Winter's Respite #Readathon - Wrap-Up #WintersRespite

January is over already! This new decade is off with a bang. I hope everyone enjoyed the readathon. Thanks so much for joining us!

Remember, our process has changed for wrap-ups. No more linky for wrap-up posts. Fill out the form at the end of this post and indicate if you want a chance at a prize by selecting yes or no. Also, double check that your name is listed in the sign up/starting line linky at this post so you will be eligible for the giveaway. You have until Wednesday, January 5th at 11:59 pm CST to fill out the form. I will email the winners within a few days following the deadline so keep a look out in your email inbox (or spam folder, just in case) for an email from my truebookaddict gmail account. (Prize page is here)

I've already created the button for the Spring into Horror Readathon in April so save the date! There's a grab code for it in the sidebar. 

Once again, thank you for joining me and I hope to see you next time.

(If you would like others to visit your wrap-up post, please leave a comment below with the link to your wrap-up, or you can visit participants via the starting line post linky here.)

Winter's Respite #Readathon - Mid-Event Check-In #WintersRespite

We're halfway through the first month of a new decade. Wow! I've been reading, but haven't shared too much about which books...stay tuned. I'm also behind on visiting blogs, though I think most everyone updates on social media these days. Anyone who is not aware, we do have Facebook and Goodreads groups, and an Instagram. Links are in the menu in the sidebar.

Share your progress in the comments, or post a link to an update post.

The prize page is live here. Thank you to everyone who donated.

I hope you are all enjoying your winter reading! I just wish we would actually get some winter weather here in Tennessee. 

Winter's Respite #Readathon - #Prizes #WintersRespite

ALL PRIZES HAVE BEEN AWARDED 

This is the giveaway/prize promotion page for all the prizes being given away for readathon participants. At the end of this post, you will find details regarding how the prizes will be awarded at the conclusion of the readathon. (Some of the prizes below were rolled over from the Christmas Spirit Readathon because we didn't have enough people saying yes to winning a prize.)

Note: The authors of the books donated would greatly appreciate a review, if you win, on your blog and/or social media and/or on Goodreads, Amazon. Thank you! (This is not required to win.)

WINNER - MICHELLE H. (NAILA)

Carousel of Nightmares by Kerry E.B. Black
One winner - choice of print (U.S.), eBook or Audible (International)

This collection of 29 short stories will thrill younger (and unaging) readers, without preventing sleep - much. Kerry E.B. Black corralled these untameable beasts for your pleasure. Find the beauty in their skeletal coats, the sparkle in their malignant eyes. May the ride they offer lead to the adventure you seek! 118 pages, published through Tree Shadow Press 

Amazon

About the author

Kerry E.B. Black is an American writer sometimes described as "chicken noodle soup for the Gothic soul." Lifelong resident of the land where George Romero's Dead dawned, Kerry writes an eclectic, and sometimes award winning, mix of stories available through Amazon, Barnes and Nobles, and https://kerrylizblack.wordpress.com/ 

Follow the author at https://facebook.com/authorKerryE.B.Black, https://twitter.com/BlackKerryblick , https://www.instagram.com/kerry_e_b_black/

Books by Wally Runnels

WINNER - DONNISHA

Twisted Love PLUS $10 Amazon card  One Print Copy (One Winner)

Roiling in political corruption and the raging violence of drug cartels in the California/Mexico borderlands, Twisted Love explores the redemptive power of love even amidst the most brutal and privileged echelons of contemporary society. Julietta Aguilar, a young archaeologist with a dark past shrouded with sordid family secrets, discovers a hidden chamber under the ruins of the Templo Mejor, in the heart of Mexico City. She soon finds herself enmeshed in an ancient mystery even as she tries to solve her father's senseless murder.Now followed by cartel killers, deadly supernatural spirits and thwarted by her own family, her quest for peace seems almost insurmountable – until she meets a man in black with a nefarious background who goes only by one name. Rocky. A fast-paced, gripping read reminiscent of fifties pulp, the characters in Twisted Love offer a dark study in human nature, with all the gory details of unbridled power, soul-searching hatred, strange fetishes, and macabre personalities etched on the reader's mind in searing black and white.

