Author Yvonne Jones Attempts to Close Gap Between Military and Civilian Worlds @yvijones

Author Yvonne Jones Attempts to Close Gap Between Military and Civilian Worlds

Author Yvonne Jones is a military spouse of 13 years and counting, who has moved nationally and internationally more than 10 times since the military became part of her life. Now she taps that experience in a book that is meant to close the current gap of understanding that persists between military and civilian worlds. The book is entitled “Closing The Gap: Understanding Your Service(wo)man” and is written from the different perspectives of military family members.

A smaller share of Americans currently serve in the Armed Forces than at any other given point in time since World War II. This, in turn, has led to a growing gap between people in uniform and the civilian population. The author wrote this book in an attempt to close this gap by promoting understanding of a lifestyle mostly unknown to those not affiliated with the military.

The subject of the book is the disconnect between military families and their civilian families and friends, and focuses on explaining and describing the lifestyle of the entire military family, including Service Members of all branches, their Spouses, and their Children. It is meant to make a positive difference by giving people within the civilian world the information they need to understand the experiences of and reconnect with military families.

Faith Eidse, Ph.D., Author of the award-winning oral history “Voices of Apalachicola” says:

“I have thoroughly enjoyed this book from beginning to end.  It pulled my heartstrings and spoke to me with the author’s insights.  This is for more than family and friends; it’s for the 99 percent who need a better understanding of their service(wo)men, since they belong to the national family.”

Judy Davis, The Direction Diva, says:

“[…] This resource is perfect for EVERYONE with ANY connection to the military community, and should be on everyone’s shelf! I can’t speak highly enough about this resource […]”

Cat Lang, one of “Circle Of Mom’s” favorite says:

“[This] book is absolutely brilliant!”

Yvonne Jones currently lives in Tampa, Florida. For more information about “Closing The Gap: Understanding Your Service(wo)man,” please visit the website

www.UnderstandingYourServiceman.com, connect via FACEBOOK

https://www.facebook.com/UnderstandingYourServiceman or contact Yvonne Jones at

Yvonne.Jones@UnderstandingYourServiceman.com.

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Genre – Military Family

Rating – G

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Website http://www.understandingyourserviceman.com/

#Excerpt from Lorhainne Eckhart's THE FORGOTTEN CHILD @LEckhart #Romance #Autism

Okay here we go. She’d expected an attack. He was really good at twisting things to his way of thinking. This man she married, at one time loved, had become an unwelcome stranger. “I think it has to do with no communication,” Emily rebutted. “The only time I know what’s new with you, is when I overhear you on the phone. You know… those nightly conversations with your mother. And come to think of it, that’s part of the problem. The only relationship you have is with your mother. And it’s just plain weird. You’re not a child. Grow up. It’s disturbing that you talk to her about what’s going on in your life, and not me. If you were being honest with yourself, you’d admit you’ve made no attempt to have a relationship with me. And I’ve ignored how you’ve treated me for years.”

Emily held up the flat of her trembling hand, unable to stop her mouth from spewing everything she’d suppressed for so long. She continued, “You’ve always had this strange relationship with your mom. What’s really sick, is I’ve had to stoop to eavesdropping when you’re on the phone with her. Just to find out your latest news. A vacation you’re planning with friends of yours. A new job you’re applying for in Seattle. Taking a few courses at night school. Don’t you think that as your wife I have a right to know about these things?”

He dumped his coffee down the sink. His face hardened into someone she didn’t know. “It wasn’t as if I was hiding it from you, but you’re sure happy to launch a war with my family. You could have just asked.”

Emily shut her eyes and let out a heavy sigh. Katy would be awake soon, and Bob needed to leave for work. “This is going nowhere,” she said. “I’m not going to keep fighting with you. I’d like you to move out. Take whatever you want.”

He didn’t answer her. What he did instead was grab his coat and storm out the door, slamming it behind him hard enough to rattle the double-pane windows. But apparently he wasn’t done with his temper tantrum, because he followed up by gunning the engine of their two-door rusted Cavalier, the tires squealing down the driveway. In her room, Katy screamed. Across the street, lights came on in the front window of the Hanson’s house. Great. She’d need to apologize now, for Bob disturbing them before six a.m. with his irresponsible behavior.

