BENEATH THE LIGHTHOUSE by Julieanne Lynch Official Blog Tour

Paperback: 304 pages
Publisher: Vesuvian Books (June 26, 2018)
Language: English
ISBN-10: 1944109188
ISBN-13: 978-1944109189

SOME SECRETS ARE MADE TO BE UNCOVERED.

Sixteen-year-old Jamie McGuiness’s sister is dead. Sinking into a deep depression, he frequents the lighthouse where her body was discovered, unaware of the sinister forces surrounding him.

When an angry spirit latches onto Jamie, he’s led down a dark and twisted path, one that uncovers old family secrets, destroying everything Jamie ever believed in.

Caught between the world of the living and the vengeful dead, Jamie fights the pull of the other side. It’s up to Jamie to settle old scores or no one will rest in peace—but, first, he has to survive.

You can purchase Beneath the Lighthouse at the following Retailers:

  

Praise for BENEATH THE LIGHTHOUSE

“Beneath the Lighthouse grabs you by the nether regions from the word go. Then it squeezes. Hard. With a nailed glove … A truly scary ghost story … a powerful ‘coming of age’ drama … a young man growing into adulthood against a backdrop of despair and quite shocking abuse … unpredictable and ever building. Blood and bone revenge, retribution and salvation. The strength of friendship, the power of love. You feel the dread and the underlying fear … not your typical tale. And what a tale it is.” ―EM Faustus

My Review

A dark tale with just the right amount of spook, this reader is so thrilled to go out of her comfort zone and devour this story and its emotional roller-coaster ride.

Jamie's family was a normal family. Having a strict father, but a loving one, Jamie's sister started being defiant and going against her father's wishes. She sneaks out one night, and that is when Jamie's life and family will change forever. Amer died a tragic way, and from that day, the family started to fall apart.

Jamie visits the place where his sister died. It's a place to get away from his abusive father, and take a break from taking care of his mother and siblings.  When he notices a ghost by the lighthouse, he thinks he might be going crazy...however he sees it again...and she starts to talk to him, and show him images of how she died. Then Jamie's already chaotic life starts to spin out of control, and the real horror begins.

I became so engrossed in this story...I LOVED the language spoken. It was so different and fun to read.  I love the relationship between Jamie and his best friend. Their humorous cut downs and honesty was a beacon of light shining through all the darkness, abuse, and cruelty. It is a fantastic story full of surprises, and twists...WOW, I never could have predicted that one! One??  How about two or three?  Yeah, it throws you in a spin! I couldn't turn the pages fast enough!  (how is it that I find such great reads all the time??) It is definitely a read for the older side of YA. Jamie is such a strong character, proving that you can rise above the torment, and not be defined by family circumstances. LOVED IT! Highly recommend this story, with just the right amount of spook for this scaredy pants!

Photo Content from Julieanne Lynch

Julieanne Lynch is an author of YA and Adult genre urban fantasy, crime and contemporary romance books. Julieanne was born in Northern Ireland, but spent much of her early life in London, United Kingdom, until her family relocated back to their roots.

Julieanne lives in Northern Ireland, with her husband and five children, where she is a full-time author. She studied English Literature and Creative Writing at The Open University and considered journalism as a career path. Julieanne has several projects optioned for film.

Julieanne is both traditionally and independently published.

        

PART ONE

DECEMBER 17th MONDAY Sassy Book Lovers TENS LIST
DECEMBER 17th MONDAY TTC Books and More GUEST POST
DECEMBER 18th TUESDAY Stephanie's Life of Determination REVIEW & EXCERPT
DECEMBER 19th WEDNESDAY Movies, Shows, & Books EXCERPT
DECEMBER 20th THURSDAY A Dream Within A Dream TENS LIST
DECEMBER 21st FRIDAY Insane About Books REVIEW

PART TWO
DECEMBER 22nd SATURDAY A Court of Coffee and Books REVIEW
DECEMBER 22nd SATURDAY Sara Is Reading What? REVIEW
DECEMBER 23rd SUNDAY Oh Hey! Books INTERVIEW
DECEMBER 23rd SUNDAY My Book Addiction REVIEW
DECEMBER 24th MONDAY BookHounds INTERVIEW
DECEMBER 25th TUESDAY JeanBookNerd INTERVIEW
DECEMBER 26th WEDNESDAY Casia's Corner REVIEW
DECEMBER 26th WEDNESDAY Wishful Endings TENS LIST

