Book Giveaway & Author Interview: Ribbon of Darkness by Julie Coulter Bellon

Welcome to Author Julie Coulter Bellon!

Bio:

Julie is the author of six international suspense novels: Through Love's Trials, On the Edge, Time Will Tell, All's Fair, Dangerous Connections, and Ribbon of Darkness. You can read deleted scenes from All's Fair at her website, www.juliebellon.com She also has one non-fiction title: Be Prepared: A Parent's Guide to the Duty to God and Eagle Scout Awards---What You Should Know and is part of a true Christmas story compilation, How Will Christmas Find Us.

She is the mother of eight children and when she's not busy being a mom or a writer, you will find her browsing through bookstores to add to her book collection, at the library borrowing books, or reading the treasures she's found.

You can keep up with Julie at her blog http://LDSWriterMom.blogspot.com

Interview:
If you were stranded on a desert island what 3 things would you want with you?
My Kindle because it can carry up to 3500 books, some sort of unlimited chocolate source, and a hot spring so I could soak in it while eating chocolate and reading. (Hey, a girl can dream, can't she?)

If you could have any superpower what would you choose?
I would choose flying because I love to travel. I have been lucky enough to travel to such places as Athens, Greece, Paris, France, and London, England, but I would love to do more and being able to fly would be a dream come true!

If you could meet one person who has died who would you choose?
I would choose Shakespeare, and I know it sounds corny, but I've always loved his work and not just because I'm an English teacher. Even as a young girl, I loved to read his plays. When I was in England I got to see the home he was born in, the entryway that he proposed to his wife in, and some of the places he might have even written some of his plays in. I think he was an amazing writer, and he surrounded himself with interesting people, so he could follow his dreams, even in the face of adversity. Not only that, but his work lives on even hundreds of years later. I think he would be an interesting person to meet.

What is your favorite thing to eat for breakfast? 
I love pancakes and no one makes pancakes better than my husband. Thankfully he indulges me and makes his extra special pancakes for me quite often.

Night owl, or early bird? 
Definitely a night owl. Everything takes on a different perspective in the night-time.

Please tell us in one sentence only, why we should read your book.
If you like spies, international adventures, and romance---if you like to be entertained and kept on the edge of your seat---then I think you would enjoy my books. (Is that cheating to put the dashes in? I hope not.)

Any other books in the works? Goals for future projects?
 I am finishing up a non-fiction project and have two other fiction projects in the works. One is a sequel to Ribbon of Darkness, and the other is something totally different from any other work I've done. It's sort of exciting and scary at the same time to try something new, but I'm hoping people will like it. I'm having a lot of fun writing it!

Tell us your most rewarding experience since being published.
I worked with a unit of soldiers in doing research for my book, All's Fair, (it's partly set in Iraq). They would come back to base after disarming Improvised Explosive Devices (IEDs) all day, and sit down at the computer and answer all my questions. I was humbled by their generosity, especially in the conditions they were in. One of them made a comment that they really missed being able to eat Skittles, so I started a campaign called Skittles for Soldiers, and worked with the Red Cross in collecting food and hygiene items for our soldiers in Iraq and Afghanistan. Because of the generosity of the people of Utah, we gathered over 950 lbs. of food and hygiene items to send them to give them a taste of home and to remind them that they are not forgotten and their sacrifice is appreciated. That experience will always have a special place in my heart.

What was your favorite book when you were a child/teen?
I read every Nancy Drew book there was. She was my hero and I wanted to be just like her, right down to her convertible. That never happened, (with eight children I drive a van), but I still have a soft spot for Nancy Drew and her sleuthing skills.

What's one piece of advice you would give aspiring authors?
Never give up. The only difference between a published author and an unpublished one, is that one gave up. Keep going and reach for your dreams. When my first book was rejected, I was absolutely heartbroken. I put the manuscript under my bed where it stayed, gathering dust, for a year. I was sure that the only people who would read my stories were my family. But with the encouragement of another writing friend I got it out, dusted it off, changed some things, and submitted it again. I had a contract in my hands ten days later. I definitely learned my lesson!

Hidden talent?
I'm trying to learn how to play the bagpipes. It's really hard and I'm not very good, but I'm determined to keep trying.

