Hitler and Mars Bars by Dianne Ascroft

Title: Hitler and Mars Bars
Author: Dianne Ascroft
ISBN: 9781425145910
Format: Paperback, 340pp
Publisher: Trafford Publishing
Price: £11.99/$23.22/E15.86
Publication Date: March 2008
Website: www.geocities.com/dianne_ascroft
The book is available online from www.trafford.com/07-1955, www.amazon.com and other online
retailers.

Dianne Ascroft is a Canadian writer, living in Britain. She has been freelance writing since 2002. Most of her writing focuses on history, arts/music and human interest stories. Her articles have been printed in Canadian and Irish newspapers and magazines including the Toronto Star, Mississauga News, Derry Journal, Banbridge Leader and Ireland’s Own magazine. ‘Hitler and Mars Bars’ is her first novel.

Dianne is currently on a Virtual Book Tour which continues until December 24. The full tour schedule is available at www.dianneascroft.wordpress.com.

Also, please drop by her website at www.geocities.com/dianne_ascroft for further information about 'Hitler and Mars Bars'.

‘Hitler and Mars Bars’ is the story of a German boy, Erich, growing up in war-torn Germany and post-war rural Ireland. Set against the backdrop of Operation Shamrock, a little known Irish Red Cross project which aided German children after World War II, the novel explores a previously hidden slice of Irish and German history.

‘Hitler and Mars Bars’ is available to order from www.trafford.com, many online book shops, including www.amazon.co.uk, and her website.

REVIEW:

I have just finished reading Dianne Ascroft’s wonderful story entitled ‘Hitler and Mars Bars’. It’s a riveting story of a young German boy Erich from the industrialised Ruhr area of Germany. During the Second World War, buildings and industry were demolished but so were families and communities too. Erich’s mother is killed in the bombing. He and his brother Hans are left to fend for themselves.

It was then that they became part of Operation Shamrock, which was an Irish Red Cross project designed to help German children recover from the deprivation of the war. Southern Ireland was accused of being ambivalent in its attitude to Hitler. Yet Ireland was one of the first countries, through the Red Cross, to send donations to help the children in Germany.

As a result the German Save the Children Society was formed with the aim of bringing German children to Ireland to save them from starvation. With the help of the Irish Red Cross, many children were brought to Ireland - mainly to Glencree in Wicklow. When they were sufficiently cared for, they were fostered to families all over Ireland. Most of the children returned to Germany in the early 1950s but about 50 of them remained permanently in Ireland.

Dianne Ascroft’s story is based on Operation Shamrock, but the characters, including Erich, are fictional.

Throughout the book we follow the stories of these children, some of whom met good, caring families but others were treated horrifically. We read the stories of both in this excellently written book.

Traversing the country, we get to know the children, their families, the hard work entailed in running a farm in rural Ireland in those difficult times.

But most of all we get the human stories. As a novel it is extraordinarily well researched. It could form the basis of a revealing film script.

It is already an award winning novel for this Canadian born writer who has come to settle in Brookeborough in Co Fermanagh. Beautifully written with a strong human story running through it, it’s an ideal read for these summer days.

Brian D’Arcy, BBC broadcaster, Sunday World columnist, author, journalist,

June 2008

BOOK EXCERPT:

THE GINGERBREAD HOUSE

Bredenscheid, near Hattingen, Germany

March 1945

“Wake up, Erich,” his mother said softly.

Leaning over him, she gently shook his shoulder. Shrugging away from her touch, he turned over in the narrow metal bed. She shook a bit harder and he opened his eyes, squinting at her silhouette in the moonlight.

“Mutti! You’re here!” Erich sat up and threw his arms around her neck.

“Yes. Get up, quickly now.”

“I knew you’d come!” he cried.

“Shh…don’t wake the other children,” she hushed him as she pulled back his thin, woollen blanket.

Shivering in the cold air, he jumped out of bed and scurried the few steps to the fireplace. The embers from the fire, set before bedtime, still glowed and occasionally crackled in the open grate. The waning fire radiated a modest heat and Erich savoured its warmth. The moon was low in the early evening sky, but its light streamed through the partly drawn curtains.

Erich’s mother pulled his white cotton nightshirt over his head and he hunched forward, shivering as cold draughts eddied around him. She quickly threaded his arms into his shirt. Erich squirmed against the prickly fabric which scratched at his back.

“It’s itchy! I don’t want to wear it!”

“You don’t have anything else so you must. Hurry now!” she urged him.

She pulled up his short brown trousers and leaned over to lace his boots. She pushed his arms into his ragged woollen coat, then pulled it firmly around him, noticing how baggy it was.

“You are so thin!” she exclaimed. “You must eat!”

“They don’t give us much. And it’s rotten! It makes me sick. And I’m so tired,” he complained.

The food shortage was severe as the war drew to an end. Everyone struggled to get enough to eat. Malnutrition and the poor quality of available food frequently made the children ill. To conserve energy they went to bed after their evening meal.

She frowned, looking at him. The waist of his trousers was loose and his bony knees seemed large on his thin legs.

Putting her arm around his shoulder, she ushered him out of the dormitory and down the stairs. At the foot of the stairs Erich stopped. “Mutti has come for me, T-T-Tante Gretchen!” he called excitedly to the staff member standing in the downstairs hall. Nodding to the woman as they passed, his mother said, “I will return him by breakfast. Good night.”

