Category Archives: Book Reviews and More

Book Review: The Story Peddler by Lindsay Franklin

  By Ralene Burke • April 27, 2018

 

Y’all, I am so excited to share this book with you. But first, a little background …

Lindsay and I met almost 6 years ago at the very first Realm Makers conference. We ended up in the same suite together and had an amazing time getting to know each other (and our other 2 suite mates). She is friendly and smart and just a ton of fun to be around.

Ever since then, I’ve been waiting for her fiction stories to be presented to the world … and here is The Story Peddler!

You’ll see a blurb of the book below, along with other pertinent information. The Story Peddler is a fun YA fantasy about Tanwen, a story peddler, who finds herself in quite a bit of trouble. As hard as she tries to keep her story weaving within approved standards, she finds herself on the wrong side of the law. And that can only mean trouble!

Lindsay created a unique world with lots of equally unique characters, like a pirate who is also a story peddler. Or a princess who is at odds with the king–and isn’t afraid to stand up for what she believes in. Or a farmer boy who’ll do anything to save the woman he loves.

The story has some interesting twists that will keep you glued to the pages. And if that isn’t enough to get you interested, I have just one word for you: Fluffhopper. Yes, I know. You can’t resist now.

Read on to find out more about the book and where to get it!

About the Book

Selling stories is a deadly business

Tanwen doesn’t just tell stories–she weaves them into crystallized sculptures that sell for more than a few bits. But the only way to escape the control of her cruel mentor and claw her way from poverty is to set her sights on something grander: becoming Royal Storyteller to the king.

During her final story peddling tour, a tale of treason spills from her hands, threatening the king himself. Tanwen goes from peddler to prey as the king’s guard hunts her down…and they’re not known for their mercy. As Tanwen flees for her life, she unearths long-buried secrets and discovers she’s not the only outlaw in the empire. There’s a rebel group of weavers…and they’re after her too.

Amazon — Barnes & Noble — Books-A-Million — ChristianBook.com

 

About the Author

Lindsay A. Franklin is an award-winning author, award-winning freelance editor, and homeschooling mom of three. She would wear pajama pants all the time if it were socially acceptable. She spends a lot of time in made-up worlds, and she’s passionate about sparking imagination through stories of infinite possibility. Her debut fantasy novel, The Story Peddler, releases in 2018. When she’s not exploring the fantastical, she’s exploring the Bible and encouraging young women through her devotional books (click here for more information on Adored).

Lindsay lives in her native San Diego with her husband (master of the dad joke), their awesomely nerdy kids, two thunder pillows (AKA cats), and a stuffed wombat with his own Instagram following (@therealwombatman). You can find Lindsay on social media, too, if Wombatman hasn’t hijacked all her accounts. She’s @LinzyAFranklin on Instagram and Twitter, and she Facebooks at www.facebook.com/LindsayAFranklin.

Email list sign-up link: http://eepurl.com/bwF64j

 

Let’s Party!

Calling all book readers! Join authors Lindsay A. Franklin and Sara Ella to celebrate the releases of their novels, The Story Peddler and Unbreakable, on May 1st!

Grab your favorite drink and snack and be prepared for a fun time of chatting with Lindsay and Sara, games, and giveaways.

The party starts at 8 PM EST (7 PM CST and 5 PM PST). Can’t wait to see you there!

RSVP Here

 

Giveaway Time!

Want to dive into a new world or in need of a good book? Use the link below to enter to win a signed print copy of The Story Peddler, a blue strand book sleeve, custom Story Peddler bookmark,a fluffhopper sticker, anda set of five mini Story Peddler art prints! (US only.)

>>>Entry-Form<<<

 

Blog Tour Schedule

Tuesday, April 24th

Wednesday, April 25th

Thursday, April 26th

Friday, April 27th

Saturday, April 28th

Monday, April 30th

Tuesday, May 1st

Wednesday, May 2nd

Novel News: November 2016

  By Ralene Burke • December 2, 2016

Well, November was quite the interesting month. With all its ups and downs, the craziness reminded me of just how much I have to be thankful for. God has put so many amazing people in my life, each one a treasure.

There’s lots to go over this month. Be sure to read all the way through to find out the winners from the blog tour and other exciting news!

 

New Releases

NOTE: Contains affiliate links.

