Tag Archives: Women’s Fiction

Benefits of Breathing by Christopher Meeks

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This post was most recently updated on August 5th, 2020

Benefits of Breathing by Christopher MeeksThe Benefits of Breathing by Christopher Meeks

Publisher: White Whisker Books (May, 2020)
Category: Short Stories, Literary Fiction, Women’s Fiction, Relationships
ISBN: Coming Soon
Tour Date: May-June, 2020
Available in: Print & ebook, 238 Pages
The Benefits of Breathing

Description Benefits of Breathing by Christopher Meeks

In The Benefits of Breathing, his third collection of short stories, Christopher Meeks dives again into the human condition, particularly within relationships.  As one reader wrote on Amazon, “Some authors need a lot of words to describe their worlds and their people. Christopher Meeks says a lot with a little.” The Los Angeles Times has called his stories “poignant and wise.”

In this volume, “A Dog Story” captures a crumbled marriage and the love of a dog named Scrappy. “Joni Paredes” shows the birth of a new relationship that starts at a daughter’s wedding. “Nestor by the Numbers” follows one man’s often hilarious online dating experiences after he finally accepts his wife is gone. “Jerry with a Twist” shows an actor on an audition while his pregnant girlfriend helps him through a crisis. These and seven other stories will bring you into the special world of Meeks.

As reviewer Grady Harp notes, if you’ve previously “discovered the idiosyncrasies of Meeks’ writing style and content, rest assured that this new collection not only will not disappoint, but also it will provide further proof that we have a superior writer of the genre in our presence.” Try this book. You’ll have a lot to think about.

Advance Praise Benefits of Breathing by Christopher Meeks

“Chris Meeks is a descriptive writer whose style paints a clear picture of everyday real life traumas. This story is about ordinary people and common problems; including how effective communication is so difficult to cultivate, especially when working through an emotional situation like a divorce. The reader can easily sense the strain of the failing relationship.”-T.M.S., Amazon

“Thoroughly enjoyed this short but bittersweet divorce story. It’s impossible to read anything Chris writes and fail to see pieces of yourself in the lines. Hope you keep them coming, Chris!”- Ksinteriors, Amazon

“I’ve read much of Meeks’ work. His attention to detail and ability to show rather than tell is unique and engaging.”-Kevin Gerard, Amazon

“While James Joyce was a trailblazer in the genre of literary fiction, Meeks surpasses him with crisp plainspoken prose abundant with brilliant humor and wit. Chris Meeks is one of those rare prolific and masterful writers whose stories and novels leave his audiences with a sense of satisfaction and enriching views of the human condition and humanity.”- James V Jordan, Amazon

Awards and Recognition for Christopher Meeks

Book of the Year Bronze Award from ForeWord Reviews (2017): ‘The Chords of War’

ForeWord Reviews Book of the Year Finalist award (2011)- ‘Love At Absolute Zero’

Three book critics’ Ten Best Books of 2011-‘Love At Absolute Zero’

Three book critics’ Ten Best Books of 2009- ‘The Brightest Moon of the Century’ 

About Christopher MeeksBenefits of Breathing by Christopher Meeks

Award winning author, Christopher Meeks has five novels and two collections of short fiction published. The Benefits of Breathing’ is his third collection of short stories.

He has had stories published in several literary journals, and they have been included in the collections “Months and Seasons” and “The Middle-Aged Man and the Sea.” Mr. Meeks has had three full-length plays mounted in Los Angeles, and one, “Who Lives?” had been nominated for five Ovation Awards, Los Angeles’ top theatre prize.

Mr. Meeks teaches English and fiction writing at Santa Monica College, and Children’s Literature at the Art Center College of Design. He lives in Pasadena, CA.

Website at: www.chrismeeks.com
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Christopher-Meeks-212382392140974/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/christopher.meeks1
Twitter: https://twitter.com/MeeksChris

Buy Benefits of Breathing by Christopher Meeks

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Giveaway Benefits of Breathing by Christopher Meeks

This giveaway is for the winner’s choice of print or ebook however, print is open to Canada and the U.S. only and ebook is available worldwide. There will be 3 winners. This giveaway ends June 27, 2020,midnight pacific time. Entries are accepted via Rafflecopter only.

