free thinking

Sapphire City Blog Tour Adventure

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Good Day Folks, This is a must read. You will love the story. background

Welcome to the Sapphire City Blog tour!
Presented by Phenomenal Reviews and hosted by some fabulous blogs!
June 10-17







Book Description

 
Strange things happen on Nortica; people disappear and voices call from the ocean. For Stella Shaw, things are about to get even more weird.


Welcome to Nortica. Population: ten.After her latest run-in with the police, Stella’s mom takes her back to her childhood home, the island Nortica. But they find it much different than the stories Mom told. Most of the people have disappeared and the ones left are really weird. 



When her mom turns out to be the next victim of the island, Stella is forced into a dangerous race to find her while learning the secrets that the ocean holds

 
 
 
 
 
What people are saying about Sapphire City!
 
“A different kind of ending for sure, Nice story! I knew I had it figured out, til I read the next page! Hopefully the sequel comes out soon!” ~ MPR1
 
“I felt compelled to keep reading, desperate to find out what happened next.” ~ R. Kight
 
 “The story ended so perfect. I kept waiting for another twist.” ~ Jess
 
BUY LINKS


 
 
ABOUT THE AUTHOR
Amy Richie was born in a small northern Ohio town where she grew up and lives there still with her three children. She comes from a large family with an even larger extended family. In 2012, Amy joined up with Anchor Group Publishing and now has two series started. The Immortal Love Series and The Blood Vine Series, a new YA. Amy writes things that are not of this world; either paranormal or fantasy. Vampires, werewolves, mermaids, time travel, ghosts, and even garden gnomes. To find out more about Amy Richie or her books visit her at amyrichie.weebly.com .
Where you can find her



Follow the tour!

June
10th-
Booky ramblings of a neurotic mom–  —Review
10th-BlissfulBook Reviews–– Promo
11th-
Indie Authors, Books and More –  —-Review
11th-
The Writing World -Interview
12th-
Coffee and a Book Anytime –Promo
12th-
Novel Words by Jessica-   Promo
 
13th
Wendy’s Bookcase- Promo
14th-
Woody’s Favorite Books – Review
14th-
Page Flipperz -Promo
15th-
J.P Grider  –  Review
,5th- A_TiffyFit’s Reading Corner–  Review
16th-
Pretty in Pink Books and Review– Review
 
 17th-
Inside the Pages of a Book-Review
Enjoy the Adventure of Sapphire City Blog Tour, WB
You can see what is happening on my facebook page  https://www.facebook.com/Wendysbookcase,

Sale Adventure

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945028_10151935128818056_1239489869_n  Amazon Link

Barnes and Noble link

 Good Day Folks,

 My first books is on sale for a few more days.  Your kids will love the adventure. Here is a review

This review is from: James Saves the Moon (Paperback)

Just read the coolest kids book….its called “James Saves The Moon” by Wendy Nystrom.

Wendy’s book starts in Iceland, and her son saw something-remarkable. But-at the same time, he wonders, could it really be? So what does he want to do-explore of course, after all, he is a little boy with a great imagination! James sets out on an adventure inspired by his mom and supported by his family. Along the way he makes a new best friend, and other friends. He finds out some fables of Iceland, and explores things around-but most of all, he experiences a journey of a lifetime with his new friends. Really, this book is one that will spark your child’s imagination, set them off in wonder, and give them something to aspire for! Wendy’s illustrations will give you the feel of another land, an adventure in itself-great job to her illustrator! Her writing makes each image pop together, and form almost a movie in your mind. Such a fun book to enjoy!

My 9 year old has become a “mega fan” and reads the book daily! It is one of his newest favorites! He talks about it, shows people the book, and explains it to his brothers–that is a book that has truly captured a child—phenomenal.

Enjoy and have a grand adventure today. WB

Writing Adventures!

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Good Day Folks,

I really need to get better at blog posting. I am going to attempt to have an interview with a author, blogger, reader, fan once a week.

I like things simple and short. So I will try to keep my interviews down to 5 questions.

After posting on my facebook page it appears some have questions for me. Which was surprising.

https://www.facebook.com/Wendysbookcase

So I am going to start with me.

