1,400 miles.

3 countries

2 men she can’t trust.

What could go wrong?

FINDERS KEEPERS is the first book in the new Jane Barnaby Adventures series:

It should have been a simple job. All archaeology student Jane Barnaby had to do was pick up a box her professor needed and deliver it to him at his dig site, along with his new car. Yes, his office was in Oxfordshire, and his dig site was in Spain, a trip of 1,400 miles across three countries and two bodies of water. Still, it should have been simple.

And it was, until Jane discovered she picked up the wrong box by mistake. Not the one with boring pottery samples, but instead the one with priceless ancient Egyptian artifacts. The one that a team of international art thieves is after.

Now she’s chasing – and being chased by – the thieves. And she’s picked up a pair of passengers who claim they can help her outwit them, get her professor’s pottery back and return the artifacts to their rightful owner. If only she could figure out which one of them is working with the thieves and which one she can trust in this high-stakes game of finders keepers.

It’s available everywhere eBooks are sold:

Amazon (Kindle or Paperback)

Smashwords

Barnes & Noble (Nook or Paperback)

Apple iBookstore

Kobo

About the author

J.J. (James) Dibenedetto’s fans would swear he’s got a sixth sense when it comes to seeing into the minds of others and often wonder if his stories could possibly be fiction. He enjoys suspending disbelief with suspenseful paranormal tales that are a perfect blend of reality meets fantasy.

His popular Dream Series continues to delight readers with each and every exciting installment.

Born in Yonkers, New York, he currently resides in Arlington Virginia with his beautiful wife and a cat he is sure has taken full advantage of its nine lives. When it comes to the cat, he often wonders, but then again it might just be his imagination.

You can follow him at his website, on Facebook and on Twitter. And you can find all his books (including the complete Dream Series) on Amazon and on audiobook at Audible.com

Here’s an excerpt from Finders Keepers:

The thieves simply made a mistake. Whether Tom had put his box in the wrong room, or whether the thieves had gotten their wires crossed, who knew? She’d had trouble reading Professor Welldon’s writing; she hadn’t been sure if she was meant to go to Room 16 or Room 18 herself. It hadn’t mattered because the thieves had already gotten there and made the choice for her.

“When they finally got where they were going, they opened it up, and you can imagine their surprise.” Jane noted the vagueness there; she assumed Alex knew exactly where that was and, for whatever reason, didn’t want to say. She didn’t challenge him; she kept up her happy façade instead, and he went on. “They knew they couldn’t go back and steal the right box, but they had the label on your pottery, they knew where it was supposed to go.”

“They’re headed to Mallorca!” Jane couldn’t help herself; the words just poured out. “They’re going to wait there until I show up and try to trade, the pottery for the artifacts!”

She knew she’d said too much. Alex’s eyes lit up, just for an instant, when she mentioned Mallorca. That was something, obviously, he hadn’t known. But he caught himself almost immediately, and so did she. She wondered if he knew that she knew he was putting on an act. She wondered if he knew that she knew that he knew she was, too. And she wondered if she had any aspirin in her purse, because that train of thought was giving her a headache.

Last, but not least, to celebrate the launch of FINDERS KEEPERS, I’m giving away a signed paperback copy of either this new book, or any one of my Dream Series novels (winner’s choice). For your chance to win, just click HERE to enter!)

I recently followed a question someone posted in an author support group. It asked why most authors chose and preferred self-publishing over traditional publishing. Although I did not even have to think about my answer, as my decision was an easy one, I was surprised that so many other authors chose to self-publish for the same reason.

For me, I love the artistic control, along with the entrepreneurial aspect. After putting my heart and soul into writing a novel, which is extremely time consuming, I don’t want someone else deciding on the title and design of the cover. I’ve heard many complaints from authors who hate their covers but had no say in the decision. My art is a complete package.

I also don’t want anyone telling me what to write, and I can honestly say all my plots come from completely unhindered creativity. Surprisingly, this is the number one reason most self-publishing authors turn down traditional publishers. I’ve spoken to several authors and heard many best-selling authors who left traditional publishing say they could not stand what the publishing companies expected from them. “This needs sex.” “This needs more sex.” “Male on male is selling, so find a way to add that.” “There’s no market for this story.” “____ is what’s in right now. This story is outdated.”

