What is Squeaky Doo up to?

Adventures of Squeaky Doo : A Teddy Bear's Adventures is the Travel Memoirs of Squeaky Doo.
Unfortunately, Squeaky Doo meets with disaster each time he travels.
Children will fall in love with Squeaky Doo who relates each story himself.
1. Squeaky Doo on the Beach - What perils will he face?
2. Squeaky Doo in California - Will he get lost?
3. Squeaky Doo in Orlando - Can he escape misfortune?
4.Squeaky Doo goes on a Cruise - Will he get left on the ship?
5.Squeaky Doo in Trinidad - In such an exotic island what can go wrong?
This short story collection teaches children Geography, Cultures, and love for pets.
Get the book at Amazon Universal Link

Author Spotlight - Steven Bentley

Today I had the pleasure of interviewing Stephen Bentley - Best-selling Author and HuffPost UK Blogger.

Tell us a little about yourself?

Stephen Bentley is a former UK Detective Sergeant, an undercover cop, and barrister (trial attorney). He now writes from the Philippines where he lives and is a Huffington Post UK blogger.
His true crime memoir Undercover: Operation Julie – The Inside Story was published in September 2016 and rapidly became an Amazon UK bestseller


Watch the 30-second Mini-Movie book trailer for Undercover: Operation Julie - The Inside Story.





1. When and why did you begin writing?

I first started to write seriously after my retirement and on my move to the Philippines. Prior to that I had started and stopped several times on my memoir about my undercover cop days on the UK’s largest drug bust. I needed to finish my memoir so I finally had the time to complete it.

2. What inspired you to write your first book?

The road chaos I encountered when first driving in the Philippines. I mean chaos! No one follows the rules and I doubt if most drivers are aware of them. It inspired me to write How to Drive Like an Idiot in Bacolod: An Expat’s Experiences of Driving in the Philippines and How to Survive.


3. Do you have a specific writing style?

I believe I do. But only because readers have told me they become so immersed they feel as if I am holding a private conversation with them. I find that both pleasing and flattering.



4. What are your current projects?

My current writing projects involve my first novel about an undercover cop! I have also started a fiction book about my paternal grandfather who served in the British Royal Navy from 1916 to 1945.

5. Do you see writing as a career?

No. Because I came to it late in life. To me, it’s a bonus. I enjoy writing and it provides some extra income.


6. Who designed the covers?

My cover designer is Anna Argiropoulou. I love the work she does and she is great fun too. Anna can be found on Facebook.


7. What was the hardest part of writing your book?

To have the courage to be totally honest with myself.
There are parts of my life that are still difficult to deal with.
I forced myself to be frank with not only myself but the reader.

8. Do you have anything specific that you want to say to your readers?

Yes. Thank you to all who have bought my books and a huge thank you to those who left reviews.

9. What TV shows/films do you enjoy watching?

Unsurprisingly I love TV shows and movies about cops. The Wire has to be high on that list of favorites.

10. If you were not a writer what else would you like to do?

I would love to be a professional travel photographer. That combines two passions of mine and would make me sublimely happy.

Steven Bentley can be contacted at these links:


Facebook
Twitter
Website
Goodreads
Amazon Author Page

Get Undercover: Operation Julie - the Inside Story here.

A portion of all his book sales royalties will be donated to the Jamie Bulger Memorial Trust, a UK Registered Charity.
Please consider donating even if you never buy his books.

Author Spotlight - Tracey Samios and Lis Norman

Today I am featuring two dynamic ladies, both members of the Real Lives Team [sub-group of Books Go Social]
Tracey Samios and Lis Norman have both published the book, 'Mum's the Word.'

Biography

I'm Lis Norman and my best friend of nearly 50 years, Tracey Samios is the co-author of our book "Mum's the Word; Two Mums' take on life with “kids".
I have always been an avid reader and writer and I persuaded Tracey to undertake the task of writing a book with me.
The idea came to me whilst conversing with my 93-year-old Dad, who, although still very much mentally alert, is starting to recount things from the past somewhat differently from the way I remember them happening.
I wanted to record anecdotes and recollections from my twin boys' childhood before my memory too started to fade.
Once I began writing, the germ of an idea to write a book began to grow and I believed with our different aspects, Tracey with three girls and me with twin boys, we would appeal to a wide audience of Mums.