As they stepped out of the door the darkness enveloped them; no street lights lit their way. Their eyes adjusted to it as they walked briskly down the country lane. Erich held tightly to his mother’s hand. He pressed against her, almost tripping her in his eagerness to be close to her on this rare visit.

Conor and The Crossworlds: Book Two: Peril in the Corridors

Conor and The Crossworlds Book Two: Peril in the Corridors
Kevin Gerard

Review by Mary Aycock courtesy of Front Street Reviews

The author, Kevin Gerard, lives in San Diego, CA, with his wife and four children. When he is not busy being a successful professor of sociology and statistics for California State University, San Marcos, you will find him doing fun things with his extended family in and around the San Diego area. The Crossworlds series provided the main impetus for his decision to pursue a professional writing career and may prove to him that he can now concentrate on writing full time, to the exclusion of all other endeavors.

This second quest into the Crossworlds brings us into our main character’s life two years after the first story. The Lady of the Light appears in Conor Jameson’s bedroom and asks him to accompany her back into the Crossworlds to assist with a problem that was actually created when our young hero and his mentor, Purugama, had their first adventures together. Completely by accident, Purugama and Conor unknowingly created a situation whereby the Crossworlds corridors have been weakened and are now in danger of being destroyed by the Circle of Evil. Many horrible and treacherous evildoers had escaped their bonds when the corridors were weakened and could no longer hold them captive. Now they are on a vengeful drive to destroy all forces of good and all means of traveling through the Crossworlds corridors.

Conor decides to accompany the Lady of the Light to the Glade of Champions, where he meets Maya and the other Crossworlds Champions, Eha, Ajur, Surmitang and Therion. All of the Crossworlds Champions are amazing and endearing but GIGANTIC members of the cat family, just as Purugama was. Anyone who is a cat lover, including myself, would give their left arm to be in Conor’s position, meeting and being mentored by a giant Panther and Cheetah and Tiger and Lion, not to mention Maya, who has the outward appearance of a gigantic domestic cat, but is the Lord of the Crossworlds Champions. All are vested with special powers, which Conor gets to feel and enjoy and practice, as he accompanies Maya on several perilous quests to repair the Crossworlds corridors. Maya is the only one of the huge cats who can travel with Conor through the Crossworlds, but the other cats are able to lend Conor their powers and magical abilities to help him fight the many terrifying foes that are trying to prevent the corridor repairs. In order to give Maya the time he needs to work the repairs on the corridors, Conor must battle and defeat a human-dragon mutant, a formless entity and a shape-shifting master of darkness. Oh, the deliciously scary things we come face to face with on this journey!

The action-packed fast pace will have you turning page after page as fast as possible to see what comes next, because this author holds nothing back in his quest to show you every corner of the Crossworlds and all the dangers that lurk within. As Conor battles each wicked foe, your heart beats faster as you try to think past what is happening to all of the possible outcomes, only to be surprised by the turn of events. The battle scenes are huge in dimension and impact as Conor fights for his life, using his wits and the powers of the mighty Crossworlds Champions. What incredible powers he wields as he fights the best (or is that the worst?) that the Circle of Evil can throw at him. Entire worlds are involved; the span of our imagination grows with each battle. As I was reading, I kept envisioning these scenes on a big screen, wondering how the movie world would create the amazing things that come straight from this author’s incredible imagination. This mind-blowing series of battles against the Circle of Evil’s finest team of destroyers would be quite a feat to translate to the big screen, but my goodness, what an awesome thing that would be to see and to hear! Hollywood, are you paying attention here????

I was impressed with the first book of “Conor and the Crossworlds” and was wondering if the second book would be as good as the first or, as sometimes happens, not live up to the promise. Well, let me tell you, I was NOT disappointed after reading the second book in a series that is turning out to be a highly entertaining and enjoyable read. There is so much MORE in this second book for everyone to enjoy, fast paced action, close calls around every bend, tender moments between Conor and the amazing giant cats who are the Crossworld Champions, surprises, treachery, deception, battles to end all battles and foes that will curl your hair! There is a wonderful sense of right fighting against wrong in Conor’s perilous journey and you see him grow stronger and wiser with every confrontation. I truly think that we, as readers, grow with him and learn with him and come away with the sense that we want to change our world for the better, now that we know what can go horribly wrong if we continue as we are. Three cheers to the author, Kevin Gerard, for giving us reality’s lessons disguised as enchanting fiction.

I was carried along on this journey with Conor and Maya and the other Crossworld Champions and they will always be a part of my heart. This book will have to be reread, slowly this time, just so I can savor the relationships and the experiences once more. The author has left me with a deep hunger for the NEXT book in this series and, for all the world, I have NO idea where his imagination is going to take me next time, but I am ready for the ride! Bring it on, Kevin, but please bring it on SOON!

For more information about Kevin Gerard and his virtual tour, check the schedule at http://virtualblogtour.blogspot.com/2008/10/virtual-book-tour-conor-and-crossworlds.html

Amazon Link for Conor and the Crossworlds http://tinyurl.com/6lqas2

For more information on Kevin Gerard, visit his website http://www.conorandthecrossworlds.com.

