Sunday, May 26, 2019

Solar Reboot - Book Goes Audio!

Solar Reboot

By Matthew D. Hunt
 

Solar Reboot is now an Audio Book! 
Narrated by Michael Kramer and Kate Reading, it's just over 10 hours of excitement on iTunes, Google Play, Scribd, Beek and EStories. 

Watch for it also on other platforms in the next few weeks.

Alex Robinson, Park Ranger, has spent his adult life preparing for the unexpected. But the unexpected can hit at most inconvenient times. After traveling across the country from Seattle to New York City with his pre-teen daughter to her out-of-state swim meet, he hears on the radio – “scientists at NASA are now reporting that the solar flare is much larger than they had anticipated . . .” and then the largest solar flare in history hits. And so this Science Fiction adventure begins.

Stuck on the other side of the country from his wife Cameron, with planes falling from the skies, electricity grid nonexistent and the population’s palpable fear, Alex must find a way to reunite the family in Seattle. And so his dangerous journey across the country begins, amidst his own fears whether he has what it takes if confronted and if necessary to lie, or to steal, or even to kill in order to keep his daughter safe in this changed world. As the story unfolds, they are faced with unpredictable crisis situations that will test them both.
In the meantime, conditions are not any better in the Seattle area. Cameron decides to retreat to the family rustic cabin that was built within a mountain community. There she will face the uncertainties of nature, and the sometimes dark side of human nature. There is a mystery uncovered that demands to be solved, and no one has a clue what they’ve let themselves in for.

There are no guarantees of safety or survival in this dramatically charged new world. It’s a thought provoking book asking questions about trust, loyalty, family, and what is truly important to a life. At the same time, humor is infused throughout for a fun read filled with a very intriguing assortment of characters.

Solar Reboot is Matthew D. Hunt’s debut novel. Matthew D. Hunt is proof that it's never too late to follow your dreams. As he reached middle age, he was inspired by film icons Richard Hatch and Tony Todd to rework his entire life and pursue a career as an independent film producer/writer where he rapidly became known for his unique ability to guide the creative process. Now with numerous projects under his belt such as "5th Passenger", "Junkie", and "Nobility" to name a few, he’s also made his novel debut with Solar Reboot.

This book has won a bronze IPPY award for Science Fiction, Gold Medal Winner of the 2018 Global Ebook award, and most recently is a finalist in the 2018 Washington State Book Awards.

And if you want to hear more from the author listen on YouTube to Kendall & Cooper Talk Mysteries with Matthew D. Hunt



Tuesday, May 14, 2019

Enjoy Seven Nights With A Scot

Seven Nights With A Scot

All The King’s Men Series
By Gerri Russell


Seven Nights with a Scot book coverAward winning and bestselling author Gerri Russell sends you roamin’ in the gloamin’ on an exhilarating Seven Nights With A Scot, in this historical, romance novel. These are the days of the North Berham witch trials in Scotland, with atrocities inflicted on anyone accused of sorcery. The lovely Vivian Sinclair who is quietly practicing her gifts of healing and precognition is surrounded by grave threats despite the protection of her guardian King James. So, His Majesty betroths her to one of his most powerful warriors thinking she will be safe with him. His home is a dangerous seven night’s journey away, and his handsome brother, Quinn Douglas is charged with getting Vivian there – a mission that he accepts with all his heart.

Villainous Rupert pledges with a vengeance to personally find and purge Scotland of all witches, in the most grisly manner. He decides in particular to launch a terrifying crusade against Vivian, and he is in hot pursuit of both Vivian and Quinn, and the few friends who have joined to help them. Rupert is described in the novel in an ominous way. “’Twas the drawback of hunting his prey. He always caught what he sought.”

Sharing close quarters and a passionate attraction, Vivian and Quinn are on the run from Rupert but also from their own heartfelt feelings for each other. It’s a different kind of torment, for Vivian daring to love for the very first time, alongside Quinn who is falling deeply in love but struggles to stop himself from betraying his brother.

Writing adventurous and emotionally intense novels set in the twelfth to seventeenth century Scotland, as well as flirty contemporary novels set in the Pacific Northwest, author Gerri Russell is a two time recipient of the Romance Writers of America’s Golden Heart award. Her writing is breathtaking and vivid, with thought provoking characters and engaging dialogue. Historical insights are deftly planted throughout, the action is ongoing, and the sizzling romance is palpable. Nothing is guaranteed in this story - not liberty, not love, not life. Will Vivian be caught and accused of witchery? What will be her fate? Will Quinn find any solace? Will love prevail after Seven Nights With A Scot?


