GOODREADS - Great Reads - Greta Burroughs

Gerald and the Wee People
by Greta Burroughs (Goodreads Author)
4.50 • rating details • 6 ratings • 5 reviews
An Exciting Fantasy Novel That Takes You To Another World



Gerald and the Wee People is a novel intended for young adults but readers of all ages will get carried away in the world of the Wee People.

Gerald and his best friend, Vernon literally fell into a new world when responding to a plea for help. A few years prior to that, the boys had discovered an unusual clearing in the woods where only Gerald had the ability to watch the daily activities that took place in a miniature village.

When creatures started attacking the village, Gerald became more and more concerned about the little inhabitants that he had become attached to. Vernon humored his friend but became concerned when Gerald mentioned one of the villagers coming to him and asking for help.

To prove him wrong, Vernon agreed to venture out to the clearing late one night and show Gerald it was all in his imagination. Instead, Vernon was drawn into the enchanted vision and both boys charged off to the rescue.

While in the wee people village, Gerald and Vernon try to fulfill a prophecy overcoming many dangers and obstacles. The boys help the villagers in their fight against the misshapen ones while also trying to defeat a powerful being intent on destroying all life.

The characters in the book come to life and will make you laugh, cry and root for the underdog. Gerald and the Wee People is an action packed fantasy adventure that will keep you spellbound until the last page.


Greta Burroughs loves to read. No matter where she is, there is always a book close at hand. Her love of reading began at an early age and blossomed over time to include many different genres, her favorite now being fantasy.

As a preschool and elementary school teacher, Greta tried to instill the joy of reading in the children she worked with. Books were an important part of her classroom and story time was the highlight of the day.

It has been a while since Greta was in a classroom but she had lots of experience in reading to children of various ages and remembers what they enjoyed listening to. She tries to incorporate that knowledge into her work as an author and believes it makes her a better writer of children’s books.

The adventures in Patchwork Dog and Calico Cat were written several years before the book was published. The manuscript was put away while she concentrated on her career as a freelance journalist and before that in aviation education. When medical issues kept her from being able to work outside the home, the writing bug hit her and the old manuscript was dusted off, rewritten, illustrated and published.

Greta’s one nonfiction narrative, Heartaches and Miracles describes the roller coaster ride she has been on fighting an autoimmune disorder called ITP. She has also published a young adult fiction fantasy novel entitled Gerald and the Wee People and has plans to write a sequel to that called The House on Bo-Kay Lane. That is not the end of her literary itinerary; Greta has several other children’s book in mind for the future.

WHAT REVIEWERS ARE SAYING!

Easy reading and good, December 8, 2011
By Liz Fed - See all my reviewsThis review is from: Gerald and the Wee People (Paperback)
If you like Harry Potter series and the Lightning Thief you will enjoy this book. Easy reading and enjoyable. The story of two boys and their journey with a village of wee people is intriguing. Come and join them in their adventure in saving the village.You wont put the book down. Help other customers find the most helpful reviews.

5.0 out of 5 stars Gerald and The Wee People, December 7, 2011
By HeyJude - See all my reviewsThis review is from: Gerald and the Wee People (Kindle Edition)
I worked with Greta in the newspaper business and was her editor for several years. She has a great writing voice and when she tells a story you become part of it.
I loved her first book, Gerald and The Wee People, and read one of the first editions she received. This is a great book for young readers and many ages will enjoy this magical tale. I highly recommend it as a Christmas gift for children.
Greta is a great writer and I am so happy to see her fulfilling her dream and becoming an accomplished author. I cannot wait to read her newest book!
Once again, if you are buying a book for a young reader then look at this! A great book to read to your children and grandchildren. You will not be disappointed!

4.0 out of 5 stars Coming of Age, December 7, 2011
By D. Williamsen - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME) This review is from: Gerald and the Wee People (Kindle Edition)
In "Gerald and The Wee People," Greta Burroughs speaks to the imaginations of young adults as she catapults Gerald and his best friend Vernon into another world, stretching their ability to believe what is happening. Beyond the strangeness of this new world, however, they soon realize that it mimics their own in many ways. The pettiness, the prejudices, the love, the caring--both the good and the bad exist in both worlds, all contributing to the drama in their lives.

Gerald and Vernon find themselves in a surprising position, one for which they feel ill-equipped, because the wee people are inexplicably depending on them to help defeat their enemy. In the course of fulfilling their destiny, the mettle of the two boys is tested to the point of breaking. In my opinion, this young adult fantasy novel can be especially viewed as a coming of age story for Gerald as his experiences among the wee people contribute to both his psychological and moral development.

Greta Burroughs has a soft spot for children, and it shows in the way she is able to write from their perspective. This story would be enjoyable for adults as well, at least those who still have a little child inside who's alive and well!