 

Bellanok by ME (paperback)bellanokanovel

A haven for myths and legends . . . until evil discovers a way in.

With evil darkening the mountains to the north, the fairy queen, Fauna, must journey from the island realm of Bellanok to the modern world to find the man the Creator appointed to save their kingdom. A man she has been dreaming of her whole life.

Brian is a down-on-his-luck pastor on the verge of giving up on God. He’s tired and frustrated–a failure. No sooner does he make a decision that jeopardizes his career than an unusual blonde woman shows up and tries to convince him he is some kind of savior.

Fauna must open Brian’s eyes to a different reality, and Brian needs to embrace the haven’s secrets. If neither of them succeeds, Bellanok will succumb to evil and the world will lose all trace of innocence.

 

 

A brazen assassination. Two nations on the brink of war. And, a weapon that changes everything… After an assassination divides the kingdom of Aldron and bolsters the evil Draknoir forces, Lucius travels with a group of Aldronian soldiers on a clandestine mission to retrieve the Gauntlet of Iniquity and turn the tide of war. But far from being an easy solution, Lucius finds that wielding this powerful weapon comes at a price, and may very well destroy him and his allies. Gauntlet of Iniquity is the second installment in the Azuleah Trilogy, an epic fantasy series filled with action, adventure, and intrigue. Fans of C.S. Lewis’ Chronicles of Narnia and John Flanagan’s Ranger’s Apprentice will feel right at home.

 

Sorvashti is a captive. Jet is a soldier. Both harness the primal power of aether.

The war is over, but the Revoth want their land back. Kidnapping, ransom, and slavery fund their terrorism, but bombing Jet’s hometown was the final straw.

Viper Unit is dispatched to take the Revoth down. But the special forces have no need for a mind-reading ‘fairy’—unless Jet can prove himself as a sniper.

Sorvashti’s clan demands she take one of the seven oaths, but her father’s political status has already chosen for her—and made her a prime target for ransom.

When Jet and Sorvashti meet behind enemy lines, revenge intertwines with survival… and a spark between them neither can ignore.

 

Writing Update

Good news: Bellanok is available for Kindle and in PAPERBACK! Woot!

Good news: I started writing Soter, the 2nd book in the trilogy contracted by Elk Lake Publishing.

Bad news: Either myself or someone in my family was sick for pretty much the entire month. I think I only hit about 10K so far. Goal is to be done by end of January with first draft!

Kicking off a new book is always so much fun. It’s like a whole story out there just ready to be explored and experienced. Eee!

 

Other News

So, the Bellanok blog tour was a lot of fun. I am so thankful for all the wonderful people who hosted me on their websites. You can find a recap of those posts below!

But first . . .

There were 2 paperback copies of Bellanok up for grabs as part of the blog tour. Thank you to all who entered!

The winners are . . .

Olivia and Robin Elizabeth Mason!

Congrats, ladies! I sent you emails. 🙂

Now, I hope the rest of you will check out some of the fun interviews, interesting character posts, and more from the blog tour. Don’t forget to say hi!

KM Carroll blog – Interview with ME

Serena Chase – Interview with Roman (dragon)

Carla Hoch – Radio Interview

Zachary Totah – Interview with ME

Heather Fitzgerald – Interview with Fauna, Fairy Queen

Bethany Kaczmarek – Interivew with ME

Laura Pol – Interview with ME

Lands Uncharted – Interview with ME

J.L. Mbewe – Spotlight on Bellanok

New Authors Fellowship – My Author Journey

L2L2 – A Day in my Life

SpeculativeFaith – Why a Pastor?

Olivia – Interview with Me

 

And you know Christmas is just around the corner. Know what makes a good present for the fantasy lover in your life? Yep, you guessed it! Don’t forget to check out Bellanok–for you or for a friend.

What are you looking forward to most this Christmas season?

Authors, if you had a book release in November, feel free to leave the title, a 25-word blurb, and a buy link in the comments!

Bellanok is Available in Paperback!

  By Ralene Burke • November 14, 2016 ,

bellanokanovelBELLANOK: THE RELUCTANT SAVIOR

I’m so excited to announce that Bellanok is officially available in physical book form. Yes! One for your bookshelf! One for your local library! One for your fellow fantasy lovers for Christmas!

