Readers' Favorite

September 28, 2013

Afternoon eBook Deal 9/28

...touching romantic reunion, gut-twisting suspense, and wrenching emotional impact. ~ Teresa Medeiros

The writing pulls you in, you don't want to stop reading. ~ Rosi


Tidewater

Newly married and settled in coastal Farnham, Massachusetts, Sarann Bonniface finally has a steadfast, respectable husband at her side and an elegant roof over her head. Now she intends to concentrate on the most pressing matter at hand: taming her newly rebellious teenager.Though Sarann is well aware her daughter isn't thrilled to have a new stepfather, it never occurs to her that Abigail might go looking for the birth father she never knew-or that he can even be found. Ben McElwyn is so mired in the myth Sarann created that even she isn't sure who he really was. But she's about to find out....As Sarann's once idyllic days begin to spin out of control, someone is playing games with her mind, and she no longer trusts anyone around her. Not her resentful daughter. Not her brooding husband. Not Ben. Maybe not even herself....

99 cents at Amazon and B&N


Girl Who Reads is an Amazon advertising affiliate; a small fee is earned when purchases are made at Amazon through the link above. Summary and cover are from Goodreas.com. Prices are subject to change without notice, please verify price before purchasing. Want to have your bargain, discounted, or free ebook featured? Fill out this form.


September 27, 2013

Afternoon eBook Deal 9/27

A fab, fun mystery. ~ Sibel Hodge

This series has me laughing out loud. ~ Jan


The Hitwoman and the Family Jewels

How do you say “no” to a mob boss?

When bumbling hitwoman Maggie Lee is asked by her mob boss employer to kill a cop, she wants to say no.

When her sexy murder mentor, Patrick Mulligan tells her the cop in question is a guy she once dated, she REALLY wants to refuse.

But when her former date, Paul Kowalski tries to kill her, she changes her tune to “Hell, yes!”

Maggie and Patrick grow closer as they scramble to figure out what it is that Kowalski is looking for and what it has to do with her prison escapee father.

Maggie’s search is hampered by the presence of US Marshals hunting her father and her crazier-than-usual family.

Along with her snarky talking lizard, grammatically-challenged Doberman, and a pissy cat, she races to solve the mystery and protect her family. But nothing in Maggie’s life ever goes as planned…

Read my review

99 cents at Amazon




Girl Who Reads is an Amazon advertising affiliate; a small fee is earned when purchases are made at Amazon through the link above. Summary and cover are from Goodreas.com. Prices are subject to change without notice, please verify price before purchasing. Want to have your bargain, discounted, or free ebook featured? Fill out this form.


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Name that Book: Character Pairings


Up for another challenge? Can you guess the title of the book from the character pairs provided? Let me know how you did in the comments (and it's okay to cheat by following the links).


1. Isabel and Henry (find the answer at Amazon)

2. Diana and Matthew (read my review)

3. Gabriel and Julia (read my review)

4. Elder and Amy (read my review)

5. Megan and Guy (read my review)

6. Joan and Ken (read my review)

7. Jacob and Marlena (read my review)

8. Grace and Mo (read my review)

9. Marlo and Nik (read my review)

10. Jack and Eva (find the answer at Amazon)



Girl Who Reads is an Amazon Advertising affiliate; a small fee is earned when purchases are made at Amazon through the links above.





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September 26, 2013

Afternoon eBook Deal 9/26

The twists and turns along with the fantasy were mesmerizing. ~ S

...an easy read that kept the pages turning. ~ Shanna

Awaken

While summering in a New England campground, mind reading thirteen-year-old twins, Meghan and Colin Jacoby, discover they have until the rising of the Blue Moon to help save the life of a young man, whose caravan is forced to flee through a magical portal to another world, without him.

In the process, they have a dark awakening when their own simple, normal world, begins to collide with the complexities of the magical world. The twins face unimaginable dangers, which thrust them into an unexpected choice: to live as they always have or to learn the truth about their past and enter a world that is equally thrilling and terrifying.

More importantly, however, is whether they even have a choice, or will destiny not only force this new magical reality upon them, but require them to sacrifice everyone they love in doing so?

