Reading Adventures: holiday reading

Well it's the end of January now, but since we've been on a break, I would like to say 'Happy New Year!!' Did everyone have a little bit too much bubbly and food over the holiday period? I know I certainly did - the food not the bubbly. Well not much anyway :)

This was meant to be the last edition of 2014 however... (sorry, life!)

Welcome to our first edition of Reading Adventures for 2015. What did SARAs have on their reading pile for the holidays? 

Let's see...


SARAs reading SARAs
It seems there were a few books that were in common on the SARA reading lists and they were books by other SARA authors!

Stone Castles by Trish Morey

- Linda Knightley
- Lilliana Rose
- Suzie Hindmarsh-Knights

(Eleni: it's in the top 10 of my TBR)

Fake by Beck Nicholas

- Lilliana Rose

- Eleni Konstantine

"This was the first book of my reading rank for 2015. 

What an amazing book. Beck Nicholas is one talented writer. Loved the voice and this story of revenge and secrets. I would have loved this book as a YA. Looking forward to more from this amazing author!"

The Road to Ruin by Bronwyn Stuart

- Linda Knightley

- Suzie Hindmarsh-Knights

- Anne Oliver

(Eleni: it's in the top 10 of my TBR)












Of course, there were non-SARA books ......

Linda Knightley had been looking forward to - 

River Road by Jayne Ann Krentz

Seventh Heaven by Catherine Anderson

Called by Fire by Delwyn Jenkins

(Eleni: Linda, Delwyn's book is on my 2015 TBR pile!)

Lilliana Rose had been looking forward to - 

A Dance with Dragons, Part 1: Dreams and Dust by George RR Martin

Clockwork Prince (The Infernal Devices, book 2),  by Cassandra Clare

(Eleni: both of these are on my 2015 TBR piles, Lilliana. Great minds!)

Anne Oliver had been looking forward to - 

Re-reading Nora Roberts' The MacKade Brothers bundle. 

"I love her old romances".

(Eleni: Just before the Christmas break I finished listening to her The O'Hurleys series. Thoroughly enjoyed.)

Alison F had been looking forward to - 

I am looking forward to settling down with I selection of 'new to me' Betty Neels books I scored from Book Depository. These have been saved up for my 'Christmas Treat' which means lying in bed during daylight hours and reading and not feeling the least bit guilty about it!

Okay I lied - I will feel guilty about not doing the housework, but it is Christmas after all. 

(Eleni: One of these days I have to read a Betty Neels book. I have one on my TBR pile.)



Dianne had been looking forward to -

Writing Without a Parachute: the art of freefall by Barbara Turner-Vesselago.

A book on loan from the SA Writers Centre.

(Eleni: Dianne, this looks like a book after my pantser heart!)











Suzie Hindmarsh-Knights was reading - 

Vicious Circle (Hector Cross, book 2) by Wilbur Smith

"It's dark."

(Eleni: One author not on my TBR pile - yet!)

Liana Skrzypczak read - 

These aren't that Christmassy (in fact they're kinda depressing), but this is what I read these holidays!


Gone Girl by Gillian Flynn

The Colour Out of Space by H.P. Lovecraft (Short Story)

The Golden Bird by Wilhelm Grimm (Short Story)

(Eleni: Going to the classics, Liana!)

Eleni Konstantine managed to read a few books in early January (damn cold kept me from reading between Christmas and New Year's Eve).

Fake by Beck Nicholas - 5 stars! (- see above for review)

Home for Christmas by Fiona Greene (novella) - 5 stars!

"I try not to be biased when it comes to reviews of people I know and respect. But I suppose we all have our biases. I was lucky enough to read the pre-submitted version but I read this story again in this form, and it blew me away. This a sweet story about two people falling in love slowly via long distance. There is so much heart and soul entwined and it's easy to get swept away. This was perfect holiday read. A book to leave you with a smile on your face when you finish. "

After Dark (Harmony #1) by Jayne Castle (audio) - 4 stars

"Humans on another planet into the far future."

Much Ado About You (Essex Sisters #1) by Eloisa James - 5 stars!

"Delightful historical romance with wit and charm."

I hope everyone had a relaxing time reading. Check in next time with some more Reading Adventures.

