A New Author, a New Book: Chasing Love by Meredith McNeil

Chasing Love

by Meredith McNeil  

Megan didn’t have a great start in life. When she was eighteen months old she was diagnosed with an illness that would prove to change the direction of her life. As a child, she was bullied relentlessly which caused her to build walls and prevented her from making connections with her peers. She never felt completely loved or accepted by any man and feared she would never find true love. Megan decided to join the Army and move away from all that she knew to start over. She meets Jay while stationed in South Korea, and finds that they have an instant connection that is unexplained. Their relationship faces many obstacles including alcohol, sex, third party situations, and pregnancy. Megan and Jay can not seem to stay away from one another. She believes that Jay is her soulmate, but his engagement proves to be an obstacle in moving their relationship to the next level. Their attraction is a magnet that continues to bring them back together even when they know that it is wrong. This book is the first in a series on Megan’s quest for self discovery and to capture the heart of her twin flame.

Buy on Amazon

Amazon review:

Couldn’t put the book down. Excellent book really tugs at the heart and has one feeling the need to squeeze and hug Meagan.

Excellent writing and easy reading. Can’t wait for the next book in series. Huge hugs to a great author. Hope not to wait too long to keep reading.

Book Review – Blood Moon Over Africa by Paul Zunckel

Blood Moon Over Africa

Book 1 of The Blood Trilogy

by Paul Zunckel

 

NOW AVAILABLE IN PRINT and ALL EBOOK EDITIONS!

 

      

Blood Moon Over Africa

Book 1 of The Blood Trilogy

by Paul Zunckel

Africa, a place where superstition and witchcraft runs deep, a place of beauty, but where death lurks in the shadows. A land shrouded in mystery, with ancient beliefs simmering just beneath the surface – set on a collision course with modern western ideas.

An innocent act unleashes a horror that walks the African night… under the full moon… and nothing is safe.

Piet van Zyl, safari owner, finds himself drawn into a world of witchcraft, and face to face with a horror returned from the grave. With the support of Veronica Strydom, with her vast knowledge of African Culture, he must rid the night of the abomination, or die trying.

 

REVIEW

“…you cannot help but be compelled to read on…”    reviewed by Lilian Flesher

[This review is from a gifted ebook reviewer copy.]

“You will be taken on a journey, an adventure, a scary trip that will have you rooted to the spot, whispering to yourself, WATCH OUT, perhaps yelling at the kindle like me!!! This is a fabulously well-written story, it tells the story of the old ways,  witch doctors, medicine men, of tribal beliefs, the things that scare the tribes, the information is endless, you cannot help but be compelled to read on, to follow the journey to the end, keep praying for a miracle because these pair along with their friends and helpers are going to need more than help, they are going to need every ounce of their wits, their courage, their skills, and prayers to protect them.!”

 

 Blood Moon Over Africa Links

 PRINT EDITIONS on Amazon

 Blood Moon Over Africa, Book 1

http://www.amazon.com/Blood-Moon-Over-Africa-Trilogy/dp/0692539905

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FREE Book Club Extras Packet

Book Club Extras Packet includes author bio and photo, title information, covers, discussion starters, and full color printable bookmarks.

 

Author Paul Zunckel

Paul Zunckel was born in 1957 in Zimbabwe, then known as Rhodesia. His family moved to South Africa in 1966, where he completed his schooling at Kingsway Senior High School in Amanzimtoti.

He did his two years National service in the South African Defence Force as an Ops Medic, wanting to follow his heart and study medicine, but life got in the way.

Paul was employed in Air Traffic Control for twenty years, and has been involved in Management positions for over twenty-five years. He has a Human Resource Management Diploma, and is an accredited Facilitator.

He started to write full time in August 2014, about something that is close to his heart… Africa. The mysteries, the superstitions, and all the beauty and treachery of the land. He holds his wife responsible for the road he is now traveling, as she was the driving force behind him in his Debut novel, Blood Moon over Africa. Since then, the stories line up to be told.

Paul loves to write as it takes him into another world, and he enjoys the reaction that he receives from readers.

