Guest – Staci Troilo Discusses The Haunting of Chatham Hollow #newbook

September 21, 2022September 13, 2022 ~ John W. Howell ~ 101 Comments

I am so pleased to be hosting a fellow Story Empire author today. Staci is here to talk about the book she and Mae Clair have collaborated on that I’m sure you will enjoy. I’m certain of this because Staci and Mae are two of the most talented writers around. So Staci welcome to Fiction Favorites.

Ciao, amici! John, thanks for hosting me today. I’m so happy to be here and so excited to tell you and your readers about The Haunting of Chatham Hollow, a dual-timeline novel I co-wrote with talented author, Story Empire colleague, and long-time friend Mae Clair. This was the first either of us attempted a collaboration, and I have to say, it went beautifully. So well, in fact, I think both of us would be up for a second project sometime in the future.

But now isn’t the time to look forward. It’s time to look into the past. More specifically, 1793 and 1888, the historical periods in the novel. And to the present, where the rest of the mystery unfolds. This story encompasses ghosts, curses, missing treasure, arson, and murder, with a cast of characters whose descendants cross paths continuously throughout the ages. Our short tour will introduce you to a few of the major players via a discussion between one of them and a medium.

Today’s post takes place in the present. The psychic is Julia Hale, a resident of Chatham Hollow and a descendant of famous spiritualist Victor Rowe. The character she’ll be speaking with is Rebekah Fetzinger, founder of the RebelZ fashion label, owner of The Chic Boutique, and head of Chatham Hollow’s Chamber of Commerce.

Without further ado…

•◊♦◊•·

•◊♦◊•·

Julia: (knocking on office door) Hello? Ms. Fetzinger? Your assistant said you were expecting me.

Rebekah: Ten minutes ago. Come in. Close the door behind you.

Julia: (approaching the desk) I was surprised you wanted to meet. And a little put out that you couldn’t come to my house.

Rebekah: I’m a busy woman, Julia.

Julia: As am I.

Rebekah: (scowling) Maybe this was a bad idea.

Julia: (dropping into a chair across from Rebekah) I’m here now. What can I do for you?

Rebekah: What can you tell me about the upcoming séance reenactment?

Julia: Nothing more than I’ve already told the town council. You were there.

Rebekah: (drumming her nails on her desk) Yes, I know I was there, and I know what you said. What I want to know is what you didn’t say.

Julia: Is there something specific you’re fishing for? I believe my comments to the council were thorough.

Rebekah: Are you really able to make contact with Ward Chatham?

Julia: (pauses, considers, sighs) There will be a lot of power in the circle that night. I believe we have a better than average chance of breaching the Veil.

Rebekah: You choose your words carefully. Why?

Julia: You ask a lot of questions. Why?

Rebekah: (sighs) And now you’re being evasive. Very well. I can respect both tactics. Tell me, will we learn where the treasure is?

Julia: I couldn’t begin to guess. I can’t even guarantee we’ll reach Ward Chatham. Or any other spirit.

Rebekah: So, we might connect with someone else?

Julia: It’s possible.

Rebekah: Would… thinking about someone bring them forth?

Julia: Spirit circles aren’t to be trifled with, Ms. Fetzinger. I must ask you to follow my instructions to the letter at the séance. If there’s someone else you’d like to reach, I’ll conduct a private sitting with you.

Rebekah: (stops drumming her nails; leans across desk) So, Aiden has been digging into my past. What has he told you?

Julia: About what?

Rebekah: Why are you being so difficult, Julia?

Julia: Me?

Rebekah: (points at the door while looking at her desk) I have work to do. Just go.

Julia: Do you want me to ask Aiden about—

Rebekah: No! Get out!

Julia: (rises; walks toward door) With pleasure.

•◊♦◊•·

Blurb:

One founding father.
One deathbed curse.
A town haunted for generations.

Ward Chatham, founder of Chatham Hollow, is infamous for two things—hidden treasure and a curse upon anyone bold enough to seek it. Since his passing in 1793, no one has discovered his riches, though his legend has only grown stronger.

In 1888, charlatan Benedict Fletcher holds a séance to determine the location of Chatham’s fortune. It’s all a hoax so he can search for the gold, but he doesn’t count on two things—Victor Rowe, a true spiritualist who sees through his ruse, and Chatham’s ghost wreaking havoc on the town.

More than a century later, the citizens of the Hollow gather for the annual Founder’s Day celebration. A paranormal research team intends to film a special at Chatham Manor, where the original séance will be reenacted. Reporter and skeptic Aiden Hale resents being assigned the story, but even he can’t deny the sudden outbreak of strange happenings. When he sets out to discover who or what is threatening the Hollow—supernatural or not— his investigation uncovers decades-old conflicts, bitter rivalries, and ruthless murders.

This time, solving the mystery isn’t about meeting his deadline. It’s about not ending up dead.

PURCHASE LINK

•◊♦◊•·

Thanks again, John, for hosting me today. I hope this little exchange gives you and your followers a bit more insight into Rebekah Fetzinger, successful business owner with a… let’s call it a colorful reputation. I hope you’ll all consider reading the story to uncover her secrets. The answer to her mystery, and many more, can be found in The Haunting of Chatham Hollow. Mae and I truly appreciate your support. Grazie!

•◊♦◊•·

Connect with Staci:

Connect with Mae:

Sŭbmarine-Ër #New Book – Guest Blog by Robert G. Williscroft

August 24, 2022August 21, 2022 ~ John W. Howell ~ 48 Comments

Since my dad was a naval aviator in World War II, I have been interested in all things Navy. I am therefore delighted to have as a guest Robert G. Williscroft, submariner and author of multiple series including The MacMcDowell Missions, The Oort Chronicles, and The Daedalus Files. Robert compiled and edited the true-life adventures of retired US Navy Lt. Commander Jerry Pait in his new book, Sŭbmarine-Ër.

So welcome Robert, who will give us some background on the book.

Thanks, John. So pleased to be here.

