Monday, February 27, 2017

Murder on Moloka'i: Surfing Detective Mystery Series Book 2 by Chip Hughes


Murder on Moloka'i
Surfing Detective Mystery Series Book 2  
by Chip Hughes   

This new Slate Ridge Press edition of the classic Hawaiian mystery concludes with “The Making of MURDER ON MOLOKA’I”—fifty-five pages of previously unpublished excerpts and explanatory notes by the author. These bonus materials give us a glimpse into the creative process behind the book and expand our conception of the Surfing Detective and his Hawai‘i. A must for fans of the wave-riding gumshoe!

When Boston heiress Adrienne Ridgely strides into his Honolulu office, Surfing Detective Kai Cooke likes what he sees, but doubts what he hears. Adrienne’s sister, environmental activist Sara Ridgely-Parke, plunged to her death from a mule on Moloka‘i – the first fatal incident on the soaring cliffs above Kalaupapa’s fabled leper colony. Murder, cries Adrienne, perpetrated by Sara’s ex-husband, developer J. Gregory Parke. Cooke flies to Moloka‘i, tracking tantalizing leads to an unlikely murder that, despite himself, he starts to believe in.


Was the mule prodded or spooked or drugged? Did Parke do it for vengeance, or Adrienne for an inheritance, as Parke alleges? Soon Kai uncovers a motive more noxious than either of these – entangling him in the shady dealings of big-time developers, corrupt politicians, and underworld thugs. As he hops from island to island seeking a pivotal clue, the clock ticks down on more than the P.I.’s case or even his own life. The future of Moloka‘i itself is at stake. 


Biography
Chip Hughes earned a Ph.D. in English at Indiana University and taught American literature, film, writing, and popular fiction for nearly three decades at the University of Hawai‘i at Mānoa. His non-fiction publications include two books and numerous essays and reviews on John Steinbeck.

An active member of the Private Eye Writers of America, Chip launched the Surfing Detective mystery series with Murder on Moloka‘i (2004) and Wipeout! (2007), published by Island Heritage. The series is now published exclusively by Slate Ridge Press, whose volumes include Kula (2011), Murder at Volcano House (2013), and reissues of the first two novels.

Chip and his wife Charlene split their time between homes in Hawai‘i and upstate New York.  

Connect with Chip…

Sunday, February 26, 2017

Shepherd: A Memoir by Richard Gilbert

"A sincere, heartfelt memoir that is emotional and earthy, 
taking you into the herd, into the life of a true shepherd."

Shepherd: A Memoir  
by Richard Gilbert

Upon moving to Appalachian Ohio with their two small children, Richard Gilbert and his wife are thrilled to learn there still are places in America that haven’t been homogenized. But their excitement over the region’s beauty and quirky character turns to culture shock as they try to put down roots far from their busy professional jobs in town. They struggle to rebuild a farmhouse, and Gilbert gets conned buying equipment and sheep—a ewe with an “outie” belly button turns out to be a neutered male, and mysterious illnesses plague the flock. Haunted by his father’s loss of his boyhood farm, Gilbert likewise struggles to earn money in agriculture. Finally an unlikely teacher shows him how to raise hardy sheep—a remarkable ewe named Freckles whose mothering ability epitomizes her species’ hidden beauty. Discovering as much about himself as he does these gentle animals, Gilbert becomes a seasoned agrarian and a respected livestock breeder. He makes peace with his romantic dream, his father, and himself. Shepherd, a story both personal and emblematic, captures the mythic pull and the practical difficulty of family scale sustainable farming.


My Review…
Migrating to rural Appalachia from Florida, author Richard Gilbert shares his dreams, perils, and joys while raising sheep. Gilbert tells the story of how he and his wife purchased a seventeen-acre farmstead in the rolling hills of southeastern Ohio. Relishing the beauty of the landscape, his descriptive narrative is spot-on. His realization of Appalachia’s poverty and isolation is on target, too. Shepherd is about Gilbert’s interaction with sometimes quirky neighbors and sometimes quirky sheep… although not always, and the story unfolds as a life journey that embraces the excitement of lambing to the struggles of shepherding. Gilbert writes, “…I was embarrassed by my squeamishness over slime and blood and birth fluids.” A sincere, heartfelt memoir that is emotional and earthy, taking you into the herd, into the life of a true shepherd. Recommended reading.