Reviewed by Dannye Williamsen, Breakthrough Bookstore

4.0 out of 5 stars Great Book, October 19, 2011
By Sue Owen - See all my reviewsThis review is from: Gerald and the Wee People (Paperback)
I really enjoyed reading this book. The author took a few plot twists that I probably wouldn't have taken and when I read them I wondered how in the world that was ever going to work out but I have to say she surprised me every single time. I fell in love with the wee people and especially the far-seers. As far as I'm concerned they were the heroes here.

The world created by Burroughs was fantastic. I got lost a couple times with where the boundaries were but the story didn't really need them. As the group traveled the world just seemed to go with them. Still a bit unclear on that but I don't feel I've missed out on anything.

The plot was fun, the story believable, the outcome wonderful and the entire book was entertaining. I wouldn't mind coming back to visit the wee people once in a while and probably will!

5.0 out of 5 stars Cool things come in small packages, October 8, 2011
By Vixie UK "vixie666" (london, UK) - See all my reviewsThis review is from: Gerald and the Wee People (Kindle Edition)
This book opens with Gerald trying to persuade his sceptical best buddy, Vernon, to go down to the woods to help the Wee People who he has been seeing in visions since they were at school. Like all good adventures, we have a character who believes & a character who disbelieves... even what he's seeing. This is a book that teens & adults will enjoy, I think. It's good for young readers and there is enough going on to keep adults interested. I like fantasy books where the author builds a new world for you to exist in for a while. This is an enjoyable read and there are a variety of characters here. There's also some morals and lessons to be learnt. Some characters grow, others... The interaction is good and the conversations natural. One of my favourites is the girl who is quite hot stuff - you'll have to read to find out who I mean. I like the ending - everything is tied up at the end, but there is a strand or two that can be picked up in book two, and I look forward to reading it.

5.0 out of 5 stars A wonderful fantasy, July 21, 2011
By Robert H Burroughs - See all my reviewsThis review is from: Gerald and the Wee People (Kindle Edition)
Gerald and the Wee people is a wonderful fantasy novel originally meant for young adults but equally enjoyable by older readers. The plot is well developed,the characters are believeable and the dialog well written.
While walking in the woods Gerald and his friend Vernon accidently fall (literally) into the world of the Wee People who are engaged in a war with monstrous beings from the deep forest. Using modern thinking and making unique weapons the boys help the Wee People conquer the monsters and the evil forest god that controls them. A classic triumph of good over evil.
The book is not overlong and this is a good thing since once the reader begins it is difficult to put down. Two things that impressed me about "Gerald and the Wee People" are the total lack of scatalogical language and that it does not have a dark theme as in much of the current young adult fiction.
Robert F. DeBurgh.

4.0 out of 5 stars great adventure, June 6, 2011
By Mary Daugherty "author, writer, reviewer" (radcliff, kentucky) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME) This review is from: Gerald and the Wee People (Kindle Edition)
In a clearing, in the dark woods, is a secret society of wee people and Gerald, with his friend Vernon, has just stumbled into a wee war. With wonderful imagery and imagination, Burroughs takes her readers into a magical world filled with terror, adventure and an unsuspecting hero.

Gerald and the Wee People is a book that brings the impossible to life and takes the reader right along with it into a battle that may mean death for the wee people. Without the help of Gerald, who doesn't even know how to help, and his best friend Vernon, all may be lost. With an "Alice in Wonderland" feel, Gerald is shrank down to wee size and is at the mercy of the attacking misshapen ones along with Sheela, Cian and Sean. Can Gerald save himself and his new friends or will they all cease to be.

This is a great story of courage, faith and friendship for any age. Young adults and more mature juveniles ( some violence) will enjoy the action and adventure that Burrough's characters bring to the reader. A pleasurable read and very talented writing make this book a winner. Makes me want to go look for the magic in my own back yard.

5.0 out of 5 stars What a pleasure!, June 2, 2011
By Alex Canton-Dutari (Panama City, Panama) - See all my reviewsThis review is from: Gerald and the Wee People (Paperback)
I love fantasy, especially when it is laced with spices of reality. The adventure of Gerald and Vernon had me traveling from Lilliput to Oz, and even taking a pinch of primitive science. I never thought of someone else thinking about using old bread mold to elicit its antibiotic properties....
Ms Burroughs was able to create easy dialogues among almost familiar creatures, without messing my head with complicated names. This novel was a pleasure to read.

5.0 out of 5 stars A fascinating fantasy, highly recommended, September 11, 2010
By Midwest Book Review (Oregon, WI USA) - See all my reviewsThis review is from: Gerald and the Wee People (Paperback)
It's hard to find help when people doubt who you're helping even exists. "Gerald and the Wee People" follows Gerald as he protects a village of small people who only he seems to be able to see and interact with. But Gerald's troubles only grow when he finds he alone can't protect him, and finding help seems so difficult. "Gerald and the Wee People" is a fascinating fantasy, highly recommended.

