Tag #bookshark

#BlogTour The Last Lap By Christy Hayes

Mybeautymark 4 Comments
Synopsis:

A man seeking closure after the death of his estranged brother. A woman grieving her sister and best friend. A connection they never saw coming. More than the temperature heats up in USA Today Bestselling Author Christy Hayes’ unforgettable page-turning romance about two tortured souls and their collision course with love.

 

Megan Holloway has learned a few hard truths in her twenty-eight-years. Life isn’t fair. People she loves always leave. And she’ll be stuck on Key West running her parents’ gift store and raising her twelve-year-old niece for the rest of her life.

 

Thirty-year-old Bryan Westfall has come to Key West to clean out his dead brother’s apartment and search for answers about the woman who died with his estranged older brother. Bryan didn’t know the woman had a daughter and he sure didn’t expect her sister to floor him with her beauty and biting brashness.

 

Bryan’s persistent need to help and Meg’s bumbling business skills create an unlikely union. The more time they spend together, the more their feelings become too powerful to deny. Meg knows Bryan is leaving at the end of the summer and Bryan knows Meg is holding back to spare herself needless heartache. When a hurricane forces them to evacuate, Meg mentally prepares to let Bryan go while Bryan wonders if home is where he came from or is with the woman who stole his heart.

 

Author Bio:

Christy Hayes is a USA Today Bestselling author. She grew up along the eastern seaboard and received two degrees from the University of Georgia. An avid reader, she writes romance and women’s fiction. Christy and her husband have two grown children and live with a houseful of dogs in the foothills of north Georgia.

 

Website: https://www.christyhayes.com

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

Twitter: https://twitter.com/SeaHayes

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/christyhayesauthor/

 

 

Author Marketing Experts tags for social media:

Twitter: @Bookgal

Instagram: @therealbookgal

 

Amazon link: https://amzn.to/3FZ1k0Y

Goodreads link: https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/120745272-the-last-lap

Author Interview:

 

On writing:

 

How did you do research for your book?

The internet is a wonderful resource and has saved a lot of time in researching. Whenever possible, I reach out to people and ask questions. People are very generous and willing to talk when you tell them you are doing research for a book.

 

Which was the hardest character to write? The easiest?

Meg was the hardest because she had so much on her plate. I’m a mother and I understand the pressure of raising a pre-teen, however Lily wasn’t technically her child and her role switched from supportive aunt to mom without any warning. When you add in her overwhelming grief, that relationship was difficult to write and keep authentic. Dustin was a hard secondary character to write simply because at the time I didn’t know what the issues were with his marriage.

 

Where do you get inspiration for your stories?

Often snippets from the news or traveling to new locations. Travel and new experiences really seem to wake up the creative side of my brain.

 

There are many contemporary romance books out there. What makes yours different?

I’m trying to bridge the gap between the ultra-steamy contemporary romance genre and the no-steam sweet romance. In my opinion, the last decade or so has seen a rise in the steam level of romance novels and I don’t think all readers want such graphic content.

 

What advice would you give budding writers?

The advice I would give all writers is to keep writing, keep learning, read craft books, take classes, go to conferences, and be prepared to do the hard work. Writing isn’t easy and it doesn’t pay well so if you’re looking for money or fame you should look elsewhere.

 

Your book is set in Key West. Have you ever been there?

Yes, several times. This idea was spawned by a trip my husband and I took with another couple. The guys are big fly fisherman and while they fished the wives shopped and walked around the island.

 

If you could put yourself as a character in your book, who would you be?

I’d be Meg. Like her, I’m the younger sister of a big personality older sister. It’s a unique dynamic where you idolize your older sister and resent her in equal measure.

 

Do you have another profession besides writing?

Being a wife and mom are my full-time profession, but my kids are both grown. We have two dogs, a couple horses, and a new brood of chickens, so my second profession is probably animal caretaker.

 

 

How long have you been writing?

I was a journalism major in college, but I started writing fiction when my youngest child went to kindergarten almost twenty years ago.

 

Do you ever get writer’s block? What helps you overcome it?