Let me begin with Jerry’s enlistment in the Navy. Jerry Pait enlisted on September 15, 1964, was assigned to Fleet Sonar School, volunteered for subs, and ended up on USS Entemedor (SS-340). After Advanced Sonar School, he was transferred as an STS-2 to USS Von Steuben (SSBN 632B) in the Philly yards right after her collision off Cadiz, Spain. I was a newly minted Lt. j.g., fresh out of Poseidon Missile School, having come through the NESEP (Navy Enlisted Scientific Education Program) and Univ. of Washington in marine and atmosphere physics. I guess the skipper made me Sonar Officer because I was a former sonar tech.” Jerry and I served together until I left for the Man-in-the-Sea Program and ultimately Operation Ivy Bells, tapping into Soviet underwater communications cables in the Sea of Okhotsk.

Jerry went on to become COB (Chief of Boat) on Von Steuben, served in a senior position in Sonar/Torpedoman School, and then was commissioned as an LDO (Limited Duty Officer) Ensign. He returned briefly to Von Steuben and then served as a division officer on several sub tenders. After that, he was assigned to NOTU (Naval Ordinance Test Unit), supervising underwater ballistic missile launchings for several years, working closely with NASA. He rose to Lt. Cmdr., was selected for Cmdr. But was mustered out on retirement as part of Clinton’s force reduction efforts.

Jerry took a senior field position with the major defense contractor Brown & Root, but during his first year, he fell from 20 feet in a way that fractured his back and cracked his skull. He survived, received a significant settlement, and has struggled ever since to regain as much function as possible.

I was on Jerry’s emailing list. He began to send out periodic stories from his past. They were fascinating, and the response from his list was remarkable. I saw their potential and contacted Jerry—we hadn’t communicated directly with each other in decades. I suggested that I work with him to compile his stories into a coherent whole and that we put out a book. He agreed, so we found a publisher who was willing to work with us on this strange project, and we completed the book last month.

Jerry’s book, Sŭbmarine-Ër: 30 Years of Hijinks & Keeping the Fleet Afloat, will be released on September 15, exactly 58 years after he enlisted. The book is on pre-publication sale right now as an ebook for only 99¢. The ebook price will rise to $3.99 on September 15. Each chapter has a color photo that illustrates the contents of that chapter. The trade paperback printed version has half-tone photos and will sell for $19.95. The hardbound, jacketed edition is in full color throughout and will sell for $36.95. Both will be available for pre-order within two or three days.

Why am I, Robert G. Williscroft doing this? Jerry is our brother—and he’s a genuine American hero. His story deserves to be told far and wide. I’m not here selling books. I’m here asking you to help me preserve the memory of one of the best among us. By purchasing the ebook on pre-order (only 99¢), you will help boost his sales ranking, so that on September 15, the release date, his ranking will shoot up. If you want the trade paperback, or the really cool hardbound, jacketed, full-color version, you can pre-order those as well from Amazon or any other online bookseller, or you can order it from your favorite brick-and-mortar store as well. Should you want an autographed copy, please use the Contact form at FreshInkGroup.com, and I will put you into direct contact with Jerry.

Thanks, John, and all of your readers for your support.

The Book Trailer!

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6PklESG3x-w

Live Interactive Podcast with Pait and Williscroft!

Call (516) 453-9902 or hashtag #FreshInkGroup in tweets during the show to communicate with the studio.

Use this link to join the braodcast.

https://www.blogtalkradio.com/voiceofindie1/2022/08/25/voice-of-indie-episode-108

The Book Blurb!

Lieutenant Commander Jerry Pait’s semi-autobiographical collection of sixty stories recounts his thirty years in and around the U.S. Navy’s submarine fleet. Ranging from light-hearted to wrenching, all are poignant inside looks at naval operations rarely seen by outsiders. Topics include the real story behind the shuttle Challenger tragedy, risking his own life underwater, discovering a Soviet spy living across the street, surviving when a DELTA Rocket engine ignites, critical missions, and the everyday lives of men and women of the fleet. Dive into Sŭbmarine-Ër for hijinks and breathtaking adventure with this poignant memoir by a true American hero.

Order Yours!

Digital editions at 99 cents during pre-sale are available in all major ebook formats—Kindle, Nook, Kobo, GPlay, iBooks, and 200+ more—worldwide. In addition, full-color jacketed hardcovers and softcovers are appearing at retailer sites over the next week.

Amazon link right here

The Knuckleheads Tour with Dan Antion #Newbook

June 29, 2022June 25, 2022 ~ John W. Howell ~ 90 Comments

Today I am very excited to welcome Dan Antion to Fiction Favorites. Dan is a blogging buddy with one of the most successful blogs, No Facilities. He also chairs the Thursday Door Prompt and has been very supportive of fellow writers and bloggers. His posts are always filled with fascinating photos and stories and are always worth a visit. Now Dan has taken his writing talent in a new direction. He has written three books and is in the process of launching the first. This is where I come in. I invited Dan to talk about the first titled Knuckleheads. I am just now reading it and can say it is entertaining. So here’s Dan to tell you all about it.

We are wrapping up the launch tour of Knuckleheads, my debut novel and the first book in the Dreamer’s Alliance series. I can’t think of a better place to end this tour than John Howell’s blog. I have been coming here for years; I read everything that John posts and I’ve never been disappointed.

Batting in the clean-up position, I asked John if there were any questions that I hadn’t already answered. Amazingly, there was one that shocked me:

“I think I would like to know what caused you to embark on writing novels. You have been an active blogger, and then you decided to sit down and write three books. These were done without a lot of fanfare, and I’m curious as to what was the trigger that made you write them?”

That’s a great question, John.

I have wanted to write a novel since I was in fifth grade. I even tried when I was in my twenties, but that’s a tragic story. Blogging gave me a chance to write and be seen/read. I started with a technical blog. I always included a small story in those posts. One day I realized other people liked those stories, and I liked writing them better than the technical stuff.

When I began blogging at No Facilities, I bounced around, but my goal was to become a better writer and to try writing something besides speeches, Annual Reports, the Company Brochure, and PowerPoint slides for myself and others to present.