5.0 out of 5 stars Great Way to Escape to Another World, September 3, 2010
By Lady Wings (South Carolina, USA) - See all my reviewsThis review is from: Gerald and the Wee People (Paperback)
Gerald and the Wee People is a nice short book that is very easy to read and enjoy. It will captivate any aged reader who likes fiction, fantasy or adventure novels.
The world of the Wee People is a fascinating place to visit with characters that come to life. The quest the main characters undertake will keep the reader entertained until the last page.
Gerald and the Wee People is a great way to escape this world of stress and pressures; just relax and read a good story.



NOOK

SMASHWORDS

Opening Lines - God Save The Queen

Got Books asked authors and readers to post an opening line to a book they were reading, writing or just to make something up. We had 21 entries. From there we were to combine those opening lines to create a story. Below is mine. The opening lines have been italicized, and I may have broken a few literary rules, but it was fun. The opening lines are posted at the end. Give it a try and have fun.

GOD SAVE THE QUEEN

I love opening lines. They can tell you so much about what to expect, and many times give you a clue into the identity of the bad guy. As a homicide detective I’ve used that trick many times to profile a killer, robber or drug dealer. Often it worked, but not this time. Life was good before I met the monster. After, life was great, at least for a little while. The day I died started out bad and got worse in a hurry. The new super was demanding results or my badge. Some girls get flowers, I get a yard full of dead bodies. I shot a glance at my partner, Adam Shaw. “Throw me a line, Adam.”

“It was a dark and stormy night.” Adam growled, peering through the windshield. July had been blown out like a candle by a biting wind that ushered in a leaden August sky.

“Don’t be a smartass.“ I doodled on the blank page in front of me and flipped it over. “I need something original and spectacular.”

Damn! Adam thought. Just great! It’s getting dark and I have no idea where the hell I am! “What do you think of our new super?” Adam asked, abruptly changing the subject.

I snorted. “She’s so cold, I bet she poops out ice cubes.”

Adam laughed. “The bureaucrat fell from the sky.”

As usual, Adam’s mind never worked the way anyone expected. He jumped from subject to subject without laying the ground work for the change of topic. “What bureaucrat?”

“Your opening line.” Adam said, turning left down Crenshaw Avenue and pulling up in front of the two story brick ranch. Officers were stringing yellow tape from tree to tree, closing off the crime scene.

“It is a truth universally acknowledged, that a single man in possession of a good fortune, must be in want of a wife.” Adam turned off the engine and opened the car door. “I count five bodies.”

“Yea, though I walk through the Valley of Death,” I muttered opening my door and climbing out. Winning the lottery wasn’t always a good thing. And for Rick Feldman it had turned out to be a nightmare. The stench of death was overwhelming. Of course, if the rumors were right he’d gotten what he deserved. Someone should have told those poor girls Rick Feldman is best admired from a distance—if you get too close, you might find some of your body parts missing.

I couldn’t quite suppress my satisfaction as I noticed the new super turning a delicate shade of green, one hand covering her mouth. Long after she moved on, she would remember the smells. My satisfaction was short-lived though. She spotted me and clomped her way across the crime scene destroying any usable evidence in her path.

“This is unacceptable, Sparks.”

I bit back the sharp retort on the tip of my tongue and stared at the toes of my shoes. “Yes, ma’am.”

“Can you tell me what this means, or do I need to call in help?”

I raised my eyes and glanced at the sheet of paper she was waving in my face. Taking the sheet I read it quickly. When a burning is announced, the taverns off Smithfield order extra barrels of ale, but when the person to be executed is a woman and one of noble birth, the ale comes by the cartload.

Pulling out my notebook I found the first note the killer had left. Since King Garrick made Samael the province’s official god, Sundays in the saloon were always busy.Ale, saloons, Kings and women of noble birth. So far ten dead bodies, and these were the only clues. Bingo! God, I feel like such a jackass! “Isn’t Sarah McGinty visiting next week, ma’am, along with the Queen? I believe her father is known as the King of Ale. This could be a threat on her life or that of the Queen.”

The Super grabbed the paper from my hand and gave me a long, quizzical look. “I believe you’re acquainted with Detective Inspector Lorne Simpkins. She’ll be arriving this evening. I expect you to grant her every courtesy and share any and all information.”

I felt my fingers curling inwards, spine stiffening as I watched her walk away. How dare that bitch. I breathed deep, shook my hands to loosen them up and watched as Adam approached. He nodded toward the car and I followed, slamming the door behind me. “She’s calling in Simpkins.”

Adam gave me a slow, sensual smile and pushed my hair behind my right ear. “We had a good run, Sparkie. Time to pull up stakes and move on.”

“I can take care of Simpkins.”

Adam shook his head, started the car and glanced at the dash. “Got your opening line. The beer ran out at nine o’clock.”

It was three am. The dead hour. I felt washed out, but Simpkins looked like she’d just stepped out of a fashion magazine. She’d arrived just after midnight and spent the next three hours grilling me while I slaved over a hot stove cooking for her. I lifted my wine glass and smiled at her. “You should be dead in about one hour, maybe less, “I said as I watched my dinner guest eat the dinner I had prepared for her.

