OUT NOW: When Darkness Falls

I'm absolutely thrilled to bits to be among some amazing authors with the launch of When Darkness Falls - six amazing paranormal ebooks for the measly price of just 99 cents!! How cool is that?! So what are you waiting for? Go check it out and grab your copy now!

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Six paranormal novels from six bestselling authors who know how to weave a gripping fantasy tale. From brooding vampires, ghosts and witches, to fallen angels, shifters and fae. Be enchanted with dark romances and sweeping adventures to take you away from the everyday.

HIDDEN (Marchwood Vampire Series) by Shalini Boland
Now an international bestseller. Fans of Twilight and Interview with the Vampire will enjoy this paranormal adventure that spans the centuries. On her sixteenth birthday, Madison Greene inherits a huge mansion house… but the house hides a secret. Eighteen-year-old Alexandre lives in 19th century Paris. Spoilt and bored, he longs for adventure, but he should be careful what he wishes for. Madison and Alexandre’s lives are about to collide. Falling in love has never been so dangerous . . .

Mary Hades by Sarah Dalton
Not many seventeen year old girls have a best friend who’s a ghost, but then Mary Hades isn’t your average teenager. Scarred physically and mentally from a fire, a holiday in an idyllic village may help her recover. Little does she know, evil lurks in the campsite… Seth Lockwood—a local fairground worker with a dark secret—might be the key to uncovering the village’s murky history. But Mary is drawn to him in a way that has her questioning her judgement. A spine-tingling romantic tale, to shock and entertain in equal measure.

The Forever Girl by Rebecca Hamilton
Now optioned for film, this riveting novel will appeal to lovers of paranormal romance, urban fantasy and paranormal horror. At twenty-two, practicing Wiccan Sophia Parsons is scratching out a living waiting tables. She can imagine lots of ways to improve her life, but she'd settle for getting rid of the buzzing noise in her head. When the spell she casts goes wrong, the static turns into voices. Her personal demons get company, and the newcomers are dangerous . . .

The Forgotten Ones by Laura Howard
Allison O'Malley's plan is to get a good job and take care of her schizophrenic mother. She has even closed herself off from a relationship with Ethan, who she's been in love with forever. But then her father shows up, telling her about a long forgotten Irish people, the Tuatha de Danaan. Truths have a way of revealing themselves. Secrets will eventually surface. And Allison must learn to set aside her plan and work with her father if there is even a small chance it could restore her mother's sanity.

Paradox – The Angels Are Here by Patti Roberts
Two mysterious strangers arrive just in time to help a little girl, Grace Connors, as she struggles to cope with the death of her father. But are the intentions of these strangers as innocent as they seem, or is there something else on their agenda? A story that will leave you asking... Who, When, Where? WHAT! My name is Juliette. Nine hundred years ago, I died. Today, I am alive... This is my story.

Raven by Suzy Turner
Lilly’s whole life has been based on a lie. She grew up in a loveless home with a father she barely saw and a mother who was... well, not very motherly. After her parents mysteriously disappear, Lilly is sent to Canada where she finds a whole new way of life. A life filled with love and people who care for her. But that's not all she discovers, Lilly also finds out that she isn't who, or what, she thinks she is. For Lilly has a very special ability and it's just a matter of time before her true self starts to shine. And when it does, her life will never be the same again.

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Armchair BEA: HUGE Giveaway

Giveaway

I am absolutely ecstatic to announce a FABULOUS giveaway today. I approached three of my favourite authors and asked them if they'd like to be involved and they said YES! So huge thanks to Shalini Boland, Melissa Pearl and Patti Roberts who are all donating goodies for this giveaway! AND you could also win ebooks of all of my own books and a paperback copy of Forever Fredless!
That's 13 winners (if I'm doing my maths right!!)

Shalini Boland

2 ebooks of HIDDEN

2 ebooks of OUTSIDE

Melissa Pearl

2 ebooks of THE TIME SPIRIT series

Paperback of the BETWIXT omnibus

Patti Roberts

The complete ebook set of The PARADOX series AND the WITCHWOOD series

Double editions of the WITCHWOOD ESTATE series in print with signed stickers for both print books.

