Blogiversary | Cemetery Tours by Jacqueline Smith – Book Review

March 7, 2015March 7, 2015 ~ Danielle Olson ~ 7 Comments

BOOK REVIEW | CEMETERY TOURS

ABOUT THE BOOK

“Some secrets are best kept laid to rest.

At least, that’s as far as Michael Sinclair is concerned. At twenty-seven, he has spent his entire life perfecting the art of pretending that the ghosts he encounters on a daily basis do not exist. Now, if only the dead would let him rest in peace.

Unfortunately, that doesn’t seem likely, especially after Kate Avery and her ailing brother, Gavin, move in next door. Kate and Gavin are haunted, and not by a dearly departed loved one. This spirit is aggressive, menacing, and harboring a dark resentment toward Gavin. In spite of every instinct advising him to walk away, Michael finds himself seeking to uncover the mysteries of Gavin’s past, and falling for the bright and lovely Kate. Yet competing for her affection is Luke Rainer, television’s hottest celebrity ghost hunter and the only (living) person to know Michael’s secret.

But the dead have secrets, too. Some will go to any length to withhold what should have gone with them to the grave, while others will risk everything to make their voices heard, even if that means putting another’s life at stake. Now, for the sake of friends and strangers alike, Michael must choose between preserving his cherished anonymity and lending his aid to those for whom all hope seems lost.”

MY THOUGHTS

I’m not the type of person who believes in ghosts. I was telling my fiancé this the other day. I told him that I would essentially have to see it to believe it, but Kate Avery is the complete opposite. She believes in ghosts even though she can’t see them and Michael Sinclair can.

I never thought that I would like a book about ghosts, but I throughly enjoyed it. There were a lot of twists and turns in Cemetery Tours and the way Smith portrayed Michael’s ability reminded me of the movie Sixth Sense (if the boy was older).

While I was reading it, I started thinking about what I would do if I had the ability to see ghosts. Would I use my gift to help ghosts find peace or be like Michael and completely ignore them. I don’t blame him for ignoring them, especially after what happened to him as a teenager (I won’t give it away).

In Cemetery Tours, ghosts are people who have died and have some sort of unfinished business, at least that’s what I got from the book, but then Michael mentions that he talks to his grandmother and unofficial roommate all the time. Both seemed like they didn’t have any unfinished business. These two elements got me thinking, perhaps the ghosts had a choice about whether they stayed on earth or moved on.

I really admired Michael. He’s essentially keeping a part of himself locked up from everyone and can’t fully be who he is because of it, but I do understand why he would keep his ability to see ghosts a secret. Considering how cynical I am about ghosts, I personally would think that Michael was crazy and I wouldn’t believe him. Then Michael meets Kate and everything changes for him. She makes him want to open up about what he can do, but it takes a little push from a pseudo-celebrity and an angry ghost to finally admit to it.

Now let me tell you a bit about the character Kate Avery.

Kate was in a tragic car accident that left her with a lot of questions and left her feeling like a fragment of herself. Her family was keeping something important from her and I couldn’t put the book down when I realized what it was. I just couldn’t wait for that reveal.

Jacqueline Smith really keeps your attention and keeps your imagination flowing throughout the book. Each time I thought the book was ending something else smacked me in the face, but it was tying up loose ends I was questioning.

I honestly don’t want to give away any of the juicy details because I believe this is a great book to read and be surprised by the ending, but I can tell you that I was yearning to find out what happened. I will admit that there were a few parts that got me wanting to sleep with the lights on, but it wasn’t so bad that I couldn’t sleep (let’s just say I can’t sleep after reading Stephen King books).

Overall, I loved Cemetery Tours and it made me excited to read the sequel, Between Worlds (which I finished in two days). I would recommend this book to anyone who’s open to reading a story about ghosts.

FAVORITE QUOTES

“It was amazing, the effect that the simplest sentiment from the right guy could have on a girl’s entire day.”

“Illuminated only by the light of the waning moon, the headstones of the graveyard seemed far more sinister and ominous. If she didn’t know better, she’d have sworn that the eyes of the angels perched atop several graves were following them as they made their way to the center of the cemetery.”

“Michael had always thought that he wouldn’t fear death. He’d been wrong. The idea of death didn’t bother him. The act of dying, however, was a whole different story.”

OVERALL RATING

BUY LINKS: AMAZON | B&N

PUBLISHING COMPANY: Wind Trail Publishing

RELEASE DATE: September 17, 2013

GENRE: Paranormal Thriller

ABOUT JACQUELINE

WEBSITE | FACEBOOK | BLOG | TWITTER | GOODREADS

Jacqueline E. Smith was born and raised in Dallas, Texas. She attended the University of Texas at Dallas, where she earned her Bachelor’s Degree in Art and Performance in 2010. Two years later, she earned her Master’s Degree in Humanities.

Along with writing and publishing, Jacqueline loves photography, traveling, and nature. (Photo Credit: Kaylynn Krieg)

JACQUELINE SMITH GIVEAWAY

Jacqueline has generously provided (3) e-book copies of Cemetery Tours and (3) e-book copies of it’s sequel, Between Worlds. There will be (3) Winners who will receive one copy of each book. This is your last chance to enter this giveaway as it ends today. I will announce the winners tomorrow morning.

Enter here: a Rafflecopter giveaway

STORIES UNFOLDED BLOGIVERSARY GIVEAWAY

Don’t forget to enter the Stories Unfolded Blogiversary Giveaway that’s running from March 1st – March 31st.