Panic has a way of defining an individual. Her eyes widened slightly as realization sunk in and she pushed away from the table. “You poisoned me?”

“I believe the coroner’s report will show you died of natural causes. You should have taken better care of your heart, Lorne. Seems it just gave out on you in the middle of the night.” I refilled my wine glass and took a sip. “And even God can’t save the Queen.”

Never underestimate your enemy. The glass slipped from my hand as the first bullet struck just below my left rib cage knocking me backwards. The second bullet struck two inches higher.

Lorne Simpkins pulled out her cell phone and hit the programmed number. The phone was answered on the second ring.

“Superintendent Marsh.”

“Need an air evac medical team, ma’am. The crazy bitch poisoned me.” Lorne listened for a moment before heading for the door and her car. “What about Shaw?”

“Picked him up fifteen minutes ago. He’s singing like a parakeet.” Marsh said.

“That’s good news, ma’am. I’ll see you at the station.” Lorne closed the cell phone, and opened the car door and sat down. Marsh owed her one for this. As soon as she’d seen the names Candace Sparks and Adam Shaw she’d known exactly what they were up to. What she couldn’t figure out was why they’d used the same names. She’d been searching for them for ten years since the last attempt on the Queen’s life. What the bloody hell. Serial killers were a strange breed. Mistake or destiny, she’d take it.

At the sound of helicopter blades whirling in the distance, Detective Inspector Lorne Simpkins leaned over the steering wheel and peered at the sky. God Save the Queen.




Opening Lines

1) The beer ran out at nine o’clock.
2) Yea, though I walk through the Valley of Death
3) I feel like such a jackass!
4) Damn! Adam thought. Just great! It’s getting dark and I have no idea where the hell I am!
5) Since King Garrick made Samael the province’s official god, Sundays in the saloon were always busy.
6) July had been blown out like a candle by a biting wind that ushered in a leaden August sky.
7) Some girls get flowers, I get a yard full of dead people.
8) She’s so cold, I bet she poops out ice cubes.
9) The bureaucrat fell from the sky.
10) You should be dead in about one hour, maybe less,” I said as I watched my dinner guest eat the dinner I had prepared for her.
11) When a burning is announced, the taverns off Smithfield order extra barrels of ale, but when the person to be executed is a woman and one of noble birth, the ale comes by the cartload.”
12) Life was good before I met the monster. After, life was great, at least for a little while.
13) It was a dark and stormy night. . .
14) It is a truth universally acknowledged, that a single man in possession of a good fortune, must be in want of a wife.
15) The day I died started out bad and got worse in a hurry.
16) It was three am. The dead hour.
17) Panic has a way of defining an individual.
18) Long after she moved on, she would remember the smells.
19) Rick Feldman is best admired from a distance—if you get too close, you might find some of your body parts missing.
20) At the sound of helicopter blades whirling in the distance, Detective Inspector Lorne Simpkins leaned over the steering wheel and peered at the sky.
21) The stench of death was overwhelming.

Featured Goodreads Author - Stephen Hise

Upgrade by Stephen Hise (Goodreads Author)
Upgrade 4.82 · rating details · 11 ratings · 8 reviews
Brent Schoenfeld is wealthy but unattractive. He is getting an upgrade that will dramatically change his life. Whole new worlds of possibilities will open up to him. Dreams come true; nightmares do, too.











Stephen Hise has worked in the field of emergency medical services (EMS) since the age of seventeen. Stephen was a paramedic by age nineteen, and worked his way up through the system to become one of the few people to have served with distinction in two states as State EMS Director. He currently lives in Phoenix, Arizona where he works as a consultant and author.



Available on: Kindle Nook Smashwords



What are Reviewers saying?

5.0 out of 5 stars Entertaining and well written!, December 7, 2011
By Sue P - See all my reviewsThis review is from: Upgrade (Kindle Edition)
Let me begin with the ingredients: Take a decent amount of science, add to this quite a lot of sex, then introduce mystery and intrigue, mix it all up, give it a twist right at the end and you have a superb , end product-Upgrade!

The author's way with words and jaunty style of writing makes this book a very lively and entertaining read. He tells the tale of an unattractive but wealthy man seeking to change his life by neuroscience .The procedure is successful and we follow the protagonist, Brent Schoenfeld through his new style of life, now focusing on females ( which I hasten to add have very different and colourful personalities of their own )and the exploits in their effort to woo him.
As the story progressed, the author builds up the feeling that something just isn't quite right , the suspense was growing .I actually found myself trying to second guess the ending with all sorts of scenarios and although I got somewhere close , he still managed to outmanoeuvre me with a totally unexpected and dramatic conclusion. Superb twist!

This story is original, sexy, extremely well presented with excellent grammar and editing. Also, in addition to the clever mix of genres, the author also incorporates a serious message with this book ; be careful what you wish for , the grass isn't always greener on the other side!
I enjoyed Upgrade from the first page to the last and I will now look forward to reading anything else Stephen Hise has to offer. He is talented to say the least!


