Wednesday, October 14, 2015

Thought for Today
“You never know what's around the corner. It could be everything. Or it could be nothing. You keep putting one foot in front of the other, and then one day you look back and you've climbed a mountain.” ~ Tom Hiddleston

Suggested Reading

Book: The Mark of the Lion Trilogy
Author: Francine Rivers

I absolutely love this historical Christian fiction series and have read it over and over. Definitely my favorite!

A Voice in the Wind
The first book in the bestselling Mark of the Lion series, A Voice in the Wind brings readers back to the first century and introduces them to a character they will never forget—Hadassah. Torn by her love for a handsome aristocrat, this young slave girl clings to her faith in the living God for deliverance from the forces of decadent Rome.
Amazon

An Echo in the Darkness
Turning away from the opulence of Rome, Marcus is led by a whispering voice from the past into a journey that could set him free from the darkness of his soul.
Amazon

As Sure As the Dawn
Atretes. German warrior. Revered gladiator. He won his freedom through his fierceness . . . But his life is about to change forever.
Amazon



Monday, June 8, 2015

Book Two in the Watchers Series







Finding your own unique strength and courage is a major theme of The Watchers. The characters in this series are as diverse as they come: different nationalities, male, female, dwarf, human, dragon, pixie, noble, peasant orphan, young, aged. Yet, no matter the situation, whether tragic or triumphant, they find ways to grow and develop into something stronger. 

The main character, Auriella (Aura), is born and lives in a society and time when girls, especially of her social status, didn't have opportunities for education or growth, let alone a chance to be a hero. The Watchers must learn to work together, despite differences, to defeat Erebus and the Shadow Legion, just as we, no matter our gender, race, age, circumstances, etc., are capable of great things. 

Strong men and women grow in all situations and become heroes when one is needed. They don't think about it, they just do what's right. 

-Deirdra Eden, author of The Watchers Series


Book Summary

Auriella’s new life as a royal protector is in shambles. The new king ignores her warnings of a Shadow Legion invasion and he is determined to marry her off. Ghosts from her past, the discovery of other Watchers, and a handsome Scottish warrior throw her off guard and weaken her emotional defenses. Caught in a web of secrecy and betrayal, Auriella struggles to control and protect the devastating power of Starfire. A terrible truth and a fateful choice will lead her to her destiny as the fabled Lady of Neviah, or could shroud the entire world in eternal darkness. 

Filled with action, romance, drama, and comedy, Hidden Fire is an addicting read that you won't want to put down. 

“Deirdra Eden has surpassed her earlier achievement in this daring tale of struggle between good and evil forces that exist in every universe.” Mark F. Cheney, author of MARK OF THE JAGUAR 

“Thought provoking and full of action, I didn’t want to put the book down! I really loved the symbolism and it was a fantastic read.” Mary G. – age 15












Sunday, May 17, 2015

A New Cozy Romantic Mystery by Linda Weaver Clarke

Title: Her Lost Love: Amelia Moore Detective Series
Author: Linda Weaver Clarke

The Mystery Of A Long Lost Love


Most mysteries are a “who-done-it,” but this cozy mystery series specializes in missing persons. Amelia Moore, founder of the Moore Detective Agency, and Rick Bonito always solve their case. Her Lost Love is the fifth mystery in the Amelia Moore Detective Series. There is a nice blend of mystery, romance, and humor. The little sparks of romance between the two detectives simply add to the mystery of this story.

“I've read this series from the beginning and come to know and love Amelia and Rick more with each book. These are some of my favorite cozy mysteries and I know exactly what I'm getting with them--a fun, unique mystery that isn't too intense, mingled with a sweet, clean romance. I think Amelia and Rick compliment each other perfectly, both professionally and personally. Of course, since I'm a romantic at heart, I love the romantic moments in the story.” --Katie Watkins, Katies Clean Book Collection

Julie Anderson feels a need to find the man she fell deeply in love with during her youth. When Julie went off to college to become a lawyer, she lost contact with her high school sweetheart. She now wants to know what became of Joey and why he stopped writing to her? This is an assignment that intrigues Amelia. The thought of finding a long-lost love seems quite romantic.

“I love long-lost love stories,” wrote Melanie Valderrama of Mel’s Shelves. “So this one grabbed my interest right from the beginning. What I enjoy about this series is that there's always more to each case than they originally think. This case was no different. I love how their personal relationship is progressing and am excited to see what happens next. Rick is so irresistible and romantic and he steps up big time in this book. I'm definitely looking forward to reading more!”

Each novel in this mystery series has enough twists to keep the reader guessing. “Her Lost Love” not only has a case for Amelia and Rick to solve, but the romance is intriguing. Library of Clean Reads wrote: “This is a fast-paced, creative mystery that has at its heart crime, archaeological digs, romance, ‘good guys and bad’ that combine to make an interesting, quick read.”

The books in the Amelia Moore Detective Series are The Bali Mystery, The Shamrock Case, The Missing Heir, and The Mysterious Doll. For more information or to read sample chapters, visit www.lindaweaverclarke.com.

Book Trailer:

About the Author
Linda Weaver Clarke travels throughout the United States, teaching people to write their family history and autobiography. She is the author of several historical sweet romances, a mystery/adventure series, a children’s book, and a cozy mystery series.

