Merry Christmas 

and 

Happy Holidays.

Please excuse my long absence. I will return January 1st. Cherish your time with your family and friends. 💝

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LRjmR2BrYW8

MONDAY MAYHEM

How about a little Halloween fright. My two horror collections will have you shivering.

How about a little bait and switch? Three horror tales, each with a twist, three shifters with their own brand of terror. SILK, THIRSTY, and PREY will definitely keep you guessing. Intended for 18+.


https://www.amazon.com/Trickery-Barbara-Chioffi-ebook/dp/B017JK0LA2

Chicanery is a collection of eight horror tales, each with a little bit of deceit and enough of the macabre to have you looking over your shoulder.

Who knows what awaits us as we go about our daily lives, unaware of what exists alongside us. In these tales, you will find a bit of betrayal, a snippet or two of terror, and a lot of comeuppance. Oh, and a good dose of helpful spirits.

https://www.amazon.com/Chicanery-Barbara-Chioffi-ebook/dp/B01LW31IFE

ENJOY....bahahaha.

FRIDAY FEATURE

I have someone new to introduce......DRUM ROLL.......

TL Katt. :)

Her first book is The Calling and I can't wait to read it.

You can find her on Facebook...

https://www.facebook.com/TLKatt/?__mref=message_bubble

...and here for her newsletter.

http://kattskorner.weebly.com/sign-up-for-tl-katts-mailing-list.html

Give TL Katt a look today. :)

FRIDAY FEATURE

Congratulations, Elle Klass, on the release of

IN THE MIDST OF THE STORM

TOMMY'S DECEPTION 

The Mind boggling conclusion to the Ruthless Storm Trilogy. Release date October 14, 2016.

My characters are fictional but crime, murders and serial killers are real. No matter how horrific the crime, non are harmless. Buy In the Midst of the Storm during October and every cent Elle receives will be donated to victimsofcrime.org to help real victims.

Amazon
Nook
Apple
Google Play
Smashwords
Kobo

The thrilling conclusion is filled with suspense!

The cold air chilling her to the bone, she walked swiftly towards her apartment, her mind cloudy from too many beers. A trail

through the woods surrounding her apartment complex opened up to her left. If she stayed the course of the street-lit sidewalk, it’d take her longer to get home than if she took the path through the woods that led almost directly to her door. Her body shivering, she decided to take the chance and cut through the woods. Really, it was just a small chunk of trees with a well-worn path that most people used for walking their dogs.

Halfway through the shortcut, she heard voices talking. She slowed her pace and listened but assumed it was a couple walking their dog.

“What the hell are you doing?!” yelled a male voice.

She jumped and on instinct plastered herself against a large tree and scanned the area, hoping she was fully camouflaged by the thick trunk. She peeked her head around it and spotted two young men. One had jeans sagging past his buttocks and a red jacket. The other wore all black and he held a glinting silver object. Her mind flashed back to the shining object and black eyes that chased her within her nightmares. She breathed deeply, trying to stay calm, and considered her options. The last time she’d run through woods didn’t fare well for her and she ended up in a coma for a week.
Running was out of the question. Going forward was out of the question. She felt the cool metal of the pendant against her chest and remembered its soothing qualities. Taking a deep breath, she

crouched, using the trees for cover and squat-walked towards the next tree. She couldn’t avoid the piles of leaves littering the ground, but hoped her steps were gentle enough the guys would consider them an animal.

The voices moved closer to her and she went into near panic mode. Breathe, breathe. They’re probably just smoking pot and mean no harm, she soothed herself, but the feeling in her gut sent shivers of horror flying through her body. Bad memories resurfaced and she saw his face, the monster, Evan’s face. She closed her eyes, attempting to gather her courage.
Leaves rustled beneath their pounding footsteps, growing closer with each one. No longer able to control her fear, she took her chances and ran.

“Who’s there?” called one of the men, as Eilida sprinted through the woods. Not watching where she was going, she ran smack into broad shoulders and a rock hard abdomen. Waves of horror shuddered throughout her body.

Listen to the In the Midst of the Storm Soundtrack!

It's sexy!

He wanted to make all the bad in her life disappear and he wanted her. The vibes bouncing off Eilida suggested she desired him just as much. Setting his plate on the table, he turned to face her and cupped her face in his hand. Then he brought his lips to hers. His

sexual hunger matched by hers.