I have Jaimie a fan of my short story in Paranormal Days Gone Awry “Blaze the Dragon” New Moon Brethren

Paranomal   Jaimie asked, Where did your inspiration for Blaze come from?

It is rather good question. Had me thinking for days where did she come from. I have a different view of dragons than most. I see them as fierce caring creatures, much like in Anne McCaffrey’s book. May she rest in peace. Ms McCaffrey, and I differ is that I think dragons work well with a partner or with out a partner.  They are independent, smart much like humans and can be leaders. They are emotional beings like you and me. They were placed on this planet with a huge responsibility to serve and protect. Like all beings have troublemakers and trouble times through out their history.

Back to Blaze. Blaze is my favorite character.  Blaze came to me in a dream and continues to visit me in my dreams.  Most of my stories or idea comes to me in dreams. Maybe she is my imaginary friend. She represents women’s struggles and the rapid changes happening in the world. We seem to balance responsibility, families, jobs, plus moving forward with social justice and finding moments of happiness. We live frenzy life styles.  We adjust and sacrifice daily and a little piece of us leaves us with every sacrifice and some days we are just weary. She has a lot of me and many of the women I have have the privilege to call friends. I seem to surround myself with intelligent let’s get it done friends. Whether we are working on a project or just out relaxing we accept each other the way we are and none of us trust easily. I assess people strengths and focus on their strengths rather than their weakness’s. Focusing on weaknesses never gets the job done. Then there comes a time to say enough is enough and we have to decide which battles we can and will win or  is time to abandon ship or regroup.  Both my strong female characters express how I feel at times. I do not ever understand the word no, liability,its is to big, can’t be done, to me that is lack of will. We must constantly prevail against the naysayers and tell them it can be done. I do often look out the window and think it was  suppose be a simple event and turned into something more and how do I fix it.  Yes, we must walk out the door and take care of the what ever is tossed in our way and sometimes we have to sacrifice things to get it done.  To serve, protect and attempt to leave the world a little better than we came into it is honor. Whether on center stage or behind the scenes.  Why red hair and purple/gold flecked wings. Red is for courage, bravery and purple  is the color of good judgement, magic and mystery, creativity. Gold  symbolizes wealth used wisely, but it is also the symbol of good health. People who favor the color gold are optimistic.

The short story in the above anthology was inspired by my friends a couple of years ago suggesting I should write a story about  visiting the New Moon Book store in Minneapolis. This was an store that had books, herbs,  classes,   physic reading areas and chat groups. My mother was an highly respected numerologists. The New Moon Brethren was born that evening on the drive home from a Holly Black book signing. It is a urban fantasy about a secret society that is 1000’s of years old. Sole purpose is to serve and protect from the dark legion.

Hope you enjoy this. Have a grand adventure. WB

Born to be Wild Adventure

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Good Day Folks,

I was looking at music and came across Steppenwolfs’s song Born to be wild. Listen to it. We are Born to be wild.

“

Lookin’ for adventure
And whatever comes our way”

Like a true nature’s child
We were born, born to be wild
We can climb so high
I never wanna die

Born to be wild
Born to be wild

I was recently adopted for Adopt a Author Event on FB. Brittany The-BookNerd Carrigan, She has set up a 3 month event on Facebook. She is a blast to work with and helps us authors. Here is the event page if you would like to join. Wendy and Rachel’s Promotion- Palooza

I have an event February 13th for our local Festival of the Arts at the Library. It is an interesting event, for an entire month we get to explore different types of art.

I am a guest speaker to discuss children’s literature.  As I was writing my presentation I realized children need to be wild. They were born for adventure.

When I wrote my first book James Saves the Moon. We were in the middle of a wonderful fun adventure. We were living in Iceland. My son was 7 learning in Icelandic. I was keeping him up on his English. He is a gifted child especially when it came to being a gifted speaker and adventure. He was a early talker and storyteller. He was speaking in full sentences by the time he was two. Today at 15 he is still gifted in speech. His command of language is unbelievable to me. While I was continuing  his education at home to read in English. We discovered many books were boring no adventure. We did discover Tintin. My son loved those books. All about adventure and he could read them both in English and Icelandic. On my last trip to Holland, I picked up a couple  that were in Dutch. Now he is exploring music. My twin daughters are more the hands on explorers. They want activity, risk takers. I find them on roofs, up trees, swing set poles. They have little fear of the unknown. They were climbing mountains, cliffs, soccer nets at two. I could not have blinds or drapes in their windows when they were toddlers. I could not have open windows either.

