Happy Thanksgiving!

Dear Friends,

As we cook, hang out with friends/family, watch television, work, remember those who've passed, or simply prepare for the most ridiculous sale day of the year; I challenge you to find something to be thankful for and let it fill your heart.
It's so easy for us to fall into the trap of despair, frustration and depression, especially around this time of year. Don't fall. Even if all you have to be thankful for is the fact that you woke up today, be thankful for that. Hold onto that and find joy.
Spread joy to others around you. Remember that each one of us is fighting a battle that you know nothing about. All some people really need in life is a kind word, a smile, a hug, or even a gentle nudge of encouragement and love.
Those that know me, know I'm not a big fan of the holidays. I write this more to remind myself to find joy, as much as to remind you. There are a few of my physical friends and family members who tease me for how much time I spend on facebook. I just recently understood why I do this, myself.
I've found a few people there that have lifted me up when I was down, who practically vomit positivity and happiness, and I find a strength and peace when talking with them that I treasure every day. I'm thankful for them. They have shown me that although they go through challenges, and life tries its best to beat them down, they can still find the rainbow through the clouds. They humble me and remind me to be grateful for the things I don't see. They help to remind me about the good that's in me.
I forget about that sometimes, and I'm grateful to all of my friends and family for understanding, listening, and helping me through these potholes.
I hope that you remember the good that's in you and in your life. Find that small spark of peace and joy and hold onto that. If you ever forget that it's there, and need a gentle reminder, stop back and remember:

You are loved, you are beautiful. <3

I wish you all a wonderful Thanksgiving.

~Jean

So Fell The Sparow

A skeptic, a ghost hunter, a tech genius, and a medium. Will the spirits win?

Today is release day for the highly anticipated haunted romance from bestselling author Katie Jennings, SO FELL THE SPARROW!

Available in both paperback and eBook on Amazon, HERE!

After the tragic death of her parents, Dr. Grace Sullivan inherits more than she bargained for. An empty house she’s never heard of, a nosy neighbor, and the restless spirits of a violent, century old murder. A hard-nosed skeptic, Grace refuses to believe in ghosts despite hearing sounds and seeing things that can’t be explained. When she unearths antique furniture from the basement, the spirits become agitated and dangerous. Ian Black and Alex Gallagher, a team of ghost hunters, come in to investigate. Still denying the paranormal events in her home, Grace can’t bring herself to take the ghost hunters or the psychic medium who teams up with them seriously. As Grace struggles with her grief and the feelings she’s developing for headstrong Ian, the disturbing mystery of the house deepens. Now she’ll have to face the unbelievable before the spirits claim her for their own.

Watch the teaser trailer:

Meet Katie Jennings…

International bestselling Author Katie Jennings is the author of seven full length novels, including the popular fantasy series The Dryad Quartet as well as the bestselling family drama series The Vasser Legacy. She lives in sunny Southern California with her husband and cat, who both think she’s the biggest nerd ever. She’s a firm believer in happy endings and loves nothing more than a great romance novel. You can find out more about Katie on her official website, www.katieajennings.com.

Envisioned Release Update

Hi! So sorry I wasn't able to get Envisioned out on the 15th like I planned. :'( Life got in the way, and my new editor had a family emergency. I wanted you to know that I just received the major edits for Envisioned and I'm hoping to have it available to you at the end of next week. (I'm praying all goes well!)
NaNo has been kicking my butt, along with all of life's fun little kicks in the shins, but Origins #5 is in progress. I'm hoping to have it available in the beginning of 2014, and will post a release date closer to reality. Thanks for being patient with me, there's so much going on with all your favorite characters, I don't want to leave anything out!
Stay tuned to the page for the cover reveal/title reveal for Origins #5 on December 1. I'm SO excited for this! (It's been killing me to keep this secret!)
Love you all and thanks so much for your love and support!
~Jean

Veterans Day

Today is a day that American's celebrate and thank our veterans. I personally don't think one day is enough.
To those of you who don't know, I have family who've served, and are still serving to protect the rights of others. I for one, am grateful to them. I try to show my appreciation to the military and be respectful, and it breaks my heart to hear stories where they're disrespected.
Please, if you cherish the right to complain, to carry a weapon, to practice whatever religion you deem worthy, to gather in protest or celebration, or simply enjoy your freedom that we take for granted each and every day, thank a veteran, active, retired or deceased. They pay the price with their time, well-being, and sometimes even their lives.
To all the veterans who pop by this page, thank-you is never enough. You are loved. You are appreciated.

