Book in the Spotlight #OurAuthorGang

Three Against The Stars

by

Joe Bonadonna

Cover by Laura Givens. Interior illustrations by Pedro Cruz

An old-school, traditional space opera with a modern sensibility.

“Bonadonna has constructed an empire and galaxy that largely escapes the looming shadow of Star Wars and Star Trek to exist as an original work in its own right. Three Against The Stars is a rip-roaring adventure ride.” — William Patrick Maynard, Black Gate Magazine, author of Lawhead, The Terror of Fu Manchu, and The Destiny of Fu Manchu.

On the distant alien planet of Rhajnara a conspiracy created by the fascist Khandra Regime is set into motion to overthrow the rightful Rhajni Republic and instigate a policy of ethnic-cleansing.  The conspirators are cunning and it seems nothing in the universe can derail their mad apocalyptic scheme.  Nothing, that is, but three rambunctious Space Marines from the Third Regiment Company E of the United States Space Marines assigned to Rhajnara with the Terran Expeditionary Force.  Sergeants Fernando Cortez, Seamus O’Hara and Claudia Akira are the most unlikely trio ever to don starhead camouflage and become military heroes.  To their superiors they are wild, reckless and incessant troublemakers always in the thick of things.  Yet their courage, loyalty and devotion to duty prove them to be the toughest Devil Dogs in the Corp.  Now, with the aid of a Medical Corpsman named Makki Doon, a young Felisian native proto-feline humanoid, these three futuristic musketeers are about to become the one factor capable of exposing the traitorous Khandra coup.  But to do so they will have to put their lives on the line one more time and risk all to save the day facing off against incredible odds.  To save an empire they will truly become … Three Against The Stars.

Published by Airship 27 Productions, Three Against The Stars is available worldwide in paperback, Kindle, and audio book editions.

Amazon: http://www.amazon.com/dp/B00AIEGS1I

Audible.com: https://www.amazon.com/Three-Against-the-Stars/dp/B01KIQ8JMG

If you’d like to read William’s entire review, just click the link to Black Gate e-zine.

https://www.blackgate.com/2013/01/11/three-against-the-stars-blasts-off-for-intergalactic-adventure/

#jobobooks  #spaceopera  #sciencefiction  #joebonadonna  #airship27productions

Thanksgiving Remembrances #OurAuthorGang

by Grace Augustine, Author

(photo courtesy of freecreatives.com)

Today, preparations begin for the feast of all feasts in America on Thursday... Thanksgiving. I'm sure you have your turkey thawing, your cranberry sauce made, as well as several other delectable desserts. The foods that have become tradition in your households will grace your tables as you gather with family and friends. Or, maybe you go out to eat at one of many Thanksgiving buffets in your community. Or, maybe your place of worship hosts community meals.

In years past, my table has held as many as 20 and as few as 1. It was laden with turkey, ham, mashed potatoes, gravy, green bean casserole, dinner rolls, fresh cranberry relish, and of course fresh coffee and pumpkin pie with a spritz of whipped cream. In more recent years, I've gone the non-traditional route and served ham balls and scalloped potatoes with a tossed salad.

(photo courtesy of Pinterest)

Whatever you choose to eat or do on this day, please remember to give thanks for the incredible gifts you are given...that can be a loving family, a warm house, food to eat, the chance to rest alone, visit with others, or volunteer at a shelter serving a meal. We often forget to take a moment and be thankful. It is with a heart of gratitude that our attitudes change.  From my little family to yours, may your turkey be juicy, may you toast to many new blessings, and may your Thanksgiving be filled with much love.

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Acorn Hills is getting ready for the annual holiday parade and the group of friends you've come to know and love is preparing a holiday get together at The Art Galleria. Join your favorites...Richard, Jillian, Denise, David, Jordan, and Ginger as they enjoy the festivities of the season. New characters, Brad Davidson and Eve Braden, have some surprises of their own, including a community hide and seek for shopper dollars. (The Acorn Hills series is for mature readers 18 yrs and older)

Here's an excerpt from Holiday Hide & Seek:

  "Brad Davidson held the door open with his foot as he maneuvered the dolly with the boxes on it inside The Acorn Hills Chronicle. Two women, at different desks, were typing furiously and the almost too loud Christmas music hit his ears immediately.

   "Where do you want these?" Brad asked loudly, directing his words to the woman at the first desk.

   "Let me ask Eve."

   The woman picked up the phone and pushed a couple buttons. Soon she was asking the editor of the newspaper about the delivery and where it was to go. Before the woman placed the receiver back on its cradle, Eve appeared, confidently walking toward the front counter where Brad stood.

  "Hiya, Handsome," Eve teased, flashing a flirty smile.

   "Miss Braden," Brad nodded. "I have seven boxes today. Where would you like them stacked?"

   "Do you mind taking them directly to the print room?" Eve asked.

   Brad made his way to the back room with the dolly stacked with boxes. His heart was beating a bit faster than he liked, but it seemed to do that whenever he spoke to this woman.

   Eve was beautiful. Her blonde hair was cut in a cute, sassy style that suited her. Her clothing accentuated her petite figure. Today she wore a forest green sweater dress that was belted at the waist. Her earrings and bangle bracelets matched the large link gold choker that encircled her neck. The stacked-heel black suede boots hit her mid-calf and completed her professional look.

   Brad hadn't seen anyone in his travels that compared to her. She was always smiling, always had a smart-ass comment, and always seemed to flirt with him. Brad smiled.