This has been a long-time coming. And I am ever so thankful for all the love and support from family, friends, and fans. But most of all for God giving me this gift, this passion. This is truly a dream come true!

Before you hop over and purchase several copies for you and everyone you know, check out this fun book trailer from Amaeris Designs Productions.

Need an escape this weekend? Ready for a fantasy adventure? You can see a full description of Bellanok, as well as blog tour information, in My Books. But you know you just want to hop over and buy now! (Available for Kindle AND in paperback.)

 

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If you’d like to follow along as I work on releasing another 3 books (also fantasy) through Elk Lake Publishing over the next couple of years, be sure to sign up for my newsletter!

And if you want to join in launch time fun and get to know a few other ladies of spec, as well as other spec readers, check out the Ladies of Spec Readers Group!

Bellanok: Get the WHOLE Story!

  By Ralene Burke • October 25, 2016 ,

My friends and family, it’s finally here! The culmination of a couple years of work. My first complete baby–uh–book. Bellanok: The Reluctant Savior is now available as a WHOLE story.

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The Kindle version of Bellanok is $2.99 right now, but the price WILL GO UP in a week or 2. So, be sure to grab your copy now. Like right now. See this link? Or this one?

For now, Bellanok is only on Kindle. In 2 weeks, though, there will be . . . a paperback! I know, I know. Exciting stuff! There will be a physical book for me to hold, and smell, and give to others. It’s true! If you’re holding off for the paperback, sign up for my newsletter so you don’t miss the news.

Thank you all for celebrating with me! And, hey, if you feel like partying a little more, join me and the rest of the Ladies of Spec for the Fall into a Speculative Adventure Facebook Party.

Who’s ready to party?

Novel News: September 2016

  By Ralene Burke • September 30, 2016

Good morning! Thank goodness it’s Friday, am I right? Tomorrow begins my favorite quarter of the year. I LOVE fall, and Thanksgiving, and Christmas . . . My excitement level goes up tenfold this time of year. So expect to see a jump in the number of exclamation points I use! Hey, y’all already knew I am a little weird.

September saw several new book releases, goals met, and revelations had. So let’s dive right in!

NEW RELEASES

51fhqlyy5flTHE STORY OF WITH by Allen Arnold

When I went to ACFW in August, I took this amazing class that helped to jumpstart some important revelations which are leading to some serious changes in my life and in the way I do life with God. That workshop was based on Allen’s new book, The Story of WITH (which is a combination of nonfiction and fiction, an interesting approach). Here’s part of the blurb:

– From the Foreword –

“You are not alone. Whether you’re a free spirit, an office exec, a writer, musician, college student, or tired parent—your soul, like mine, knows life is meant to go beyond rat races and rare applause. This book speaks to that belief. And if you’re not careful, you may find tears warming your eyes as you read because finally someone is naming your weariness, your striving, your questions of why you just can’t quite make it, or the emptiness that hit because maybe you did. It is into those places The Story of With reaches—fusing allegory with application—to offer fresh perspective, restored hope, and a rebirth of creativity.”
—MARY WEBER, the Christy & Carol Award-Winning, Scholastic Pick Author of the Storm Siren Trilogy

 

high-res-beanstalk-cover-2JESUS AND THE BEANSTALK by Lori Roeleveld

We live in unsettling, challenging times. Everywhere we look, we see giant problems: giant obstacles to sharing faith, giant barriers to peaceful lives, giant strongholds of fear. But what if you knew eight small secrets to unlocking a strength big enough to overcome whatever obstacle life may bring?
Using allegory and a bit of humor, Jesus and the Beanstalk explores a passage in 2 Peter 1 to uncover eight truths that will help you unleash a larger-than-life faith:
· Faith
· Goodness
· Knowledge
· Self-control
· Perseverance
· Godliness
· Affection for others
· Love 
In this creative, refreshing perspective on spiritual growth, you will discover an unyielding strength when you tap the power of a God who is stronger than any beanstalk and bigger than your biggest giants.

