In the Shadow of the Sun King by Golden Keyes Parsons

From the fertile fields of Grenoble to the luxurious Court of Louis the XIV, Golden Keyes Parsons brings the world of 17^th century France to life. It is the story of Madeleine Clevell and her family, Huguenots, but with strong ties to the court. When dragoons descend on the Clevell estate, Madeline determines to save her family by calling on her youthful friendship with King Louis. Although her husband and mother try to dissuade her from her desire to go to Versailles, she insists believing the King will be the same infatuated suitor of her youth. It is a gamble that teaches Madeleine many things about the world and most of all about her self.

Parsons has created a fast paced adventure that weaves the historical details of the persecution of the Huguenots into the story of one woman's courage to save her family and remain true to her faith. This is a must-read novel for aficionados of historical fiction. If the subsequent novels in the series are of the same caliber, Parsons will have a superb series. -- Nancy Famolari, author of Summer's Story

Dogmen by Patricia Crandall

Today Patricia gives us a taste of her novel. Sounds like a great read.

The Dog Men

Ten-year-old Wyatt and eleven-year-old Hannah uncover the dark world of

illegal dogfights when they trespass at a Vermont farm and peep through a

barn window. And when crotchety old Lester Cranshaw's dog, Paddy, turns

up missing, there is no holding him back from investigating the situation and

the kids join in. In the dead of night after the trio are captured and held

hostage at the Inglis farm, Wyatt will need all of his wits and courage to

escape In order to save the lives of his Friends. THE DOG MEN draws the

reader into a tempest of animal abuse, lawlessness, and kidnapping within

the confines of small-town happenings. A Chilling plot and a peerless

relationship between kids, adults and pets.

The Dog Men by Patricia Crandall

Book Information:

Publisher: Publish America

http://www2.xlibris.com/bookstore/bookdisplay.asp?bookid=15782

For purchase, visit

www.patriciacrandallauthor.com

$16.95

Paperback

Patricia Crandal Talks About Writing a Mystery

Today's question for Patricia: What are you writing now?



I am currently working on several mysterycrime
stories, a series of contemporary and
family short fiction and novels. I put aside
whatever free time I have for writing.
My feelings as a poet have affected my role
as a mother by allowing me to capture in
poetry the formative years of my children.
These poems are snapshots in words.
Whenever I read them, I see my children as
they were during that moment in time.
I like to write mysteries because I like to read
mystery stories. It all began with the Nancy
Drew series by Carolyn Keene when I was a
pre-teen in the 1950s. Each holiday, I would
request the latest Nancy Drew title and upon
receiving it, I would curl-up in an oversized
chair and begin reading the fast-paced
adventure. Prior to that time, I was hooked
on the Bobbsey Twins.

My first effort at writing a mystery story
detailed a long, frightening chase by a
sinister man. A dark tunnel appeared, leading
to (of course) a haunted mansion. The notso-
brilliant ending had me saved by the man
of my life at the time - my father.

Meet Patricial Crandall

This week I'm hosting Patricia Crandall, a very fascinating author. I'll be posting new information about Patricia every day this week. For today, I'll let Patricia tell you a little about herself.

Welcome, Patricia




I was born Patricia Crandall in Bennington,
Vermont.Presently, I live with my husband,
Art, at Babcock Lake in the Grafton
Mountains near Petersburgh, New York. My
daughter and her family live nearby. Also
living near us is our son. I have two
granddaughters and one grandson. I devote
time to my family, writing and community
work. I enjoy reading, skiing, golfing,
knitting, walking/hiking, swimming,
exercising and traveling.

I have a vast number of poetry/haiku,
numerous articles and short stories published
in many small press magazines and a variety
of newspapers. I have won many poetry
awards and have two books in print, Melrose,
Then and Now, a historical volume and I
Passed This Way, containing poetry

Midnight Hours – A can't put down crime story

While recovering from an accident that confined him to a wheel chair, Police detective Martin Rogers finds an interest in life through an Internet connection with a lovely woman. Or is she what she seems? She has given Martin a reason for living, but when she sends a picture of herself that is a duplicate of one found in the pocket of a dead paraplegic, Martin and his police buddies wonder if she's given him a reason for dying.

The author makes you believe in the reality of her characters. Details of the investigation are true to life. The Oklahoma countryside is beautifully described and gives the novel a strong sense of place. The plot is filled with surprising, but thoroughly believable twists that keep the reader guessing up to and beyond the last page.

Zabel has created a fast moving plot with characters you come to care about, a satisfying romance, and suspense that keeps you reading. Readers of crime fiction will appreciate Zabel's latest novel and will be hoping for more. I love a good murder mystery. I recommend this one highly for readers who are looking for interesting and believable characters, a tension filled plot, and a realistic setting.

Bubba and Giganto: Against the Odds -- Review

Exciting soccer games, a special friendship, and a hint of mystery make Bubba and Giganto: Against the Odds a book that will win the hearts of middle-grade boys and girls. Bubba, a veteran of moves to new schools uses his skills as a soccer player to fit in to his new environment. He forms a friendship with Giganto, an over weight, shy boy who also has aspirations to play soccer. Some team members bully Giganto in an effort to keep him off the team. The mystery of why they are so down on him and the tactics Bubba uses to support his friend keep the reader turning the pages.

Lea Schizas, the author, has captured the world of high school athletes with believable characters and fast paced action scenes on the soccer field. The book is a good read, but in addition gives a profound look at the problem of bullying in schools. Many students are faced with the choice of whether to support the bully, stand up to him, or ignore the problem. Bubba is a role model for how to fight the bully, not with your fists, but with your brains, and most important how to support your friend.

Bubba and Giganto: would be an excellent choice for a class discussion in grades 6 – 8 on how to deal with bullying. The book is available from Amazon. More information is available on the author's blog: http://thewritingjungle.blogspot.com/