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Teddy Rose Book Reviews Plus May 4 Guest Post

Amy Locks, Hooks and Books May 5 Review & Excerpt

Angel Goodreads May 6 Review

Infantina The Periodical Gazette May 7 Review & Excerpt

David Goodreads May 8 Review

Teddy Rose Book Reviews Plus May 13 Review

Lu Ann Rockin’ Book Reviews May 15 Guest Post

From Isi May 18 Review

Gud Reader Goodreads May 19 Review

Lu Ann Rockin’ Book Reviews May 20 Review

Dawn Bound4Escape May 21 Review

Bookgirl Goodreads May 22 Review

Jas International Book Promotion May 25 Review

Lisa’s Writopia May 27 Review

Lisa’s Writopia May 27 Guest Post

Kathleen Celticlady’s Reviews June 1 Guest Review & Excerpt

Linda Lu Goodreads June 5 Review

Betty Toots Book Reviews June 8 Review & Interview

James Jordon Amazon June 11 Review

Dee Donadees Corner June 12 Review

Lisa Janes World June 19 Review

Lillie Amazon June 23 Review

Mindy Room Without Books is Empty June 26 Review
Benefits of Breathing by Christopher Meeks

Time With Norma Jeane by Elyse Douglas: On Tour

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This post was most recently updated on June 3rd, 2020

Time With Norma Jeane: Time Travel Novel by Elyse DouglasTime With Norma Jeane: Time Travel Novel by Elyse Douglas

Publisher:  Broadback (January 13, 2020)
Category: Time Travel, Historical Fiction, Time Slip, Women’s Fiction
Tour Dates March and April, 2020
ISBN: 978-1671646032
Available in Print and ebook, 258 pages
Time with Norma Jeane

Description Time With Norma Jeane: Time Travel Novel by Elyse Douglas

A young woman is hurled back to 1954 to spend a week with Marilyn Monroe.  Together, they embark on their own personal journeys — one a coming-of-age — the other, Marilyn’s journey, a struggle to reconcile with her past and perhaps change the future.

Praise Time With Norma Jeane: Time Travel Novel by Elyse Douglas

“A delightful and enthralling read! Elyse Douglas captured magic and put it on the page.”—Ambling Bookworm Reviews

“This is just an astonishing read that will have you hooked on page one and won’t let go till the last. I read it all in one sitting and could not put it down.”—Donadee’s Corner Reviews

Praise Lost Mata Hari Ring: A Time Travel Novel by Elyse Douglas

“I am amazed by the research done into her characters, especially since with this book it is a known woman from the past – Mata Hari. From the moment Trace falls back in time, the descriptions of people and towns created a vision in my mind and I could imagine myself there observing the situations. This book captivated me to the end! If you like books that delve into past lives along with time travel, this is a book you should pick up and read!”-Storeybook Reviews

“I must say that the authors did a fantastic job in writing this book. I do not believe that time travel is possible nor do I believe in reincarnation. But while I was reading this book, I believed it was all possible. Part of me envied Trace Rutland for what she experienced, for the things she got to see. What an exciting thing! Well, except for the being thrown in prison part.  Once I was about halfway through the book, putting it down for any length of time proved to be impossible.”- Lisa’s Writopia

“This book has it all mystery, romance , history.  I really enjoyed it as I didn’t really know that much about Mata Hari.  I like historical fiction and this book was filled with history.  I am not a believer in past lives but I found myself being drawn into the story and holding my breath to see what would happen next.  A very well done story.  I would recommend it if you like historical fiction.”-Mindy, A Room Without Books Is Empty 

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About Elyse DouglasTime With Norma Jeane: Time Travel Novel by Elyse Douglas

Elyse Douglas is the pen name for the married writing team Elyse Parmentier and Douglas Pennington. Elyse grew up near the sea, roaming the beaches, reading and writing stories and poetry, receiving a master’s degree in English Literature.  She has enjoyed careers as an English teacher, an actress and a speech-language pathologist.

Douglas has worked as a graphic designer, a corporate manager and an equities trader.  He attended the Cincinnati College Conservatory of Music and played the piano professionally for many years.

Website: www.elysedouglas.com
Twitter: https://twitter.com/douglaselyse
Facebook: www.facebook.com/elyse.authorsdouglas

Buy Time With Norma Jeane: Time Travel Novel by Elyse Douglas

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Giveaway Time With Norma Jeane: Time Travel Novel by Elyse Douglas

This giveaway is for the winner’s choice of print or ebook however, print is open to Canada and the U.S. only and ebook is available worldwide. There will be 3 winners. This giveaway ends April 22, 2020,midnight pacific time.