(1) Grand Prize Winner

$25 Amazon Kindle Gift Card
(1) Signed physical copy of The End of Feeling by Cindy C Bennett
(1) Audiobook of The End of Feeling by Cindy C Bennett
(1) Signed physical copy of Family Inheritance by Terri Ann Leidich
(1) Signed physical copy of From a Grieving Mother’s Heart by Terri Ann Leidich
(1) Signed physical copy of For a Grieving Heart by Terri Ann Leidich
(1) Physical copy of Finding Zoe by Brandi Rarus and Gail Harris
(1) E-Book copy of the Off The Map Series by Lia Riley (Upside Down, Sideswiped, & Inside Out)
(1) E-Book copy of any Ginger Scott book
(1) E-Book copies of three children’s books by Alva Sachs (Circus Fever, I’m 5, & On Your Mark, Get Set,Go!)

(1) Prize Winner

$10 Amazon Kindle Gift Card
(1) E-Book copy of any Ginger Scott book
(1) E-Pub copy of Family Inheritance by Terri Ann Leidich
(1) E-Pub copy of From a Grieving Mother’s Heart by Terri Ann Leidich
(1) E-Pub copy of For a Grieving Heart by Terri Ann Leidich

(1) Prize Winner

$5 Amazon Kindle Gift Card
(1) E-Book copy of The End of Feeling by Cindy C. Bennett
(1) E-Book copy of any Ginger Scott book

(1) Prize Winner

$5 Amazon Kindle Gift Card

Enter here: a Rafflecopter giveaway

Thank you to Jacqueline Smith for participating in the Stories Unfolded Blogiversary!

Blogiversary | Guest Post by Jacqueline Smith – The Publishing Experience

March 6, 2015March 3, 2015 ~ Danielle Olson ~ 2 Comments

THE PUBLISHING EXPERIENCE

GUEST POST BY JACQUELINE SMITH

When I first decided I wanted to publish Cemetery Tours, I had no idea how I planned to go about doing so. First, I thought about pursuing the traditional route: query agents, sign contracts with the big publishing houses, etc. For a while, that sounded like the way to go. After all, I knew nothing about copyright, barcodes, ISBN, or how I could turn my piddly little manuscript into, you know, a real BOOK. The whole idea was actually really overwhelming.

But then I did a little research. I went to the library and read every book I could find on publishing. I met up with a friend who had independently published his own novel and who also happens to be a lawyer. He gave me a run down of all the pros and cons of independent publishing. The cons being, of course, less publicity, less resources, and you had to do all the work yourself. But the benefits, I realized, were substantial. For one thing, I would be in total control over my books. Not only that, all the legal rights would remain with me. I wouldn’t be bound to any contracts or any bottom lines. I would be free to do with my books whatever I wanted.

As it turned out, making the decision to independently publish was the easy part. I didn’t realize that there would be a hundred more decisions to be made. For example, did I want to purchase my ISBN in bulk or did I want to buy them one at a time? Did I want to design my own book cover or did I want to hire an artist? I will spare you the gory details of every decisions I made and how I made them because, to be honest, it will probably bore you. Also, I’m a firm believer in what works for one person will not necessarily work for another person (however, I did buy in bulk and I did hire a designer).

The biggest piece of advice I can offer to any aspiring author is to go for it. Make your dreams come true. We’ve all heard that old saying, “Where there’s a will, there’s a way.” That is 100% true. You can do anything you set your mind to. Fear and self-doubt are incredibly powerful, and they will try to get you down. Don’t let them. Persevere. Work hard. And most importantly, believe in yourself and in your abilities. Most of us are capable of so much more than we attempt.

I’d like to thank you, Danielle for this week and for everything you do for the literary and blogging community. I can’t wait to see what life has in store for you next! I’m sure it will be great! Happy Blogiversary!

CEMETERY TOURS BUY LINKS:

AMAZON | B&N

BETWEEN WORLDS BUY LINKS:

AMAZON | B&N

ABOUT JACQUELINE

WEBSITE | FACEBOOK | BLOG | TWITTER | GOODREADS

Along with writing and publishing, Jacqueline loves photography, traveling, and nature. (Photo Credit: Kaylynn Krieg)

JACQUELINE SMITH GIVEAWAY

Enter here: a Rafflecopter giveaway

STORIES UNFOLDED BLOGIVERSARY GIVEAWAY

Don’t forget to enter the Stories Unfolded Blogiversary Giveaway that’s running from March 1st – March 31st.

(1) Grand Prize Winner

$25 Amazon Kindle Gift Card
(1) Signed physical copy of The End of Feeling by Cindy C Bennett
(1) Audiobook of The End of Feeling by Cindy C Bennett
(1) Signed physical copy of Family Inheritance by Terri Ann Leidich
(1) Signed physical copy of From a Grieving Mother’s Heart by Terri Ann Leidich
(1) Signed physical copy of For a Grieving Heart by Terri Ann Leidich
(1) Physical copy of Finding Zoe by Brandi Rarus and Gail Harris
(1) E-Book copy of the Off The Map Series by Lia Riley (Upside Down, Sideswiped, & Inside Out)
(1) E-Book copy of any Ginger Scott book
(1) E-Book copies of three children’s books by Alva Sachs (Circus Fever, I’m 5, & On Your Mark, Get Set,Go!)