Donna Sundblad

Tour Coordinator Promo 101 Virtual Blog Tours

www.theinkslinger.net

Conor and The Crossworlds: Book One Breaking the Barrier

Conor and The Crossworlds Book One: Breaking The Barrier

Kevin Gerard

Review by Mary Aycock courtesy of Front Street Reviews

The author, Kevin Gerard lives in San Diego, CA, with his wife and four sons. A native Californian and a dedicated professor of sociology and statistics for California State University, San Marcos, Kevin spends as much time as possible writing for publication. The Crossworlds series provided the main impetus for his decision to pursue a professional writing career.

Our main character, Conor Jameson, an innocent and unsuspecting boy of 10, loses his favourite Uncle from a heart attack and is trying to deal with the loss and confusion this brings to his young life. The night of the funeral, wrapped in grief, he dozes, thinking of “a special place” his Uncle mentioned. He awakes to find that he has somehow summoned Purugama the winged cougar, defender of the Crossworlds to his side.

At first, Conor has misgivings about this giant Cougar that is almost as large as an elephant. He realizes that it could easily have him for breakfast, but the Cougar puts him at ease by showing him that he is actually an intellectual being that means him no harm.

In an effort to help Conor work his way though his deep grief and to eventual understanding of his Uncle’s untimely death, Purugama asks Conor to come along on an adventure with him.

We have ringside seats as Conor travels from adventure to adventure with Purugama, as he travels through situations, decisions and emotions which parallel events in Conor’s Uncle Jake’s life. Purugama first takes Conor soaring through deep desert canyons and we catch a glimpse of what it would feel like to soar like an eagle and we are eventually led to a village high up on a cliff. Thus comes Conor’s first lesson of a similar crossroads in his Uncle’s life. We learn that sometimes fear paralyzes us and keeps us from helping a friend in a time of great need. We also learn that after your friend has forgiven you, it is equally important for you to forgive yourself and to give up the fear and self-loathing that sometimes comes with extreme feelings of failure.

It must be said here, in the story, we jump back and forth, from Conor’s recollections of his adventures with Purugama, to an ongoing battle, high on a Mesa, between between this Great Winged Cougar, Defender of the Crossworlds and a horrid creature named Drazian, half human and half lizard, who is both big and ugly. Did I mention mean and nasty, too? Drazian is an old foe of Purugama, who has mysteriously escaped his captivity in the Crossworlds and is determined to battle his old Cougar foe to the death, with Conor becoming the prize for the victor!

As the battle rages, we are carried back in Conor’s memory to the second stop in the series of adventures, a dim, dark and odorous room in a nondescript city. Purugama has magically aged Conor to a twenty-something age and tossed him into a filthy, smelly room filled with men and women of this same age. At first, Conor is disgusted by what he sees and smells and by the lack of ambition on the part of the other young people. He is passed a cigarette and expected to take a puff and pass it on, but he lets the cigarette (and several of it’s brother and sister cigarettes) make several rounds of the room without so much as taking a single puff. He also notices that they are inhaling what he takes to be “salt” that they have lined up in neat little rows. Eventually a “contact high” seems to overcome Conor, as he notices how happy everyone is and how he begins to feel a deep kinship with them. He is considering taking a deep puff the next time the cigarette or one of it’s siblings makes the rounds, but at this point, Purugama steps in and creates a tornado in the room, which blows all of the (shall I say it?) drugs out of the windows. At this point, Conor discovers that the happy crowd is no longer happy when they find out that their reason for being together has disappeared. When they become combatant and want to do battle with Conor, Purugama feels that the lesson has been learned and he sweeps Conor away to safety. Again, there is the hint that this is also an event that was somewhat paralleled by Conor’s Uncle Jake, during his lifetime.

The next adventure is the one that makes me HOPE that there will eventually be a series of movies made from Conor and the Crossworlds, because I LOVED the scenes of Purugama and adventure at the swimming pool. You will have to read the book to find out more, because when it comes to this adventure, my lips are sealed!

We are bounced again and again to the battle and we continue to cheer for Purugama, yet dread that things are not going well in that regard, so it is with relief that we are bounced into another adventure. This particular adventure sent echoes through my head, reminding me of something Conor told us of in the beginning of the book. He said Uncle Jake used to “let him sit in his lap and steer his car whenever they drove somewhere together.” When I read these lines in the beginning of the story, they made me smile, thinking of how many people do this with their children, nieces, nephews and grandchildren…but when I read this next adventure, it sent chills down my spine, just thinking of what could have been! Again, we and Conor got to walk through Uncle Jakes adventures, even though the names and places might have been changed to protect the innocent, we still get to experience them with all the warts and bad breath in evidence!

The next adventure takes us to a most unusual place and I can still feel the wind blowing the hair out of my eyes as I search for MY group among the people in the story. I know which group I would select and we also learn which group Uncle Jake chose. This was one of the most cruel parts of the story, for Conor to have to lose his Uncle once more, but with it came another lesson that must be learned. A choice must be made and it stuck me how YOUNG the people in the story were when they made the choices they had to live with for the remainder of their lives. This series is full of wonderful life lessons, disguised as adventures, but with deep thoughts to ponder at the close of each one.

Which brings us one last time to the Mesa where the Great Battle is being fought. I won’t tell you the ending of the story, but I will tell you that Conor learned his lessons well and good and became the Hero we knew he would become.

My only complaint in Book One was that it was way too short, so it is a good thing that it is a Series! Now it is up to you to go find a copy of the FIRST book in a Great Series…Conor and the Crossworlds. Remember that name, because once you actually meet the characters, they are not soon forgotten!