Suzy Turner

2 ebooks of THE RAVEN SAGA, THE MORGAN SISTERS and FOREVER FREDLESS

1 paperback copy of FOREVER FREDLESS

a Rafflecopter giveaway


Reading Beyond the Borders

We're talking about Beyond the Borders today and so I MUST mention one of my all time favourite books that I've read multiple times (which is quite unusual for me) and that is Memoirs of a Geisha by Arthur Golden. This book totally blew me away and introduced me to a whole new culture that I knew nothing about. Japan and the geishas from another time altogether. You may have seen the movie and admittedly it is pretty good - not quite as good as the book but still worthy of praise.

Here's the blurb from Amazon:
A literary sensation and runaway bestseller, this brilliant debut novel tells with seamless authenticity and exquisite lyricism the true confessions of one of Japan's most celebrated geisha.
Speaking to us with the wisdom of age and in a voice at once haunting and startlingly immediate, Nitta Sayuri tells the story of her life as a geisha. It begins in a poor fishing village in 1929, when, as a nine-year-old girl with unusual blue-gray eyes, she is taken from her home and sold into slavery to a renowned geisha house. We witness her transformation as she learns the rigorous arts of the geisha: dance and music; wearing kimono, elaborate makeup, and hair; pouring sake to reveal just a touch of inner wrist; competing with a jealous rival for men's solicitude and the money that goes with it.
In Memoirs of a Geisha, we enter a world where appearances are paramount; where a girl's virginity is auctioned to the highest bidder; where women are trained to beguile the most powerful men; and where love is scorned as illusion. It is a unique and triumphant work of fiction—at once romantic, erotic, suspenseful—and completely unforgettable.

Actually, I'm ashamed to say that I don't often read books that are set elsewhere than the UK or the US. Not by choice, I might add. It's just the books that have presented themselves to me so far, tend to be in those two places. I do love reading American tales, and learning about different places throughout the US. Lately I've had a bit of a thing for stories set in the deep south. There's just something about that region that appeals enormously. And to be honest, I don't really know why! (I love movies that are set there too.) Currently, I'm reading a book set in Maine and it's making me desperate to visit that part of the country as well! One day I will, for sure. In the meantime, I need to try and break out and read more books from other countries. I haven't even read any Portuguese authors and I've lived here for the past 28 years! I know, it's embarrassing! 

For more giveaways and more tales about reading beyond borders, check out Armchair BEA.

Armchair BEA: Expanding Blogging Horizons & Novellas

I actually ventured into book blogging after I became an author myself. Initially, it was a way to help my own book become a little better known but as time went by, I realised that it was no longer about me. It was about all of us women authors together. I wanted to 'meet' them and talk to them about their own books. How they had become authors themselves. I also wanted to review some of their books and help spread the word about amazing novels that I came across. So, to use that horrible phrase, I'm killing two birds with one stone. I'm spreading the word about other books and also becoming known as an author and book blogger at the same time. It's a wonderful way to get out there. And it's a wonderful way to meet people - both authors and bloggers alike. I can't imagine not doing this now, to be honest.

Novellas/Short Stories 
Over the past year or so, I have discovered a few wonderful short stories / novellas but the one that really sticks out is by Patti Roberts - the Witchwood Estate series. I'm a huge YA urban fantasy fan and her shorts are just amazing....

Witchwood Estate - Going Home (bk 1) (Witchwood Estate - Episodic, short story series)
A.M.A.Z.I.N.G book... I seriously could not put it down. I've been hoping to find a gem of a series like this for a while now and here it is in all its glory. I've always been a huge fan of stories about witches and Witchwood Estate certainly doesn't disappoint. It started off reminding me of Harry Potter but then it just escalates into something even better... for teens. Loved, loved, loved it!

Witchwood Estate - Ferntree Falls (book 2 - Episodic series)
After reading the first book, I quickly got into the second. In fact I devoured it in a very short period of time. The characters are totally likeable and the plot flows wonderfully. This is exactly the kind of series I adore. Patti Roberts has gained a fan for life!

Witchwood Estate - Cursed (bk3 - short story series)

After reading books 1 and 2, I was desperate to read book 3. And it totally WOWED me, just like the others. I love the storyline, the characters, the plot, everything. I can't think of a single thing not to like about it. I know I sound totally over the top but I'm serious... this book should be made into a TV series. It would be awesome.
Patti - I hope book 4 comes out soon. I'm addicted ;)

Witchwood Estate - Timeless (bk4 - short story series) (Witchwood Estate)
I was absolutely delighted to get the chance to read the fourth book in The Witchwood Estate series because I totally fell in love with the saga after I read the first three books last year.
There is one word which can easily sum up this book and that is enchanting. It's such a beautifully written tale that combines the modern world with that of the mystical. I adore how Patti Roberts manages to entwine the two - making the main character appear both naive and magical, yet down to earth and modern at the same time. I hope I don't have to wait too long for the next instalment in this series! One of my all time favourites, by far!