Do you have a specific writing style?

We have adopted a light-hearted approach and sprinkled humour throughout.
Ours is not a book to preach and tell you how to be a better parent; rather it is a collection of our stories and memories that we hope will make you laugh and see that no mum is truly alone; we have been through what other mums will face and we survived!
Tracey and I have undertaken many projects together over the years, and today we run two Etsy businesses; LittleOwlsandPals, which sells various fabric and knitted animals and KidsMysteryGames which sells mystery scripts based on the popular murder mystery games of the 90's, for use at kids parties or in the classroom as a literacy activity.
I have written the majority, and one of my sons, who has inherited my passion for the written word has also contributed.
Tracey is a marvel at social media and marketing, making us a great team, each with our different strengths.


Is there a message in your novel that you want readers to grasp?

The message that we want to give our readers is that parenting is the hardest job you will ever have, but it also delivers the biggest rewards. Who will argue that the words "I love you Mummy" are worth less than the biggest pay packet in the world - certainly not us!
The aim is also to show that most parents face the same trials and tribulations when it comes to raising their kids, and as long as you and your kids are healthy and happy you are doing ok!
It always helps to realise you are not alone; and lets face it when doing a feed in the middle of the night, you certainly sometimes believe you are the only person in the world that is awake!

Are your writings based on someone you know, or events in your own life?

Our book is based on our kids. Lis has 2 boys & Tracey has 3 girls.
We have dipped into our memories and included anecdotes of raising our children that people can relate to and enjoy.

What book are you reading now?

“I See You” by Clare MacIntosh, it’s this month’s book for our Book Group.

Are there any new authors that have grasped your interest?

Craig Silvey – Australian author of Jasper Jones

What are your current projects?

Our Mum’s the Word Blog page – www.mumsthewordblog.com check it out!

Name one entity that you feel supported you outside of family members.

Our publisher Karen McDermott from Serenity Press supported the publication of our book.
We were able to ask Karen many questions throughout the writing and publication process.

Do you see writing as a career?

This is our first book and we will always leave the door open to writing more.

If you had to do it all over again, would you change anything in your latest book?

No, we love it how it is.

Is there anything you find particularly challenging in your writing?

Some of our stories came from our memories and others have been taken from family diary excerpts.

Who designed the covers?
Lis’ brother in law, a photographer by trade, designed the cover of our book and we couldn't be happier. From the moment the concept of a book came about, we knew exactly what we envisaged for the cover; Oscar the bear is the perfect face to reflect childhood memories.

Do you have any advice for other writers?

Don’t ever give up.

Do you have anything specific that you want to say to your readers?

Being a mother is the best experience in the world.

What makes you laugh/cry?

Our family & friends make us laugh and good books & films make us cry.

Other than writing do you have any hobbies?

Lis enjoys doing crafts, cooking & reading & playing tennis. Tracey enjoys doing art, crafts, reading, cooking & playing table tennis. We both love chocolate and wine ( like many other mums) and when not writing or creating we love spending time with our families.

What TV shows/films do you enjoy watching?

We both love watching Netflix and Stan and enjoy the same shows; Outlander, House of Cards, Stranger Things, Fortitude, Broadchurch and The Crown to name but a few.

Favorite foods / Colors/ Music
Lis – food - Schnitzel, colour – purple, music – U2
Tracey – food – Spaghetti Bolognese, colour – crimson, music – Robbie Williams

If you were not a writer what else would you like to do?

We would both also love to be artists.

Note by Brenda Mohammed

This book looks very interesting. Get the book at this link.