 

41-ahi1r0pl-_sx331_bo1204203200_ELIJAH: A SUSPENSE by Frank Redman

I can’t tell you how excited I am about this suspense book by a long-time friend. Frank’s personal story is just amazing, but then you throw in that he’s a writer on top of that? He was mentored by Dean Koontz! Check out the blurb:

Elijah Raven, 22, possesses an extraordinary gift–or to him–a curse. He’s simply trying to overcome his past and get by in life. Well, and dream of a girl who’s out of his league. He’s not a thrill-seeking daredevil. Instead, he works as an IT tech at Buy City. His passion is for computers, a relatively safe endeavor. Not adventure.

He’s already had enough adventure to last a lifetime.

But, animals won’t grant his desire for peace. They communicate with him. He doesn’t know how it works, but somehow animals sense that he can understand them. That sounds like it would be cool, except the problem is the animals don’t tell him to throw the ball or give a treat. They tell him about the evil things they see. Abuse. Rape. Murder. He wants to mind his own business and reject diving headfirst into unknown dangers against his will. Instead, he’s compelled to get involved. He cannot deny the call to action.

And the call screams when he stumbles upon the high crime abduction of children forced into prostitution by untouchable Corporate Executives, who believe anything that makes money is permissible in the world of High Finance.

 

612gyosofllTHE LOUDEST ACTIONS by Cindy Koepp

Cindy and I were critique partners for a couple of years, and I’ve come to expect great stories from her. She has a unique and big imagination. Although I haven’t read this particular story, it should still be something to check out!

First contact missions are hard enough, but they get even tougher when the negotiator has an ego the size of a gas giant.
Burke Zacharias, a first contact researcher, is chosen to spearhead humanity’s first official contact with Montans, an insect race that has already had a run-in with less friendly humans. Although his words and overtures toward the Montans are cordial enough, the Montans are put off by how he treats the crew of the scout ship that brought him to the world.
With other, less friendly forces trying to establish a foothold on the world, the negotiation must succeed in spite of Burke, or the Montans could be facing extinction.

 

513hurubc-lBAIT by Laura VanArendonk Baugh

They eat us to live. We eat them to live forever.

When Tomás Torres agrees to consult on an unsuccessful breeding program for a rare species, he finds his new patients are fish with oddly humanoid face and torso — merfolk.

The legend that eating a mermaid will grant immortality seems to be based loosely in fact, and early trials suggest their meat is a powerful curative with incredible potential. The corporation with a successful fish farm will command nutrition and pharmaceutical markets. But many of the fish are not reproducing.

Before they can even begin to evaluate the breeding program, Tomás and fellow consultant Dr. Alyssa Cooper learn staff at the facility are dying, devoured after falling into tanks they had no reason to approach. Tomás and Alyssa set out to discover the secrets of the carnivorous mermaids — but Nature will not wait for research.

 

51yrdh16zlSPACE DRIFTERS: THE IRON GAUNTLET by Paul Regnier

Reality check.

No good-luck charm can help Captain Glint Starcrost out of this no-holds-barred reality show. The Iron Gauntlet pits competitors against four of the most fearsome, fang-filled, alien fighters in the universe.

He’s one of the few human challengers ever chosen to contend, but he’s not alone.

A fan, a mysterious benefactor, offers Glint and his ragtag team support. The catch? If Glint loses or withdrawals from the competition, it will mean a permanent game over for his crew and the woman he loves.

Will he have the mettle to medal? Or is the game too much of a gamble?

 

And for you romance fans . . .

51jnqotfxlA HARMONY FOR STEVE by Hallee Bridgeman

HARMONY and STEVE draw closer and spiritual war wages when heaven meets hell.

Christian contemporary singing sensation, daughter of Christian radio and media family counselor icons, HARMONY HARPER, has spent her entire life serving God. From teen sensation to celebrated adult Christian contemporary music artist, she regularly plays sold-out concerts everywhere she goes. Nearing thirty, and nearing burnout, Harmony heads to her mountain cabin hideaway to commune with Christ and compose some new music.

Hard rocker STEVE SLAYER faces an ultimatum: keep rocking life the hard way and watch his organs fail due to addictions, or, sober up – for real this time – and live. Hiding out in the mountains of Oregon, he spends weeks detoxing. Finally strong enough to venture into town, he comes face to face with Harmony. Over the next several weeks, the two become unlikely friends as Steve learns to love and trust God, and mutual attraction surprises them both.

Once news of their budding romance reaches the world, no one is happy. Not her people – not his people. Then letters written in blood start arriving. An attack on a concert threatens more than just their lives. Harmony and Steve realize the threats might just be real.