Gerri Russell has worked as a broadcast journalist, newspaper reporter, magazine columnist, technical writer and editor, which all finally led her to romance author of thirteen novels and one novella. Hear more from the author herself on YouTube podcast episode with co-hosts Wendy Kendall and Carl Lee – A Novel Talk with Gerri Russell

Wednesday, May 8, 2019

Wild West History With The Kemptons by Trudy Kempton Dana

The KemptonsAdventures of a Montana Ranch Family 1880 - 1964
By Trudy Kempton Dana
 

Author Trudy Kempton Dana will be signing books on Saturday May 11 from 11:00 to noon at the Edmonds Bookshop, so be sure to mosey on over to meet her and to hear more old western stories about The Kemptons.

Delight in this memoir that is a fascinating storytelling of an intriguing period of history, and these stories are told as if by the different people themselves. The author brings these characters truly to life as they tell their own stories and also share tales about each other. Pull up a chair and enjoy the exploits of The Kemptons and their friends as they participate in making Montana history, touching on slices of national historic events, and even adventuring in foreign lands.

Image result for the kemptons book coverWhat a treasure of information discovered in this collection of stories that are fascinating for readers young and old. The author really brings the people who made our history, their feelings, their everyday challenges, and their dreams so real and relatable. This is a family with roots in immigration as well as in Native American tribe. There are fun stories about settling the small town west, exciting Wild West show tours episodes, and anecdotes of the daily running of the Kempton Ranch and Hotel. Along with the interesting glimpses into the family members’ lives, their friends in the towns and working with them on the ranch and at the hotel are also compelling characters, who were real people. The Florida Cowboy and his horse Miami have such a fun and touching story recounted over a truly memorable Christmas Eve gift. President Theodore Roosevelt even has a direct connection with The Kemptons that adds to the humor that laces the tough lives memorialized here. At the end of each chapter, the author adds a note about the story told by the character, adding additional context that ties up any questions so effectively.

This memoir is generously endowed with historic photos of the people, memorabilia, and places recounted. How fortunate to have such clear pictures to enhance the storytelling. Author Trudy Kempton Dana grew up hearing stories of her father’s life on this incredible Montana cattle ranch. These stories captured her imagination and she’s combined that legacy with some historic research to bring to life a time that embraces humor, hard work, dreams, family and community. “Although the original ranch house, no longer occupied, has fallen into disrepair, you can still see the grandeur of the large, welcoming living room and dining areas. Only the memories, the ghosts of the Kempton family, remain. . . . the Kemptons loved the land and it gave them life.” Fortunately we also have the tales of The Kemptons as well in this memorable book of biographical stories.


The author’s father, Jerry Kempton was once told by his father, “We can’t live in the past. We have to make the present something we can be proud of and plan for the future.” Although with this book the past is a great place to visit.


Tuesday, April 30, 2019

A Novel Talk with Gerri Russell

Co-Hosts Wendy Kendall & Carl Lee enjoy A Novel Talk with Historical Romance Author Gerri Russell about her All The King's Men series, especially her novel Seven Nights With A Scot - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=naUFCwAgOs4&feature=youtu.be

Seven Nights with a Scot book coverGerri Russell Romancing the Laird book cover

Tuesday, March 26, 2019

Laura Childs Spills The Tea In Great New Mystery

Broken Bone ChinaTea Shop Mystery #20
By Laura Childs


Imagine floating in a hot air balloon high above scenic, historic Charleston amid a flying parade of a half dozen others in flight. Theodosia Browning gave it a try and thought this must be the coolest thing she’d ever done. Her long time friend and tea sommelier Drayton Conneley disagreed, deciding it was terrifying. He was about to be proven right. Suddenly a drone narrowly missed them and wildly crashed into another balloon floating next to them, killing three. A terrible accident, or was it intentional?

Broken Bone ChinaScared by their near miss, and concerned about the direction of the investigation under Detective Tidwell, Theodosia finds herself gathering clues and analyzing suspects. It’s a fascinating collection of characters, and a fun puzzle to try your hand solving as you read along and Theodosia shares her clues and observations with you.

While detecting, Theodosia still has the fabulous Indigo Tea Shop to run along with Drayton and also beloved cook and baker Haley. Along with the everyday delicacies and custom tea blends served both in the cafĂ© and also to-go, special events are routinely scheduled. Delight in reading about the Nancy Drew tea, and be on the alert for suspect activity. Savor the detailed description of the elegant Beaux Arts event as it is planned, decorated, and enjoyed. There are so many tasty tidbits of historical, baking, and tea information for the reader too, as Drayton says at the Beaux Arts Tea, “And now that we’ve got you half-tipsy on tea, champagne, and knowledge, I’d like to introduce our hostess, Miss Theodosia Browning.”