Biography
Shepherd: A Memoir was honored as a 2015 Ohioana Book Award Finalist in Nonfiction. Richard Gilbert's essays have been published by Brevity; Chautauqua; Fourth Genre; Orion; River Teeth; and Utne Reader. His articles have appeared in Farming: People, Land, Community; The Shepherd; and The Stockman Grassfarmer. Gilbert was marketing manager of Ohio University Press/Swallow Press. Before that he was a newspaper reporter in Georgia, Florida, and Indiana, where he won awards for public service and feature writing. He holds an MFA in creative nonfiction from Goucher College, Baltimore.

Shepherd's Pinterest page has photos and updates: http://www.pinterest.com/RichardSGilbert/my-memoir-of-farming/

Richard Gilbert's web site and blog: http://richardgilbert.me


Special note…
Dear Richard... Congratulations on your great success as a writer, mentor, and guide. Thank you, Richard, for your wisdom and support in my literary endeavors. Your insight has proven to be a great asset. Best wishes always…
Gina, Riding & Writing

Saturday, February 25, 2017

Partho, the Unconventional Investigator: The mystery of the missing bags by Rajib Mukherjee


Read for FREE Today Only!

“A must-read Suspense, Thriller, Archaeology, Crime Fiction, 
Conspiracy, Detective Novel.”

Partho, the Unconventional Investigator:
The mystery of the missing bags  

With his vast array of invented gadgets and a quirky personality, Partho is an interesting friend to have. Dev never expected that reading a newspaper ad for exchanged baggage could lead to him following Partho on his investigation of the missing bags. 

Things quickly get out of control when a murder takes place, and an old friend, Tom, is found to be stuck in the midst of it. The compelling mystery leads to a UAE-based archeologist, Subhajeet, who has been in a coma after a sudden cardiac arrest on a secret mission, leaving behind his memoirs and a will with many unanswered questions. 

The living will of the old archaeologist is taking effect in less than ten days, before which Partho and his team are tasked with solving the mystery so the man can at least die in peace. The quest for truth leads them to a three-day expedition to Abu Dhabi. 

And then beings the nightmare! They become accused of a gruesome murder and must go head to head with a notorious underworld gang. Can Partho use his unconventional methods to save their lives and unravel the enigmatic mystery? Find out in this riveting suspense thriller.





Biography
Rajib Mukherjee is a systems architect working in the field of IT (SAP). He lives in Georgia, US, with his wife and four-year-old son. He was born in Kolkata (Eastern India), grew up in Hyderabad (Southern India), and married a Manipuri girl (North-Eastern India). He can speak four different languages. He earned his Masters of Science from Louisiana Tech University in Engineering. His favorite pastimes include activities with his little son, such as practicing Tae-Kwon-Do with him, being chased around the house in his little SWAT car, and reading Harry Potter to him at bedtime. Find him online at rajibmk.com and sign up for his newsletter.

Tuesday, February 21, 2017

Contagious (Free Rein Book 6) by Christine Meunier

“New from Equine Author Christine Meunier!” 

Contagious (Free Rein Book 6) 
by Christine Meunier  (Author)


Not everything that can be caught by another person is a bad thing. As Jacqui, Geordie and Hannah learn about managing the health of their horses and avoiding contagious germs, they learn that their attitudes can be contagious, too.

When Captain and Jaq fall ill, Jacqui questions what else she can do instead of riding. The timing couldn’t be worse – she needs to practice for her upcoming dressage test.


Unexpectedly finding herself spending time with Jared, Jacqui is surprised when he declares he wants to learn to ride. And he wants her to teach him. Should she say yes?


Biography
Christine Meunier, Equine Author and Educator
Sign up to her author news and receive updates – and freebies – as they are available! Visit her website.

It was at 13 years of age that Christine was introduced to first having a horse, but from a much younger age, that she started to learn about them through fiction and non fiction books. She continues to learn about them from books, but recognises that horses cannot be learnt from books alone.

