Summer of Read Indies 3

Summer of Read Indies is an event to celebrate independent authors, books and booksellers. The event is hosted by the creator of this blog, author Robert Stanek. Summer of Read Indies 3 kicked off in the spring with a party and a blog tour.

 Past Go Indie events have been positive and successful, and this year's Summer of Read Indies was no exception. About 110 indie authors attended the kick off event during the first two weeks of March and the Summer of Read Indies Spring Blog tour began officially on March 22 and continued until June 20.

The Spring Blog tour was followed by the main event, Summer of Read Indies III. 

*** Robert Stanek founded Go Indie in 2007 and has been a strong supporter of his fellow authors ever since his first book was published in 1995. Summer of Read Indies and related activities and events are a labor of love. Each year, Robert Stanek donates a tremendous amount of time to support and sponsor this and other events, including Big Read for the Holidays. If you'd like to see these events continue, support Go Indie and this blog, Read Indies. Find Robert Stanek's works at Barnes & Noble.




Some of the themes of this year's spring blog tour were community and fellowship. Indie authors have much to offer and the participants helped inspire enthusiasm for authors, books and reading. Although there were many participants, some few truly showed the espirit de corps that embodied the goals and themes of the blog tour.

Connie Johnson Jasperson was one of the strongest supporters of the blog tour and she truly embodied the spirit of the event. Connie has written a number of novels, including several fantasy novels which are being re-released this year. You can learn more about Connie and her many works on her blog and you can find her works at Barnes & Noble.

While you also can learn more about Connie's many works at Amazon, Connie's strongest works are her fantasy novels. I added several of her works to my spring and summer reading list and truly enjoyed Huw the Bard, a fun adventure fantasy with a strong medieval feel.

 Weighing in at 20 chapters and about 240 pages, Huw the Bard is a book you can easily read in a weekend. The book is nicely formatted and includes several illustrated maps to help you follow Huw's adventures. Not a book I'd recommend to young readers, but a solid read for mature readers.

 Using Amazon's Look Inside feature, you can read the first two chapters right now.



I have also been waiting for the re-release of Connie's Tower of Bones series and had hoped the books would have been re-released in time for a summer read. Still, what I've read about Tower of Bones and its sequel, Forbidden Road, puts them on my to-be-read list and makes me hope they'll be available soon.




Summer of Read Indies officially started on June 21 and ends September 23. About 165 authors joined in related activities on Facebook, Twitter, Google+ and beyond where participants celebrated books and reading.

What follows is a recap of some of the fun and of course some treats since it wouldn't be a party without eats and sweets. Some of the authors who attended include

 Joseph Cautilli
P T Macias
Malika Gandhi
LJ Jamela Thomas
Izzibella Beau
Stephanie Crosby
Tima Maria Lacoba
Quira Quin
Cynthia James
Chicki Brown
Elise VanCise
Dominique Vandorien
Ruth Watson-Morris
Franklyn Thomas
Candy Ann Little
Danyelle Bauman Ferguson
Ruth Martin
Dianna Bellerose
Michelle Hughes
Ralph L Angelo Jr
Wendy Jones
Pamela Michele Funke
Violet Patterson
Kathy Skinner
Connie Johnson-Jasperson
Lorraine Carey
Eva J Brock
Lori Foroozandeh
Ruth Doner O'Neil
Doreen Mcgettigan

This year, Facebook was where most of the fun took place. With many authors participating through the Go Indie group and the related event pages.

 During the event, I asked authors to share about themselves and their works. Here's what authors shared...

Ralph L Angelo Jr Hello, my name is Ralph L. Angelo Jr, and I write Sci-fi, epic fantasy and New pulp. I recently won the New Pulp Award for Best New Writer for 2014 http://dominatr37.blogspot.com/.../your-daily-ralph-32314...
Ralph's Rants: Your Daily Ralph 3/23/14 A list of my books

 Here on 'Ralph's Rant's' you'll find information about my Sci-Fi (#SciFi), Epic Fantasy (#EpicFantasy), or Sword and Sorcery (#SwordandSorcery) Novels as well as reviews of other authors books. You'll also find interviews with New Pulp Authors and artists displayed here.

  Stephanie Crosby Hi I'm Stephanie and I'm a cross-genre writer. I write Romantic Suspense so I cross 3 genres, Romance,Thriller, Young/New adult. 