WINNER - DONNISHA
The In-Ko-Pah Spirit  One Kindle Copy

This robust novella, another in Wally Runnels' ongoing Rocky series, brings us to the eerie In-Ko-Pah Mountains, an isolated region on the Mexican/American Border where mysterious forces confound even the best laid plans of the Mexicali drug cartel. Rocky, a paid mercenary and expert hitman must confront his darkest memories and desires if he is to survive the supernatural challenges that arise as he hunts down his latest target, a hunter much like himself.

About the author
Wally was born in San Diego, traveled through Mexico, and Latin America. He was

raised on the border at his family's ranch, whose original deed was recorded in 1870.
Hanging out between two countries, he met a lot of unusual people: Hollywood types,
Border Patrol Officers, professional trackers, smugglers, and people he won't mention
by name. He'll remind you no matter how weird a story can get, it'll contain some
grain of truth.

For more information visit: www.wallyrunnels.com

Amazon Author Page

Winners - Lara, Donnisha, Michelle, Victoria, Mallory

Toto's Tale (Book One, The Wizard Was Odd Trilogy) by Peeky

Five (5) eBook copies (International)

The story begins shortly after Dorothy awakens (MGM - 1939 - The Wizard of Oz).
A commemorative series from a unique perspective, Toto's! A multidimensional plot-twister with updated cast of wondrous, quirky misfits. A "Wizard of Oz" Epic Adventure for the 21st Century Reader.

A couple of days in Oz equals a year in Kansas where Uncle Henry is dying; If the Wizard will provide the cure, Will Dorothy find her way home…and in time, to make a difference?

Detailed Synopsis
Alongside Toto, you will ride in the front seat of a thrilling and emotional roller coaster throughout the magical Land of Oz…and beyond. This Wizard of Oz takeoff is a multidimensional plot-twister as told from Toto’s perspective that includes an updated original cast and a host of other wondrous quirky social misfits. With many surprises along the way, this complex and intriguing parody has as much tongue-in-cheek humor as it does original content, adventure, mystery, fantasy, and romance.

AVAILABLE AT

Amazon Kindle
Barnes & Noble
Baker & Taylor
Goodreads
Kobo
Smashwords

About the author

Bob Moyer (pseudonym - Peeky) has been writing fiction for children, young adults, and adults young at heart for nearly ten years. The following stories will be posted to his website,Oziian.com or WizardWasOdd.com in the near future. "The Calamitous Attitude of Kat Katitude" is about teenage and young adult cats living together as roommates. Another is a bedtime ditty - "No Such Thing", "Fast Food" is a picture book without words about a slow spider trying to catch fast insects, and the list goes on.

Professionally, Bob Moyer has been a trainer, a guest speaker, and featured writer for over thirty years in the community association industry. In addition to having a Bachelor’s degree from Florida State University in Accounting, he has been a Florida Real Estate Broker, a Licensed Community Association Manager (LCAM), the President of, and one of the principals in The Vanguard Management Group, Inc.

Bob is also a past President of CEOMC, an organization comprised of Chief Executive Officers of Management Companies. Its members are committed to promoting and protecting homeowner associations throughout Florida, engaging in advocacy and setting the standard for community management.

Bob began writing for children in 2010 and belonged to the Society of Children's Book Writers and Illustrators (SCBWI) for many years. In 2012, he and his wife Janet concluded a busy week with a night on the town. His opening question to her was, "So Dorothy, how is Toto?"

From that nugget, he created a version of the Wizard of Oz featuring Toto as the main character. With the input of the readers first two books, he intends to create the third book of the trilogy by 2020. This series will be a celebration of the 120th year of the first printing in 1900 of the original "Wonderful Wizard of Oz" by L. Frank Baum.

Social Media
https://www.facebook.com/wizardwasodd
https://twitter.com/WizardWasOdd
https://www.pinterest.com/wizardwasodd/
https://www.instagram.com/oziian/

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Prizes from Stephanie Barko, Literary Publicist.