When they released the kiss, she set her plate beside his and brought her body closer to his, melting in his arms. Their mouths met again as their hands explored the other’s assets. His hand lingering on her perky breasts as he lifted her shirt and drew his tongue closer to them for a taste.

http://thetroubledoyster.blogspot.com/ http://elleklass.weebly.com/ https://twitter.com/ElleKlass https://www.facebook.com/ElleKlass

KITH AND KIN

Music has been a part of my life since my earliest memories. Mom sang to me and I remember thinking she had the voice of an angel.  I realized not long after that she couldn't carry a tune, but I kept that to myself, happy that she was with me. 

From the time I was six, I spent every summer with my grandparents. I wrote last week regarding their lovely voices. Their talent passed to my father, who had a thrilling baritone voice, then on to me. 

*****************

I hid my talent from my family, singing with the radio before going to sleep, trying to emulate the sounds. One night, mom called, “Turn off the radio and go to sleep.”
My sister answered, “That’s not the radio, mom, that’s Barbara.”

My father was an early riser and the next morning, he had me singing at the piano, up and down the scales. "Jean, did you hear that?" he called to mom. 
I recall the first time I sang with my father. He had an operatic quality voice. It was the thrill of a lifetime and remained so over the years to come. I still have a box of tapes spanning fifty years with the two of us. His voice was more powerful, but I could always catch him on the high notes where my voice would match his.

********************

I was lucky to have the support of my family. They engaged a voice teacher with a sterling reputation and my training began. It brought the ability to concentrate, something I had struggled with as a child, and the music carried me away. When I was fourteen, I sang at Duke University for a local contest and received a superior rating.

Music was my refuge. Within that magical realm was the ecstasy of singing, the notes wrapping me in velvet. While in college, I sang in churches, local dinner theaters, and the occasional night club when out with friends. 

My senior recital was the culmination of years of study. The stage was a respectable size with a grand piano. The room was large with a vaulted ceiling. My voice teacher and I had worked for four years for that moment, and she played the piano, smiling the entire time. 

I'm amazed now that I sang each song with no music. I had insisted on memorizing them so I could connect with my audience. By that time, my voice had matured and it filled every inch of the hall. That night is among my happiest memories.



Kith and Kin... to be continued.

MONDAY MUSINGS

Last Friday, I posted information about a very talented lady and her art work. Today, I'm pleased to post about her writing. Yes, Julie Nicholls is that talented...filled to the top of her head with ability. 

Dragon Moon, a YA fantasy, is her latest and will be released on October 13th. I'll let her tell you all about it.

Dragon Moon Release!!

Hey peeps!! I’m happy to announce that my latest Young Adult Fantasy, Dragon Moon is available for pre-order at the fabulously low price of 99c! This is a huge saving, and from Thursday 13th October, the price will be $3.45 so get it while it’s on offer!

Save the dragons, unite the races, no sweat.

I’m nineteen and wish I had a clue about my future. Instead of my own bed, this morning I woke in the strange land of Lur Neval. My name is Scarlett, but the Nevalese call me Dragon Mage. Seems it’s my job to preserve the all-important dragons and oh, while I’m here, bring peace to the warring clans. Piece of cake if I can outwit Madoc, the manipulative, evil seer who wants every dragon destroyed. Whatever it takes, I’m here to fulfill my destiny under the light of the Dragon Moon.

Buy Links

Amazon UK goo.gl/HolHgO

Amazon USA goo.gl/WXyIdl

Kobo goo.gl/TMrKcV

Smashwords goo.gl/jQszpx

Nook/B&N goo.gl/utlgGe

iBooks goo.gl/66Jbwu

Don’t forget it’s available at the ridiculous price of 99c until release day which is 13th October, 2016

Go get it!

FRIDAY FEATURE

Need a cover for your book? How about a banner? I have just the person for you. Julie Nicholls is an author and artist and a master at both. 

For her writing, her amazon page link is:

https://www.amazon.com/Julie-Nicholls/e/B00Q5JJF10/ref=ntt_dp_epwbk_0

For all art related requests, look no further.

Examples of Julie's work:

Julie can be found at Mirishka's Artwork:

https://web.facebook.com/WallpapersArtworkAndFanArt/?ref=bookmarks&__mref=message_bubble

Contact her today for quality and affordable work . She's a pleasure know.

KITH AND KIN

In going through family memorabilia, letters and photographs came to light that have been long forgotten. Reading the words from so long ago brought smiles and matching pictures to the writing brought them to life. 

My grandfather was a southern gentleman and a romantic. This is an example of poems and writings he would send to my grandmother from work or leave in their home for her to find.

I visited my grandparents every summer from the time I was six. Mom and Dad would put me on a Greyhound bus for the trip from North Carolina to Alabama, nine hundred miles away. Sitting directly across from the driver, I would enjoy the scenery, confident in my safety. I'm sure my parents compensated him for his care.

