Dina Rae's Write Stuff: March 2021

Wednesday, March 31, 2021

Requiem by Daniel Stahl

Poetry

Date Published:

Hard-cover: December 2020

Paperback: January 2021

Kindle/e-book: January 2021

Audiobook: January 2021

Through its 211 interwoven poems, this double-tiered recursive crown of sonnets takes the reader on an epic journey to the heart of mankind’s would-be nemesis – herself – and back again. Does her destiny await in the unexplored depths of the cosmos, or in a toxic wasteland of her own making? Does she have the will to shape her own future, or is she a slave to her myopic wants and impulses?

Requiem takes the existential threats facing humanity – from the destruction of the environment to nuclear holocaust – as a lens through which to reflect on the fate of civilization, humanity and ultimately conscious life in the universe.

About The Author

A software engineer by trade, Daniel Ståhl splits his time between software development, research, teaching, writing and being the father of two.

Daniel has previously published both fiction and non-fiction, with his latest forays as an author delving into strictly metered poetry. His latest book, Requiem, came into being in the intersection between the rhythmic cadence of sonnets and his despair at the sanguine apathy with which the human species approaches the prospect of its own extinction – with all of its implications for his children.

Daniel received his MSc degree from Linköping University, Sweden, and his PhD degree from the University of Groningen, Netherlands.

Contact Links

Purchase Links

Google Play Audiobook

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Tuesday, March 30, 2021

Dogs of Devtown

Cyberpunk Science Fiction

Date Published: April 16, 2021

Welcome to DevTown.

In this city, holo ads lumber like neon giants seeking advertising targets. Men and women pop Oracle tabs in search of relief or enlightenment or both. Creatures of unknown origin stalk the darkest alleys. In the center of it all, NexDev Tower looms over the city, home to hundreds of floors of top-secret research.

And in its shadow, Shan Hayes kills people for money.

Rejecting the mechanical enhancements so popular in DevTown, Shan needs only two things: The resynth serum that can reshape her body's entire cellular structure, and her hand-cannon containing a sentient parasite capable of converting her blood into weaponized wasps.

As a hired gun for various crime syndicates, there's little of the city's underbelly Shan hasn't encountered. But when a longtime business associate hires her to track down an underling who's vanished into the neon night, Shan finds DevTown still holds secrets more deadly and terrifying than anything she could imagine.

About The Author

Taylor Hohulin is a radio personality by morning, a science fiction author by afternoon, and asleep by 9:30. He is the author of The Marian Trilogy, Tar, Your Best Apocalypse Now, and other genre-bending stories. He lives in West Des Moines, Iowa with his wife, where they are owned by two cats and a dog.

Contact Links

Purchase Links

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Monday, March 29, 2021

A Lifetime of Men by Ciahnan Darrell

Literary Fiction

Date Published: August 26, 2020 (ebook); September 22, 2020 (print)

Publisher: Propertius Press

photo add-to-goodreads-button_zpsc7b3c634.png

Tolan has always let her mother have one secret — how she got that scar on her face — playing along with her mother’s game of inventing outlandish tales to explain the wound away. But when she finds a manuscript on her mother’s computer that promises to reveal the true story, Tolan only hesitates for a moment before curiosity compels her to read on.

She’s hoping for answers, but instead, she finds more mysteries tucked away in her mother’s past. Her mother appears to be associated with Bo, a feisty photojournalist who flies to Cuba in pursuit of a story and becomes embedded with Castro’s rebels, but Tolan can’t quite work out their connection. She’s more clear about the relationship between her mother and Michael, a man twelve years her senior. They bond over their shared outcast status, and their friendship quickly becomes intimate, but the relationship antagonizes the self-appointed moral watchdogs in their small town, who start to convert their threats into action. Tolan is pretty sure that Michael is her father. Her mother told her he died years ago, but the book suggests their story had a different ending.

Almost overnight, everything Tolan thought she knew about herself and her family has changed. She wants answers, but to find them, she risks destroying her closest relationships.

