Fireworks

Every 4th of July I spend the night sitting on my patio watching the neighborhood fireworks.  I live in an area with lots of apartment buildings, so the variety changes from year to year as people move around a lot.  Sometimes, I see amazing displays.  Other years it’s disappointing.   This year it was a little of both. 

We all know that our economy sucks right now, money is thigh, and everything costs so much more.  I can’t even imagine how much fireworks cost this year.  What I noticed was hardly any banging or popping prior to the 4th.  Of course, Omaha didn’t make them legal to shoot until the 2nd.  Still, usually I hear a build up before the 4th.  And none were heard AFTER the 4th.

What I also noticed was that  a lot of the ground fireworks were missing.  Even though I can’t see them, I can hear them.  I can tell when Roman Candles are going off or fountains erupting by the sizzling sounds.  I guess people chose to  spend their money on the WOW factor than the fun one.  Which was fine by me. 

While I was watching, I thought, why aren’t I recording them?  Duh.  So I ran into my apartment, grabbed my camera nd started recording.  Sadly, the colors didn’t show up as well as I hoped.  But I uploaded them and put them in a video format.  Along with some music.  Got to have the music.  Without it, it’s just colors exploding in the air.  That’s why tv shows and movies use music. 

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Pre-Order: Hot Moon (Apollo Rising Book 1) by Alan Smale

A WAR IN SPACE AS TOLD BY CRITICALLY ACCLAIMED AUTHOR, ALAN SMALE

Set for release this July and published by CAEZIK SF & Fantasy, an imprint of Arc Manor Books!

The novel will be available in eBook and print form across all platforms!

“A nail-biting thriller.”Publishers Weekly

From the Sidewise Award-winning author of the acclaimed Clash of Eagles trilogy comes an alternate 1979 where the US and the Soviets have permanent Moon bases, orbiting space stations, and crewed spy satellites supported by frequent rocket launches.

Apollo 32, commanded by career astronaut Vivian Carter, docks at NASA’s Columbia space station en route to its main mission: exploring the volcanic Marius Hills region of the Moon. Vivian is caught in the crossfire as four Soviet Soyuz craft appear without warning to assault the orbiting station. In an unplanned and desperate move, Vivian spacewalks through hard vacuum back to her Lunar Module and crew and escapes right before the station falls into Soviet hands.

Their original mission scrubbed, Vivian and her crew are redirected to land at Hadley Base, a NASA scientific outpost with a crew of eighteen. But soon Hadley, too, will come under Soviet attack, forcing its unarmed astronauts to daring acts of ingenuity and improvisation.

With multiple viewpoints, shifting from American to Soviet perspective, from occupied space station to American Moon base under siege, to a covert and blistering US Air Force military response, Hot Moon tells the gripping story of a war in space that very nearly might have been.

PRAISE FOR HOT MOON:

“I loved it. Great ‘hard’ science fiction with convincing space battles.” Larry Niven, Nebula and Hugo Award-winning author of Ringworld

“Alan Smale is one of the brightest stars in the hard-SF firmament, and Hot Moon is his best novel yet. Enjoy!” −Robert J. Sawyer, Nebular and Hugo Award-winning author of The Oppenheimer Alternative

“Will delight and enthrall.” Library Journal

“A provocative science fiction novel” −Foreword Reviews

ABOUT ALAN:

Alan Smale writes alternate and twisted history, and hard SF. His novella of a Roman invasion of ancient America, “A Clash of Eagles”, won the Sidewise Award. Alan has also sold over forty short stories to Asimov’s, Abyss & Apex, Writers of the Future, and other magazines and anthologies. 

Alan grew up in Yorkshire, England, and earned degrees in Physics and Astrophysics from Oxford University. By day he performs astronomical research into black holes and neutron stars at NASA’s Goddard Space Flight Center, with over a hundred published academic papers; by night he sings bass with high-energy vocal band The Chromatics, and is co-creator of their educational AstroCappella project, spreading astronomy through a cappella in schools nationwide.

Find him online at https://www.alansmale.com, Facebook/AlanSmale, and Twitter/@AlanSmale.

 To request additional review copies or an interview with Alan Smale, please contact Mickey Mikkelson at Creative Edge Publicity by email: mickey.creativeedge@gmail.com or by phone at 403.464.6925.   
 We look forward to the coverage.
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Sahara’s Book Review of The Big Power of Tiny Connections by Jen Nash

DESCRIPTION: 

The bestselling book on the power of relationships includes tons of real-world stories and in-depth guidance for making connections in both the online and offline world.