I think this why a little place in my brain was unlocked with adventures, when my son one day said . “Look Mom the moon is on the mountain. I am going to touch it tonight. We all ran to the window in his bedroom to look.

“Let me tell you it was on the mountain, huge and it seemed we could feel the moon beams shooting through us.  I had a dream that night. The next day I wrote the first draft. Since then  I have had many dreams and written many things. The hard part is focusing long enough to finish a story. I love having this part of the brain free to explore , dream, share the adventures that were locked up for so many years.

The most important thing for a child is being able to go on an adventure. Children’s books should have an adventure no matter what. They want to explore touch, feel, take apart, figure things out as if always on a adventure. I think the most gifted educators are the ones to take a child on an adventure every day in class no matter what the subject is. Let’s, allow children be born to be wild it is there gift to us and our future. Exploration and Adventure is a good thing.

My children’s books are all about adventure my reviews and private messages have brought me pure joy when mothers tell me, my goodness my kids could not put it down. My son wants to ride the dragon. My child with ADHD or Autism was captivated with your story.  Kids need to let their imaginations fly. The illustrations have a dragon on every picture. I am lucky I have worked with two wonderful illustrators. Jim Weidman and Kelly Murray. I came to Anchor Group Publishing with my own illustrators and my poor grammar skills. They embraced my adventures. Working with Anchor Group and the authors of Anchor Group has been a wonderful adventure. All the authors are so talented and take you on adventures. The lil anchors (kids authors) have  fun adventures. We help each other, encourage each other to be our best.  Adventure and Exploring is in my opinion the trail to happiness.

ENJOY YOUR ADVENTURE,  WB

pizap.com13589813810391  James Saves the Moon is available on Amazon and B&N in E-Book or Print

James Saves the Moon E-Book on Amazon

 James Saves the Moon in print on Amazon

James Saves the Moon on B&N E-Book or Print

New Release Helga Returns is only available E-Book print should be available March 1

 If you see Helga Returns with out the green frame do not purchase it. I keep trying to get amazon to remove it.

Helga Returns on Amazon E-Book

Reflection Adventure goodbye 2012 hello 2013

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Good Day Folks,

13 is my lucky number woo hoo come on 2013. I am ready (Ramble Alert)

I have been doing a lot of investigating, learning, waiting and reflecting the last couple of months. It has been a good year for the most part. I am on the cusp of a new adventure. I just have to choose the path or will I let the path choose me.This is what seems to happen to me most of the time. It seems every time I know the direction I want to take or the place I wish to live. Something or someone changes the path. They have always been interesting twists in the road but I always wonder when will it be my turn to choose the direction. Maybe 2013 will be the year I drive the future for a while then again maybe not. What ever happens it will be an interesting adventure.

I have now been down this writing path for about 7 years. I never ever thought I would be a writer. I was looking for a career that I could do anywhere since we have moved so many times. Frankly no one really wants to hire a woman over 40. This was made quite clear in the last 5 years. Shocking but very clear. So as I always do I adjust, adapt and wow have I been having fun learning the publishing business.

My latest interview by a wonderful author Karen Pokras Toz. Check out her tween age books they all rock.

She asked Can you see yourself in any of your characters? No one ever asked me that question.  It has had me thinking ever since.

I was thinking and thinking, then it hit me my characters are like imaginary friends. I am retelling their adventures. I have lots of vivid dreams always have. My Mother use to tell me she could hear me talking in my sleep all the time. My dreams feel real and I wake up often tired from my busy adventure dreams. Sometimes important people that have passed away come and chat for a while or need to be told it is ok to open the door to the next place you will be ok. That was the last conversation I had with my father. He passed away my guess during that dream. I even had a dream about my best friend growing up my cat Spitzy. She told me to name the new cat that adopted us in Idaho Rigsby. The next day my Mom called and said your cat died. Well anyway my very first imaginary friend was Susie. We did everything together. She was the best. I do not know where she went. She left when my brother   was brought home from the hospital. I like to think she is always near. 