What TV show do you watch that you'd be embarrassed to admit?
I am a huge Castle fan, and I also watch Dancing with the Stars, but the one show that I probably wouldn't advertise that I watch is Downsized. It's about a family that had to declare bankruptcy and "downsize" and how they deal with the transition. It's sort of a train wreck that I just can't turn away from! (I know, I know, what can I say? You got it out of me.)

Read the first chapter of all of Julie's books on her website www.juliebellon.com
Julie's books are also available at Deseret Book, Seagull Book, and Amazon, as well as on Kindle and Nook.

Ribbon of Darkness:

A split-second decision could change the world’s darkest hour to one of triumph--but who is willing to pay the price? Kennedy Campbell has been running away for a long time--using her position as an international journalist to escape the ghosts of her family's past. She finds some solace working in an Afghan refugee camp, until the Taliban attacks them and Kennedy is forced to flee. She is pulled into a terrorist's realm of darkness as she fights to save those around her, but will it come at the expense of her own life? Ethan Barak leads a double life, helping MI-6 bring down arms dealers all over the world until his father is murdered by an old associate. Ethan makes his next mission a personal vendetta by tracking down the killer to Indonesia. While there, he finds himself in a position to either avenge his father or stop a terrorist attack on the Malacca Strait that will jeopardize innocent lives across the world. Can he look past his father's murder to save others? The line between justice and mercy is blurred with each passing second, and international intrigue becomes intensely personal as the age-old struggle for redemption is brought close to home.

Book Giveaway:
1 copy of Ribbon of Darkness
Open to US only
Ends 10/23

Optional Extra Entries:
+1 Follow Julie's blog http:// ldswritermom.blogspot.com
+1 Follow Julie on Twitter: http://twitter.com/juliebellon

Giveaway Winner: September Blog Hop

Congratulations to the Winner of my
September Blog Hop Box of Books
Queen in Exile, Wings & 3 Kathi Macias Books

The winner was selected using Random.org

Nancy - nanze55


The winner has been notified. Thanks to all who entered.

5000 Follower - $25 Amazon.com or Book Depository Giveaway

Wow - I'm amazed that I've hit the 5000 GFC follower mark. That must mean it is time for another giveaway!!

Since I'm looking for some feedback on my blog if you are willing to fill out a 20 question survey I'll enter you in a drawing for a $25 amazon.com gift card or up to $25 in books from the book depository.  Last day to fill out the survey to enter the giveaway is October 9th.

To enter just fill out the survey below. It's anonymous so you can be honest. Once you are finished with the survey there will be a separate form for you to fill out to enter the giveaway.

Author Interview & Book Giveaway: Olga-A Daughter's Tale by Marie Campbell

Welcome to Author Marie Campbell
Bio:

In 1994, my mother, Carmen Browne, was admitted to the Royal Sussex County Hospital, Brighton in the UK seriously ill. As she slowly recovered I realized that had she died so too would the chance of my finding out about her past, her family in Jamaica and, of particular importance to me, who my father was information she had consistently refused to share with me. So I decided to find out for myself.

My first discovery was that my mother’s real name was Olga Browney, born and raised in Kingston, Jamaica and one of eleven children from a close-knit, coloured Catholic family. A kind, naïve and gentle girl, my mother arrived in London in 1939 and lived with a malevolent, alcoholic aunt, intending to stay for only six months. However, world events, personal tragedy and malicious intent all combined to prevent her from returning home to Kingston.

Written in the form of diary entries and letters, Olga – A Daughter’s Tale is based on a true story about cruelty, revenge and jealousy inflicted on an innocent young woman and about moral courage, dignity, resilience and, in particular, love. It is the story of a remarkable woman, who because of circumstances, made a choice, which resulted in her losing contact with her beloved family in Jamaica, until nearly half a century later, when her past caught up her.

Interview:


If you could invite any 5 people to dinner who would you choose?
The first one is my favourite British actor and film star Dirk Bogarde, a closet gay who ironically gave some of his best performances playing gay characters at a time when film stars were very conscious to avoid such roles because it could damage their reputation and homosexuality was still totally unacceptable. He was a very complex man with anti semitic and racist views but could use words to a devastating effect.
Actor, writer and raconteur, Peter Ustinov is my second guest . It was always a joy to listen to Peter relating anecdotes and stories which were hugely entertaining and conversely his ability to give a serious, balanced, thought provoking and intelligent observation on political events.
My third guest would be the writer Oscar Wilde whose Ballad of Reading Gaol I never tire of reading. He was a genius with words and had a razor sharp wit which he used to great effect to put down his opponents. How different his life would have been if he’d been born 100 years later.
Nelson Mandela for a range of reasons but mainly because he is such an inspirational figure and my grandmother, Becky.