Emily raced down the hall to comfort her daughter, furious at Bob for yet another mess he’d created for her to clean up. Except this time, it didn’t stick—the mad, that is. With the words finally out of her, Emily felt the dark, oppressive weight lifting from her back, leaving her with a light peaceful feeling flowing through her body. You know, the feeling you get when you know you’ve finally done the right thing. Even though she had no money, no job, a child, and no idea how she’d make ends meet... still, the right thing. A dismal sounding outcome but, for the first time in years, Emily Nelson felt the sun shoot out a powerful ray of hope.

 

How do you tell a man there is something wrong with his child?

This is by far one of the best books I have read. Lorhainne Eckhart proved herself yet again  by pulling you in with a heartfelt story and keeping your attention with the passion that fills   the pages. ~ ROMANCE JUNKIES

A Real Tear Jerker: Omg, I loved this book. I stayed up all night trying to finish it. I cried,  My heart broke, I have an 18 year old with autism. This would make a fabulous movie...  Tammy

Overview:

He wasn't looking to love again. But what he got was a woman who shook his lonely bitter world upside down, and touched him in a way no other woman could.

Emily Nelson, a courageous young mother, ends a loveless, bitter marriage and strikes out on her own. She answers an ad as a cook and live-in caregiver to a three-year-old boy on a local ranch. Ranch owner Brad Friessen hires and moves in Emily and her daughter. But Emily soon discovers something's seriously wrong with the boy, and the reclusive, difficult man who hired her can't see the behavior and how delayed his son is. So Emily researches until she stumbles across what she suspects are the soft signs of autism. Now she must tell him, give him hope, and help him come to terms with this neurological disorder--to take the necessary steps to get his child the help he needs.

As their lives become intertwined, their attraction is unavoidable--a connection sparks between them. But just as they're getting close, Brad's estranged wife, Crystal, returns after abandoning the family two years earlier. Among the shock and confusion is one disturbing question Brad can't shake: How does Crystal know so much of his personal business, the inner working of the ranch, and Emily's relationship with his son?

Crystal must've had a plan, as she somehow gains the upper hand, driving a wedge in the emotional bond forged between Brad, Emily, and the children. The primary focus for care and therapy of three-year-old Trevor is diverted. The lengths to which Crystal will go, the lies, the greed, just to keep what's hers, are nothing short of cold and calculating. Emily's forced out of the house. Brad fights to save his boy, to protect what's his, and struggles over his greatest sacrifice--Emily, and the haunting question: Has he lost her forever?

More Praise for THE FORGOTTEN CHILD...

"Brilliant, there is no other word for it, heart grabbing, heart warming, gut wrenching, well written well researched, wanted to read it over & over again." Amazon Reviewer – Maureen

BLACK RAVEN'S REVIEWS - Ms. Eckhart has crafted a delightful story with engaging  characters, enough drama for a Hallmark movie, and enough unconditional love to last a lifetime.  ~Rated 5 Ravens and a Recommended Read by AJ!~ 

READERS FAVORITE *5 Star Review A real page turner ~ fast moving plot ~ a must read!
Reviewed by Brenda C. For Readers Favorite

I didn't expect I'd fall for the four main characters as hard as I did, but The Forgotten Child is an amazing book, not just for a romance fan like myself, but for single parents who may or  may not have a child with autism. ~ Reviewer ~ Adria

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Genre – Contemporary Western Romance

Rating – PG

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Caroline Kennedy on Her Inspiration to Write a #Book on Stephen Ward @StephenWardBook #scandal

What Inspired Me to Write My Book?

It was a gradual process and even more gradual decision. I was commissioned to research a TV film on “The Profumo Affair” of the early 1960s. After a year of personal interviews, trips to the newspaper libraries and travelling around the UK following leads, I came to realize that I had far more material than could possibly ever be used in a 90 minutes film.

I also came to the obvious conclusion that War Minister, John Profumo, was not the focal point of my research. The far more interesting, complex and fascinating character in the whole “Profumo Affair” was the society osteopath, Stephen Ward.

My realization was confirmed when I was invited to a rambling farmhouse in Lincolnshire where my host invited me to open a trunk in his attic which, he said, contained handwritten manuscripts, reel-to-reel tapes and letters, all written or recorded by Stephen Ward while he was on remand in prison awaiting trial.

When I returned home that evening I immediately set about transferring the tapes onto cassettes and, through the scratchy quality of the 1960s recordings, emerged Ward’s compelling voice.