WINNER - VICTORIA

Singing Out Loud by Marilee Eaves
One (1) galley copy (U.S. Only)

Born during World War II, Marilee Eaves long struggled to fit into the New Orleans’ elite she was born to—secret Mardi Gras societies that ruled the city. While Marilee is a student at Wellesley, she’s hospitalized at McLean psychiatric hospital, where she begins to realize how much of herself she’s sacrificed to be fully accepted by the exclusive and exclusionary white Uptown New Orleans culture.

In Singing Out Loud, Eaves shares her journey to stand on her own two feet―to find a way to be grounded and evolve in the midst of NOLA culture. Along the way, she wrestles with bipolar disorder, alcoholism, and the effects of her poor, heartbreaking, and sometimes hilarious choices.

Raw and funny, this book offers hope and encouragement for those willing to be vulnerable, address their issues, and laugh at themselves in order to embrace who they truly are.

About the author
Marilee Eaves spent nearly five decades of her life struggling to break free of the Uptown New Orleans world she’d been born into—a long line of royalty, kings and queens of the secret elitist Mardi Gras societies that ruled the city.

She moved to Seattle three months before Katrina hit in 2005, and then returned to NOLA in 2018, where she writes looking out on the St. Charles streetcars and seasonal parades. Today Marilee spends time with daughters, grandchildren, and old friends, delighting in the shifts she observes in the city.

Eaves has published articles in New Orleans Museum of Art’s Arts Quarterly, Episcopal Diocese of Louisiana’s Churchwork, Madrona News, Touch Magazine and The Awakenings Review. Singing Out Loud is her first book.

Visit Marilee's website 

WINNER - MALLORY

Occupied by Kurt Blorstad
One (1) galley copy (U.S. only)

A world at war, a family kept apart and a young boy in the midst of it all. Will they all survive? As WW II breaks out, a father finds himself in the U.S. while his wife and sons are home in occupied Norway. Based on the son’s true-life journals from 1935-1945, this is the story of a family separated by war and uncertainty.

About the authorKurt Blorstad spends most of his time on airplanes for business travel, where he finds the tight environment conducive to writing. His first book, Plane Excitement, was born and raised on many of his early flights.

When his first grandchild was born with hemophilia, Kurt was inspired to use his writing to generate support and increase awareness of the condition. A portion of the proceeds from Occupied go directly to the National Hemophilia Foundation.

When he is not writing, Kurt enjoys relaxing on the beach, playing tennis and working in his garden. These are also his wife’s favorite things to do, and the two of them plan to collaborate on a murder mystery series in the future.

www.kurtblorstad.com

WINNER - MICHELLE H. (NAILA)

Chronic Fatigue Syndrome: A Victim’s Guide to Understanding, Treating, & Coping with this Debilitating Illness
by Gregg Fisher, Stephen Straus, MD, Paul Cheney, MD & James Oleske, MD
One (1) print copy (U.S. only)

Exhaustion, headaches, inability to concentrate. Depression, nagging joint pain, weight loss, low grade fever. General malaise. For those who are healthy, these common symptoms hardly sound serious. Yet, for the many sufferers burdened with the pain and debilitation of chronic fatigue syndrome, these devastating effects can seem interminable, lasting for months or even years. In this intimate and enlightening guide, Gregg Charles Fisher-himself a daily survivor of CFS-reaches through the shadow of this mysterious and misunderstood disease to reveal how life is lived on the frontlines of the battle against this disease and how it can be made more liveable for CFS victims everywhere. Drawn from the challenges and triumphs posed by Gregg Fisher's own 7 year struggle with CFS, and culled from findings of the most respected medical authorities in the field, this timely and compassionate guide empowers CFS sufferers and those who love them.

PRIZE FROM YOUR HOST

WINNER - LARA ONE WINNER
I will make a $15 donation to the winner's choice of a human rights organization, such as the ACLU, Boys and Girls Club, Human Rights Campaign, GLAAD, Amnesty International, It Gets Better, Planned Parenthood, or another human rights organization of your choice (food banks, homeless shelters would also apply), perhaps your local chapter or a local organization. This giveaway is open internationally. Note: I will not donate to any organization that does not believe all are equal, regardless of gender, race or sexual orientation.