FREE at Amazon, Smashwords, and B&N


Girl Who Reads is an Amazon advertising affiliate; a small fee is earned when purchases are made at Amazon through the link above. Summary and cover are from Goodreas.com. Prices are subject to change without notice, please verify price before purchasing. Want to have your bargain, discounted, or free ebook featured? Fill out this form.


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Benefits of Freelance Writing and Guest Blogging

I use Grammarly's plagiarism checker because I'm one of a kind and my writing should be too. 
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I often hear from authors who wish they could write full-time, or bloggers who want to make a living from their blog. This past spring, Jolie du Pre shared how she supplemented her fiction writing with article writing. I have always encouraged authors to guest blog. There are many benefits to freelance writing and guest blogging for both the author and the blogger. However, knowing how to get started can be a bit daunting.


What is freelance writing and guest blogging?

Freelance writing is also referred to as article writing. Magazines, newspapers, and other publications often hire freelancers for various projects. Online news sites also employ freelance writers. Freelance jobs typically pay the writer for their article. It may be a small fee, $5 - $10, or can be much larger depending on the publication and your resume. 

Guest blogging is when you write an article, or post, for a blog that is not your own. Typically there is no payment for guest blogging. You are probably most familiar with guest blogging when it comes to tours and promoting your book. However, bloggers can also be guest bloggers and authors can guest blog without it being part of a marketing campaign. 


Why would you freelance write or guest blog?

You are probably thinking, 'I can barely find time to work on my book or write up that review for the book I read last week, why would I spend time writing something else'. There are two big benefits to freelance writing and guest blogging. 

One, you build awareness of your brand. In other words, you get your name out there for people to see. Even if you are not talking about your book in the article you are writing, you normally get a short bio included in the article. The bio can mention your book or link to your site. The article I wrote for The Georgia AUTHORity included a one line bio in which I linked back to my blog. Getting your name seen and a mention of your book or blog in a larger publication is why I ask my clients about other interests and topics they are knowledgeable about. Journalists are always looking for sources to provide a quote. In an age when less space is being used to promote books or publications that are completely closed to indie authors, being quoted in an article can provide needed publicity. By writing an article for other publications, you are widening the audience that sees your name. 

Two, it can add to your bottom-line. The more people that see your writing the more sales you are likely to have. For bloggers, it means more readers coming to your blog. If you are using affiliate links or running ads on your site, the increased traffic can earn you more revenue. And as I've already mentioned, you can earn money directly from the sale of your article.

A third benefit is just a bonus, you are providing audiences with a sample of your writing and building credibility. With the thousands of new books being published and the hundreds of blogs out there, proving your credibility is more important than ever. In this evolving industry often the difference between amateur and professional is the writer's reputation.


How do you start freelance writing or guest blogging?

I suggest begin with guest blogging. Opportunities to guest blog are pretty easy to come by. (I'm currently looking for guest posts for October). While blog hosts may have a topic in mind, I recommend pitching your own idea. I also recommend that your topic of choice not be about your book. A great way to find a topic is to see what is popular in the news and then add your spin to the topic. It is currently Banned Books Week. Timely topics would include censorship, the changing views of what is appropriate in literature, history behind a banned book. Yes, the topic may take some research or knowledge on the subject. The reason I suggest starting with guest blogging is because you will need writing samples to get the higher paying jobs. You will also need to show that you have the skills to research a topic.

To find the freelance writing jobs you will need to do a little digging. There are a number of sites that publish opportunities. I recently signed up for the Freedom With Writing newsletter. It provides a nice combination of reviews of sites offering jobs and tips on getting the jobs. Also, do a search of magazines and local publications, most have websites that provide submission guidelines. 

Remember to add bibliographical information for any published work (either from a freelance job or from guest blogging) to your media kit. If there are online links available add them to the about me or media page of your blog.



Donna Huber is an avid reader and natural encourager. She is the blogger behind Girl Who Reads and author of the how-to manual Secrets to a Successful Blog Tour.



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September 25, 2013

Afternoon eBook Deal 9/25

It's Triple Deal Day! 
Get all 3 Nate Rocks books for 99 cents each.


Nate Rocks the World

Nate Rocks can do it all: part super-hero, part all-star athlete, part rock-star… part fourth-grader?