(1) Prize Winner

$10 Amazon Kindle Gift Card
(1) E-Book copy of any Ginger Scott book
(1) E-Pub copy of Family Inheritance by Terri Ann Leidich
(1) E-Pub copy of From a Grieving Mother’s Heart by Terri Ann Leidich
(1) E-Pub copy of For a Grieving Heart by Terri Ann Leidich

(1) Prize Winner

$5 Amazon Kindle Gift Card
(1) E-Book copy of The End of Feeling by Cindy C. Bennett
(1) E-Book copy of any Ginger Scott book

(1) Prize Winner

$5 Amazon Kindle Gift Card

Enter here: a Rafflecopter giveaway

Jacqueline Smith week continues tomorrow with my book review of Cemetery Tours and the announcement of the giveaway winner.

Blogiversary | Interview with Author Jacqueline Smith

March 5, 2015March 3, 2015 ~ Danielle Olson ~ 8 Comments

AUTHOR INTERVIEW | JACQUELINE SMITH

WEBSITE | FACEBOOK | BLOG | TWITTER | GOODREADS

Smith_Jackie-1732 — Photo Credit: Kaylynn Krieg

I’ve been working with Jacqueline Smith since mid February and she’s been so great through this whole process. I wanted to get to know her author side a little bit more. So, here’s her answers to my author interview questions.

Don’t forget to enter both the Jacqueline Smith Giveaway and the Stories Unfolded Blogiversary Giveaway at the end of this interview.

Q: Would you like to start by introducing yourself?

Hi! I’m Jacqueline. I’m 27 years old and I’m from Dallas, Texas. I love writing, photography, and nature. And I’m a YA Literature enthusiast.

Q: Can you tell us a bit about your latest book and the inspiration behind it?

My latest book is called Boy Band. It will be released April 21, 2015. It’s the first I’ve published that is not part of the Cemetery Tours series. It actually started out as a NaNoWriMo project. I wasn’t sure if I would publish it, or even finish it, to be honest. But I ended up really loving it. My sister and I are totally into boy bands, all boy bands, and so I started out writing it just for fun after binge-watching music videos on YouTube. It became a really fun story. I can’t wait for people to read it!

Q: When did you first realize you wanted to be an author?

I first realized I wanted to be an author in my junior year of college. It was spring break and I was sick as a dog, so I spent the entire week curled up on the couch with blankets, tissues, and a stack of guilty pleasure romance novels. In the middle of one, the author describes this bungalow on the beach, right next to a lighthouse. I remember thinking to myself, “Hey, I could do that.” And that was it.

Q: What inspired you to start writing and what continues to inspire you to write now?

I started writing when I was a little kid, actually, but back then, all I was doing was rewriting books and movies that I already loved. For example, every Disney movie I owned. It was kind of like a kid version of fanfiction. I wrote for fun all the way through high school, but I never thought it was something I’d actually end up doing.

Now, I have a million different things that inspire me to keep writing. For one thing, I have at least fifteen other stories in my head waiting to be written. Anything can inspire a story. Sometimes it’s a song. Sometimes it’s a cool picture. Sometimes, it’s a simple phrase. All I know is I need to tell these stories. And I love it.

Q: What are you working on at the moment?

I’m putting the finishing touches, revisions, and edits on Boy Band before its released next month. I’m also designing the cover, which is kind of exciting. I’ve never designed a cover before, so I hope it looks alright! I’m also in the process of finishing the third installment of the Cemetery Tours series.

Q: Do you have any writing superstitions or rituals?

When I first get an idea for a story, I do two things. First, I make a playlist on iTunes that serves as a writing soundtrack specifically for that story. And second, I make a secret Pinterest board to help me visualize what I’m writing. When I write, I’m usually at my desk, I have a giant glass of water, and I burn a candle. I love candles.

Q: Where is your favorite place to read?

Oh, I can read anywhere. My favorite place used to be on the living room couch, where my cat, Jasmine, would always sit next to me. Sadly, she passed away last year and I’ve found it difficult to go back to our spot to read.

Q: What are some of your favorite books to read?

I love anything by Meg Cabot or Nicholas Sparks. I’m a big fan of YA, which I’ve been binge-reading recently. I have a huge pile of books on my bedroom floor just waiting to be read. Oh and of course, I love Harry Potter and The Hunger Games.

Q: How do you keep yourself motivated to write?

I remind myself that I’m so lucky to have found something I love and that I’m passionate about. It’s something that never gets old for me. And perhaps, most importantly, I read. Reading reminds me of why I started writing in the first place. It also reminds me of what I want, which is for readers to enjoy my books as much as I enjoy the books of so many other authors out there.

Q: What advice do you have for aspiring authors out there?

Never give up. Write what you love, not what you think other people will love. There will be plenty of nay-sayers out there, but don’t let them get to you. Find an editor that you trust. Appreciate your readers. Support your fellow writers. And while it is very important to present yourself and your work professionally and with pride, it’s also important to have fun. Enjoy. You’ve earned it.

JACQUELINE SMITH GIVEAWAY

Jacqueline has generously provided (3) kindle copies of Cemetery Tours and (3) kindle copies of it’s sequel, Between Worlds. There will be (3) Winners who will receive one copy of each book. This giveaway will run until March 7th.

Enter here: a Rafflecopter giveaway

STORIES UNFOLDED BLOGIVERSARY GIVEAWAY

Don’t forget to enter the Stories Unfolded Blogiversary Giveaway that’s running from March 1st – March 31st.

