Dear Bob ~ The Misadventures of Petunia Pottersfield ~ By: T.P. Keane

Dear Bob

By T.P. Keane

Miss Keane is an Author that I had the privilege of meeting compliments of another author event on facebook. In that event, she told us all about herself, and this very book.  I found Miss Keane to be quite a friendly person, and very fun and outgoing. She made some great points with everyone, and I offered up my services to her. So that is why I am here, giving you the review and interview of the book: “Dear Bob” and interview of T.P. Keane.

The cover of “Dear Bob,” immediately gained my attention, the art work made me smile. Instantly I was in love with the little girl on the cover.

Then once I started reading, I fell in love with the most unique name ever, ‘Petunia Pottersfield.’ I loved it! I was smiling as I began reading, even my husband noticed. 

Before I continue, are you wondering who Bob is? I bet you are. Well guess what? Bob is a diary. Petunia’s mother thought it would be best if she had one, to write her thoughts and feelings in. Her mother explained it was a diary, but Petunia said, what kind of person writes ‘Dear Diary?’ it’s like calling an insect just that and not giving it a proper name. Petunia would not have that, it just wasn’t right. Therefore her diary would be called Bob.

Petunia was eleven years old, and lived in Furrow Grove, with a fairy ring. She has this big bunch of hair, that when she goes out and about, no matter how many bobby pins she has holding her hair in place, she still manages to get some into her mouth. 

When Petunia tries to use her magic, like to open curtains, she isn’t very good at it. Instead she sets them afire. She tried to fly once, and managed to break a wing. Petunia is known for being klutzy. Even her brother makes fun of her for this, he is older than she.

The cover of this book, is also designed by Miss Keane, and you can tell that she put her heart and soul into it. It is written like a child truly needing someone to vent to, who always forgets that the diary is there, but when she does, it is high time to write down what needs to be said- good or bad. 

I truly enjoyed every moment of this book. I could remember my childhood, and how difficult it was fitting in, and dealing with the simple problems of being a child. I mean I realize that Petunia had different problems that were and are fairy related, but let’s face it, we have all had childhood issues! And this book, “Dear Bob” truly is a magnificent five star read, that everyone will enjoy!

My questions for Miss Keane:

1. What made you write this and how long did it take you?

“Dear Bob” was something I began with my children. Instead of reading at night, my kids and I used to make up stories. All sorts of things happened in our adventures and I thought they’d make a good book.

2. What are you working on now?

 At the moment I’m polishing off a YA Science Fiction/Romance called Kepler One – The Choosing. I’ve had a couple of literary agents very interested and will find out more around October. Keep fingers crossed for me.

 3. Do you have any photos or descriptions of the characters you can share with us?

 Petunia is your typical fairy… as typical as one can be from the outside, that is. She has the same sized wings, is the same height and looks like a normal fairy. But Petunia is the most catastrophic fairy ever known. When disaster strikes, the townsfolk of Furrow Grove know that Petunia is nearby.

 4. What makes you desire to write?

 All my life I’ve concocted stories in my head. It’s not a desire so much as it is just me. I can’t help it, I suppose. Like Petunia was born clumsy, I was born a storyteller.
  

 5. What is your favorite book of all time?

 I have many favourite books, all different genres and age groups. At the moment, however, I’m completely in love with the writing style of NK Jemisin. When I grow up… I want to be just like her. 

6. Who designed your cover?

I did. 

7. What are your hobbies?

I used to have many hobbies but due to back a injury I can no longer do most of them. My favourite that I miss terribly is horse riding.

8. Do you ever get writers block, and if so what do you do?

I don’t get writers block so much as I get writers fatigue. Best thing to do is leave it for a week, then write something completely different, then come back to it. 

9. Do you ever feel like you are one of your characters while you are writing?

No definitely not. My characters are a lot more bold and brave than I am.

10. Please provide for us your book and social media links:

Most of my social links can be found on my website

www.tpkeane.com

“Dear Bob” can be found on Amazon and is part of Kindle Unlimited as well as audible. 

https://www.amazon.com/Dear-Bob-Misadventures-Petunia-Pottersfield/dp/0997179325/

11. Anything to add: 

Just thank you very much for having me and I hope your readers will enjoy Dear Bob.