PART THREE

DECEMBER 27th THURSDAY 100 Pages A Day REVIEW
DECEMBER 27th THURSDAY Lisa Loves Literature EXCERPT
DECEMBER 28th FRIDAY RhythmicBooktrovert REVIEW 
DECEMBER 28th FRIDAY Crossroad Reviews REVIEW
DECEMBER 29th SATURDAY My Chaotic Ramblings REVIEW
DECEMBER 29th SATURDAY Sabrina's Paranormal Palace REVIEW
DECEMBER 30th SUNDAY Book Lovers Life EXCERPT

*JBN is not responsible for Lost or Damaged Books in your Nerdy Mail Box*

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DEATH BY THE RIVER by Alexandrea Weis and Lucas Astor KINDLE FORCE

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SYNOPSIS

Some truths are better kept secret. 
Some secrets are better off dead. 

Along the banks of the Bogue Falaya River, sits the abandoned St. Francis Seminary. Beneath a canopy of oaks, blocked from prying eyes, the teens of St. Benedict High gather here on Fridays. The rest of the week belongs to school and family—but weekends belong to the river.

And the river belongs to Beau Devereaux. 

The only child of a powerful family, Beau can do no wrong. Handsome. Charming. Intelligent. The star quarterback of the football team. The “prince” of St. Benedict is the ultimate catch. 

He is also a psychopath. 

A dirty family secret buried for years, Beau’s evil grows unchecked. In the shadows of the ruined St. Francis Abbey, he commits unspeakable acts on his victims and ensures their silence with threats and intimidation. Senior year, Beau sets his sights on his girlfriend’s headstrong twin sister, Leslie, who hates him. Everything he wants but cannot have, she will be his ultimate prize. 

As the victim toll mounts, it becomes crystal clear that someone has to stop Beau Devereaux. 

And that someone will pay with their life.

WARNING: Readers of Death by the River will encounter situations of violence and sexual abuse which could be upsetting.  

AMAZON | BARNES & NOBLE | BOOK DEPOSITORY

Praise for DEATH BY THE RIVER

"... a thrilling psychological work ... Catching the current vogue of teen psycho and revenge tales like Bates Motel and 13 Reasons Why ... a horrifically brilliant book ... Beau Devereaux could have easily been a clichéd psycho, but the plot constructed around him and his development during the novel really shone as a masterpiece of character creation ... much in the style of Dexter or Hannibal." ―K.C. Finn, Multi-Award-Winning Author

"Rare is the story that simmers and rises to a boil so naturally and constantly that the reader manages to be repeatedly shocked ... a full-speed rollercoaster that doesn't slow down until the final page. Employing an evocative setting, powerfully defined characters, and taking along hard look at the darker side of human desire, this novel will catch your breath and hold it until the very end. RECOMMENDED" ―Michael Radon, US Review

"While the authors have written a chilling story here, there's more to Death by the River than thrills. It's actually a fascinating study into the effects of good and bad parenting on children. Do it badly and parents, children and society as a whole pay the consequences. This book is not just an exciting read; it's a sobering one." ―Viga Boland, Retired high school English teacher and Author of No Tears for my Father: Viga's true story of incest 

"While the story follows compelling characters, it also plunges readers into an intriguing setting. It is ironical that the horrors are taking place along the river that runs so close to a seminary, an establishment that should evoke a powerful sense of God and reverence for life. The characters are sophisticated and readers will learn to honestly hate the villain of the story -- he is well imagined and developed with skill. In a subtle way, the authors allow his crooked mind to reveal itself. Like most serial killers, he is a charmer and an intelligent young man, but beneath the cool surface is a cauldron of simmering evil. Weis and Astor have written a riveting crime tale with strong psychological underpinnings. Death by the River is ingeniously plotted, written in gorgeous prose, and featuring a strong conflict that propels the narrative forward. The suspense intensifies as the story moves on, with the reader always feeling as though something awful could happen at any moment, and this feeling grows in intensity until the explosive climax. A real thriller!" ―Romuald Dzemo, Readers' Favorite

"A suspense-filled thriller steeped in equal parts atmosphere, insanity, and revenge." ―Mary Ting, Award-Winning Author of ISAN: International Sensory Assassin Network

"Weis and Astor have created something so dark, edgy, and gritty, it will stay with you long after you close the book." ―Julieanne Lynch, Dragon Award Finalist: Horror (2018)

"... a crime thriller that pulls readers into the twisted mind of the protagonist and holds them engaged till the exhilarating finish. The writing is flawless ... Death by the River is psychologically engaging, emotionally rich, and utterly absorbing." ―Christian Sia      

EXCERPT – DEATH BY THE RIVER – LESLIE AND DEREK

Leslie followed him along the shoreline until they came to a rusted iron gate with a No Trespassing sign secured to it. Decorated with crosses and swirls, the sign marked the entrance to The Abbey grounds. Stepping through the open gate, she peered up at the imposing structure.

