Month: July 2017

“The Bees: A Novel” by Laline Paull

~ Felicia Denise ~ 2 Comments

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The Bees cover

“The Bees: A Novel”

Author: Laline Paull 
Genre: Mystery/Suspense
Release Date: May 6, 2014
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The Handmaid’s Tale meets The Hunger Games in this brilliantly imagined debut set in an ancient culture where only the queen may breed and deformity means death.

Flora 717 is a sanitation worker, a member of the lowest caste in her orchard hive where work and sacrifice are the highest virtues and worship of the beloved Queen the only religion. But Flora is not like other bees. With circumstances threatening the hive’s survival, her curiosity is regarded as a dangerous flaw but her courage and strength are an asset. She is allowed to feed the newborns in the royal nursery and then to become a forager, flying alone and free to collect pollen. She also finds her way into the Queen’s inner sanctum, where she discovers mysteries about the hive that are both profound and ominous.

But when Flora breaks the most sacred law of all—daring to challenge the Queen’s fertility—enemies abound, from the fearsome fertility police who enforce the strict social hierarchy to the high priestesses jealously wedded to power. Her deepest instincts to serve and sacrifice are now overshadowed by an even deeper desire, a fierce maternal love that will bring her into conflict with her conscience, her heart, her society—and lead her to unthinkable deeds.

Thrilling, suspenseful and spectacularly imaginative, The Bees gives us a dazzling young heroine and will change forever the way you look at the world outside your window.

Laline Paull studied English at Oxford, screenwriting in Los Angeles, and theater in London. She lives in England with her husband, photographer Adrian Peacock, and their three children.

Fibromyalgia and Hip Pain

~ Felicia Denise ~ 1 Comment

Hip pain

Hip pain can occur in any normal individual without relating it to fibromyalgia. But if a fibromyalgia patient suffers with severe pain, both might be related to each other.

Tender points in the right and left buttock and in the sides of the hips may be painful to touch. This may cause difficulty in walking and sleeping.

Researchers have confirmed that women experience more hip pain than men. Many suggest that this may be due to weight gain and hormonal changes that are more common in women than men. Hip joint and buttocks can be painful at the same time.

Many people with fibromyalgia suffer with a low back pain and most of them can get better by a physiotherapy. It was revealed in a study from University of Gothenburg in 2011.

For those who are suffering from long-term back pain can have little bit relief and will require extensive treatment. Thus it is advisable to treat the low back pain at an early stage.

Many researchers have suggested that different approaches of treatment should be applied to benefit fibromyalgia patients. The combination of two or more methods can be more fruitful than a single method in treating the disease.

The pain control medication can be equipped with good and clean diet, exercises, meditation, etc.

Research at University of Gothenburg in April 2011 published that immediate treatment by a physiotherapist, can reduce problems with recurring low back pain. It was revealed in a thesis from this University.

 

How can A Severe Hip Pain Be Treated?

There are medicines available in the form of painkillers that can help minimize the severe hip pain. Apart from medicines there are some alternative methods that can also soothe the pain. Some of these are as follows:

1- Hot and cold ice packs is a traditional home remedy that helps many sufferers. Hot pack is recommended for a person having severe hip pain not resulted from an injury.

If someone is confused about using a hot or a cold pack, he/she can try 20 minutes with one pack and see the difference and comfort level.

2- Stretching is an easy method to keep the body parts functional. Stretching gives stress and pain relief if the hip pain is not that severe.

If anybody is suffering from chronic hip pain he/she must consult a yoga instructor or any other instructor for proper support and guidance.

Vigorous stretching is not recommended with fibromyalgia because it can worsen the pain. Stretching, yoga and exercise enhance blood circulation and help in improving chronic pain.

3- Aromatherapy can decrease muscle pain and increase blood circulation. It also helps to promote sleep and mental peace.

4- Acupuncture also can give relief hip pain and increase blood flow. A qualified acupuncturist should be consulted.

5- A study conducted at St. Joseph’s Hospital and Medical Center in 2010 suggested that breathing slowly can significantly reduce pain. It was also reported that fibromyalgia patients have also reported less pain when they are breathing slow.

But the pain might flare-up when there are negative feelings, anxiety, sadness and depression. This research was published in PAIN a journal of the International Association for the Study of Pain (IASP).