Dear Bob The Misadventures of Petunia Pottersfield by T.P. Keane
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Miss Keane is an Author that I had the privilege of meeting compliments of another author event on facebook. In that event, she told us all about herself, and this very book. I found Miss Keane to be quite a friendly person, and very fun and outgoing. She made some great points with everyone, and I offered up my services to her. So that is why I am here, giving you the review and interview of the book: “Dear Bob” and interview of T.P. Keane.

The cover of “Dear Bob,” immediately gained my attention, the art work made me smile. Instantly I was in love with the little girl on the cover.

Then once I started reading, I fell in love with the most unique name ever, ‘Petunia Pottersfield.’ I loved it! I was smiling as I began reading, even my husband noticed.

Before I continue, are you wondering who Bob is? I bet you are. Well guess what? Bob is a diary. Petunia’s mother thought it would be best if she had one, to write her thoughts and feelings in. Her mother explained it was a diary, but Petunia said, what kind of person writes ‘Dear Diary?’ it’s like calling an insect just that and not giving it a proper name. Petunia would not have that, it just wasn’t right. Therefore her diary would be called Bob.

Petunia was eleven years old, and lived in Furrow Grove, with a fairy ring. She has this big bunch of hair, that when she goes out and about, no matter how many bobby pins she has holding her hair in place, she still manages to get some into her mouth.

When Petunia tries to use her magic, like to open curtains, she isn’t very good at it. Instead she sets them afire. She tried to fly once, and managed to break a wing. Petunia is known for being klutzy. Even her brother makes fun of her for this, he is older than she.

The cover of this book, is also designed by Miss Keane, and you can tell that she put her heart and soul into it. It is written like a child truly needing someone to vent to, who always forgets that the diary is there, but when she does, it is high time to write down what needs to be said- good or bad.

I truly enjoyed every moment of this book. I could remember my childhood, and how difficult it was fitting in, and dealing with the simple problems of being a child. I mean I realize that Petunia had different problems that were and are fairy related, but let’s face it, we have all had childhood issues! And this book, “Dear Bob” truly is a magnificent five star read, that everyone will enjoy!

View all my reviews

 

Check Out by: Debra Parmley

Check Out

By: Debra Parmley

When Debra asked me to review this book, I of course, couldn’t refuse her, because I happen to know she is an amazing writer. And once I find someone whose writing has my attention, I am a fan for life. So as always, I was honored to do her the honor of this.

And once she sent it to me, I fell in love with the cover instantly. It is a beautiful cover, looking at just makes you feel like pulling up a chair next to the fire place, and sitting down with a good book, like this one!

In the book, “Check Out” we meet a marine vet by the name of Nash Ware, who is also quite a bit handsome. But Nash wears an eye patch, and his ex-fiancé was intimidated by it, and walked out of a perfectly good relationship because of it. Because of this, Nash feels that women are no longer part of his calling.

However, one day Nash decides to go into the library where a shy Betsy Bobbin works, and she can’t help but notice Nash. And not just because of his eye patch, she also noticed his masculine body, and even his attitude. She is immediately drawn to him.

You know how luck or fate help to guide you onto the right path, and put two people together? Well what happens next seems like fate, a chance meeting, and it just makes everything fall right into place perfectly. 

Betsy ends up with a flat tire, but not only is it flat, but it is during a storm. And guess who comes to the rescue? Every woman loves to be rescued, especially by a hunk like Nash.

Betsy gets to learn about Nash, and that he has PTSD, and that he isn’t sure if he wants to let anyone in his life. Betsy feels torn, but she also feels that she just might have found the love of her life.

Nash does have feelings for Betsy too, but he has his own wounds, and problems to deal with. He isn’t sure what to do. 

The book “Check Out” is a deep love story portraying that our Military Vets do get wounded in so many ways, both physically and mentally. And from those wounds come even deeper problems. Not only does Debra tell you an enlightening and touching story here, she also gives you the perspective into the military veterans, and how one is coping. It is a truly eye opening five star read. I found it very enjoyable and think everyone should read it! I could not put it down; I just had to know what was going to happen every step of the way! Debra truly made this work!