Christian publishers offer a similar problem. “This story is too gritty to be considered Christian.”

Once upon a time, writers had to have their work approved by a select group of gatekeepers if they ever wanted to share their art with the world. Like the producers in Hollywood, those gatekeepers kept up with the latest trends. They even manipulated the market, flooding the stores with what they thought would sell the most.

Thank goodness those days are gone! I had to stop reading my favorite genre–urban fantasy– years ago, as it suddenly became saturated with human sex, creature sex, and even orgies. I’ve been reading that genre since childhood, but it suddenly took on a dark side. (I’m sure the gatekeepers from the big publishing companies took it to the extreme, telling their writers to push the boundaries.) And I’m not the only person this affected. I know many urban fantasy readers who switched to young adult fantasy due to the changes in the industry. Not everyone wants that in their books, yet it took over the genre.

How has self-publishing helped readers? Authors are no longer forced to go through the gatekeepers. We write what we want. Obviously, there’s a huge market for erotica, as I’m told that’s where the money is. However, I can now find clean urban fantasy. I can even find Christian romances that don’t contain horse and buggies or sweet characters I can’t relate to. (I just can’t do “sweet.” Christians are humans. They aren’t perfect, and God can turn a dark past into great things. Give me realism, but do it in a tasteful manner. If you’re creative enough, you can tell the darkest story in a way that doesn’t put certain images into my mind.)

I know there are a lot of complaints when it comes to self-publishing. “The standards are lower.” “Did this author use an editor?” “How is this even a story?” My advice is to read some of the reviews before downloading, and when you find a great author, write your own review and check out other books he/she has written. Be aware that anything goes now. There aren’t any rules when it comes to what’s in a book. If you’re anything like me, you don’t just go along with the latest fad. Know what you love, and seek it out. Don’t settle for books that take you where you don’t want to go.

Oh, and if you do find a book you love, tell the author how much you enjoyed it! (Reviews are always the best way.) Authors put a lot of work into their writing, and they often feel insecure (just like regular people). Do them a favor and brighten their day.

Title: Drawn To You

Author: Liwen Y. Ho

Genre: Christian Romance, Asian American Romance

Release Date: March 21, 2016

Blurb:

Wanted: A man who can handle his alter ego. Quick reflexes recommended.

Feisty and adventurous, art teacher Sam Koo is used to getting what she wants, including talking her way out of traffic tickets. When it comes to money matters though, she’s a lost cause. Her studio is in trouble, and there’s no way of charming herself out of this mess.

Police officer Lucas Choi is the last person she expects to rescue her. Handsome and rule-abiding, he was the best—and worst—part of her high school experience. When they meet a decade later, he’s still on her case and quick to point out her flaws.

Their differences drive each other crazy, but also draw them closer. The attraction is tangible, yet so are Sam’s fears. Will she choose to protect her heart or trust the only man who ever rejected her?

Get it now on Amazon.com. Add to Goodreads.

***This novella is part of the Taking Chances series, but each book in the series is a STANDALONE book.***

Can love overcome the past?

Can love be colorblind?

Can love embrace differences?

Liwen Y. Ho works as a chauffeur and referee by day (AKA being a stay at home mom) and a writer by night. In her pre-author life, she received a Masters degree in Marriage and Family Therapy from Western Seminary, and she loves makeovers of all kinds, especially those of the heart and mind. She lives in the San Francisco Bay Area with her techie husband and their two children, and blogs about her adventures as a recovering perfectionist at www.2square2behip.com.

Blog * Facebook * Twitter * Goodreads * YouTube

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Ends 3/31/16

Open only to those who can legally enter, receive and use an Amazon.com Gift Code. Winning Entry will be verified prior to prize being awarded. No purchase necessary. You must be 18 or older to enter or have your parent enter for you. The winner will be chosen by rafflecopter and announced here as well as emailed and will have 48 hours to respond or a new winner will be chosen. This giveaway is in no way associated with Facebook, Twitter, Rafflecopter or any other entity unless otherwise specified. The number of eligible entries received determines the odds of winning. Giveaway was organized by and sponsored by the author. VOID WHERE PROHIBITED BY LAW.