(1) Grand Prize Winner

$25 Amazon Kindle Gift Card
(1) Signed physical copy of The End of Feeling by Cindy C Bennett
(1) Audiobook of The End of Feeling by Cindy C Bennett
(1) Signed physical copy of Family Inheritance by Terri Ann Leidich
(1) Signed physical copy of From a Grieving Mother’s Heart by Terri Ann Leidich
(1) Signed physical copy of For a Grieving Heart by Terri Ann Leidich
(1) Physical copy of Finding Zoe by Brandi Rarus and Gail Harris
(1) E-Book copy of the Off The Map Series by Lia Riley (Upside Down, Sideswiped, & Inside Out)
(1) E-Book copy of any Ginger Scott book
(1) E-Book copies of three children’s books by Alva Sachs (Circus Fever, I’m 5, & On Your Mark, Get Set,Go!)

(1) Prize Winner

$10 Amazon Kindle Gift Card
(1) E-Book copy of any Ginger Scott book
(1) E-Pub copy of Family Inheritance by Terri Ann Leidich
(1) E-Pub copy of From a Grieving Mother’s Heart by Terri Ann Leidich
(1) E-Pub copy of For a Grieving Heart by Terri Ann Leidich

(1) Prize Winner

$5 Amazon Kindle Gift Card
(1) E-Book copy of The End of Feeling by Cindy C. Bennett
(1) E-Book copy of any Ginger Scott book

(1) Prize Winner

$5 Amazon Kindle Gift Card

Enter here: a Rafflecopter giveaway

Jacqueline Smith week continues tomorrow with her guest post.

Blogiversary | Between Worlds by Jacqueline Smith – Excerpt

March 4, 2015March 3, 2015 ~ Danielle Olson ~ 5 Comments

EXCERPT | BETWEEN WORLDS

TITLE: Between Worlds (Cemetery Tours Sequel)

PUBLISHER: Wind Trail Publishing

PUBLICATION DATE: June 29, 2014

GENRE: Paranormal Thriller

Up in his apartment, Michael told Kate and Luke to make themselves at home while he fetched them something to drink. As always, Brink felt compelled to express his flat out astonishment that Michael was actually having guests over; even more so that he was having Luke Rainer over.

“What’s he doing here, anyway? Isn’t he supposed be off filming graveyards or something?” Brink asked.

“He said he was in town and decided to stop by,” Michael muttered softly.

“And here he is on your date. Nice,” Brink smirked. Michael glared at him. It was like talking to a skinny, teenaged Luke.

Michael could feel Brink trailing him as he made his way back into the living room, where Luke was filling Kate in on all of the team’s latest adventures. After handing them their drinks, Michael took a seat on the couch next to Kate. She took a sip of her soda and casually snuggled up next to him while Luke continued to talk. Michael was honestly beginning to think that he really had just dropped in to catch up when Luke asked, “So, have either of you ever heard of the Stanton Hall Manor?”

“No,” Michael answered.

“Maybe,” Kate replied. “I think it was featured on a documentary I saw about historic mansions in New England.”

“It probably was. It’s one of the most extravagant manors in Maine. Hell, it’s one of the most extravagant manors in the nation. It also happens to be one of the most haunted.”

Oh no… Michael already knew where this was going.

“Cool,” Kate grinned. “Are you guys going to investigate it?”

“Well, that’s the plan. However, there are some… conditions.”

“What kind of conditions?” Michael asked.

“The person who owns it now is a woman named Carolyn Drake. She inherited it from her uncle after he died. I’ve been trying to get her to let us investigate ever since the show premiered, but she’s always turned me down. She’s hoping to convert it into some kind of luxury bed and breakfast and she’s always thought that if we tell the world that it’s haunted, no one would want to stay there.”

“That’s strange. I’d think being on Cemetery Tours would make more people want to visit. I mean, look at the Stanley Hotel. That place is so haunted that it inspired Stephen King to write The Shining and now everyone wants to stay there,” Kate said.

“Well, her problem is that she doesn’t actually believe that it’s haunted. If she doesn’t believe it’s haunted, then she doesn’t have a whole lot of incentive for us to come investigate, and so on and so forth. But then, just as we’re in the midst of shooting for this season, I get an email from her. She said that she would agree to let the team film,” he paused and looked Michael in the eye. “But only if you come with us, Mikey.”

“And there it is. The catch,” Brink commented. Michael was still trying to register what Luke had just said.

“Wait, what?” he asked.

“I don’t know. She didn’t explain it to me. All she said was that she’d agree to let us come and investigate, but only if we brought you with us.”

“That just doesn’t make sense,” Michael said.

“Maybe she wants you to come along because she wants to show folks that it isn’t haunted,” Kate said. “Maybe if you get there and you don’t see anything, then that will prove once and for all that there are no ghosts there.”

“Oh, come on. Everyone knows that place is haunted. Mrs. Drake is just a crazy old fruit loop,” Luke crossed his arms and slumped back against his chair. “Don’t tell her I said that.”

“Wouldn’t dream of it,” Michael said.

“So, what do you think?” Luke asked. “Will you come with us?”

Michael didn’t know how to respond. For the first time, Luke was asking him to be part of the show at the request of somebody else. Not just a request. Michael had to go or the episode wasn’t happening. That was a lot of pressure.

“Luke,” he began. “I know this means a lot to you, but I can’t just drop everything and go.”