I was still hoping to be able to write a longer story, but I simply couldn’t find the time while I was still employed. Cheryl Pennington encouraged me to use my Saturday bar post as a place to practice writing fiction. John may not remember this, but he encouraged me to work at writing better dialog. Suddenly, I found that I was having to inform and remind people that those posts are fiction – as is John Howell’s Bourbon.

The story that is Book 2 in the series was the story I wanted to tell. It was an idea that I had been toying with for years – a story about the power of thought – a topic in which I am interested. I retired in November 2019, and I started writing that story in February 2020.

While writing that novel, I reached a point where I was about to start including some of that fanfare you spoke of in my blog posts. Then I realized that there was a follow-up story – a sequel. That’s also when the backstory became important. When I was struggling with how to work the backstory into the book, Teagan Geneviene suggested writing it as a separate story. Suddenly, despite not knowing anything about writing one book, I had a trilogy in progress.

I’ll be honest. I backed away from the fanfare at that point because I wasn’t sure I could do this, and I had no idea how long it would take. People advised me not to publish any book in the series until they were all complete. That was good advice, but they weren’t all complete until early this spring.

I like the three stories I’ve written. Beta readers like the stories. I’m calling this the Dreamer’s Alliance series because there is at least one more story after that sequel. There also might be a story that precedes Knuckleheads – a bit of an origin story. Those are goals for 2023. Maybe I’ll offer some fanfare about those.

Thanks again for inviting me to spend some time at your place, John, and thanks for encouraging me and for sharing your name with David’s favorite bourbon.

Series Blurb

The Dreamer’s Alliance series chronicles the challenges and dangers faced by two men who have been gifted with paranormal abilities. From their struggles to understand and control these powers through their battle with the attempts of corrupt authorities to exploit them.

Knuckleheads Blurb

Zach and Billy didn’t ask for the paranormal powers that were beyond their capacity to understand or control. Zach, interacting with his lucid dreams, and Billy, “gifted “with shadowy glimpses of the future struggle to make sense of the world around them. Adults in authority in the nineteen sixties have no time for what they consider mental outliers of the baby boom. The boys are institutionalized, marginalized, and ignored. Zach’s father learns of the challenges they face as children and knows the dangers they will face as adults. With no way to comprehend how these boys perceive and move within their world, he must find a way to guide them.

Knuckleheads Links

The universal purchase links are embedded in the text below, but if they don’t work, the URL is below each one.

Knuckleheads Kindle Edition

http://relinks.me/B0B2M42NLF

Knuckleheads Paperback

https://relinks.me/B0B2TK4VHT

Author page: https://www.amazon.com/Daniel-Antion/e/B0B2MZJKJP/

Author Bio

Dan Antion was born outside of Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. He grew up and attended college in the area around western Pennsylvania. Dan has written and published the popular No Facilities blog since 2011. A lifelong interest in writing became a reality after he retired from a successful 42-year-long career in information management.

Knuckleheads, published in June 2022, is the first book in the Dreamer’s Alliance Series. This story introduces the main characters in this series, which the next two books will follow in late summer and early winter 2022.

Dan lives in Connecticut with his wife, a few pets, and all the wildlife they can feed.

A Voice in the Silence by DL FIinn. #newbook

June 22, 2022June 20, 2022 ~ John W. Howell ~ 69 Comments

Please join me in Welcoming an old friend and Story Empire fellow member D. L. Finn. She has a new paranormal adventure and she wants to tell you about it. So without further delay here is Denise.

Thank you for having me visit your blog today, John, to celebrate the release of A Voice in the Silence.

Drea finds herself with new pets. I based them on pets I’ve had and talked about the cats and dogs that inspired the characters in the book in other blogs. I’ve also had pet rats. The first one was just called Rat. He loved our dog and cat, who returned his affection. The three of them would take naps together, and sometimes we’d let them all sleep together in the garage. It was a truly amazing relationship between dog, cat, and rat.

After losing Rat, later when we moved to the mountains, we got another pet rat, named Rocky. He loved bananas just like Ben does in the story. I pictured him every time I wrote about Ben, who had to communicate differently than the dog or cat. It was Ben’s relationship with the cat, Jane, where I weaved in that past relationship between dog, cat, and rat. I focused on Jane and Ben in the story, but all of them bonded in a way that I had only seen once in my lifetime.

Here is an interesting rat fact: when Ben would show his emotion with blood-red tears, it wasn’t blood. There is a Harderian gland behind a rat’s eyes that secretes a reddish-brown substance called phophyrin when they are stressed.

Fun Finn Facts

Where I live our part of the forest is protected by fairies. No serial killers are allowed.
I usually picture my own house or a place I’ve been for a setting.

Blurb

Drea Burr has experienced more than her share of loss when a stray dog, cat, and rat enter her life. Although the animals start to mend her broken heart, there is something very unusual about them. During a snowstorm, Drea discovers a chilling set of footprints leading to her front window. Both the police and a ghostly messenger warn her about a killer stalking widows. Help comes from her late husband’s best friend, Adam Hale. As the two try to discover answers, more questions arise— about a killer, ghosts, and animals experimented on in a lab.

Can Drea and Adam survive the threats coming from so many directions and save themselves and the animals they’ve grown to love? Or will more tragedy destroy her second chance at happiness? Find out in this thrilling, cozy paranormal adventure.

Excerpt

A slight breeze wove through the pine trees, making them sway to nature’s song, but Drea and the dog didn’t join in the flowing movement. Instead, they maintained a tense pose, as if studying each other from a safe distance.

Drea made the first slow movement of setting her newspaper down. “Are you lost?”

The beautiful brown eyes pulled her in. It was like they could peer into her soul. There was no threat or fear in those eyes as the fluffy dog sat down. Encouraged, Drea stepped back into the garage and grabbed the pink leash and collar still hanging on the wall. The dog watched her every move with a slow tail wag.

A can of dog food she hadn’t donated to the shelter yet caught her eye. “Hungry?”

It wagged its tail harder.