Coffin Hop 2013 - Winner!!

Congratulations Jeannette Jackson!!!

You are the proud winner of the SIGNED Zombie War trilogy and the eBook Coffin Hop: Death by Drive-in!!

It's time to celebrate and do your happy dance!!

Thanks to everyone who participated and joined the Coffin Hop for 2013. I had a blast checking out the other authors involved in this and can't wait to start reading my copy of Coffin Hop: Death by Drive -in as well!

Now I'm off to start working on NaNo. Whew!

Coffin Hop 2013

What is a Coffin Hop, you may well ask? 

Coffin Hop is an annual Halloween-centered blog hop where indie horror writers showcase their talents, their love for the holiday, and their desire to give you prizes in their sundry contests. Bringing readers, writers, and artists together, the Coffin Hop is one big Halloween love-fest that’s quickly becoming THE online Halloween event you won’t want to miss!

The participating blogs will be posting articles, interviews, contests, creative writing, art, and more every day of the hop. To get started, click your way through the linky list to check out what everyone is offering up this year.

What am I doing for this crazy party? Sharing Zombie War with you! 

I'll be doing a monstrous giveaway on Halloween - 

A FREE SIGNED copy of Zombie War: The Trilogy!!!!

Aaaannnd....... a FREE eBook of Coffin Hop: Death by Drive-In!!!! 

How do I enter, you ask?

Well, October 24-31 you can receive an entry into the drawing by

Liking the facebook page.

Liking the Twitter page.

And... Sharing this page on Facebook or Twitter, leaving a comment here so I can find you. ;) 

Also, make sure you check out Coffin Hop 2013 for more horror authors you're sure to love!

A Killer Christmas

Genre    Noel Nightmares     Author/Pen Name   Jean Booth  eBook Yes

A Killer Christmas

My dearest friend,

Today was a day I've never been fond of. Christmas Morning. However, with the memories J helped me make, all that my have changed.

You know that he's been killing, and that recently, I've joined in on a clinical level (he was getting sloppy, they'd almost caught up to him!), to help him continue his work and to try to understand why he does what it is he does.

This loathed morning; he had a present for me. It was zip-tied to the ceiling, unconscious and naked, except for a bright red bow tied around the belly and a photo of the person I abhorred most taped to the face, hiding the captive's true identity. I looked at J with disbelief.

"Happy Christmas darling," he said, grinning, as he held out a brand-new silver handled kitchen knife.

I didn't think this could be happening. I was still dreaming.

Numbly, I took the knife from his hands.

"Darling, what do you think of my gift?" he asked, hugging me from behind and deftly removing all my clothes.

We couldn't have any of the fibers to be used for identification.

"I'm not sure," I replied with a voice that quivered.

I'm still unsure as I write this, if I was excited or afraid. I think it was a bit of both. I knew then, as I still do, that there was no coming back, if I made that first cut. This was the point of no return.

"Well, don't look at the body, look at the picture. Remember what that person did to you, what they're still trying to do to you. Think of all the times you felt helpless as they cut you. They didn't even bother with the physical cuts. No. That vile being cut your emotional and mental ties with reality and society. That bastard slaughtered you from the inside out, not caring about what they were doing to you, or the repercussions of their actions. They just wanted you to hurt, to suffer."

J's voice purred in my ear, bringing me back to the memories hidden just under the surface.

"Do you remember?"

"Yes," I replied. The venom in my voice no longer surprised me.

"Then do what you could never do before. Defend yourself," he left me there, standing in my fury, the knife clutched firmly in my palm as tears of impotent rage streamed down my face.

I knew I was in a place where my anger would not be judged, where I could react and release my wrath in a way that wouldn't be looked down upon; rather, I'd be embraced with companionship and joy. But could I do it? Could I cross that line?

I don't remember the first slice. It wasn't until the intestines were oozing onto the ground and I was slipping in the blood, did I realize what I'd done. By then, I was lost in the blood lust and the power of destroying another's life. There wasn't an inch of skin on my captive that I hadn't cut open. The only thing left untouched was the photo covering the face.