Now after reflecting I do not think I answered Karen’s question very well. I think all my characters have a little of me in them and a lot of the people I allow in my inner circle or are part of my inner circle like family. Their have been many interesting people I have met through the years which work into my characters. I did say Blaze the dragon and Carolyn seem to have some of me in them. But really I think they have become my new imaginary friends. When I write about them in my novel called the New Moon Brethren. I really feel like I am there with them  in their inner tight circle.  Same with all my writing. I am there with my characters whether like Watson describing the adventure as an observer or really with them as they make their discoveries. It is quite fun. Like my dreams I am usually very tired after a writing adventure. James in my children’s series he has many of the characteristics of my son. Matt the dragon has many of the characteristics of my dear friend Tina’s son who is the same age as my son. Syvok is like my friend Kristin in Iceland. She was the first local in Iceland who talked to me.Like Blaze and Carolyn in my novel they are a mixture of many of my friends who are now at a time in their lives they have responsibilities and often like most woman their needs or wants get put on the back burner to handle situations. It called life and its what we do. That is how I pick characters. I figure out what kind of personality I am looking then look at the people I have met. I am lucky I have met many people from all over. I will have a life time of characters to write about.

So when your child has an imaginary friend do not be concerned it is a good thing. They may become the next bestselling author. I sure love all my real and imaginary friends. I would not trade them for anything in the world. 

Happy New Year to all, May it bring good things to us all and more grand adventures.WB

P.S . All Anchor Group Publishing e-books are 99 cents until January 1. This includes mine. James Saves the Moon, and my short story in Paranormal Gone Awry.

Paranormal Gone Awry has thirteen stories by thirteen different authors. My story introduces Blaze and Carolyn my besties. My story is on page 100

pretty good deal for 99 cents.

Click on picture for link

Click on picture for link

Click on pic for link

 click on pic for link

Thursday Thriller Adventure! More than Magic indeed!

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Good Day Folks,

Today I have a Thursday Thriller Adventure for you. More than Magic: Semester Abroad by Elizabeth Kirke

More than Magic: Semester Abroad

Well this is quite the thriller and more. Jen is excited about her summer abroad on a cruise ship and traveling to new places and meeting new people. Boy did she meet some new characters for sure! Then the unexpected happens and she is thrust into a new world of magic and magical beings. Her life has changed for ever. Will she live her life as it has been or will she embrace the world of magical beings living amongst us mere mortals. Or will she have no choice?  More than Magic indeed! I loved this story. You will have to read to find out what happens to this gal The visuals were spectacular. Quite the cruise. Full of wit, new friends,enemies, adventure, live changing, excitement and magic.  I wish my cruise was this much fun. I find them boring and mostly filled with boring people. I highly recommend this read. Look forward to second one in the series.

A little about the Author Elizabeth Kirke ~

Elizabeth Kirke wanted to be an author before she even knew what an author was. She used to say that she wanted to be an artist, but that was only because she was too young to write and had to tell stories with pictures instead. She hasn’t stopped writing since she learned how. It wasn’t long before she dreamed of becoming an author and couldn’t be happier now that that dream is a reality.

If she isn’t writing…well, let’s be honest; if she isn’t writing she’s probably on Facebook thinking that she should start writing. But, if she isn’t writing or on Facebook, she’s probably doing something involving books, baking, gardening, or yarn. In an ideal world, she’d be reading and knitting while something from the garden is in the oven. Then again, in an ideal world, she’d have a flock of ducks and a couple of goats.

Like most slightly-nosy, avid readers, Elizabeth can’t resist trying to catch a peek at books she sees people reading when out in public to see if she can figure out what it is. While doing just that one day, she realized that it would probably be the coolest-thing-ever if she caught a complete stranger reading one of her books. That’s her new dream.