“Why not?” Luke asked. “You’re already ‘out,’ so it’s not like you can use that as an excuse anymore. You don’t have a job to worry about – ”

“Actually, I do,” Michael corrected him. “I got an offer this afternoon, and I’m going to take it. I have to take it.”

“Why? Are you the new Captain of the Enterprise? Because if the job is for anything less cool than that, you still have no excuse to turn this down.”

“It’s for an insurance company. I’d be – ”

“Are you kidding me?” Luke interrupted him, exasperated. “I am here, offering you a gig on the most popular paranormal show on television, just like I have a thousand times in the past, and you’re turning it down to sell insurance?”

Okay, yeah, when he put it like that, of course it sounded lame. But what Luke didn’t understand was that the gig on Cemetery Tours was a one-time thing. Michael would still need a permanent job after it was over, and he didn’t know if he’d be lucky enough to find another company willing to take on a creepy ghost-talker.

“I’m sorry, Mikey, but this time, I really don’t understand you,” Luke continued. “You are so hell-bent on being normal and doing what you think everyone wants you to do that you’d pass up an opportunity that anybody else would jump at. Don’t you think so, Kate?”

“I want to go,” she agreed.

“You’re invited,” Luke told her. “But of course if Mikey doesn’t go, then no one gets to.”

Oh, great. Michael knew exactly what Luke was doing, and Luke knew it too. It had been one thing when him not going meant that Luke couldn’t go. But now, knowing that it also meant Kate couldn’t go was a whole different scenario. Michael had no problem saying no to Luke. But saying no to Kate? Impossible. That was how Luke had conned him into going to that stupid graveyard. He’d tricked Kate into asking Michael, knowing that Michael wouldn’t be able to turn her down.

Sure enough, as soon as the words were out of Luke’s mouth, Kate turned wide, pleading eyes up at Michael.

Luke just smiled. He had Michael exactly where he wanted him. Meanwhile, Brink snickered from the sidelines. “Well, it looks like you’re going to Maine.”

BUY LINKS:

AMAZON | B&N

ABOUT JACQUELINE

WEBSITE | FACEBOOK | BLOG | TWITTER | GOODREADS

Along with writing and publishing, Jacqueline loves photography, traveling, and nature. (Photo Credit: Kaylynn Krieg)

JACQUELINE SMITH GIVEAWAY

Enter here: a Rafflecopter giveaway

STORIES UNFOLDED BLOGIVERSARY GIVEAWAY

Don’t forget to enter the Stories Unfolded Blogiversary Giveaway that’s running from March 1st – March 31st.

(1) Grand Prize Winner

$25 Amazon Kindle Gift Card
(1) Signed physical copy of The End of Feeling by Cindy C Bennett
(1) Audiobook of The End of Feeling by Cindy C Bennett
(1) Signed physical copy of Family Inheritance by Terri Ann Leidich
(1) Signed physical copy of From a Grieving Mother’s Heart by Terri Ann Leidich
(1) Signed physical copy of For a Grieving Heart by Terri Ann Leidich
(1) Physical copy of Finding Zoe by Brandi Rarus and Gail Harris
(1) E-Book copy of the Off The Map Series by Lia Riley (Upside Down, Sideswiped, & Inside Out)
(1) E-Book copy of any Ginger Scott book
(1) E-Book copies of three children’s books by Alva Sachs (Circus Fever, I’m 5, & On Your Mark, Get Set,Go!)

(1) Prize Winner

$10 Amazon Kindle Gift Card
(1) E-Book copy of any Ginger Scott book
(1) E-Pub copy of Family Inheritance by Terri Ann Leidich
(1) E-Pub copy of From a Grieving Mother’s Heart by Terri Ann Leidich
(1) E-Pub copy of For a Grieving Heart by Terri Ann Leidich

(1) Prize Winner

$5 Amazon Kindle Gift Card
(1) E-Book copy of The End of Feeling by Cindy C. Bennett
(1) E-Book copy of any Ginger Scott book

(1) Prize Winner

$5 Amazon Kindle Gift Card

Enter here: a Rafflecopter giveaway

Jacqueline Smith week continues tomorrow with an author interview.

Blogiversary | Cemetery Tours by Jacqueline Smith – Excerpt

March 3, 2015February 25, 2015 ~ Danielle Olson ~ 1 Comment

EXCERPT | CEMETERY TOURS

TITLE: Cemetery Tours

PUBLISHER: Wind Trail Publishing

PUBLICATION DATE: September 17, 2013

GENRE: Paranormal Thriller

He’d seen them for as long as he could remember.

They’d never scared him, really. When he was younger, he hadn’t known that there was anything different about them. By the time he was old enough to figure out that no one else could see them, he was also old enough to realize that being dead didn’t turn people into monsters. It just meant that most of them were lonely.

This guy scared him.

He was tall, almost as tall as Michael, who towered above most people at 6’2, and muscular, something that Michael couldn’t boast. His dark hair was buzzed short, like an army crew cut, and he wore dark navy jeans, a gray T-shirt, and an old black jacket. As intimidating has his physical appearance seemed, however, nothing compared to the fury and repulsion with which he stared at Gavin Avery.

“Michael?” Kate’s voice snapped Michael out of his stupor. “Are you alright?”

“Yeah, fine.” He wasn’t fine though. His voice had gone hoarse, the same way it always did whenever he tried to choke out a lie. He cleared his throat and assisted Kate and Gavin setting the mattress against the wall. No matter how he tried to convince himself otherwise, he could feel the stranger’s eyes boring into the back of his neck. Although he didn’t think the ghost had noticed him staring, he didn’t want to draw any sort of attention to himself.