Holding the hair in one hand, I sawed off the head with the knife that was slippery in my grasp. By the time it came off, I was soaked in the captive's blood and my sweat. I walked over toward the fireplace, knowing I'd have to clean up the bloody footprints and drips I was leaving in my wake. With a satisfied, almost wicked smirk, I tossed the head in. A weight I never knew I carried was released as the picture burned away, revealing the burning, blistered remains of my enemy.

It was the best Christmas I'd ever had.

The Long Night Moon

Genre    Family Friendly     Author/Pen Name   Jean Booth  eBook Yes

The Long Night Moon

"Grandmother, will you tell us a story?"

"Oh Child! I am old and don't remember many stories," the old woman replied with a glint in her eyes.  "What would you like to hear?"

"Tell of how the sun loved the moon so much that he died every day so she could live," the child said eagerly.

"Ah, that one," she sighed.

Carefully she settled herself deeper into the pillows, her grandchildren crowding around to hear her speak.

"Long ago, before the land grew life, there was the sun.

He was called Arona.

Arona was strong, powerful, full of life and energy. He proudly lit the skies, illuminating the darkest corners, keeping the night at bay.

The people of the land loved Arona, and he loved them. They smiled and thanked him as they went about their lives.

Arona watched as they fell in love.

Soon the people who so loved Arona were too distracted to talk with him or even grant him a small smile. And Arona found himself growing lonely.

It was midsummer's eve when she appeared, a small, silver orb in the sky.

Arona was intrigued by her appearance.

He inched his way closer to her until the day they finally met.

'What a lovely silver color you possess,' he said to her in greeting, shining as brightly as he could.

'I came from night to see your bright light,' she replied. 'You shine so brightly all the time, certainly you need to rest?'

Arona was taken aback at her request. A sun as strong as he had no need for sleep!

'You are mistaken,' he explained, shining brighter still. 'I will shine and protect the land until I can no longer burn.'

He thought he saw her shrug.

'Then I will stay and keep you company. I am Luna.'

With nothing to do to occupy her time, Luna danced across the sky.  She would twirl around and disappear into the night, where Arona couldn't follow. It was a forbidden place and he would die if he went.

Many months went by in this manner. They would pass each other, say hello.

Arona grew curious of Luna's trips in the dark.

'What do you do when you leave?' he asked one day.

'I smile down on those below and shine for them,' was her reply.

'How is it that you shine?' he demanded.

'I reflect the love I have for you and remind the night of your majestic glow.'

He dimmed with speechlessness.

They hung together in the sky, one bright, one light and danced until he realized that he too, loved Luna.

'I must go, I've been gone too long.' she whispered with regret.

Leaving Arona, she went into the night.

He followed, risking death to glimpse her light.

What he saw caused a tear to fall.

She shone with a beautiful silver glow, one that was too light to shine with his bright aura.

When she returned, they danced together until they reached the expanse of night.

'I grow weary and must leave to shine my light,' she admitted softly with regret.

'You love this land, as I. I have seen you shine and know that you must glow to have life. Let me show you how I love you.' Arona said, kissing her softly before entering the night to die.

Luna's light grew bright and brighter still, until she glowed with her soft, silvery light. She wept for Arona, her tears opening holes in the night sky, reflecting their love with soft light. She could not hear the soft hush of joy that passed through the land, she just wished for her friend.

Hours went by, too long to count, and Luna met the other side of the land. Out of the darkness that hid the night, pale fingers reached. They stretched across the sky until at last; Arona pulled himself free from his deathly trip into the dark.

And from that first Winter Solstice, Arona and Luna shared the sky. Arona dies to give Luna life and she shines bright with her love for him. You can still see them dance, embracing one another as they cross paths in the sky if you so chose." Grandmother finished the story as the children slept around her.

She looked up into the night sky, toward the brilliant silver light of Luna's Full Long Night Moon and smiled. 

The Guardian

Genre  Noel Nightmares       Author/Pen Name  Jean Booth   eBook Yes

The Guardian

Charity fell to her knees; tears’ streaming down her cheeks with the injustice her human was born into. Children were to be blessings, treasures from God that needed to be loved, protected, and cherished. The abuse her human dealt with from those charged to protect and love her was heartbreaking to the young Angel.