She opened the can and shook the smelly chunks onto a white paper plate she kept under the cans. Holding the offering, she moved cautiously to the dog. Using a soft tone and a smile, she kept moving forward. “It’s okay. I won’t hurt you.”

The dog blinked and nodded as if it understood her. The sun fully abandoned the sky, leaving behind the encroaching darkness lit by a half moon. But the sadness that had weighed her down seeped out into the night with each step she took toward the pup. She wished she’d brought a flashlight, but the evening offered its remaining luminescence. Soon she was within a foot of the dog. The posture and build indicated a golden retriever mix like her Lady, but this was a male, and he was beautiful.

“I don’t recognize you. I know all the neighbor’s dogs. You have a home?”

The dog blinked and shook his head as her feet crunched through the dry pine needles. The sound reminded her of when Robbie would place bubble wrap on the ground and gleefully jump on it. She would clean them up—tomorrow. As she got closer, the dog’s condition was more apparent. He hadn’t eaten in a while.

“Here, this used to be Lady’s food. I lost her a little while ago.”

He licked his snout as though he understood. Smart dog.

“No collar. Maybe you have a chip.”

She set the food down and backed away. He lunged toward the plate and wiped it clean in seconds, then sat down, licking his chops. She inched her way toward him. Each step toward the mutt brought him closer to her heart, which was beating like she’d run a marathon. She slowly reached out and rubbed his fur. The dog didn’t flinch. In fact, a small sigh escaped him. Drea gently searched for injuries. Other than a small gash on his neck, he appeared healthy and wasn’t afraid.

“You must have someone who loves you. What happened?”

She wished the dog could answer.

Amazon Purchase Link US
Amazon Purchase Link UK

Author Bio

D. L. Finn is an independent California local who encourages everyone to embrace their inner child. She was born and raised in the foggy Bay Area, but in 1990 she relocated with her husband, kids, dogs, and cats to Nevada City, in the Sierra foothills. She immersed herself in reading all types of books but especially loved romance, horror, and fantasy. She always treasured creating her own reality on paper. Finally, surrounded by towering pines, oaks, and cedars, her creativity was nurtured until it bloomed. Her creations include adult fiction, poetry, a unique autobiography, and children’s books. She continues on her adventure with an open invitation to all readers to join her.

D.L. Finn Links:

Author Amazon Page</

The Insurgent by Teri Polen #New Book

June 6, 2022June 5, 2022 ~ John W. Howell ~ 65 Comments

I am very pleased to be participating in Teri Polin’s book launch tour for The Insurgent. I have read and enjoyed Subject 36, the first in the series, and look forward to reading this sequel. I have also placed a tour schedule at the bottom of the post in case you would like to see some reviews of The Insurgent. There are three today. Join me in congratulating Teri.

Welcome to the book tour for the exciting sequel in The Colony series, The Insurgent by Teri Polen!

The Insurgent (The Colony #2)

Expected Publication Date: May 19th, 2022

Genre: YA Dystopian

If a megalomaniac threatened your family, would you give up your freedom for them? Would you give up your soul?

Asher Solomon is faced with that choice. And makes the ultimate sacrifice.

Exactly as Director Silas Reeves expected him to.

Unable to live as the Colony’s premier assassin, Ash retreats to a corner of his mind, ceding control of his body to the alter-ego he was engineered to be—Subject A36. As he’s unleashed to battle the Insurgents, the only family he ever knew, the tide of war shifts in Silas’s favor.

Combined with his expansion into new territories, the director is poised to take over the world.

But the Insurgents don’t give up easily. Not on their cause, and not on their people. With the help of a few double agents deep in the Colony, they stand a fighting chance at ending Silas’s reign.

In order to shut down the program, they face almost insurmountable odds. And their most dangerous foe—their former champion turned killing machine, A36.

Add to Goodreads

Excerpt

Asher

My legs collapsed, and I fell to my knees. The throbbing in my head hammered against my skull. Like my brain was trying to force its way out somehow. It was agonizing, and my stomach twisted with nausea. My lungs heaved, still short of oxygen. I crawled over to what was left of the mattress and rolled onto it.

I’m here.

Clutching my head, I searched the room for the source of the voice. I still couldn’t see. Someone could have easily slipped in while I destroyed the room.

Give me control.

So close. It was so close. But where?

End your pain.

In my head. The voice echoed in my head.

It was him. A36.

Through the crushing agony I gritted my teeth and struggled to force the word through my lips.

“No.”

But I felt him clawing his way out, inch by inch from the deep abyss inside me where I’d kept him imprisoned for my own sanity and the safety of others.

You have nothing left.

I squeezed my eyes shut and shook my head. But he spoke the truth. All that held me together were the scars of everything I’d lost. Everyone I’d ever loved.

And scars could be easily ripped open.

Amazon | Barnes & Noble | Black Rose Writing

Subject A36

If genetic engineering could guarantee you and your family perfect health and unparalleled beauty, would you pay top dollar for it? Would you kill for it?

Residents of the Colony would. And do.

Only the Insurgents can stop them.

Seventeen-year-old Asher Solomon is a premier operative with the Insurgents. He and his team have rescued countless hostages, saving them from painful deaths in Colony labs as desirable genetic traits are stripped from their bodies.

He’s also suffered more losses than anyone should have to.

Then Asher gets intel that might give his people the upper hand. The Colony is searching for Subject A36. If the Insurgents determine the subject’s identity first, they might be able to turn the tide of the war.

Asher and his team embark on their riskiest mission ever, and the stakes have never been higher. But even if he survives the physical dangers, the devastating secrets he uncovers might destroy him.