So, after over a year of discussing Stephen Ward with almost 100 people who had known him, I finally heard his voice summing up his case very objectively and very succinctly. I was mesmerized. I realized then that a grave miscarriage of justice had taken place and, above anything else, I wanted to rectify it.

"How the English Establishment Framed Stephen Ward" is a major expose of a government cover-up that has lasted half a century. It is a powerful story of sexual compulsion, political malice and ultimate betrayal. A number-one bestseller when it came out in 1987 under its original title, "An Affair of State", the book reveals never-before-heard testimony that has been uncovered by the authors in the years since the scandal broke. Using startling new evidence, including Ward’s own unpublished memoirs and hundreds of interviews with many who, conscience-stricken, have now spoken out for the first time, this important account rips through a half-century cover-up in order to show exactly why the government, the police forces, the Judiciary and the security forces decided to frame Stephen Ward. 

Stephen Ward is now the subject of an upcoming Andrew Lloyd-Weber musical and this book offers a wider perspective on its complex, central character as well as a broader insight into one of the greatest scandals of the past 100 years. As the authors’ research reveals, Ward’s “trial of the century” was caused by an unprecedented corruption of justice and political malice which resulted in an innocent man becoming a scapegoat for those who could not bear to lose power. 

This is an epic tale of sex, lies, and governmental abuse whose aftermath almost brought down the government and shook the American, British, and Soviet espionage worlds to their core. With its surprising revelations and meticulous research, Ward’s complete story can finally be told.

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Genre – Politics, Espionage, Scandal

Rating – PG-16

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Along The Watchtower by David Litwack @davidlitwack #Excerpt #Fantasy #MustRead

Excerpt - "Becky"

On the ground floor, the center of the hospital opened into a small courtyard, an insecure space with too many places for insurgents to hide. I took a quick breath and tensed.

“Wait up, Ralph.”

“It’s okay, Freddie. You’re safe here.”

“Give me a minute. It’s my first time out.”

I surveyed the perimeter. A few benches. A flower garden dominated by hydrangeas, but not like the softball-sized blossoms my mom used to grow. These were small and paler than the Cape Cod variety, which were a blue that could compete with the sky.

At once, I could see my mom, hands buried in the hydrangeas, grooming her flowers—one of the few memories I could bear to recall. Me and my brothers in the driveway shooting hoops. Mom telling us to keep the ball out of her garden. She was happy then, surrounded by her family, her garden, and the ocean.

I looked past the hydrangeas to find purple asters and some lilies too. But no roses. For some reason, I’d been hoping for roses.

Despite the nice day, the courtyard was deserted, except for a woman about my age who sat on a wooden bench, finishing up a brown-bag lunch. Her eyes were closed and her head tipped back to take in the sun, making her appear to be dreaming. Sitting alone on the bench, her face seemed framed by flowers.

When she heard us coming, she sat up, straightened her scrubs, and smiled.

“Hey, Ralph. What do you have there? Another victim for me?”

“Becky,” Ralph said. “What’s up? This is Freddie, Lt. Williams, our newest patient. We’re trying to bring him back from the dead. Freddie, meet Becky Marshall, one of our physical therapists.”

I nodded a greeting to her, not much in the mood for small talk. She tilted her head to one side as if evaluating me. Then she gave me the kind of look that said we’d met before, if not in this world than in another, and that she intended to make a difference in my life.

“Is he ready for me?”

“Soon. If he’s assigned to you.”

My attention was drawn to a soda can on the bench next to her. I’d seen too many IEDs in soda cans.

She caught me fixating on it and grinned.

“Just my diet Pepsi, Freddie. See?”

She chugged what was left and tossed the can into a nearby trash basket. Then she crumpled the bag into a ball and to show off, stepped off exactly five paces and shot the bag into the basket in a perfect arc.

“Nice shot,” I said.

“I make that shot every time.”

“Yeah, right.”

She came close enough that our knees were almost touching and hovered over me, sizing me up.

“You’ll be mine,” she said finally. “I can tell. I get all the hard cases.”

As she walked away, light on her feet like a dancer, I fumbled for the wheel of the chair, trying to spin it around so I could watch her go. But Ralph had set the brake.

WINNER: Readers' Favorite Book 2013 

Bronze Award Winner, Drama Category -Fiction

A Tragic Warrior Lost in Two Worlds...