 My first book is on Amazon http://www.amazon.com/Last-Virgin-Alive.../dp/B00IFHTEX4
  • The Last Virgin Alive is a new adult romantic suspense novel about a girl's first year of college. Far from home at an out of state college, the family drama she tried to get away from still exists. While struggling with college life and her family's issues, she is also feeling rejected and out of place because she is still a virgin. Will she find her way or will her struggles catch up with her?
 Pamela Michele Funke Hello everyone, my name is Pam and I write Christian fiction. I have written thrillers, inspirational books and children's books. I do have a few young adult books in the making. I'm sorry but I do not post Paranormal, Horror, Romance, Erotica or anything that has a lot of profanity in them. Feel free to check out my blog to see if your book would be a good fit. http://4horsemenseriesbr.blogspot.com/
Pam Funke's Book Reviews
4horsemenseriesbr.blogspot.com
As an author, I not only love to write but I love to read. Therefore, I am dedicating this blog to book reviews, book spotlights and author interviews that I am doing.
 Connie Johnson-Jasperson Hello--I write as Connie J. Jasperson, I support Sci-fi and Fantasy authors on my writing blog, Life in the Realm of Fantasy.
http://conniejjasperson.wordpress.com

Life In The Realm of Fantasy
conniejjasperson.wordpress.com
My husband and I share five children, eleven grandchildren and a love of good food and great music. I am active in local writing groups, including NaNoWriMo. When not writing or blogging I can be found with my Kindle, reading avidly.

My body of work includes:

Huw, the Bard, a novel that takes you to the world of Waldeyn, and a medieval alternate reality. Fleeing a burning city with everything he ever loved in ashes behind him, penniless and hunted, Huw the Bard must somehow survive. Available as an ebook and in paper at http://bit.ly/HuwTheBard_US

Tales From the Dreamtime – a novella consisting of three modern fairy tales told in a traditional style. Available as an ebook, in paper, and as an Audiobook, narrated by the wonderful voice actor, Craig Allen. http://bit.ly/DreamtimeAudioBook

Tower Of Bones Series: 
Book 1, Tower of Bones, takes the reader to Neveyah, a world where the gods are at war, and one family holds the key to the salvation of the worlds. http://bit.ly/TowerBones_US

Book 2, Forbidden Road, Picks up six years after the end of Tower of Bones. Sometimes, the darkness prevails. Who will survive when destiny and ruin collide in the Valley of Mal Evol? http://bit.ly/ForbiddenRd_US
 Izzibella Beau

I'm Izzibella Beau author of the Assumption Series currently available on Amazon. If you like high drama, love, romance, and a little bit of spice, you definitely need to check out Broken and Barely Breathing. A couple noted facts about myself are I live in South Carolina (USA), I have 31 children (3 biological and 28 canine).

 I have a master degree in criminal justice with multitude of graduate hours in the disciplines of education and social service. I am an avid supporter of animal shelters and rescues and a portion of my royalties from the Assumption Series (which will be 4 books total) will go towards animal care and rescue nationwide. I can be reached at

 https://www.facebook.com/izzibella.beau?ref=hl

 https://twitter.com/IzzibellaB

 http://izzibellabeau.beaucoupllc.com/index.html

http://www.amazon.com/Broken.../dp/B00K5CKZKS/ref=sr_1_1...

Broken (Assumption Book 1)
www.amazon.com
Start the Assumption Series with book 1 – Broken A girl’s senior year in high school should be a special time. Ayma’s expectations are not very high. She is the daughter of a control-freak mother and a father who has been absent for the past three years.

Then along comes Colton. Ayma and Colton seem to balance each other out, they aren’t supposed to be together, they are complete opposites, yet the attraction is one they can’t fight for long Will his past catch up and tear them apart or will they be able to pull through all the obstacles created to break them apart?

Broken is how both of them feel. Can they help each other fix the damaged pieces of their lives or will unforeseen circumstances keep their lives forever shattered?


  P T Macias Author 

 Hi everyone, I'm P T Macias. Here's some background on my books. 

 The hot-blooded De La Cruz Saga familia battles the deadly Mexican cartel to protect their fortune, amor (love) and familia (family). They encounter romance, tantalizing ecstasy, and danger. Dare to read the awesome De La Cruz Saga that’s full of passion and suspense. 

 Razer 8 takes you into the world of organized crime, kidnapping, politics, military romance and suspense thriller. Razer 8 Delta Force operatives are full of passion. Enjoy these amazing passionate men, a thrilling ride of suspense, and a dash of love.

 Tequila 10 is a new series that’s full of paranormal entities. Werewolves, vhampiers, dragons, and a sorcerer are the supernatural realm enforcers. The special operatives work with the government, using their special abilities but also have their own agenda. Special operative monitor the supernatural community, even as they are swept into a whirlwind of love, truths, and untold passions. The supernatural realms are threatened and endangered. Time is running out! The enforcers are desperate to stop the menace.