Terrible shoulder is also associated with fibromyalgia. Stiffness can be felt in the shoulder that causes pain during movement of shoulder, arms and cause sleep difficulty.

Fibromyalgia is a terrible and frustrating disease. It is very uncomfortable and unbearable. Going for alternate and natural therapies can be a better way to control the symptoms rather than the medications which are full of side effects and never give 100% relief.

Are There Alternative Therapies to Control Hip Pain?

Alternative therapies such as physical activities, exercise, yoga, aromatherapy, acupuncture, etc can help in controlling any kind of pain related to fibromyalgia.

A study conducted in York University, 2011 proved that practicing yoga reduces physical and psychological symptoms of chronic pain in women suffering with fibromyalgia.

It suggested that yoga works on the cortisol levels in women and helps in reducing symptoms of fibromyalgia in women. In study it was revealed that 75 minutes of yoga two times a week for a period of eight weeks can increase the level of total cortisol.

In October 2010, Oregon Health and Science University (OSHU) published that yoga exercises may have the power to combat widespread pain of fibromyalgia.

This study was published online in PAIN journal. In a previous study at OSHU also suggested that yoga can combat a number of symptoms of fibromyalgia such as pain, fatigue, anxiety, poor memory, etc.

The pain was reduced by 24%, fatigue by 30% and depression by 42% in those who did yoga.

The Journal PAIN also commented that exercise is a sub category of physical activity, physical activity involves more than only exercising such a movement of body during play, work, transportation, household chores and recreation. Both physical activities and exercise can help in reduce any kind of joint pain, hip pain or shoulder pain.

It is true that avoiding physical activities and daily chores do not reduce pain in fibromyalgia sufferer. But it can reduce fatigue and anxiety.

The patients that persist pain and undergo physical exercises ignoring their pain may lead to overactivity and may end up with troublesome levels of daily activities.

A better way to treat fibromyalgia is to educate the sufferer about the disease and prepare the patient for the upcoming symptoms so that the sufferer can cope up the disease mentally and physically.

Understanding pain and other symptoms is very important in fibromyalgia. Providing patients with pain neuroscience education changes the patient’s perception and belief towards pain.

 

The preceding information is from FightFibromyalgia.net and posted here for sharing purposes only. For additional details, please visit their website.

“Patient: Crew (The Crew Book 1)” by Hannah Kaplan

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#FREE July 28, 2017 ONLY!

Patient cover

“Patient: Crew (The Crew Book 1)“

Author: Hannah Kaplan 

Genre: Thriller/Suspense

Release: March 4, 2015

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A cryptic and fantastical adventure told from the point of view of Shanna, a farm girl from Sunny, Texas. Shanna’s life has been consumed by seven voices that control her mind and body. Using her ambidextrous skills, she assuages them by writing their quips.

“They talked when they wanted to talk; I had no control…while the rest of my senses were tending to the voices and their needs, I was in a place of my own making, my solitude.” – Patient: Crew

In the heart of a West Texas community, Shanna was born with inherited scandal and is forced to leave home at an early age when she begins to experience symptoms of schizophrenia. Ten years later, her therapist’s tell-all book launches a manhunt when the public learns of Patient Crew’s prophetic writings. Shanna’s safety is threatened when a psychopath who wants to own her crew of voices begins to kill her loved ones. With the help of the crew, she meets her dark warrior and the battle between good and evil begins.

A compelling tale of loyalty, promises, and truth.

Hannah Kaplan has authored screenplays, short stories, and national magazine articles. This is her first novel.

 

Curated Content for Writers

~ Felicia Denise ~ 2 Comments

It’s like the Story Empire team are mind readers – such a great group of links – and I made the list! WOOT! 😉 😉

Story Empire

Content Curation worldCiao, SEers. Another week has flown by, and we’ve got another list of links from around the writers’ web for you.

Before we get to that, though, if you missed our earlier posts this week, you might want to check them out.

And now, this week’s curated content:

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“The Suspenseful Collection Volume One” by Kim Knight and Didi Oviatt #ReleaseBlitz

~ Felicia Denise ~ 7 Comments

Don’t miss the TWO Rafflecopters down below!