Armchair BEA: Introductions and Literature

I'm absolutely thrilled to be a participant of the Armchair BEA this year. It's my first time ever at the event and I've also signed up to help out as a volunteer - so you can catch me at many of the twitter parties taking place over the next week.

Who Am I?

Well, I'm Suzy Turner, a 38-year-old British author and blogger with a fondness for white wine and dark chocolate (not necessarily together though!), married to the most amazing man who I met when I was 16. I first began blogging back in 2008 with a blog I called Iberian Bird (because I live in Portugal and have done since I was ten years old). The blog slowly developed and I soon began blogging under my own name Suzy Turner, YA Author which I still do over there (it is dedicated to young adult themes). Last year, however, with the launch of my first romance novel, Forever Fredless, I decided I wanted to blog about women's books - not just romance and chick lit, mind you, but all kinds of books aimed at, and written by, women. So I began Fiction Dreams and haven't looked back. I've interviewed some of the most popular authors around today including Gena Showalter, Joanne Harris, Ruth Saberton, Belinda Jones and so many more. I love helping both indie and traditionally published authors to spread the word about their books and I particularly love interviewing them. It's become a bit of an obsession actually lol!

Describe your blog in just one sentence. Then, list your social details -- Twitter, Facebook, Instagram, etc. -- so we can connect more online. 

As I mentioned above, Fiction Dreams is a blog about women's fiction - all kinds of fiction!

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What genre do you read the most? I love to read because ___________________ . 

Probably YA because it's so easy and fun to get into. Also because that's what I've been writing for the past few years. I particularly love reading YA urban fantasy - books that are set within our own world but with a magical and/or supernatural element to them. Harry Potter and Twilight for instance are some of my favourites that I couldn't get enough of.  But I also read a lot of chick lit - my other absolute favourite that I've actually been reading the longest. I first read Jilly Cooper, for example, when I was about 12. Gosh I learned a lot, if you know what I mean ;)

What was your favorite book read last year? What’s your favorite book so far this year? 

Just one? Oh no that's really difficult! I have many favourites from last year but if I can only give one then I'd say The Time Spirit series by Melissa Pearl. All I can say is that I'm so glad I have a kindle so I could immediately download the sequel after finishing the first book in the middle of the night in order to continue reading. That series blew me away!

From this year? Well, Melissa Pearl's releases from 2014 have been AMAZING too but to give another author equal credit, I'll say Shalini Boland's The Perimeter. OMG - that dystopian series is freaking amazing! Oh, and I literally just finished reading Pulled Beneath by Marni Mann and it was freaking awesome (look out for a review coming soon)!!

What does your favorite/ideal reading space look like? 

I can read just about anywhere, but at the moment this is exactly where I like to read before the sun gets too hot........

And this is my view...

And this is who keeps me company...

What book would you love to see as a movie?

Shalini Boland's Marchwood Vampire Series - I think it would be utterly amazing. 

Today's topic is 'Literature'....
What do you think of when you think of literature? Classics, contemporary, genre, or something else entirely? We are leaving this one up to you to come up with and share the literature that you want to chat about the most. Feel free to share a list of your favorites, break down your favorite genre, feature your favorite authors, and be creative about all things literature in general.

If you'd have asked me this question when I was a kid, I would have just thought of the classics - you know, the kind I was 'forced' to read at school. Although, having said that, I never really felt forced because I always had such a passion for reading. Jane Eyre, Pride and Prejudice, Anthony and Cleopatra, A Midsummer Night's Dream, Waiting for Godot - these were just some of the books I read as a teenager that weren't my choice. However, I delved in and discovered worlds I'd never knew existed. It was hard work, mind you. I mean, come on, Shakespeare takes some understanding! But it was fun, nevertheless. What wasn't fun, however, was having to write deep, meaningful essays on the books afterwards! Bleurgh! I just wanted to read them and enjoy them. Not try to unravel the mystery of how the author was feeling when he or she wrote it!