About the Author

Ciahnan Darrell's short stories and essays have appeared in several journals, most recently in The Columbia Review, and his story, 'What Remains,' was nominated for a Pushcart Prize. He is a contributing editor at Marginalia, an international review of literature along the nexus of history, theology, and religion. He holds an MDiv from the University of Chicago, an MA in philosophy and the arts from Stony Brook University, and an MA and PhD in comparative literature from the University at Buffalo. A Lifetime of Men is his first novel.

Contact Links

Website

Facebook

Twitter

Goodreads: Author profile / Book page

Purchase Links

Directly from the publisher (best value)

Books-A-Million

Book Depository

Bookshop.org

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Sunday, March 28, 2021

The Scent of a Man

Romantic Comedy

Date Published: February 5, 2021

Publisher: DCL Publications

Warm your heart, put a smile on your face, and get ready for a bellyful of laughs with this collection of four original romantic comedies. Featuring laugh-out-loud tales by some of today’s most talented authors, ‘The Scent of a Man’ will pull you into the world of true love and the antics and misadventures that it takes to find it. Your cure for the doldrums and tribulations of the real world awaits in this shining collection of PG-13 short stories of lively, eclectic and humorous proportions. Remember, there is no greater scent than the scent of a man, so settle back, get comfortable, and take a nice, deep whiff of hilarity.

'Love Cabin' by Miriam Newman

He thinks she’s a snob. She thinks he hates women. It’s going to take a lot to work this out.

'Exiled to Love' by Jae El Foster

An exiled witch must learn to live without her powers, but will she risk losing everything to save a mortal’s life?

'The Scent of a Man' by Jennifer Patricia O’Keeffe

An injured woman must endure homecare with the aid of a handsome man that threatens to win her heart.

'The Scent of You' by Kristi Ahlers

A woman, terrified of flying, boards a plane at her brother’s beckoning. Can a first class surprise shake her from her nervous angst?

About the Authors

Miriam Newman

Fantasy poetry driven by myths and legends has been my passion for as long as I can remember. I was published in poetry before catching the romance writing bug. I bring that background to my writing along with a lifelong addiction to horses, an 18 year career in various areas of psychiatric social services and many trips to Ireland, where I nurture my muse. My published works range from contemporary fantasy romance to fantasy historical, futuristic, science fiction and historical romance. Currently I live in rural Pennsylvania with a “motley crew” of rescue animals. You can see my books at www.miriamnewman.com.

Contact:

Goodreads Author Page

Amazon Author Page

Jae El Foster

When the muses speak, Jae El Foster writes, and he has been doing so for nearly twenty years, tackling some of the most intriguing genres out there. Delivering fresh, incomparable tales of horror, science fiction, and romance - sweet or spicy - he pens with seasoned skill the tales that his muses deliver to him. His bestselling works include such titles as ‘Restless,’ ‘Beauty Within,’ ‘Where the Demon Is,’ and ‘Only at Christmas.’

Social Links:

Twitter: @JaeElBooks

Instagram: @JaeElFoster

Jennifer Patricia O’Keeffe

Jennifer Patricia O'Keeffe is an author of romantic comedy and anything quirky. She resides in Tennessee, just outside of Nashville where she shares a home with her cats. Ms. O'Keeffe loves to make the world laugh and to find humor and love in the least likely of places. Readers may keep up with her and her writings by following @authorjpokeeffe on Twitter.

Contact:

Twitter: @authorjpokeeffe

Goodreads

Amazon Author Page

Facebook

Kristi Ahlers

Kristi Ahlers is a California girl! She grew up in Northern California in a small city called Yuba City. Since then she's lived in Brussels, Belgium, and England along with a myriad of other locations. A former flight attendant, she was able to continue to feed her love of travel. This has greatly influenced her writing, allowing her to pen stories about places she's managed to visit and things she's experienced.

Contact:

Website

Goodreads

Twitter: @KristiAhlers

Purchase Links

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Saturday, March 27, 2021

418 I am a Teapot

Dystopian Science Fiction

Date Published: March 23, 2021

Publisher: Saevitia Publications

418: I Am a Teapot is a near-future dystopian science fiction novel that explores a world where people by choice, birth, or punishment, relinquish the rights to their physical body. Their brains exist in a constantly-connected virtual interface where they enjoy a fantasy world of endless indulgences. However, while their minds have fun, their bodies are controlled by implants doing the filthiest and most dangerous jobs known to humanity.

