Recommended Summer Reads: ‘Fat Girl Fairy Boy’ by Debut Author Carol McConkie

     A darkly humorous tale of family, friendship, and personal discovery . . .

     Frieda Kunkelheimer knew she wasn’t welcome in the world from her earliest stirrings. She also knew she was big and ugly, as proclaimed by her grandmother on the day of her birth. Though Frieda Kunkelheimer later blossoms into a beautiful and successful Hollywood film star, it had been determined, even before birth, that she was unwanted and unloved.

En route to a film shoot, the embittered, aging actress known as Frie, and Robin, her phobic, gay makeup artist, survive a plane crash in the jungles of Central America only to be held hostage by El Salvadoran guerrillas. Their self-absorbed lives take a backseat to the events of their capture as a bizarre set of circumstances unfold and kindle courage, compassion, and forgiveness they never thought possible.

‘Fat Girl Fairy Boy’ is written in masterful prose, and filled with rich characters, McConkie mixes irony, humor, and pathos while weaving multifaceted storylines into a wildly entertaining adventure. Few experienced novelists fare as well as McConkie in this debut literary event.

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“I’m no professional literary critic but I know what I like and I truly enjoyed this contemporary fiction novel. Each night I looked forward to jumping into bed to read another chapter and follow the thrilling story about the two main characters, Robin and Frie. I’d love to see a movie version soon.”     -Steve R.

“A very original book that I highly enjoyed…4 out of 5 stars.”        – Erica H.

“I wish it was longer! I wanted to continue reading on and on. Nonetheless, Carol McConkie achieves so much, educating us on decades of US history, through the Great Depression, WWII, 60s counter-culture and Americo-Latin American political relations. In ‘Fat Girl Fairy Boy’ she has produced an absolute gem.”               – Nathan S.

“An amazing portrayal of human fortitude and strength and how people can find salvation in purpose in the wake of difficulty. ‘Fat Girl, Fairy Boy’ isn’t for the faint of heart, but if you like strong storytelling, I say give it a shot.”

-Poindextrix Book Reviews

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BOOK REVIEW: ‘Family Secrets’ by Candice Kohl

This dramatic tale has it all: passion, betrayal, deception, forgiveness and a glimpse into the unconditional ties that bind a family together. . . .

 

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     Esther Brown’s family is falling apart around her. Widowed and re-married with two daughters, Esther is unable to control her eldest daughter Geneva’s wayward ways and sends Geneva to live with her aunt and her aunt’s husband in Ivy Glen, a small town outside Chicago. Esther’s attempt to find salvation for her child sets in motion a series of dramatic events that tests the bonds of one family as they discover ‘Family Secrets.’

     Based on fact, ‘Family Secrets’ is set in a 1920’s Chicago suburb and told from the perspectives of multiple family members. This dramatic tale has it all: passion, betrayal, deception, forgiveness and a glimpse into the unconditional ties that bind a family together.

 

“‘Family Secrets’ is a very well written story, thoroughly describing the internal struggle of each character, how each wishes for their own desires, dreams and love. . . Once picked-up this book was near impossible to put away. Each page left you craving for more.”     -Lara Girdler, NCReaderGirl Reviews

 

“This book. . .had its fair share of, ahem, romance, but it was so much more than that. The story is full of heartbreak and, as you may have guessed, family secrets . . . The storyline definitely kept my attention, I connected with the characters, and the inference of several family secrets made me propel through the book quickly.”     -Carissa A.

 

“You felt for the characters that Kohl has created…There are surprises and tears along the way in this novel. I personally love books that start in the present, but tells you stories of the past (1920s) without getting you lost. Kohl did this beautifully. I highly recommend this book.”     -Teresa Cross

 

“Kohl articulates [the characters’] pain and passions beautifully…touches on ancient themes and emotions of first love, lost love and forbidden love. Combined with adultery, betrayal and necessary obligations, it makes for an enticing read.”     -Michelle Loh

 

From now until July 10th, enjoy 40% off ‘Family Secrets’
on All Romance eBooks.com!

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In Memorium: Romance Fiction Author JoAnn DeLazzari

In honor of one of our authors that has recently passed, we’d like to highlight ‘Addicted,’ author JoAnn DeLazzari’s most recent work.

ImageDeLazzari worked in banking for seventeen years, owned a bookstore for nine, and spent eight years as an administrative assistant for Healing the Children. When not writing, DeLazzari worked full time, fished whenever possible with her husband Tom of forty-five years, and read, researched and learned. In addition to ‘Addicted’ and ‘The Rebel’s Bride,’ DeLazzari is the author of four novels that will be posthumously published through Blue Star Books.

An immensely talented writer of both contemporary and historical romance, DeLazzari’s stories never failed to capture readers and take them on a thrilling adventure until the very last page.

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Praise for her work:

“‘Addicted’ is addictive! An amazing passionate romance, suspense, and thriller that definitely keeps the reader on their toes throughout. JoAnn DeLazzari has completely filled this novel with excitement, adventure, fear, fun and action . . .. I was gripped throughout and did not want to put the book down.”