For more information about Kevin Gerard and his virtual tour, check the schedule at http://virtualblogtour.blogspot.com/2008/10/virtual-book-tour-conor-and-crossworlds.html

Amazon Link for Conor and the Crossworlds http://tinyurl.com/6lqas2

For more information on Kevin Gerard, visit his website http://www.conorandthecrossworlds.com.

Donna Sundblad

Tour Coordinator Promo 101 Virtual Blog Tours

www.theinkslinger.net

Meet Tony Napoli Author of My Fther My Don

Today I welcome Tony Napoli to Book Hookup on his virutal book tour. For his complete schedule visit: Promo 101 Virtual Blog Tours.

My Father, My Don: A Son’s Journey from Organized Crime to Sobriety

Tony “Tony Nap” Napoli is the son of one of the most powerful and respected organized crime leaders of the modern era. Tony’s father was Genovese Family Capo, James “Jimmy Nap” Napoli—a mob kingpin who ruled over the largest gambling empire in America for almost 40 years.

Tony’s autobiography is a bold recounting of the confidential world that he and his father inhabited. In candid, no-holds-barred language, Tony describes his life as boxer, army soldier, enforcer, casino boss, fugitive, hustler, and offspring to one of the most powerful mobsters of the century.

Leave a comment here for a chance to win a copy of his book.

Interview with Tony Napoli

You're family history is unique with involvement in organized crime, but at home your family was close. What was it like in your home as a boy, and what do you think modern day families miss from their separation from the extended family?

My family is unique in the sense that through my Father's connections, politically and celebrity wise, I grew up in an atmosphere of influential people. Mostly organized crime people. When the old-timers got pinched (arrested) for association with organized crime people, they would say "my life is so disorganized, I consider that a compliment." What made my family even closer with friends more so than others was the fact that I was taught by my Father, to call all close friends, Uncle or Aunt. Even though they weren't blood related. As a young man I was taught to help my Mother wash and dry the dishes every night before I did my homework or go out for a couple of hours to hang out. Dinner in my house was always at 6:00 PM, except on Sunday. That's when I had to sit at the dinner table with a clean white shirt at 3:00 PM after my Father fished reading every word in the Sunday newspaper.

During the week, after school was out I had to take the bus to the Trinity Club and meet my trainer, who taught me about the art of boxing. My father wanted me to know how to defend myself. In fact it was mandatory in my household. He allowed me to enter amateur boxing events, and I was able to spar in the gym with the professional fighters, he promoted. I did all that until I was 20 years old. In October, 1955 my father encouraged me to join the Military to help defend this great country of ours. I decided to join the US Air Force, Strategic Air Command (SAC) under General Curtis La May. I feel that in today's world, we lack family tradition, discipline and accepting Mommy and Daddy as the true heads of our families.

What inspired you to write My Father, My Don?

It was on my 26th birthday when I decided to start writing my book. So, those of you who will read my book, chapter 2 will explain about the time my father came into my bedroom and caught me in the act of writing. He glanced threw my notes and destroyed them, because I mentioned names. He disapproved. Later that day, it was my mother who saw the tears in my eyes, and encouraged me to pen my autobiography as I got older. She said, "You will have a lot more to say." She died of cancer on January, 5th 1962. I miss her and love her so much.

How did you go about writing your story? Was it all from memory, or did you have letters or other documents to work from?

I started working on my story again in 2002 after my wife, Laura, showed me her scrap book of newspaper articles she had saved. Most of the articles are about my father, when he was making headlines. Some are of me being arrested for loan sharking and for illegal gambling. I decided to hire a writer, and with my help put together a thousand pages of excerpts. In those excerpts is a trail of documented material about my grandparents, my father, my mother and names of business associate's who did business with my father and me. I accumulated a lot of information about my family tree from relatives and close family friends. Other information came from books where my father was mentioned. I found that paying three writers a fee in the past five years, was the most protective way for me to go along with the support of my immediate family and my estate. Most of my excerpts were put into story form by me and my memory.

Tell us a little about Charles Messina.

When it comes to Charles Messina, I met him through a mutual friend who actually thought Charles wasn't the writer to do the book with me. I found Charles to be dedicated and unknown. He showed me his desire to work long hours, and worked with me for two of the last five years I put into my story. He's a graduate of NYU and is known for writing screenplays and directing off Broadway shows. He's a very passionate and private person who doesn't party. He has a wife and a six-year-old, who he dedicates his whole life to.

How long did it take you to write your book? Did you ever struggle with writer's block? And did you use any tricks to prevent you from straying from finishing the book?

It took me and three other writers a total of five years to write and complete my book. There were times that I got confused when putting excerpts into story form. Such as, putting together years, dates and places in the right places. So, that nothing would stand in the way of completing my book, I would be on the computer late at night when it was quiet in the house, e-mailing my writers. We would go back and forth e-mailing each other, till the wee hours of the morning for years and months at a time.

How do you family and friends feel about My Father, My Don?

When I mentioned to my family and friends about my doing an Autobiography, most of my friends said to me, "Well, it's about time." My family, being very disciplined in following tradition in the household agreed. Their answer: "You're in control, Dad, whatever you think is best for us, go to it." It was a close friend of the family's that picked out the title for me, My Father, My Don. That's because he was involved with me in some of my escapades.

If you had it to do over again, would you do anything differently?