 US - http://www.amazon.com/-/e/B008B0EYWQ
UK- http://www.amazon.co.uk/.../ref=nb.../275-0330806-1481451...
http://www.barnesandnoble.com/c/p.-t.-macias
https://www.smashwords.com/profile/view/ptmacias
https://itunes.apple.com/.../p.t.-macias/id679458528...
 Lorraine Carey

Hello, I am a YA Author, Teacher and Children’s Reading Specialist. I am an avid reader and book reviewer. My passion is Folklore, Paranormal, Fantasy and Myths.

Please visit my website at www.lorrainecarey.com.


 Eva J. Brock

I'm EJ Brock. I write adult Paranormal Romance and spiritual warfare.

BROCK'S REDEMPTION (A "SPIRIT" MATE SERIES)
BROCK is by far the most powerful “Ultimate” Watcher to roam the earth. Bound by duty and love, he has spent centuries living in the shadows, protecting God’s so loved humanity from his evil demon brethren. 

 Ruth Doner O'Neil

I am interested in doing this. I will host any Christian author - fiction, non-fiction, children's, YA, adult. A return post on my own books would be nice. Here is a link to my blog in case you need more info about me. If I've forgotten something or if you have questions, please let me know. http://ruths-real-life.blogspot.com/
 Joseph Cautilli

Hello Indie Summer. I am an Indie Author. The book I wrote with my daughter is Zombies vs Robots. It is a fast paced, high action zombie novel that will keep you turning the pages from beginning to end. Zombies vs Robots is the first of three books. Please take a look and recommend to your friends.
http://www.smashwords.com/books/view/332701
and paperback:

http://www.amazon.com/Zombies-Robots.../dp/1492187364/

Zombies vs Robots, an Ebook by Joseph Cautilli
A desperate tale of survival. A family and their friends frantically battle legions of zombies in a major American east coast city. This family has one advantage, and that is its ability to innovate.
smashwords.com


Pizza and ice cream aside, there was much more fun and camaraderie. Much more sharing too. Here's more of what authors shared about themselves and their works.

  Chicki Brown Till You Come Back To Me, Book Two in my Stafford Bros. series is here!

Atlanta plastic surgeon Charles Stafford is giving up his successful practice to volunteer his services in Nigeria with a medical organization. Even though he’s excited about this major career move, he has no idea how much his life is about to change.

Nurse Adanna Okoro is one of the six medical professionals working at a small village hospital thirty minutes outside of Lagos, Nigeria. She loves her job and is devoted to the people she serves. When the hospital is notified that it has been chosen to host a team of foreign doctors, Adanna meets the man she has always dreamed of.

http://amzn.to/Snj9wb UK- http://amzn.to/1hpA4dj #romance


 Tima Maria Lacoba Book 2—BLOODPLEDGE—A gothic romance thriller from The Dantonville Legacy series, is out now. http://amzn.to/1nQRD5X




Abigale Martin, Abi, has grown up in an abusive household. When Lucas saved her from her brothers abuse at school when they were both younger, then for years ignored her, she never thought anyone would try to save the stuttering geek from her own living nightmare.


 Authoress Cynthia James https://www.facebook.com/groups/AUTHORSAGAINSTAIDS/permalink/560321120752203/

WHO'S WHO IN AFRICAN AMERICAN LIT
[WARNING] Don't Go There... This Is Her Story" By Authoress Cynthia James *It’s a love story that began in Prison. Engage in the compelling, honest, and insightful story of a woman who suddenly finds herself immersed in prison culture.
 Elise VanCise Don't Touch: Dr Ryan Reign has unlocked a gift she calls a curse. Detective Jackson Prince and his partner need her help to stop a serial killer before he murders again.

One problem Dr. Reign can't touch or be touched. She's become a recluse, never leaving her home for fear of what she might see'. Jackson knows he has to help her accept her gift or there will be more deaths.

It takes a woman's touch to catch a killer. http://amzn.to/UEwSQQ

Don't Touch
www.amazon.com
Dr Ryan Reign has unlocked a gift she calls a curse. Detective Jackson Prince and his partner need her help to stop a serial killer before he murders again.One problem Dr. Reign can't touch or be touched. She's become a recluse never leaving her home for fear of what she might'see'. 

 Author Dominique Vandorien The Immortalis Amor Series ~ Erotic Romance, Paranormal Romance, True Life Memoirs 18+

Immortalis Amor, Darkest Secrets http://www.amazon.com/Imm.../dp/1495380548/ref=la_B00E96PG8W

Immortalis Amor, Wicked Desires {Book Two} http://www.amazon.com/Immortalis-Wicked.../dp/B00I0BJZW0

Immortalis Amor, Darkest Secrets (Volume 1)
www.amazon.com
A powerful Erotic Paranormal Romance that will seduce and possess you "Darkest Secrets" is the first book and introduction to the Immortalis Amor series. Uncensored, these are the memoirs of author Dominique (Nikki) Vandorien: a true disclosure about her life and loves inside a vampire coven.