“This is well written, well plotted, and an all around good story. I would recommend it to anyone.”

“A steamy romantic suspense that delves into the dark and dangerous world of drug trafficking and corruption at the highest level. At its heart is a passionate love affair between two people who are unexpectedly thrown together in their quest for justice. I found this to be a much hotter read than many others in this genre . . . The complex plot includes violence and action, subterfuge, kidnap and many nail-biting scenes . . . The reader is kept guessing as . . . the plot goes through many unexpected twists and turns before the tale reaches its climax . . . I recommend this book to readers who like to read an action packed and sensual romantic suspense, with an alpha hero and a feisty heroine.”

“YEEEESSSS!!! I don’t know what to say! I truly didn’t expect this when I started reading this book, but once I started it was hard to put it down.  JoAnn DeLazzari really did it when she wrote this book!  Addicted was exciting, suspenseful, and an overall good book to read!! JoAnne Delazzari has outdone herself in this page-turning story.”

“A wonderfully well written book filled with spice, spirit, and sexual tension.”

R. I. P. JoAnn DeLazzari

MEMOIR: ‘I, Laura: The Story of a Kansas Family’

“The story of the successes and struggles of this Kansas family is
a fascinating insight into turn-of-the-century heartland America and all that its inhabitants handled…”

 

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Schmid Hogan’s memoir is hard to put down; the chapters seem to race through increasingly harrowing tales of survival and sweeping range in which the family plants itself firmly in Kansas. The beautifully described farmland and solid structure of the home in which Laura grew up in evokes a nostalgic ache for four scores past in which there was little modern technology, little medicine, and little legroom – a memoir in which the Schmid family survived the trials of the elements and of each other in the delightfully scenic backdrop of Kansas.

                     – Elizabeth Vosk, Bibliophile Betty Book Reviews

 

“I, Laura” is the autobiography of Laura Schmid Hogan, detailing her life in a family of 17 and the hardships of growing up in Western Kansas in the 1920’s, 30’s, and 40’s. In a time before modern conveniences amidst the backdrop of American farm life, Laura survived , and thrived, through a lifetime of heartbreak and tragedy with the help of her faith and her mother’s words of wisdom: “The Lord never promised life would be easy!”

 

eBook available at:
Amazon
Kobo
Nook
Sony
– iTunes
e-Sentral
OmniLit
Hive
BIGhay
Tesco eBooks
Indie eBook Shop

We’re Extending Our Submission and Discount Deadline!

Book Hub Inc. has extended the deadline for our special 25% discount on all eBook publishing services until the end of this month!

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New authors and clients are encouraged to submit their work for publication. We publish all genres and writing styles, offering affordable, professional services and added bonuses like free uploads to all major eBook accounts and eMarketing programs. See our COMPLETE LIST OF SERVICES to learn exactly what it is that we can do for you.

We make it simple for authors and writer to achieve their goals of publishing their work. We also give lots of options so you can customize your publishing experience.

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General Overview of Basic Services:

Editing = $.02 per word, $45 per hour, or on quote basis depending on project
Custom eBook Covers
= $74.25
ISBN Management and Assignment
= Cost of ISBNs plus $45 administration fee
eBook Conversion
(with contract – includes upload, marketing, and sales management) = $168
eBook conversion (without agreement) = $224
eMarketing = Starting at just $45!
Book Reviews
(Guaranteed 2) = $150
Book Reviews (Guaranteed 3) = $225
Media Kit Creation (Tip Sheet, Press Release, Bio, Description, Cover Letter) = $150
Mailing to Media Contacts = $262

**Volume discounts do apply for those authors or publishers with more than one book!

* * * * * * * * * * * *

TO SUBMIT: Email marketing@book-hub.com for submission instructions. Be sure to write “Submission” in the email subject line. Send a short cover letter telling us a bit about you and your book and your publishing vision.

If your book has already been published or self-published and you’re interested in our marketing, cover design, or editing services (no contract necessary!), contact editor@book-hub.com to learn how Book Hub can help you boost your sales!

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NEW RELEASE: Peter Berman’s Crime Novel ‘Hidden Agenda’ Receives Five Stars!

     Jeremy Hart, a senior prosecutor in the LA District Attorney’s office, is a young widower whose grief counselor sends him to a charity party to jump-start his social life. At the party, he meets Claire, a young married woman with two small children who is trapped in a loveless marriage to Peter, a very wealthy and abusive man. When a courtship develops between Jeremy and Claire, Claire’s violent husband Peter discovers the affair. After a brutal beating, Claire confides to Jeremy that she believes that Peter is planning on taking her life.
     When Claire’s husband is found shot to death in the driveway of his home, detective Ulysses S. Gibson and his partner Jennifer Donahue are called to investigate the murder. For the prosecutor, the crime is an easy conviction when all the leads of the investigation point to Jeremy.
     For detectives Gibson and Donahue, nothing is so obvious. How are these individuals connected? And what of the death of Jeremy’s wife, Elizabeth, years go? Gibson and Donahue keep the scales of justice in balance as they discover everyone’s ‘Hidden Agenda.’