Ten-year-old Nathan Rockledge cannot catch a break. After all, life as a fourth-grader can be hazardous what with science projects to deal with and recess football games to avoid. Everyone, including his best friend Tommy, seems to have bad luck when hanging around Nathan. Throw in an older sister who is a royal pain, a dad who is stuck in the past, and a mom who keeps trying to poison him with her awful cooking, and poor Nathan’s life as a fourth grader appears to be completely doomed. 

Armed only with his sketchpad, his imagination, and his wits, Nathan Rockledge navigates the perils of the fourth grade in style, to emerge heroic, as Nate Rocks, proving that even a ten-year-old can accomplish great things.

Buy at Amazon


Nate Rocks the Boat

The Adventure Continues... With fourth grade finally winding down, 10-year-old Nathan Rockledge is looking forward to a fun and relaxing summer at home with his friends. That is, until his mom decides he has to go to overnight camp with his annoying older sister. When his best friend, Tommy, decides to tag along, Nathan thinks maybe his summer won't actually be so bad. After all, he does get to be away from his mom's awful cooking for an entire six weeks. Amongst Color War competitions, a flaky counselor, and a bully named "No-Neck," Nathan turns to his trusty sketchpad, transforming himself into Nate Rocks: 10-year-old extraordinaire. His speedboat ready for action, Nate saves the day time and again from the perils of floods, snakes, ghosts, and even the most wanted criminals. Join Nathan, Tommy, Abby, and a whole new cast of characters as Nate Rocks once again proves nothing can hold him back.

Buy at Amazon


Nate Rocks the School

Nate Rocks Is At It Again . . .

According to Nathan Rockledge, fifth grade has plenty of perks. Oh sure, there’s more work, and he still has to deal with the know-it-all, Lisa Crane. Luckily, there is a lot to look forward to as well: a laser tag birthday party, baseball at recess, and even a cool Halloween dance. Of course, all of that means nothing without the biggest perk of all … the class trip to New York City in the spring. If his class can raise enough money to go, that is.

Give Nathan paper and a pencil, and watch as his imagination turns him into Nate Rocks, hero and fifth-grade super star. With adventures abound, Nate saves the day time and again. But will Nate be able to save the fifth grade trip?

Join Nathan, his hilarious family, and his friends, as he rocks the school in another fun Nate Rocks adventure. 

Buy at Amazon


Girl Who Reads is an Amazon advertising affiliate; a small fee is earned when purchases are made at Amazon through the link above. Summary and cover are from Goodreas.com. Prices are subject to change without notice, please verify price before purchasing. Want to have your bargain, discounted, or free ebook featured? Fill out this form.



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Cindy Saunders: The Ultimate Cliffhanger

(or what the heck happens next?)

Some authors prefer not to, but I love reading the reviews of my new novel, Double Star.  I view every critique as a learning experience and appreciate the readers input. With that said, I’ve noticed a few criticisms with regards to how Double Star ends.  Some readers feel cheated (and maybe rightfully so) because I’ve left them hanging with unanswered questions. One reviewer wrote: “I hate it when I get to the end of the book, only to find that the story is not complete... Usually when novels come out in multiple volumes, each story within the series tends to stand well on its own. I felt as if I was dropped off the same cliff the main character Ally got dropped off of, and left in the twilight zone.” Mmmm...

Here’s Wikipedia’s definition of a cliffhanger: “A cliffhanger or cliffhanger ending is a plot device in fiction, which features a main character in a precarious or difficult dilemma, or confronted with a shocking revelation at the end of an episode of serialized fiction. A cliffhanger is hoped to ensure the audience will return to see how the characters resolve the dilemma.”

I guess there are various schools of thought on what makes a good (versus a bad) cliffhanger. Think about it (for those of you old enough to remember!) ... What would have happened if Gilligan and his crew got off the island or if the Robinsons (Lost in Space) found their way back to mother earth?  The story would be over. I know, deep inside, I never wanted them to get home.  I remember the first time I watched the Wizard of Oz. I was so disappointed when Dorothy woke up because I loved the fantasy world of Oz.  The Dark Tower series by Stephen King (one of my all time favorites) took 22 years to write.  The first book was published in 1982. The seventh and final book was finally published in 2004!  I waited years between books and honestly, when I read the last one, I felt worse because it ended!