Can Harmony and Steve discover who wants to destroy them, or will the enemy bring their house down in a dissonance that strikes at their very souls?

 

WRITING UPDATE

Well, if you’ve been following my Facebook page, you know I already finished Bellanok compilation and sent it off to my editor and formatter, the fabulous Kristen Stieffel. She’ll be getting the first part back to me soon because I wanted to do something special with it. The rest I should get back mid-October so I can get everything ready to release Bellanok on TUESDAY, OCTOBER 25! That’s right, people, less than a month away! Who’s as excited as I am? (Did you see the mock up of the new cover?)

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In other writing news, I printed out the entire manuscript for Soul Seer the other day. I’m now getting into the process of making revision notes. My hope is to have it done by the end of October–if not sooner.

 

OTHER NEWS

I still have a couple of slots available in my editing calendar for the rest of the year (and plenty after the new year). If you’re ready for someone to help make your story SHINE, visit my Editing Services page, and then let’s start a conversation!

Don’t forget about my GIVEAWAY! It ends on Sunday night. I’m giving away 2 books and an Amazon gift card to 3 winners!So hop over to the giveaway post, sign up for my newsletter, and hold on tight.

 

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AUTHORS: If you had a book release in the last 60 days, feel free to leave the title, a 25-word blurb, and a buy link in the comments!

READERS: What new books did you read this month?

Novel News: July & August 2016

  By Ralene Burke • August 26, 2016

Where did the summer go? It has been crazy busy around here, and I feel like I’ve been getting nothing done. And the muggy heat has been beating down my energy levels, which is never any good.

At least I still have my books. And writing. And friends. Now I get to share some novel news with you!

 

New Releases

Bellanok4Bellanok: The Palandin’s Hope

The final part of my novel serial is HERE! I’m so excited to wrap up this book and see where Brian and Fauna’s adventures take them.

The demon horde is on its way, and Brian and Fauna have no way to protect Bellanok. They must pull the island together to rise up against the evil overtaking their numbers. But will it be too late? After all, Brian doesn’t even know the extent of his paladin powers, and Fauna still can’t talk to the Creator.

 

FrayedFrayed (Dark Trench Shadow Book 1) by Kerry Nietz

You know, the guy who wrote the Amish Vampires in Space book . . . Now he has a new series, Dark Trench Shadow. Here’s the blurb for Book 1:

ThreadBare is a debugger. He’s property, one of the Imam’s vast pool of implanted servants. He lives in a smelly, greasy garage on the boundary of the battlefield known as Delusion. All he wants is to complete his tasks, exceed his rival BullHammer, and stay alive. Possibly get a promotion.

When an atypical chore brings Thread into contact with Sandfly and HardCandy, things get complicated. Day by day and task by task he struggles with the life he’s always known. Ideas plague him, brutality vexes him, and women distract him.

Then there’s the list of offline debuggers, those who’ve quietly disappeared. Through datamixes—dreamlike records of their lives—Thread tries to uncover the truth. Where did they go? What does it all mean? And what can one forgotten debugger do about it anyway?

 

LegacyLegacy Rewound by Kat Hechenback

I read Finding Angel, the first book in the Toch Island Chronicles and really enjoyed it. I need to add Seeking Unseen (Book 2) and Legacy Rewound (Book 3) to my TBR list. Here’s the blurb:

Melinda knew Kalek’s music created powerful visions, but it wasn’t supposed to actually send her into the past! It definitely wasn’t supposed to bring someone back to the present with her. Especially not someone tied so tightly to Melinda’s own past, someone to prove, once again, that her family ancestry was made up of psychopaths who should never have existed. Now it’s her chance to change her lineage–and history–forever.

 

ThirdHeaven

 

The Third Heaven: Realm of the Dead by Donovan Neal

I just met Donovan at Realm Makers this year. I haven’t had a chance to read any of his books but they look interesting! Here’s a taste of his blurb:

Lucifer holds captive the archangel Talus as a prisoner of war. Will Lucifer’s powers of temptation and torture, turn his brother to his cause? Or will Talus remain faithful to the end?

 

 

Wrath

 

Wrath and Ruin: A Chilling Anthology by CW Briar

Another author I’ve known through Realm Makers. I love the cover here!

