Get Your Read On for Christmas

I love this time of year and all the wonderful books out there to read.

And I now have a new favorite Christmas book from my most favorite person ever.

This story is so darn cute and amazing, and the pictures are bright and beautiful! Make sure you order your copy today. And pick some up for friends, too. I think they will love it.

Inflatable, Santa's Secret Army
By: Sara Gurule

When old man Tubbs sets out to stop Santa's Christmas Eve landing, an unlikely group prepares for battle. Santa's secret army, the Inflatables, are tasked every year with protecting Christmas. Perched on lawns and disguised as decorations they must foil Tubbs plan before it's too late. If they fail they risk there being no Christmas at all.

Buy it now in either paperback or ebook at Amazon.com

Enjoy!

Happy Holidays,
Becca

#givingtuesday

Giving Tuesday is a global event that falls on the Tuesday following Thanksgiving in the US. It is fueled by the power of social media and collaboration. Check out https://www.givingtuesday.org/ for more information.

Give

Create

Community

Take time today and kick of the season of giving by donating to a charity or clause close to your heart.  

In Honor of Veterans Day

Thank you to all Veterans for their sacrifices. I am grateful for my freedom. God Bless!

Timeless by Crystal Collier

Introducing Timeless by Crystal Collier!

I'm so excited to announce Crystal Collier's new book in the Maiden of Time Series! On sale now at Amazon.com

Here is Timeless!!!! Go buy it now!!!!

Title: TIMELESS

Author: Crystal Collier

Publisher: Raybourne Publishing

Series: Maiden of Time, #3

Publication: November 1, 2016

Category: Young Adult (YA)

Genre: Paranormal Historical

 Alexia races against her own clock, and the birth of her child, to stop the Soulless from existing.

TIME IS THE ENEMY

In 1771, Alexia had everything: the man of her dreams, reconciliation with her father, even a child on the way. But she was never meant to stay. It broke her heart, but Alexia heeded destiny and traveled five hundred years back to stop the Soulless from 

becoming.

In the thirteenth century, the Holy Roman Church has ordered the Knights Templar to exterminate the Passionate, her bloodline. As Alexia fights this new threat—along with an unfathomable evil and her own heart—the Soulless genesis nears. But none of her hard-won battles may matter if she dies in childbirth before completing her mission.

Can Alexia escape her own clock?

The first two books in the series are available now at Amazon.com

Crystal Collier is an eclectic author who pens clean fantasy/sci-fi, historical, and romance stories with the occasional touch of humor, horror, or inspiration. She practices her brother-induced ninja skills while teaching children or madly typing about fantastic and impossible creatures. She has lived from coast to coast and now calls Florida home with her creative husband, four littles, and “friend” (a.k.a. the zombie locked in her closet). Secretly, she dreams of world domination and a bottomless supply of cheese. You can find her on her blog, Facebook, Goodreads, or follow her on Twitter.

To see more of the blog tour check out Crytal's website at crystalcollier.blogspot.com

Enjoy!

Best to all, 

Becca

Stand Up, Speak Up, Stomp Out Bullying

October brings the change of seasons, but it also brings up National Bullying Awareness and Prevention Month. School and organizations everywhere join in and raise awareness on bullying.


Did you know???

160,000

Kids stay home each day to escape bullying

During October, take the time to raise awareness and spread the word.

The month starts with Wear Blue day on October 3rd. Even if you missed it today, it's not too late to pull on a blue shirt and raise awareness.

The week of October 10th-  Make a new friend. Ask someone you don't know to sit with you at lunch or hang out after school. Be a leader and take action. Don't let isolation consume you or someone else.

The week of October 17th- Stand up for others. If you see someone being bullied, stand up and speak out. If you don't feel safe, find an adult.

The week of October 24th- Raise awareness by speaking to others, sharing stories on social media, holding a function, or many other. Creating awareness is one speak closer to ending the epidemic of bullying.

Let's stand up, speak up and stomp out bullying! Together we can all make a difference.


A great organization dedicated to prevention and awareness of bullying:

This is one of my favorites organizations dedicated to prevention and awareness on bullying. Make sure you take the time to see all they do. 

from Stand for the Silent: 

Founded in 2010, Stand for the Silent has fast become one of the leading and most effective anti-bullying organizations. Our mission is simple: bring awareness to bullying and the real devastation it causes.

Stand For The Silent runs solely off of generous donations from those who support our mission. We could not do what we do without each and every one of your giving and caring hearts. We encourage you to get involved in SFTS, in whatever capacity you can. There is nothing too big or small. Stand with us and help us change the world!

Remember: We can each make a difference!

Join me in stomping out bullying.