About the Author

Teri Polen reads and watches horror, sci-fi, and fantasy. The Walking Dead, Harry Potter, and anything Marvel-related are likely to cause fangirl delirium. She lives in Bowling Green, KY with her husband, sons, and black cat. Her first novel, Sarah, was a horror finalist in the 2017 Next Generation Indie Book Awards. Subject A36 was voted one of the 50 Best Indie Books of 2020 at ReadFree.ly. Visit her online at www.teripolen.com

Instagram | Twitter | Facebook | Goodreads

Book Tour Schedule

June 6^th

R&R Book Tours (Kick-Off) http://rrbooktours.com

John H. Howell (Spotlight) https://johnwhowell.com

Liliyana Shadowlyn (Review) https://lshadowlynauthor.com/

@mels_booksandhooks (Review) https://www.instagram.com/mels_booksandhooks/

Shari Sakuri (Review) https://sharisakurai.com/

June 7^th

Riss Reviews (Review) https://rissreviewsx.wixsite.com/website

Staci Troilo (Spotlight) https://stacitroilo.wordpress.com/

I Smell Sheep (Spotlight) http://www.ismellsheep.com/

Books + Coffee = Happiness (Spotlight) https://bookscoffeehappiness.com/

@bookscoffeehappiness – https://www.instagram.com/bookscoffeehappiness/

June 8^th

Lecari’s Live Journal (Review) http://www.lecari.co.uk

Not a Bunny Blog (Review) https://notanybunny.wordpress.com/blog

@gryffindorbookishnerd (Review) https://www.instagram.com/gryffindorbookishnerd/

B is for Book Review (Spotlight) https://bforbookreview.wordpress.com

Nesie’s Place (Spotlight) https://nesiesplace.wordpress.com

June 9^th

Cheryl’s Book Nook (Review) https://cherylsbooknook.blogspot.com/

@takealookatmybookshelf (Review) https://www.instagram.com/takealookatmybookshelf/

Robbie Cheadle (Review) https://www.robbiecheadle.co.za/author/robertalouisecheadle/

Bunny’s Reviews (Review) https://bookwormbunnyreviews.blogspot.com/

June 10^th

Reads & Reels (Spotlight) http://readsandreels.com

@amber.bunch_author (Review) https://www.instagram.com/amber.bunch_author/

Jonathan Pongratz (Review) https://jonathanpongratz.com

Misty’s Book Space (Review) http://mistysbookspace.wordpress.com

Book Tour Organized By:

R&R Book Tours

Introducing Good Liniment – the Fifth in The Hat Series by Craig Boyack #newbook.

March 23, 2022March 21, 2022 ~ John W. Howell ~ 100 Comments

I am pleased to welcome Lisa Burton to my blog. Many of you remember Lisa as a character in Craig Boyack’s books, but she is also his Personal Assistant and Spokes Model. Lisa is here to tell us about Craig’s latest in The Hat series. This will be the fifth book in the series, and I can tell you I have enjoyed the others so much that I can’t wait to get into this one.

So without any more blabber from me, here is Lisa.

I’m so excited to be here, John. It’s been hard getting away from the writing cabin for the last couple of years. At least when Craig publishes something, I get to go on tour, and it means a lot when people let me visit.

The newest book is called Good Liniment. There’s a little background to it, dating back to the first book in the series called, The Hat. The hat is a creature from another dimension who was brought here by witchcraft, then bound to help a specific bloodline for as long as it lasts. Lizzie St. Laurent is the most recent member of that bloodline.

Lizzie’s a regular girl. She’s a college dropout, working multiple jobs to make ends meet, and also plays in a small cover band on the weekends. Her symbiotic relationship with the hat allows her to play the upright bass, but they also hunt monsters after hours.

We live in an era of immediate communications, social media, phone cameras, and conspiracy theories. In the series, observations of Lizzie’s night work have led to the creation of a monster called Hellpox. Hellpox isn’t real, he’s based upon what people interpreted from Lizzie’s actions. It’s kind of fun how they couldn’t be more wrong, because Lizzie is a cute girl.

Craig always intended to return to witchcraft in the series, and now it’s time. Good Liniment expands the magical world in this series, and it glances off a bunch of new characters that could appear in future stories.

I have a wonderful new poster that reflects a scene in the book. It involves the urban legend of Hellpox and this graffiti appears at a perfect time to torment Lizzie. The hat kind of likes the whole legend, because he thinks it helps them hide who she really is. Plus, I got to pose as a cute painter girl, and that was fun.

This one is chock-full of fun things. There are pop-culture references to talk radio, a comic book convention, magical creatures, witchcraft, and a strange tavern called Good Liniment. I hope you’ll check it out.

Oh, Craig always makes me remind people that while this is a series, it’s designed so you can read them as stand-alone stories. If Good Liniment is your first exposure to Lizzie and the hat, you won’t feel lost at all. Hope that’s reflected on my performance review.

Blurb

Someone is murdering members of the local witches coven. They turn to Lizzie and the hat for their unique skills that might help eliminate the killers.

A religious zealot might be a monster, but is still a human being. This task isn’t the same as staking vampires or shooting zombies. It isn’t the usual project Lizzie takes on for her night work.

This all takes place during a recovery period for Lizzie. She needs to keep her cover band together and find a new way of getting them gigs. More bands and less venues are making finances tight. The hat didn’t make things easier during her absence, by spreading rumors about why she took her sabbatical.

Someone killing others over a point of view insults Lizzie’s sensibilities. She has secrets to keep. Her employers have secrets, too. It doesn’t make for a comfortable working environment, but she agrees to do what she can.

Convincing her strong willed employers to stay indoors during all this poses another problem. Can she keep them alive long enough to finish her task?

Good Liniment is full of magic, magical creatures, and an entire underground community living amongst us.

The Hat Series consists of short novels that can be read in a single afternoon. They’re full of snarky dark humor and can be easily read out of order.

Purchase Link http://mybook.to/Good_Liniment

Series Link https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B08KTQY1XJ?ref_=dbs_p_pwh_rwt_anx_a_lnk&storeType=ebooks

Contact Craig

Blog My Novels Twitter Goodreads Facebook Pinterest BookBub

Jagged Feathers – @jansikes3 #NewRelease #RomanticSuspense #WhiteRuneSeries

February 16, 2022February 8, 2022 ~ John W. Howell ~ 96 Comments

I am pleased that Jan Sikes will be visiting today to talk about her new book, Jagged Feathers. Jan is an old friend and fellow member of Story Empire. Please welcome her to Fiction Favorites.