I financed my book as a self publisher in connection with a licensed publisher. With the experience I gained in book publishing, I might want to search around more thoroughly for both writers and publishers, before I made a deal. And, I would make sure that all errors, whether typo's or proof reading is correct, before the final edition goes to print.

Visit Tony's website for a Napoli photo gallery - http://www.napoli.beckhamhouse.com

Book for sale here: http://www.napoli.beckhamhouse.com/#

Call In and Talk with Author Tony Napoli

Call in and talk with Tony Napoli, author of My Father, My Don on Meet the Author Blog Talk Radio http://www.blogtalkradio.com/dennisngriffin today, November 25 at 8:00. Call-in Number: (646) 478-0982.

Tony Napoli's autobiography, My Father, My Don is a bold recounting of the confidential world that he and his father inhabited. Tony “Tony Nap” Napoli is the son of one of the most powerful and respected organized crime leaders of the modern era. Be sure to stop by Books and Authors http://joyceanthony.tripod.com/blog/ November 22, 23, and 24 to learn more of his life growing up as the sun of a mob kingpin who ruled over the largest gambling empire in America for almost 40 years.

Visit Tony's website for a Napoli photo gallery - http://www.napoli.beckhamhouse.com

Book for sale here: http://www.napoli.beckhamhouse.com/#

Donna Sundblad

Promo 101 Virtual Blog Tours

www.virtualblogtour.blogspot.com

Call In and Talk with Author Kevin Gerard

Don't miss Kevin Gerard, author of Conor and the Crossworlds series, as he stops by to talk with Nikki Leigh on Promo 101 Create and Promote Blog Talk Radio, November 25 http://www.blogtalkradio.com/nikkileigh at 3:00 EST. Kevin will talk about his Conor and the Crossworlds young adult fantasy series. Book Three has just been released and Books Four and Five are in the works. Join Kevin and Nikki to learn more about the work of a young adult fantasy author. He welcomes your questions during the show. Call in number is (347) 215-8201. Callers are entered for a chance to win a copy of his book.

Visit Kevin's website http://www.conorandthecrossworlds.com where you can download a free Conor and the Crossworlds ebook and keep tabs on the upcoming release of Surviving an Altered World which is due out in December. In it Conor and Janine watch in horror as a powerful warrior sent by the Circle of Evil destroys their world and imprisons everyone they know. The Lady of the Light explains that she and her kind deposited the five keys of the creators on different worlds just before the chaos began. If Conor and Janine can recover the keys, the Crossworlds will be restored.

Join in the hunt for the keys by clicking on the contest video on his website to learn the exciting details regarding The Hunt for the Five Keys of the Creators. The contest begins in January.

For more information about Kevin Gerard and his virtual tour, check the schedule at http://virtualblogtour.blogspot.com/2008/10/virtual-book-tour-conor-and-crossworlds.html

Amazon Link for Conor and the Crossworlds http://tinyurl.com/6lqas2

For more information on Kevin Gerard, visit his website http://www.conorandthecrossworlds.com.

Donna Sundblad

Tour Coordinator Promo 101 Virtual Blog Tours

www.theinkslinger.net

Tony Napoli's Life in Organized Crime

Tony Napoli's autobiography, My Father, My Don is a bold recounting of the confidential world that he and his father inhabited. Tony “Tony Nap” Napoli is the son of one of the most powerful and respected organized crime leaders of the modern era. Be sure to stop by Books and Authors http://joyceanthony.tripod.com/blog/ November 22, 23, and 24 to learn more of his life growing up as the sun of a mob kingpin who ruled over the largest gambling empire in America for almost 40 years.

Visit Tony's website for a Napoli photo gallery - http://www.napoli.beckhamhouse.com

Book for sale here: http://www.napoli.beckhamhouse.com/#

Donna Sundblad

Promo 101 Virtual Blog Tours

www.virtualblogtour.blogspot.com

Chances to Win a Free Books

November 19

Take a moment to stop by and post a comment to these two authors for a chance to win a copy of their book. It could make a great Christmas gift!

Read an excerpt from author Kevin Gerard's Conor and the Crossworlds series at Angela Verdenius' blog http://www.myspace.com/angelaverdenius. Also learn more about joining in the hunt for the keys by clicking on the contest video on his website to learn the exciting details regarding The Hunt for the Five Keys of the Creators. The contest begins in January.

And be sure to check out what Tony Napoli has to share on Before I Was Published http://beforeiwaspublished.blogspot.com/. Learn about his life growing up as the son of one of the most powerful and respected organized crime leaders of the modern era. Tony’s father was Genovese Family Capo, James “Jimmy Nap” Napoli—a mob kingpin who ruled over the largest gambling empire in America for almost 40 years.

Donna Sundblad

Promo 101 Virtual Blog Tours

www.virtualblogtour.blogspot.com

Tours Stops on Writing Fantasy and Interview with Tony Napoli

Author Kevin Gerard discusses the writing process and his young adult fantasy series Conor and the Crossworlds at Queen of Convolution http://cfvici.blogspot.com. Stop by and ask a question or leave a comment for a chance to win a copy of one of his books. Also learn more about joining in the hunt for the keys by clicking on the contest video on his website to learn the exciting details regarding The Hunt for the Five Keys of the Creators. The contest begins in January.

