Category Archives: spotlight

by | September 15, 2024 · 11:53 am

Journey to 2125: One Century, One Family, Rising to Challenges by Gary F. Bengier – Spotlight

Journey to 2125: One Century, One Family, Rising to Challenges book cover

About the book:

In an era where technology rapidly transforms our world, one family’s journey through the next century reveals the profound impacts of these changes. Gary Bengier’s latest novel, “Journey to 2125,” offers a compelling mix of family saga, political drama, and hard-science speculation.

“Journey to 2125: One Century, One Family, Rising to Challenges” unfolds in the year 2125 when a long-separated grandson arrives seeking answers. Max MacGyver recounts their family’s tumultuous century, revealing a narrative rich with adventure, rivalry, loss, and survival. Set over a single day, the novel explores why the boy’s parents moved to a secluded Commune and the family secrets his grandfather discloses. From a young boy fleeing war in Asia to a young couple battling for privacy amid rapid technological and political changes, this story is a hard-science exploration of how humanity might navigate the challenges and opportunities of the next hundred years. Through personal stories and global issues, Bengier examines the intersection of technology, politics, and human resilience.

Gary F. Bengier

 

    • Author Bio:
  • Gary F. Bengier is a writer, philosopher, and technologist with a deep interest in how technology and human experience intersect. After a notable career in Silicon Valley, including his role as eBay’s Chief Financial Officer, Bengier pursued his passion for astrophysics and philosophy. His previous work, “Unfettered Journey,” earned acclaim for its philosophical depth and realistic world-building. He lives in San Francisco with his wife and two children, dividing his time between writing, beekeeping, and tending to his Napa vineyard.

Journey to 2125: One Century, One Family, Rising to Challenges by Gary F. Bengier releases Fall 2024 and is available for Pre-Order on Amazon. You can also follow Gary on Facebook @garybengierauthor, Good Reads @Gary_F_Bengier and Twitter (X): @GaryFBengier or by visiting his website: https://garyfbengier.com/
LINKS
Amazon Pre-Order Page: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0DF9HCNQF
FB https://www.facebook.com/garybengierauthor
Good Reads https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/20400105.Gary_F_Bengier
Twitter (X): https://x.com/i/flow/login?redirect_after_login=%2FGaryFBengier
Website: https://garyfbengier.com/

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by | February 7, 2017 · 5:00 am

SPOTLIGHT – BAILEY’S LAW BY MEG LELVIS

bailey's law cover

Synopsis:
Who would murder a nice young guy like Todd Kaplan? Or maybe he wasn’t so nice.
Jack Bailey, small town hard-boiled detective, must solve the crime, but his own unrelenting demons rising from his struggle with PTSD and buried family secrets complicate his task. Daily work at the station affords Jack distraction from the inner turmoil that penetrates his nights. Darkness brings unwanted memories, nightmares, and the realization he needs to face what happened ten years ago.
Through the searing Texas summer heat, Jack’s team of detectives works hard interrogating witnesses in an effort to discover Todd Kaplan’s true character. But it’s patrol cop, Denise Williams, who rises above her calling to assist in questioning a crucial witness. Smart and sassy, she holds her own with Jack’s moody temperament. All the while, a new romantic interest with a woman who is off limits proves problematic for Jack as he tries to make the right decision.
Was this small town murder an act of justice or revenge? Only a parent who has tragically lost a child can hold the answer in their hearts. Jack understands. Only too well.

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Kathy (test shot) in Houston, Tx. photos by John Everett on 8-12-16.

About the Author:
Meg Lelvis grew up in northern Minnesota and taught English and psychology in Houston and Dallas. Her fiction and poetry have won awards from Houston Writers Guild and Houston Writers House. Her short story featuring Bailey’s Law character, Jack Bailey, was published in Houston Writers Guild mystery anthology, Waves of Suspense. She published articles in an NCTE periodical as well as in several newspapers. She resides in Houston with her husband and two dogs.
Websites:
Website: https://www.meglelvis.com/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/MegLelvisAuthor/

Purchase Links: Her books are available in print and all eBook platforms. You can find links on the book page of her website.