Two spires of white limestone, shaped like the tip of a sword, cut into the blue sky. The structure of red brick and limestone, the front windows and doors secured with loose scraps of plywood, sat in the middle of a field of high grass. The squat stone building of cloisters behind The Abbey remained intact. The Benedictine monks who had run the seminary school demolished the dormitories, refectory, and library after the site had been abandoned.

“Some place, huh?” Derek let go of her hand and trudged his way across the high grass.

Leslie’s apprehension bloomed in her chest. The grounds, unkempt after years of neglect, were a hodgepodge of weeds, overgrown trees, and green vines. On the way across the thigh-high grass, they passed a beautiful triple-tiered fountain with an angel on top, raising her arms to the heavens—a silent witness to the past.

How do people come here at night?

“You ever wonder why those priests just up and left it?” she asked, uncomfortable with the eerie quiet. Even the birds had stopped singing. “I know everyone in town says they got a better offer from the seminary in New Orleans, but it seems funny a bunch of people abandoned the place for no reason.”

“They left because it’s a wreck.” Derek parted a thick pile of tall grass with his shoe. “My mom told me it was falling apart when she was a kid, and the Archdiocese didn’t have the money to fix it. So they packed up the seminary school, the priests, and all the staff and shipped them to New Orleans.”

“Seems a shame, though. I read once that the structure dates back to the early 1800s when the Devereaux family built it as a private church.” Leslie eyed the frame of the empty belfry atop one of the square-shaped towers. “You’d think they’d want to save it.”

Derek nudged her with his elbow. “Maybe the ghost drove the priests away.”

Beau’s tale had been in the back of her head the whole time, but Derek’s comment spooked the crap out of her. “By ghost, do you mean the lady in white?”

“Yep.” He scanned the land around them. “They say she wears a glistening white cloak and wanders the priests’ cells. She only appears when the moon is full or during storms.”

The thought of being alone in such a disturbing place terrified her. “Have you ever seen the ghost?”

“Nah.”

Leslie kicked herself for letting him talk her into coming to the remote location. “What about the wild dogs? Have you seen them around The Abbey?”

“Not to worry, baby. I’ll protect you from ghosts, wild dogs, and Beau Devereaux.” He climbed the granite steps, encouraging her to join him. “But I have to draw the line at your mother. There’s no way I’m taking her on in a fight.”

Copyright © 2018 by Alexandrea Weis & Lucas Astor

ABOUT THE AUTHORS

Alexandrea Weis, RN-CS, CRRN, ONC, PhD, is a multi award-winning author of over twenty-five novels, a screenwriter, ICU Nurse, and historian who was born and raised in the French Quarter of New Orleans. Having grown up in the motion picture industry as the daughter of a director, she learned to tell stories from a different perspective and began writing at the age of eight. Infusing the rich tapestry of her hometown into her novels, she believes that creating vivid characters makes a story moving and memorable. A permitted/certified wildlife rehabber with the Louisiana Wildlife and Fisheries, Weis rescues orphaned and injured animals. She lives with her husband and pets in New Orleans. Weis writes paranormal, suspense, thrillers, horror, crime fiction, and romance.

Lucas Astor, Lucas Astor is from New York, has resided in Central America and the Middle East, and traveled through Europe. He lives a very private, virtually reclusive lifestyle, preferring to spend time with a close-knit group of friends than be in the spotlight. He is an author and poet with a penchant for telling stories that delve into the dark side of the human psyche. He likes to explore the evil that exists, not just in the world, but right next door behind a smiling face.

Weis and Astor’s first collaboration was the multi-award-winning Magnus Blackwell Series.

PHOTO CONTENT FROM ALEXANDREA WEIS AND LUCAS ASTOR

WEBSITE: http://www.alexandreaweis.com/
TWITTER: @alexandreaweis
GOODREADS: https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/1211671.Alexandrea_Weis
FACEBOOK: https://www.facebook.com/authoralexandreaweis/
INSTAGRAM: https://www.instagram.com/alexandreaweis/

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THE CIRCUS THIEF by Alane Adams Official Blog Tour

 THE TOUR SCHEDULE

SYNOPSIS

The circus is in town, and Georgie has his heart set on going. When Papa agrees to take him and his friend Harley, the boys marvel at the amazing elephants and clowns. But the best act of all is the amazing Roxie, a trained horse who can do all sorts of tricks. When Georgie is invited to ride on her back, he discovers it’s her last show―Roxie is going to be sent to the work farm! When Roxie bolts with Georgie on her back, Papa must come to his rescue.