Memories of those summers include my grandmother's baking. She made extra money by providing cakes for the community and was known for her ability. My desire for sweets developed at her feet.

My grandparents sang in the church choir and my love of music grew with every summer's visit. They both possessed lovely voices and I remember many evenings sitting next to my grandmother at her piano.

Papa, as I called him, was a wise man, loving simple pleasures. His sense of humor and his intellect endeared him to many. 

We would sit, every evening, on the expansive front porch with our feet on the banister, watching the resident spider spin its web. To this day, the lessons from Papa on the simple things of nature bring delight.

Peace,

Barb

MONDAY MUSINGS

A few gems caught my eye last week. I have included links for each and the poems and photos are from the artist/author listed.

******

First is the poetry of Christopher Poindexter...a thanks to Jennifer Sage for her post.

Christopher Poindexter lives in Florida. He owns an Etsy shop, Christopherspoetry, where people can purchase his hand-typed poetry and quotes. His book of romantic poetry, Lavendar, is available for a limited time at amazon.   

https://www.amazon.com/Lavender-Christopher-Poindexter/dp/168241129X

******

The photographs of cats by Robert Sijka. 

Check out his work on twitter...@Felis_Gallery. His photographs are for sale. You can also find him at the following link.

https://www.facebook.com/felis.gallery/?pnref=story

by Robert Sijka

by Robert Sijka

Peace,

Barb

FRIDAY FEATURE

Congratulations to Savannah Morgan

 on the release of

LIES

Amara Davis is running for her life, powerless to prove her innocence or her sanity. After escaping her incarceration she found a safe haven in an abandoned cabin in the foothills of the Cascade Mountains. For nearly two years she has led a quiet life in the small Oregon town. The signs are telling her there is change coming, but she doesn’t know which path will take her to freedom.

Purchase link:

https://www.amazon.com/Lies-Sapphire-Springs-Savannah-Morgan-ebook/dp/B01LLXZEEG

LIES is the third in Savannah's Sapphire Springs collection. Links for DREAMS and SECRETS, the first two in the series, are below.

DREAMS :

 https://www.amazon.com/Dreams-Sapphire-Springs-Savannah-Morgan-ebook/dp/B00GO3TNPA

SECRETS:

https://www.amazon.com/Secrets-Sapphire-Springs-Savannah-Morgan-ebook/dp/B00RY4G6AI

For all things Savannah, check out her blog.

http://savannahsthoughtgarden.blogspot.com/

THURSDAY TREASURE

Every now and then, I come across something that captures my heart. Sophia's Perspective is the most recent find. The beauty of the photos and words on this page speak to my love of nature and the belief that we must care for the planet we call home. 

Please check out Sophia's posts at this link.

https://www.facebook.com/sophiasperspective/?fref=ts

You can also find her at:

http://sophiasperspective.com/

MONDAY MUSINGS

Today's post features the multi-talented Julie Nicholls and her new book, Dragon Moon, which is up for nomination in the Kindle Scout program. Follow the link and read the first 5k, and if you think this is a book you'd like to read, click "nominate". If accepted, you will receive a free copy.

https://kindlescout.amazon.com/p/28UY3TSTYZACT

DRAGON MOON – Young Adult Fantasy

Synopsis

I’m nineteen and wish I had a clue about my future. Instead of my own bed, this morning I woke in the strange land of Lur Neval. My name is Scarlett, but the Nevalese call me Dragon Mage. Seems it’s my job to preserve the all-important dragons and oh, while I’m here, bring peace to the warring clans. Piece of cake if I can outwit Madoc, the manipulative, evil seer who wants every dragon destroyed. Whatever it takes, I’m here to fulfill my destiny under the light of the Dragon Moon.

The best of luck, Julie.

~*~*~*~*NEW RELEASE*~*~*~*~

CHICANERY

by

Barbara Chioffi

Synopsis 

What finds you in the night?

CHICANERY is a collection of eight horror tales, each with a little bit of deceit and enough of the macabre to have you looking over your shoulder.  

Who knows what awaits us as we go about our daily lives, unaware of what exists alongside us. In these tales, you will find a bit of betrayal, a snippet or two of terror, and a lot of comeuppance. Oh, and a good dose of helpful spirits.

Available at

https://www.amazon.com/Chicanery-Barbara-Chioffi-ebook/dp/B01LW31IFE

MADCAP MONDAY

Vote for Dragon Moon by Julie Nicholls in the Kindle Scout program. Info below.