Buy Double Star at Amazon

The first version of Double Star was almost 203,000 words. I attempted to go the traditional publishing route, sent out my queries and received many rejections. One agent was actually kind enough to write a personal note and explained that a 203,000 word novel was much too long for an unpublished author trying to break into the crowded YA genre. Maximum word count needed to be 85,000-90,000 words. I was devastated but went back to work cutting the original manuscript.  Granted, there was quite a bit that just needed to go. (I learned a lot during that process!) But I refused to sacrifice my character development and plot line to satisfy word count. I knew **spoiler alert** there was no way Ally was going to find her way home in Book I.  There was too much story to tell so I was faced with a really tough decision. Where to end the first book? I tried to resolve open issues as best I could without creating more questions ... in hindsight, maybe I should have ignored the word count entirely but I was trying to follow the rules. If you know me, it’s not something I normally do!  

What I’d like readers to know is that I didn’t create a cliffhanger solely for the purpose of enticing them to read the next book. It was done out of necessity.  If anyone feels cheated, I am truly sorry but I promise any questions will be answered in Book II. One website I found said, “The best science fiction and fantasy television hooks you with endless suspense... including hair-raising cliffhangers. But only the greatest cliffhangers can make you throw your remote at the screen, and keep you wondering for weeks.”  Although this refers to television, I’m hoping the same applies to books!


So what do you think?  What makes a great cliffhanger?  What is the best or worst cliffhanger you’ve ever read?

About the Author

Cindy Saunders was born in Lowell, MA. She moved to RI almost twenty-five years ago and now considers the Ocean State her home. She graduated from Bryant College with a Bachelor’s Degree in Finance. When she’s not reading, writing, spending time with her two teenage children (how did that happen?) or working, Cindy tracks down one of her favorite local bands and enjoys a glass of wine. She completed her first novel, Double Star, a YA fantasy, in October 2012 and is currently working on the second book in the series. Double Star is her first novel.
 website  *  Facebook  *  YouTube  *  Publisher


Girl Who Reads is an Amazon advertising affiliate;  a small fee is earned when purchases are made at Amazon through the above link. The views, opinions, and beliefs of contributing writers are their own and do not necessarily reflect those of Girl Who Reads.




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Giveaway: Pie and Other Brilliant Ideas by Karen Pokras Toz

The story will grab you from page one, and keep you mesmerized until the last page. ~ Kristy James

My nine year old daughter and I enjoyed it very much. ~ Gman Writes

Pie and Other Brilliant Ideas

From the Award Winning Author of Millicent Marie is Not My Name

Ballet and baking pies – these are two of twelve year old Georgie Harris’ favorite things. When her parents decide to move closer to her grandmother’s nursing home, Georgie quickly learns the bad news: dance lessons are too expensive in this new town. 

Georgie spends most of her time baking pies to bring to her grandmother at the Willow Lakes Nursing Home. There she meets Eve, who inspires Georgie with stories of having danced with a world famous Russian ballerina many years ago.

As Georgie and Eve’s friendship evolves, their tales intertwine in this feel good story showing dreams really can come true.

Buy at Amazon and B&N

Giveaway

a Rafflecopter giveaway

A GWR Publicity promotional event paid for by the author. Giveaway is sponsored by the author who is responsible for the delivery of prize. Girl Who Reads is an Amazon advertising affiliate; a small fee is earned when purchases are made at Amazon through the link above.
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September 24, 2013

Afternoon eBook Deal 9/24

The Boleyn King is a masterpiece. ~ Sue

There's murder, intrigue, romance, suspense, and most important of all the infamous Tudors... ~ Liza



The Boleyn King

The Boleyn King is the first novel in an enthralling new trilogy. Reimagining history in sumptuous detail, Laura Anderssen takes readers back to the deadly intrigue, turbulent affairs, and treacherous passions of Tudor England - and answers the compelling question What if Anne Boleyn had given Henry VIII the son he so desperately wanted?

Just seventeen years old, Henry IX, known as William, is a king bound by the restraints of the regency yet anxious to prove himself. With the French threatening battle and the Catholics sowing the seeds of rebellion at home, William trusts only three people: his older sister Elizabeth; his best friend and loyal counselor, Dominic; and Minuette, a young orphan raised as a royal ward by William's mother, Anne Boleyn.