The war in Iraq ended for Lieutenant Freddie Williams when an IED explosion left his mind and body shattered. Once he was a skilled gamer and expert in virtual warfare. Now he's a broken warrior, emerging from a medically induced coma to discover he's inhabiting two separate realities. The first is his waking world of pain, family trials, and remorse--and slow rehabilitation through the tender care of Becky, his physical therapist. The second is a dark fantasy realm of quests, demons, and magic that Freddie enters when he sleeps.

In his dreams he is Frederick, Prince of Stormwind, who must make sense of his horrific visions in order to save his embattled kingdom from the monstrous Horde. His only solace awaits him in the royal gardens, where the gentle words of the beautiful gardener, Rebecca, calm the storms in his soul. While in the conscious world, the severely wounded vet faces a strangely similar and equally perilous mission--a journey along a dark road haunted by demons of guilt and memory--and letting patient, loving Becky into his damaged and shuttered heart may be his only way back from Hell.

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Genre – Contemporary Fiction, Fantasy

Rating – PG

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Website http://www.davidlitwack.com

The Christmas Cowboy by Shanna Hatfield @ShannaHatfield #thechristmascowboy

Tate surprises Kenzie by showing up on her doorstep late one afternoon… Standing on her front step, he rang the bell and listened to her footsteps hurrying toward the door. The smile on her face forced him to catch his breath.

“Hey! What are you doing here?” Kenzie asked, kissing his cheek then stepping aside so he could come in out of the cold.

Curiosity got the best of her when he stood staring at her, his good hand still behind his back. Trying to look around him, he turned so she couldn’t.

“What are you hiding?” she asked, her eyes warm and inviting when he stepped inside and nudged the door shut behind him with his boot.

“I couldn’t help but notice you’re missing a very important component of proper Christmas décor,” Tate said, sounding all knowing and official.

“What could I possibly be missing?” Kenzie asked, looking behind her and sweeping her arm toward the living room that did look particularly festive, thanks in part to Tate. “I’ve got a poinsettia, a beautiful Christmas tree, garlands, pine boughs, sugary treats, and a blazing fire. Did you bring me some chestnuts to roast? If you did, I’ve got no clue what to do with them, so you’re out of luck.”

Laughing, Tate raised his arm and held a bunch of mistletoe over their heads. “It seems to me this is the most important decoration of all.”

“Possibly,” Kenzie said, reaching out and looping her arms around Tate’s neck, pulling his head down to hers. Teasing and gentle at first, their kiss soon gained momentum until he dropped the mistletoe on the table near the door and she pressed as close against him as his thick coat would allow.

Taking a breath, she quickly unfastened the snaps on his coat and slid it off his shoulders, carefully over his injured arm, until it dropped to the floor. He tossed his hat on the little chair Kenzie kept by the door while a groan escaped his throat. He took in every feature of her face, the mouth-watering summery fragrance surrounding her, and the softness of the hot pink sweater she wore. Her favorite color currently matched the shade of her flushed cheeks.

Lowering his head to hers again, Tate wrapped his good arm around her waist and slowly backed her toward the living room without breaking the connection of their lips.

“I missed you,” he whispered against her mouth as he carefully guided her to the couch. When her knees connected with the edge, she sank down on the soft cushions, still holding onto Tate. He went down with her, ravishing her neck with sizzling kisses that made her whisper his name in a throaty tone, sending blood surging through his veins.

"10% of the net proceeds from all my book sales December 1-24 will be donated to the Justin Cowboy Crisis Fund®"

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Genre – Romance (contemporary western)

Rating – PG

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Connect with Shanna Hatfield on Facebook and Twitter

Website http://shannahatfield.com

#Excerpt from The Sovereign Order of Monte Cristo by Holy Ghost Writer #SherlockHolmes #BookWorm

After reuniting with Haydee and Mercedes, as well as meeting his two new daughters, Jana, by Haydee, and Lextra, by Mercedes, Dantes has never been happier. The house takes on a joyful air. Dantes spends weeks playing with his babies and making love to his wives, who are overjoyed at his return.

“I am so blessed,” he thinks as he strokes Lextra’s fine hair. “And so torn by what is now my duty. I want to remain with my family, but I must do the bidding of Mother Wisdom. It is for the children that I must go to America and find a plantation.” He has already sent scouts to look around and will soon follow, once he receives word that they have found a suitable plantation. In the meantime, though, he vows to focus on his daughters and his wives.