At the end of the book the author shares Haley’s recipes, and a couple from other characters, great ideas for tea parties, and an extensive list of tea resources. Laura Childs is a prolific mystery writer with her multiple series – Scrapbooking Mysteries, Cackleberry Club Mysteries, Tea Shop Mysteries, Anthologies, and Afton Tangler Thrillers (written as Gerry Schmitt).

You can find more information about the author and her books at Kendall & Cooper Talk Mysteries with Laura Childs. Included in the podcast is an interview at our own friends at  Edmonds Treasures and Teas Shop where a personally blended Laura Childs Mystery Tea was blended and sent to the author. She loved it, of course! Recommend you stop by and try a mystery blend of your own to enjoy while you read. 

Wednesday, March 20, 2019

Visit Quilcene with Poet Avis M. Adams



QuilceneBy Avis M. Adams


This Poet shares poignant glimpses into the joys, beauty, and struggles of everyday life amidst this rugged, rural setting. The language in this poetry conjures powerful imagery that feeds the imagination with contemplative visions and a captivating energy. The full array of true human emotions lace the lines of these poetic stanzas, each telling its own short story of Quilcene.

Quilcene is an unincorporated community with a population of 596 in the 2010 census, located on the Olympic Peninsula at the head of Quilcene Bay. The wikipedian facts are one thing; the poetry of the people and the place are another, and truly a treat for the reader. Explore the poetry of the childhood delights of a surprise snow; joys of scampering in the great outdoors with beloved pet dogs; the glory of the flora; the contrasting seasons; the love, humor, and pathos of family, and so much more.

This description luxuriates in this excerpt from the poem titled Gracefully Nude which rolls over the tongue when spoken out loud –
“Tinted in shades of sepia, the Cascade
foothills lay behind a brown malaise
that enters lungs on the inhale,
is not exhaled. Clouds rush to embrace

Mount Rainier, a movement her husband
once made toward her. The clouds
loose an abundance of spatters, wet and
large. They married on such a day. . . .”



Local Poet and Author Avis M. Adams is a native of the Pacific Northwest. She lives with her husband on a small farm between Auburn and Black Diamond.  Her poems have won awards and been published online and in literary journals.  She also writes short stories, upper-middle grade novels, and picture books. She teaches as well, and in her spare time she enjoys travel and anything in the great outdoors. Immerse yourself in this collection of Quilcene, published by Finishing Line Press, already in advance sales and the release date is May 19, 2019.


Saturday, February 23, 2019

Visit the Eternal White by T. Furuyama


 

Eternal White

By T. Furuyama


“So this is Heaven.” Hershel Byne, a math teacher observes his surroundings as he angrily enters the afterlife. Heartbroken, feeling he was snatched away from loving family and friends before his time, Hershel begins to explore what author T. Furuyama has waiting in the vastness of Eternal White. Is eternal peace as wonderful as its promise? And what of the connection with those left behind? What is to become of them? Can Hershel still help from the invisible beyond?

A glimpse into this man’s life on earth shows a typical father and husband, enjoying the joys and tribulations of raising teenage daughters with his wife, who is the love of his life. His friends are an interesting array of neighbors and acquaintances. He enjoys teaching math to his students. Busy with his life, he spends little time pondering prospects of death other than playing with math puzzles like Pascal’s Wager and Schrödinger’s cat, which he delightfully postulates. Then there is a sudden intrusion of fate.

Hershel’s life is over, and now he is confronted with an emotional journey filled with dangers to the heart and soul. The life stories shared by the people he meets along the way are gripping tales of woe and joy, desperation and love, and it is their experiences that paint the eternity that surrounds each of them. As Ben in Heaven muses, “That’s the thing about being human, we always want what we don’t have; and once we have it, we miss the time when we didn’t.” Hershel is not ready for eternity yet. He has caught a glimpse of trouble ahead for his daughter in the world of the living, and he is determined to do what very few in the Eternal White have ever done. He is determined to find the way to reach out and help her.

This refreshing story mixes a smart, fast-paced action novel with a thought provoking and sometimes emotionally charged exploration of deep life questions. Debates of these tantalizing questions bring on answers that generate even more haunting questions begging for response. You don’t need a background of mathematical study to appreciate this philosophical contemplation about the meaning of life, and questions about God and religions. At times very humorous, at times poignant, author T. Furuyama beautifully writes such very human characters and exciting situations.


Eternal White is this author’s second book. He has a PhD in genetics and conducted high profile research for twenty years. Now he delightfully applies to fiction writing both the magic of science and his awe of the natural world. Hershel’s discoveries will linger in the readers’ thoughts long after the final page. You can find more information about the author and his books at http://www.tfuruyamabooks.com