This was the reason he never complained about the strange noises or feelings of discontent that plagued the other residents of Building 17. He’d always been a terrible liar, and anyone observing him too carefully would realize that when he said he had no explanation for the weird things that happened, he wasn’t telling the truth.

Once ghosts figured out he could see them, they followed him home. Over the years, he’d gotten better at ignoring them, tuning them out, but there was always the occasional slip-up. He’d respond to an otherwise unheard voice, or accidentally make eye contact with someone who’d grown accustomed to being invisible. That was when the trouble started.

Michael had learned the hard way that nothing good came from interfering in the affairs of the afterlife. He’d always been careful not to let anyone know what he could see, but everyone, from his classmates to his own mother knew there was something wrong with him. Their suspicions were somewhat confirmed after he was arrested as a suspect in a murder investigation at the beginning of his senior year of high school. The charges were quickly dropped, but still, the damage had been done.

Now, whenever spirits followed him home, he ignored them. This was frustrating for all parties involved, but especially for the ghosts. They knew he could see them, but when he didn’t acknowledge them again, they grew agitated. Some of them went crazy, throwing pots and pans around or heaving books off of shelves, in desperate attempts to get his attention. They usually gave up and moved out after a week or so of being ignored. But some of them, the more annoying ones, tended to linger. Some acted out of spite, some out of boredom. Some flat out refused to move on for reasons that Michael could never figure out. Maybe they were waiting for someone, or maybe they were scared of crossing over. Michael could accept that. Still, he would have preferred they not make his apartment building their halfway house.

Thinking back to everything Kate had told him about Gavin, his mysterious ailment, even the break-in, Michael knew he should have realized that those were the products of a haunting. He’d experienced the same symptoms of dizziness and exhaustion on multiple occasions. Spirits thrived on energy. It was how they moved heavy objects, or manifested themselves to those who otherwise wouldn’t be able to see them. They took this energy from any source they could find; electricity, radio waves, even the living. Especially the living. Michael had always been particularly susceptible to their attacks. He had a theory that since his mind was already so open to the spirits, it made it easier for them to drain his energy.

He wasn’t sure if that was what was happening or if all the physical exertion was finally catching up with him, but all of a sudden, he felt dizzy and lightheaded. He broke into a cold sweat and without warning, the ground begin to tilt.

BUY LINKS:

AMAZON | B&N

ABOUT JACQUELINE

WEBSITE | FACEBOOK | BLOG | TWITTER | GOODREADS

Along with writing and publishing, Jacqueline loves photography, traveling, and nature. (Photo Credit: Kaylynn Krieg)

JACQUELINE SMITH GIVEAWAY

Enter here: a Rafflecopter giveaway

STORIES UNFOLDED BLOGIVERSARY GIVEAWAY

Don’t forget to enter the Stories Unfolded Blogiversary Giveaway that’s running from March 1st – March 31st.

(1) Grand Prize Winner

$25 Amazon Kindle Gift Card
(1) Signed physical copy of The End of Feeling by Cindy C Bennett
(1) Audiobook of The End of Feeling by Cindy C Bennett
(1) Signed physical copy of Family Inheritance by Terri Ann Leidich
(1) Signed physical copy of From a Grieving Mother’s Heart by Terri Ann Leidich
(1) Signed physical copy of For a Grieving Heart by Terri Ann Leidich
(1) Physical copy of Finding Zoe by Brandi Rarus and Gail Harris
(1) E-Book copy of the Off The Map Series by Lia Riley (Upside Down, Sideswiped, & Inside Out)
(1) E-Book copy of any Ginger Scott book
(1) E-Book copies of three children’s books by Alva Sachs (Circus Fever, I’m 5, & On Your Mark, Get Set,Go!)

(1) Prize Winner

$10 Amazon Kindle Gift Card
(1) E-Book copy of any Ginger Scott book
(1) E-Pub copy of Family Inheritance by Terri Ann Leidich
(1) E-Pub copy of From a Grieving Mother’s Heart by Terri Ann Leidich
(1) E-Pub copy of For a Grieving Heart by Terri Ann Leidich

(1) Prize Winner

$5 Amazon Kindle Gift Card
(1) E-Book copy of The End of Feeling by Cindy C. Bennett
(1) E-Book copy of any Ginger Scott book

(1) Prize Winner

$5 Amazon Kindle Gift Card

Enter here: a Rafflecopter giveaway

Jacqueline Smith week continues tomorrow with an excerpt from Between Worlds, the sequel of Cemetery Tours.

Blogiversary | Jacqueline Smith Bio & Giveaway

March 2, 2015February 25, 2015 ~ Danielle Olson ~ 2 Comments

To kick off the Stories Unfolded Blogiversary Celebration, this week’s featured author is Jacqueline Smith. Jacqueline has been so amazing to work with throughout this process and I’m excited to be sharing her work with my followers. Today I want to share a bit about each of her books. She will be participating in an author interview and will be sharing her experiences getting these books published later this week.

TITLE: Cemetery Tours

PUBLISHER: Wind Trail Publishing

PUBLICATION DATE: September 17, 2013

GENRE: Paranormal Thriller

“Some secrets are best kept laid to rest.