I’m not a plotter, so I get a little off track in the middle of my stories. The best method I’ve found to overcome the muddy middle is to read a craft book. A good craft book always gets me back on track.

 

What is your next project?

I’m working on Dustin’s story. He’s a character in The Last Lap whose marriage is in serious trouble.

 

What genre do you write and why?

I write contemporary romance and women’s fiction as they are the fiction genres I like to read. I don’t have an interest in researching and writing historical romance or the bandwidth to create whole new worlds for fantasy.

 

What is the last great book you’ve read?

I really enjoyed Kate Clayborn’s Best of Luck, the third book in her Chance of a Lifetime series. It’s not a new book but I really admired the depth of both characters, and her writing is superb.

 

What is a favorite compliment you have received on your writing?

Whenever someone says the characters or situations are realistic, that to me is the best compliment.

 

How are you similar to or different from your lead character?

Meg and I are both younger sisters, but the comparison ends there. I’m lucky enough to have met the love of my life in college and I’ve been married for thirty years this November.

 

If your book were made into a movie, who would star in the leading roles?

Maybe Emma Stone as Meg and Milo Ventimiglia as Bryan. Cliché choices, but they fit. She’s beautiful in an unconventional way and he’s adorable.

 

What were the biggest rewards and challenges with writing your book?

I can’t imagine how difficult it must be to navigate dating and single parenting when you are solely responsible for raising a child. Allowing Meg take time for herself but also be Lily’s rock was a delicate balance.

 

In one sentence, what was the road to publishing like?

Long and winding. I had written about three manuscripts before I felt ready to query agents. I would write a book, have it edited, and then query while writing a new book. When I was done with the next book and had it edited, I would then start the cycle over again with the new book. I decided to jump off the hamster wheel of write, edit, query in 2011 when self-publishing was still pretty new. My writing friends were supportive, but they also thought I was crazy. It was the wild west back then.

 

What is one piece of advice you would give to an aspiring author?

Don’t count on paying your bills as a writer. Unfortunately, the content creators are not paid enough for what they do. My greatest fear is that AI will demolish the industry, especially romance.

 

Which authors inspired you to write?

Honestly, I read a book and thought I could do better. It took me a long time to get to the point where I could.

 

 

 

On rituals:

 

Do you snack while writing?

No snacking.

 

Where do you write?

I typically write while exercising on my incumbent bike or walking at a slow pace on my treadmill. Movement helps get the creative juices flowing. My husband works from home so I write on my laptop away from the sound of his voice so I can concentrate.

 

Do you write every day?

Most days, yes.

 

What is your writing schedule?

Whenever I can find the time. I’d be more productive with a set schedule.

 

Is there a specific ritualistic thing you do during your writing time?

I read back through the last few pages to get my head in the story before moving forward.

 

 

Fun stuff:

 

 

Favorite travel spot?

When it’s cold in the South, I like to go where it’s warm. I like the US Virgin Islands because it’s an easy flight from Atlanta and the weather is beautiful. When it’s summer and too hot to be outside, I like to go out West, specifically Colorado.

 

Favorite dessert?

Ice cream. No contest.

 

If you were stuck on a deserted island, which 3 books would you want with you?

The Bible, a survival book, and maybe an old Nora Roberts or Susan Elizabeth Phillips book.

 

 

Any hobbies?

People think we are crazy for all the animals we have. We are down to two dogs, but we usually have three and we take them with us whenever we can. The horses came along about five years ago, and the chickens are brand new. I love caring for animals. They teach us so much about life.

 

If there is one thing you want readers to remember about you, what would it be?

Writers are normal people who have active imaginations. Our lives are not as exciting as the stories we write, and we write about things that pique our interest. For me, writing is a way to explore new ideas, learn about different professions, and meet new people.

 

What is something you’ve learned about yourself during the pandemic?

When it comes down to it, nothing matters but our health. I learned not to trust the “experts” and to listen to my gut.

 

What TV series are you currently binge watching?

We love the Netflix docuseries about Formula 1 and professional golf.

 

What is your favorite thing to do in the spring?