The Circus Thief is a heartwarming tale of boyhood set in 1920s Pennsylvania for children ages 4–8.  

AMAZON | BARNES & NOBLE | BOOK DEPOSITORY

Praise for THE CIRCUS THIEF
“The circus is bursting with amazing sights and sounds, from clowns and elephants to a lady with a beard, in The Circus Thief, a delightfully nostalgic tale of compassion, kindness, and generosity.” ―Foreword Clarion Reviews

“Bright, brave characters star in this exhilarating tale of magic and mystical creatures.” ―Kirkus Reviews

My Review

The Circus Thief is the fourth book in this series, set in the historical time of the 1920's. It brings to life a beautiful adventure of attending a circus for an award of doing your chores.

The thrill of this new experience comes to life with absolutely gorgeous illustrations.

With an unexpected twist, this short story is full of lessons that can start a great conversation with your little one.

A fun read that all the little ones will enjoy!!

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Alane Adams is a children’s author, professor, and literacy advocate. She is the author of the Legends of Orkney fantasy mythology series for tweens; she also writes Early American picture books for young children. Adams lives in Southern California.  

PHOTO CONTENT FROM ALANE ADAMS

WEBSITE: https://alaneadams.com/

TWITTER: @AlaneAdamsBooks
GOODREADS: https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/8348634.Alane_Adams
FACEBOOK: https://www.facebook.com/AlaneAdamsBooks/
INSTAGRAM: https://www.instagram.com/alaneadamsbooks/

--Giveaway is open to International. | Must be 13+ to Enter

-  1 Winner will receive an Exclusive THE CIRCUS THIEF by Alane Adams Gift Box.

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7th GRADE REVOLUTION by Liana Gardner REVIEW Blog Tour and giveaway

 THE TOUR SCHEDULE AND LINK.

SYNOPSIS

WHEN UNEARTHING A NATIONAL TREASURE BECOMES A NATIONAL INCIDENT

Inspired by True Events

Dennis Alexander: Washington Academy Middle School promises to be another in the long line of boring schools he has been expelled from.

Rhonda Snodgrass: Although trained from childhood in survival tactics, she tries to stay off the radar of the “cool” kids who think she’s weird.


7th grade turns out to be anything but normal when teachers announce the students’ bloodless revolution succeeded and they are now in charge. After conducting a secret-ballot vote on policy, the 7th graders emerge to find the school evacuated and the FBI lurking outside with the task of unearthing a treasure of national importance.

The students’ mission is clear—discover the treasure before the FBI locks down the building. Dennis and Rhonda lead the revolt and must work together to follow century-old clues left by a crazy Revolutionary War buff.

To stay one step ahead of the FBI, they must delve into history and amass an arsenal to defend their school … because this is WAR

AMAZON | BARNES & NOBLE | BOOK DEPOSITORY  

AWARDS
2018 American Fiction Awards Winner for Pre-Teen Fiction (Ages 10-12)
2018 Killer Nashville Silver Falchion Finalist for Best Juvenile Fiction
2018 International Book Awards Finalist for Children's Fiction
2018 Hollywood Book Festival Honorable Mention for Children's Fiction

My Review

Thrilling Middle grade read with adventure and excitement!

The 7th grade class of Washington Academy Middle grade receive news that were not expecting for the day. They are NOW in charge. Given no instruction, they are put in charge of making changes for the school.  As you would expect, it's total chaos. Few are leaders, most are goofballs, and it is starting to get difficult keeping any kind of organization.  They agree to go to the basement, they call the dungeon, to vote on a few items put on the white board.  After the voting is finished, they start to leave, and discover something isn't quite right with the school. It's too quiet...way too quiet...

"Officials" are outside, however, with some detective work, they discover what is actually going on....and their situation totally changes.  They band together, figure out the clues, and go on an adventure of a lifetime.

I so loved this story!  It is consuming, full of humor (how could it not be with 7th graders!), and explodes with creativity. All the characters have different personalities that you easily fall in love with.  Even though some of them clash, when it comes right down to the mission of protecting the school, they all come together with their individual skills.