Best to all,

Becca

One Conversation Can Change a Life

September is suicide prevention and awareness month. And it is so important to start a conversation and help promote resources and awareness on the prevention of suicide. It is important to learn how to talk about this sensitive issue without increasing harm.

Mental illness can affect anyone regardless of age, gender, race, religion. The effects can leave one feeling lost and alone and without help. But it is okay to get help. Without help individuals are left vulnerable.

Suicide is the third leading cause of death in the US. It is so important to know the warning signs and when and how to get help.






Warning signs:

Threats or comments about killing themselves, also known as suicidal ideation, can begin with seemingly harmless thoughts like “I wish I wasn’t here” but can become more overt and dangerous

Increased alcohol and drug use

Aggressive behavior

Social withdrawal from friends, family and the community

Dramatic mood swings

Talking, writing or thinking about death

Impulsive or reckless behavior

- See more at: http://www.nami.org/Learn-More/Mental-Health-Conditions/Related-Conditions/Risk-of-Suicide#sthash.BpriPCWz.dpuf

It is important to know when to get help. But most importantly if you or you think someone you know is suffering, please reach out immediately. Prevention is the best cure.


Some great organizations to get help:

Take a minute and share what you know. Awareness on such a serious issue is important. We need to learn how to talk about these tough issues so we can all join in on preventing them.

Best to all,

Becca

Saying Goodbye to Summer

So Labor Day is here. Officially it is a holiday in which we celebrate the dedication of social and economic advancements of the American worker. Unofficially, though, it is the end of summer. I know, I know, summer doesn't really end until September 22 when the fall solstice comes upon us. However, by Labor Day all the local pools shut down, our summer camping gear gets packed up, the RVs return to their storage lot, the days are shorter and cooler, and almost all kids have returned to school.

Don't get me wrong, I like fall--I like fall a lot. Especially in Colorado. The leaves turn a beautiful shade of yellow, orange, and red. The air gets crisp and cool. And most of all, things start to die off and my allergies calm down a bit. (I'm actually looking forward to that this year...what a season and the first freeze really helps with that. It also helps kill all the bugs...which is nice) Regardless of how much I love the fall, I always feel sad when this time of year comes. I love summer, and I mean LOVE summer.

Summer brings warmth and longer days. And I like to fill those days with fun outdoor activities. I know that in Colorado you can be outdoors almost all year long, but there is something about being able to just sit outside and not have to bundle up. In summer, there are concerts at the park, picnics, swimming, neighborhood parties. (Where in the winter, everyone snuggles up inside their own homes on those long, dark evening.) I love hanging out back and having a fire and roasting marshmallows with my family. And I love to hike. I hike in the winter, but in the summer I don't have to worry about how many layers to wear...a pair of shorts and a tee works just fine. And of course, I love to take the top of my jeep and go for mountain drives.

Summer makes me happy. 

So here we are...Labor Day has come around and I have must say goodbye to my favorite season and all the fun things I love to do during it...like hiking, rafting, swimming, biking, etc. And I have to put the top back on the jeep...bummer.

I'll embrace the upcoming seasons...I always do. But for now--Goodbye Summer! I'll miss ya until next year.

Happy Labor Day to all. Enjoy your weekend! 

Best to you all,

Becca

Introducing...Piper Morgan

A new series by Stephanie Faris. 

I highly recommend checking out Stephanie Faris' latest books. Piper Morgan is a great read and perfect for ages 6-9 years old. What a wonderful series to introduce to elementary age girls. Both books were funny and cute. The characters were adorable and easy to relate to. And I loved the little facts throughout the stories, very informative and interesting with a spice of mystery. I also loved the illustrations. I can't wait to see more of Piper Morgan. This is going to be a great series for young girls to get hooked on.

The first two books in the Piper Morgan series are on sale now at Amazon. Make sure you head on over and get your copies now! You won't regret it.

When Piper Morgan and her mom have to move, Piper is sad to leave her friends behind, but excited for the new adventures coming her way. Her mom is looking for the perfect place for her and Piper to settle down, and dives into a series of odd jobs.

Mom’s first job? An assistant to the head of the Big Top Circus. And Piper is excited to learn she will be a part of The Little Explorers, a group made up of the circus workers’ kids. They may be small in size, but they play a big part in the circus, as they kick-off the big elephant routine in the show.

But during Piper’s debut as a Little Explorer, her high kicks and pointed toes don’t go quite as planned—and after causing a dance disaster, she has to prove to everyone—especially queen of the Little Explorers, Lexie—that she belongs in the spotlight.

Piper and her mother take on another new adventure in the second book of the brand-new Piper Morgan series.

After saying good-bye to her circus friends, Piper Morgan and her mom are on the move again, this time returning to mom’s hometown and to Piper’s beloved grandmother’s house after Piper’s mom takes a job in the local elementary school principal’s office. Piper is excited for a new school and new friends—and is thrilled when she is made an “office helper.” But there is one girl who seems determined to prove she is a better helper than Piper—and she just so happens to be the principal’s daughter. Can Piper figure out how to handle being the new girl in town once more?