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Jas International Book Reviews Mar 13 Review

Lu Ann Rockin’ Book Reviews Mar 13 Review & Guest Post

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Leslie StoreyBook Reviews Mar 17 Review

Elisha Rainy Day Reviews Mar 18 Review & Guest Post

Kathleen Celticlady’s Reviews Mar 20 Guest Review

Amy Locks, Hooks and Books Mar 23 Review & Excerpt

Gud Reader Goodreads Mar 25 Review

Dawn Bound 4 Escape Mar 27 Guest Review

Carole Rae’s Random Ramblings Apr 3 Review

Donna Amazon Apr 14 Review

Ruth My Devotional Thoughts Apr 15 Review

Betty Toots Book Reviews Apr 16 Review & Interview

Teddy Rose Book Reviews Plus Apr 17 Review

Mindy Room Without Books is Empty Apr 20 Review

John Around the Corner Amazon April 22 Review

Annie The Write Review June 2 Review

Time With Norma Jeane: Time Travel Novel by Elyse Douglas

Water’s Fine: Suspense Novel by Janice Coy- On Tour

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This post was most recently updated on March 1st, 2020

Water’s Fine: Suspense Novel by Janice CoyWater’s Fine: Suspense Novel by Janice Coy

Publisher:  Independently Published (April 22, 2019)
Category: Suspense, Family Fiction, Women’s Fiction
Tour dates: January/February, 2020
ISBN: 9781795669047
Available in Print and ebook, 312 pages
The Waters Fine

Description Water’s Fine: Suspense Novel by Janice Coy

Catalina Rodrigues believes she’s living her best life, traveling to exotic locations around the world as a scuba dive master, spending every moment possible in her beloved ocean.

Bertie Clark is excited for a week-long scuba trip with her husband exploring the underwater wonders of an ocean teeming with life – the Sea of Cortez.

But a tragedy on their dive boat sends both women into uncharted territory, questioning what they’ve always thought to be true, and fostering an unlikely friendship. Will either trust the invitation to “come on in, the water’s fine” again?

Praise Water’s Fine: Suspense Novel by Janice Coy

“I just finished The Water’s Fine by Janice Coy which means I am must bid farewell to the characters I have become attached to and I must close the cover on a plot that kept a firm grasp on my attention and continued to surprise. The act of reading this book can cause laundry to pile up, dust to gather and dirty dishes to dry crusty because one cannot stop reading from chapter to chapter – – from scuba action, to mystery, heartache, friendship, suspense and self discovery.
The author is artfully descriptive in all areas of scene and character development which draws you in and holds you! In fact, I would like to invite you to do a little scuba diving and not get wet? Slip on those fins, adjust your mask, get your regulator set and start reading The Water’s Fine.”- Kjans, Amazon

“Oh wow, what a well written book! Being someone who thinks that scuba diving is too scary to try I was drawn in by the author’s imagery. It captured all the anxiety of “breathing underwater”, the suspense of what dangerous creatures you could encounter as well as the absolute beauty and serenity you could feel while exploring the deep blue sea. I fell in love with her characters and was sucked into the mystery and suspense and enjoyed joining them on their journeys of self discovery, life and loss. I really enjoyed this book.”-Amazon Customer

Praise Smallest of Waves by Janice Coy

“Thanks to Coy’s descriptive, immersive world, the waves of Agave Beach leave a distinct impact in The Smallest of Waves. – Indie Reader

“A seaside mystery with an appealing heroine…Coy uses her beachside setting well, contrasting Agave Beach’s innocent sand castles and clueless tourists with the mysterious ocean – so foreign with its dark depths, sharks, kelp forests, and sea caves.” Kirkus Reviews

2017 Finalist San Diego Book Awards Association

About Janice CoyWater’s Fine: Suspense Novel by Janice Coy

Award winning Janice Coy is the author of five suspense novels. Her work is also published in four anthologies. She was a finalist at the San Diego Book Awards Association annual contest. She’s received the IndieReader Seal of Approval. A former journalist, Ms. Coy has received several awards for her reporting including a national award for best feature story in a community newspaper.

Ms. Coy is an advanced certified scuba diver; she’s run five half-marathons and summited Mt. Kilimanjaro. She lives in Southern California with her husband.

Website: http://janicecoy.com/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Janice-Coy-182435188445057/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/janicecoyauthor/

Buy Water’s Fine: Suspense Novel by Janice Coy

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Giveaway Water’s Fine: Suspense Novel by Janice Coy

This giveaway is for the winner’s choice of one print or ebook copy of the book. Print is open to Canada and the U.S. only and ebook is available worldwide. There will be 3 winners. This giveaway ends February 27, 2020, midnight pacific time.

