Monday, June 24, 2013

Book Blast, Interview & Giveaway Catherine's Cross by Millie West




Catherine’s Cross
by Millie West



BLURB:

When Jenks Ellington experiences a sudden, alarming sense of panic about her identical twin sister Gigi, she has to wait until nearly midnight before learning the reason for her unease: Gigi has drowned while diving for artifacts in a Low Country river near Beaufort, South Carolina. Although Beaufort County detective Seth Mason is suspicious of Gigi’s diving partner, there is no evidence of foul play. But, when Gigi’s Port Royal home is broken into and ransacked, Jenks discovers two clues—one of which leads her to the home of a local Gullah medium.

In a painstaking search for answers, Jenks delves more deeply into her twin’s life. Along the way, her bond with Detective Mason reaches unexpected depths. And what secrets could medium Meta Jane be holding? Was Gigi’s death really an accident?

EXCERPTS:

A sneak peek of the first chapter is available here:


AUTHOR Bio and Links:



A graduate of the University of South Carolina, Millie West has a background in aviation, as well as in real estate, and has owned and been the broker of her own company. A licensed pilot, Millie was one of the first pilots hired by United Parcel Service when they started their flight crew department. 

Interview

So I asked Millie some questions and here are her answers

1. The Low Country of SC and GA is full of History and Gullah Traditions & Beliefs, what interesting things did you learn or research for Catherine's Cross?
I’d like to start by saying that I have been visiting the Sea Islands near Beaufort, SC, for the last twenty years. During that time, I have met and spoken with the descendants of Gullah people. I have listened to the pronunciations of their words and attempted to duplicate the language patterns through characters, Ida Mae, Meta Jane, and Mose Lafitte.

While I was writing Catherine’s Cross, I read a novel, Daughter’s of the Dust by Julie Dash. Her novel follows her heroine’s introduction to the Sea Islands near Beaufort. Her mother having been raised on the Sea Islands, has moved north to New York City, but her daughter wants to know her relatives and the land of her ancestors. I thoroughly enjoyed Dash’s depiction of the islands and the Gullah people. In addition, I read The Gullahs of South Carolina by Pearce W. Hammond. He discusses the Gullah culture, their language, and superstitions. For instance, I learned that the cry of a screech owl is a sure sign of death. I reference this superstition in both The Cast Net and Catherine’s Cross.  

Lastly, I purchased and scanned the Gullah New Testament, De Nyew Testament. I found the writings difficult to understand. For the characters in Catherine’s Cross who speak a version of Gullah, I decided that their pronunciations would be a mix of Gullah and Standard English so they could be understood. Each of the Gullah descendants in Catherine’s Cross are pure and honest individuals. 

2. How do you like your Tea? 
I make my iced tea with a mixture of Luzianne and Earl Grey. I add just a little bit of sugar. I don’t like my tea overly sweet. If I’m making hot tea then I’m a big fan of straight Earl Grey with a little sugar.

3. What does your writing space look like?
My writing space is in a small den/library. I have a desk with a personal computer on it and beside the computer screen is my printer. The room has a number of books shelves that are overflowing with books. On the rear wall of the room is a fireplace and one of my favorite paintings done by Steven Jordan hangs above it. The painting is of the interior of a Charleston historical home and is a study of light

And Lastly
4. What would you like readers to know about Catherine's Cross?
I would like readers to know that while there is one major plot taking place that involves the investigation into Gigi’s death, there are also important subplots. I write about issues that concern me. The theme that arises from the main plot deals with greed and the sad results that can arise from this human failure.

Great Answers Millie it was my honor to have your stop by and tell readers about Catherine's Cross. You can find my Review of Catherine's cross on the Post below this one :)

Millie will be awarding autographed copies of Catherine’s Cross to three randomly drawn commenters (US only) and a $20 credit to buy any book through BQB Publishing’s online store to a randomly drawn commenter during the tour.

Please Follow the tour and comment; More you comment, the better your chances of winning. The tour dates can be found here: 


Wednesday, June 12, 2013

Hot As Hades, 4 Classes Left and Summer Break

OK so it is time for a Jeannie's Life Update.

So it is Muggy and Hot as Hades in NC, We had rain all last week My lawn needs to be mowed and hubby has been working. Due to the Heat my Dogs won't go outside except to take do their business so they are under my feet. My youngest son JonJon loves outside however his allergies have been super bad so no outside so there is constant fighting with his older brother.  I feel like I am cooped up in the house with a bunch of crazies and the sweaty heat makes me moody. I feel like I need a cold drink and a beach closer than 2 hours away.