In this zippy read packed with true-life stories, Jen Nash explains how the opportunity to connect is everywhere and how we can get more than we ever dreamed of out of life if we make the effort to lean in and say hello.

Get inspired when you realize that making time to connect is the most productive thing you can do to thrive at home or at work. In fact, as you read this fun, fast-paced book you’ll see how powerful connections support your happiness, health, and well-being.

Although it’s packed with relatable stories and smart snippets of insightful research on how we listen, talk and crave connection—Jen Nash also gives you lots of practical tips for making connections on a daily basis. Not sure how to follow up with that amazing human you just met on a bus, plane, train or an event? It’s in the book. Not sure how to connect more deeply on social media? Also in the book. Jen Nash breaks all sorts of situations down, and really digs into why building our social capital and growing our networks is the most valuable thing we can do to expand our lives.

Whether you want to go to more parties, get a better job, make more money, or be a better person—reading this book can give you practical strategies for doing it all. A happier, more successful, and more fulfilling life is within your reach and The Big Power of Tiny Connections will show you the way

 

MY REVIEW:

A friend suggested that I read this book.  Any words of wisdom to help improve myself was okay by me, so gave it a try.  From page one I was very impressed by the excellent writing style of the author. 

So much of the book resonated with me.  Unfortunately, since I’m in my mid 60’s, I feel that I’ve missed the boat for most of her teachings/suggestions.  Still, there can always be room in one’s life for growth, no matter the age. 

As an introvert, how many wonderful connections did I miss because being a wall flower was safer?  I’ll never know.  And in todays modern world of cellphones and social media, how many young people have totally ignored their tiny connections as they’re glued to their screens. Life is passing them by.

Throughout the book, Jen has stories/examples of how some random encounter turned into amazing connections.  I found them quite relatable and fascinating. 

What I didn’t like was that she seemed too over the top with her suggestions.  Jen did say that it takes practice and she didn’t find it easy either to just start talking with total strangers to make a possible connection.  Still, the vast majority of people will never go to the extreme she has.  But, lessons can be learned to help oneself become a better person during the process. That part I can say YES too. 

If you’re a person looking to change their lives, whether a job, relationships, or just better friends, I highly recommend this book.  In my opinion, everyone should read it.  I give it a resounding 5-stars. 

 

 

 

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Pre-Order: Ice Islands (A Rake Ozenna Thriller Book 4) by Humphrey Hawksley

Publication date: August 2nd 2022

Format: Hardback/Severn House / CanonGate

Major Rake Ozenna’s mission is simple: gain access to the Kato family – Japan’s most dangerous crime empire – and stop the threat to America. But when the secret son of the Russian leader is executed and Rake’s target, Sara Kato, is implicated in the murder, a political crisis between Russia, Japan and the US is set in motion.

It’s a race to protect Sara and earn her trust whilst escaping the
inhospitable terrain of the icy Aland Islands. Meanwhile, Russia wants revenge
for the murder, a catastrophic move when it is revealed that Japan is not the
trusted ally America thought it was.

As Rake learns the true extent of their deadly plans, he must draw on every ounce of his training to succeed. Because if he fails, it won’t just be his life that will be lost . . . the consequences will be global!

Reviews for Humphrey Hawksley’s thrillers

‘Hawksley’s excellent idea is to move the battleground from Eastern Europe to the Arctic north. When a maverick Russian commander decides to occupy a tiny American island in the Bering Strait, there’s only one man who can prevent the situation from escalating into a nuclear war: Rake Ozenna of the elite Eskimo Scouts’
Mail on Sunday, Thriller of the Week on MAN ON ICE

‘Knuckle-whitening suspense, bloody violence, dirty tricks, and plenty of surprising twists make this a gripping, can’t-put-it-down read’
Booklist on MAN ON ICE

‘Die Hard meets 1984, fast moving, sophisticated’

Washington Post on SECURITY BREACH

 ‘Humphrey Hawksley is one of only a handful of writers taking the thriller in important new directions’
Craig Thomas, author of the MITCHELL GANT series