My questions for Debra: 

1. What made you write this book and how long did it take you?
~

I originally wrote “Check Out” after my publisher Secret Cravings invited me to be part of a military box set where the proceeds would go to Operation Troop Aide. Then just as the edits were finished, they announced they would be closing their doors. That was a sad day and it was a thrill for me to finally see the book in print when I re-released it through Belo Dia Publishing. I wanted to write a story about a veteran who has PTSD but I didn’t want the story to be so much about that issue that the story became about the PTSD. I see a lot of that in military romance when it is used as a plot device. For me the story people become real and just like meeting a new friend, Nash’s PTSD is just a part of who he is. If you met him you might not know the entire story of why he has it or exactly what he does to deal with it. But you’d see him functioning in the world just like anyone else that does or doesn’t have it, if that makes sense. I have a lot of friends who are veterans so I wanted to handle Mash’s story like I might handle theirs and I wanted to give him a happy ending. 
 ~

2. Why do you write?
~

I write because I love to write. I’d write even if no one read what I wrote. J I’ve written poetry for years even though people say you can’t make money writing poetry. As if that were the only reason to do to write something.
 ~

3. What are your hobbies?
 ~

I enjoy primitive camping and stepping back into medieval times with the Society for Creative Anachronism, shooting my Mongolian horse bow (primitive archery), shooting long guns and shooting pool. I also enjoy yoga, belly dancing, reading and travel. I also love to collect seashells from each beach I have visited. 
 ~

4. What are you working on now?
 ~

I’m finishing the expansion of A Change of Scenery, which was out as a short story with Secret Cravings. Readers wanted more, so I am expanding the story and it will be the first book in my Hunger Roads trilogy. Set in the future it is a world of big pharma running the govt, GMO’s and a secret group of former Special Forces veterans who are fighting to protect the constitution and to bring down the corrupt government. A sweet belly dancer that just happens to grow healing herbs in her spare bedroom finds herself on a government terrorist list (herbalists have been classified as terrorists) and a former SEAL rescues her and then they are on the run. It’s taken me longer to rewrite/expand because I decided to make it part of a trilogy which means threading everything that needs to be in before the next two books. There’s a lot of weaving new parts into the first version and that kind of writing is always slower than writing a brand new story.
 ~

5. Do you imagine yourself as one of the characters when you write your books?
 ~

It is more like I am their friend and they are sharing things with me most of the time. I do step inside sometimes and that can get emotional, much like empathy, when I feel what they are feeling. I read one of my Christmas stories for maybe the tenth time and it still made me cry the last time I read it. But I always give them a happy ending and I know it is coming so maybe that is a little bit silly, to get so emotional. You know that scene in the movie Romancing the Stone? Where she cries when she’s at the end of her book? Well that would be me.   
 ~

6. Do you ever get writers block?
 ~

I once had it for a very long time. Six long months after my golden retriever Trixie died, I could not write. I vowed after that never to have it again. So here is how I avoid it. I change where I write by moving around with my laptop. I change what I “need” to be able to write by writing longhand with a legal pad and I have even talked into my phone to record a scene. That way there is no “I can only write if…” in my mind because I think I need it. Because Trixie sat by my side when I wrote so when she was gone that loss froze my writing, as I got too emotional every time I sat down to write. So after six months of that, I wanted to find all the things that might freeze it again and work to avoid it ever happening again. I also work on more than one story so if things start to get slow on one I will switch to another. I will not spend time in front of a blank page for very long. No more than five minutes. And I have all kinds of exercises that I can do if I sit there and am getting close to the five minutes. When I was teaching classes locally and doing a lot of mentoring I passed those on to my students because I know they work. I also don’t stick “write every day” in my head so there isn’t the huge pressure if for a day or two I don’t get to write. That has served me well when I had to be in the hospital or when my father passed. It is okay to give yourself permission to take time off from your writing. I used to be so hard on myself but ironically now that I’m not, the writing is always flowing unless life gets in the way. 
~