5.0 out of 5 stars Expect the Unexpected., December 7, 2011
By K. S. Brooks "ksbrooks" - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME) This review is from: Upgrade (Kindle Edition)
I'll admit I had no idea what I was getting into when I started reading Upgrade. I'd read a few of Stephen Hise's blogs and found his wit and writing ability both impressive and refreshing. I wanted to see what his book was about. From all the buzz, I thought it was going to be a futuristic psychological thriller - and I wasn't far off.

Stephen Hise has written a piece of work that amazes me. I'm a very picky reader - one who gets easily bored and skips over bits and pieces and paragraphs, and sometimes even pages. I read every word of Upgrade. Not only did I read every word, each page turned nearly on its own, beckoning me with the tease of knowing something was going to happen - something that I didn't see coming. And it was right about that.

Upgrade's theme reminded me of Oscar Wilde's "The Picture of Dorian Gray" as it's about a man whose good looks undermine his good nature. It reminded me of "The Sixth Sense" because the end slaps you in the face and sends your mind reeling back over the rest of the book to check and see where you should have picked up on the clues. They are there. You're just so wrapped up in the story that you didn't see them.

Hise's talent for writing sensual scenes is evident. The pace of his writing is fluid and carries the reader along nicely. His style is almost minimalistic - but in a good sense. It's not burdened with lots of description and it doesn't need it. Something about Upgrade draws you to focus on the characters whilst the scenes somehow set themselves.

Some folks are going to expect `psychological thriller' to include a lot of action. Upgrade's not that kind of book. It's got a "Twilight Zone" kind of feel to it, but you don't realize that while you're reading it. Frankly, I could see Upgrade becoming a series which follows different people and how they deal with the interesting cosmetic `reprogramming' procedure that is the foundation of this book.

Upgrade wasn't what I was expecting, yet was more than I expected at the same time. How is that possible? You'll have to read it to find out. I give it five stars.

5.0 out of 5 stars Very interesting, November 3, 2011
By Lady Wings (South Carolina, USA) - See all my reviewsThis review is from: Upgrade (Kindle Edition)
Stephen Hise's idea of enhancements to a person's outward appearance made me start thinking, would I like this or not? It did lead his central character, Brent, into a very sticky situation, actually several sticky situations.
I enjoyed reading this novel even though it is not in the genre I usually choose my books from. The characters are well developed and I truly felt sorry for a couple of the ladies in Brent's life, while not being too fond of another one.
The ending was a surprise. Even though I tried to guess what was going to happen, I was not totally prepared for the final outcome. I recommend Upgrade to anyone who likes a different approach to getting the perfect lover.

5.0 out of 5 stars No upgrade needed!, October 7, 2011
By Alex Canton-Dutari (Panama City, Panama) - See all my reviewsThis review is from: Upgrade (Kindle Edition)
Upgrade by Stephen Hise
Reviewed by Alex Canton-Dutari
Nothing will hook me to a book faster than a hint that the plot is based on some interesting psychological aspect. I was not disappointed.
The reader will find characters that could be described as having loose morals, though they do not seem to produce any negative reaction as the surrounding society seems to adapt to them... or vice-versa.
I like the way Stephen Hise plays with words, even walking a thin line from a male writer's stand: "A man as handsome as that would never have been interested in her, no matter how smart and good she was."
In the end, even Shakespeare gets a cameo role, which I found quite fitting.
This is a story that does not need an Upgrade.

5.0 out of 5 stars Yummy box of chocs, September 10, 2011
By Vixie UK "vixie666" (london, UK) - See all my reviewsThis review is from: Upgrade (Kindle Edition)
I enjoyed reading this book. It's well-edited and flows along really smoothly. It's also fun. The idea is novel and you dive into the story pretty swiftly. Here you have Mr Average Geeky Guy who would love to be Brad Pitt. The idea is: what would you wish for? And if you get your wish will it make you happy? Surrounded by what you wish for, what option would you choose? Imagine a box of chocolates, all tantalising and yummy... this book is like that. The female characters are all different and well developed (some more than others!!). Everyone is an individual - some have agendas, some don't. Brent is a curious character. Watching him deal with his new-found confidence is cool. What would you do in his position? Would you take advantage? Would you be nice? Would you stay the same? I also loved the ending. A well-written, fun, interesting and original read. I recommend it.

5.0 out of 5 stars Brilliant !, May 30, 2011
By Beeshon - See all my reviewsThis review is from: Upgrade (Kindle Edition)
I do love books that leave you open-mouthed at the end - this was certainly one of them. It is very well written and the author deftly manages to portray the main character, Brent, as a slightly pathetic figure; very rich and successful but lacking in the looks department, so much so he is prepared to undergo an irreversible process to make people or, more importantly, the female of the species, notice him. He is not a likeable character at first because he wants to become attractive to women merely, it seems, for sex. However, as the story continues you warm to him as he tries to focus on doing the right thing by the woman he loves and you almost start to feel your sympathy cords being tugged. The nearer I got to end the more I realised I had really no idea how a satisfying (for a reader) conclusion was going to be reached. I knew from some reviews that there was a surprise ending, and with only 10% to go, I smugly thought I had guessed it. In fact, I only half guessed it. What I hadn't predicted left me speechless.
I liked Stephen's style - I found it sophisticated, and easy-flowing and I had a laugh-out-loud moment when he used a very analogical adjective which was perfect for the situation being described - `Clintonian'. It was brilliantly apt!
There was certainly a very serious moral to this excellent story - be very, very careful what you wish for.