College is going good, almost done only four classes left and I graduate... Finally I will have a Bachelors Degree in Accounting. October can't come fast enough. These last classes have had me not sleeping and being a stressed mess, can't wait only two accounting classes and two electives left... I can do this. Yep that's my Motto lately "I can do this" even though i feel like i am over my head and the lack of sleep makes me super grumpy.

I am one proud Mama though cause my Davey (the 9 year old) who is super smart, is going to 5th grade. He passed ended up getting A/B Honor roll for the year. Only worry is that he is so young compared to others in his grade (He won't turn 10 till October) So he will always be the youngest in his grade.  When he goes into 6th he will be 10 (really scary for a mom).

As all Parents know it is the dreaded time of Summer Break... I love my boys more then everything but I enjoyed the quietness of having one child playing quietly till 2:30 before the fighting started. Now the fighting starts first thing in the morning... Nothing like having a 3 year old and a 9 year old. But we plan on having a busy summer  however Hubby and I are thinking of shipping oldest to Grandma in WI for a few weeks, He asked so nicely and we are not going home this summer due to my college load.  We will see as I am not sure about sending him on a plane with some random person I don't know watching over him and insuring he gets to the right planes.

So there is my update. I hope you all are entering my monthly contests, and enjoying my blog. Much Love- Jeannie



Tuesday, June 11, 2013

Review Guardians of Stone By Anita Clenney

Guardians of Stone By: Anita Clenney

Description 
Kendall Morgan is a human bloodhound. Spending her childhood hunting relics with her ambitious archaeologist father, she knew the two of them shared a sixth sense for the history and location of objects—sometimes even people. What she didn’t know was that their paranormal gift could ultimately be their undoing.

After the tragic plane crash that killed her father as well as her childhood best friend, Kendall dedicated her life to finding and protecting relics. When mysterious, sexy billionaire Nathan Larraby hires her for his latest expedition—the search for four powerful relics —she’s thrown into a world of high-octane danger. He sends brooding mercenary Jake Stone to watch Kendall’s back, but he may have created danger of a different kind.

As the team chases down clues, a man called the Reaper makes a play for the artifacts and will stop at nothing to put them to his own sinister use. What’s worse is that Nathan hasn’t told the whole story, and the dark secrets he’s keeping could cost them the mission…and their lives.

My Review

This is the first book I have read by Anita Clenney and I have to say I loved it. This is a very fast paced and action packed book with romantic tension interlaced. Little bit of TombRaider (yes Anita is a female relic detector) and DaVinci Code(follow the clues).

Kendell has a knack for not listening and going with her gut, that gut normally gets her into a situation that Jake has to save her from. I didn't like Jake at first because he was kind of an ass about going on a relic hunting mission with Kendell. Nathan is a very interesting character and I want to know so much more about him. He hides a lot of things which cause some issues with those involved, even though he is the boss I thought he should be upfront and honest with Kendell as it seems he really cares for her. 

The mystery of this book was very search for the holy grail like which i loved you don't know what the relic is till later and i have to say I loved the Sentry Guards, the ghost monk and the Italian setting... Very Cool.  There is also romantic tension between Kendall and Jake which I loved and there are parts which make you wonder how they can stay undercover with all the hiccups along the way. One side character will make you want to tell her to shut up and mind your own damn business lol. 

Anita Clenney wraps up this relic finding mission very nicely, I say mission because well there has to be another one with Kendell, Jake and Nathan and I can't wait to read it. I finished this book in a about 4 hours cause I couldn't put it down and I have read it twice more. There is some transaction issues and questions that are not answered but I loved the fast paced action mystery of the book that made me want to keep reading regardless of these issues. 

I rate this book a 4 out of 5

* I won this book and my review is honest and of my own opinion

You can by this book from 

Sunday, June 9, 2013

Winners of Love of Mythology Hop

So... I  have the names of the Winners... As Promised there are four winners from my blog stop...

Randy the Rafflecopter Did his thing and Picked these four winners.

Winner #1 is Satchmo who won a ebook of Finding Hope from Amazon and set of  bookmarks
Winner #2 is Sherry Strode who also won ebook of Finding Hope From Amazon and set of bookmarks
Winner #3 is Ellie Dunn who won set of bookmarks
Winner #4 is Tiffany Miles who won set of bookmarks


Your emails are sent you have 48 hours to contact me or i will pick a new winner.

Thanks for stopping by my stop on this awesome hop and hope have you stop back 

Sunday, June 2, 2013

Winner of May's Monthly Contest

The winner of May's Contest 

Is... Drumroll Please

Iris

I sent you an email... You have 48 hours to respond or another winner will be choosen.