If you were stranded on a desert island what 3 things would you want with you?
1. The Bible
2. A solar powered hairdryer
3. A photo of my family

What is one book everyone should read?
The Bible

If you could meet one person who has died who would you choose?
My father. I never knew him nor anything about him until I started researching my family history and what I found out was so disturbing to me that I would like him to answer some of my questions.

What is your favorite thing to eat for breakfast?
Scrambled eggs, spinach and smoked salmon with fresh orange juice.

One food you would never eat?
Escargots (Snails)

Pet Peeves?
I have one major pet peeve. I’m being served by a shop assistant and the phone rings. He/She stops serving me and answers the phone dealing with the enquiry. Then returns to me!! Why does the person on the phone get preferential treatment and I’m left waiting? It drives me mad and I invariable walk out the shop.

Please tell us in one sentence only, why we should read your book.
Because it’s a great human interest story and emanated as a result of researching my family’s history and culture, something that we all have, and let’s face it – every family has a story.

Any other books in the works? Goals for future projects?
I’ve been asked many times what happened to Olga and Marie after they left London because the book doesn’t say. So, yes, there is a sequel to ‘Olga – A Daughter’s Tale’.

What inspired you to want to become a writer?
In 1994 my mother was admitted to the Royal Sussex County Hospital in Brighton, UK, seriously ill. As she slowly recovered I realised had she died so, also, would the chance for me to find out about our past, her family in Jamaica and, of great importance to me, who my father was, information she had resolutely refused to share with me. So I decided to find out for myself. What I found out filled me with such admiration for her that I decided to write a book so that future generations of my family would know about my Mum.

Tell us your most rewarding experience since being published.
I’ve had many stunning reviews about my book, but what is really so rewarding is that the discoveries I made about my family has prompted readers to start delving into their own family history. For me that’s a real bonus.

Is there a song you could list as the theme song for your book or any of your characters?
Yes. “The Wind Beneath My Wings”, which is what my mother (Olga) was to me.

What's one piece of advice you would give aspiring authors?
Discipline! I devised a timetable for writing and stuck to it because when I didn’t I found writing a chore and would find reasons not to do it.

If you could live anywhere in the world where would it be?
Where I live now – Sydney. I’ve been to many cities around the world and while many have stunning architecture and history, at this stage in my life what Sydney has to offer me is relaxation and fund. Plus it is a stunningly beautiful city with a breathtaking harbor..

What is your favorite Quote?
It’s a Prayer than a quote. The Serenity Prayer:-
God grant me the serenity
to accept the things I cannot change;
courage to change the things I can;
and wisdom to know the difference.

When you were little, what did you want to be when you "grew up"?
A film star in the mould of Elizabeth Taylor, Rita Hayworth etc.

Who are your favorite authors of all time?
Isabel Allende, Charles Dickens, F Scott Fitzgerald and Harper Lee.

Can you see yourself in any of your characters?
Yes, my grandmother. She followed her heart (which caused her a lot of grief) and I tend to do the same even though a little voice in my head can sometimes say ‘don’t do it’.

What's the best advice anyone has ever given you?
Think before you speak!

What was your favorite children's book?
The Tales of Narnia – I discovered them through my children.

How do you react to a bad review?
I’ve been fortunate – so far I haven’t had one.

If you could have a signed copy of any novel what would it be and why?
Harper Lee’s To Kill A Mockingbird. I first read the book 40 years ago and the issues it discussed- racism and other prejudices I related to because of what my mother and I had experienced. The book had a profound effect on me and I think is a reason why whenever I’ve had the opportunity in my life (ie like joining demonstrations) I would speak out against injustice and prejudice.

Which authors have influence you most how?
Charles Dickens because his attention to detail was immense so that when I read any of his books – I’m in the moment I’m reading about.

What do you do in your free time?
Find new ways to promote my book and go to the movies. I love films!

How did you celebrate the sale of your first book?
In a state of disbelief!