Apart from writing novels, he also plays the guitar and writes his own material, although he is unable to read music. Music forms a big part of his life, and he can lay claim to having cut one CD, although he does say, “I’m too old to be an idol.”

He has two children from a previous marriage, and has been married to Lucie, the love of his life, for the last fourteen years. Paul and his family live in the Eastern Cape, South Africa along with man’s best friend, a cross Alsatian/Lab  who answers to the name “Pooch”  and is at his feet every time he sits down to write and will not move until “his human” is finished and types The End.

 

Where to find Paul Zunckel online

Website: https://PaulZunckelAuthor.wordpress.com

Twitter: @zuncks

Facebook: Paul’s Facebook Page

Blog: https://PaulZunckelAuthor.wordpress.com

Meet Author Paul Zunckel

Paul Zunckel just recently joined the VHP family and he is a welcome addition. Born in Rhodesia (Zimbabwe), he was raised in South Africa where his family moved when he was nine. Because of my own EMS background, Paul’s background really caught my attention, he served two years National service in the South African Defence Force as an Ops Medic. Paul Zunckel enjoys writing about the mysteries, the superstitions, and all the beauty and treachery of Africa (and he posts gorgeous pictures of the land on Facebook!)

Paul loves to write and play the guitar. A bit of a romantic, he credits his wife Lucie for inspiring him and being the driving force behind him in his upcoming  VHP debut novel, Blood Moon Over Africa.

…and now Paul Zunckel is in the Potpourri Parlor

 

When did you first start writing?
2014 was my starting block as a writer. I was always telling stories but never had anything published until now, all thanks to my wife’s encouragement. 

Where did you grow up, and how did this influence your writing?
I was born in Zimbabwe, but grew up in South Africa. I have always been interested in the bush and the wild life as well as the superstitions of the local people so I suppose that has influenced what I write. 

What was the first story you ever wrote?
Blood Moon Over Africa. The plot had been in my imagination for years, and then my wife convinced me to sit down and write it.

What is your writing process?
I just let my imagination flow. When I sit down, it is almost like turning on a tap, and the ideas just come.

Do you remember the first story you ever read, and the impact it had on you?
Yes, Edgar Rice Burroughs “Tarzan of the Apes”. I ended up collecting the whole series, and use to read by torch light.

What do you read for pleasure?
Anything that captures my attention. I enjoy a book that is hard to put down, and you just have to know what happens next. 

What are your five favorite books, and why?
Edgar Rice Burroughs “Tarzan The Ape man” It took me to another place.
Stephen King “Cujo”. I use to breed St Bernards, so it was close to home.
Dean Koontz “Whispers”. I enjoyed the pace of the novel.
Wilbur Smith “River God”. The way the author was able to transport you back in time and grab you with the characters.
David Morrell ” The Brotherhood Trilogy” Fast pace and exciting, books to keep and read again.

What is your e-reading device of choice?
Kindle 

Describe your desk
Untidy, empty coffee cup, notes all over the show, dog under my feet. 

What is the greatest joy of writing for you?
It takes me away from the bump and grind of the day to day existence, and transports me to another world. 

What do your fans mean to you?
Everything, the more fans the better, and I hope they enjoy what my imagination puts in print. 

What inspires you to get out of bed each day?
Ideas that need to be put on paper. Oh and to make my wife tea. 

When you’re not writing, how do you spend your time?
At this moment in time, most of my time is spent writing but I enjoy observing people and getting ideas. I also enjoy cooking,, and playing guitar.

Welcome to Vanilla Heart Publishing!

coming soon

Blood Moon Over Africa
Book 1, Blood Trilogy
by Paul Zunckel

Africa, a place where superstition and witchcraft runs deep, a place of beauty, but where death lurks in the shadows. A land shrouded in mystery, with ancient beliefs simmering just beneath the surface – set on a collision course with modern western ideas.

An innocent act unleashes a horror that walks the African night… under the full moon… and nothing is safe.