Stephanie Faris knew she wanted to be an author from a very young age. In fact, her mother often told her to stop reading so much and go outside and play with the other kids. After graduating from Middle Tennessee State University she somehow found herself working in information technology. But she never stopped writing. When she isn’t crafting fiction, Stephanie is indulging her gadget geek side by writing for online technology sites. Her work is regularly featured on a wide variety of blogs and websites, both under her own name and as a ghostwriter. She lives in Nashville with her husband, Neil.

Find out more at stephaniefaris.com

Enjoy!!!

Best to all,

Becca

An Awesome Debut Novel from Mark Noce

Exciting news!

Today is release day for Mark Noce's debut novel Between Two Fires. What an amazing read. Mark has written a wonderful story centered around medieval times. His characters are well developed and believable. The story is highly engaging and hard to put down. I highly recommend this book. Mark Noce is definitely on my awesome list!

You can pick it up today at Amazon. Don't wait. Get your copy now!

Saxon barbarians threaten to destroy medieval Wales. Lady Branwen becomes Wales' last hope to unite their divided kingdoms when her father betroths her to a powerful Welsh warlord, the Hammer King. But the fledgling alliance is fraught with enemies from within and without as Branwen becomes the target of assassination attempts and courtly intrigue. A young woman in a world of fierce warriors, she seeks to assert her own authority and preserve Wales against the barbarians. But when she falls for a young hedge knight named Artagan, her world threatens to tear itself apart.

Caught between her duty to her people and her love of a man she cannot have, Branwen must choose whether to preserve her royal marriage or to follow her heart. Somehow she must save her people and remain true to herself, before Saxon invaders and a mysterious traitor try to destroy her.

MARK NOCE writes historical fiction with a passion. Born and raised in the San Francisco Bay Area, he has been an avid traveler and backpacker. He earned his BA and MA from Cal Poly, San Luis Obispo, where he also met his beautiful wife. By day, he works as a Technical Writer, having spent much of his career at places like Google and Facebook. He also writes short fiction online. When not reading or writing, he's probably listening to U2, sailing his dad's boat, or gardening with his family. He is the author of Between Two Fires.

Pick up your copy at Amazon today!

Best to all!

Becca

Success and Failures- Olympic Style

I'm obsessed with the Olympics. And I mean obsessed! I specifically love the swimming with beach volleyball a close second, but I don't stop there. I watch Olympic prime time every night and get caught up in all the athletes, their stories, their successes and their failures. And during the day while I am writing, and especially when I work out, I make sure the Olympics are playing in the background.


It amazes me how much work goes in to a few seconds performance. And how little time races and sports are won by...like hundredths of seconds or points. I cry with the winners. I cry with the losers. But I am inspired by each and every story.

I'm bummed knowing that the Olympics are coming to an end this weekend. It always seems to go too quickly and never come around again quickly enough. And it's hard to keep up with each and every sport throughout the years in between. Each sport has their own championships, world games, etc. and there is no other event that brings all these sports together at once for the world to watch.

I'm always so inspired when watching the games. There's something about other's journeys that make me want to get out there right now and do something...anything. I mean, sure I could play beach volleyball (ummm,,,yeah right) Or maybe I could get that vault (hahaha...) Or sure, I could swim that fast (in my dreams...) Yeah! No...age might be my first downfall...but skill definitely is a close second. :)

Okay, okay in all reality. Olympic-type success comes in all different shapes, sizes, and styles. I think what the Olympics do for me is bring that sense and desire of wanting to achieve a goal no matter what might stand in my way. They remind me that hard work, determination and skill can get me far, that I can reach for the stars and actually touch them someday! And if I fail, I should never stop trying. And although I joked about age...that really is just a number and should never stop me from my dreams.

The stories from the Olympics are truly amazing. Those athletes seem super human. But maybe we all can be a little super human sometimes! Don't ever stop reaching for your dreams. You can and will get there someday!

Inspirations comes in all forms, and we are all extraordinary!

So...are you keeping up with the Olympics? How do they make you feel?



The Olympic games may be coming to an end, but I do look forward to the Paralympics and plan to watch what I can. They aren't cover as closely as the Olympics, but trust me, I'll find a way.

Best to you,
Becca

Gone Hiking...Be Back Soon

It was time to hang up one of those "Gone (Something)" signs and take a break. A much needed break. When the kids are home for summer everything gets thrown off, including my writing, blogging, social networking, and etc. The schedule is no longer. 

So what to do when you can't beat them? Join them, of course. And that is just what I did. But don't get me wrong...the writing, plotting, and inspiring never stopped. I just disappeared for a bit online. 