Thank you, John, for inviting me to your blog site today to talk about my new book, JAGGED FEATHERS! I appreciate your generosity.

I mentioned Vann’s faithful and loyal canine, Champion, in another blog post. The beautiful animal showed up on his front porch, injured and starving. But like in real life, sometimes our animals get hurt. Champion takes a bullet in a daring escape from the drug cartel henchmen. It kills Vann to see the animal injured again, and with no time to get him into town, performs surgery to remove the bullet after taking refuge at a neighbor’s horse ranch.

EXCERPT #1:

He touched Nakina’s shoulder. “It’s safe to come up now.”

She raised herself from the bottom of the boat onto the seat, trembling from head to toe. “Holy shit! I’ve never been so scared in my life.”

“Are you okay?” Her ashen face left no doubt.

She nodded and took a deep breath. “I think so.”

“Champion?” He reached down to let Champion know it was safe to come up, but the animal didn’t get up. With his heart in his throat, he knelt over the dog and encountered an all-too-familiar stickiness. “He’s been hit.”

Tears streamed down Nakina’s face, and the boat rocked as she joined Vann on her knees. “No!”

Vann turned Champion over to see sticky blood oozing from a wound near his hind leg. “Shit!”

Nakina stroked the big dog’s head while Vann probed through the thick fur and located the entry point. Champion yelped, then whined low and long.

“It looks like the bullet might be lodged in bone.” He reached in his pocket and pulled out a bandana, then tied it tightly around the wound. “We need to elevate his head and keep pressure on the wound.”

Nakina settled herself into the bottom of the boat and cradled Champion’s head on her lap.

The boat rocked when Vann stood and scoured the surroundings. The creek branched off ahead, and he knew which way to go.

He rowed like a mad man while keeping one eye on Champion.

“Where are we going?” Nakina asked.

“I have a neighbor, Colt Layne, a few miles down the creek. He owns a large horse ranch. He’s a good guy. He’ll help.”

EXCERPT #2:

Colt dropped his medical tools into the water and added antiseptic. “We’ll know more once I can dig around in there. Depending on where it is, sometimes it’s best to leave the bullet in and sew him up.”

As he reached into the boiling water with tongs, the door flew open. A ranch hand jerked his hat off when he spotted Nakina. “Boss, I’m sorry, but we’ve got a problem. Daisy’s foaling, and she’s in big trouble.”

Vann stepped forward. “Go on, man. I can do this. Go see about your mare.”

“You sure?”

“I’m sure.” Memories from his special mission training flooded back. This was only slightly different from digging bullets out of cadavers. “It’s not my first time.”

Colt nodded, grabbed his hat, and sprinted through the door following the ranch hand, yelling over his shoulder, “Anything you need, just make yourselves at home. I’ll be back as soon as I can.”

Vann pulled on vinyl gloves, grabbed the tongs, and fished out forceps. After some probing, he frowned. “I can feel it, but it’s at a weird angle. I’ll have to dig around.”

He met Nakina’s worried gaze. “Champion can’t feel a thing.”

She nodded. “Thank goodness.”

Minutes ticked by before Vann finally pulled the forceps out, holding a gold blood-stained bullet. He looked it over before dropping it into a pan. “Looks like a thirty-eight slug.”

Nakina passed the antiseptic, and Vann poured it over the wound, then reached for a needle and thread.

“What now?” Nakina’s voice shook.

“I’ll sew him up and wait for Colt. Champion will need antibiotics. He may be left with a limp.” Vann hated the many similarities between himself and the animal. “I guess that’s better than being lame or having to amputate.”

***

I have zero experience with any kind of bullet wound, especially in an animal, so a good amount of research helped me understand the process and healing time. Many of us have stated before how folks would view us as perhaps a little unstable or demented if they could see our search histories, but it’s the quickest and easiest way to find information and keep working. What is the most bizarre research you’ve ever done for a story? I’d love to hear it.

And just so you know, Champion recovers quite well.

BOOK TRAILER LINK: https://youtu.be/CwGRyRVMyLE

BLURB:

Vann Noble did his duty. He served his country and returned a shell of a man, wounded inside and out. With a missing limb and battling PTSD, he seeks healing in an isolated cabin outside a small Texas town with a stray dog that sees beyond his master’s scars. If only the white rune’s magic can bring a happily ever after to a man as broken as Vann.

On the run from hired killers and struggling to make sense of her unexplained deadly mission, Nakina Bird seeks refuge in Vann’s cabin. She has secrets. Secrets that can get them all killed.

A ticking clock and long odds of living or dying, create jarring risks.

Will these two not only survive, but find an unexpected love along the way? Or, will evil forces win and destroy them both?

UNIVERSAL PURCHASE LINK:

https://linktr.ee/Rijanjks

SOCIAL MEDIA LINKS:

WEBSITE: http://www.jansikes.com

BLOG: http://www.jansikesblog.com

TWITTER: http://www.twitter.com/jansikes3

FACEBOOK: http://www.facebook.com/AuthorJanSikesBooks

PINTEREST: https://www.pinterest.com/jks0851/

GOODREADS: https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/7095856.Jan_Sikes

BOOKBUB: https://www.bookbub.com/authors/jan-sikes

LINKEDIN: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jansikes/

AMAZON AUTHOR PAGE: https://www.amazon.com/Jan-Sikes/e/B00CS9K8DK

#newbook Wreck of the Lanternfish by C.S. Boyack

December 22, 2021December 10, 2021 ~ John W. Howell ~ 41 Comments

I am so pleased to welcome Lisa Burton back to my blog today. Lisa is the assistant to Craig Boyack, the author of the Lantern series, and so much more. Lisa is here to tell us about Craig’s new book, The Wreck of the Lanternfish, which is the last book in the Lanternfish Trilogy. I have read the other two and enjoyed them very much. I expect this will be as exciting and entertaining as the other two. So welcome, Lisa.