I love to go to antique stores, especially with my adult daughter.

 

What is something that made you laugh recently?

My dogs make me laugh daily. I love watching funny Instagram videos. Our family is always sending funny videos to each another.

 

What is your go-to breakfast item?

Hot tea.

 

What is the oldest item of clothing you own?

I still own a pair of rain shoes I’ve had since high school.

 

Tell us about your longest friendship.

My longest friendship is with my sister and believe it or not, we still like each other. 😉

 

What is the strangest way you’ve become friends with someone?

I was the ghostwriter for a faith-based father-son memoir after doing research for a book on athletes injured playing football and stumbled across a CaringBridge page from a family in Iowa. I reached out to the dad after being incredibly moved by the entries and ended up writing their story. We are friends to this day.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

April TBR (Possible Reads) #REALMATHON

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I have been in the worst reading slump lately. But I came across this fun read-a-thon for the month of April that seemed doable. The readathon is chosen in from what realm you want to read from so I chose team Enya which is read fantasy books. You have to pick prompts from the attack and defense side in order to pick your tbr reads. It’s easy and fun and it’s a large group of us participating. There is even a discord group to stay accountable.

Below is my tbr for April so books may change but this is it for now.

#BlogTour Satan’s Glove By Cousin Vinny Agnello & Carolyn Rae

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Synopsis:

In 1991, Eddie Romano, an undersized, unconfident kid, finds an antique baseball glove while on a treasure hunt of the ruins of the old Comiskey Park in Chicago.

Instantly that glove becomes his obsession. While sleeping at night, he’s transported to a dreary, decrepit ballpark where he learns the game of baseball from Billy, a skillful young ballplayer, who seems to be under the control of a dark, sinister figure who calls himself, “The Manager.”

Miraculously, Eddie becomes a better ballplayer and is rewarded for anti-social behavior by having his skills improve. As his bad attitude causes him to lose more and more friends on his team, he starts receiving phone calls from legendary baseball players Babe Ruth and Lou Gehrig who attempt to steer his behavior in the complete opposite direction.

Unbeknownst to Eddie, two factions of “angels” are waging a war for his soul. What is the price of glory? Eddie will soon find out.

Excerpt:


Chapter Eight – Home Sweet Home

As soon as he got home from school, Eddie raced up the stairs to his bedroom and shouted down to his mother, “I need to take a nap.”
Mrs. Romano ran up the stairs after him. “Is there something wrong, Eddie?”
“No, Mom. Everything’s great. I just need to get some rest. It was a long day at school, and I’m still worn-out from that treasure hunt Dad and I went on yesterday.”
“I didn’t get a chance to tell you, but I really like your mitt. I felt like wringing your father’s neck for bringing you to such a dangerous spot, but you two certainly were rewarded. I don’t think I’ve ever seen a glove quite like that one.”
To hear his mother speaking highly of his glove brought tears of joy to his eyes. “It’s really cool. I don’t think I’ve ever liked anything quite as much. I wouldn’t sell it, no matter what. It’s so unique. I can’t believe how lucky I’ve been. I’m the luckiest kid in the whole world, Mom.”
Eddie jumped off his bed to give his mother a big hug. He dried his eyes and then added, “I’m so happy you love it too.”
“I was never lucky enough to find anything like that. I’m sure it was somebody’s pride and joy. They would probably be happy a nice boy like you found it. I know if I lost something special, I’d want the finder to truly cherish it.”
“I do, Mom. I do cherish it. Don’t tell Dad, but it makes me dream,” Eddie said, holding the glove proudly.
“Well, I don’t want to disturb your dreams, so I won’t wake you up until supper’s ready at six, okay?”
“Yeah, Mom. That would be fantastic. I’m starting to get sleepy right now. I can’t wait to dream. I can hear my pillow calling me. See you later, Mom. I love you.”
“Sweet dreams, Eddie,” Mrs. Romano whispered as she closed his bedroom door.
Eddie held his glove against his heart and quickly fell into a deep sleep. He began to dream. Numerous faces flashed through his mind until he was staring up at the most handsome one he’d ever seen. This must be a dream. Suddenly, this handsome, young man spoke to him.
“Eddie. Eddie. Wake up. You’re here!” the handsome man in an old-fashioned Chicago White Sox uniform said.
“Where?” Eddie asked, confused.
“You’re here with me at the ballpark.”
Eddie sat up and looked around curiously at the abandoned stadium. The actual field was very well manicured, but the building itself was weathered with age. It looked like it must have been a real nice place at one-time, but somebody forgot to keep it up.
“Who are you?” Eddie asked in amazement.
“I’m your coach. I’m your dream coach.”
“A dream coach?” Eddie asked, now utterly fascinated.
“I’ve been waiting an awfully long time for you, Eddie. So, you’re the boy who found my glove. Do you mind if I look at it?”
“No, but you’re going to give it back, right?”
“Yeah. Of course.”
“Well, in that case, here,” Eddie said as he stood and tossed his “magical glove” to his dream coach.
“Wow. It hasn’t changed a bit since the last time I saw it.”
“It hasn’t?” Now Eddie worried. “Please tell me you don’t want to take it back.”
“No. It’s yours to keep, Eddie. I’m here just to teach you how to use it. It’s magical.”
“I knew it.” Eddie gloated. “So, you’re going to teach me how to control the magic. You’re going to be my new best friend, aren’t you?”
“That’s right. Now, here take your glove back,” the dream coach said, handing it to Eddie.
“Well, the field looks nice, but the rest of the place is a dump. Do you live here?”
“Yes.”
“Are you by yourself?”
The dream coach sighed. “For the moment, but that won’t always be the case.”
“Where do you sleep?”
“I don’t. Well, occasionally I do.”
“That’s not what I asked. Where do you sleep?”
“Oh, I sleep sometimes on the roof of the dugout and other times on the grass of the field. Don’t you love the smell of freshly cut grass?”
Eddie sniffed. “Yes. I do.” He looked up at the overcast sky. “It seems awfully dreary. It must be depressing to live here. Where’s the sun?”
“I don’t know. I never see it.”
“Well, how do you tell day from night?”
“Your guess is as good as mine. Look, I can’t waste any more time with this chit-chat because, you see, I’ve got a job to do. I’m supposed to teach you how to play baseball like a professional. Would you like to learn?”
Eddie grinned. “There’s nothing I’d enjoy more than learning how to be a great ballplayer. I just hope you realize I’m going to be a real project. I absolutely love the game, but I’m not very good at it. Maybe you could change that for me.”
“Well, that’s what I’m here for. That’s why they pay me the big bucks.” He looked toward the dugout.
“I thought nobody was here with us.”
“Believe me, when I tell you, nobody is.”
“Can I ask you a question?”
“Sure. Fire away.”
“Are you with the spirit inside my glove?”
Dumbfounded, the dream coach asked, “What spirit are you talking about?”
“The one that says someday I’m going to be a professional baseball star,” Eddie said.
“Oh, that spirit. Well, I guess I am then,” The dream coach replied. Oh, my God, he’s just a child. This whole situation is beneath contempt. Now he felt despicable about playing a role in this corruption.
“Well, then I’d like to thank you and your friend inside my glove for helping me. You both are obviously going above and beyond the call of duty when it comes to making my life so much better. Since I can’t communicate with the spirit inside my glove directly, could you please pass on my kind words? I would forever be in your debt if you could.”
“Sure,” the dream coach said, fighting off the nausea welling up inside. “It’s time for your baseball lesson, okay?”
“Alright. I don’t envy you though, because I’m afraid I really stink at the game.
“I’ll see what I can do about that. Well, where should I begin? I guess I’ll try to improve your hitting.”
Eddie and his dream coach worked on lots of fundamentals of hitting and fielding until Mrs. Romano banged loudly on Eddie’s bedroom door. The startling noise shocked Eddie back to reality. Suddenly he was swept away from that field of play back to his familiar bedroom.
“Wow! What a trip.” Eddie could hardly believe what had just happened.
“Are you coming down for dinner?” Mrs. Romano asked. “If you are, you better hurry before your food gets cold.” “Hello. Earth to Eddie! Did you hear me?” She slapped her hands together.
“Loud and clear. Give me a moment, will you?” Eddie begged as he got ready to face his critics. Being bothered by his family was becoming a chore.