Against a tide of secrets, betrayal, and murder, William finds himself fighting for the very soul of his kingdom. Then, when he and Dominic both fall in love with Minuette, romantic obsession looms over a new generation of Tudors. One among them will pay the price for a king's desire, as a shocking twist of fate changes England's fortunes forever.

$1.99 and Amazon and B&N


Girl Who Reads is an Amazon advertising affiliate; a small fee is earned when purchases are made at Amazon through the link above. Summary and cover are from Goodreas.com. Prices are subject to change without notice, please verify price before purchasing. Want to have your bargain, discounted, or free ebook featured? Fill out this form.






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Review: Spell/Sword by G. Derek Adams

A few months back I was getting my hair cut and I was chatting with hairdresser about my book blog and when I went to pay some how it was mentioned to the lady at the desk. She told me she had a friend that had recently published a book. I like to support local authors when I can so I gave her my card.

Derek contacted me shortly there after. He described his book as Swordpunk. I had never heard of Swordpunk, but I have been curious about the 'punk' genre. So I told him to send it my way.

From the cover, you might think it is a kids book. It is not. Though I think the main characters may be in their teens. But it is set during midevil-ish times, so teens were practically grown ups at that time.

Spell/Sword is a fantasy novel that features Rime, who is a a wild mage, and Jonas, who is a squire/soldier. The background of these two is a bit shady, but clues are dropped throughout the story. Rime is on a trek and is in need of a body guard. Jonas is a prisoner on a work detail when he is "recruited" for the job.

Sorry that the description is a little vague. I'm not exactly sure where the story was going. In a lot of ways Spell/Sword reminded me of Steven George and the Dragon (my review). It went from one adventure to another. I have really mixed feelings about the book.

One, it is definitely not a genre I would pick up for myself. I'm not big on fantasy. If it hadn't been a local author I probably wouldn't have picked up the book from the description. But in some odd way I liked the story. At times the fantasy was light and it was just your typical adventure story. Other times, it was full on fantasy. Totally lost me with the frogmen.

Two, the story meandered too much. Like I said it kind of went from one adventure to the next. I wasn't really sure what the story was about. Was it just a collection of adventures or is there really a plot? ran through my head more than once. And while the story mostly stayed with Rime and Jonas, it jumped to other characters - a devil-kin, a witch, and the white knight. It was just glimpses and felt kind of abrupt. I know he needed to introduce these characters who pursue Rime, but it interrupted the flow of the story. Yet, at the same time I liked the storytelling (this is probably how it is most like Steven George and the Dragon). It just left me feeling off kilter some how.

Three, there seemed to be some gratuitous gore. In college, I  dissected a cat and then went to eat lunch. I grew up on a farm and worked at a zoo scooping poop. I tell you this so you know I'm not overly squeamish. However, the descriptions were a bit over the top. It just didn't feel like so many adjectives needed to be used.

Given all that, I did like the character of Jonas. I wasn't really sure how to take him in the beginning because we have so little backstory of his. Yet, he grew on me. Rime grew on me as well. She seemed pretty self-centered in the beginning, but towards the end there were glimpses that she might not really be that way. Once the story became more streamlined, and had a more definite plot, I really got into it. And then it ended. While there is a conclusion, it is evident there will be a sequel. Yet, the ending wasn't really satisfying. I understand the need to stop and it felt natural for the story to end where it did (otherwise it would have been too long). However, I think the story could have been tightened up at the beginning to allow for the story to be furthered at the end.

I'm curious enough (and care enough about Jonas and Rime) to want to read the sequel. I wonder if I enjoyed fantasy novels more if I would have liked it more. I definitely think if you are into the punk genres and fantasy stories, then you should give Spell/Sword a try.


Buy Spell/Sword at Amazon and B&N


Book info:
ebook & paperback (242 pages)
Published April 2013 by Lodestar
ISBN13: 9780615782768
Source: Author
Read: Aug. - Sept. 2013

Girl Who Reads is an Amazon advertising affiliate;  a small fee is earned when purchases are made at Amazon through the link above. A free ebook was provided by the author.