Tony Napoli author of My Father, My Don will be interviewed at The Book Connection Interview http://www.thebookconnectionccm.blogspot.com/. Tony “Tony Nap” Napoli is the son of one of the most powerful and respected organized crime leaders of the modern era. Tony’s father was Genovese Family Capo, James “Jimmy Nap” Napoli—a mob kingpin who ruled over the largest gambling empire in America for almost 40 years.

Donna Sundblad

Promo 101 Virtual Blog Tours

www.virtualblogtour.blogspot.com

From Crime to Fantasy Don't Miss These Tour Stops

Monday, November 17 Tour Stops

Stop by and leave a comment for one of these authors and you have a chance to win a copy of their book!

Author Tony Napoli kicks off his virtual tour with a stop at Great New Books That Are a Must Read http://newgreatbooks.blogspot.com/ on Monday, November 17. He'll talk about his autobiography My Father, My Don and life as the son of a mob Kingpin.

And don't miss Kevin Gerard, author of Conor and the Crossworlds, when he stops by Pumping Your Muse Fantasy Writer http://pymfanasywriter.blogspot.com/ to offer his insights on writing. Also learn more about joining in the hunt for the keys by clicking on the contest video on his website to learn the exciting details regarding The Hunt for the Five Keys of the Creators. The contest begins in January.

Donna Sundblad
Tour Coordinator Promo 101 Virtual Blog Tours
www.theinkslinger.net
http://pymfanasywriter.blogspot.com/

Self-Help and Fiction With Positive Themes

Things are obviously a little stressed for many people. The economy is having indigestion, the environment is assessing its options and there is a bit of turmoil on the international political scene. You deserve a break! As we move towards an era of new hope, dreams fulfilled and a more peacefully society, many have come forth to make the transition a bit more understandable and easier. What follows is a list of books and CD’s that you will enjoy. Most offer guidance in these somewhat tumultuous times; some are just for pleasure. It is our hope that as we approach the holiday season you will consider purchasing these titles, and listening to the music. They will make you feel good, entertain and ponder the true nature of reality. You might even learn how to control your own destiny – a bargain at any price!

Book: Money and Manifesting by Dyan Garris. Why the Law of Attraction is not enough to manifest and exactly what to do about it. Learn to manifest in a multi-dimensional, integrative way. www.voiceoftheangels.com

mail@voiceoftheangels.com

Diagnosis: Lupus, The Intimate Journal of a Lupus Patient

When she was suddenly assaulted by myriad baffling symptoms of joint pain and extreme fatigue, the author embarked on an intensive search for diagnosis and treatment of what would be diagnosed as systemic lupus erythematosus, a little-known autoimmune disease that promised to destroy her body, her mind and her spirit. From the pages of her intimate daily journal, we travel with her through chronic joint pain, frustration, anger and grief for her former self to her current state of remission. Far from being a litany of complaints, the author’s pages reveal her unexpected spiritual growth and gratitude for life itself, and she hopes she can be of help to others who suffer from this disease or other chronic illness.

Contact: marilyncmorris@ sbcglobal. net

Invisible Blueprints -- Intuitive Insights for Fulfillment in Life by Diane Brandon – 5-Star Rating on Amazon.com

Invisible Blueprints encapsulates information Diane Brandon has gained through her integrative intuitive counseling work with clients and covers such topics as personal growth and unfolding, essence, relationship types, soul agreements, purpose and mission, reincarnation, spectrum of consciousness, manifesting, and even how readings are evolving from "fortune-telling" to counseling and personal facilitation.

Available on Amazon.com and www.dianebrandon. net/products. asp.

Contact: diane@dianebrandon. com

Law of Achievement; Discover Your Purpose, Possibility and Potential

Law of Achievement offers a rare look into what it really means to discover your purpose, possibility and potential. Kathleen and Lori dare to reveal uncommon and rarely explored philosophies in this unique book.

Message of Hope; Inspiriational Thoughts for Uncertain Times

Message of Hope offers invaluable, inspirational, highly recommended perspectives for dealing with life's uncertainties, especially those arising from change, loss, death, and fear. Each single page observation is worth of contemplation and reflection.

Kathleen Gage
The Street Smarts Marketer
P.O. Box 551
Pleasant Hill, OR 97455
541.654.0426
http://www.kathleengage.com
http://www.themarketingmindset.com (blog)

http://www.dailyawareness.com (spiritual blog)

A Journey Well Taken: Life After Loss by Elaine Williams
http://www.ajourneywelltaken.com

A Widow's journey through loss, grief and renewal

Midwest Book Review - 5 Stars

How to Heal from Psychic Attack the Problem Solvers Alphabet by Nita Hickok ISBN 1411688708

The Problem Solvers Alphabet uses symbols to cleanse, clear and resolve problems in the persons life to empower them in all of their decisions. Nita http://www.lulu. com/astralhealer

Bringing to Beneficial Law of Attraction: The Manifestation Teachings her extensive studies in ancient and contemporary wisdom and philosophy, Ms Bradford has acquired more then a quarter of a century expertise in Clinical and Transpersonal hypnosis. In spite of her extensive professional credentials, she could never have imagined the singular psychic event that would transform her life. Commencing in the winter of 2004, a hypnosis client, Lena Lees spontaneously channeled twenty-eight sessions delineating Eastern goddess of Compassion, Kuan Yin's modern spiritual scriptures. Witness and transcriber of these sessions, Ms. Bradford then compiled them into the extraordinary manuscript, The Living Word of Kuan Yin: The Teachings and Prophecies of the Goddess of Compassion and Mercy. Distilling from that work, the essence of the goddess teachings, Ms. Bradford now brings to you the highlights of Kuan Yin's world-renowned compassion along with the next generation of manifestation sciences.