Jana is the outgoing daughter. She has a captivating smile like her mother and dark hair. Lextra is more fair-skinned with light hair and seems to babble constantly. Dantes spends as much time with them as possible, playing on a huge blanket in the garden. Haydee and Mercedes are never far away, talking and sewing their brightly colored hemp-fabrics as decoration for the nurseries. They know their husband will be leaving soon, and both of them have asked to go with him; they cannot bear another long separation.

The Sovereign Order of Monte Cristo is a continuation of The Count of Monte Cristo (Book I), related through the voice of Sherlock Holmes and The Sultan of Monte Cristo (Book II). It includes exhilarating new adventures, characters, and ideas, carrying the reader past book I and II and into book III of an ever-expanding new series based on the classic.

Those who have already had the pleasure of reading The Sultan of Monte Cristo will certainly appreciate the unique way in which the Holy Ghost Writer has expanded the original story without the help of anyone (except perhaps from the ghosts of Dumas and Doyle).

In addition to comprising a 3rd sequel to The Count of Monte Cristo, The Sovereign Order of Monte Cristo serves as a prequel to The Adventures of Sherlock Holmes.

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Genre – Action, Adventure

Rating – PG-15

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Connect with Holy Ghost Writer on Facebook & Twitter

Website http://holyghostwriterbooks.blogspot.ca/

#Author Robert Breeze On #Writing & His Debut #Novel (2082) @robertbreeze

How do you think people perceive writers?

That they should be bearded seems to be a common misconception. There also seems to be this myth that you have to have had considerable angst in your life to access the creative side of your mind, something I don’t subscribe to.

What’s your next project?

I’ll be weighed down with The Chronicles of Hope series for the next 2/3 years. After that I’m planning to write a sitcom.

What would you love to produce in your life?

Comedy would be cathartic after writing The Chronicles Of Hope, where the subject matter is quite heavy at times. 

How do you feel about self-publishing?

I think it’s a very feasible way of getting your book out there. You need some money to throw into it at the start, but if you can then sell your books you’ll get a better return.

How important are friends in your life?

Very important. I think the key to life is simply being happy, and having close friends is a big part of that.

Do you find the time to read?

Unfortunately nowhere near as much as I’d like. Often the only books I get to read are those that I think will be influential in my future writing.

Last book you purchased? Tell us about it.

Flim-Flam by James Randi. He explores and exposes what he believes to be the outrageous deception that has been promoted widely in the media in relation to tricks, frauds and fakery in the field of psychic ‘research’.

What is your favorite quote, by whom, and why?

Mahatma Gandhi — 'The greatness of a nation and its moral progress can be judged by the way its animals are treated.' It’s just a great indicator of the morality of the human species in how we treat animals.

What inspired you to write your first book? 

Initially monotonous tube journeys, a monotonous local government job, and a love for people-watch­ing which inspired the characters.

Who or what influenced your writing over the years?

Without a doubt George Carlin. A visionary genius.

What do you consider the most challenging about writing a novel, or about writing in general?

Working to a set timeframe is both stressful and challenging.

Do you intend to make writing a career?

I’d never presuppose that might happen, though the thought of writing all day at home with a dog at my feet is an attractive one.

Have you developed a specific writing style?

I think so, and it’s not one the literary snob would appreciate. The most distinctive being its analogous humour and commentary, probably influenced by finding genius in rap lyrics over the years. I also think that if a word sounds right, works, and makes the commentary flow then leave it in there regardless of whether it’s in the dictionary or not. 

Can you share a little of your current work with us?

The first paragraph – “Frank Noon wasn’t the most articulate of men. He was a fiercely intelligent, visionary thinker possessing many of the qualities that had been lacking for so long in British politicians – most notably honesty, integrity and character. But he could swear like a punk rocker. He was a strong man, outwardly and inwardly. Standing just over six feet tall, he was the archetype of tall, dark and handsome. His strong frame showed off the best aspect of his outer strength: a good–looking, physically fit man with a well-groomed body established over several years of gruelling daily training. His favourite sport was boxing and his regimented fitness regime drew a lot from that passion. His inner strength was moulded by years of fighting against and alongside the predictable views of the robotic face fitters fast-tracked from public schools into the House of Commons. Frank himself came through the state education system and was stoically proud of the fact”