Brookfield. I was born and raised in London, Ontario, Canada. I am a wife and mother of  two amazing children.  

Blinders Off is my first published work, but I promise there is definitely more to come.
Quite often, I get asked where my ideas come from.  Well, one night I dreamt about a black limo.  Something as simple and insignificant as that morphed into a 57,000 word story. Okay, so there was a little more to it than just a black limo, but that was the spark that lit the fuse. Sometimes it's a place I've been, or something I've seen that starts the wheels turning becoming my next story in the making.  There is always a storyline, or two, rolling around inside my head just waiting to make it to my laptop. I don't have a plan or a formula that I follow, I just write. My stories evolve as I write them, and in most cases I don't know what's going to happen until I get there.

I work a full-time job, and a good chunk of my time is devoted to getting my, very active, children to where they need to be.  It's amazing how you can manage to find time for something you love to do, and for me that's writing. Since the day I started I haven't been able to stop. 

My stories are full of unexpected twists and turns that will touch your emotions, and of course they are sensual and steamy. The perfect escape from the everyday fast paced lives we all live.

Connect: Website | Goodreads | Facebook | Twitter |

Review: 

I was pretty excited to read this book by Tessa Brookfield for a couple reasons. First this is Tessa's debut novel and second is Canadian (Ontario, where I am from). 

For a debut novel Tessa develops a storyline that flows well and is believable, with main characters, Chelsea and Jax that are very likable. Jax is also very dreamy to say the least. A man with his head on his shoulders but not an inflated ego. He does have some problems with forgiving, trusting but he is a sweet man and great with kids. Chelsea's ex Leo, I felt like smacking a few times. What a nightmare that must have been being in a relationship with a man who loves money more than is girlfriend. He was a super controlling man. 

There were times when the author had me wanting to tell Chelsea to just grow up and realize that Jax is where she should be and give him time to come around but then there were times that you just knew they would figure it all out. This is a 18+ novel but it also had a nice romance behind it. 

I really enjoyed Tessa's debut novel and look forward to reading more of her work in the future. 

I give this book a 4 out of 5 stars! 

~*Disclaimer: This post was written by Genuine Jenn. I received a copy of the above book for review purpose. All opinions are honest and my own.*~

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Secret Sister by Emelle Gamble ~ Book Review

Book Synopsis: 

What if everything about you changed in an instant...
Nick & Cathy and Roxanne. Two best friends. One husband. An extraordinary twist of fate.

How much do you really know about your husband? Your best friend? Yourself? Cathy Chance knows she loves her husband, Nick, with the same passion she had when she married him seven years ago, and he adores her. She also knows that she and her best friend, Roxanne, are closer than most sisters. But on a sunny summer day, these three are hurled into an astounding new reality which forces each to reconsider everything they thought was true about themselves, and one another.

Purchase a copy on Amazon | Barnes & Noble | Indigo |  

About the Author:  

Emelle Gamble was a writer at an early age, bursting with the requisite childhood stories of introspection which evolved into bad teen poetry and attempts at 'real literature' all copies of which she has since, very sensibly, shredded. She took her first stab at romantic fiction in an adult education writing class when her kids were in bed, taught by fellow writer Carolyn Haines, in Mobile, Alabama. As M.L. Gamble, she published several romantic suspense novels with Harlequin. She is now contracted with Soul Mate Publishing for Secret Sister, summer of 2013, and Dating Cary Grant, an early 2014 release.

Always intrigued by the words ‘what if’, Emelle’s books feature an ordinary woman confronted with an extraordinary situation. She most enjoys reading stories that surprise and amaze her, and hopes her readers will enjoy the challenging and exciting journeys her characters take.

Emelle lives in suburban Washington D.C. with her husband, Phil, her hero of thirty years, and two orange cats, Lucy and Bella. Her daughter, Olivia, and son, Allen, are happily launched on their own and contributing great things to society, which has always been their mother’s fondest wish.

Connect: Website | Facebook | Twitter | Goodreads | Blog |

Review: 

Right from the beginning of this novel the author had me hooked. Gamble's descriptions make you feel like you are right there with Cathy during the accident and along for the emotion ride she experiences throughout the novel. I feel bad this book got to the bottom of my to-be-read list as it was a great story of betrayal, truth, friendship and family. Do you believe in reincarnation? This story sits on the side of being paranormal or spiritual. Would your lover recognize you if you were changed on the outside? 

Be prepared for many emotions throughout this book. I was in tears a few times. I look forward to reading more from Emelle Gamble.

I give this book a 4.5 stars out of 5.


~*Disclaimer: This post was written by Genuine Jenn. I received a copy of the above book from netgalley. All opinions are honest and my own.*~

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To Sleep....Perchance to Die by Donald R. Grippo ~ Book Review

Book Summary:

Tangled lives, tainted love, and a Shakespearean twist lead to deception, betrayal, and murder. In this sexy, psychological thriller, Eurasian beauty Mai Faca plots to marry Jake Warden, a successful oral surgeon forbidden to her because of family honor. In an unheard-of scheme, fellow surgeon, Bret Manley, falls victim to Mai's seduction as she and Jake play a cruel trick to be together. Jake acts with surgical precision to clear the path to Mai's happiness, threatening lives including his own. In a wake of turmoil and destruction, Bret's uncle and well-known criminal attorney Hubie Santos attempts to find out if a surgeon would use his knowledge to kill. 