7. Do you have any photos of the characters or maybe character descriptions for this book?

I don’t have any photos as I could just close my eyes and see them but I always have to describe my characters for Sheri, my wonderful cover artist. Nash Ware is six foot tall with dark hair that has grown out enough since he came back from active duty that it sometimes falls into his eyes. Or would if he had not lost an eye in the war. He wears a dark eye patch to hide his scars and it’s winter so he wears a fatigue jacket and military style boots when he comes stomping into Betsy’s library and her world. Betsy Bobbin has long blonde hair and always wears red lipstick. She’s a shy librarian who dresses modestly. Her younger sister Leann has dark hair and dresses more to catch a man’s eye. Unfortunately she caught the eye of the campus stalker, which turns dangerous for her. 
~

8. If you could meet ONE Author who would it be?
~

Oh it is so hard to pick just one. I get to chat with so many authors on my radio show on Tuesday nights and I wish I could meet them all in person too. Okay so just one. I would love to meet Alice Hoffman. She is one of my favorite authors. I was just thinking about her book Practical Magic the other day. It was made into a movie and I’ve put it on my list of movies to watch around Halloween. 
~

9. What is it that led you to writing in the first place?

~

When I was a small girl I would imagine stories but never wrote them down. In college I started writing short stories and eventually switched to novels. I still write short stories and you can find a few of those out in eBook. So I have been writing stories in my head ever since I was a child.

~

10. What all education have you had?
~

I went back to college when my sons were in high school and junior high and got a bachelors degree in English. I’d been working at a bank as a head teller and you couldn’t get a higher-level job in banking without a degree. So I went back to finish my BA and then still couldn’t find a job after I graduated because we lived in the Pocono mountains, where there just weren’t that many jobs. That’s when we moved to the Memphis TN area to be near family and I started working at a weekly newspaper. That was twenty years ago and now here I am writing books and using that degree. So people are no longer asking me “What can you do with an English degree?”
~

11. Please share with us your book links and social media links:

Author Media Links:

http://www.debraparmley.com/

Fan page: https://www.facebook.com/Debra-Parmley-19909053561/?ref=hl

https://www.facebook.com/debra.parmley

https://www.pinterest.com/debraparmley/

https://threadingtheweb.wordpress.com

Book links:

Amazon: https://www.amazon.com/Debra-Parmley/e/B002BM9H4A/ref=sr_ntt_srch_lnk_1?qid=1473839815&sr=1-1

My eBooks and audio books on itunes: https://itunes.apple.com/ca/author/debra-parmley/id411082477?mt=11

My eBooks on Kobo: https://store.kobobooks.com/en-us/search?query=debra%20parmley

Barnes & Noble: http://www.barnesandnoble.com/s/debra+parmley

Smashwords https://www.scribd.com/author/259824716/Debra-Parmley

All Romance eBooks:  https://www.allromanceebooks.com/storeSearch.html

My audio books on Audible: http://www.audible.com/search/ref=a_hp_tseft?advsearchKeywords=debra+parmley&filterby=field-keywords&x=0&y=0

12. Anything extra to add?

Thank you for this interview and for reviewing 'Check Out!' I always enjoy answering your questions.

My first audio book is out and I’m so excited about that. Something I wasn’t able to do when I was with the other publishers. So… Check Out is now available in audio book, it’s my first audio book and I hope everyone will check it out! (I have such fun saying that. Librarian heroine, Check Out title, check it out. Makes me giggle.) ;-)

Here are links to my radio show, which airs every Tue night 8:30 eastern http://bit.ly/BookLights

Upcoming shows Readers Entertainment on Blog Talk Radio: http://www.blogtalkradio.com/circle-of-seven

Readers can find me online and if signed up for my newsletter can win prizes.

Newsletter sign up link: http://eepurl.com/ZUyC1

I love to hear from my readers!

Check Out by Debra Parmley
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

When Debra asked me to review this book, I of course, couldn’t refuse her, because I happen to know she is an amazing writer. And once I find someone whose writing has my attention, I am a fan for life. So as always, I was honored to do her the honor of this.

And once she sent it to me, I fell in love with the cover instantly. It is a beautiful cover, looking at just makes you feel like pulling up a chair next to the fire place, and sitting down with a good book, like this one!