Giveaway Details
This is a readathon participant only giveaway. To be eligible, you must have signed up, participated and added a link to the official readathon wrap-up post (I will give everyone until Wednesday, February 5th at 11:59 pm CST to complete their wrap-ups). We no longer use a linky for wrap-ups. There will be a Google form on the readathon wrap-up post where you will enter your info, your wrap-up link, and answer yes/no on whether you want to win a prize or not. We have a total of 12 prizes. This means there will be 12 winners. I will award prizes on a first come, first served basis. I will draw the 12 winners with random.org and email all 12 at the same time. The first person who emails me back with their choice gets that prize. I will mark off the prizes as they are taken. Winners will be chosen after the wrap-up post deadline (see above).

Winter's Respite #Readathon - Time to "read" in the new year! #WintersRespite

Happy New Year! Sorry I forgot to post this kick off post on time. Starting the new year off right. lol Let's ring in the new year...with a bunch of reading. If one of your new year goals/resolutions is to read more, well this is the place to start. We started at midnight central time and we're marathoning it all the way through January 31, 2020. A fresh decade of reading. I, for one, am super excited!

If you have any questions about how things work, check out the guidelines in the sidebar menu or the sign up post, or you can always leave me a comment (or send me a message via the contact form). The linky below is the same one as the sign up linky. If you do a starting line/goal post, just add your link again, but be sure to put "goal post" beside your name, i.e. Michelle @ True Book Addict (goal post).

A note on prizes. Only two people opted in for the prize giveaway during the Christmas Spirit Readathon so some of the prizes are being carried over to this one, plus a few additions. Stay tuned for the prize page which I should have posted this weekend.

I will post a mid-event check in post at the halfway point. Our hashtag for the readathon across social media is #WintersRespite. Stop by our Facebook group, Goodreads group and check out our Instagram. You can also access via the links in the sidebar menu.

That's it! Happy Reading!

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Winter's Respite #Readathon...right around the corner! Sign up now! #WintersRespite

WAY late again this year! 'Tis the season! I hope everyone is enjoying the holiday season. Looking ahead to the new year, let's start things off with some relaxing winter reading.

We start at 12:00 am on January 1 and end at 11:59 pm on January 31. Times are set for the central time zone so adjust your times accordingly (you can use the link to the time zone converter in the sidebar menu). Of course, like most readathons, the books read must be novels or novellas, adult or young adult are fine, and you can read children's books (as long as you do read some novels too). Note: Non-Fiction is also okay! You DO NOT have to participate the entire month. Join in when you can, start in the middle, end early...whatever works best for your schedule. As with all of my readathons, it will be an event of relaxed reading during which we can personally challenge ourselves and whittle away those ever looming TBR piles/shelves/libraries.

Guidelines for the readathon can be found HERE or you can access in the sidebar menu. Any information you need about the readathon can be found there. Please do be sure to check the guidelines to make sure you're following along correctly. There are specific rules regarding signing up and wrapping up, especially in regards to the giveaway. We no longer use a wrap-up linky and we are now just using the Google form for wrap-ups (since I require your wrap-up link there anyway). That way you don't have to do two steps at the end of the readathon. The wrap-up Google form will be on the wrap-up post instead of the prize page. I will have a yes/no so you can let me know if you're opting out of winning a prize. (If you want to visit people who participated, you can do so via the sign-up/starting line linky. I will have a link to it on the wrap-up post).

As is typical, I will not be hosting any mini-challenges. However, if anyone else would like to host a mini-challenge or giveaway, you are more than welcome. I am also looking for prize donations so if anyone would like to contribute, let me know. Authors, this is a great way to promote your book! (Contact me using the contact form link in the sidebar menu).

Our hashtag is #WintersRespite Also, don't forget about our Facebook group, Goodreads group and check out our Instagram. You can access via the link in the sidebar menu.

Sign up in the linky below. You do not have to do a post now, unless you want to help spread the word (much appreciated). If you don't have a blog, use Facebook, Twitter, Goodreads, Instagram, YouTube...or any social media. Having a blog is not required. Be sure to grab the button at the top of this post (there's also a grab code below the button in the sidebar).