Humphrey Hawksley work a as a BBC foreign correspondent has taken him all over the world. He is a regular panelist and speaker and his writing has appeared in most mainstream publication such as the Guardian, The Times, Financial Times, and Yale Global.  His latest non-fiction book is Asian Waters: The Struggle Over the Asia-Pacific and the Strategy of Chinese Expansion.  Hawksley’s television documentaries include The Curse of Gold, Bitter Sweet and Aid Under Scrutiny.  
@hwhawksley | humphreyhawksley.com
To request additional review copies or an interview with Humphrey, please contact Mickey Mikkelson at Creative Edge Publicity: mickey.creativeedge@gmail.com / 403.464.6925
 We look forward to the coverage!
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When Grace Found Me: Real Life Stories of Women of Faith

An anthology series of faith, perseverance, and personal connection told by twenty women. Coordinated by author Kim Lengling

The book is published by Listening to Your Voice Publishing and is available worldwide in digital and print format

With Volume One of the When Grace Found Me series, you will find with each turn of the page, words of encouragement, hope and God’s grace living in the women who share their personal testimonies within this series. Through faith, perseverance, overcoming fear, anxiety and loss, the women come to realize that God has been with them every step of the way. When Grace Found Me is a series for anyone who may be seeking a reminder of God’s unending love for us.

OTHER BOOKS IN THE SERIES:

When Grace Found Me: Real-Life Stories of Women of Faith by [Kim Lengling, Ruth Pearson, LTYV Publishing]      When Grace Found Me : Real-Life Stories of Women of Faith by [Kim  Lengling, Ruth Pearson, LTYV Publishing]

 

ABOUT KIM:

Kim is a multi-published author, writer, podcast host of Let Fear Bounce, and TV show host of The Write Stuff, The Authors Voice with the Believe In Your Dreams TV Network.

In addition, she is an active speaker sharing her story of being a female veteran living with PTSD and spreading a message of Hope. She regularly speaks for local veteran and women’s organizations in her hometown area and across numerous global organizations.

She has been writing and speaking with empathy and emotion since 2004 showcasing her faith, nature, love of rescue animals, and advocacy for veterans living with PTSD. She showcases her writing through her books, business, and website; www.kimlenglingauthor.com.

She is the lead author and coordinator of the collaborative 3-book anthology series titled When Grace Found Me. In addition, she is a published co-author in seven anthologies and numerous print and online global newspapers and magazines.

Kim sees each day as an opportunity to spread hope and encouragement.

“The world can be a dark place. I choose to toss nuggets of hope out into the world like confetti; little sparks of light in the darkness.”

To request additional review copies or an interview with Kim Lengling, please contact Mickey Mikkelson at Creative Edge Publicity: mickey.creativeedge@gmail.com / 403.464.6925.   

We look forward to the coverage!

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Fantasy, Sci-Fi, Paranormal

Click Any Cover to Read More & Try New Authors Risk Free…

 

In Memory of Michelle by Sahara Foley      Hold The Line by Kevin Steverson      EIGHT OUNCES A DAY by Kevin Steverson

 

Bonds by Marie Anne Cope      The Vampire Prince by Juliette N Banks      Shadow Shifter by Mia Hartson

 

Fallen by Cindy Carroll      Prelude to the Vampire War by Jay Ishino      Becca Princess of Sona by Luna Fox & F. Lowberry

 

The Void by Luna Fox & F. Lowberry    Wildlight: Programmer's Guide by Josh Boucher       Entropy's Allegience by Mikkell K Khan

 

Tales from the 4th Dimension by JP Cawood      Flashing Blades by J.T. Evans      Yellow Dog Syndicate by J.T. Evans

 

AND  MANY  MORE

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Sahara’s Book Review of Death’s Intern (The Intern Diaries Book 1) by D. C. Gomez

DESCRITPION: 

A talking cat, a boy genius, missing people, and an untrained Intern for Death. What could possibly go wrong?

Did that really happen?

There’s no way Death offered me a job. I’m a musician that makes her living as a waitress, with absolutely no training in the supernatural world. This is all a very bad dream.

But Bob has been kidnapped, and I can’t possibly lose the only friend I have.

Bob, you’d better be alive. Because if I just gave my soul to Death for nothing, I will personally kill you. Not to mention, it seems Death’s Interns have fairly short life expectancies.

God, don’t let me die.

MY REVIEW:

The cover alone deserves 5-stars as it’s amazing.  Then, there’s the story. 

What I liked – This is a fast-paced tale with relatable characters.  I could see myself in Isis’ shoes as bad luck follows me too.  And who doesn’t love adorable cats?  Though Constantine might be more than most people could handle.  I thought it an interesting concept that Death’s appearance changes based on each person’s perception.  How would Death look to me? 