Some monsters are nightmarish beasts with fangs and grotesque bodies. Others come in the form of bad decisions we dread or regret. Both kinds haunt and stalk us while we are alone at night.

Wrath and Ruin is a collection of nine stories with a focus on fantasy and sci-fi threaded with quiet, traditional horror. Monsters, both literal and figurative, lurk in the shadows of this diverse anthology.

 

 

RopesOn the Ropes by Hallee Bridgeman

Okay, so here’s a non-spec for those of you who enjoy romantic suspense. I like one every now and then, and Hallee’s just a great storyteller. Here’s the blurb for this novella:

Blow after blow, she hides her face and fights for her life.
Doctor Ruth Burnette has everything she has ever dreamed possible: the perfect job, a twin sister who is her best friend, and a fiancé who is retiring from professional boxing as the middleweight champion of the world.

Then came that fateful night when she witnessed a mafia execution. When her sister is murdered she knows she’ll battle to the last round and never, ever throw in the towel. Now she’s down for the count, in witness protection, anxious, alone except for the faithful company of her German Shepherd at her side.

As the time draws near to when she has to leave her safe little corner she stays on her toes. She has to testify against one of the darkest criminals in New York, she shores up the courage to face the accused from the witness stand. Unexpectedly, he’s not the one who worries her. She wonders what coming face-to-face with his son, VICTOR KOVALEV…her former fiancé …will bring.

Will Ruth have a fighting chance against the Kovalev family, or will Victor keep her pinned ON THE ROPES?

 

Writing Update

Now that Bellanok is complete, what’s up next on my plate?

Well, I’m going to compile Bellanok into one novel, and then make it available as an ebook and a paperback. I hope to release that sometime in October. In the meantime, I’m going to be running some contests and giveaways in anticipation of that release!

At Realm Makers, I got a request for my YA fantasy story. So I polished up the proposal and sent that, along with the full manuscript off to this publisher. In the meantime, I begin my massive overhaul of a supernatural suspense, now titled, Soul Seer. I’m pitching it this week at ACFW. Pray for me! Depending on feedback, I may consider it for another self-publishing project.

 

Other News

13835825_10209189383505598_284719027_oRealm Makers had their conference at the end of July, and it was fantastic. It just gets better and smoother every year! I heard lots of good feedback from attendees. Now that this year is over, though, we’re looking forward to 2017. If you haven’t seen the news all over yet, Realm Makers is going to be in Reno, NV, July 27-July 29.

If you’re a published author in speculative fiction (or if you know someone who is), be looking for more information on our annual Realm Award and Genre Awards toward the end of the year.

 

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What was the last book you purchased? Have you read it yet?

Writers, did you have a novel release this month?

Please feel free to share in the comments!

Bellanok: The Paladin’s Hope is Available on Amazon!

  By Ralene Burke • August 23, 2016

That’s right, my friends. The headline says it all. Finally, finally, finally . . . the serial is complete.

Bellanok: The Paladin’s Hope is the last of four novellas in a serial project. If you haven’t checked out the first 3, head over to My Books to find out about this fun fantasy adventure series.

For those of you have been reading along and excitedly waiting on the final installment . . . well, let me tell you a little more about it.

The Cover

Bellanok4

 

 

Blurb

As if becoming a paladin in a crazy battle between good and evil wasn’t bad enough, now Brian must press onward without his mentor. The demon horde is closing in. Good is outnumbered. And evil has the ultimate weapon.

Fauna still can’t communicate with the Creator, and she refuses to believe the fairies need salvation like mere humans. Her pride and her fierce need to protect the inhabitants of Bellanok are the only things keeping her going.

In a race against time, Brian and Fauna will have to unite those left on the island and take the battle to the demon. They’ll need all their strength and all their faith to come out on top. Failure is not an option, but what will success truly cost?

 

Are you ready for the exciting ending to this fantasy adventure? Head over to Amazon now! 

 

Reviews

You may have heard this before, but reviews are an author’s bread and butter. Seriously. Whenever readers shop, especially online, reviews count. Some people don’t even realize that they are looking at the reviews. But, often, if you see a book with two 5-star reviews, and another with 25 reviews with an average of 4 stars, which do you think gets chosen more often? The one with more reviews, not the one with the higher ratings.