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#WintersRespite #Readathon - We're at the end #wrapup

Another readathon is in the books. See what I did there. lol I hope everyone enjoyed Winter's Respite and you were able to get a lot of reading done. Even if you only got a little reading in, it's still an accomplishment. Be sure to compliment yourselves...profusely.

I apologize for being MIA the latter part of the month. I came down with the flu (despite getting the flu shot...I always do) and I'm just now starting to feel back to my old self again. I swear, it always seems to hit me during a readathon. I couldn't even participate in 24in48 because I was really bad last weekend. Sob.

Remember, our process has changed for wrap-ups. No more linky for wrap-up posts. Fill out the form below and indicate if you want a chance at a prize by selecting yes or no. Also, double check that your name is listed in the sign up/starting line linky at this post so you will be eligible for the giveaway. You have until Wednesday, February 6th at 11:59 pm CST to fill out the form. I will email the winners within a few days following the deadline so keep a look out in your email inbox (or spam folder, just in case) for an email from my truebookaddict gmail account. (Prize page is here)

Once again, thank you for joining me and I hope to see you next time. We have Spring into Horror all month long in April! I'm going to be ready for lots of horror reading by then.

(If you would like others to visit your wrap-up post, please leave a comment below with the link to your wrap-up, or you can visit participants via the starting line post linky here.)

#WintersRespite #Readathon - Mid-Event Check-In

I'm sorry I am SO late with this! I got the prize page up, but this post...I completely forgot! Guess my memory hasn't improved much in the new year. lol

Hope everyone's reading is going well. I've been checking in at the Facebook group and the Goodreads group and you guys are really rocking it. Just remember. It's all about the reading so have fun and enjoy it, however much or little you read. Getting any reading done is an accomplishment.

Share your progress in the comments, or the link to an update post.

In case you missed it, Readeropolis is hosting a readathon participant giveaway. Check it out here.

Also, the prize page is live here.

Enjoy the rest of the readathon! Anyone else doing #24in48 next weekend?

#WintersRespite #Readathon - #Prizes

This is the giveaway/prize promotion page for all the prizes being given away for readathon participants. At the end of this post, you will find details regarding how the prizes will be awarded at the conclusion of the readathon.

Note: The author of the book donated would greatly appreciate a review, if you win, on your blog and/or social media and/or on Goodreads, Amazon. Thank you! (This is not required to win.)

GIVEAWAY

Readeropolis is giving away one dvd copy of  Patricia Highsmith's The Two Faces of January, directed by Hossein Amini. For full details, and to enter, visit the giveaway post here.

*****************

WINNER - LENI
Josephine Baker's Last Dance by Sherry Jones - (1) Hardcover (U.S.) OR eBook (International)

From the author of The Jewel of Medina, a moving and insightful novel based on the life of legendary performer and activist Josephine Baker, perfect for fans of The Paris Wife and Hidden Figures.

Discover the fascinating and singular life story of Josephine Baker—actress, singer, dancer, Civil Rights activist, member of the French Resistance during WWII, and a woman dedicated to erasing prejudice and creating a more equitable world—in Josephine Baker’s Last Dance.

In this illuminating biographical novel, Sherry Jones brings to life Josephine's early years in servitude and poverty in America, her rise to fame as a showgirl in her famous banana skirt, her activism against discrimination, and her many loves and losses. From 1920s Paris to 1960s Washington, to her final, triumphant performance, one of the most extraordinary lives of the twentieth century comes to stunning life on the page.

With intimate prose and comprehensive research, Sherry Jones brings this remarkable and compelling public figure into focus for the first time in a joyous celebration of a life lived in technicolor, a powerful woman who continues to inspire today.

About the author:
Author and journalist Sherry Jones is best known for her international bestseller The Jewel of Medina. She is also the author of The Sword of Medina, Four Sisters, All Queens, The Sharp Hook of Love, and the novella White Heart. She lives in Spokane, WA, where, like Josephine Baker, she enjoys dancing, singing, eating, advocating for equality, and drinking champagne. Visit her online at AuthorSherryJones.com and at Facebook.com/SherryJonesFanpage.

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Novels by Jennifer Lane

WINNER - AUTUMN

Blocked - (1) eBook (International)

Blocked is a New Adult sports romance.