Purchase Amazon | Barnes & Nobles | Book Depository | Indigo Chapters

About the Author:

Donald R. Grippo, DDS practiced oral and maxillofacial surgery in northeastern Connecticut for more than thirty years. On a daily basis, he encountered patient's fear of undergoing oral surgery and associated anesthesia. To help allay such fear he wrote A Guide to the Guy or Gal Who Takes Your Teeth Out, a series of short stories dealing with the treatment of typical oral surgical problems. His resume includes working as a dentist at the Tennessee State Prison outside of Nashville and as a guard at the Hartford State Jail on Syms Street in Hartford.


Review:

Lately I have been reading romance novels and not thrillers or mysteries. I decided to pick this book up as I recently signed up to be a tour host with this new Canadian book tour company and one of my reading goals this year was to step outside of my comfort zone. 

I am really glad I picked up this book for review. It is a great medical mystery. The author did a great job forming this storyline. If you are looking for a really suspenseful/thriller type this is more of a subtle type manipulative type storyline. A twisted romantic love story. I really liked Bret's character along with his uncle Hubie. Mai on the other hand was one character I wanted to shake throughout the book. By the end of it I was so heart broken for what Jake and Mai but Bret through but so happy that Hubie's PI was on Bret's side. A bit of a Shakespeare romance. 

I give this book a 3.5 out of 5 stars. It is a quick read.  

This post is part of a iRead Books blog tour.

~*Disclaimer: This post was written by Genuine Jenn. I received a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review. All opinions are honest and my own.*~

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Mani Monday ~ Flutter By ~ SSE

Sorry for the lack of Mani Monday post last week but I decided to keep my wild zebra nails on for two weeks! This week though I have used May's Sister Style Exclusive called Flutter By. I love the butterflies and had fun with the ombre.

Pop over to The Knit Wit to follow Shari's Mani Monday too!


~*Disclaimer: This post was written by Genuine Jenn. All opinions are honest and my own.*~

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Author Spotlight Saturday ~ Meet Troy Gardner

Please welcome Troy Gardner author of Wakefield (Mad World book #1) and many others (see list below).

Tell us a little bit about your book(s) and yourself. 

I’m the type of person who likes TV series like House, Doctor Who, and Buffy the Vampire Slayer because they really mix up the tone and even genre from episode to episode. I write whatever mood I’m in, so you’ll find a mix of horror, paranormal, mythological, non-fiction, comedy, holiday, and realistic YA in my writing.

When was your first book published? 

Wakefield (Mad World, Book One), co-authored by Erin Callahan, came out in October, 2013 after working on it for a few years.

Are you currently working on anything? 

Yes; way too many projects. I’m submitting a few novel length manuscripts and working on sequels and solo projects, as well as writing with partners.

Why did you decide to become an Author? 

I always wanted to tell stories, and originally that meant acting, which moved into directing. But then I realized I didn’t have a million dollars to create a blockbuster movie, but I could write a blockbuster story.

Who and what inspired you to write?

I’m from a small town (the entire high school had 200 students), where you had to make your own entertainment.

When you are writing do you like to listen to music? What is on your playlist?

I usually have music or TV playing when I’m working. I could listen to David Bowie 24/7. Next to Normal and Hedwig and the Angry Inch are great go-tos. I love music that tells a story, so The Who and Meatloaf are up there, too.

Who is your favorite character in your books? 

Ouch, I’d hate to upset some of my characters (a few are really needy). From the Mad World series, I can’t write enough of Teddy. He’s always surprising me.

Do you ever take characteristics or nuances from close friends or family when working on character development and if so has that friend or family member noticed and what was their response to it? 

Whenever I use characteristics from acquaintances, they’re really small things, so no one’s ever picked up on it (most of them are probably subconscious, anyway). I do have a manuscript I’m working on that a friend read and she had no idea something was based off of her until I told her. She laughed and said it was pretty accurate.

What is your favorite book of all time?

Tough one. Toss-up between Shoeless Joe (movie buffs know it as Field of Dreams), and Picture of Dorian Gray. But ask me next week and I’ll probably have a different answer.

Tell us in one sentence why we should read your books.

My books are the type of fun reads that you can find deeper themes upon close inspection, but you don’t have to do so to enjoy them, and there’s lots of humor mixed in, even to the horror stories.

List your books that are available

Wakefield (Mad World, Book One)

Tunnelville (Mad World, Book Two)

The Locked Door

The Control Room

The SylvanvilleSpirits 

Examining SleepawayCamp: An Unauthorized Look at the Cult Horror Series

Examination of Chucky: An Unauthorized Dissection of the Child’s Play Series

Guardian of Cupid’sHeart (Evermore Island, Book One)

Guardian of SuffrageCelebration (Evermore Island, Book Two)

Three May Days (Evermore Island, Book Three) 

Where can people connect with you? 

My personal website and blog. MadWorld headquarters, Twitter and Facebook. I’m particularly proud of the Mad World website, so check it out.

Thank you Troy for taking your time to answer some questions for my readers at Genuine Jenn. 

Thanks for having me! 

Are you an author that would like to be featured on Author Spotlight Saturday or have your book(s) reviewed on Genuine Jenn. Please fill out this form. Thank You!

~*Disclaimer: This post was written by Genuine Jenn. All opinions are honest and my own.*~

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