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 Memory’s Wake, written by Selina Fenech, is the first book in the Memory’s Wake Trilogy. It starts out fast, diving straight into the story, with Memory waking with amnesia. She immediately meets another girl just before they run away from a group of dangerous men with a dragon.

Although the story is told from four different views, two females and two males, it’s not hard to follow. Each character has a different personality and reason for doing what they do. We get into each of their heads and easily understand them.

This was a fun story full of adventure and great characters. Not much for intrigue and suspense, so it didn’t tempt me into going on an all night book binge. Loved the illustrations.

As for my clean rating for a young adult, there’s a hint of a future romance that may go deeper in the next book. The kissing scene was PG rated, and the action wasn’t gory. The two girls also got drunk at one point.

The only problem I really had with this book–and it’s a big one due to my personal belief–was the one curse word this author chose to use more than once. It’s the most offensive one, which include’s God’s name. Coming from someone who spent her teen years in Florida–extremely wild and rebellious–that word was offensive back then by many teens using drugs and drinking. Today, my high school daughter tells me it’s still the same. If someone uses that word at school, usually another teen will tell them it’s just not cool. Maybe this is because I’m from the South (Bible Belt), but I just don’t believe it belongs in young adult books (or any book I want to read).

Since I go by the Goodreads rating system, I’m giving this book two stars. It was okay. It didn’t end on a cliffhanger but left me somewhat curious enough to read the next book in the series. However, I don’t think I will.

      

Get your romance fix!

Do you love that “ahhhh” feeling you get when you read a sweet romance? Especially when you get to that inevitable happy ending?

Tamie Dearen’s romantic comedy series, The Best Girls, can satisfy that craving. And the first book of the series, Her Best Match, is currently free. But beware…. it’s addicting!

The limited-time price-reduction for Her Best Match is already in effect, in preparation for March 13, the day of the big sale and the release of A Rose in Bloom, a serial romantic comedy. Unlike anything you’ve ever read before, A Rose in Bloom was written and published in small parts, week-by-week, on Tamie Dearen’s blog, to the simultaneous delight and frustration of her devoted readers. Now, for the first time, the complete serial romance will be available to read as a novella.

Blurb:

Feisty, stubborn, and bored with life in Texas, Anne Best is about to get more than she bargained for.

The lovely widow heads off to the Big Apple for a job interview, expecting no more than a few days adventure in New York City, only to find herself with a new job working for the most infuriating man she’s ever met.

Billionaire Steven Gherring is one of New York’s Most Eligible Bachelors, and he has every intention of staying that way. But Gram has other ideas. She’s on a not-so-secret campaign to find a wife for her grandson.

As fearless as she is clumsy, Anne tackles every challenge (including her new boss) enthusiastically, with two lone exceptions… public speaking and recognizing her own feelings. Passions rise along with hemlines as Gram joins forces with Anne, a veteran matchmaker, to find the perfect match for Steven.

Get Her Best Match free on Amazon, Nook, iTunes, and Kobo!

Own the entire Best Girls Series for $9!

New Release–Preorder Now!

Blurb:

Elyssa Rose has delicate flowers in her hands and a muscular guy on her mind.

BIO

Tamie Dearen lives with her very romantic husband of thirty-three years. She has two beautiful daughters, two amazing son-in-laws, and one awesome grandson. She plays piano, flute, harmonica, keyboards, and guitar, and loves composing and art. And she hates housework. She has been a dentist in private practice for thirty years. She stays busy playing on her church’s praise team and leading a weekly Bible study. In her spare time, she writes books.

Tamie specializes in writing “clean’ books without excessive violence, offensive language, or explicit sex. She has published a Romantic Comedy series called The Best Girls, which includes a free novella and four full-length novels, and recently published her first Christian Romance, Noelle’s Golden Christmas. She has also published the two books in a Young Adult Fantasy series, Alora: The Wander-Jewel, and Alora: The Portal. To combine her love of music with her writing, Tamie composed the background music for the Alora Series video trailer and a Christmas song, which is linked in the back of Noelle’s Golden Christmas. Her latest book, A Rose in Bloom, a romantic comedy serial story, is available for pre-order and will be released March 13.