Piet van Zyl, safari owner, finds himself drawn into a world of witchcraft, and face to face with a horror returned from the grave. With the support of Veronica Strydom, with her vast knowledge of African Culture, he must rid the night of the abomination, or die trying.

Where to find Paul Zunckel online

Website: https://PaulZunckelAuthor.wordpress.com

Twitter: @zuncks

Facebook: Paul’s Facebook Page

Blog: https://PaulZunckelAuthor.wordpress.com

 

Meet Author Heather Thurmeier

Heather Thurmeier is a lover of strawberry margaritas, a hater of spiders and a reality TV junkie. Born and raised in the Canadian prairies, she now lives in New York with her husband and kids where she’s become some kind of odd Canuck-Yankee hybrid. When she’s not busy taking care of the kids and pets, Heather’s writing her next romance, which will probably be filled with sassy heroines, sexy heroes that make your heart pound, laugh out loud moments and always a happily ever after. She loves to hear from readers on social media and her website!

Heather is a member of Romance Writers of America and a fellow member of the Hudson Valley Chapter in New York. I recently had the opportunity to ask her a few questions…

• How did you start your writing career?

I began my career a few years ago when my kids started school. I suddenly had this time to myself and had an idea for a book, so I figured why not try to write it. I’d always wanted to so that was my chance to do something for myself. Once I started I didn’t want to stop!

• Tell us about your favorite character from your books.

Two of my favorite characters will always be Cassidy and Evan from Falling for You. They were the first characters to tell me their story and I will always love them for that! And the chemistry they have together is awesome. They’re fun, flirty, sarcastic, and super sexy together.

• Where do you dream of traveling to and why?

I’d love to see England, Scotland, and Ireland. I’d love to travel the countryside, visit old castles, and submerse myself in the culture. It seems like such a romantic place to vacation!

• Does travel play in the writing of your books?

In the Unscripted Love book bundle, each book focuses around a different reality TV show. While the contestants don’t have to leave the country, they all have to travel to the location of the show. While they’re not traveling far, they still have to leave their home, family and friends behind to take part in this adventure.

• Does your significant other read your stuff?

Not usually. He will read excerpts here and there. But he’s always available for brainstorming during my writing process. He’s amazingly good at picking apart a story to figure out what’s missing and brainstorming solutions. Whenever I have an idea that I just can’t figure out fully, I go to him and we discuss possibilities for my characters or plot. I always walk away with a better idea of where the story is going after one of our chats.

• Do you have critique partners or beta readers?

I have both and both play important parts in the writing process. I rely on my critique partners to tell me when I’m on the wrong path and set me straight and when I need help, I have them to bounce ideas off of. Sometimes all I need to figure out the solution to a plot problem is to voice my issues to my critique partners. They might have the solution or something they say might trigger an idea I hadn’t thought of before. My beta readers are also important. Once the book is fully completed, I need to know if it stands up to my other novels, if it’s lacking anything, or if it’s reading the way I intended it to read. They are the first set of eyes on my completed stories and the first indication of when I can expect other readers to think. I couldn’t release a new book without at least a few of them reading it first to give me the all clear!

And Heather has some exciting news to share –  Unscripted Love: The Complete Reality TV Romance Collection, THREE Full-length novels, is bundled and available for just 99-cents [77-cents at Amazon!]

Hollywood and romance mix in this delightful trilogy that explores the passion that can develop from friendly rivals on reality television shows. It’s a behind-the-scenes dream come true sure to capture fans of The Bachelor, Survivor, The Amazing Race, and American Idol.

• Falling for You: Newly single Cassidy Quinn is thrilled to be a contestant on the new reality dating show, The One. But her excitement turns to horror when the gorgeous bachelor turns out to be her ex-boyfriend, Brad. Should she reunite with him or take a chance on hunky cameraman Evan?
• Stuck on You: If being forced to team up with reality TV’s favorite bad girl wasn’t enough, falling for her partner’s brother might just make this treasure-hunting reality show a real nightmare for Paige Anderson. But an alliance with Jack Miles might lead to more than just winning the prize . . .
• Lost Without You: Reality TV diva Zoe Oliver is used to putting up a good front, but she isn’t thrilled to rough it in the woods without indoor plumbing and electricity – and with producer Chip Carmack. When her secrets are revealed on camera, she worries she’ll lose everything – including her chance at redemption and the affections of the only man she’s ever trusted with her heart.