You can keep up with Elizabeth’s Kirke More than Magic:Semester Abroad on her Facebook page: https://www.facebook.com/MorethanMagic

Enjoy the magical adventure! WB

James and the Magic Carousel Adventure at Anchor Group Halloween Funhouse

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Good Morning Folks,

I am the middle child in our crossover Lil Anchor’s blog short stories tour. I hope you enjoy my story.  Read the story and join me for games later at the Anchor Group Halloween Funhouse Event.

https://www.facebook.com/events/123413251140555/

Flying with Ease

 

James was on holiday back in the states. His parents dragged him to a circus. All he could think of was how much he missed his dear friends at home. He sluggishly walked to the kid’s tent and looked in. What he saw was quite a sight. Three pretty girls dressed in pink, screeching and awing over some ballerina bears. While James watched the spectacle unfold, his thoughts traveled to his friends at home in Iceland. Oh the screeching he would hear if Matt the dragon and Syvok appeared.  James looked again then jumped on the carousel. His stone necklace was all aglow. How strange! His stone was warm and was glowing which usually meant Matt and Syvok were near. He waved to the girls and dancing bears. The carousel spun in circles and started to twirl faster and faster. All of a sudden they were all swirling in the air above the carousal.  He was spinning faster and screaming in fear. As they reached the top of the big tent, he covered his ears with his hands to deaden the high pitched screech of the girls. They all seemed to come to a stop and he reached out to grab the top of the tent. He could not reach it. All was quiet as he looked to the ground. Why this was it, he was sure, he would be a heap on the ground all covered in pink. What a horrible way to end, he was sure. He closed his eyes in fear, when all of a sudden something grabbed the back of his shirt. His stomach groaned as he hit the top of the striped tent and girls were screeching again. He opened eyes to a wonderful sight. He saw the blue blur of Matt the dragon. Matt caught him has he began to fall and Syvok was there to help grab the girls. Matt zoomed around with all of us in tow before gently landing next to the carousel. The girls and bears jumped off to watch the show as Matt hopped one, two, and three back in the air. He zoomed all through the tent gliding by the girls and they smiled and giggled with glee. The three bears danced away and jumped on the still hidden carousel again. Matt, the glittering blue dragon, flew up and Syvok, my fairy friend, was tossing his fairy dust. It was quite the sight. He jumped off of Matt and grabbed the swinging trapeze. Matt flies around again. Syvok grabbed James’s arms. They were swinging back and forth above the carousel. It was so much fun. James came up to the platform and jumped off, waiting for Syvok to swing back. The girls were laughing and squealing with joy. Syvok swung back and had his arms held out. James was ready to jump and swing some more. James heard “Jump!” and jump he did. He was swinging through the air. Syvok said “Trust me! We are going to give them the greatest show on earth.”

He flipped me and let go of my arms. James heard the sweet laughter of Matt, the blue dragon, as he landed perfectly on his back. James grabbed the rope around Matt’s neck. He stood tall and waved as Matt flapped his wings and flew in circles. James looked over and Syvok was standing on the swing. He jumped off and was a green blur as he did a triple spin. Matt said hold on and they zoomed like a blue missile towards the green spinning haze. Syvok missed, of course. James turned to look behind and he was bouncing up and down holding on to Matt’s tail. James laughed so hard his stomach hurt. Matt flipped his tail as Syvok landed behind James. Matt the dragon flew to the ground and James jumped to safety. He took off in a blue blur up to the center of the tent and tipped his wings to say good night. ”

Have a grand holiday James”, bellowed Matt. Syvok tossed up his glittering fairy dust and off they went, out to the new center opening of the tent. James and the girls watched as the dust floated down and sparkled around.

James heard him say, “Syvok and I must leave, so jump back on the magic carousel, it will spin and spin, and there will be a surprise again.”

The End or is it……. Check out Cindy’s Springsteen’s Post Monday on her blog for the finale.

Don’t forget to put your name in the drawing at Anchor Groups Rafflecopter for the huge basket of goodies the winner will be announced on Halloween. a Rafflecopter giveaway

A huge thank you to Ruthi Kight  for helping with last minute much needed edits. Check out what is happening on her FB page at R&M Fab Book Reviews. Ruthi and MaryAnn have some fun stuff going on their page, blog and spooktacular party event

https://www.facebook.com/RmFabBookReviews

https://www.facebook.com/events/427828087254484/

As always Enjoy the adventure, WB

Wendy Nystrom’s, Recently published her short story New Moon Brethren Blaze- Changeling  in the Anthology “Paranormal Gone Awry” Available on Amazon.

http://www.amazon.com/Paranormal-Days-Gone-Awry-ebook/dp/B009P7V7JC/ref=sr_1_2?ie=UTF8&qid=1351398194&sr=8-2&keywords=paranormal+gone+awry

Her Kids  Book “James Saves the Moon” will be released in November.