Having studied horses from the age of 16, Christine is currently undertaking the Bachelor of Equine Science in Australia. Previously she attained her Certificate II in Horse Studies, Diploma of Horse Studies (Breeding) and Certificate of Merit from the Irish National Stud. Before teaching others about horse care and breeding she worked at numerous thoroughbred studs in Australia as well as overseas in Ireland.

This was followed by gaining experience in a couple of Melbourne based horse riding schools, instructing others with regards to riding the horse. A trip over to South Africa followed, allowing Christine the chance to gain many hours in the saddle and improve her own riding.

It is the education of people regarding horses being a viable career option that has been the catalyst for writing a blog about equine related vocations, education and travel. You can view this at equus-blog.com.

FreeReinSeries.com – A Christian Horse Series for Pre-Teens

Horse Country Book: A World of Horses

Horse Country follows the lives of four young women working in the equine industry. Both books can be found here https://www.amazon.com/Christine-Meunier/e/B00D5SE2FS/

http://www.horsecountrybook.com/ - horse novels for teens and adults
http://www.freereinseries.com/ - a Christian horse series for 8 - 12 year olds
http://www.wealthinthebible.com/ - explore what God's word says about wealth

Sunday, February 19, 2017

The Plug Nickel Cafe by K.D. Parker


“Not your typical romance…”

The Plug Nickel Cafe 
by K.D. Parker  

For fifteen long years ex-rodeo star, Gage Cochran, has been adrift, traveling back and forth between central Texas and Mexico with his horse, Henry, searching for something that might ease the pain that he’s feeling, unaware that he’s been passing right by it all along. That all changes on one stormy day when he stops at a little village called, Rescue. It’s there that Gage meets Dottie Reynolds, a waitress at the Plug Nickel Cafe. Although they don’t know each other, the lonesome cowboy and good-hearted waitress seem to connect immediately, each filling a deep void in the other. After a night where each reveals their deepest secrets—their fears, their loves, and their passions, Gage begins to suspect that he might have finally found what he’s been seeking for so many years. Then, just when everything seems to be going so right… it all turns so terribly, terribly wrong…






Biography
K.D. Parker lives in Virginia with his wife and two sons. If you've enjoyed reading his novels, then please help to spread the word on Facebook and Twitter. It would be greatly appreciated. Until next time, happy reading. kdparker-mybooks.com

Saturday, February 18, 2017

DoubleTake Trailer Sales



Doubletake Trailer Sales is a family owned and operated business that was started from scratch by Curt and Joy. It has grown from a company that sold and delivered a few trailers per year to a trailer dealership that sells hundreds of trailers per year.

Doubletake Trailer customers tell us that we possess the best price trailers in the industry. Call us today so we can really help you save money and buy a trailer at a lower price than your neighborhood trailer dealer.

Every one of our cargo trailers and car trailers come with a 5 year manufacture warranty.

Buying an enclosed cargo trailer, horse trailer or motorcycle trailer could not be easier. We want to be your trailer dealer.

Don’t have time to drive? Doubletake Trailers  networks with a reputable delivery team and can haul trailers direct from the factory to your location for a very reasonable fee. Delivery is present to all cities throughout the USA and to your border of Canada. Our sales team can assist you in your purchase and delivery. So please review our trailer specs and prices. Our company is confident you will like our low cost trailers. Quality with an affordable pricing is our goal.

Read our Blog here!
See our Color Chart here
Trailer Financing here!

Our main trailer sales office is located in the heart of the Midwest in Council Bluffs Iowa. Our many varieties and styles of trailers are sold throughout the United States and also Canada.

Our mission is to engineer and build a top quality trailers at the best value while providing customer service and building quality relationships. With a great lineup of trailer manufacturing professionals with several years of experience, Doubletake Trailer Sales is committed to implementing this mission and satisfying all your hauling needs.

Regardless if you are buying a standard enclosed trailer, car hauler, motorcycle trailer or custom cargo trailer, Doubletake Trailer Sales has the highest quality factory direct trailers at low low prices.