About the Author:


Wherever controversy is found it’s likely you’ll find “Cousin Vinny” in the thick of it.

On the evening of August 22, 2008, Mr. Agnello was accosted by two gunmen and shot twice in the leg in Sleepy Hollow, New York. The motive for that shooting was never determined. As of this date, no one has been arrested.

Agnello recovered from the shooting and currently resides in Monticello, Georgia. This is the final evolution of a story that he received in a dream-like state back in 1991. “Cousin Vinny” believes that his colorful past gives him greater insight into the plights of the people we meet in our daily lives. He truly hopes you enjoy this adventure.

Visit Cousin Vinny on Facebook.

Author Marketing Experts tags for social media:
Twitter: @Bookgal
Instagram: @therealbookgal

Amazon link: https://amzn.to/3Xa19FS

Goodreads link: https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/64411821-satan-s-glove

Praise:
“Apt characterization boosts this enlightening sports tale about the allure and perils of fame.”
– Kirkus Reviews

#BookReview Dark Sons By Nikki Grimes

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Synopsis:

Sam can’t believe it when his father leaves the family to marry another woman–and a white woman, at that. The betrayal cuts deep–Sam had been so close to his dad, he idolized him. Now who can he turn to, who can he trust? Even God seems to have ditched him.

Ishmael is his father’s first son, the heir, his favorite. But when his father is visited by mysterious strangers who claim that Abraham’s wife, Sarah, will finally give birth to a legitimate son, Ishmael is worried. And when baby Isaac arrives, Ishmael becomes more isolated from his father. Could Abraham’s God, who had spoken to Ishmael’s mother, to whom he has made countless sacrifices, now betray him in favor of this new son?

Review/Thoughts:

Dark Son’s is told in two perspectives written in verse. There is the perspective of Ishmael who is having a hard time of having “two mom” after his dad has another child with a new woman. Ishmael doesn’t know how to truly feel about this, he does know that he is hurt because the time spent with his new wife has left him and mom alone.

The second perspective is of Sam who is basically going through the same thing.  His dad remarries and soon after he has a new baby boy. Sam is hurt and confused as to why his dad would leave him for a women and have a new child. He questions God throughout the story asking questions like “if my Dad really loved me why did he leave me?”

Both Ishmael and Sam are trying to figure out ways to cope with this new change yet try to let this new change affect their relationship with God and their family. They both have anger towards their family and a feeling of not being loved or wanted.

In the end they both learn to accept the change and love their new brothers and take acceptance for the new families their fathers have created.

I always enjoyed Nikki Grimes writing. Books written in verse in my favorite type of writing style. I also liked that she used small pieces of the Bible to tell the story of Dark Son’s.

Rating: 4⭐

#BookReview Garvey’s Choice By Nikki Grimes

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Synopsis:

Garvey’s father has always wanted Garvey to be athletic, but Garvey is interested in astronomy, science fiction, reading—anything but sports. Feeling like a failure, he comforts himself with food. Garvey is kind, funny, smart, a loyal friend, and he is also overweight, teased by bullies, and lonely. When his only friend encourages him to join the school chorus, Garvey’s life changes. The chorus finds a new soloist in Garvey, and through chorus, Garvey finds a way to accept himself, and a way to finally reach his distant father—by speaking the language of music instead of the language of sports.

Review:

This story was about a boy named Garvey who is really into things like science, reading, math, and singing. His dad really wants him to be more tough and play football. Garvey doesn’t know how to communicate with his dad the way, so he turns to food as comfort. Garvey is gaining more weight and his classmates and his sister have all noticed. So he tries to do a crash diet which doesn’t work.

In the end with help from his friends Joe and Manny he learned to accept himself for who he is. Take control of his weight and learn to talk to his dad better. I really enjoyed this, especially because it was written in my favorite writing style – verse.

Rating: 4⭐