Year after year, Charity held the young girls' hand, guiding, encouraging, and gifting her with hope of a better life. Year after year, Charity was forced to watch, protecting the child in the small ways a Guardian Angel could. Charity held her tightly as she cried, pushed her out of mortal danger, and bore the scars of the child's abuse. Every time Charity couldn't protect the child, her pristine wings blackened, until all that was left were the shiny, ebony wings of a fallen angel.

She only hoped her sacrifice for the girl was enough.

The young girl's ninth Christmas was around the corner and while every other child was giddy and bursting with excitement. Charity's child simply sat quietly, the pain of the continued emotional abuse weighing on her small shoulders. Helpless tears trailed down her cheeks as she watched the other children laugh and play with their families, celebrating the holiday, as she knew it should be celebrated.

Songs of worship and thanksgiving echoed through the wind and the child didn't know Charity's arms wrapped around her. Charity's arms were strong with how tightly she held her human, although the girl would never know. All she did know was that when her family was gone, she felt a sense of peace she could never understand or explain. Like now, with Charity's arms embracing her, the child felt a surge of hope, sent from Charity's heart to hers.

"When I have a family, my child will only know love. We'll sing and decorate and celebrate like those families and my child will be happy." The young girl whispered to herself, her words a soft and determined vow that Charity knew would define her character as she grew.

The angel hugged her tightly, helping to solidify her convictions.

For the next few years Charity watched as the girl grew. The child abandoned God, finding solace in cutting. Charity wept, as she couldn't protect the girl from herself. The cuts would forever remind her of her failure as a Guardian Angel.

The abuse lessened as the girl grew into her teens, but was always brewing, just beneath the surface.

Charity watched from the sidelines. When the girl abandoned God, her faith broken and pushed aside, Charity was supposed to leave her human and find a new one to protect. Without faith, a Guardian Angel was simply an observer. With so many new humans entering the world, the angels weren't allowed to just observe. They had to guide and protect. It was what they were called to do.  

When a human abandoned their faith, their belief in angels, the Guardians had no other choice but to move on. Charity couldn't simply leave her girl though. She remembered the young girl's vow and knew in her heart that the girl would need her again someday.

Charity refused to fail her.

The girl grew from surly teen to drug addicted adult. Charity wept for the girl-turned-woman as she continued to follow a path angels couldn't follow. Charity faded, other children calling out with their first cries of life, needing a Guardian to claim them. Charity stubbornly refused to abandon the woman she held so often as a child.

It was Christmas of the woman's twenty-second year of life when she discovered she was pregnant. After taking the test, she ran to the nearest church, tears streaming down her sunken cheeks. Her hands shook with the start of withdrawals.

"Oh God! What am I going to do?" she whispered, letting her barriers drop as she embraced her faith once more.

Her shaking hands rubbed her slightly protruding belly, the only mass on an otherwise skeletal frame. Tears streamed from her eyes, falling faster and faster as a peace she hadn't known since childhood enveloped her.

Charity wept with joy and renewed strength, her arms wrapping protectively around the woman she loved. She wished she could tell her that she wasn't alone, that she never was, but the rules of a Guardian were strict.

With a newfound hope and encouraging nudges she learned to feel from the angel she couldn't see or name, the woman cleaned herself up and found a way to ask for help. Eventually, she gave birth to a daughter.

That first Christmas was meager in the eyes of society. However, if anyone truly took the time to look, they'd see just how richly blessed they truly were. The woman held her tiny daughter in her arms as she sang songs of blessing and thanksgiving next to a miniature tree. The baby cooed and laughed as her mother sang.

And while they didn't need her protection, Charity held them close, her blackened wings glowing in the soft light of the room as tears of joy streamed down her face. Her human had finally found love. 

Coffin Hop 2013

What is a Coffin Hop, you may well ask? 

Coffin Hop is an annual Halloween-centered blog hop where indie horror writers showcase their talents, their love for the holiday, and their desire to give you prizes in their sundry contests. Bringing readers, writers, and artists together, the Coffin Hop is one big Halloween love-fest that’s quickly becoming THE online Halloween event you won’t want to miss!

The participating blogs will be posting articles, interviews, contests, creative writing, art, and more every day of the hop. To get started, click your way through the linky list to check out what everyone is offering up this year.