Favorite places to travel?
Anywhere in Europe

Favorite music?
I like most music except heavy metal – but if pushed to give a favourite it would be African gospel music.

In your wildest dreams, which author would you love to co-author a book with?
Isabel Allende

About the Book:

Based on a true story, 'Olga - A Daughter's Tale' is a family saga about heritage, culture, identity and belonging with an epic feel - from Jamaica to England amidst World War II at a time when Jamaica was a jewel in the crown of the British Empire.

Written in the form of diary entries and letters, it is about the cruelty, revenge and jealousy inflicted on an innocent young woman and about her moral courage, dignity, resilience and, in particular, love.

It is the story of a remarkable woman who, because of circumstances, made a choice which resulted in her losing contact with her beloved family in Jamaica until nearly half a century later when her daughter discovered her mother's past.

Giveaway Details:
1 paperback copy of Olga-A Daughter's Tale open to US only
2 ebooks open Internationally
Ends 10/21/11

To enter just leave a comment on this post with which format you prefer. Be sure there is a way to contact you if you win.

Author Interview & Book Giveaway: Daughters of Iraq by Revital Shiri-Horowitz

Welcome to Author Revital Shiri-Horowitz
Bio:

Revital Shiri-Horowitz was born and raised in Israel. As a kid, she wrote poetry and short stories, and wrote in her journal up until she met her husband. She never imagined that one day she’d be a published author in multiple languages, and in so many countries, and even continents.
Revital went on to earn a BA in Hebrew Literature and Geography from Tel Aviv University, an MA in Geography from Haifa University and an MA in Hebrew Literature from Tel Aviv University.
She was an assistant professor of Geography in Haifa and Tel Aviv Universities, and has been an editor for Hebrew-language books.Based in Seattle, Washington, and in Israel, Revital is the mother of four boys, married to Amnon for twenty years, writes poetry, writes a blog in “Haaretz,” an Israeli newspaper, and a blog in English at http://revitalsh.wordpress.com/, a site in English and Hebrew at http://www.revital-sh.com/, and is a member of Goodreads.com and SheWrites.com.
Revital loves hearing from her readers and enjoys giving presentations to readers groups and book clubs and other groups. Revital is working on a second novel.

Interview:

If you could travel in a Time Machine would you go back to the past or into the future?
I actually like where I am now. I would not like to go back, because as a woman I would not be able to have equal rights as I have now, and the future…I am not sure I would like that too, since I am worried about radical Islam taking over. I am afraid it would change the world. I am also worried about nuclear bombs, so I do not see a reason not to just like the present, and always pray things will only change for the best.

If you could invite any 5 people to dinner who would you choose?
I would meet 5 powerful women who influenced the world, and I would ask them one question: “How did you do it?” Most of them had kids too (I have four sons!) so I would like to learn from them. The women would be: Marie Curie, Golda Meir, Margaret Thatcher, Helen Keller and Hilary Clinton.

If you were stranded on a desert island what 3 things would you want with you?
I would bring my family, some books and comfy beds.

What is one book everyone should read?
The Old Testament. It is an important part of human history, the basis of three major world religions.

If you were a superhero what would your name be?
Brave At Heart…

If you could have any superpower what would you choose?
I would have liked to be brave and never be afraid.

What is your favorite flavor of ice cream?
I love Strawberry ice cream.

If you could meet one person who has died who would you choose?
It would be my uncle, who was a very talented poet, wrote 3 books and died before he published. I edited his second and main book, and was able to publish for him two out of his three books. I would have loved to show him the books and see the look at his face when he held them in his hands.

What is your favorite thing to eat for breakfast?
We have a special Israeli breakfast with eggs, chopped salad, lots of excellent Israeli cheeses, and wonderful breads. We have those on Saturday mornings.

Night owl, or early bird?
Definitely an early bird. I love waking up before anyone else, and just taking my coffee quietly.

One food you would never eat?
Oh, there is a long list, but mainly many animals that are not Kosher.

Pet Peeves?
Dogs barking in our neighborhood.

Skittles or M&Ms?
Not really sure, do I really have to choose?

Please tell us in one sentence only, why we should read your book.
You'll learn about a culture you've never read about before.

Any other books in the works? Goals for future projects?
I am working on a second novel, about a woman who left her kids and husband and went to live in a different country. It is about love and friendship, and the love for your country.