The Suspenseful Collection V1 cover

“The Suspenseful Collection Volume One: Eight Suspenseful Short Stories Across Multiple Genres”

Authors: Kim Knight and Didi Oviatt 

Genre: Suspense/Short Stories

Release Date: July 28, 2017

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A suspenseful novel with a twist. Eight short stories, by two suspense authors, from diverse backgrounds. From opposite sides of the Atlantic these stories have been created. One author started the tale and the other ended it. No discussion, no pre-planning, yet their stories are seamless. With just creativity and the use of writing prompts, to craft one tale, with two different writers. This anthology of suspenseful, fast paced and engaging tales covers multiple genres. From heartfelt romance, crime, fantasy, and steamy historical fiction. There is a story for everyone!

Steamy Historical Crime Fiction: It was The First Time I Killed A Man.

It’s 1972 and New York’s first female serial killer Lisa Vanacilli is in the hot seat again, ten years after her conviction of murder to the first degree and innocent plea. The ruthless but sexy reporter Tiffany Low cracks Lisa for a confession… at a price. Lisa is strong, courageous and says it how it is. This story has been extended due to reader’s demand. And is only for adult readers.

Psychological Fiction: Every Time I Hear That Voice From The Basement.

George appears to be harmless. The local neighbourhood geek on the outside, married to Jolene. In reality, he’s a very disturbed man. His path crosses with Dana, the local check out girl. This is a psychological suspense story with a twist.

Crime Fiction: The Entrance To The Tunnel Is His Only Way Out.

Juan is a wanted man, and an ex-gang member on the run from Atlanta to Mexico. With a hundred grand in cash stolen from his ex-boss, he meets an unlikely fate in Mexico. A fast-paced crime fiction story.

Contemporary Romance: When His Hands Run Up My Thighs I…

Love has no time limit, age limit or use by date. Sarah now in her fifties is reunited with her long-lost love Joshua. They last had contact in 1961. In the present day, thanks to the advancement of technology their paths cross. A heart-warming and modern tale, about long distance love, that will leave you warm inside.

Suspense: We Only Said Goodbye With Words, I Died A Hundred Times:

In 1963 Russian Femme Fatale Mila Petrov is London’s top Madam. Her entertainment house is booming, she has a team of London’s strongest women behind her. Unfinished business from her past creeps up and haunts her. It’s nothing she can’t handle. A suspenseful historical tale, with a strong Femme Fatale.

Fantasy: The Ones Who Live At The Bottom Of The Ocean, Come To The Surface.

A beautiful coming of age story, featuring sixteen year old Zoe and her mother May-Li. Myth becomes reality, as Zoe finds out who and what she really is. Her mixed descent reveals more than what meets the eye. This fantasy story is set against the backdrop of a Greek island and Hong Kong, China.

 

Suspenseful Crime Fiction: Guilty As Charged, In Self-Defence

California’s sassy, tough, and likeable defence lawyer Catherine has taken on a case so high profile, if she wins she’ll become a partner of Martin Law Firm. Defending forty six year old Mrs. Chevelle. An ex Las Vegas show girl, now a Hollywood wife, on trial for the murder of her high-profile husband. She claims she’s innocent. Readers are taken on a fast -paced journey on a mission to seek the truth.

Contemporary Fiction: It’s A Man’s Man’s World:

A beautiful modern tale showing the love and appreciation of a woman. James Brown said it right when he said, “it’s a man’s man’s world, but it would mean nothing without a woman or a girl.”

EXCERPT The Suspenseful Collection:

(When he ran his hands up my thigh, I…)

“Sarah.”

My name escapes him, and it sounds the exact same as it once had. After a long heartfelt hug, he holds me back at arm’s length to take a look at me.

“Wow, my love. You look as stunning as ever.”

The sound of his pet name for me pulls at a tear to the corner of my eye, and my lungs threaten to stop pulling air.

“Thank you.” I smile, completely beside myself. “As do you, babe.”

After a full sweep over of his aged but still very attractive and wanting gaze, he notices. Joshua has recognized his mother’s necklace and all formalities are out the window. His mouth opens slightly in shock and his eyes pull together at the middle.

“Oh my God, Sarah, is that?”  He pauses.

I watch his eyes fill up with moisture, and I draw in a deep breath and nod.

“You kept it. All these years, you still have it?”

Again I can only manage a nod. The shock in his face is honest and genuine. We have so much to catch up on, and all I want to do is pull him in and tell him how I’ve never forgotten. His eyes are the same and the energy of his body so close to mine makes my chest scream out. If only I could turn back time…. If only, I think.