You can keep up with the latest updates of my writing adventures at https://www.facebook.com/Wendysbookcase

Conduit Adventure

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The Conduit by Stacey Rourke. Wow what a read! I am hooked on this series now.
Starts out with Celeste Garrett and her siblings from Michigan heading South to move in with their Gram. Their father recently passed away and their Mother is off taking care of business. Celeste pricks her finger on a family treasure in the garage and poof her world and her sibling’s world is turned upside down with strange  powers and new responsibilities.  All she wanted to do was settle in and go to college not what the universe had in mind for her or her siblings. The story will make you laugh, cry and sit on the edge of your seat all at the same time. Enjoy the trials, tribulations as these young adults embark on a 17th century family commitment in the 21st century. Anchor Group publishing has reduced the price to $1.99 on amazon. What a deal!

Buy it Now!

 

 

You can keep up with Stacey Rourke on FB at http://www.facebook.com/staceyrourkeauthor?ref=ts  OR on her blog  which she currently has a giveaway going on.

http://diaryofasemi-crazyauthor.blogspot.com/

I highly recommend this fun read. Next review adventure will be Embrace, by Stacey Rourke the second on in the series.

Enjoy the Adventure, WB

The Brown House

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 The Brown House (The Visitors Series) [Kindle Edition]

Christy Sloat (Author), Melissa Ringsted (Editor)

Review: AB – July 16, 2012

Suspenseful, well written and a truly updated ghost story that fits modern times.

In her second novel, Ms. Sloat, once again delvers  an excellent read. Her main characters are well developed and plot line is excellent. The story was well revealed and the side characters were well written. They drew out her characters and plot, without overshadowing the main point.

Ms. Sloat’s themes were eloquently woven together and she finished them off in an elegant bow. I look forward t more from Ms. Sloat and highly recommend this to anyone who is looking for a great ghost story to read over the summer.

http://www.amazon.com/Brown-House-Visitors-Series-ebook/dp/B0089FV9JY/ref=sr_1_1?s=digital-text&ie=UTF8&qid=1342464236&sr=1-1&keywords=the+brown+house

http://www.smashwords.com/books/view/173544

The Many Lives of Avery Snow Review

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The Many Lives of Avery Snow Cover for 'The Many Lives of Avery Snow'

By Christy Sloat
Published by Anchor Group
Rating: 1 star1 star1 star1 star1 star

ISBN: 9780985266332
Short Description: Do you believe in reincarnation and a love that can last lifetimes?

I thoroughly enjoyed, Mrs. Sloat’s novel, “The Many Lives of Avery Snow”. It was intriguing from the first page. Mrs. Sloat does an excellent job with character and relationship development. The author draws you into the plot, where a young adult, Avery, begins to recall her previous lives and the meetings with her soul mate in each one. Avery starts to think she is hallucinating when Angels start appearing in her life and she starts having visions. Mrs. Sloat, does an excellent job of portraying the feelings and emotions that accompany the relationships in the books drawing the reader into the story. We wind up being caught in the ever present battle between good and evil.  She builds up to the climax with climbing anticipation, although I felt there was a little missing in some of the characters that showed up at the cabin. The final chapters, that tie everything together are well organized and compelling. They give a tremendous sense of satisfaction without compromising the plot or the point.

Overall I thought this is an excellent, easy read. Mrs. Sloat does a terrific job of integrating the powers of angels and demons, but could have expanded a little more on the psychic realms. Her novel stresses the concept of past lives, and everlasting love without over dramatizing or farfetched logic. Her characters are her strong point, as is her overall plot development.

Get your copy as soon as possible!

Reviewed on July 13 – AB

http://www.smashwords.com/books/view/167522

http://www.amazon.com/Many-Lives-Avery-Series-ebook/dp/B007HI2NWQ/ref=sr_1_cc_1?s=aps&ie=UTF8&qid=1342310011&sr=1-1-catcorr&keywords=many+lives+of+avery+snow