Sunday, February 16, 2014

CONTINUED: Seven Tears by Sheila Joyner



Seven Tears paints a vivid portrait of Birch’s difficult situation and the effects of addictions in the home. It is a quick, but captivating read that leaves one wondering how many kids are out there silently suffering. I was incredibly  thankful for the positive ending!

Joyner approaches a difficult topic through the eyes of an innocent child, a rebellious adolescent and, finally, a young adult. I hope that this author has future books in the works.

Book Description

I was six years old when I lost my innocence. Keeping quiet about it was more out of fear of his wrath. When it was finally revealed, I was a drama queen, they said. At age thirteen, they didn’t believe me after the gang rape, but found it justified to send me away to have the baby. I was a drama queen, they said. Living in a family of dirty little secrets, I began acting out in a big way.

For seven years I fought neglect, abuse, and even death. And then one day it happened. For Birch Thomas, life is not easy. She had fought neglect, abuse, and even death for seven years, living with the dark secrets her family hid. Birch can’t seem to catch a break from the negatives of life, and she doesn’t know where to turn. She isn’t sure she’ll ever escape her secrets. Inspired by actual events, Seven Tears will captivate and inspire young adults and parents. Take an inside look at the skewed foster system and discover the true meaning of home.

In the Author’s Own Words

“A friend once said, it only takes one person to change the direction of your life. Well, it happened to me and I started writing.

Raised in rural West Virginia and the daughter of a coal miner, my first job was with the hometown newspaper.

I now live in the seaside village of Murrells Inlet, South Carolina. We have a saying in our town... ‘quaint drinking village with a fishing problem.’  I love to fish.

My favorite quote is ‘Gardeners know the best dirt.’ I'm the type of person that has to be in the know, the inner circles, the front lines. I love gardening also.

Favorite genre is anything with a true story.

I'd be thrilled to get your friend request. Gracias!”

And More
Joyner was compelled to write Seven Tears when she experienced the life-changing event of losing several grandchildren to the foster care system. A debut author, she is now a therapeutic foster parent and advocate for children in foster care and kinship care. She lives in Murrells Inlet, South Carolina, with her husband, Sonny.
Published by Tate Publishing and Enterprises, the book is now available through bookstores nationwide, from the publisher at http://www.tatepublishing.com/bookstore, or by visiting http://www.barnesandnoble.com or http://www.amazon.com
Connect with Sheila Joyner on Facebook at http://www.facebook.com/SheilaJoynerBooks

Saturday, February 1, 2014

CONTINUED: Circles In Time by Trilby Plants



Book Description
When a magic potion goes wrong, the consequences can reach through centuries….
In 10th Century Ireland half-Faerie Siobhan is shunned by both fey and humans. She unwittingly ingests an unscrupulous druid’s potion. Siobhan’s quest to be part of human society leads her down a perilous road that culminates in her summoning forbidden magic that causes suffering to her descendants into the present day.
Drawing from Gaelic folklore and mythology, the story follows a half-Faerie woman who desires to belong in the human world, a clan chieftain who will do anything for an heir, an evil druid who concocts magic potions, time travel, a modern day man who experiences missing time, and a Faerie’s spell that has far reaching consequences.

Link to paperback version:  https://www.createspace.com/3968292



In the Author’s Own Words

“This book came about decades ago when I wondered what it would be like if a real fairy traveled from long ago to the present. The 9th and 10th centuries in Ireland are not well documented as little remains, so I filled in the gaps with my imagination. I have always been fascinated by the stories of the daoine sidhe or Tuatha De Danann. According to Celtic and Gaelic myths, these were beings who came from the sky in shining ships. They possessed powers humans did not and lived long lives.
I did a tremendous amount of research to get the historical aspects somewhat correct. The setting in Washington state came about because my parents lived there for quite a while and there are vast tracts of forested mountain terrain devoid of people. Ideal for a portal from the past.”

About the Author

Trilby Plants was hooked on words when, at the age of four, her mother read her Gulliver’s Travels. Plants has published poetry, creative nonfiction, short stories and a self-published fantasy novel, GATEKEEPER. She is currently editor of The Petigru Review, the literary anthology of the South Carolina Writers’ Workshop. She lives with her husband in Murrells Inlet, SC.

Author of Gatekeeper and children’s book Hubert Little’s Great Adventure, Plants also creates amazing book trailers. Watch for the upcoming spring release of  Meena Mouse's Perfect Raspberry, a children's picture book illustrated by Deborah Gagnon. Visit Trilby’s website at http://www.trilbyplants.com.