Amazon ASIN: B01M35YABX
ISBN: 978-1612967721
Price: eBook $2.99; Print: $16.95

 

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by | October 21, 2016 · 5:00 am

TRU BLUE – EXCERPT REVEAL

Today we have a new book from Melissa Foster, Tru Blue! Tru Blue comes out this November but is available for preorder now! Check out this exclusive excerpt and preorder your copy today!

 

Title: Tru Blue

Author: Melissa Foster

Genre: Contemporary Romance

Release Day: November 9th

 

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About Tru Blue:

Imagine falling in love with a man, then finding out he was a killer…TRU BLUE is a sexy, dark stand-alone novel written in the same loving, raw, and emotional voice romance readers have come to love, and the deeply emotional literary prose women’s fiction readers have come to expect, from New York Times & USA Today bestselling, award-winning author Melissa Foster.

RELEASING November 9, 2016

He wore the skin of a killer, and bore the heart of a lover…

There’s nothing Truman Gritt won’t do to protect his family–Including spending years in jail for a crime he didn’t commit. When he’s finally released, the life he knew is turned upside down by his mother’s overdose, and Truman steps in to raise the children she’s left behind. Truman’s hard, he’s secretive, and he’s trying to save a brother who’s even more broken than he is. He’s never needed help in his life, and when beautiful Gemma Wright tries to step in, he’s less than accepting. But Gemma has a way of slithering into people’s lives and eventually she pierces through his ironclad heart. When Truman‘s dark past collides with his future, his loyalties will be tested, and he’ll be faced with his toughest decision yet.

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Pre-order your copy today!

Amazon | Amazon UK | Amazon CA | Amazon AU | iBooks | Nook | Kobo | GooglePlay | Smashwords | Barnes & Noble | Indie Bound | Books-A-Million | Powell’s Books | Amazon

 

Exclusive Excerpt:

 

TRUMAN GRITT LOCKED the door to Whiskey Automotive and stepped into the stormy September night. Sheets of rain blurred his vision, instantly drenching his jeans and T-shirt. A slow smile crept across his face as he tipped his chin up, soaking in the shower of freedom. He made his way around the dark building and climbed the wooden stairs to the deck outside his apartment. He could have used the interior door, but after being behind bars for six long years, Truman took advantage of the small pleasures he’d missed out on, like determining his own schedule, deciding when to eat and drink, and standing in the f**king rain if he wanted to. He leaned on the rough wooden railing, ignoring the splinters of wood piercing his tattooed forearms, squinted against the wetness, and scanned the cars in the junkyard they used for parts—and he used to rid himself of frustrations. He rested his leather boot on the metal box where he kept his painting supplies. Truman didn’t have much—his old extended-cab truck, which his friend Bear Whiskey had held on to for him while he was in prison, this apartment, and a solid job, both of which were compliments of the Whiskey family. The only family he had anymore.

Emotions he didn’t want to deal with burned in his gut, causing his chest to constrict. He turned to go inside, hoping to outrun thoughts of his own f**ked-up family, whom he’d tried—and failed—to save. His cell phone rang with his brother’s ringtone, “A Beautiful Lie” by 30 Seconds to Mars.

“F**k,” he muttered, debating letting the call go to voicemail, but six months of silence from his brother was a long time. Rain pelleted his back as he pressed his palm to the door to steady himself. The ringing stopped, and he blew out a breath he hadn’t realized he’d trapped inside. The phone rang again, and he froze.

He’d just freed himself from the dredges of hell that he’d been thrown into in an effort to save his brother. He didn’t need to get wrapped up in whatever mess the drug-addicted fool had gotten himself into. The call went to voicemail, and Truman eyed the metal box containing his painting supplies. Breathing like he’d been in a fight, he wished he could paint the frustration out of his head. When the phone rang for the third time in as many minutes, the third time since he was released from prison six months ago, he reluctantly answered.