The evil witches were another story.  They were just kinda clumped together and had no real definition to them.  Which was one of my pet peeves about this book.   

What I didn’t like – The description says it’s been re-edited.  I can’t see it.  Too many overuses of the same words,  misspelled ones, and it reads like a second draft instead of a finished manuscript.  Getting rid of all the ‘telling’ would build the characters out.  They are pretty one dimensional.

Still, I enjoyed the story, and the ending brought a tear to my eye.  I do want to read the next one but it’s not at the top of my list.  If you love down-in-the-luck type of heroines with a snarky attitude and the supernatural, give it it a try.  I give it 3.5 stars rounded to 4.  

 

 

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Featured Book: Accidental Magic (Modern Magic Book 1) by Nicole Hall 

Magic is real, fairies are obnoxious, and everyone knew the truth but me…

Sera Allen needs a change. The family house she inherits is the perfect place for a fresh start, except for the sexy neighbor she’d ditched years before and the surprise fairies living across the street. Before long, she’s neck-deep in magic, Fae, and zombie bunnies, and her tenuous connection to her powers relies on the one man she wants to avoid.

Jake Thomas is happy in his mundane life. Magic is for other people. Until the girl who’d broken his heart moves back home and he finds himself drawn into the world of the Fae. She needs his help, but can he trust her to stick around this time when things get rough?

With a dark force threatening the town, they’ll have to face their pasts and overcome their distrust to have any chance at a future. Together they can make magic, but will it be enough?

Accidental Magic is a full-length paranormal romance novel featuring a feisty heroine with a sarcastic response to everything and a snarky hero who gives as good as he gets.

Other Books in Series:

Insidious Magic: A Snarky Paranormal Romance (Modern Magic Book 2) by [Nicole Hall]    Treacherous Magic: A Snarky Paranormal Romance (Modern Magic Book 3) by [Nicole Hall]    Impulsive Magic: A Snarky Paranormal Romance (Modern Magic Book 4) by [Nicole Hall]

 

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Featured Free eBook: The Lost City of Babel by Alessa Winters

Fae rule her city…but what if there is something worse?

The lost city of Babel has been cut off from the rest of the world by the Fae, leaving the humans within to fend for themselves, and a thriving underbelly has sprung up.

Tess is a normal human, one who had the misfortune of existing in their world. But when her little sister is kidnapped by the most powerful Fae, she will stop at nothing to ensure that her sister is brought to safety.

 

Other Books by Author:

The Girl Who Brings the Dead (The Magic of the Living and the Dead Book 1) by [Alessa Winters]    The Man of the Lake: A Summer Merman Romance (Summer Merman Series Book 1) by [Alessa Winters]    A Ghost of Her Own: A Cozy Paranormal Romance (The Ghosts of Riverside County Book 1) by [Alessa Winters]

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New Release: Key To The Dark (Monsters In Moonlight) by Alexa Michaels 

A creature of darkness saved me…and he isn’t letting me go.

I was offered my first solo project. It was a chance too good to be true—that should have been my first clue. Go to an island on the Gulf Coast, dismantle and catalogue a beautiful cathedral, and catch some sunshine on the sandy shore as a bonus. What could go wrong?

Let’s start with an attack from a monstrous beast the first night on the beach. When a dangerous man leaps from the night to defend me, I’m tempted to think fondly of my unexpected champion.

Until I realize the mysterious, brooding figure is the very obstacle to completing this project.

Not only is he hiding things from me, I’m convinced he wants to make my life a living hell.

My terrible savior is just as brutal as the creature he fought off, damaged in ways I’ll never understand. And yet, the more time we’re forced to spend together, the more I catch glimpses of kindness and sparks of passion beneath his brutal exterior.

His touch sparks an unexpected passion, tempting me to throw caution to the wind…

Until I discover the real reason he’s helping me.

Will we be able to work together peacefully, or is my time on Jekyll Island doomed before it even can begin?

A steamy, gothic tale, this stand-alone monster romance raises the question: what truly lurks in the shadows?

If you like tragic, angsty heroes and misunderstandings to begin the relationship, then read the paranormal romance, Key To The Dark today!

***Author’s note: this book may not be suitable for everyone in terms of content, language, and passionate happily ever afters!

 

Other Books in Series:

Bound To The Dark: A monster romance (Monsters In Moonlight) by [Alexa Michaels, Alexa H. Michaels]

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