The Living Word of Kuan Yin http://www.amazon.com/Living-Word-Kuan-Yin/dp/1419646400">Click here to go to the webpage.

Beneficial Law of Attraction: The Manifestation Teachings: www.lawofattractioninfo.

Storm

by: Joyce A. Anthony

"Who he is and why he's here is a mystery, even to Storm--a mystery that can only be solved within the whirling rainbow. As he searches for answers, he touches the lives of society's forgotten and when he finds his identity, nobody is left untouched."

http://www.storm.2freedom.com/

A Book Inside, How to Write, Publish, and Sell Your Story available through http://www.BooksByDenbow.Weebly.com Learn to write a book, what publishing options you have, and how to market for success!

Boosting Your Baby’s Brain Power
Boosting Your Baby’s Brain Power offers practical and fun ways for parents to develop and nurture maximum brain power from the womb to baby’s first birthday!

Oh, Baby! 7 Ways a Baby Will Change Your Life the First Year
With its realistic portrayal of the many ways that life is changed after the baby is born, Oh, Baby offers practical advice and sensitive know-how to help you survive -- and even thrive! -- in the first year.

It’s Twins! Parent-to-Parent Advice from Infancy Through Adolescence
In It’s Twins, parents of multiples tackle the important questions on raising twins of any age with plenty of tips, tales, tricks-of-the-trade, trivia and more.

Boosting Your Baby’s Brain Power

http://tinyurl.com/5u3twx

Oh, Baby! 7 Ways a Baby Will Change Your Life the First Year

http://tinyurl.com/57bzqw

It’s Twins! Parent-to-Parent Advice from Infancy Through Adolescence

http://tinyurl.com/6fkr8n

MAY I SEE YOUR HAND? Palm Reading for Fun and Profit

A How-To book for Asian Palmistry

All the information everyone needs to go forward with anmate or to learn how to find theirs.

Also 46 short stories from soul mate palm reading clients.

SOUL MATE CONNECTIONS

Everything You Ever Wanted to Know About Relationships, Love, Romance and Soul Mates

The title/sub title give away the whole story of this book.

DIARY OF A PALM READER

Palm Reading Sessions from 1956 to 2003

Myrna Lou Goldbaum

Palmist/Psychic/ Author

www.myrnaloupalmist ry.com

www.soulmateconneci tons.blogspot. com

Myrna Lou Goldbaum

PO Box 19081

Boulder CO 80308

Healing the Shadow
An in-depth look into the human shadow, how it affects us and how to heal it.

Truth
A book for the advanced spiritual seeker providing a host of helpful techniques and insights.

Journey to Enlightenment
A contemporary view into the transformational process called life.

Ross Bishop
Shaman
201 Jefferson Drive, Palmyra, VA 22963-2325
(434) 589-3902

web site: www.rossbishop.com
blog: http://rossbishop.com/blog/

OWEN FIDDLER (Sing along to the tune of the Beatles' "Nowhere Man")

Has a selfish point of view, why he's such a fool, no clue. Isn't he a bit like me and you?

Owen, man, please listen. You don't know what you're missing. Owen, man, your world is at your command!

He's no role model for you or your kids, but reading his story will learn ya a thing or two, and that's a fact. This is an entertaining, thought-provoking, humorous and spiritually insightful book which will surely have you thinking about your own life. Hey you – yeah, you! Do you like to dance? Don’t forget to pay the fiddler!

www.owenfiddler.com

Title/Author: "Meet Your True Self through Meditation" by Swami Shyam

Description: A view of the Self through the eyes of the enlightened being.
Reading this book transforms one's consciousness into the state of
meditation and knowledge of the Self as the free Space. Written in an
engaging and intimate style, the text explains what to expect from
meditation with a gentle explanation of the practice, and includes
anecdotes; a clear description of the meaning of the super state of
consciousness; references to the Bhagavad Gita; and the technique of
meditation that anyone can follow.

Available at: http://www.shyamswisdom.com/books/

Juliana by Adelle Laudan

Juliana's healing journey after an abusive marriage.

http://adellelaudan.com

BUY link

http://www.forbiddenpublications.com/book_pages/juliana.html

Title: In Silence, Discovering Self through Meditation
By Jane Rosalea Booth
e-mail: janerosaleabooth@yahoo.com
www.in-silence.net
blog: http://www.janebooth.wordpress.com
ISBN: 978-1-4251-2004-7
To order: http://www.trafford.com/07-0804 or http://www.in-
silence.net
A simple daily approach to meditation, ancient wisdom and inner
peace, In Silence, Discovering Self through Meditation is a guide
for exploring our inner sanctuary and reminds us to live each moment
from the natural, peaceful place where we are closest to God.