Doubletake Trailer Sales specializes in the sale of affordably priced Cargo Trailers and Horse Trailers direct through the factory and provides a far superior product at a lower price when compared with nearly all new enclosed car trailers. We provide the best deals and also the best reviews. Enclosed automobile cargo trailers supply a dry safe storage space for your equipment.  Give us a call…

So while you are shopping for a quality trailer for your classic car trailer, motorcycle trailer, atv trailer, snowmobile trailer, vending trailer or any hauling needs. We hope you will also give us a chance to earn your business.

Thank you for looking. We will be happy to answer any questions. If there is an issue with your trailer we stand behind our products. You can also be assured that we will do everything possible to make it right. Give us a chance to be your trailer dealer.

Please take a look around our web site, contact us through our contact form or call us at 800-792-1027.

We look forward to hearing from you!





Wednesday, February 15, 2017

Water Bearer: Southern Skies Collection Book 1 by Wendi Christner


One of the few truly pure and innocent teen love stories!

Water Bearer
Southern Skies Collection Book 1 

Seven years ago, Cassidy accidentally set the fire that killed her parents. Now, she has an opportunity to move away from the tiny farming community she grew up in and leave the ghosts behind. But spending one last summer with Jared, her best friend, means leaving behind more than she ever imagined.

This moving, bittersweet story of everlasting love and forgiveness lingers long beyond the final page. Written by the author of Writer's Digest Short-Short Story Contest winner "Throwing Stones."




About the Author

Wendi Christner is an IAIH Certified Interpersonal Hypnotherapist, award-winning author, mother, wife, daughter, sister, friend, unapologetic squirrel feeder, and a host of other nouns.

Most of Wendi's fiction has a Southern tongue born of her roots in the Florida panhandle. Her stories are packed with emotion and usually a fair amount of grit.

Twitter: @WendiDarlin
Facebook.com/WendiChristnerAuthor
www.WendiChristner.com



Tuesday, February 14, 2017

No Rest for the Wicked by Vincent Alcaras



“A very well written psychological thriller book for mature readers." 


Nicolas Docrenzov is an ex-con freshly released after serving eight years in Ogdensburg Correctional Facility. Trying to escape the brutal mistake that had landed him in prison, he moves to Los Angeles to begin anew. Shortly after his arrival, he’s offered a job at Venezia, a gentlemen’s club, run by the alluring Isabella Rossi and he starts to believe that fortune is finally starting to turn in his favor. As sparks begin to fly between the ex-con and his boss, Nico is even more hopeful that he will have the life he’s always craved.

Harlan Colter, a determined and oftentimes pig-headed Texan, is a detective with the Los Angeles Police Department. Originally a Texas Ranger, he lost everything, including his marriage, after he was pushed out for not letting sleeping dogs lie. After relocating to Los Angeles, the gruff Texan found his second chance at being a lawman and he’s determined to do what he can to keep his new home safe. No matter the cost Harlan Colter will not be stopped; he will not be deterred.

Neither of these men could have foreseen what would bring them together. Just as Nicolas begins to settle into his life at Venezia, women associated with the club are being brutally, and impossibly, murdered one by one. As the case lands on Colter’s desk, all of the detective’s instincts tell him that somehow Nicolas is at the center o
f these terrible slayings despite the lack of any hard proof.

Despite the lack of evidence indicating Nicolas as the murderer, as the murders and the subsequent investigation unfold it does become apparent that these murders are oddly connected to his past. A past that no one in Los Angeles knows anything about. A past that has caught up to him in ways that he could never have imagined.

Can Nicolas not only prove his innocence, but discover who is perpetrating these terrible murders, and why? Will Detective Colter get his man, and continue protecting his new home? Will either man be able to live their lives on their own terms, or will they continue to be victims of their respective pasts?


About the Author

Vincent writes a darker shade of fiction, not afraid to delve into the grey area of human existence and morality.

Always known for being an observer of the human condition, Vincent expanded this understanding from the what, into the how and why of human nature by obtaining a degree in psychology from SUNY Buffalo. After deciding he wanted to be an author, Vincent used that keen insight to develop stories that hit deep chords within us all and characters that jump off the page.

Those psychological insights are only bolstered by his upbringing. Having been raised in Buffalo living in a home with more first generation Italian immigrants than not, Vincent has developed a world view that is quite different from most. This blend of old school European and contemporary American mindsets shine through in the culturally diverse cast of characters he creates.