I really recommend this story for all middle grade readers...boys and girls. It is a story that you can't put down, and will probably keep the reader up late at night! For older readers, it will bring back memories that you didn't know you forgot!

Praise for 7th GRADE REVOLUTION

"7th Grade Revolution is a thrilling and engrossing ride through past and present based on real events in North Carolina. Though technically a middle grade book, I feel readers of all ages will enjoy this novel. Trust me, you won't want to put it down." ―Tracy Riva, Midwest Book Review

"... a stunning new Middle Grade novel that is part historical fiction, part action adventure mystery, and all around fun. Featuring a cast of wacky, interesting kids I was hooked on page one and enjoyed every twist and turn of the creative plot. Gardner is a writer to watch." ―Dan Elish, Award-Winning Author of BORN TOO SHORT: The Confessions of an Eighth-Grade Basket Case

"... an exciting, smartly written book filled with adventure, intrigue, and history in a modern school setting. Luke Spooner's accompanying art is simply spot on. I can't wait for my daughter to read this, and there's no higher compliment than that." ―Mercedes M. Yardley, Bram Stoker Award-Winning Author of Little Dead Red

So, I arrived home earlier today to find your book on my front porch and I have just come up for air, realizing that I haven't even eaten since I picked it up. (It's 11:00) I don't even know where to begin. Should I start with the dedication that brought me to tears? The first time I saw my name as the teacher and I gasped? (I really had forgotten that you had said you would use my name!) The fact that the beginning of the book is so very reminiscent of the real thing? The illustration toward the end when I saw myself? All of those things were beyond my expectations, but what I really want to say is that the book held me captive from beginning to end. You captured the middle school mind perfectly, showing their insecurities as well as the amazing strength that is just below the surface. Bravo! It is a wonderful book and I can see it being used during a study of government as a class read. The illustrator is also superb. I could go on and on. (I also am really amazed at how you captured me as a teacher ... how did you do that?) So thank you, thank you, thank you! I loved every part of this book and I am so very proud, as I said earlier, to have had any part in it. ―Karen Rectanus, Exploris Middle School    

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Liana Gardner is the award-winning author of 7th Grade Revolution and the Misfit McCabeseries. Daughter of a rocket scientist and an artist, Liana combines the traits of both into a quirky yet pragmatic writer and in everything sees the story lurking beneath the surface. Engaged in a battle against leukemia and lymphoma, Liana spends much of her time at home, but allows her imagination to take her wherever she wants to go.

She fostered her love of writing after reading Louisa May Alcott’s Little Women and discovering she had a great deal in common with the character Jo. The making up of stories, dramatic feelings, and a quick temper were enough for her to know she and Jo would have been kindred spirits.

Liana volunteers with high school students through the International Trade Education Programs (ITEP). ITEP unites business people and educators to prepare students for a meaningful place in the world of tomorrow. Working in partnership with industry and educators, ITEP helps young people “think globally and earn locally.”  

PHOTO CONTENT FROM LIANA GARDNER

WEBSITE: http://lianagardner.com/
TWITTER: @lkgg
GOODREADS: https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/16959433.Liana_Gardner
FACEBOOK: https://www.facebook.com/lianakgardner
INSTAGRAM: https://www.instagram.com/liana.gardner/    

--Giveaway is open to International. | Must be 13+ to Enter

-  1 Winner will receive a $25 Amazon Gift Card.

- 1 Winner will receive an Award-winning 2017 MG, 7th Grade Revolution Swag (Mugs, Playing Cards, T-Shirts) by Liana Gardner.

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LAUNCH PARTY SCHEDULE

PART ONE

DECEMBER 10th MONDAY JeanBookNerd REVIEW 

DECEMBER 11th TUESDAY Insane About Books REVIEW
DECEMBER 12th WEDNESDAY Crossroad Reviews REVIEW
DECEMBER 13th THURSDAY Ms. Cats Honest World  REVIEW 

DECEMBER 13th THURSDAY Oh Hey! Books EXCERPT
DECEMBER 14th FRIDAY RhythmicBooktrovert REVIEW 

PART TWO  

DECEMBER 15th SATURDAY TTC Books and More EXCERPT

DECEMBER 15th SATURDAY My Chaotic Ramblings REVIEW & EXCERPT

DECEMBER 16th SUNDAY Sabrina's Paranormal Palace  REVIEW

DECEMBER 17th MONDAY BookHounds YA REVIEW

DECEMBER 18th TUESDAY Movies, Shows, & Books REVIEW 

DECEMBER 19th WEDNESDAY A Dream Within A Dream REVIEW