And this is what my inspiring journey took me on...

(I took a bunch of selfies to share with you.)

Hiking in the beautiful Colorado outdoors:

 

Enjoying the Colorado rivers:

Hiking in Grand Junction at the National Monument:

 

Atop a 14er:

 


Rafting the Colorado River:

And now I'm back...with exciting things to come. I have loads of exciting guest posts and author's new releases coming this month. I'm also gearing up for guest speaking events. And look out for my new releases...a non-fiction, Harley book two is in the works, and keep an eye out for my next full length novel- a new historical fiction.

How are things are your end?

Best to all,
Becca

YA Books with Tough Issues to Start a Conversation This Summer

Do you find it hard to start the must-have tough topic conversation sometimes?

It isn't always easy to talk about tough issues. Sometimes it's down right impossible. However, having a hard conversation with tweens and teens is important. And when you find it hard...a lot of times a good book can help. Here is a list of some of my favorites. Pic up a book this summer...read, share, and chat.

Enjoy!

13 Reasons Why by Jay Asher

This is by far a great book. It tackles the topics of bullying and suicide. Great for boys, too, since it is written from the point of view of a teen boy by a male.

When Clay Jenson plays the casette tapes he received in a mysterious package, he's surprised to hear the voice of dead classmate Hannah Baker who committed suicide 2 weeks earlier.













Paper Towns by John Green

Most books by John Green are great and tackle tough issues. You really can't go wrong with any of them. I truly enjoyed Paper Towns because it not only touched on social issues and suicide, but it also focused on friendship and taking risks. Very humorous and a fun read. Again, it is a great book for boys with the main character being a teen boy and is also written by a male. And when you are done reading this book, make a date for a movie night and rent the flick starring Natt Wolff.

Young and shy Quentin (Nat Wolff) is in for the night of his life when Margo (Cara Delevingne), the most popular student in high school, recruits him to help her play mischievous pranks on the friends who betrayed her. The next day, however, the mysterious Margo is nowhere to be found. With help from a few buddies and some cryptic clues that she left behind, Quentin embarks on an obsessive mission to find the girl who stole his heart and made him feel truly alive.





But I Love Him by Amanda Grace

This book tackles the tough topic of dating abuse. About a love gone horribly wrong, But I Love Him, tells a dark tale of what could happen in an abusive relationship. Expect to have a deep conversation after reading this book. It is a tough read, but worth it.

 At the beginning of senior year, Ann was a smiling, straight-A student and track star with friends and a future. Then she met a haunted young man named Connor. Only she can heal his emotional scars; only he could make her feel so loved - and needed. Ann can't recall the pivotal moment it all changed, when she surrendered everything to be with him, but by graduation, her life has become a dangerous high wire act. Just one mistake could trigger Connor's rage, a senseless storm of cruel words and violence damaging everything - and everyone - in its path.




Dreamland by Sarah Dessen

This is another great book tackling the issue of dating abuse.


After her sister left, Caitlin felt lost.
Then she met Rogerson.
When she’s with him, nothing seems real.
But what happens when being with Rogerson becomes a larger problem than being without him?




A Few Historical Fictions by Ruta Sepetys: Out of the Easy, Salt to the Sea, and Between Shades of Gray

Although these books aren't contemporary tough issue books, they are amazing reads. All three books tackle tough issues/topics and dive into what is may have been like coming of age in a difficult time. They are all must reads.

 It’s 1950, and as the French Quarter of New Orleans simmers with secrets, seventeen-year-old Josie Moraine is silently stirring a pot of her own. Known among locals as the daughter of a brothel prostitute, Josie wants more out of life than the Big Easy has to offer.

Told in alternating point of views, Ruta Sepetys unearths a shockingly little-known casualty of a gruesome war, and proves that humanity and love can prevail, even in the darkest of hours.

Fifteen-year-old Lina is a Lithuanian girl living an ordinary life--until Soviet officers invade her home and tear her family apart. Separated from her father and forced onto a crowded train, Lina, her mother, and her young brother make their way to a Siberian work camp, where they are forced to fight for their lives.

For Tweens:

30 Days of No Gossip by Stephanie Faris

I just recently read this book and I loved it! It is definitely a must read for middle schoolers. A fun read that tackles social issues. Stephanie Faris does an amazing job keeping tough topics light and fun and easy to talk about. I love her characters and her voice. This book is perfect for your tween. I am looking forward to reading more of her books. Make sure you read this book this summer!



Can a middle school gossip queen change her ways, or will she lose her BFF for good?








There are so many amazing and well written books that tackle tough issues. I will make sure to give you more soon! 

What YA books on tough issues to do like? Have you used books to start a tough conversation?


Best, Becca