Southern Speak and the release of Jardine by Leesa Bow

Today we are so lucky to be featuring the new adult release of Jardine by Leesa Bow. The cover is gorgeous and Jardine just draws you in with his eyes. To discover a bit more about this young man, read the character interview she did with him for us.

JARDINE:

1.      Do you believe in luck?

I believe the only way to get anywhere in life is through hard work, perseverance, and commitment. Some people are lucky, but when it comes to the crunch, especially in sport, you need more than luck to be on top of your game.

2.      What makes you really angry?

Two things really. When my girlfriend, Ava, has moments of self doubt and talks herself into a panic attack. She is one of the most intelligent and level headed chicks around, and it frustrates me that she doesn’t see it. But I don’t let her see my frustration. I only offer her the support she deserves.

The second is the hold my father has over me. At times I want to live my life the way I want but then he reminds me of the Hindu way and what is expected of me as a man.

3.      Where do you call home?

I was born in Sydney then moved to Adelaide for my father’s work as an orthopaedic surgeon. My family are talking about relocating back to Sydney. If Ava remains in Adelaide so will I, as nothing will tear me away from that girl.

If I make the Australian cricket team, then we’ll find a way to make it work since I’ll be spending many months of the year touring overseas.

4.      What one thing from your childhood has had the biggest effect upon you as an adult?

My grandfather Sanjay Kumble was a famous spin bowler for India. He moved to Australia after meeting the Aussie girl of his dreams. As a young boy he used to teach me all his tricks about cricket, and having the eye of the tiger when bowling to intimidate the batsman. He would take me to the cricket nets on ovals after school, and teach me what to do—and what not to do—little secrets other coaches are unaware of. As it turned out I was more like him than my father, except I became a fast bowler.

Jardine released as part of a new adult anthology, Love Addiction on the 15^th December 2014.

Love Addiction Buy Links: 

Amazon US: http://amzn.to/1uAlYW8

Amazon AU: http://bit.ly/1A49tqk

Kobo: http://bit.ly/1smVsFA

Website: www.leesabow.com

Blurb for Jardine:

At eighteen, Ava is sure she has found her soul mate in Jardine. Convincing their friends and family that what they have is more than just a crush, however, is an entirely different story. Jardine's parents have his life mapped out with plans that don't include Ava. 

Their plans to get into med school and start their future together crumble when cricket sensation Jardine is selected to play for the Australian team and expected to spend most of the year touring internationally. Ava knows since they agreed to follow their dreams, no matter the cost, she has to let Jardine go.

Ava also discovers a new inspiration to move on with her life. But can she keep it a secret from Jardine? If he discovers the truth, everything between them could be destroyed

Thanks for giving us an incite into Jardine's world. This collection looks great.

Southern Speak featuring Lilliana Rose

A Romance with Books

by Lilliana Rose

My romance with books is about to end…

Gasp!

Let me explain.

Moving homes is one of the most stressful things we can do in our lives. And once again I've moved house (I'm hoping that I don't have to do this ever again but of course I probably will). My books have survived three different moves in recent years, some of them now have bent or torn covers (I'm internally crying). I'm one of those book owners who wont even dog ear a page (who would do that?), let alone mark the book with pen or highlighter (off with your head!).

Settling into my new home, I've finally been able to start unpacking boxes upon boxes of books that had been in storage for the last 18 months. It's like getting reacquainted with long lost friends. I'm remembering the worlds that the stories took me too, and revelling in emotions evoked from the journey the books took me on.

What has changed for me during this particular move is that I should have about another 5 or more boxes of books, but I haven't because I've been purchasing ebooks. The main reason I've done this (which I'm reminded as I nearly break my back moving another box of books) is because of the lack of space. My bookcase is over flowing with wonderful words and information that I love to dwell in. But I need room to live in my home as well!

There are also other reasons. My books have collected a lot of dust over the years, and I've got a packet of tissues nearby and have dosed up on anti-histamines (unpacking books can be dangerous to your health). And with the thought of moving again I'm tempted to give my books to the Salvos and let them have a new owner. (I don't want to keep them in storage)

What is wrong with me?!

I can't believe that I would ever think this. I must be sick. Don't worry I haven't departed with my book-friends, but some of them have been marked to go to new homes, which I am saddened by, but times have changed. I already have a lot of 'stuff' to take with my when I move and I just want to lessen the material wealth that I've gathered over my lifetime. I love my books, but the reality is that I'll never read most of them again, because there isn't enough hours left in my life time, plus there are new books to get to know and to have an affair with.