That being said . . . Reviews do not have to be very long. Just a couple of lines that tell other readers what you enjoyed (or did not enjoy) about the story. It doesn’t have to be an in depth analysis.

And, hey, I’m not just toting this whole review thing for myself and my books, but for all authors. If you enjoy a book–take 5 minutes to let the world know!

Up Next?

Later this fall, Bellanok will be compiled into one big novel, with added scenes and everything! Look for updates on that coming in the next few weeks or so. Be sure to sign up for my newsletter so you don’t miss out! (Plus, have you seen the Confessions posts? I have some rather unique ones coming up in the next couple of months!)

 

If you’ve read the first 3 parts of Bellanok, what did you like about it? If you have not, are you ready to dig in? 

New Release: Zombie Takeover by Michele Harper

  By Ralene Burke • July 15, 2016

You know that person that can make just about anyone smile? We all have at least one of those in our lives. Well, I’m happy to share one of those people with you today. You might remember her Confessions post from a couple of weeks ago, but it is my pleasure to introduce you to Michele Harper.

AUTHOR BIO:

Author Head Shot MicheleMichele Israel Harper spends her days as a stay-at-home mom and her nights typing away furiously on her laptop. Sleep? Sometimes… A member of the Heartland Christian Writers, American Christian Fiction Writers, as well as the treasurer for the Indiana chapter of ACFW, Michele has her bachelor’s degree in History and can most often be found with her nose in a book when not chasing her two rambunctious boys or cuddling her new baby daughter. Visit her website at www.MicheleIsraelHarper.com to learn more about her.

I met Michele last year after she read Bellanok and went ga-ga over it. She seriously made my day. We became friends on Facebook and were getting to know each other when I got to meet her in person at a local ACFW event. Turns out, she had a couple books out too. Here she’s signing one for me!

 

Michelle is just a joy to know! And even being a mom and wife, she still is an editor, publisher, & author. Amazing!

And as an author she just released another book: Zombie Takeover.

Check out the blurb:

Zombie Takeover_Kindle editionI was the bravest, fiercest warrior, singlehandedly stopping the zombie apocalypse and earning the respect and admiration of those who fought with me. Just kidding. I pretty much peed my pants and wasted a ton of ammo. At least everyone else shot what they were aiming at. Me? Not so much. This is my story—me, Candace Marshall, the world’s biggest scaredy-cat, facing my biggest fear. Zombies. It was awesome. (As in, not at all.)

Candace Marshall hates zombie movies. She hates anything scary, in fact. In his usual, notso-thoughtful way, her boyfriend surprises her with advanced screening tickets to the latest zombie flick, complete with interactive features and a tour. She refuses to watch it, but it doesn’t matter. Horror becomes reality when an experiment gone wrong transforms her peaceful town into a mess of slathering zombies. Thrown together with the only other survivor, Gavin Bailey, her favorite actor and secret crush, she somehow fights her way through the mess, making plenty of blunders and surprising herself with … courage?

Here are the buy links:

Amazon: http://amzn.to/1Yo9yUf

Barnes & Noble: http://bit.ly/1U9F2NV

iBooks: http://apple.co/1S2Xr7E

Kobo: http://bit.ly/1Ugurhl

 

file0002117963911Blog Tour

Michele’s hitting celebrity status–she’s even got her own online tour! Ha! Just kidding. But if you’re interested in some insights, interviews, etc., check out the rest of her tour!

Thursday, July 7th: Amy Brock McNew (www.AmyBrockMcNew.com) Interview

Friday, July 8th: Kristen Stieffel (www.newauthors.wordpress.com) Guest Post

Saturday, July 9th: Laurie Lucking (www.landsuncharted.com) My Top 3 Spec Fic Picks

Sunday, July 10th: Robin Pack (www.snippetsoffaith.com) Book Review
Monday, July 11th: Robin Scobee (www.quillsandinkblotts.blogspot.com) Book Review

Tuesday, July 12th: Michele Israel Harper (www.MicheleIsraelHarper.com) Release Day Feature

Wednesday, July 13th: Jennette Mbewe (www.jlmbewe.com) Book Launch Fun Post

Thursday, July 14th: Shayla Eaton (www.curiouserediting.com/blog) Review

 

Of course, you can find Michele on social media too . . .