In the book, “Check Out” we meet a marine vet by the name of Nash Ware, who is also quite a bit handsome. But Nash wears an eye patch, and his ex-fiancé was intimidated by it, and walked out of a perfectly good relationship because of it. Because of this, Nash feels that women are no longer part of his calling.

However, one day Nash decides to go into the library where a shy Betsy Bobbin works, and she can’t help but notice Nash. And not just because of his eye patch, she also noticed his masculine body, and even his attitude. She is immediately drawn to him.

You know how luck or fate help to guide you onto the right path, and put two people together? Well what happens next seems like fate, a chance meeting, and it just makes everything fall right into place perfectly.

Betsy ends up with a flat tire, but not only is it flat, but it is during a storm. And guess who comes to the rescue? Every woman loves to be rescued, especially by a hunk like Nash.

Betsy gets to learn about Nash, and that he has PTSD, and that he isn’t sure if he wants to let anyone in his life. Betsy feels torn, but she also feels that she just might have found the love of her life.

Nash does have feelings for Betsy too, but he has his own wounds, and problems to deal with. He isn’t sure what to do.

The book “Check Out” is a deep love story portraying that our Military Vets do get wounded in so many ways, both physically and mentally. And from those wounds come even deeper problems. Not only does Debra tell you an enlightening and touching story here, she also gives you the perspective into the military veterans, and how one is coping. It is a truly eye opening five star read. I found it very enjoyable and think everyone should read it! I could not put it down; I just had to know what was going to happen every step of the way! Debra truly made this work!



View all my reviews

 

Tape to Tape ~ The Venom Series 3 by: V.L. Locey

Tape to Tape

The Venom Series 3

By: V.L. Locey

The best part about reading Vicki’s books is the fact that not only do I get sports, I get romance. That is what I like best about reading her books. It puts a whole new kick on the taste, and it makes it so much more interesting. 

This time we get to spend time with Coach Dot West, or better known as “The Shadow.”

 Now Dot is a woman who likes to do everything on her own, and doesn’t want nor need help from anyone, and she likes it that way. She doesn’t want to have to look back and say, “Yeah I wouldn’t be here if it was for so and so.” Dot wants to be the one take all the credit for making it on her own.

But we all know when we least expect it, a man walks in, am I right, or am I right?

Dot meets this guy, known as Theo, and I must admit, his description made me lick my lips. And by the sounds of Theo, I think he even knows he is a looker, too.

Anyway, Theo is a former goalie for the Wildcats, and is now a co-host of a very controversial radio sports talk show. The show is based in Philly, which is of course of the Venom. 

Well one day, Dot ends up losing her cool and calls in to the show. Now you know us women, we are usually famous for the last word. But this ends up back firing, and the smug fool that Theo is, gets Dot into the chair of the radio station.

Dot has always been one to keep her guard up, she doesn’t feel that needs or wants a man in her life, but the sparks ignite, and she can’t help but feel drawn toward Theo. There is just something about him. 

She keeps trying to tell herself no, but her heart keeps telling her to go for it. Dot has a hard decision to make, with this truly exciting story of eye opening romance.

This book “Tape to Tape” is truly a five star read, I could feel the stubbornness in Dot as I read, and I could so relate. She is an amazing woman, who truly wants to be her own individual, and wants to give no one else credit. A lot of women are strong like this, today. 

This is truly a very emotional read, and you can feel the vibes as you read it! I loved every moment of this book, and I think that you the readers will too! Vicki is truly a great sporty story teller!

Here are my questions for Vicki:

1. What made you write this book and how long did it take you?

I just love a good saucy couple. You know, the kind who start out snapping and snarling at each other, but end up realizing that they belong together, despite some obstacles. That’s Dot and Theo. It usually takes me about a month to write a 50K novel, sometimes more or less.

2. What are you working on now?

At the moment I’m working on an M/M hockey romance called Open Net, which is part of a planned duology.

3. Do you have any photos or descriptions of the characters?

I can do better! I have a whole Pinterest board filled with images of Dot, Theo, and other characters and settings!

https://www.pinterest.com/vllocey/tape-to-tape/

4. Obviously, you like hockey, but how hard is it to write about it too?

For me writing the hockey action is pretty easy, since I watch SO much hockey. Generally, I try to plan out what happens on the ice beforehand. This way I can lead the reader through the action. In a way it’s like choreographing a dance only the dancing is on ice.