At the same time I'm torn. My heart is broken from this unexpected break up, which is made worse when I look at my bookcase, and the memories flow from the stories it holds, because there are also other memories evoked in me. Presents from sisters, parents, friends. There are my books from childhood (I'm keeping these) and there are books that have helped me when studying or show a journey of whatever theme I was obsessed in researching at a particular time in my life. I'm not sure I want to part with these friends. They are still gems to be held, and I like to glance my eyes over their wonderful features, check out their spines, smell their musky scent – something that I can't be done with ebooks.

However, this is where I find an unexpected advantage of having an ebook. While I can't view them on a bookshelf as I wander past cleaning the floor, or looking for one that I haven't read (so many of these!) by simply standing and staring at the shelf because ebooks are tucked away. But what's become a necessity for me is that ebooks only take up electronic space, at which I have so much more of compared to the physical space. Plus they don't take up heaps of box space, or near break my back when moving, or give me hay fever.

With sales of ebooks slowing, and print sales holding their own in the market, I've stepped across the line, gone past the point of no return, and electronic books are my preferred option when buying a book.

I will still have romances with books, it's just to a slightly different tune; the one of cyber space.

What have you done with your loved books? Have you kept them? Will you always keep them?

Fantastic article Lilliana. My bookshelves are overflowing too.
Now you can learn more about Lilliana's book. Love the cover
Change of Heart
by Lilliana Rose

click here to buy at Rogue Phoenix Press

click here to buy at Amazon

click here to buy at Barnes and Noble

Blurb
Vickie wants spice in her life, but her husband George is more interested in his work as a doctor. As a Victorian lady she is struggling to find her place in the world. An outbreak of a mysterious illness threatens the ordered world of Vickie and George. George becomes ill, and Vickie is left to care for him, keep him safe, as well as trying to work out the cause of the mysterious illness. Vickie must take charge in her world in order to survive.

Author Bio 
Lilliana is a creative writer and poet. She enjoys pulling levers and turning cogs in steampunks worlds and dreams of travelling around the world in an airship wearing funky modern Victorian clothing. With over 40 poems published her poetry and stories are spreading wings, extending out to various magazines and journals around the world. ‘Change of Heart’ is her latest publication in the steampunk

So long (sort of) and thanks for all the fish

I've been website mum since inception and blog mum for a while now but the time has come for me to hang up my hat.

It's been a great ride with some ups and downs in my personal life making SARA online fraught with twists and turns. Great fodder for a novel, I suppose.

Through it all the SARA members have been a wonderful support.

I wanted to take this opportunity to thank all who have helped with the blogging in the last few years - especially the amazingly talented and hilarious Emmeline Lock, who has graciously taken up the role of blog mum. So I leave this baby in good hands!

Thanks also to Maggie Mundy, Carla Caruso and Khloe Wren for help with the blog, to Bronwyn Stuart for her work on the Facebook page, and once again thanks to Emmeline for being the Twitter guru.


I wanted to also thank all of you readers who have visited the blog, and another thank you to all who took the time to comment over the years. On behalf of SARA, I have appreciated all your support. Please continue to keep that support up.

We have a wonderful band of SARA members who are doing amazing things and this blog is one of the places to support them - the others being FB and Twitter of course.


I sat watching a wonderful slide presentation by Trish Morey and Bronwyn Stuart at our last meeting and was so proud of everyone's achievements in 2014! It's one of the reasons I have loved being the blog and web mum - I got to put all those achievements up for the world to see.

Thumbs up SARA!!!

Source: Bestclipart.com

I will still continue to support everyone from the sidelines and will keep in touch with SARA reading in the Reading Adventures column, so I'm not riding off into the sunset.

At least not yet.

:D

Yia sou,
Eleni!

SARA News ~ A lighter edition

Hi y'all. Welcome to the latest edition of SARA News! It may be a little light on the amount of news compared to our last edition but it still packs punch. 

First cab off the rank today is NA author Leesa Bow.

A charming release

Leesa's latest release was in September with Charming the Outback - the second NA story in the series that begins with Winning the Player. Although there is a mild sport theme the main theme is rural theme combined with the emotion of NA. Like WTP its a story about second chance love.