5.0 out of 5 stars Looking for an Upgrade?, May 5, 2011
By Reese Ring - See all my reviewsThis review is from: Upgrade (Paperback)
I thoroughly enjoyed reading Upgrade by Stephen Hise. Having previously heard about the science behind it, this book provided an interesting perspective and storyline regarding that science. I found the male POV in this book intriguing and appreciated his take of the human psyche and relationships. Great twisted ending!

Jump - One Year Anniversary - Jen Wylie

I love birthdays. And today I'm celebrating a good friend's One year Anniversary of her very first published work. You have to agree that's worth celebrating. Happy Birthday JUMP!


Wow, how times flies! A year ago today my very first published work came out!

Jump by Jen Wylie

Genre: Urban Fantasy, Young Adult, Short Story

Published Dec 15 2010 by Echelon Press

Word Count: 3 288

Jump became #1 on Omnilit’s Best Seller List right away, and stayed on the chart for over 6 months! My first published story certainly is a my baby. It was fun to write, fun to edit and fun to market! Considering any complaints about it have been ‘it’s too short!” I’m quite happy with how it was received. (It is a SHORT story after all- they’re supposed to be short- or they aren’t short stories!)

Thanks to all of my readers and fans for their support and trying out a new authors work! Hugs and rainbows!

Description:

If you were told to jump off of a bridge would you?

Perhaps it would depend on who was doing the asking. Our heroine has spunk and a sense of humor, however suffers from an extreme case of inappropriate clothing. When things take a turn from dangerous to worse what will she do when fantasy becomes reality? Warning: May include hot leather clad men, singing and demons.

Available for 0.99 at :

OmniLit http://www.omnilit.com/product-jump-493574-234.html

Smashwords: http://www.smashwords.com/books/view/37227

Amazon http://www.amazon.com/Jump-ebook/dp/B004FPYT4O

Amazon UK http://www.amazon.co.uk/Jump/dp/B004FPYT4O

Barnes & Noble http://search.barnesandnoble.com/books/product.aspx?ean=9781590807354

Excerpt:

“Jump.”

My mother’s voice popped into my head; “Would you jump off a bridge if so-and-so asked you too?”

I would of course reward her with my classic eye roll and a dragged out, “M-o-o-o-m!”

But there I stood on a bridge being asked to jump. Well, more like told to jump. The knife poking, none too gently, into my lower back clearly indicated the asking part wasn’t really applicable.

I pursed my lips together tightly, as a very childish, Don’t wanna, threatened to escape them.

Being a smart ass right now probably wouldn’t make my situation any better. My cheek still stung from the backhanded slap Mr. So-and-so had given me when we’d first met, as he tried to pick me up on my way home from Avery’s Bar. He hadn’t appreciated my witty negative comment then, and I doubt he’d like one now.

“I told you to jump.” His voice growled low in my ear as the knife pushed harder against the center of my back. He leaned into me from behind and I shivered at the his closeness to me.

His sanity level couldn’t be very high. What a piece of work, this slimeball. I decided Slimeball would be the perfect name for him. His dark greasy hair, smelly clothes and the filthy hands he had used to grab me off the street, and drag me up here with.

“Why?” I suddenly asked, staring down into the darkness below the bridge. It was an old abandoned railway bridge, not even overly high. The likelihood of me splattering to my death wasn’t very large. I’d probably just end up breaking a whole lot of bones.

I didn’t get why he wanted me to do this. Other than smacking me around a little, and some gentle prodding with the large nasty knife, he hadn’t tried anything with me. I’d expected to be dragged off and raped, or murdered, or at least robbed, but not told to jump of a little bridge.

Slimeball didn’t answer my question; he just poked me with the knife again. “Jump.”

“You are seriously demented,” I muttered and winced as pain suddenly erupted in my back. Guess he heard me.

He poked again, more like jabbed harder, and I spread my arms slightly as I wobbled, trying to maintain my balance. I stood a good foot away from the edge, but I had my favorite black bar boots on and the stupid things had three-inch spiked heels. They’re great for showing off my legs, but not so great for balance, or running. I’d tried running when I saw he wasn’t just some ass following me home. I knew he was serious trouble. I hadn’t gotten far when I pulled the classic “lady in distress” trip and fall bit. I’d been seriously surprised, and pissed, when I fell to the ground. I’d always scowled at the stupid chicks who always fell down in my favorite fantasy books. Scenes like that had always seemed extremely unrealistic to me, but apparently it does happen, especially when you’re wearing three inch heels. The black mini skirt didn’t help much either.