What inspired you to want to become a writer?
I write about things that I think are important to speak about. I really need some philosophical drive to keep me going, some kind of a humanistic mission. So I write.

Links for Revital Shiri-Horowitz:
Blog: http://revitalsh.wordpress.com/
Site: http://www.revital-sh.com/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=559266593
Twitter: http://twitter.com/RevitalHorowitz
Amazon: http://www.amazon.com/Daughters-Iraq-Revital-Shiri-Horowitz/dp/0615460798/
Barnes & Noble: http://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/daughters-of-iraq-revital-shiri-horowitz/1100445005

ABOUT THE BOOK

Daughters of Iraq is the story of emigration from Iraq to Israel as experienced by two sisters: Violet, whom we learn about through a diary she kept after being diagnosed with a critical illness, and Farida, whose personality unfolds through her relationship with her new surroundings and with herself. And a third character: Noa, Violet’s daughter and a student in her twenties, searching for meaning. Noa embarks on a spiritual quest to the past, so that she can learn how to build her life in the present and the future. While each of the three women is struggling with her own issues, they are all looking for the same thing: happiness. They have a strong sense of family, of their deep roots. They are all inextricably linked to each other. By the book’s end, the author has painted a powerful and moving canvas of the whole family.

Book Giveaway Details:
Please comment below on your favorite holiday dish and enter to win a copy of Daughters of Iraq. In one week, Revital will pick a winner of this book. Available in any ebook format or as a paper copy. Also available in English or in Hebrew. We will ship you a copy anywhere in the world. Be sure there is a way to contact you if you win.

For the Giveaway Grand Prize: Everyone who comments is eligible to win a lovely Mama Nazima's Jewish Iraqi Cuisine (http://www.amazon.com/Mama-Nazimas-Jewish-Iraqi-Cuisine/dp/0781811449/). Revital will pick a lucky winner at the end of November 2011 and can ship anywhere in the world. Good luck!

Banned Books Week Giveaway!!

With the help of Jen from I Read Banned Books I'm hosting a Banned Books Giveaway Hop. This will run similar to the hops I usually host but has a requirement that giveaways must be for a banned or challenged book OR include information about Banned Book Week as part of the post.

This hop runs from Saturday, September 24th to Saturday, October 1st with winners announced on October 2nd or 3rd.

My take on Banned Book Week:
All books have their place, but not all books belong on every shelf.

I believe it's my responsibility as a parent to know what my children are watching, playing and reading. I don't allow my children to watch R rated movies. I'm selective on which PG-13 movies I allow them to watch. We run all our videos through a ClearPLay video editor. Rated "M" video games are not allowed in our home. Although books don't come with ratings I feel certain books are not appropriate for my children to read.

I believe in age appropriateness when it comes to books, movies and video games. Take last year's controversy over the book Speak. I'm a fairly conservative reader and I've read Speak. It's a well written, powerful book, but I wouldn't allow my children to read it at this point in their lives. It's not age appropriate for my 11 year old daughter. If asked I would object if it were on the library shelves at our elementary school which only goes to 5th grade. However I feel Speak is a book that would be appropriate on the shelves of a high school.

I do admit there are certain books that I personally will never be old enough to read. I'm not a fan of strong language, graphic sex and gory violence in books, movies or television. There are many books I have put down or decided not to read due to their content. I'm not saying those books should be removed from a public library, but I am saying it's my right as an informed reader to choose the books I will and won't read. That's not censorship, that's making a choice on what is right for me and my family.

All books have their place, just not on my shelf.

This is just my opinion, if you disagree I respect your right to have your own opinion.

My winner will pick from the following:

#1
$10 Amazon.com gift card to purchase a banned or challenged book


#2
$10 in banned or challenged books from the book depository 

#3
Box of 20 Books (Shipped to US only)
FYI - Some of these have been banned or challenged, some have not.



*Some of these are new, some have been read, some are ARCs. Twilight, New Moon & Eclipse are signed (but not new).

To enter just be a follower of this blog and fill out the form.  Last day to enter is Saturday, October 1, 2011.


This hop officially starts at midnight but posts are already popping up. For best use of your time wait until tomorrow when all the posts are up to start entering the giveaways.  If you start now most sites will not have a giveaway up!!
The linky should be accurate by noon on Saturday.