DRAGON MOON-Young Adult Fantasy

Dragon Moon has been accepted in to Amazon's Kindle Scout program. What's this, I hear you ask. It's a program to help Indie authors get a publishing contract for a book. Dragon Moon has 30 days to create an impression on the reviewers at Amazon...and it needs nominations.

FACT:
IF Dragon Moon is successful, EVERYONE who nominated the book, WILL receive it FREE direct from Amazon.
You have nothing to lose, you'll get a free book and you could make an indie author extremely happy!

Here's the Link... https://kindlescout.amazon.com/p/28UY3TSTYZACT

SYNOPSIS

I’m nineteen and wish I had a clue about my future. Instead of my own bed, this morning I woke in the strange land of Lur Neval. My name is Scarlett, but the Nevalese call me Dragon Mage. Seems it’s my job to preserve the all-important dragons and oh, while I’m here, bring peace to the warring clans. Piece of cake if I can outwit Madoc, the manipulative, evil seer who wants every dragon destroyed. Whatever it takes, I’m here to fulfill my destiny under the light of the Dragon Moon.

NOTE:  Julie is a graphic designer as well as being a dynamite author. She has done all my book covers as well as covers, banners, etc. for many other authors. For quality and affordable work, check out her website.

https://www.facebook.com/WallpapersArtworkAndFanArt/?fref=ts

WELCOME TO WORDY WEDNESDAY

I'll be sharing my blog today with Wanda Luthman. Welcome and take it away. :)

Join us in celebrating the release of Little Birdie Grows Up

Little Birdie Grows Up is a picture book about a fuzzy little blue bird that yearns to fly up in the big blue sky. His Mama encourages him and he tries his best. He is charming and sweet and the illustrations are delightful.

About the author

Wanda published her first children's book, The Lilac Princess, in 2014. Next came her wonderful tale of Tad, in A Turtles Magical Adventure published, March 2016.

Wanda Luthman has her Masters of Arts in both Mental Health Counseling and Guidance Counseling from Rollins College located in beautiful Winter Park, Florida. She worked at a local Community Mental Health Center for 10 years before transferring to the Public School System as a Guidance Counselor. She’s worked at a High School for the past 18 years. She has also been an Adjunct Professor at the local Community College and worked with teens who had lost a loved one through Hospice. She has always loved reading and writing and wrote many books and poems as a child growing up in Missouri. She presently resides in Brevard County Florida with her husband of 21 years and 2 dogs. Her daughter is away at college, like Little Birdie, she has left the nest.

From the Author

“I want to inspire young children to be the best people they can be. If I can capture children's imaginations and entertain them, they'll catch the underlying positive character message in each of my books.”

Website/blog   https://wandaluthman.wordpress.com

Facebook fan page  https://www.facebook.com/wluthman/

Twitter  https://twitter.com/wandalu64

 Quotes from reviews

“Wanda Luthman does a very good job with this book. Lots of colorful pictures. Lots of rhyming that small children could quickly learn. Highly recommend this book for children ages one to five.”

“Although “Little Birdie grows up” is written for very young children, who cannot fail to be immediately and deeply attracted to Bryce Westervelt’s vivid pictorial narrative, it is a book which most likely will also engage genuine adult interest.”

“This was the first picture rhyming book I have read and the first time a book has made me cry - but a good cry. Little Birdie Grows up is such a beautiful story.”

Where to find Little Birdie Grows Up

Ebook        https://www.amazon.com/Little-Birdie-Grows-Wanda-Luthman-ebook/dp/B01I08WY7A/

Hardback  https://www.amazon.com/Little-Birdie-Grows-Wanda-Luthman/dp/0692745106

Paperback https://www.amazon.com/Little-Birdie-Grows-Wanda-Luthman/dp/0692745092

Audiobook - Listen to a sample here. 

                    https://www.amazon.com/Little-Birdie-Grows-Up/dp/B01K5GBODK

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                      

FEATURE FRIDAY

Today, I'd like to reintroduce you to my latest book...

CHICANERY

Cover design by the incomparable~

*~*~*Julie Nicholls.*~*~*

Edited by 

*~*~*Jordan Buchanan*~*~*

SYNOPSIS

What finds you in the night?

Chicanery is a collection of eight horror tales, each with a little bit of underhanded deceit and enough of the macabre to keep you guessing.

Who knows what awaits us as we go about our daily lives, unaware of what exists alongside us. In these tales, you will find a bit of betrayal, a snippet or two of terror, and a lot of comeuppance. Oh, and a good dose of helpful spirits.

STORY TEASERS

RELEASE DATE

SEPTEMBER 12. 2016