   Maybe I'll just have to start flirting back."

Book Spotlight from Erika M Szabo #OurAuthorGang

Bilingual children's book

Written and illustrated by Erika M Szabo

Amazon EBOOK: http://tinyurl.com/y95dorv2

Amazon PRINT: http://tinyurl.com/ydcf7w5r 

B&N: http://tinyurl.com/y8qgpkqm 

Online stores EBOOK: https://books2read.com/u/mdKQdW

ENGLISH:

Sarah, Emma’s mom, promised to bird-sit Pico for two weeks but soon regrets her decision because the noisy parrot keeps screeching and squawking all day, annoying her family and the neighbors. When Pico makes a mess of Emma’s room, Emma gets very angry, but her friends help her. Charlotte notices that Pico seems sad, and Pedro finds out why Pico is shrieking so loudly all the time. The parrot is frustrated because nobody pays attention to him, and nobody understands what he wants.

The purpose of this English and Spanish bilingual book is to show children the beauty of another language and that learning a new language doesn’t have to be boring, it could be fun. The story also delivers a message that when we don’t take the time to listen to each other, we tend to judge others quickly before we get to know them.

SPANISH:

Sarah, la mamá de Emma, prometió cuidar de Pico durante dos semanas pero pronto se arrepiente de su decisión porque el ruidoso loro se pasa todo el día parloteando y chillando, molestando a su familia y vecinos. Cuando Pico desordena la habitación de Emma, ella se enfada mucho pero sus amigos la ayudan. Charlotte se da cuenta de que Pico parece triste y Pedro averigua porqué Pico está chillando tan alto todo el tiempo. El pájaro está frustrado porque nadie sabe lo que quiere ni le presta atención.

 La propuesta de este libro bilingüe inglés y español es mostrar a los niños la belleza de otra lengua y que aprender un nuevo idioma no tiene que ser aburrido, y puede ser divertido. La historia también transmite el mensaje de que cuando no nos tomamos tiempo para escucharnos los unos a los otros, tendemos a juzgar rápidamente antes de llegar a conocernos.

Watch this short video

Erika M Szabo via Google+

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Pico is a smart bird teaching children about compassion, acceptance, and understanding diversity

 

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Erika M Szabo via Google+

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Book Spotlight from Erika M Szabo #OurAuthorGang
Bilingual children's book Written and illustrated by Erika M Szabo Amazon EBOOK: http://tinyurl.com/y95dorv2 Amazon PRINT: http://tinyurl.com/ydcf7w5r   B&N: http://tinyurl.com/y8qgpkqm   Online stores EBOOK: https://books2read.com/u/mdKQdW ENGLISH: Sarah, ...

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Joe Bonadonna

1 year ago  -  Shared publicly

 

This is a great layout, Erika! Love the entire presentation. You did little Pico proud!

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Erika M Szabo

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Pico is a very smart and cool bird :)

Nikki McDonagh

1 year ago  -  Shared publicly

 

Fabulous book. Great illustrations.

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Erika M Szabo

1 year ago

 

 

Thank you Nikki :)

Grace Au

1 year ago  -  Shared publicly

 

Wonderful presentation of a great children's book.

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Erika M Szabo

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Thank you Grace :)

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Ruth de Jauregui via Google+

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A wonderful bilingual children's book by Erika M Szabo. "Pico, the Pesky Parrot" shares important lessons that we can all take to heart.

 

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Ruth de Jauregui

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Oh I love this! Such an important lesson for us all!

 

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Joe Bonadonna via Google+

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Today on A Small Gang of Authors, Erika M. Szabo​ spotlights her bilingual children's book, "Pico, the Pesky Parrot" in a lovely presentation that includes an excerpt in English and Spanish, some nice graphic design, and a cool little video.

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Our Guest Today is Author Matthew Davenport #OurAuthorGang

We're delighted to welcome Matt Davenport to Our Author Gang today.

Matt and his beautiful wife, Ren, reside in Des Moines, Iowa. He spends his time writing, reading, and working to promote and support writing communities in Iowa through his company, Davenport Writes, LLC. His most recent works include the sequel to his super-hero adventure series, BROKEN NIGHTS... co-written with his brother, Michael. He's also working on a horror novel SATAN'S SALESMAN, as well as the next book in his ANDREW DORAN ADVENTURE SERIES. Matt enjoys interacting with his readers and may be reached at
http://www.twitter.com/spazenport
http://www.authormatthewdavenport.wordpress.com

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Dr. Andrew Doran has been out of touch with the major civilizations for quite a while. When an emissary from his Alma Mater demands his assistance, Andrew is in such a state that he has no choice but to help. The Nazis have taken the Necronomicon from Miskatonic University's library. With it, they could call upon every form of darkness and use the powers of the void to destroy all who stand in their way of unlimited power. 

For years, Doran has been at odds with Miskatonic University. Putting his negative feelings aside, Andrew takes charge and heads straight into the Nazi-controlled territories of Europe.

Along his journey from America and into the heart of Berlin, the dark Traum Kult, or Dream Cult, has sent beasts from the void between worlds to slow his progress.

This is adventure and monsters unlike anything the anthropologist has ever experienced, and only with the assistance of the trigger-happy Leo and the beautiful Olivia, both members of the French Resistance, does Dr. Doran have any chance of success.

A sane man would flinch. Dr. Andrew Doran charges in.