Once Upon a Time There Was You: Three Magic Secrets to Finding Your Real Self
More than just another self-help book to discover new ways to find yourself but rather a journey to the center of yourself and back out again that gives you the key to YOU and also helps you to fit it into the lock and turn it.
Contact: 310-264-5625; maia@allaboutlifecoaching.com or http://allaboutlifecoaching.com/book-by-a-life-coach

"Core of Your Business"
one line description: An empowering workbook to help you get in touch
with the core of your business. Exercises for listening and
strengthening your small business.
contact: http://www.coreofyo urbusiness. com
Kaya Singer kaya@awakeningbusin ess.com 503-493-1199

Debra Oakland
Living In Courage Online
http://www.livingincourageonline.com

A Spiritual Oasis for Overcoming Life's
Biggest Challenges

The Voice of the Muse: Answering the Call to WriteA dynamic blend of inspiration and instruction for anyone in any genre seeking to write more effortlessly, flowingly and engagingly. http://calltowrite.com

The MoonQuest: A True FantasyThe critically acclaimed, award-winning visionary novel that will change your life.http://themoonquest.com

Beyond the Fifth Gate (Fantasy)Paperback: 244 pages . Publisher: ePress-online (September 18, 2008) ISBN-10: 1934258245 , ISBN-13: 978-1934258248,Amazon Link: http://tiny.cc/9OGbN ,Fictionwise Link: http://tiny.cc/W7B4w

Five planets visibly align in the dawn sky marking the long-awaited Kamali's Cycle. Based on ancient prophecies, Elita's faith carries her to the first portal where she is faced with a choice; the risk of never seeing her home again. Upon entering the first gate, there's no turning back. Her faith quest thrusts her into a one-way race against time, before the planets move out of alignment and the gates close for another 50 years. Follow Elita on this life transforming mission to free her home world.

Windwalker (Fantasy),Paperback: 220 pages ,Publisher: epress-online (September 14, 2007) ,ISBN-10: 0977222489 ,ISBN-13: 978-0977222483,Amazon Link: http://tiny.cc/F8MKt ,Fictionwsie Link: http://tiny.cc/bPKBR

The peace-loving Stygian people trust in their ancient prophecies predicting the coming of the Arich-their savior. Paranoia and fear prompt the issuance of royal Jonnick decrees designed to thwart his coming. Midwives ordered to report the birth of any child born on a moonless night know it means death to the child. Effects of the law trickle to the present where Manelin, a social outcast, and Jalil, a lame Jonnick girl ordered to be killed at birth find themselves thrust into the midst of unfolding prophecies and a world on the verge of annihilation. www.theinkslinger.net

Bartlett’s Rule: A novel about love, patience & hope.http://shop.vanillaheartbooksandauthors.com/product.sc?categoryId=3&productId=3

Reach the author at: ChelleCordero@gmail.com

POLARIZING YOUR LIFE TOWARD PERFECTION, Philip F. Harris. Alter your life and you reality and learn how to use The Law of Attraction! http://www.amazon.com/Polarizing-Your-Life-Toward-Perfection/dp/1594316619/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&s=books&qid=1226238085&sr=1-1

COLLECTED MESSAGES: GUIDES FOR PERSONAL TRANSFORMATIOM, BOOK I AND II, Philip F. Harris. Discover tools for better health, relations, abundance, awakening and more.

JESUS TAUGHT IT, TOO: THE EARLY ROOTS OF THE LAW OF ATTRACTION, Philip F. Harris. In the top 2% of all books at Amazon since October 2007. 2^nd edition now available from ALL THINGS THAT MATTER PRESS

All available from http://allthingsthatmatterpress.com and AMAZON.COM (JUST TYPE IN THE TITLE UNDER BOOKS)

CD’S, MP3’S

"Eight and Beyond." Title track from "Eight" CD by Dyan Garris. Part of the Spiritual Toolbox(TM),This CD is 12 tracks of music for ascension and is #8 in the now complete series of music and meditation for Automatic Chakra Balance(TM), relaxation, help in sleeping, and vibrational attunement of mind, body, and spirit.

"Elements of Grace." An MP3 from the recently released "Eight" CD by Dyan Garris. Part of the Spiritual Toolbox(TM),This CD is 12 tracks of music for ascension and is #8 in the now complete series of music and meditation for Automatic Chakra Balance(TM), relaxation, help in sleeping, and vibrational attunement of mind, body, and spirit.

DVD's by Gurutej go to www.gurutej.com to purchase

1. Awakening the Intuition for women: Our Intuition is our link to the source of all creativity. Loosing this gift is one of our biggest losses, it is losing the inner voice of our soul.

2.Mental Clarity; Would you like to be more clear, alert and present in the moment? If yes, this is you new best friend.

3.Strengthening the Immune System: Stress compromises our immune system and today we all need help to uncompromising it.

This is the support for your immune system that is always available to you.

4. Kundalini Yoga for Balanced Chakras: Your energy centers are crucial to every part of your life. This will help you have a balanced life. Try it.

Blessings

Gurutej
www.theenergygurus.com
www.gurutej.com

"A Journey Within Meditation -- Introductory Guided Meditation" by Diane Brandon

An introductory Guided Meditation recorded by Diane Brandon, Integrative Intuitive Counselor, Radio Host, & Author. This meditation, almost one hour in length, allows you to experience meditation by going to a deeper level of consciousness, as well as to find your own answers within and achieve deep relaxation and relief from stress. Diane's voice is soothing and expert, as well as adept in guiding people into deeper levels of consciousness. Available as MP3 file or CD. For more information or to order, go to either www.dianebrandon.net/products.asp or www.dianebrandon.com/index_files/page0176.htm. Contact Diane at diane@dianebrandon.com

Healing Methods – CD
Advanced healing methods for the spiritual seeker.

www.rossbishop.com

The Shamanic Journey – CD
The ancient shamanic journey process explained.