I also had to read the more modern classics such as A Bend in the River by VS. Naipaul (didn't enjoy it at all - it just seemed too boring after those other early classics), Cold Comfort Farm by Stella Gibbons (probably one of the most hilarious and incredibly unusual books I've ever read!), A Handmaids Tale by Margaret Atwood (this became my absolute favourite book that I read at school - it's amazing) and Harper Lee's To Kill a Mockingbird which I recall our teacher also bringing in the film for us to watch. I was glued to it. Wonderful!

Of course, I've read a few classics off my own back, like Little Women which I adored and can never get enough of. The movie too - I love the old version and the newer one.

But back to what I really think of now, when I think of literature. Well, being an author and a book blogger, I think of so many different wonderful authors. I have tonnes of favourites - many of which are from a wide variety of genres including YA, Chick Lit, Mysteries, Horror (yes, occasionally I'll give one  a go!), drama, romance, historical - the list goes on. But here are a few of my favourites:

Shalini Boland

Melissa Pearl

Patti Roberts

Arthur Golden

Margaret Atwood

JK Rowling

Belinda Jones

Sophie Kinsella

Jenny Colgan

Wendy Holden

Ruth Saberton

I could quite easily go on and on and on....

For more Armchair BEA tales of literature, visit Armchair BEA's website.

W is for Witchwood Estate #AtoZChallenge

It's no secret that I adore YA urban fantasy. Along with Chick Lit, it's my absolute favourite genre to read (and write!) so when my good online pal Patti Roberts started writing a series of short books entitled Witchwood Estate, I knew I had to have them. Being the kind of woman she is, she sent them all through to me immediately and I devoured them! I love anything magical with witches, paranormal, vampires, ghosts - and you name it, you'll probably find it in Witchwood.

Going Home

There's something evil lurking in the woods surrounding Witchwood Estate - Whimsical "TV type episodes" in a book in an ongoing series.
A short story series for all those young at heart... Witches, shape-shifters, ghosts....
Alexandria Santorini learns as a child that she comes from a long line of Harvey witches. Now, as a teenager, Alexandria must say goodbye to Catnip Cottage and the Barnabys, her loving guardians for the last twelve years, and go home to Ferntree Falls to claim her inheritance. Witchwood Estate. The home where she was born and her parents were murdered. Her journey home becomes even more sinister, however, when she discovers that there are those who have other plans for her and her new friends

Ferntree Falls

“TV series” length episodes in a book…. A whimsical series for Teens, YA, and all those young at heart… There is something very evil lurking in the woods surrounding Witchwood Estate… Witches, ghosts, sprites, shape-shifters, wolves and more... Alexandria Santorini learns as a child that she comes from a long line of Harvey witches. Now, as a teenager, Alexandria must say goodbye to Catnip Cottage and the Barnabys, her loving guardians for the last twelve years, and go home to Ferntree Falls to claim her inheritance. Witchwood Estate. The home where she was born and her parents were murdered. Her journey home becomes even more sinister, however, when she discovers that there are those who have other plans for her and her new friends

Cursed

Brought back from the clutches of death by a power she does not understand, Alexandria is focused on getting her life back to normal, whatever that means. With new friends, Andrew, Kat and River by her side, Alexandria lets herself believe that her future is looking promising.
Things take a turn, however, when a handsome stranger arrives in Ferntree Falls, and Alexandria begins to wonder if his presence is a blessing or a CURSE.
Whimsical, TV length episodes in an ongoing series. Witches, spells, ghosts, sprites, shape-shifters, wolves, and more.
For all those young at heart - an equal measure of both Magic and Evil.
If you have read book 1 and 2, it is time to continue the journey with Alexandria in book 3 - "Cursed".
Special features: Book contains index of Witches Terminology, Spells, Character list, Birthstones meanings, and the Witches' Pantry.
Grab your broomstick/dustbuster out of the closet and come along for a magical ride!

Timeless

Seventeen-year-old Alexandria Harvey-Santorini has returned home to claim her birthright, Witchwood Estate. But her journey has only just begun, and Alexandria soon realizes there is far more going on in Ferntree Falls than she remembers. With the constant threat of black magic and evil clans intent on stealing her power, Alexandria must remain vigilant, even when it comes to falling in love. Suspense, love, mystery and mayhem are only a hint of the magic you'll find in "Timeless", the 4th book in the Witchwood Estate series. Blurb written by Charidy Williams Anaya

For more information about Patti Roberts and her awesome books, visit http://paradox-theangelsarehere.blogspot.com