Joshua pulls my chair from around the table, so that it’s right next to his. We sit side by side, close to the window, and the waiter fills our glasses with the most perfect red wine. Softly, his hands rest on my exposed knees, his fingers wrapping around to the sensitive skin behind them. For a moment it feels as if my spirit lifts, my heart free.

I close my eyes and allow myself to be emotionally transported to a different place in time. I breathe in his scent. The hands on my legs no longer feel rough and calloused with aged. They’re young, strong, and smooth. I remember the heat of his body against mine, young and pulsating. When his hands ran up my thighs I instantly reminisce the feelings of our first night together. The night that I gave myself to this man. I gave him every part of me. Heart body and soul I gave it all. Joshua, my soldier. The man who left, but  I’ve carried inside myself for over thirty years.

It was a beautiful summer day in 1961.

~ R A F F L E C O P T E R #1 ~

3 Winners

E-book copy of “The Suspenseful Collection gifted from Amazon

E N T E R

~ R A F F L E C O P T E R #2 ~

1 Winner

1 – $25 Amazon Gift Card

E N T E R

 

About Kim Knight

Kim KnightKim is thirty four (born in 1983), and from London in the UK. She’s a mother to a beautiful toddler and a proud author of seven romance and thriller books. Kim started her journey as a traditionally published author after she scored a publishing contract with a USA based publisher. She was over the moon! However, it became clear to Kim that things were not as she expected. Therefore, she set out on her own journey, she dived head first into the world of self-publishing and republished two of her fictional stories, and became a proud self-published author also. Something great was unleashed, she’ll never look back in regret.

As a reader she’s head over heels in love with romance, historical fiction, crime fiction, African- American, suspense and thriller genre books. At present Kim is writing a romantic thriller novel, and brainstorming steamy romance novella ideas. As a writer, Kim enjoys creating stories with a diverse and multi-cultural line up, within the romance, romantic suspense, general thriller and crime genres. When she’s not reading, or writing stories of her own her other passions include practising her French, fashion, drawing, make-up artistry, spending time at her sewing machine dressmaking, watching make up and beauty tutorials on YouTube, letter writing and being a mum.

Social Media Links

Twitter

Facebook

Author site

Smashwords

Amazon Author Page

About Didi Oviatt

Didi OviattDidi Oviatt is a small- town gal who married a small town guy. Within a few years of experiencing a new families bliss, she discovered that she had a thirst to write. Now, after digging down deep and getting in touch with her literary self, she’s writing mystery/thrillers like Search For Maylee (coming soon), Aggravated Momentum, The Stix, and New Age Lamians. Along with a six- piece short story collection called the Time Wasters. And don’t fret: there are two more Lamian novels in the works. When Didi doesn’t have her nose buried in a book, she can found enjoying a laid back outdoorsy life. Time spent sleeping under the stars, hiking, fishing, and ATVing the back roads of beautiful mountain trails, and bathing in the desert heat plays an important part of her day to day lifestyle.

Social media Links:

Author Website

Amazon Author Page

Facebook Author Page

Twitter

Goodreads

Smashwords

Instagram

 

8 Essential Elements for Writer Websites

~ Felicia Denise

When it comes to finding success as a writer, there are few elements (outside the actual writing, of course) more important than a website. This post shares eight essential elements for writer websites to find more success.

#1: About Page

Believe it or not, the “about me” page is commonly the page with the second most traffic on author websites (after the home page). And it shouldn’t be a surprise because people who search you out or who end up on your website will naturally want to know more about you.

So be sure to give the “about me” page the love and attention it deserves. Many successful writer websites use this page as a way to tell their story while also pointing folks to relevant parts of the site.

Follow link to continue

Source: 8 Essential Elements for Writer Websites

“A Place With Two Faces” by Josephine Mann

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A Place with Two Faces

“A Place With Two Faces”

Author: Josephine Mann  

Genre: Cozy Mystery

Release Date: June 13, 2017

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She needs a fresh start…

Jenny Maxwell is hopelessly in love with her latest beaux Colin Barton – and that’s the problem.

It was only supposed to be a mutual fling for them both.

Knowing her love is unrequited, she is determined to overcome her heartbreak.

What she needs is a fresh start – a new job some place outside of London and away from Colin.