An Excerpt...

THE SNOWY PARK in Upstate New York was usually a pristine getaway from the weight of the world. There was a small clearing surrounded by large trees, their evergreen needles providing a beautiful contrast to the blanket of white. A peaceful place to go when you needed to forget your troubles, when all you needed was a little space and a lot of fresh air to clear the mind. On this particular night, however, it was the scene of a bloodbath.
Animalistic roars accented by squeals of anguish and the wet, slapping sound of fists hitting bloody flesh echoed through the still night air. The beating doled out on this night could have been described in a few different ways. Most would call it an unnecessary act of violence. Others might call it bad karma, the payback for a lifetime of preying on the weak. But one man, the one hidden just past the tree line, would call it an opportunity.
His bright, metallic silver hair shone with the light of the moon while his matching eyes were wide with awe. A dark, twisted joy racked his designer-suit- clad body as he watched the violence unfold. The awe lasted only a few moments before a dark intelligence flooded him. You could almost hear the gears in his mind turning.
His eyes scanned to and fro, asking and answering his own questions in milli- seconds, yet not the ones that consumed his mind the most. What had pulled him here? What had triggered that primordial tug he felt on the base of his spine to appear at this location? And just when he thought he would receive no answers, the savage beating reached a surprising crescendo.
In a few moments the anguished squeals of the victim ceased, falling silent as he fell unconscious. Instead of rejoicing, the assailant only roared louder, a new wave of rage and insanity flooding his body as he continued pummeling the seemingly lifeless form even harder. His blood lust would not be sated.
An electric thrill went up the Watchers spine at the sight of beautifully depraved violence. Just then the air got heavy with a thick, oily energy that clung to his skin and flooded his senses, and thats when those two pivotal questions were answered: This was it. This was the one hed been so desperately seeking for centuries upon centuries. Just a few more moments and everything would be sealed.
And then, at the last possible moment, it all ground to a halt. 

Wednesday, February 8, 2017

Open Your Eyes to Life by K.T. Doherty


Available in eBook and Paperback
Free eBook for a limited time!

“…life is like Pandora’s box…”

Open Your Eyes to Life:
Only you have the power to change your life. Take a risk; the path to get whatever you want is in your mind… Life is a party, so let’s dance.
by K.T. Doherty 


Open your eyes to life… and start changing it; let go of your past, look forward, face your fears, leave your worries behind, sleep better, and feel happier within you. Understand that your life is like Pandora’s box, all your emotions are in you, and you alone are the only one that can manage them. Whether you have experienced trauma, or are just in a rut, open your eyes to life can guide you in the process of healing yourself through exercises that will change your thought patterns, raise your energy levels, so that you become more emotionally equipped to handle circumstances in better ways, and do the things that make you happy.

Open your eyes to life is filled with beautiful quotes that will inspire you on your journey, and will open a world of success, happiness, prosperity, and peace within you. You can find methods that you are been looking for, you have the answer in your hands. Choose to start changing your thoughts, your mind, and your life.

Remember don’t let the box control you; you control Pandora’s box. 





Sunday, February 5, 2017

Every Drop Counts: Secret - Free Water for Me by Akiram

Secret - Free Water For Me



“Every Drop Counts”

Have you ever wondered how you can produce water thanks to your abilities? Well, stop for a moment and see what I have to tell you.

It doesn’t matter how you consume water, whether it is in the garden for watering flowers or vegetables or you simply want to fill the swimming pool for children or grandchildren. Try to have it for free. Once you perform a task I have prepared, you will use your own water as long as you need it.


Your pets will get the best water
You have a horse stable, livestock or simply pets. Try to get them the best water to drink. You can do it on your own with this ebook. They will be grateful for that. Try. You can do it.

…and much more!

Get the eBook here!