Stripped of their identities, these dredges of society are simply called staff and they are disposable. But what happens when a staff becomes cognizant of its situation and tries to break free?

When staff number 418’s physical body is broken, he must come to terms with reality, and defend himself in a trial for his life. Will an unlikely friendship save him from permanent retirement?

About the Author

Edgar Scott was born in Houston and grew up in Canada. The last of three boys born to a brilliant Leukemia specialist and a manic-depressive mother, Edgar’s childhood was not normal. Through trial and error, Edgar turned his family situation into an opportunity to become the best version of himself. He struggled in the classroom but thrived on the field. His love for baseball and hard training got him a spot in numerous all-star teams, playing under assumed names in the US. It got Edgar through high school until he tore his shoulder. The journey of author Edgar Scott is one of success despite adversity.

Purchase Links

Contact Links

Twitter: @EScott_Writes

Instagram

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Snow Dust and Boneshine by Grendolyn Peach Soleil

The Chronicles of Granny Witch (Book 1)

Paranormal Romance, Historical Fantasy, Magical Realism, Visionary Fiction

Date Published: December 27, 2020

Once upon a winter’s night, a lost cowboy finds himself in Purgatory Bend. Patrick Doolin is plagued by a wound that won’t heal, but winter is the season of miracles. As Patrick wanders through Wyoming, he meets Fawna Darling, the mysterious granny witch, who channels the folk magic of her ancestors.

With nowhere to go and a secret Patrick doesn’t yet understand, he seeks shelter with Fawna in the snowswept prairie. Forbidden to fall in love, they form an eternal bond in the dreamscape, but when the bluebirds sing of summer and threaten their empire of dreams, they are faced with an impossible decision. Will Patrick stay in the land of the living, or will he cross over the prairie?

Summer is the season of surprises, and Fawna’s childhood sweetheart, Dezi Ketchum, longs to win her heart too. When winter melts across the gold-slick prairie, Fawna searches for answers under the rose moon. Caught between fire and water and flesh and fantasy, she follows her heart and ventures into uncharted territory.

Praise for Snow Dust and Boneshine

"A warm and spellbinding tale...Soleil's writing flows like a stream, relaxing and exotic. Mixed with folk magic, simpler times and beliefs, this is a wonderful escape." ~ Tome Tender

"Soleil's writing is riveting...It's much more than a fantasy - it's a story of love and faith." ~ Literary Titan

"Curl up under your blanket, grab a cup of tea, and let yourself wander between magic and reality in Purgatory Bend...Snow Dust and Boneshine is one of the sweetest, selfless, heartbreaking but also heartwarming love stories I have ever read...The characters, the atmosphere, and the imagery are done so beautifully. Every description made me sink my teeth into the story just a little bit more." ~ Snez at Book Lifey & A Quintillion Reads Book Club

“Snow Dust and Boneshine was incredible…There’s romance, intrigue and lots of magic. It’s very well written, so much so, I could feel the cold and bitter wind as I read about it. The characters are beautifully written, and I could see it playing out as a movie as I read. I highly recommend picking this one up. 5 stars all the way.” ~ Angela Scavone, Author of Celebrity Status

“This story was magical and fascinating with an element of surprise. It was well-researched and beautifully thought out to bring us so many amazing details. If witches and love stories set in a small town with a sprinkle of magic interests you, I would urge you to read this.” ~ Kriti Dalmia at This Reader Girl

About the Author

Grendolyn Peach Soleil was born in the Appalachian Mountains on a full moon. She is an old soul and a folk magic fiend. Grendolyn loves twisted fairy tales, all things vintage, tales of true love, and creature features. Some of her fancies include pumpkins, black cats, mermaids, tea parties, cowboys, dahlias, and sunsets. She is a member of the Visionary Fiction Alliance and The Independent Author Network. Grendolyn is the author of Limbo Jubilee, The Mermaids Melt at Dawn, and Snow Dust and Boneshine: The Chronicles of Granny Witch (Book 1).