Blurb time:
When jaded city girl Maddy McIntyre packs up and leaves Adelaide for a new job in the country, it’s not only a chance at a fresh start. Six months ago, the first guy she’d ever loved shattered her heart before moving home to Broken Hill. Deep down inside, Maddy is hoping that living in the same town will give her an opportunity to prove to Luke that she’s one temptation he can’t resist.

But when she arrives in Broken Hill, Luke White is not the same guy she knew in the city. And it soon seems very clear that he doesn’t want her there. Although Maddy settles in quickly, excelling at work and partying with her new friends, she can’t understand why Luke is remaining so distant. Particularly when all her instincts are telling her that they’re meant to be together – and that he feels the same burning attraction.

As Maddy learns more about Luke’s family and background, she begins to understand that his mixed messages are caused by balancing what’s expected of him with what he really wants. Maddy gave Luke her heart long ago and, despite their differences, she knows she’ll only ever be happy with her hot country boy. But how can she convince him that she’s the risk he needs to take?

Don't forget to your copy at:

| Destiny Romance | Amazon | Amazon AUS | iTunes | Google Play | Kobo

Bundle me baby

But that's not all, Leesa also has a book releasing a NA bundle with seven (count them, 7) other NA authors! And it's Leesa first indie published work. 

Jardine will be released 15th December and has a cricket theme (how's that! :) )  It's the first book in a two book series. Boot two, Caught Out, is expected to be out in early 2015.

At eighteen, Ava is sure she has found her soul mate in Jardine. Convincing their friends and family that what they have is more than just a crush, however, is an entirely different story. Jardine’s parents have his life mapped out with plans that don’t include Ava.

Their plans to get into med school and start their future together crumble when cricket sensation Jardine is selected to play for the Australian team and expected to spend most of the year touring internationally. Ava knows since they agreed to follow their dreams, no matter the cost, she has to let Jardine go.

Ava also discovers a new inspiration to move on with her life. But can she keep it a secret from Jardine? If he discovers the truth, everything between them could be destroyed.

Busy busy busy for Khloe Wren

More this time around from the woman with multiple releases.

Novella accepted

Khloe was offered a contract on a new stand alone novella Tigers Are Forever, which is due for release in December this year.

Another hot release!

Tourmaline Truth: Gemstone Vampires Book 2 was released on the spooky date of 31st October!

Vampires are real... as is the fact they will only ever take one woman, their Eternal Bride. When Barret sees Sharon, he’s excited to have finally found his Bride, until they meet and he learns Sharon knows nothing of Vampires and is scared of him. Once he seduces her into accepting his claim on her, Barret falls asleep…only to wake to find her gone. Sharon had snuck out while he slept and ends up in the hands of the enemy. His rescue attempt ends badly and they are both caught by the evil Nobles. Twenty-seven years later they find themselves finally free. As they both struggle to adjust to the outside world, Sharon is on a mission to rescue the sons she birthed in captivity. Barret wakes to find Sharon has, once again, slipped away while he slept. Will history repeat itself?

Get your copy now at Amazon and All Romance Ebooks

Let your heart soar…

Virginia Taylor's upcoming release, Starling, has a new cover. It's the first in The Southlanders Series and will be released in April 2015 from Kensington's Lyrical. 

Let your heart soar…

An aspiring dressmaker, orphaned Starling Smith is accustomed to fighting for her own survival. But when she’s offered a year’s wages to temporarily pose as a wealthy man’s bride, she suspects ulterior motives. She can’t lose the chance to open her own shop, but she won’t be any man’s lover, not even handsome, infuriating Alisdair Seymour’s…

To prevent his visiting sister from parading potential brides in front of him, Alisdair has decided to present a fake wife. He lost his heart once, and had it broken—he doesn’t intend to do it again. But stubborn, spirited Starling is more alluring than he bargained for, and Alisdair will risk everything he has to prove his love is true…



Set against the sweeping backdrop of 1866 South Australia, Starling is a novel of cherished dreams and powerful desires, and the young woman bold enough to claim them both…

Check details now at Kensington Books

More to add to the 'To Get' pile..

Virginia also has two more in the series (Ella and Charlotte) expected in 2015 and 2016! 

And now for something a little different - cover design

HelzKat Designs (aka Eleni Konstantine) has been busy with her latest design for horror author, J.M. Thorne.

Scary huh?

That's it for us this time around. Until next time, happy reading!!