BUY LINKS:

AMAZON | B&N

TITLE: Between Worlds (Cemetery Tours Sequel)

PUBLISHER: Wind Trail Publishing

PUBLICATION DATE: June 29, 2014

GENRE: Paranormal Thriller

“Someone always dies… Someone is always left behind…

Now that his secret is out, Michael Sinclair finally agrees to join paranormal superstar Luke Rainer and the Cemetery Tours crew on an investigation. Not just any investigation. The biggest investigation of their career.

Once home to the wealthy Sterling Hall and his beloved wife, Joanna, Stanton Hall Manor in Maine is famous for the love story that inspired it… and the ghosts who now inhabit it. For Luke and the crew, Stanton Hall is a dream come true. Unfortunately, some dreams turn out to be nightmares.”

BUY LINKS:

AMAZON | B&N

TITLE: Boy Band

PUBLISHER: Wind Trail Publishing

PUBLICATION DATE: April 21, 2015

GENRE: Young Adult

“Sam Morneau is Melissa Parker’s best friend. He’s also a member of The Kind of September, basically the hottest boy band on the planet.

After two and a half years, Mel is all too familiar with the day-to-day occurrences that come with being a member of the band’s inner circle, including hectic schedules, passionate fans, and gossip-mongering celebrity girlfriends.

Now, with the release of the group’s third album just weeks away, their lives have never been crazier and Mel is doing everything she can to keep up, all the while trying to cope with the ridiculous rumors that follow the band everywhere they go and pretending that she isn’t harboring a secret and hopeless crush on Sam.

It’s weird enough being in love with your best friend. It’s even weirder when the rest of the world is in love with him, too.”

ABOUT JACQUELINE

WEBSITE | FACEBOOK | BLOG | TWITTER | GOODREADS

Along with writing and publishing, Jacqueline loves photography, traveling, and nature. (Photo Credit: Kaylynn Krieg)

JACQUELINE SMITH GIVEAWAY

Enter here: a Rafflecopter giveaway

STORIES UNFOLDED BLOGIVERSARY GIVEAWAY

Don’t forget to enter the Stories Unfolded Blogiversary Giveaway that’s running from March 1st – March 31st.

(1) Grand Prize Winner

$25 Amazon Kindle Gift Card
(1) Signed physical copy of The End of Feeling by Cindy C Bennett
(1) Audiobook of The End of Feeling by Cindy C Bennett
(1) Signed physical copy of Family Inheritance by Terri Ann Leidich
(1) Signed physical copy of From a Grieving Mother’s Heart by Terri Ann Leidich
(1) Signed physical copy of For a Grieving Heart by Terri Ann Leidich
(1) Physical copy of Finding Zoe by Brandi Rarus and Gail Harris
(1) E-Book copy of the Off The Map Series by Lia Riley (Upside Down, Sideswiped, & Inside Out)
(1) E-Book copy of any Ginger Scott book
(1) E-Book copies of three children’s books by Alva Sachs (Circus Fever, I’m 5, & On Your Mark, Get Set,Go!)

(1) Prize Winner

$10 Amazon Kindle Gift Card
(1) E-Book copy of any Ginger Scott book
(1) E-Pub copy of Family Inheritance by Terri Ann Leidich
(1) E-Pub copy of From a Grieving Mother’s Heart by Terri Ann Leidich
(1) E-Pub copy of For a Grieving Heart by Terri Ann Leidich

(1) Prize Winner

$5 Amazon Kindle Gift Card
(1) E-Book copy of The End of Feeling by Cindy C. Bennett
(1) E-Book copy of any Ginger Scott book

(1) Prize Winner

$5 Amazon Kindle Gift Card

Enter here: a Rafflecopter giveaway

Jacqueline Smith week continues tomorrow with an excerpt from Cemetery Tours.

Stories Unfolded | 3 Year Blogiversary Celebration & Giveaways!

March 1, 2015February 28, 2015 ~ Danielle Olson ~ 2 Comments

I can’t believe it’s been three years since I started this blog! It’s gone through a few changes over the years and it took some time to decide on what it’s focus should be, but I’ve finally gotten it to a place that I’m very proud of.

I want to thank my followers for all the support you’ve given me over the years and I look forward to what this next year will bring.

To celebrate, this month I will be featuring a variety of authors from several different genres. Each author will have various posts including interviews, excerpts, and giveaways!

Here’s the featured author schedule:

Jacqueline Smith: March 2nd – March 7th

March 2nd – Jacqueline Smith Bio & Giveaway
March 3rd – Book #1 Excerpt
March 4th – Book #2 Excerpt
March 5th – Interview with Jacqueline Smith
March 6th – Guest Post by Jacqueline Smith
March 7th – Book Review of Book #1 & Giveaway Winner Announcement

Alva Sachs: March 8th

March 8th – Alva Sachs Bio & Book Blurbs

Carrie Cross: March 9th – March 14th

March 9th – Carrie Cross Bio & Giveaway
March 10th – Book #1 Excerpt
March 11th – Book #2 Excerpt
March 12th – Interview with Carrie Cross
March 13th – Guest Post by Carrie Cross
March 14th – Giveaway Winner Announcement

Farzana Marie: March 15th

March 15th – Farzana Marie Bio & Book Blurb

Edward Mooney: March 16th – March 21st

March 16th – Edward Mooney Bio & Giveaway
March 17th – Book #1 Excerpt
March 18th – Book #2 Excerpt
March 19th – Interview with Edward Mooney
March 20th – Guest Post by Edward Mooney
March 21st – Giveaway Winner Announcement