College freshman Lucia Ramirez has a secret crush on Dane Monroe. He’s a tall drink of water — blond, brash, and one hell of a volleyball player. ¡Híjole! Lucia hopes her volleyball scholarship to his school will make him notice her.

Too bad what’s noticeable is Dane’s obvious hatred for Lucia. Her family’s politics contradict everything he stands for. And politics are front and center in both their families. Dane’s mother is about to face Lucia’s father in the race for US President.

When Secret Service throws them together, Dane can’t deny his frustrating attraction to Lucia’s athletic curves and sweet faith in the world. Amid the intense pressure of college athletics and presidential politics, can opposites not just attract, but overcome overwhelming odds to be together? Or do their differences block their match from the start?

Amazon US: https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00OI0AQYI/

Amazon UK: https://www.amazon.co.uk/Blocked-Jennifer-Lane-ebook/dp/B00OI0AQYI/

WINNER - MALLORY
Twin Sacrifice - (1) eBook (International)

My twin brother is determined to kill himself, but I won’t let him.

I just discovered the sacrifice he made for me when we were young.

Now it’s time I return the favor. This time I’ll be the one with the secret.

Psychologist Matthew Durante’s twin brother, Justin, has struggled with mental illness since their parents died in a house fire. After Justin is accused of setting off a bomb that killed an innocent woman, he lands in a maximum-security psychiatric hospital.

In the face of Justin’s unrelenting suicide attempts, Matthew grows frantic to keep him alive. And as the pieces of their past fall into place, Matthew decides bold action is his only choice, no matter the cost.

Set against the backdrop of weapons manufacturing, terrorism, and a dark family secret, Matthew and Justin fight for survival, redemption, and most of all, for each other.

Amazon US: https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B079ND1ZQL

Amazon UK: https://www.amazon.co.uk/Twin-Sacrifice-Jennifer-Lane-ebook/dp/B079ND1ZQL

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Novellas by Melissa Baldwin

WINNER - AUTUMN

Fall Into Magic: A Novella (Seasons of Summer Novella Series Book 1) - (1) eBook (International)

Spend a year with Summer beginning with the first installment of the Seasons of Summer Novella series! 

After a devastating breakup in the middle of her summer vacation, Summer Peters knows she needs something to distract her. What better than the arrival of fall, Halloween, and a new client? Though she assumes that Alexander Williams will be a hands-off client, she is surprised to find him very down-to-earth. She's immediately drawn to him, much to the dismay of his overprotective assistant. When it becomes obvious that he feels the same, she begins to wonder if their meeting was meant to be.

Just when she thinks she could be ready to move on with her life, her ex-boyfriend Jake returns for a second chance. She's in for even more of a surprise when she learns her nosy, meddling neighbor is actually a psychic pushing to reveal details of her future.

Summer doesn't know which way to turn as she feels like she's being pulled in different directions. Between Alexander, his assistant, and her ex-boyfriend, she fears she may not be ready to move on after all. She considers turning to her neighbor for advice but the fear of knowing exactly what the future holds is more frightening than not knowing.

Amazon: getbook.at/fallintomagic

WINNER - JANE

Winter Can Wait: A Novella (Seasons of Summer Novella Series Book 2) - (1) eBook (International)

Following a fabulous fall, Summer Peters is not looking forward to the frigid winter. Much to her dismay, she knows this winter is a time for many changes in her life, including moving on from the heartache of the past.

Her professional life is flourishing, especially after her company is hired to decorate a trendy New York City restaurant. Summer sees this as a fantastic opportunity to build her clientele. However, she doesn’t anticipate the few surprises she encounters along the way, some of which could threaten her future.

Although her relationship with superman-lookalike Alexander Williams seems almost perfect, she finds it more and more difficult to compete for his time with his possessive personal assistant. To make matters worse, she doesn’t expect the return of Helena, his supermodel ex-wife who many say is his soul mate. 

On the big opening night of the restaurant, she’s faced with making yet another difficult decision. She knows it’s time to take her life in the right direction; although in order to do this, she may need to let go again.