Zeeka's Ghost: Revenge of Zeeka Book 4

Zeeka's Ghost is now available in both Kindle and paperback at Amazon Universal Link

Book Description:

Swift. Silent. Ghostly.
Zeeka's Ghost appears to Steven.
Does the ghost have evil intentions?
Are Steven and Mandy targets of unknown enemies?
Are their lives at stake?
Steven must find a way to hunt down and apprehend these ruthless maniacs and save his beloved wife. Will he succeed?
Is Zeeka's Ghost here to harm or help?

TOP CUSTOMER REVIEWS

Mad scientist haunting Steven as a ghost

ByKatie on November 21, 2016
5.0 out of 5.0 stars
Format: Kindle Edition|Verified Purchase
The mad scientist we know from the earlier books in the series returns as a ghost in this book.
It’s not clear if he wants to help Steven, the boy he had kidnapped and raised, or whether he wants to harm him even more than he already did. This book is again a science fiction book showing us what our world may look like in twenty years.
Despite the advancing technology, we may remain vulnerable during storms, we may still be afraid of ghosts as well as evil humans.
Most importantly, many of us will still believe in family values, which seem to be at the core of this book.
While some people can’t forgive Steven the creation of zombies who killed their relatives, Steven deems it impossible to forgive the man who kidnapped him and raised him as a mad scientist.
He was deprived of his real parents but reunited with his brother later, found a good wife and even a sister in law and a niece.
It’s impossible to predict how the story will unfold and who finds an absolution.
Writing about our possible future requires a lot of knowledge and creativity. Brenda Mohammed exhibits both in all her Zeeka books, but her fourth book is probably the best one.
I am already looking forward to her next book.

5.0 out of 5 starsA thrill ride
ByReviewed.By.Meon October 13, 2016
Format: Kindle Edition|Verified Purchase
Extending from her Zeeka and the Zombies trilogy is Mohammed's most nostalgic offering, Zeeka's Ghost.
Zeeka is back but not at all how you expect.
Unresolved issues, regrets, and love are all splendidly woven together with the right mix of startling plot twists the author is masterful at. Fans of the series will not be disappointed and new fans will be caught up to speed in no time. Another thrilling read!


4.0 out of 5 starsGreat story
ByShirley McCannon November 28, 2016
Format: Kindle Edition|Verified Purchase
Just when you thought the story was over Zeeka returns. Another great read.

5.0 out of 5 stars
Zeeka dead and buried? Don't believe it.
By Kato's Revenge on October 9, 2016
Format: Kindle Edition
Zeeka's back. As if you could keep a good zombie down. But he's more than the mad scientist.zombie fascinated persona of the earlier books, and in this fourth installment, the ghost of a demon haunts our eponymous hero Steven into near madness.
The thought that he hadn't quite seen off Zeeka haunts him, until the ghost of the title becomes more than just pangs of regret in his mind.
The story centres more around Steven so returns to the original concept bore out in book one.
This rounding of the story arc is interesting and a good way to handle it.
The other characters are there too, but they play a secondary role in Zeeka's Ghost.
Probably the best of the Zeeka stories to date, author Brenda Mohammed is to be congratulated on another take of zombies and now ghosts!
I think anyone could read this as the horror elements are PG-13 / Cert 12 rated.
But more mature readers will pick up on regrets we have as we age and experience life.
A final word must go to the cover - it's excellent and captures the essence of the book brilliantly.

Although this book is the fourth book in the series, it can be read as a standalone.
It costs just 0.99 cents. Get it here

Book Reviews for Resurrection: Revenge of Zeeka Book 5

Resurrection: Revenge of Zeeka Book 5 was released on February 25th. 2017.

Description:

Mandy's new robot helper Eve encounters a stranger in the backyard.
He claims to have connections with Zeeka.
Who is this stranger?
When he learns that Eve is a robot, he discloses his story to her.
Eve promises him to keep their conversation secret but can she?
‪She records it on her security device and plays it for Steven and Mandy. ‬‬‬‬
When he collapses in the backyard with an epileptic fit, Eve alerts the Gosh hospital
Tests and records reveal the stranger's identity.
Police records show that he died in the Carnival massacre in 2036, but did he?
Steven faces opposition to launch his greatest invention of the century.
Who will be the first volunteer to test it?
Read Resurrection: Revenge of Zeeka Book 5 for all the answers.