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Follow Water’s Fine: Suspense Novel by Janice Coy

Teddy Rose Book Reviews Plus Jan 6 Kickoff & Interview

Catherine Cuzinlogic Jan 8 Guest review & Excerpt

Katy Goodreads Jan 9 Review

Lu Ann Rockin’ Book Reviews Jan 10 Review & Guest Post

Charles Ray’s Ramblings Jan 13 Review & Excerpt

Becky What U Talking Bout Willis Jan 15 Review & Excerpt

Dee Donadee’s Corner Jan 16 Review

Michael Amazon Jan 16 Review

Teddy Rose Book Reviews Plus Jan 17 Review

Ruth Amazon Jan 20 Review

Lisa’s Writopia Jan 21 Review

Lisa’s Writopia Jan 21 Guest Post

Avonna Loves Genres Jan 22 Review & Interview

Dawn Bound 4 Escape Feb 6 Guest Review

Jas International Book Reviews Feb 10 Review

Steve M Goodreads Feb 11 Review

Gud Reader Goodreads Feb 13 Review

DTChantel Amazon Feb 21 Review

Infantina Periodical Gazette Feb 26 Guest Post

Infantina Periodical Gazette Mar 2 Review

Water’s Fine: Suspense Novel by Janice Coy

Freefall: Divine Comedy by Lily Iona MacKenzie – On Tour

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This post was most recently updated on November 30th, 2018

Freefall: Divine Comedy by Lily Iona MacKenzieFreefall: Divine Comedy by Lily Iona MacKenzie

Publisher:  Pen-L Publishing (Oct 1, 2018)
Category: Women’s Fiction, Literary Fiction
Tour dates: Oct-Nov, 2018
ISBN:
Available in print & ebook, 255

Freefall

During a four-day reunion in Whistler, B.C., Tillie Bloom, a wacky installation artist, reconnects with three women she had hung out with in the late ’50s and early ’60s. While in Whistler, secrets surface and a near death experience occurs during a hike, both of which bind the women at a deeper level.

Their new intimacy prompts them to celebrate the millennium as well as their approaching sixtieth birthdays in Italy. So a few weeks later, Tillie travels to Venice to have an extended reunion with her friends. While the women assume they’re in Venice to vacation and deepen their relationships, Tillie has a hidden agenda: she intends to crash the Venice Biennale, hoping to find a larger audience for her art. Cupid’s arrows complicate her goals when she and an Italian priest fall for each other.

The reflective quality of Venice’s canals also create unexpected changes in the women, causing them to turn inward. They all end up with a fresh take on themselves and their lives. Tillie, in particular, experiences a deeper understanding of herself. But will it take her on a path she’s ready to travel, and will Venice finally give her the recognition she seeks as an artist?

Advance Praise Freefall: Divine Comedy by Lily Iona MacKenzie

“Hilarious, spiritual, and sensual, Freefall: A Divine Comedy takes you on a rollicking ride spanning three countries and four decades. These fascinating characters will fill your imagination, defying expectations about aging, art, and what truly matters in life.” —Laurie Ann Doyle, author of World Gone Missing

“This is an enchanting story about old friends reuniting as they struggle with thoughts on aging, religion, motherhood, men, art, and death. A delightful trip in every respect, with plenty of surprises and laughs along the way. A Divine Comedy, indeed!” —Mark Willen, author of Hawke’s Point and Hawke’s Return

About Lily Iona MacKenzieFreefall: Divine Comedy by Lily Iona MacKenzie

A Canadian by birth, Lily Iona MacKenzie has published reviews, interviews, short fiction, poetry, travel pieces, essays, and memoir in over 155 venues. Her poetry collection All This was published in 2011. Fling!, her debut novel, was published in July 2015. Curva Peligrosa, another novel, was released in September 2017.

Currently, she teaches creative writing at the University of San Francisco’s Fromm Institute of Lifelong Learning. She also blogs about writing and reading.

Website: http://lilyionamackenzie.com
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/lilyionamackenzieauthor/
Twitter: https://twitter.com/lilyionamac

Buy Freefall: Divine Comedy by Lily Iona MacKenzie

Not Available Yet.  Expected publication date is January 1, 2019.  You can pre-order here:

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Giveaway Freefall: Divine Comedy by Lily Iona MacKenzie

This giveaway is for the choice of a print copy or ebook for three winners. Print is open to Canada and the U.S. only.  ebook is open worldwide.  This giveaway ends on November 30th at midnight pacific time.  Entries are accepted via Rafflecopter only.

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Teddy Rose Book Reviews Plus Oct 4 Kickoff

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Danielle Urban Book Reviews Oct 12 Guest Review & Excerpt

Monica Writers N Authors Oct 15 Interview

Marcie To Read, or Not To Read Oct 16 Guest Review & Guest Post

Harvee Book Dilettante Oct 30 Review

Rebecca Paperback Writer Nov 7 Guest Review & Excerpt

Kathleen Celticlady’s Reviews Nov 8 Guest Review

Amber Imaginative Dreams Nov 14 Review, Interview & Excerpt

Leslie StoreyBook Reviews Nov 16 Spotlight

Mindy Room Without Books is Empty Nov 20 Review

Monica Writers N Authors Nov 30 Review (postponed to Dec.)

Freefall: Divine Comedy by Lily Iona MacKenzie