Bio:

Jennifer Wylie was born and raised in Ontario, Canada. In a cosmic twist of fate she dislikes the snow and cold.

Before settling down to raise a family, she attained a BA from Queens University and worked in retail and sales.

Thanks to her mother she acquired a love of books at an early age and began writing in public school. She constantly has stories floating around in her head, and finds it amazing most people don’t. Jennifer writes various forms of fantasy, both novels and short stories. Sweet light is her debut novel to be published in 2011.

Jennifer resides in rural Ontario, Canada with her husband, two boys, Australian shepherd a flock of birds and a disagreeable amount of wildlife.




My website: www.jenniferwylie.ca

twitter: @jen_wylie

goodreads: http://www.goodreads.com/author/show/4499919.Jen_Wylie

facebook fan page: http://www.facebook.com/pages/Jennifer-Wylie/151266004895266

My blog: http://jlwylie.wordpress.com/

12 Days of Christmas - Stocking Stuffers and More

Got Books loves playing Santa, and for the next 12 days we'll be giving away books, and a chance to win a Gift Certificate. Stop by, like our page and watch the fun. Each day will bring a new give-away with a few surprises thrown in. After all, what kind of Elf would I be if I didn't throw in a few surprise presents.

Got Books

Armed Services Christmas Thank You!

Each year I try to find something I can do to say thank you to the members of our armed services who spend their time, and risk their lives protecting my freedom. So this year I decided I would gift ebooks copies of The Gifts, A Jacody Ives Members with a special thank you, and mention from the family member. If you have a family member or friend serving in the armed forces and they like mysteries, then email me their amazon email address and I will gift a copy of The Gifts, up to 100 copies. An ebook is a great gift, and wonderful way to pass the hours.

You can email me at: Email me

Please include your name, relationship and what you would like me to say on the gift card.




Looking for more Christmas Gifts and Stocking Stuffers? Check out the 12 days of Christmas on Got Books. We'll be kicking off on Monday, December 12th, and running all the way through Christmas.


Got Books?

100+ Free Kindle Books - 12/3/11

Not your "Cozy" Mysteries! $.99 for a limited time.

New covers, coming soon!



Excerpt - The Gifts, A Jacody Ives Mystery

“Mr. McAllister . . .” Marisa stopped just inside the door, her eyes wide, taking in the disarray of the room. “What are you doing?”

She wanted to say something else, scream, but the cloth pressed over her mouth and nose was making her feel funny. The smell was familiar. She tried to remember what it was. A hand slipped under her blouse, cupping the small breast. Marisa tried to pull away, but her arms were too tired. She felt herself being lifted, placed on the bed. The smell pulled her deeper. No, she had to fight to stay awake. She had to tell him she wouldn’t tell anyone. Had to make him stop. Everything seemed to be happening from a distance. Marisa fought her way through the fog, hearing his curse as the zipper on her pants stuck. Hearing the fabric rip, feeling the cool draft as her body was exposed. He lifted the cloth from her mouth, shaking her awake. “You’re going to scream for me, aren’t you, sweetheart?” He placed a pillow over her mouth and nose, just as a sharp pain between her legs brought her to full consciousness. Her eyes filled with tears as she stared into the black eyes above her and screamed.

"Scream for me, sweetheart. Scream for Daddy."

Marisa screamed with every painful thrust until lack of oxygen made her body go limp, her mind numb. He continued to grunt and thrust long after her body became limp and lifeless. His climax was exhilarating. He was renewed. Humming his favorite tune, he jotted the words on the small pink card. A gift from me. You’re next.

#WW Indie Spotlight Thank You

My Wednesday Twitter #WW Indie Spotlight Thank You for retweeting and being my twitter friend.

And let's not forget those wonderful people out there that help us as Indie authors in promotion and launching our books. @Indie_Kindle @AuthorsLaunch @Kindle_Max @PixelofInk @Kindle3

Indie Spotlight - Twitter Pay It Forward

Looking for a good book to read, or some new twitter friends to follow? Look no further.

@YK_Greene @jameswriter @chrispetersentx @JChaseNovelist @Virgilsbaby @PmcKinnes @ValMaarten @theaatkinson @AnnettePaul1 @BetCar1 @ElsaRieger @SusanLeighNoble @stevenkonkoly @jonno_go @LynneEllison1 @JohnBetcher @jacodypress

Cyber Monday Ebook Special - The Jacody Ives Mysteries $.99

Cyber Monday Special - Both The Jacody Ives Mysteries available on Kindle for $.99 - a savings of $4.00




THE GIFTS, A JACODY IVES MYSTERY

Setup: Sheriff Sarah Burns was born with what her grandmother calls “The Gift”. In the final throes of death, souls reached out to her with dying messages. Only this time the message was for Sarah.

“He’s coming, Sarah. He wants to destroy you.”