The Book has been receiving positive reviews to date.

Top Customer Reviews

5.0 out of 5 starsThe book four seemed to conclude the thrilling story and could easily be the last one in the series

By Katie on March 4, 2017

Format: Kindle Edition|Verified Purchase
This book is a must- read for all fans of the Zeeka series.
The book four seemed to conclude the thrilling story and could easily be the last one in the series, but the author surprised me with the fifth book and did not disappoint. Even though the ghost of Zeeka already found his final rest in the book four, someone else who had appeared to be dead, reappears by Zeeka’s grave in Resurrection. One could think that the title of the book points out to his resurrection from the dead, but nothing is as it seems at first glance. Steven and his team of scientists are working on a breakthrough invention in medicine, which can cure severely disabled patients in a way that resembles resurrection. While the series started with possible abuse of medical technology, the last book leaves us hopeful that technology can one day serve us better than most of us can imagine.

5.0 out of 5 starsThe end for Zeeka

By Reviewed.By.Me on March 9, 2017

Format: Kindle Edition|Verified Purchase
A questionable character returns from one of the previous books to cause even more disarray in the lives of the people and robots of Gosh. Dr. Steven Sharpe's reputation is put on the line when he attempts an unimaginable cure to help a man desperate for a new life. Resurrection is the fifth book and closes (maybe!) the Zeeka series on a high note. Like its predecessors, I found this book easy to read. However, this one, in particular, left me with a sense of fulfillment because the author finally seemed to put Zeeka to rest peacefully.


5.0 out of 5 stars

As a reader, I do like ghost stories and this paranormal element was handled well ...
By Kato's Revenge on February 27, 2017
Format: Kindle Edition
In an entertaining conclusion to the Zeeka series, Resurrection brings the story full circle. If you haven’t read any of the stories in the series, it’s worth starting with book one ‘Revenge of Zeeka’ just to see the author evolve alongside the story and her characters.

For me, the high point of the series was this book’s predecessor, Zeeka’s Ghost, but then, as a reader I do like ghost stories and this paranormal element was handled well in book four.

This final installment is quite surprising as it brings back the rather disturbing character of Nine from book one. Nine is on a mission all of his own, and when he learns of technology that may save him from the Zika virus and help him on his ultimate goal (read to find out) – he’s all for the procedure, despite the risks.

Aside from this storyline the quirkiness of the robot Eve adds some humour to the story. The characters that have been with us throughout the series get a good send off too.

The book is available in both Kindle and Paperback at Amazon Universal Link
and at Books2Read Universal Link

Spotlight on an Artist/Author - Mickey Thomas

Today's spotlight is on Mickey Thomas, Author of the Grass Swale: Living with Guilt, Depression and PTSD
Mickey is a member of The Real Lives Group - a subgroup of Books Go Social.
.

Here is the Book Description:

At the age of fifteen Mickey loses his older brother who is killed in a car accident; an accident that took split second timing for two cars to come in contact on a remote highway in rural Iowa. At age twenty he arrives in Vietnam as a US Marine Corp Infantryman.
The Grass Swale is a section of footpath in Vietnam that changes the lives of six Marines, including the author, who lives with the mental anguish and nightmares caused by post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). Mickey shares his life story with a sense of humor only those who know him can appreciate.
I have been told by a professional that you must be present during an event for it to cause PTSD. Call it what you want but events such as the death of my brother and its effect on me will also never go away. In Arnold Palmer’s book, A Golfer’s Life, he describes an event while at Wake Forest, where his roommate and golf team member was killed in a car accident. He had been invited to go along by his roommate but declined. He describes that event as a “shadow” in his life.
I, for one, understand exactly what he meant. My shadow has been darker, much darker. The fact I was not present when Bucky hit the booby trap does not take the anxiety away; what effect has it had on his life, how could things have been different, what could I have done?
It could have been me. Why wasn’t it? Did it happen to me in another place or time?