Amazon: getbook.at/wintercanwait

Visit the author:

authormelissabaldwin.com

facebook.com/authormelissabaldwin

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WINNERS - MALLORY (ebook), FRANCES (print)

Norse Hearts by Robynn Gabel - (1) eBook (International) and (1) signed paperback (U.S) - One Two Winners

“This is a historical adventure/romance that even a man can read and enjoy!” 

In late 800 AD, Britain, Seraphina is preparing to wed Cecil Allard. Unbeknown to her, he has hired Einar, a Viking warrior, to kill her the night before the marriage. When Cecil reneges on the promised payment, Einar kidnaps her to hold her hostage for ransom.

Seraphina is carried away to the “uncivilized” world of the Vikings only to find an unexplainable connection with the Viking way of life which can be both noble and cruel.

Through this incredible journey, she discovers abilities beyond her imagination and an untapped warrior spirit. However, Seraphina is torn between the land of her birth and a fierce new life with the Vikings. She must make a choice that only her heart can decide.

REVIEWS

“The novel doesn’t gloss over the realities of Viking life but is careful to draw characters with shaded nuances.” Five star - Clarion Review

“Overall, Gabel has constructed a work of historical fiction that’s both faithful to the period and dramatically captivating.” – Kirkus Review

Amazon: https://www.amazon.com/Norse-Hearts-Robynn-Gabel/dp/0578404087/

Robynn Gabel had two dreams growing up, writing books and riding horses. In her first two books, she fulfilled them both by publishing her award-winning story about her time with Elvis, a champion Missouri Fox Trotter. However, her continual pursuit of adventure pushed her off into the deeper waters of writing a historical romance novel taking place in the backdrop of the Viking Age.

An adventurer at heart herself she has always been an avid traveler and has held career positions in a variety of fields but Robynn’s calling to write has never wavered earning her prestigious literary awards. In her latest book, Norse Hearts, she draws from a rich treasure trove of experiences and painstaking research to provide not only a historically authentic tale but one with true emotional power only she can bring.

When she is not writing she lives life with her husband Mark in the wind-swept land of Wyoming riding Missouri Fox Trotters, and loving a large herd of children and grandchildren.

Email: robynn.gabel.author@gmail.com

Website: http://www.robynngabel.com/

Social Media:

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/AuthorRobynnGabel
Twitter: https://twitter.com/relpud
Pinterest: http://pinterest.com/rg121754/
Instagram: http://Instagram.com/rg121754/
Goodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/5042546

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PRIZE FROM YOUR HOST

WINNER - ELYSE
Prize One (One winner)
I will make a $15 donation to the winner's choice of a human rights organization, such as the ACLU, Boys and Girls Club, Human Rights Campaign, GLAAD, Amnesty International, It Gets Better, Planned Parenthood, or another human rights organization of your choice, perhaps your local chapter or a local organization. This giveaway is open internationally.

WINNER - TARI
Prize Two (One winner)
Winner's choice of any book title from the bargain books (these are generally used books) section of Better World Books. They ship internationally. (priced at $3.98 or less) OR a $3.00 Amazon eGift card.

Giveaway Details

This is a readathon participant only giveaway. To be eligible, you must have signed up, participated and added a link to the official readathon wrap-up post (I will give everyone until Wednesday, February 6th at 11:59 pm CST to complete their wrap-ups). We no longer use a linky for wrap-ups. There will be a Google form on the readathon wrap-up post where you will enter your info, your wrap-up link, and answer yes/no on whether you want to win a prize or not.We have a total of 9 prizes. This means there will be 9 winners. I will award prizes on a first come, first served basis. I will draw the 9 winners with random.org and email all 9 at the same time. The first person who emails me back with their choice gets that prize. I will mark off the prizes as they are taken. Winners will be chosen after the wrap-up post deadline (see above).

Winter's Respite #Readathon - "Reading" in the New Year! #WintersRespite

Happy New Year! Let's ring in the new year right...with a bunch of reading. If one of your new year goals/resolutions is to read more, well this is the place to start. We started at midnight central time and we're marathoning it all the way through January 31st. 2019...can you believe it!?

I did manage to line up a few prizes, and a couple from me, as usual. Also...