SACRED SECRETS, A JACODY IVES MYSTERY

Setup: Charity Froste is one of three women missing. A prostitute, a nurse and a voodoo woman (Charity). Two of them are already dead.

Charity looked around her, her heart fluttering as reality closed in. She was in an old farm cellar. From the looks of it no one had been here for years. Tears formed, she bit her lip, steadied the candle. Her whispered words stirring fear into full blown terror. “Yous’ in trouble now, sugah. Yous’ done been buried alive.”

Coming in 2012--Bet you can't. . .FIND ME

"Imagine a killer that can kill at will, from a distance. No gun, no weapon. Nothing more than a thought. And then imagine a world of women, men, children, that occasionally, sometimes without conscious knowledge, reach out intuitively."









PROLOGUE

Yea, though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil: for You are with me . . .

But He wasn't with her.

She leaned against the cold steel door, her eyes closed in prayer. "Father, why have you forsaken me? What sins have I committed that you would punish me this way?"

When you spread out your hands in prayer, I will hide my eyes from you; even if you offer many prayers, I will not listen. Your hands are full of blood.

"Fiank-o!" she screamed.

Her eyes flew open, and she spread her hands in front of her. Blood rimmed her manicured nails. Out of the corner of her vision, she saw the blood soaked blouse plastered to her chest. So much blood for such a tiny body.

Ripping at her blouse, she mewed like a wounded animal. "Then take my eyes so I no longer see the blood of my child on my hands. Take my ears so I no longer hear the shrieks from below, the clanging of the chains."

Silence met her cry. God was no longer listening. She sank to her knees and ripped at her hair, bordering on madness. How could they do this to her? Had she not served them well for more than ten years?

"You know what you must do, Aggie. I have seen the feux-folet. She is the child of Diable and she has cursed you."

For a moment rage blocked the pain squeezing her heart. "You!" Her eyes filled with hatred, fists clenched at her side. "You brought this upon us with your superstitions and your curses."

"Mwen pòv zanj pèdi, you know I speak the truth. I was here when she was born without life, her body blue, her soul already beyond this world. Five years have come and gone. As she grows, so does the evil. They warned you this day would come."

The old woman's words washed over her like a river of ice, extinguishing the fire of her rage, leaving only a cold, still emptiness. "I begged them, Mother. Begged for her life as her blood seeped through my fingers.

I have served God, and I have served the spirits. But they have forsaken me."
She raised tortured eyes to beseech the old woman, her efforts met with stony silence and beady eyes filled with accusation.

"I begged them!"

Her voice tapered to a whimper. "She is only five. I have lost one already. Must I lose them both?"

The old woman knelt beside her. Taking her right hand she prized open the fingers and closed them around the cold steel of the knife. "You can't cure a mad dog, Aggie; you can only put it down. You disobeyed. You have been punished. Now pick up your cross and carry it."

The silence in the room was broken only by her whimpers; the old woman had left as quietly as she'd come. The knife lay heavy in her hand, just as the task before her lay heavy on her heart.

She rose and opened the door to the basement, ignoring the shrieks and clang of the chains. Her feet descended the steps slowly, the old woman's words echoing inside her head: "You can't cure a mad dog, Aggie; you can only put it down."

Tuesday's Indie Spotlight

Dagon's Blood by Virginia Lee - Four 5-Star Reviews - Reviewer Says: Excitement and intrigue abound in this book. Its filled with drama, suspense, romance and more action than the pages can contain. Diabolical schemes of epic proportions entertain and delight you with mind blowing twists and turns through a labyrinth of plots. You won't be able to catch your breath nor put it down, this book draws you in from the beginning and keeps you hooked until the end.



This Last Summer by Tania Tirraoro Three 5-Star Reviews - Reviewer Says: What a perfectly fitting title for This Last Summer. Maddie Chambers, a TV journalist, has more than any person can handle in one Summer. Tania Tirraoro has created a very real and relatable character in Maddie who struggles with her career, relationships and family.


Double Back by Libby Hellmann - Eleven 5-Star Reviews - Reviewer Says: "Doubleback," the latest from Libby Fischer Hellmann,is my first exposure to her work. Hellmann is the author of a series of suspense novels featuring video producer Ellie Foreman, and "Doubleback" is her second novel to feature Private Investigator Georgia Davis. Fans of the Ellie Foreman series will be pleased to learn that Ellie appears in "Doubleback" and helps PI Georgia Davis run down the bad guys. The relationship between these two very independent women is, in fact, so much fun to watch that I will be looking for Hellmann's earlier books.



Love's Labours Won by Sheilagh Lee - Reviewer Says: A well crafted story filled with unexpected twists and turns. Young Sarah Dexler takes us on a journey into the realm of the paranormal, where she finds the dark and mysterious, Demetrious Blackstone.
The determined Sarah discovers family secrets and hidden powers in a world she never dreamed existed. We encounter wonderful characters with a rich family history that leaves many exciting possibilities for future stories.
Available at Smashwords

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