Contact Links

Purchase Link

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Thursday, March 25, 2021

Under the Light of the Italian Moon by Jennifer Anton

Historical fiction, women’s fiction, biographical fiction

Date Published: March 8, 2021

Publisher: Amsterdam Publishers

A promise keeps them apart until WWII threatens to destroy their love forever

Fonzaso Italy, between two wars

Nina Argenta doesn’t want the traditional life of a rural Italian woman. The daughter of a strong-willed midwife, she is determined to define her own destiny. But when her brother emigrates to America, she promises her mother to never leave.

When childhood friend Pietro Pante briefly returns to their mountain town, passion between them ignites while Mussolini forces political tensions to rise. Just as their romance deepens, Pietro must leave again for work in the coal mines of America. Nina is torn between joining him and her commitment to Italy and her mother.

As Mussolini’s fascists throw the country into chaos and Hitler’s Nazis terrorise their town, each day becomes a struggle to survive greater atrocities. A future with Pietro seems impossible when they lose contact and Nina’s dreams of a life together are threatened by Nazi occupation and an enemy she must face alone…

A gripping historical fiction novel, based on a true story and heartbreaking real events.

Spanning over two decades, Under the Light of the Italian Moon is an epic, emotional and triumphant tale of one woman’s incredible resilience during the rise of fascism and Italy’s collapse into WWII.

About the Author

Jennifer Anton is an American/Italian dual citizen born in Joliet, Illinois and now lives between London and Lake Como, Italy. A proud advocate for women’s rights and equality, she hopes to rescue women's stories from history, starting with her Italian family.

In 2006, after the birth of her daughter, Jennifer suffered a life-threatening post-partum cardiomyopathy, and soon after, her Italian grandmother died. This tumultuous year strengthened her desire to capture the stories of her female Italian ancestors.

In 2012, she moved with her family to Milan, Italy and Chicago Parent Magazine published her article, It’s In the Journey, chronicling the benefits of travelling the world with children. Later, she moved to London where she has held leadership positions in brand marketing with companies including ABInbev, Revlon, Shiseido and Tory Burch.

Jennifer is a graduate of Illinois State University where she was a Chi Omega and holds a master’s degree from DePaul University in Chicago.

Under the Light of the Italian Moon is her first novel, based on the lives of her Italian grandmother and great grandmothers during the rise of fascism and World War II.

Review the book at Amazon.com, Goodreads, and Bookbub

Connect with Jennifer on Instagram @boldwomanwriting

Connect with Jennifer on Facebook @jenniferantonauthorpage

Join her mailing list at www.boldwomanwriting.com

Goodreads

Purchase Link

getbook.at/JAnton

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Monday, March 22, 2021

I Am Home by Kimberly Herndon

Self-Help, Spirituality

Date Published: July 10, 2020

My life has been a roller coaster filled with loss, pain, illness, failure, heartache and suffering. (Life can be so much fun, right?) It has also been filled with PURE JOY - the joy of spiritual awakening, wonderful people, world travel, long bike rides, hiking up mountains and the heart-warming adventures that come from taking the road less traveled. When I was 23 I had a profound spiritual enlightenment experience and since then my life has been about exploring how I can wake up to that state more fully and help others to as well. This book shares my adventurous and ultimately triumphant story of finding happiness through inner transformation. It explains how going “crazy” can actually be a good thing and how when things fall apart, that’s the doorway to something more.I believe that we’re all in this together. It is my hope that by sharing what I know others can find joy in the middle of their own difficulties and ultimately find their way home.

About the Author

Kimberly Herndon has traveled the world and studied various spiritual paths to enlightenment to determine what makes us truly happy. Kimberly has a bachelor's degree in International Studies from the University of Washington in Seattle. She also has a master's degree in Theological Studies from the Iliff School of Theology in Denver, Colorado. She is from Overland Park, Kansas, and lives in Denver with her boyfriend, their human baby and two fur babies.

Contact Links

Purchase Link

a Rafflecopter giveaway