And a job ad in the newspaper ticks all her boxes; a secretarial role for a writer living all the way out in Bodmin Moor, Cornwall.

Jenny’s flatmate and good friend, Mandy insists she look somewhere more ‘lively’ but for Jenny, it sounds perfect.

So she packs up all her belonging and drives down to Bodmin Moor – to Kilruthan House.

The writer, Margaret Shaw, is a historical novelist, who deeply romanticizes the 17th century.

Still, despite her eccentricities, Mrs. Shaw is an excitable, chatty and welcoming host to Jenny.

All Jenny has to do is type up her next manuscript from her written longhand.

The house is open to her and she’s free to go to the local village, Ermeporth whenever she pleases.

Forgetting Colin will be easier than she thought…

But as Jenny soon realizes, Bodmin Moor is a place with two faces.

At first, the housekeeper Mrs. Gethin’s warnings about the place seemed to Jenny like the prudish and snobbish complaints typical from old ladies.

However, strange and deadly things keep happening.

First, a country walk almost ends with her being flattened by a boulder.

Then a dead rat appears on her bed.

If that’s not a warning, Jenny doesn’t know what it.

But Mrs. Shaw and the rest of the neighbors insist it’s just fairies – that she’s been ‘pisky-led’.

As more dangerous incidents occur, Jenny starts to fear for her life.

But her one option of leaving – her car – mysteriously breaks down.

And then one night, she accidentally finds Mrs. Shaw and the locals dancing naked in the moonlight…

Set in the bleak but beautiful backdrop of Bodmin Moor, A Place With Two Faces is a tense and nail-biting mystery.

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“Let Us Dream” by Alyssa Cole

~ Felicia Denise ~ 1 Comment

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Let Us Dream cover

“Let Us Dream”

Author: Alyssa Cole

Genre: Historical Romance/Multicultural/20th Century

Release Date: February 28, 2017

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**2017 RITA Finalist**
A rebellious cabaret owner and her stubborn chef pursue life, liberty, and happiness in 1917 Harlem…and find love where they least expect it.

After spending half her life pretending to be something she’s not, performance is second nature for cabaret owner Bertha Hines. With the election drawing near and women’s voting rights on the ballot, Bertha decides to use her persuasive skills to push the men of New York City in the right direction.

Chef Amir Chowdhury jumped ship in New York to get a taste of the American Dream, only to discover he’s an unwanted ingredient. When ornery Amir reluctantly takes a job at The Cashmere, he thinks he’s hit the bottom of the barrel; however, working at the club reignites his dream of being a force for change. His boss, Bertha, ignites something else in him.

Bertha and Amir clash from the start, but her knowledge of politics and his knowledge of dance force them into a detente that fans the flames of latent desire. But Bertha has the vice squad on her tail, and news from home may end Amir’s dream before it comes to fruition. With their pasts and futures stacked against them, can Amir and Bertha hold on to their growing love?

 

“Her Book Boyfriend” by K.D. Grace #CoverReveal

~ Felicia Denise ~ Leave a comment

 

Title: Her Book Boyfriend
Author: K.R. Grace
Genre: Mature YA Romantic Comedy
Release Date: August 25, 2017
Cover Designer: Okay Creations, LLC
Hosted by: Buoni Amici Press, LLC.

She believes the secret to love is in the tropes of her favorite romance novels. He’s the best friend prepared to prove her wrong.
Then comes the bet.
If she can’t land a boyfriend for prom by recreating the ten popular tropes in her favorite romance author’s books, she has to go to the prom with her.
The glitch?
They’ve been close their entire lives. He’s the rock god and school legend, while she’s the brainy sidekick who does all his dirty breakups. Thus, finding a guy who doesn’t think they’re already an item is going to be a lot harder than she thinks.
Will she land the book boyfriend of her dreams? Or will she be forced to go to prom with her best friend.
The truth is in the pages.

As a child, K.R. Grace had an overactive imagination. When it was obvious she wasn’t going to change anytime soon, her mom shoved a pen and paper in her hand and said, “Write it down.” So, at the age of eight, her first story was born, and the writing hasn’t stopped since. When she’s not running with wolves, sleeping with bears, or flying with falcons, she can be found checking out local bands or watching movies about things that go “boo” in the night. She lives in East Tennessee with a dog that is afraid of his own shadow and a cat that was a mob leader in a former life.

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