Amanda Gale: March 22nd – 29th

March 22nd – Amanda Gale Bio & Giveaway
March 23rd – Book #1 Excerpt
March 24th – Book #2 Excerpt
March 25th – Book #3 Excerpt
March 26th – Book #4 Guest Post by Amanda Gale
March 27th – Interview with Amanda Gale
March 28th – Guest Post by Amanda Gale
March 29th – Book Review of Book #1 & Giveaway Winner Announcement

STORIES UNFOLDED BLOGIVERSARY GIVEAWAY PACKAGE

In addition to the various author giveaways, I will be holding an amazing Stories Unfolded Blogiversary Giveaway! You’re not going to want to miss out on this giveaway. I can’t thank the authors who donated enough. They have made this giveaway amazing! Links to their websites and my book reviews are below.

You can enter from March 1st-31st. Winners will be announced the evening of March 31st PST. Please note that winners must reside within the United States.

The Stories Unfolded Blogiversary Giveaway Package includes the following:

(1) Grand Prize Winner

$25 Amazon Kindle Gift Card
(1) Signed physical copy of The End of Feeling by Cindy C Bennett
(1) Audiobook of The End of Feeling by Cindy C Bennett
(1) Signed physical copy of Family Inheritance by Terri Ann Leidich
(1) Signed physical copy of From a Grieving Mother’s Heart by Terri Ann Leidich
(1) Signed physical copy of For a Grieving Heart by Terri Ann Leidich
(1) Physical copy of Finding Zoe by Brandi Rarus and Gail Harris
(1) E-Book copy of the Off The Map Series by Lia Riley (Upside Down, Sideswiped, & Inside Out)
(1) E-Book copy of any Ginger Scott book
(1) E-Book copies of three children’s books by Alva Sachs (Circus Fever, I’m 5, & On Your Mark, Get Set,Go!)

(1) Prize Winner

$10 Amazon Kindle Gift Card
(1) E-Book copy of any Ginger Scott book
(1) E-Pub copy of Family Inheritance by Terri Ann Leidich
(1) E-Pub copy of From a Grieving Mother’s Heart by Terri Ann Leidich
(1) E-Pub copy of For a Grieving Heart by Terri Ann Leidich

(1) Prize Winner

$5 Amazon Kindle Gift Card
(1) E-Book copy of The End of Feeling by Cindy C. Bennett
(1) E-Book copy of any Ginger Scott book

(1) Prize Winner

$5 Amazon Kindle Gift Card

Enter here: a Rafflecopter giveaway

Stories Unfolded Blogiversary Celebration & Giveaway Starts March 1st

February 24, 2015 ~ Danielle Olson ~ 3 Comments

To celebrate my 3 Year Blogiverary I’m holding a month long celebration. I will be featuring a variety of authors from several different genres. Each author will have various posts including interviews, excerpts, and giveaways! The festivities begin Sunday March 1, 2015!

STORIES UNFOLDED BLOGIVERSARY GIVEAWAY PACKAGE

You can enter starting March 1st-31st. Winners will be announced the evening of March 31st PST. Please note that winners must reside within the United States.

The Stories Unfolded Blogiversary Giveaway Package includes the following:

(1) Grand Prize Winner

$25 Amazon Kindle Gift Card
(1) Signed physical copy of The End of Feeling by Cindy C Bennett
(1) Audiobook of The End of Feeling by Cindy C Bennett
(1) Signed physical copy of Family Inheritance by Terri Ann Leidich
(1) Signed physical copy of From a Grieving Mother’s Heart by Terri Ann Leidich
(1) Signed physical copy of For a Grieving Heart by Terri Ann Leidich
(1) Physical copy of Finding Zoe by Brandi Rarus and Gail Harris
(1) E-Book copy of the Off The Map Series by Lia Riley (Upside Down, Sideswiped, & Inside Out)
(1) E-Book copy of any Ginger Scott book
(1) E-Book copies of three children’s books by Alva Sachs (Circus Fever, I’m 5, & On Your Mark, Get Set,Go!)

(1) Prize Winner

$10 Amazon Kindle Gift Card
(1) E-Book copy of any Ginger Scott book
(1) E-Pub copy of Family Inheritance by Terri Ann Leidich
(1) E-Pub copy of From a Grieving Mother’s Heart by Terri Ann Leidich
(1) E-Pub copy of For a Grieving Heart by Terri Ann Leidich

(1) Prize Winner

$5 Amazon Kindle Gift Card
(1) E-Book copy of The End of Feeling by Cindy C. Bennett
(1) E-Book copy of any Ginger Scott book

(1) Prize Winner

$5 Amazon Kindle Gift Card

Enter here: a Rafflecopter giveaway

Thank you to all of the following authors who donated to the Stories Unfolded Blogiversary Giveaway:

Brandi Rarus and Gail Harris including their publisher BenBella Books (Check out my review of Finding Zoe)
Cindy C. Bennett (Check out my review of The End of Feeling)
Lia Riley (Check out my review of Upside Down, Sideswiped, and Inside Out)
Ginger Scott (Check out my review of This is Falling)
Terri Ann Leidich (Check out my review of Family Inheritance)
Alva Sachs who will be a featured author

BOOK REVIEW | CEMETERY TOURS

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THE PUBLISHING EXPERIENCE

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AUTHOR INTERVIEW | JACQUELINE SMITH

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EXCERPT | BETWEEN WORLDS

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