The author of The Art Collector of Le Marais, Ahmad Ardalan is offering anyone who signs up for the readathon, and shows interest in reading it, ARCs in any ebook format. The book releases on January 15th. Leave a comment with your email address if you're interested. Very generous of him!

If you have any questions about how things work, check out the guidelines in the sidebar menu or the sign up post, or you can always leave me a comment (or send me a message via the contact form). The linky below is the same one as the sign up linky. If you do a starting line/goal post, just add your link again, but be sure to put "goal post" beside your name, i.e. Michelle/The True Book Addict (goal post).

I will post a mid-event check in post at the halfway point. Our hashtag for the readathon is #WintersRespite. Stop by our Facebook group, Goodreads group and check out our Instagram. You can also access via the links in the sidebar menu.

That's it! Happy Reading!

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Winter's Respite Readathon - Sign Up #WintersRespite

This is the official sign up for the Winter's Respite Readathon. I am sorry I am WAY late this year. The holiday season took over my life and then I've been under the weather since Christmas day.

We start at 12:00 am on January 1 and end at 11:59 pm on January 31. Times are set for the central time zone so adjust your times accordingly (you can use the link to the time zone converter in the sidebar menu). Of course, like most readathons, the books read must be novels or novellas, adult or young adult are fine, and you can read children's books (as long as you do read some novels too). Note: Non-Fiction is also okay! You DO NOT have to participate the entire month. Join in when you can, start in the middle, end early...whatever works best for your schedule. As with all of my readathons, it will be an event of relaxed reading during which we can personally challenge ourselves and whittle away those ever looming TBR piles/shelves/libraries.

Guidelines for the readathon can be found HERE or you can access in the sidebar menu. Any information you need about the readathon can be found there. Please do be sure to check the guidelines to make sure you're following along correctly. There are specific rules regarding signing up and wrapping up, especially in regards to the giveaway. We no longer use a wrap-up linky and we are now just using the Google form for wrap-ups (since I require your wrap-up link there anyway). That way you don't have to do two steps at the end of the readathon. The wrap-up Google form will be on the wrap-up post instead of the prize page. I will have a yes/no so you can let me know if you're opting out of winning a prize. (If you want to visit people who participated, you can do so via the sign-up/starting line linky. I will have a link to it on the wrap-up post).

As is typical, I will not be hosting any mini-challenges. However, if anyone else would like to host a mini-challenge or giveaway, you are more than welcome. I am also looking for prize donations so if anyone would like to contribute, let me know. Authors, this is a great way to promote your book! (Contact me using the contact form link in the sidebar menu).

Our hashtag is #WintersRespite Also, don't forget about our Facebook group, Goodreads group and check out our Instagram. You can access via the link in the sidebar menu.

Sign up in the linky below. You do not have to do a post now, unless you want to help spread the word (much appreciated). If you don't have a blog, use Facebook, Twitter, Goodreads, Instagram, YouTube...or any social media. Having a blog is not required. Be sure to grab the button at the top of this post (there's also a grab code below the button in the sidebar).

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Winter's Respite #Readathon - Wrap Up #WintersRespite

I can't believe it's already over! I'm kind of sad. 😢 Take heart though. We have Spring Into Horror coming all month long in April and SciFi Summer coming the first two weeks in June AND, of course, we always have our Facebook group where we can interact in between time. Feel free to share any reading doings you have going on any time, not just during readathon time.

I'd like to thank you all for joining me. Be sure to add your wrap-up link below and please double check that your name is listed in the sign up/starting line linky at this post so you will be eligible for the giveaway. You will also need to fill out the form on the mid-event check in page/prize page if you would like to win a prize. You have until Sunday, February 4 at 11:59 pm central time to add your wrap-up link and to fill out the form for prize entry. I will draw giveaway winners in the following few days after the wrap-up deadline so keep a look out in your email inbox (or spam folder, just in case) for an email from truebookaddict. (Please be sure to note the system of drawing winners in the giveaway details on the prize page).

I'd like to thank Elyse LeMieux for the generous prize donation. 

Give yourselves a big round of applause, no matter how much or little reading you accomplished. It's all about the experience, in my opinion.

Until next time...

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