5. What led you to writing?

I actually started writing seriously because I had seen a movie and disliked how it was presented. I sat down and in a fit of anger, wrote my first fan fiction. After realizing I could put down the stories bouncing around inside my head, I buckled down and started dedicating myself to pursuing my dream. So I like to kiddingly say that Brian Singer is the reason I started writing.

6. What is your favorite book of all time?

Oh boy, there are too many that I love to pick just one. I might be able to narrow it down to a few favorites. Outlander for sure as well as the Black Dagger Brotherhood novels. I reread them all the time.

7. Have you ever met any other authors? How about famous hockey players?

I haven’t met any other authors in person yet, but I am headed to an event outside of Pittsburgh in March so I’m looking forward meeting some of my online friends there! As for hockey players, no, I haven’t met any famous ones yet. The next time I’m in New York for a game, I plan to linger around outside MSG until I get to meet at least one darn Ranger!

8. What are your hobbies?

I like to read, walk, do yoga, and play video games.

9. Is hockey as bloody as they make it out to be on TV? (And I mean for parents too)

It’s not nearly as bloody as it used to be. The league is trying to cut back on the fisticuffs, but there are still fights on occasion. It’s a part of the game. Some fans love it and some hate it. The age of the goon (a player who is on the team solely for his size and fists) is pretty much over. Hockey is now more about skill and speed now and less about punching people.

10. Please share with us your social media links and book links:

Author Links:

Website: http://vlloceyauthor.com/

Facebook- https://www.facebook.com/pages/VL-Locey/124405447678452

Twitter- https://twitter.com/vllocey

Pinterest-http://www.pinterest.com/vllocey/

Goodreads- http://www.goodreads.com/author/show/5807700.V_L_Locey

My blog- http://thoughtsfromayodelinggoatherder.blogspot.com/

Amazon-http://tinyurl.com/zt8vncq

Smashwords-https://www.smashwords.com/books/view/646762

B&N-http://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/tape-to-tape-v-l-locey/1124036811?ean=2940153103211

Kobo-https://store.kobobooks.com/en-us/ebook/tape-to-tape-the-venom-series-3

Tape to Tape by V.L. Locey
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

The best part about reading Vicki’s books is the fact that not only do I get sports, I get romance. That is what I like best about reading her books. It puts a whole new kick on the taste, and it makes it so much more interesting.

This time we get to spend time with Coach Dot West, or better known as “The Shadow.”

Now Dot is a woman who likes to do everything on her own, and doesn’t want nor need help from anyone, and she likes it that way. She doesn’t want to have to look back and say, “Yeah I wouldn’t be here if it was for so and so.” Dot wants to be the one take all the credit for making it on her own.

But we all know when we least expect it, a man walks in, am I right, or am I right?

Dot meets this guy, known as Theo, and I must admit, his description made me lick my lips. And by the sounds of Theo, I think he even knows he is a looker, too.

Anyway, Theo is a former goalie for the Wildcats, and is now a co-host of a very controversial radio sports talk show. The show is based in Philly, which is of course of the Venom.

Well one day, Dot ends up losing her cool and calls in to the show. Now you know us women, we are usually famous for the last word. But this ends up back firing, and the smug fool that Theo is, gets Dot into the chair of the radio station.

Dot has always been one to keep her guard up, she doesn’t feel that needs or wants a man in her life, but the sparks ignite, and she can’t help but feel drawn toward Theo. There is just something about him.

She keeps trying to tell herself no, but her heart keeps telling her to go for it. Dot has a hard decision to make, with this truly exciting story of eye opening romance.

This book “Tape to Tape” is truly a five star read, I could feel the stubbornness in Dot as I read, and I could so relate. She is an amazing woman, who truly wants to be her own individual, and wants to give no one else credit. A lot of women are strong like this, today.

This is truly a very emotional read, and you can feel the vibes as you read it! I loved every moment of this book, and I think that you the readers will too! Vicki is truly a great sporty story teller!

View all my reviews