Social Media Links:

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/love2readlove2write/
Twitter: https://twitter.com/razersj

Goodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/14554353.Michele_Israel_Harper

Pinterest: https://www.pinterest.com/razersj/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/michele_israel_harper/

Amazon Author: http://www.amazon.com/Michele-Israel-Harper/e/B016YW4Q6Q

 

I love sharing new books with you guys and introducing you to my friends.

Do you have any questions for Michele about being an author or about Zombie Takeover?

Novel News: June 2016

  By Ralene Burke • June 24, 2016 ,

Another month has come and is almost gone. June was pretty much a blur for me with so much going on: my son’s birthday, Father’s Day, my anniversary, another bout of weather-related illness, and tons of fun with the kids. And here we are, ready for another Novel News update!

 

New Releases

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Acolyte by Keven Newsome

This is the 3rd book in the Winter series, a series that has been surprisingly enjoyable, packed with action, demons, and an insecure prophetess (a la Old Testament prophet-style). Keven did not disappoint in this 3rd leg of the journey. Winter struggled with her powers while trying to protect her friends and the villain’s target. I can’t wait for the final book!

 

 

 

Bellanok4Bellanok: The Paladin’s Hope 

The final novella in my Bellanok serial. It has not come out yet, but it comes out on TUESDAY, JUNE 28! That’s right. More dragons. More demons. More fantasy fun. Are you ready for the final battle? Good. Because I’m not sure Brian and Fauna are. If you haven’t caught up on their journey yet, check out My Books.

 

 

 

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The Circumnavigation of Shatterworld

by Lelia Rose Foreman

I have not read this book yet, but it is by a fellow Realmie. It looks like quite the interesting sci-fi adventure tale, though, with new earth species, storms, and monsters of all sorts.

Writing Update

Now that the Bellanok serial is done, what’s next for me?

Well, I will be compiling Bellanok into one novel that will be available both as an ebook and paperback. I hope to release that in mid-July. No exact date yet.

After that, I will be revising Aletheia, the first book in a trilogy based on the premise question, “What if the armor of God were real?” Hopefully, I’ll have that finished before I head off to Realm Makers at the end of July.

 

Other News

The Silmarillion Awards: An interesting new set of awards. Click on the link to find out more!

If you write fantasy, should you read it? Great article on the Faith & Fantasy Alliance blog.

 

It’s the start of my conference season! Today, I’m at the KY Christian Writers Conference in Elizabethtown, KY. A small, intimate conference that is so inspiring.

Next month, I head up to Villanova, PA, for the Realm Makers conference. And in August, I’ll be at the ACFW conference in Nashville. Yay!

I hope I’ll get to see some of you at one of the conferences!

 

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Do you have any big summer plans?

Writers, did you have a novel release this month?

Please feel free to share in the comments!

Don’t forget to sign up for my newsletter so you don’t miss any of the updates! Coming in July, we have more goals, more confessions, and lots of book fun!

Bellanok 4 Title & Cover Reveal!

  By Ralene Burke • June 17, 2016 ,

Yes, my friends. The story is coming to an end–slowly but surely.

If you’ve been following Bellanok’s story, you know there’s going to be some kind of action-packed ending! Or is there? I guess you’ll have to find out by reading the final part of this fantasy novella serial when it comes out on

TUESDAY, JUNE 28, 2016!

That’s right, people! Only 11 days to go–start spreading the news. But before you do, you might want to see the new cover.

So I present to you . . .

 

Bellanok4BELLANOK: THE PALADIN’S HOPE

After the heartache of The Dragon’s Oath, Brian and Fauna try to recover their shaken faith amid the gathering storm of demons.

More and more of the inhabitants of Bellanok are being turned, and they have no way of knowing if the demon army outnumbers them yet or not. Brian and Fauna turn to the dragons for help. But it still might not be enough.

Brian and Fauna must both embrace their place in the upcoming battle or they are sure to lose it all. More than just the future of Bellanok is at stake.

 

What do you think? I love the unicorn in the mirror for the final cover. 

If you haven’t checked out the first 3 novellas in the serial, head over to MY BOOKS to get your copies so you’ll be all caught up!

Also, be sure to sign up for my newsletter so you don’t miss the latest updates–like when the book finally releases!