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September 23, 2013

Afternoon eBook Deal 9/23

Cozy lovers, be sure to put this on your “TBR” list. ~ Nancy Narma 

Good story with several twists that kept you guessing ~ Debra Davis


Nashville Katz is about to be the main course of her own Early Bird Special! Has deli owner and former New Yorker Gwen "Nashville" Katz bitten off more than she can chew? The spunky owner of Murray's Pastrami Swami finds the McCoy's Bakery delivery guy dead right in front of her deli, and his employers want to settle someone's corned beef hash. With the pregnant wife of the expired driver due any minute and her policeman brother turning up the heat, Gwen's in quite a pickle--she's a prime suspect and is about to face a griddling hot enough to sizzle a Hebrew National Frankfurter.

Clearing her name and finding the killer won't be easy. Is it a newspaper editor with an off-the-record grudge? A dirty cop? Maybe a vegan with a serious beef? Between juggling two romances and making salami sandwiches, Gwen barely has time to dig for clues. But when she uncovers an un-kosher Katz family secret, she knows it's now. . .or never! Because the ties that bind. . .can also strangle!

A Deadly Deli Mystery

$1.99 at Amazon and B&N



Girl Who Reads is an Amazon advertising affiliate; a small fee is earned when purchases are made at Amazon through the link above. Prices are subject to change without notice, please verify price before purchasing. Want to have your bargain, discounted, or free ebook featured? Fill out this form.






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From the TBR Pile: Broken by Elizabeth Pulford


Zara has one immediate and urgent goal, and it is to find her brother, Jem. She faces a few complications, though, not the least of which is searching for him in her subconscious while she is in a coma.
Zara’s coma has pulled her into the world of Jem’s favorite comic-book hero. But no matter how quickly Zara literally draws her own escape, she is taunted deeper into the fantastical darkness by the comic’s villain, Morven. All the while she is caught between the present with visits from friends and family in the hospital and the past by flashbacks of a traumatic event long ago forgotten.
The search for her brother may help Zara see the light, but in order to find him, she must face her innermost secrets first. In a multi-layered tale that intertwines comic-book/graphic novel elements with first-person narration, Elizabeth Pulford explores the dimensions of hope, love, loyalty, denial, and truth.

Praise:

A clever book and quite a page turner. ~ Sbe

a fascinating story ~ Meg Laverick

a complex, multi-genre novel about a girl dealing with tragedy ~ Wendy

Book Info:

ebook & paperback (240 pages)
Published August 2013 by Running Press Kids
ISBN13: 9780762450046


About the Author:
Elizabeth Pulford was born in Hamilton, Canada, but was brought up in New Zealand from the age of two. She began writing in her early 40s. Since then her publications have included articles, poetry, short stories in newspapers, magazines and on the radio. Many of her adult short stories have won national competitions. Her children’s books range from early readers through to YA novels—two of which have been finalists for the New Zealand Post Book Awards for Children & Young Adults. Elizabeth has always loved books. In fact some of her best friends are books and she couldn’t imagine life without them. Her previous titles with Walker Books are Castlecliff & the Fossil Princess, Blackthorn, Blackthorn s Betrayal and Tussock, which was a finalist in the New Zealand Post Children s Book Awards, Junior Fiction category, 2011. From Goodreads.com

 Buy Broken at Amazon


Girl Who Reads is an Amazon advertising affiliate; a small fee is earned when purchases are made at Amazon through the link above. 




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September 22, 2013

Sunday Sale Page 9/22

The weather is cooling and it is the perfect time to curl up under the covers with a great book. Take a look at these deals to fill your ereader.


Paranormal Romance
FREE at Amazon, B&N, and Smashwords



Historical Romance
99 cents at Amazon, B&N, and Smashwords



Romantic Comedy
99 cents at Amazon and B&N



Family Life
FREE at Amazon and B&N



Mystery
99 cents at Amazon and B&N



Girl Who Reads is an Amazon and Smashwords advertising affiliate; a small fee is earned when purchases are made at Amazon and Smashwords through the link above. Prices are subject to change without notice, please verify price before purchasing. Want to have your bargain, discounted, or free ebook featured? Fill out this form.






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