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Peter Berman has created a silver screen-worthy novel of crime, courtroom drama, twists and turns…a credit to Berman’s genius…From the first to the last page, Hidden Agenda rivals any of the works by John Grisham or James Patterson. This is absolutely a great read for fans of police and courtroom dramas.
                    –
Rachel Storey, Storey on a Story Book Reviews

 

This book is like watching a train wreck. You don’t want to see what’s going on, you don’t want to know any more, but you just can’t tear yourself away and stop looking…I devoured it….It’s intriguing, beguiling and I was suspicious about everyone until the very end. No-one seemed to be who you start off thinking they are…This whole book was fabulous. I want to read it again…READ THIS BOOK!
                    –
Elaine W.

How Are We Doing? Testimonials From Our Authors…

We’d like to take a moment of your time to share with you a few testimonials from our authors.

If you’re considering submitting your work to Book Hub for publication (we’re still looking for submissions in all genres – see blog post below for submission instructions), we hope that you’ll read the following testimonials.

We’d like to thank all of our authors, publishers, readers, and reviewers for their support and sense of community.  Always striving to provide the best possible services and a valuable resource to all, we’re so glad that we can be brought together in this new chapter of publishing and reading by a common interest: books!

    It has been a wonderful experience to have my books published through Book Hub, Inc.. Everyone involved was extremely helpful, competent, and responsible. My work received all the individual care and attention it needed, and then some!  The editors were very responsive to my needs by phone and e-mail; worked in a timely manner, and were not afraid to add their own creative ideas that enhanced my writing.  Every interaction with each person was enjoyable and productive. Book Hub has fantastic energy and I couldn’t imagine a better home for my books.

Dr. Linda Harper, Ph.D., author of Eat: A Guide to Discovering Your Natural Relationship with Food, and Give: A Guide to Discovering the Joy of Everyday Giving

     Book Hub has been extremely supportive in our writer/publisher relationship. Each person has been first class, always able to offer help and assistance when needed. I highly appreciate their professional communication skills that have been, to me, a much welcomed experience with a publishing company. Thank you, Book Hub. 

Elizabeth Taylor George, author of Knight’s Desire

After sitting on my novel ‘Fat Girl Fairy Boy’ for over a year, trying to figure out how to get attention to it and get it in the public eye, I found Book Hub Inc.   Although a small company by industry standards they are committed to their authors tirelessly, and do everything possible to advance their clients books in the marketplace.  Calls are returned, valuable recommendations are offered, and their knowledge in editing, book design and marketing make Book Hub a real go-to company for anyone looking for results in getting their work published and, importantly, sold.

Carol McConkie, author of Fat Girl Fairy Boy

WRITERS AND AUTHORS WANTED: Book Hub Is Looking for Submissions!

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We are looking to acquire new titles and authors for 2013.
If you are an emerging author and want to publish an eBook,
we encourage you to submit your work!

Book Hub Inc. is a mid-sized eBook publishing company based out of downtown Santa Cruz, California. With over 20 years of experience in the industry, we have had momentum with the major national trade accounts and have successfully transitioned into ePublishing. We have nearly 30 publishers and over 200 titles in a variety of popular fiction and non-fiction categories. We hold accounts with all major eBook retailers including iTunes, Barnes & Noble, Amazon, Google, Sony, Kobo, OmniLit, Gardners and many more throughout the world. 

Our mission is to provide profitable programs for authors and publishers through successful sales, creative marketing, and efficient operations aimed at national accounts. Here at Book Hub, we offer quality services at affordable prices, helping authors and publishers achieve their publishing goals by creating professionally designed eBooks and assisting in all tasks marketing and distributing. We value our writers and publishers, and are dedicated to customer service and customer satisfaction.

We publish all genres: fiction, non-fiction, poetry, popular culture, self-help, guide books/how-to, photo books, romance, education, spiritual, cooking, graphic novels, health and fitness, young adult, music, travel, etc.

We specialize in the following:

           * eBook publishing, including editing and book design
           * eBook formatting and conversion
           * eMarketing programs, including eCatalogs and book reviews
           * Sales operations and royalty reporting
           * eBook distribution to all major eBook retail accounts – Apple, Amazon, Sony, 
            Gardners Books, Kobo, and Barnes & Noble and many more around the world!

 

CLICK HERE to see a complete list of our services.

 

TO SUBMIT: Fill out our Submission Form and send electronically along with your manuscript to editor@book-hub.com or mail to:

Submissions Editor
Book Hub Inc.
903 Pacific Avenue, Suite 207-A
Santa Cruz, CA 95060

For more info or to speak with customer service, please call (831)466-0145.

3 DAYS ONLY: All Blue Star Books Romance Titles Now 35% Off!

Get Your New and Exciting Summer Reads!

Blue Star Books is partnering with All Romance eBooks to offer our readers an exclusive 3% off discount on all romance reads!

Click on the covers to read book descriptions and reviews.

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