Wednesday, May 6, 2015

New Suspense Novel by Michele Ashman Bell

Title: Extreme Measures
Author: Michele Ashman Bell


About the Book:
Following the trauma of her estranged husband's untimely death, Emma Lowell is happy with the life she has rebuilt for herself. She's engaged to a wonderful man and anticipates a fresh start, free from her troubled past. Only one persistent obstacle remains: Margaret Lowell, her former mother-in-law. Margaret continues to be a demanding presence in Emma's life, and her requests have become increasingly disconcerting. When Margaret asks Emma to accompany her on a sentimental journey to the family s mountain cabin, the young woman reluctantly agrees. After all, her fiancé is out of town. No one will miss her. Emma could never have suspected the horror that awaits in the snow-bound cabin, for beneath Margaret Lowell's elderly façade lies a sinister and terrifying nature and a plot born of insanity. Alarmed by the dark plan that unfolds, Emma struggles to escape the isolated cabin in a chilling game of cat and mouse. As the danger escalates, and with little hope of rescue, Emma must engage in a battle of wills if she is to avoid becoming the final piece in Margaret's twisted puzzle . . .

Purchase Links:
Amazon Paperback
Amazon Kindle
Deseret Book

Saturday, April 25, 2015

New Murder Mystery By Marlene Bateman

In the mood for a good mystery? Check out Crooked House, the newest book in the Erica Coleman mystery series.

Blurb for Crooked House

Someone is trying to kill Liz Johnson and it’s up to quirky private investigator, Erica Coleman, to find out who. Erica is no stranger to murder and mystery, which is why her best friend’s daughter, Megan, turns to her when unaccountable and potentially fatal “accidents” threaten her roommate’s life.

Once Erica arrives at the ramshackle old mansion known as Crooked House, matters go from disturbing to deadly as it becomes clear someone is trying to kill Liz.  As Erica begins to unearth secrets, she discovers a twisted web of love, money, greed, and deception. Although the police and friends sometimes find Erica’s OCD annoying, its those very traits that help her sift through evidence and see clues that others miss. Erica must draw upon her all her investigative prowess to keep Liz safe and unmask the killer before he can accomplish his deadly objective.

 With a dash of romance and surprising twists, this thrilling mystery will keep you on the edge of your seat until the very last page. As with all Erica Coleman mysteries, ten delicious recipes are included. 

Excerpt from Crooked House

“I’m scared.”

Erica’s heart turned over when she heard the quaver in her young friend’s voice on the phone.

Then Megan asked, “Can you come?”

 “Of course.” Erica’s reply was automatic. She would do anything she could to help. Although she often received emotionally-laden phone calls in her job as a private investigator, there was a difference when the call came from the teen-aged daughter of her best friend. The very fact that Megan—who was usually so calm and composed—sounded frightened out of her wits, put Erica on high alert.

“I think someone’s trying to kill my roommate, Liz,” Megan said.

“What makes you think that?”  Erica asked. “Has someone threatened her?”

“No, but Liz has had a couple of serious accidents lately—at least she says they’re accidents, but either one of them could have killed her.”

Erica made an effort to reel in her skepticism. “Tell me about them.”

“First, someone tampered with her car. The brakes went out and Liz ended up driving across someone’s yard and hitting a tree. Fortunately, she was okay. The second one happened downtown. Liz was on the sidewalk waiting for the bus when someone shoved her. She fell into the road. A truck was coming and if a guy hadn’t pulled her back, Liz could have been killed.”

Still, they could have been accidents, Erica thought, at least until the third one occurred—this time at Crooked House.


Crooked House and the first two books in the Erica Coleman Mystery Series are available at these retailers, as well as Deseret Book and Seagull bookstores.



Author Biography

Marlene Bateman was born in Salt Lake City, Utah, and graduated from the University of Utah with a BA in English. She is married to Kelly R. Sullivan.  Her hobbies include gardening, camping, reading, and enjoying her four cats and three dogs. 



Marlene’s first novel was the best-selling Light on Fire Island. Her next novel was Motive for Murder—the first in a mystery series that features Erica Coleman, a quirky private eye with OCD.  The next book in that line, (they do not have to be read in order) is A Death in the Family.



Marlene has also written a number of LDS non-fiction books under the name Marlene Bateman Sullivan. Those books include:  Gaze Into Heaven; Near-death Experiences in Early Church History, which is a fascinating collection of over 50 documented near-death experiences from the lives of early latter-day Saints, Heroes of Faith, and Latter-day Saint Heroes and Heroines.  Marlene also wrote three books about documented accounts in early LDS church history when a person either saw or heard an angel; Visit’s From Beyond the Veil, And There Were Angels Among Them, and By the Ministering of Angels.

Monday, March 16, 2015

Coming Soon!

Thought for Today
When you were born, you cried and the world rejoiced.  Live your life so that when you die, the world cries and you rejoice. - Cherokee Expression

Coming Soon - Pages

My new romantic short story



“One of the great truths in life is this: When it comes to love, there is no rhyme or reason and love is never planned. It just happens. It just is.

Joy and pain, wonder, beauty, ecstasy, tenderness, completeness, hurt and healing, a feeling of being whole. Being in love–truly being in love–encompasses all these things.

Or so I have heard.”



When Masai Grant went on her first cruise to celebrate her thirtieth birthday, she was not looking for love, but forbidden love found her. That was four years ago.

And now her heart is irrevocably tied to a man she can never have.