 Malika Gandhi Witch Crystal, a YA fantasy novel. 

http://www.amazon.co.uk/gp/product/B00GX49RPQ?ie=UTF8...
#yafantasy #magical creatures #castle
Witch Crystal (Witches of Zrotaz Book 1)
www.amazon.co.uk
The Witch Crystal was silent, hidden from the clutches of the High Witch, somewhere, where she couldn’t find him. The time has now arrived to show what it can do. Witch Crystal, a fantasy story of a young girl, Book 1 of The Witches of Zrotaz trilogy, follows Larissa.

 Ruth Watson-Morris Author I'm the author of the Voxian Series. Best selling dark fantasy series.
Love superheroes? Voxians are Alien, vampire warriors with superpowers and they are on Earths line of defence against evil!

Fantacia: http://www.amazon.com/Fantaci.../dp/B00BC5FQYC/ref=sr_1_1...
Orion: http://www.amazon.com/Orion.../dp/B00BFAJX0C/ref=sr_1_2...
Sky: http://www.amazon.com/Sky-The.../dp/B00DGVG77A/ref=sr_1_5...
Reading for Young adults & Adults who love Dark Fantasy!



 Franklyn Thomas Hi, I'm Franlyn Thomas. If you're looking for a great summer read, The Favorite has been called "Fun and Entertaining," "Inspiring" and "a knockout!" 

http://www.amazon.com/.../149171.../ref=la_B00HG2516S_1_1....


Veteran prizefighter Michael Dane believes he's on top of the world. He's had a star-crossed career and life, with plenty of wins in the ring and an eighteen-month stint in prison. As the number-one contender for the IBF Light-Heavyweight Championship, he's training to go up against the champ in the fight of his life.


 Candy Ann Little Murder of an Oil Heiress, buff.ly/1aU3VHk Start the summer off with bang!! And a murder!! Join Candy Ann Little as she ventures from Christian roamnce into general mysteries. This is her first full length mystery novel, published by Inknbeans Press.

Danyelle Bauman Ferguson Looking for a fun, flirty contemporary romance? You'll love Sweet Confections! Read the first five chapters for free. Enjoy! http://www.danyelleferguson.com/indulgence-row-series/

According to Rachel Marconi chocolate heals all wounds. That and throwing darts at pictures of her ex-boyfriend. Burned by yet another bad relationship, Rachel decides to reprioritize her life, putting her dream to compete on a Food Network Challenge on the top of her list and dating at the bottom crossed out in red sharpie. But what’s a girl to do when a certain sexy guy keeps asking her out?

Cue in Graydon Green, a former pro hockey player turned restaurant owner. After a lot of persistent and humorous teasing, he finally convinces Rachel to commit to a date. Just when things begin to warm up, threatening notes directed at Rachel arrive. When her bakery is vandalized, Graydon’s protective streak goes on red alert. Is it her obsessive ex-boyfriend stalking her? Or maybe a challenger trying to sabotage the competition?

Either way, Rachel is definitely going to need more chocolate – perhaps drizzled over ice cream and devil’s food cake.

Indulgence Row Series |
www.danyelleferguson.com
Follow the Crystal Creek Women in Business group as they renovate a run-down neighborhood into a quaint shopping district.


 Author LJ Jamela Thomas Looking for a great collection of short but sweet tales? Check out AMB Shorts. There is action, deception, conspiracy and love in this collection of stories. These characters are everyday people who do what they feel is best.

AMB Shorts
www.amazon.com
This is a collection of flash fiction and short stories that will keep you on the edge of your seat and then some. Get ready for your action fix to be satisfied. Conspiracy, lies, crime and more are all present.

 Ruth Martin Can God truly - and only - be good? https://www.smashwords.com/books/view/366620


The Other Side (Literary Fiction), an Ebook by R V Martin
www.smashwords.com
28 year old Lily Hicks' faith had seemed unshakable until a traumatic loss in her teens. The day that she hears a street evangelist preaching, she faces the question that haunts her past: can God truly - and only - be good? Her partner is an Atheist and her best friend a Wiccan. Both will fight Lily...


So what are you waiting for? Grab a cold one. Grab a few books. Read. Enjoy. And be sure to let others know about Summer of Read Indies.


Thanks for reading,

 Robert Stanek


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