Wednesday, February 1, 2017

Galloping Horses: An interview with Fine Artist Barbara Meikle by Gina McKnight

Momentum by Fine Artist Barbara Meikle
Galloping Horses:
An interview with Fine Artist Barbara Meikle
Archived Interview from the January 2017 Issue of Florida Equine Athlete 

Leafing through an international equine magazine, I was mesmerized with the work of fine artist Barbara Meikle. Her artwork is dynamic, with colorful strokes that swirl around the canvas to create a memorable painting. A graduate of the University of Denver, Barbara studied watercolor at Cambridge University, England. She has exhibited in galleries throughout the United States. Painting landscapes, nature, birds, and more, Barbara reveals beauty that we often miss.  

“Barbara's art may project peace and harmony exemplified as a colorful burro, or explode in the riot of energy of galloping horses. Enveloping skies of yellow, pink and white may hover over a majestic dark blue mountain that smolders with mystery, or stalks of prayerful flowers may reach for distant stars in an attitude of happy reverence. The views out her door may be of New Mexico, but her work speaks of a larger vision.”   

GM:  Welcome, Barbara! Your artwork is vibrant, depicting horses in a rainbow of colors. Gorgeous. To be able to paint so eloquently and capture the essence of each horse, you must have horse history! When was your first encounter with a horse?
BM: I think I was about 4 or 5 years old, one of my father’s friends had a horse and they led me around on it bareback.

GM: Besides being a world-class artist, you are passionate about horses and an advocate for equine rescue. Tell us about your role in the process…
BM: I use my artwork to raise funds for rescues that I admire and support. I’ll have a donkey or horse or birds from the wildlife center come to the gallery and I do a live painting session with them as a model… whatever we sell that day, the rescue gets a part of, and we always take donations on their behalf as well. I also currently have 5 limited edition prints that I sell, framed or unframed, to support a therapeutic riding center/horse rescue, Equine Spirit Sanctuary, in Ranchos de Taos, New Mexico. For the first time I have rescued a horse, a 1.5 yr filly, Felina, from a kill pen in LA, with the help of Spirit Run Equine Rescue in Gilmer, Texas. I am documenting my journey, “The Road from Rescue”, with paintings of Felina which will be put together in a book, to raise awareness and raise funds for these groups.

GM: Congratulations on your new filly and your new book in progress! We are excited to know about Felina, your new horse...
BM: Felina Esperanza Guadalupe (we call her Lina!) may be a Foxtrotter, but we aren’t sure so I will be doing a dna test to find out… she is a gorgeous tri-color paint, very smart and full of life.

GM: I love your art. Your creativity is amazing and each piece has a life of its own. Do you have a favorite piece from your collection?
BM: My favorite piece is always the one I am working on. I paint and sculpt a lot, so I am always thinking about the next image and how I can make it my own.

GM: Describe your studio…
BM: My studio is cluttered, with 3 easels and currently a 5 foot clay image of a horse I am working on, to make a bronze sculpture. There is just enough room to think and create, but not much more!

GM: Do you have a muse or other inspiration to get you going in the morning and to your studio?
BM: My muse lately has been my new horse, Felina. I love looking at her and watching her move. Also, I know I need to plan my studio time so we have our regular training/hanging out time together, very important for her and for me. This lights a fire under me when I’d rather just hang out on the porch.

GM: Besides the bronze sculpture, what are you currently creating?
BM: I am thinking about a new bronze (can’t tell you what it is, that’s part of the secret to getting things done—don’t talk about them until they are underway) and painting fun burro pieces, as well as fall landscapes.

GM: Where are you currently exhibiting?
BM: I always have the newest work in my gallery in Santa Fe, New Mexico, but I also show work and will have a show in February at Cobalt Fine Arts Gallery in Tubac, Arizona.

GM: Is there an artist who has inspired your creativity?
BM: Great horse painters always inspire me, like George Stubbs, Edward Degas, Toulouse LaTrec (who drew horses wonderfully), John Singer Sargent and Sorolla, to name a few.

GM: As an artist with great success, do you have advice for novice artists?
BM: Don’t talk about it, just do it! Paint lots of bad paintings and then the good ones will start to emerge. Find your own voice.

Connect with Barbara…

Gina McKnight is an author and freelance writer from Ohio USA.




Milliron Monday: Letters Home Oct 10 1960

          Abbott "Pete" Smith D.V.M.:   June 16, 1938 - February 22, 2010 Virginia Joyann "Jody" Haley Smith: April 2, 1...