“Quincy.” He hated the way his brother’s name came out sounding like the enemy. Quincy had been just a kid when Truman went to prison. Heavy breathing filled the airwaves. The hairs on Truman’s forearms and neck stood on end. He knew fear when he heard it. He could practically taste it as he ground his teeth together.

“I need you,” his brother’s tortured voice implored.

Need me? Truman had hunted down his brother after he was released from prison, and when he’d finally found him, Quincy was so high on crack he was nearly incoherent—but it didn’t take much for f**k off to come through loud and clear. What Quincy needed was rehab, but Truman knew from his tone that wasn’t the point of the call.

Before he could respond, his brother croaked out, “It’s Mom. She’s really bad.”

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About Melissa Foster:

Melissa Foster is a New York Times melissa-author-photoo& USA Today bestselling and award-winning author. She writes sexy and heartwarming contemporary romance and new adult romance, contemporary women’s fiction, suspense, and historical fiction with emotionally compelling characters that stay with you long after you turn the last page. Her books have been recommended by USA Today’s book blog, Hagerstown Magazine, The Patriot, and several other print venues. She is the founder of the World Literary Café and Fostering Success. When she’s not writing, Melissa helps authors navigate the publishing industry through her author training programs on Fostering Success. Melissa has been published in Calgary’s Child Magazine, the Huffington Post, and Women Business Owners magazine.

Melissa hosts an Aspiring Authors contest for children and has painted and donated several murals to The Hospital for Sick Children in Washington, DC. Melissa lives in Maryland with her family.

Visit Melissa on social media. Melissa enjoys discussing her books with book clubs and reader groups, and welcomes an invitation to your event.

newsletter

Connect with Melissa:

NEWSLETTER:

https://www.melissafoster.com/newsletter

CONNECT WITH MELISSA

FACEBOOK:

https://www.facebook.com/MelissaFosterAuthor

TWITTER:

https://twitter.com/Melissa_Foster

WEBSITE:

https://www.MelissaFoster.com

STREET TEAM:

https://www.facebook.com/groups/melissafosterfans

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by | September 13, 2016 · 5:00 am

Kisses, Kids and Bundles of Joy Teaser

Christian Romance Box Set
Date Published: September 20, 2016
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Snuggle up with seven brand new, never before published Christian winter romances from bestselling and award-winning authors. Kisses and kids abound in this collection of novellas that will warm your heart all winter long.
One Winter Kiss – Jenn Faulk
Deena Ross travels to Ohio to try and sway her grandfather from making a big mistake, a mistake his neighbor Andrew has been encouraging. When a winter storm hits, and Deena is forced to stay with Andrew and his young son, Evan, Deena’s vision of love is tested and she might lose her heart in one winter kiss.
Childish Ways – Jenn Faulk
Kevin Peterson, a teacher at a small town elementary school, is unexpectedly reunited with Lisa Walker, a girl who spent most of their childhood tormenting and bullying him, when she comes back to town where she helps organize a winter carnival to benefit her niece’s school. Lisa has no idea who he is, though, and as they work alongside one another and Kevin sees how much she has changed, he begins to question whether or not he can really trust her and let her into his life.
The Baby & the Bachelor – Cindy K. Green
Playboy bachelor, Alec, discovers a baby on his doorstep only days away from being appointed to a political office, prompting him to appeal his assistant, Jane, for help. Misunderstandings and accusations from the press abound, leading Alec to wonder, even if he were prepared for a ready-made family, could sweet, church-going Jane ever find it in her heart to marry a sinner like him?
For Tracy – Trisha Grace
One phone call led to Sarah Carter becoming the guardian of her favorite student, Tracy, while waiting for Tracy’s Uncle Keith to show up. But Sarah has no idea Uncle Keith was Keith Sutton, Hollywood’s most eligible bachelor, and doesn’t realize how much trouble she is heading for.
Tropical Kiss Or Miss – Liwen Y. Ho
Therapist Olivia Chan can’t wait to escape it all—a failed marriage, a struggling practice, and her son’s recent health scare. The Hawaiian getaway she planned, however, gets rained on—quite literally—by a tropical storm and the unexpected arrival of her estranged husband Matthew, who’s determined to win her back.
To Gain a Mommy – Tanya Eavenson
When Hope Michaels decides to face her past, she unknowingly purchases the house across the street from her former fiancé—the man her twin sister married, then widowed. Fire Captain Carl McGuire can put out any flame, except for the one Hope sparks within him—some things never change.
Foolish Heart – Cindy Flores Martinez
Judy and Graham have feelings for each other, but they won’t admit it. After all, she lives in America and he lives in Scotland with his daughter, Mairi, who he could never leave to be with the woman he loves.
 