AMAZON:  http://ow.ly/J4Zqb
KOBO:  http://ow.ly/J4ZD6
NOOK:  http://ow.ly/JfKks
ALL ROMANCE:  http://ow.ly/J516B

for more information about Heather Thurmeier
visit her website at http://heatherthurmeier.com/

 

Review of The Sailor by Malcolm Campbell

The Sailor

(Garden of Heaven Trilogy)

by Malcolm R. Campbell

The Sailor (Garden of Heaven Trilogy)

By JPurdy  (from Amazon)

My comments about this book are that I enjoyed reading it. The story is presented in a different manner that most novels that I read. It is written at a nice pace and I will read the other two pieces of this trilogy as time permits. I like the characters and the way they interact.

Having made several west-pac cruises and visited some the ports of call mentioned, It brought back many memories.

The Sailor

Book 2 of the Garden of Heaven Trilogy

When conscription and the Vietnam War pull pacifist David Ward away from Montana, mountain climbing and magic, he leaves for Navy boot camp with a suitcase of regrets. His fiancé ignores him, a close friend callously tells him to kill bad guys and have sex in every port, and an old flame sends devastating news that wrenches his life from its foundations.

Friends and family warned that if he dodged the draft, he would let down his church and country and become an embarrassment to everyone. Canada offered war resistors anonymous safety one hundred miles north of his ranch; a Swedish friend offered him the loving safety of her home and bed 4,500 miles away in Göteborg.

Rather than choosing a tempting offer for the wrong reasons, David serves onboard an aircraft carrier off the coast of Vietnam. Unlike his pilot friend Jack Rose, he’s more vulnerable to letters from home than from the war. His fiancé ignores him, a close friend callously tells him to kill bad guys and have sex in every port, and an old flame sends devastating news that wrenches his life from its foundations.

His spare-time work on a mountain climbing novel anchors him, a vision quest with a Hawai’ian sorceress in the warm waters off Oʻahu brings him hope, and an unexpected relationship with a Filipino bar girl saves his sanity. His best friend will never return home from the war. When David returns, no family and friends meet the plane or help get David’s life back together. They enjoy hearing funny stories about the ship, teaching him to remain silent about everything that matters.

Book review: Torc of Moonlight

Torc of Moonlight (Book One)

by Linda Acaster

 Great Plot and Prose February 3, 2013

By JohnnyApril

I guess I can say to begin with, I have read other books on the subject of the paranormal. I would say that my interest is growing and I’ll continue to read more books like that after reading Torc of Moonlight.

Like other books and movies on the paranormal, I always liked the ultimate confrontation at the end but there were other reasons that this was a great book as well.

Probably the best reason was the plot. You have two characters, students at a University, Nick Blaketon and Alice Linwood. Nick is very attracted to Alice and you never really know what his going to happen during the relationship. That keeps the pace moving as you’re rooting for the relationship to work.

Nick as a character makes the relationship more suspenseful since he is subject to blackouts. Several times in the book you think that something is happening during those blackouts since his behavior turns violent. That reminded me of a Mickey Rourke movie called Angel Heart, one of my all time favorite Rourke movies.

Add to the relationship other characters such as Harkin and Clare. It made me wonder why the are part of the story as well. That kept me going as I read the book. The author met the challenge in the end of blending everything together and creating a very powerful mystery that was full of suspense along with a great ending.
There were other memorable characters in the book as well such as Murray. Even though I never watched a Rugby game, I liked that it was part of this book as well. It made me interested in learning more about the game as a result.

The prose is great. The plot and the relationship keeps the story moving with a tremendous amount of suspense. Great memorable characters. I can’t see a reason why I wouldn’t give this book five stars. I would read more books by this author.