Tamie met her husband as a freshman in college when she acted out of character on a whim. One night in the library lobby, she spied a cute guy with his first name written on the back of his shirt. She called out his name. When he approached to talk to her, she pretended that she’d met him before, asking about his classes and how he liked college. To her surprise and delight, he also pretended that he knew her, but of course he didn’t know her name. They continued this false relationship for two months. Each time they saw each other, an event that occurred three times per week at the cafeteria, he would pretend he knew her. Meanwhile, all of Tamie’s friends were careful not to reveal her name to him. When he finally admitted his ignorance of her name, he was astonished to learn the truth. And the rest is history.

Spring in Snow Valley: A Snow Valley Anthology

Operation—Kiss the Girl, Cindy Roland Anderson

Ivy Baker is doomed to marry a man she only pretends to be in love with to save the family ranch. Since she isn’t marrying for love, Ivy secretly creates a kissing wish list composed of scenes from the romance books she loves to read. She hopes to experience at least one kiss from her list before she becomes officially engaged and seals her fate. When she travels to Snow Valley to help her aunt recover from knee surgery, Ivy finds herself falling for Kellen Thomas, an irresistible cowboy she should avoid. By chance Kellen finds Ivy’s list, and decides to make it his mission to help her fulfill her bucket list, turning her world upside down and making Ivy want to choose her heart over duty.

Love Coming Late, Jeanette Lewis

Cynthia Eddington never thought she’d return to Snow Valley after a string of bad luck forced the sale of her beloved farm there. But here she is, about to start a new life with her children, Jackson and Anoria. Cynthia plans to focus on her career and her family; she’s not looking for romance and she’s definitely not looking for sexy cowboy, Colby Schroder.

Running from the Cowboy, Cami Checketts

Missy Horman escaped an abusive marriage and returns to Snow Valley to help her father deal with her emotionally disturbed mother. Volunteering to teach a youth Sunday school class seems like a good way to get out of her comfort zone—until she ends up kissing Porter Wilson in front of a bunch of teenagers. Embarrassed, and secretly thrilled, by the kiss, she writes Porter off as a playboy. But, Missy wasn’t the only one affected and Porter’s new mission in life is to prove that there’s more to him than flirting and world-tilting kisses. He wants to show her that a true cowboy knows how to treat a lady and, if Missy can’t keep her wits about her, she might just let him.

The Bet, Taylor Hart

When Destiny Morningstar gets blackmailed into spending her spring break in Snow Valley, the last thing she’s looking for is a date, especially not with Adam and Chase Moon—two attractive and athletic brothers. But soon she finds herself tangled up in a dating spree that includes a flag football game, swinging around the barn dance, and hiking to Snow Valley’s romantic hot springs with the town’s most eligible bachelors. At every turn she’s within kissing distance of one of the delectable Moon men. When she discovers she’s been part of some bet fueled by sibling rivalry and overactive egos she has to make a decision—forgive them both or miss out on the best thing that’s ever happened to her.

Sealed with a Kiss, Kimberley Montpetit

Jessica Mason and Pastor James are struggling to make their long-distance relationship work between Snow Valley and New Orleans where Jessica dances with the local ballet company. When April Murphy, a war widow with a child, shows up in Snow Valley, James reluctantly begins to wonder if he and Jessica are really meant to be. April would make the perfect pastor’s wife and he’d have an instant family and the stability he craves. But he can’t get the spitfire Jessica out of his mind and when she returns to Snow Valley to accept an inheritance, her male ballet partner in tow, the love triangle takes on a new edge. Can Jessica and James figure out how to create a family while living in two different states—or do they allow their hearts to move on and forget the passion they once shared?

Romancing a Husband, Lucy McConnell

Natalie Lawson is at a crossroads. Her husband is down on his luck and some days he’s just plain down while Natalie is moving forward, gaining promotions and starting new adventures. In some ways, they’ve grown apart and Natalie can’t help but wonder if her path through life will always include Eli. When tragedy throws them together, Natalie learns a profound lesson that may save her marriage and provide the key to romancing a husband.

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