***

Oh, my gosh! Thanks for having me back today, John. It’s so nice to get out of the writing cabin and visit with real people. You can imagine my world recently has been a gathering of Craig’s strange creatures. I’ve had everything from root monsters to a talking hat to hang out with for the past year.

I’m here today, because Craig is wrapping up the Lanternfish Trilogy. He’s having a hard time with this, because he’s spent so long with these characters. He never thinks of me, but I’ve also spent a long time with them. If you include the supporting book about Serang’s origin story, there are four volumes here. I’ve had to feed them, house them, clean up after them, and take them to photo shoots.

I love animals, so that part’s a labor of love. The anvil bird makes small appearances in all three Lanternfish books. He’s sweet, and talks. I give him grapes. There’s a horselike creature called a snubhorn down in the lower level at the cabin. He’s nice, too, and isn’t a picky eater. Leftovers suit him just fine. When Craig isn’t watching I ride him around the meadow.

Then we come to the Omcrom. These little guys are more like cavemen than anything else. Let me tell you, getting them into a vehicle so we could drive to a photo shoot was a trip. Root monsters yell, “Yay!” then climb right in. These guys are suspicious of everything.

The Fu were simple enough. They come with a medallion that summons them when we need them. They’re kind of like big kitties, and purr when they’re happy. They even earned a happy ending in Wreck of the Lanternfish, and that makes robot girls all gushy inside. You’ll have to read the book to find out what it involves.

There were some gigantic creatures we couldn’t do much with. They showed up for scenes, but had to stay outside the cabin. Things like Fēngbào, the bringer of storms, or Waltus who attacked the ships one day. There’s the moving reef, and even the Grandelor monster who’s still wandering the wilderness in Hollish somewhere.

It takes an effort to write a trilogy. I don’t deny that, but I have to say goodbye to all of them, too. I think readers are going to like the way it all wraps up, and I encourage everyone to check it out.

It’s been a joy talking with your fans today. I should probably get back and clean the cabin from top to bottom before whatever Craig comes up with next shows up. I think he can afford to let me go shopping for a day. Maybe even get my nails done. Lisa needs a new pair of shoes to show off that pedicure.

Wreck of the Lanternfish purchase link

Trilogy link

***

Blurb:

James Cuttler created a peaceful spot for he and his wife to settle down. Far from the war that ravages their homeland, far from the reputation he earned as the notorious pirate Captain Bloodwater, and far from responsibility.

A royal Prelonian houseguest is a constant reminder of what’s at stake half a world away, of the friends he put ashore to fight the war. He lives in a dream world that’s temporary, at best. It’s only a matter of time before his guest is identified and the black assassins come for her.

He mortgages his precious vineyard to pay for repairs to his ship. If nothing else, Lanternfish will be one of the most powerful ships in the war, if he’s not already too late.

James will have to merge the skills of commander and con man into something new to make this work. He’ll need to avoid those on his own side who would hang him for piracy.

Serang is half a world away, leading her army of mercenary swordsmen toward the Fulminites. Mistrusted by both sides of the war, she appears as a third combatant on the battlefield. She may eliminate the mysterious order, only to succumb to the demons of her own tragic past.

Strap on your swords and hoist the colors one more time as the thrilling Lanternfish Trilogy comes to an end.

Blog My Novels Twitter Goodreads Facebook Pinterest BookBub

#Newbook War of Nytefall – Eulogy by Charles E. Yallowitz

December 15, 2021December 8, 2021 ~ John W. Howell ~ 46 Comments

I am so glad to be able to have Charles E. Yallowitz here on Fiction Favorites. Charles and I have been blogging friends for as long as I have been blogging. He is a master at the art of weaving a fantasy tale. He is here to introduce his latest book. So Charles the blog is yours.

Thanks, John.

On the eve of Clyde’s dream becoming reality, his life will be torn asunder.

As his dream of peace becomes a reality, Clyde faces his darkest challenge.

With the Dawn Fangs’ existence exposed, the time for negotiations has begun. Mortal rulers and the council of Nytefall gather to discuss terms, but chaos is already stirring. It does not take long for Clyde’s dream to become a nightmare as villages are slaughtered by a Dawn Fang who is rumored to be the newly crowned Vampire King. Bodies of friends and enemies pile up as this mysterious imposter reveals why mortals should fear Clyde. Will Clyde’s final adventure see his dream of peace fail before it is realized?

The truth is more horrifying than the Dawn Fangs ever imagined.

*****

Curiosity piqued? Check out this teaser!

The Truth?

Coming to the windmill, Magrus coats his body in a protective shell and carefully climbs to the top of the broken structure. Slowly turning in a circle, he scans the area to get a full sense of the remaining magic. He ignores the auras of the guards, who are sifting through the wreckage to find more bodies. Those who have been located have already been moved to the outskirts where they are being prepared for transport. Peering down the narrow road, he can see an oxen-driven cart is getting closer and sighs at how it will not be enough to collect all of the dead. Magrus considers warning the lieutenant, but he fears it will lead to a long conversation and waste more of his precious time. He turns to where the man is helping to prop up a wall, which has crushed a family of four. Shaking his head, the Zarian climbs down from his perch and uses his staff to help him navigate his way out of town. Nothing catches his interest, but he stops momentarily to send a few more lost souls to the afterlife.

“Let us see what really happened,” Magrus whispers as he reaches the woods.

Turning back to the village, the man plunges his staff into the earth and grips it tightly to prevent himself from falling over. His eyes develop a rainbow shimmer over the gold as he wavers on his feet. Fighting through the looming fatigue, the priest lets his magical vision change from what is in front of him to revealing phantoms of the past. Transparent buildings rise back into place and ghostly figures go about their lives even though he can still sense a little of what is truly there. Magrus scowls at the sight of a black-haired figure landing a few feet away, the puff of dirt revealing an illusion covering the small crater. Within seconds of appearing, the man rushes at the town and begins destroying everything in sight. Using only his fists and feet, he breaks houses and shatters people. The attacker’s speed is almost too much for the Zarian to follow, so he focuses on examining the phantasmal carnage for clues. He spots bite marks on several necks and sees the chickens were devoured in the blink of an eye. Torches and candles are knocked over to start the fires, which explode into an inferno connected to the illusionary plume of smoke. Magrus is not sure what caused the sudden blast since the attacker had been tearing the local blacksmith in half at the time. Deciding he has seen enough, the man freezes the vision before falling to his knees from the exertion. He is able to hold the image for another second before it disappears, but it still gives him a clear view of the rampaging figure.