What am I doing for this crazy party? Sharing Zombie War with you! 

I'll be doing a monstrous giveaway on Halloween - 

A FREE SIGNED copy of Zombie War: The Trilogy!!!!

Aaaannnd....... a FREE eBook of Coffin Hop: Death by Drive-In!!!! 

How do I enter, you ask?

Well, October 24-31 you can receive an entry into the drawing by

Liking the facebook page.

Liking the Twitter page.

And... Sharing this page on Facebook or Twitter, leaving a comment here so I can find you. ;) 

Also, make sure you check out Coffin Hop 2013 for more horror authors you're sure to love!

Gypsy of Spirits - FREE!

Halloween is almost upon us! Get in the ghostly spirit by downloading Gypsy of Spirits: Prequel to So Fell the Sparrow by bestselling author Katie Jennings for FREE on Amazon from October 21-25.

Gypsy of Spirits is the prequel short story to So Fell the Sparrow, a haunted romance coming November 21st, 2013. This short story includes an extended preview of So Fell the Sparrow. While traveling down a lonely highway in the Ozark hills, Jackie Hart stumbles upon the lost spirit of a young woman. A gifted medium, Jackie comforts the spirit while telling the extraordinary tale of her own life. Click HERE to download for FREE! Learn more at www.katieajennings.com  

Stay tuned for November 21st, 2013 for the highly anticipated release of So Fell the Sparrow! Watch the trailer below for a teaser!

Meet Katie Jennings…

International bestselling Author Katie Jennings is the author of seven full length novels, including the popular fantasy series The Dryad Quartet as well as the bestselling family drama series The Vasser Legacy. She lives in sunny Southern California with her husband and cat, who both think she’s the biggest nerd ever. She’s a firm believer in happy endings and loves nothing more than a great romance novel. You can find out more about Katie on her official website, www.katieajennings.com.

Shades of Pink Romance Anthology

As you may know, October is Breast Cancer Awareness Month. For this occasion, 33 authors have allied for 1 cause: fundraising for research. Their gift to everyone who makes a donation? A romance anthology (ebook) titled Shades of Pink, totaling over 200.000 words / about 500 pages as a PDF.

The suggested donation is $5. Funds are raised via Stayclassy.org and all proceeds go directly to the National Breast Cancer Foundation. Readers can also donate to the charity organization of their choice (with a focus on breast cancer) and email their receipt to receive their copy of the anthology in either PDF, ePub or mobi (kindle).

Shades of Pink

Who: Kate Baum, Brei Betzold, Jean Booth, Catherine Bowman, Perci T. Brooks, Rose Caraway, Bethan Cooper, Sarah Daltry, Vivien Dean, JJ Ellis, Rachel Firasek, Sabrina Garie, Amber Green, T. Hammond, Lisa M. Harley, Susan Harris, K. R. Haynes, Ellie Heller, Laura Hunsaker, Jennifer James, Torie James, Kallysten, K.A. Linde, C. Deanne Rowe, DJ Shaw, Madeline Sheehan, Eden Summers, Gill Taber, J Annas Walker, Matthew Welch, Kristin L. Wilson, Zoe York, Angela Yseult

When: October 1 through November 15th.

What: 33 short stories, including…

·    30 M/F, 1.5 M/M, 1.5 M/F/M

·    4 paranormal, 2 sci-fi, 19 contemporary, 3 historical, 1 BDSM, 9 fantasy, 3 YA (some stories have more than one genre)

·    4 spicy (ménage or kink), 15 sexy (explicit sex scenes), 14 sweet (no sex)

·    A handful of vampires, about four dozen humans including fighters, cursed humans, reincarnated souls, footballers, time travelers, bosses, secretaries, writers, rock stars, teens, witches, soldiers, wives, husbands and fiancés, 1 succubus, 1 genie, 1 extra-terrestrial princess, a few gods and goddesses, a pack of werewolves.

·    Pink, pink and more pink, including cherry blossoms, jewelry,  flamingoes, silk, a leather collar, assorted flowers, hair, a car, lip gloss, champagne, a hair ribbon, a hippo, various clothing items, lemonade and a toy.

Where: Kallysten’s blog

Here you’ll find teasers for all the stories, interviews of the authors posted during all of October, and of course the link where you can donate and help this worthy cause.