Pre-Order Links
 
About the Author
Lindi Peterson, USA Today featured author, lives in north Georgia, in the foothills of the Blue Ridge Mountains, with her husband and a lively array of cats, dogs and birds. She loves sharing life with her family and friends. Her passion for reading led her to writing, and then God spoke words of love into her heart and changed her life forever.
Website |Facebook | Twitter
Jenn Faulk is a native Texan who enjoys reading and writing chick lit. She’s a pastor’s wife, a stay-at-home mom, and a marathon enthusiast who loves talking about Jesus and what a difference He’s made in her life. She has a BA in Creative Writing from the University of Houston and a MA in Missiology from Southwestern Baptist Theological Seminary.
Website | Facebook | Twitter
Cindy K. Green has worked as a middle school history & English teacher, a frozen yogurt server and a golf magazine employee. Today she’s a multi-published, award winning author, a mother, a wife, and a homeschooler too. This native Californian now resides in North Carolina with her husband, two sons, and their two cats Chloe & Kassey.
Website | Facebook | Twitter
Trisha Grace graduated from Bradford University with an Accounting and Finance degree. She has always been an avid reader and has a passion for writing. After being a tutor for over six years, she finally sat down and penned her own novels.
Website | Facebook | Twitter
Liwen Y. Ho works as a chauffeur and referee by day (AKA being a stay at home mom) and a writer by night. Her work has appeared in various online publications, including LiteraryMama.com and MomLifeToday.com, and she is a contributor at StartMarriageRight.com. In her pre-author life, she received a Masters degree in Marriage and Family Therapy from Western Seminary, and she loves makeovers of all kinds, especially those of the heart and mind. She lives in the San Francisco Bay Area with her techie husband and their two children, and blogs about her adventures as a recovering perfectionist at www.2square2behip.com.
Website | Facebook | Twitter
Tanya Eavenson is an inspirational romance author of the series Unending Love. She has also written several Bible studies that have been translated and published into different languages with Christ to the World Ministries. Tanya and her husband have been involved in ministry for seventeen years, teaching youth and adults. She enjoys spending time with her husband and their three children. Tanya is a member of American Christian Fiction Writers and Word Weavers International. Her favorite pastime is grabbing a cup of coffee, eating chocolate, and reading a good book.
Website | Facebook | Twitter
Cindy Flores Martinez is an Amazon bestselling Spanish romance author. She writes sweet romantic comedy and Christian romance. She has an MFA in Creative Writing with an emphasis in Screenwriting. Her debut novel, Mail-Order Groom, started out as a screenplay and movie project, which she shopped around Hollywood, New York, and other parts of the world.
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by | · 5:00 am

Carolyn Brown Spotlight + Giveaway

thelullabysky

 

 

 

Message from Carolyn Brown

Good mornin’, all y’all! Thank you for taking time out of your busy schedule to listen to me talk about The Lullaby Sky. I’m so excited about this book and hope that it touches the emotions of every woman who reads it. Hannah has found joy in giving back to others and has a brand new and budding relationship with Travis.

 

I asked her to give us some advice about second chance love. This is what she had to say:

I’ve known Travis my whole life and down deep in my heart I knew he was a good person, had a heart of gold and was a wonderful man. But after what I’d lived through the past several years, trust was a major issue. I had to learn to trust my heart again, to open it up and give Travis a chance.

 

So I had a long talk with myself and decided that it was not fair to judge this good man, by another man’s short comings. It was time to let go of the past and move on to the future. Then I rememberd something that my grandmother used to tell me and applied it to my life: Never shut the door to an opportunity. It’s better to open the door, invite it in and feed it chocolate cake than to chase it down the road after it’s already a mile away.