“This cannot be shared,” Magrus says as he takes out a piece of paper. He mutters a spell to transfer the image of a black-haired man with a corn-shaped necklace from his brain to the parchment. “It would appear that Clyde of Nytefall is not as big a fan of peace as one would believe. Yet, I still see mysteries here. The fires grew without his influence and I see no reason why he would want this place discovered. I have many questions, Lady Zaria, so I cannot purify the Vampire King until I have answers. There has never been a man or monster who has escaped my thorough investigations. This one will be no different. I swear on my goddess’s crimson hair that Clyde and the Dawn Fangs will be judged. Then, if necessary, they will be punished.”

Click here for your copy of the Dawn Fangs’ final battle for
99 cents on Amazon!
Help spread the word by adding it to your Goodreads ‘To Read’ List!

*****

New to War of Nytefall?Grab all 8 Volumes for 99 cents each ($8 total)!

Interested in more Windemere? Then don’t forget to check out Charles E. Yallowitz’s first series: Legends of Windemere

About the Author:

Charles Yallowitz was born and raised on Long Island, NY, but he has spent most of his life wandering his own imagination in a blissful haze. Occasionally, he would return from this world for the necessities such as food, showers, and Saturday morning cartoons. One day he returned from his imagination and decided he would share his stories with the world. After spending many years fiddling with his thoughts and notebooks, he decided that it was time to follow his dream of being a fantasy author. So, locked within the house with only pizza and seltzer to sustain him, Charles brings you tales from the world of Windemere. He looks forward to sharing all of his stories with you and drawing you into a world of magic.

Blog: www.legendsofwindemere.com
Twitter: @cyallowitz
Facebook: Charles Yallowitz
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/cyallowitz/

Enjoy Clyde’s final adventure by clicking here!

#NewRelease – Mountain Laurel Christmas #ShortStory #ChristmasStory @JanSikes3

December 8, 2021December 7, 2021 ~ John W. Howell ~ 68 Comments

I want to welcome Jan Sikes to Fiction Favorites. She has a new book and is here to describe it to you. Jan and I have been friends for a long time and also are colleagues on Story Empire so it is a pleasure to have her here today. Also, I have read this book and found it to be a delightfully heartwarming story that is perfect for the holidays. Jan is a very talented author so without any delay here is Jan to tell us about Mountain Laurel Christmas.

A child who is born ‘different’ faces many challenges. My story is set in the 1960s and ‘70s and during that time, differences were not celebrated as they are currently.

My character’s little brother, Timmy, was born that way. His brain never developed normally.

Here’s an excerpt:

Timmy had been born different. They said his brain never developed the way it should. He’d sit for hours, fascinated with the dust that danced on the sunbeams through the windows, lost in his own little world. Oh, how Papa doted on him. From the time Timmy could wrap his fingers around the neck of a fiddle, he’d spent hours patiently teaching him to play.

***

Timmy developed an uncanny talent, which is often the case. But in the Cumberland Mountains in the 60s, local authorities decided Timmy needed to be placed in an institution that could provide for his special needs.

Here’s an excerpt from my character’s POV:

Not long after we lost Papa, the local welfare lady came. I hid under the porch and listened.

“Mrs. Anderson, we’re sorry for the loss of your husband, but it has come to our attention that your young son, Timmy, may need to be placed in an institution where he can get the specialized help he needs.”

The welfare lady droned on and on.

From my hiding place, I didn’t need to see Mama’s face to know she gave the lady a blank stare. That’s all she’d managed to give any of us for months.

By the time the welfare lady had driven her ’49 Ford down the dirt road that had brought her to our shack, I knew she’d be back to get Timmy. I crawled out from under the porch and kicked at the dust that settled under my feet.

A pivotal point in this story focuses on Timmy and I don’t want to leave any spoilers. so I’ll stop here.

The movie, “Rainman” comes to mind. Another movie was “Mercury Rising” where an autistic little boy could decipher complicated computer code in his head in an instant.

Can you think of any other instances where the uncanny abilities of a mentally challenged person is spotlighted?

Mountain Laurel Christmas Blurb:

Orphaned, his family torn apart by tragedy, Cole Knight has come a long way from a ramshackle miner’s cabin on the side of the Cumberland Mountain.

Daring to follow an impossible dream, he’s made it big in the music business. Now, he’s a country music sensation with a huge house, fancy cars, plenty of willing women, money, and adoring fans. He should be on top of the world. Instead, he’s drowning in a swirling pool of self-contempt and relentless guilt.

It’s easier to lose himself in a bottle than face the hard truth…he hasn’t delivered on a promise he made to his father.

It’s almost Christmas, and the sting of failure drives him back to that tiny cabin in the mountains. But has he waited too late to put the shattered pieces back together—to find himself and restore a lost family?

My Five Star Review

This novella is perfect for the Christmas season. It has all the elements that come together to give the reader a heart-warming experience. Cole Kight is a big country music star who came from humble beginnings. His dad died in the mine, and his mother was too broken-hearted to take care of the family. Cole always felt he should have been able to prevent the eventual break-up of the family. But, now alone, he can’t fill the void in his heart that the guilt of letting his family down has created. The authorities take his brother and sister away, and he doesn’t know where they are. If that isn’t enough to make a reader wonder if the story has a happy ending? I don’t know what it is.

More story courts spoilers, so let me leave it at this. This book will bring a smile to your face and make you glad you read it. Jan Sikes is a very talented writer, and this is one of her best short stories.

PURCHASE LINK:

https://www.amazon.com/Mountain-Laurel-Christmas-Jan-Sikes-ebook/dp/B09KJYMVT9/