 

If you’ve been blessed with a second chance, if opportunity comes knocking on your door and there’s a hero standing there with paint on his shirt, a quirky little smile and a twinkle in his eyes, just open the door wide and tell him to come right on it. Feed him chocolate cake and give him a chance. You never know, the second chance might be the stars that light up a lullaby sky.

 

Please enjoy this excerpt from The Lullaby Sky

Hannah had paid for her marriage to Marty in nerves, nausea and migraines. She wrapped her arms around her body and shivered–never would she have to worry about him arriving unexpected and finding things out of order. Never would she have to send Sophie outside to play so she wouldn’t witness his wicked temper.

“It really is over,” she whispered. “So why don’t I feel like it is?”

“Because it’ll take time,” Travis whispered.

Startled, she jumped and shivered. “I’m sorry. I didn’t hear you come out of the house.”

“It’s okay, Hannah. You never have to apologize to me.” He smiled.

The limo came to a slow stop in front of the house and Sophie shot out of the door and jumped into her mother’s arm for the second, or was it the third time that day? She wrapped her legs around Hannah’s waist and hugged her, planting dozens of kisses on her face.

“I liked the ‘tentious car, Mama, but it’s too big for us. I like our car and Travis’s truck and Aunt Birdie’s van better than the big princess car.” She leaned back and looked Hannah right in the eye. “Did I really get a new name today or was you teasin’ me?”

“You really did. So did I. We are now Hannah and Sophie O’Malley,” Hannah answered.

“Sophie O’Malley,” Sophie whispered. “I like it. Do you like it, Travis?”

“Oh, yes, I do. It sounds just like a princess name.”

“Sophie O’Malley, princess of Aunt Birdie’s castle and queen of Hannah O’Malley’s house.” Sophie’s pecan-colored eyes danced with merriment.

“Oh, no, you don’t, young lady,” Hannah said. “You might be princess of Aunt Birdie’s house and mine, but I’m the queen and don’t you forget it.”

Sophie hopped down and ran into the house, no doubt to tell Aunt Birdie all about the limo. Travis kept his distance but his eyes locked with Hannah’s.

“What?” She wiped her cheek. “Do I have chocolate pie on my face?”

“No, I was thinkin’ maybe you shouldn’t forget it,” Travis said.

“Forget what?”

“Who’s queen of your house,” he said.

“Are you saying that I spoil Sophie too much?” Hannah asked.

“No, I’m saying that you’ve been spoiled too little, Hannah O’Malley,” he grinned.

About the Book

Title: The Lullaby Sky

Author: Carolyn Brown

Release Date: September 13, 2016

Genre: Contemporary Romance

Publisher: Montlake Romance

Summary

After seven years of misery and abuse, it’s all over—Hannah O’Malley is officially divorced. Hallelujah. It’s like every Christmas in her life all rolled up into one glorious day. Not only does Hannah get to keep her grandmother’s spacious old house, but she has full custody of her sparky five-year-old daughter. All Hannah has to do now is put the past behind her.

And now that she’s free, she wants to make a difference. With the help of her warm, close-knit circle of friends—including her high school crush, Travis Wilson—Hannah begins turning her home into a safe house for other women who’ve endured the pain she’s known. But even as life and laughter return to Hannah’s home, she’s haunted by the memory of her dangerously unstable ex. With a second chance at love on the horizon, Hannah must face down her past in order to let the sunshine back into her life.

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Author Biography carolyn-brown

Carolyn Brown is a New York Times and USA Today bestselling author, as well as a RITA finalist. She has written several beloved and popular romance titles, ranging from historical to contemporary to cowboy-themed. She and her husband live in Davis, Oklahoma. They have three grown children, and enough grandchildren to keep them young.

 

Social Media Links

Website – https://www.carolynbrownbooks.com/
Facebook – https://www.facebook.com/Carolyn-Brown-198727816879253/
Goodreads – https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/13554.Carolyn_Brown

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