The book, which is very popular, is available on Amazon at this link. CLICK HERE
You can also check out his Author Page HERE

Mickey Thomas does not believe that he would write another book. He is now an artist painting with acrylics on Canvas.

This is what he said in his own words.


"I am a grandfather of five, father of 4 daughters, and married to Hope, my wife of 41 years. I grew up in rural Iowa, the middle of three boys. I lost my older brother, Larry, in a car accident when I was 15 years old. Larry had asked me to go with him that night but I declined; a decision I have regretted my entire life. At the age of 20, I am a US Marine Infantryman in Vietnam. The Grass Swale is a section of footpath in Vietnam that changes my life as well as five other Marines.

I began writing about the trauma in my life at the suggestion of a VA counselor to help heal my mental wounds. Wounds leave scars and I have learned to live with them mostly from the love of my wife and children. My wife, Hope, and other family members encouraged me to write this memoir in order to help others who have suffered from trauma.

I enjoy reading biographies and history as a general rule but my favorite authors are Ernest Hemingway and Mark Twain. As in music, a great song crosses all genres; the same applies to great books.

I don’t believe I will write another book. My interest now is painting with acrylics on canvas or working with nature’s canvas and creating a landscape for enjoyment by family and friends. I will send a few pictures for your critique. Thank you for this opportunity to share with your readers."


Note by Brenda Mohammed
I am an Artist myself and paint in my spare time. I am very impressed with Mickey's paintings.
Best of luck in your future endeavors, Mickey.

The Wedding Feast at Cana

The largest painting in the world at the Louvre, Paris is 'The Wedding Feast at Cana.
In my book 'Travel Memoirs with Pictures' I described my trip to the Louvre, Paris.
We visited Paris in August 2014 and I was thrilled to see that of “The Wedding Feast at Cana” by Italian Painter Paolo Veronese.
I took a photo of it with my husband standing in front.
This is what is written in the records at The Louvre: ”

'In 1553, Veronese was summoned to Venice where he gave free rein to his decorative talent in vast canvases that blended masterful composition, splendid contemporary costumes, and luminous colors.
The Wedding Feast at Cana graced the refectory designed by Palladio for the Benedictine monastery on the Venetian island of San Giorgio Maggiore.
With masterly freedom of interpretation, Veronese transposed the biblical episode to the sumptuous setting of a Venetian wedding.”
For those of you who do not know the Biblical story of this event I quote from a write-up by the Louvre, Paris below:
“A biblical scene within a Venetian banquet In Cana, Galilee, Christ is invited to a wedding feast during which he performs his first miracle.
At the end of the banquet, when the wine is running low, he asks the servants to fill the stone jars with water and then offer them to the master of the house, who finds that the water has been turned to wine.
This episode, told by the Apostle John, is a precursor of the Eucharist.
The bride and groom are seated at the left end of the table, leaving the center place to the figure of Christ.
He is surrounded by the Virgin, his disciples, clerks, princes, Venetian noblemen, Orientals in turbans, several servants, and the populace. Some figures are dressed in traditional antique costumes, while others—the women in particular—wear sumptuous coiffures and adornments.
Veronese depicts, with apparent ease, no less than 130 feast-goers, mixing biblical figures with men and women of the period.
The latter are not really identifiable, although according to an 18th-century legend, the artist himself is depicted in white with a viola da gamba next to Titian and Bassano, all of whom contribute to the musical entertainment.
The bearded master of ceremonies could be Aretino, whom Veronese greatly admired. Several dogs, birds, a parakeet, and a cat frolic amidst the crowd.'

I bought a copy of a much smaller version of the painting at the Museum shop.
I framed it and it graces my living room.

Before visiting Paris I wrote several poems. One of them was on The Miracle at Cana where Jesus turned the water into wine.

Here is the poem:

THE MIRACLE AT THE WEDDING AT CANA [John Chapter 2; 1-12]
Jesus attended a wedding celebration with his mother.
The wine supply ran out at this wedding in Cana.
Jesus’ mother turned to Jesus for help.
But Jesus replied that his time had not come yet.

His mother left it up to Jesus and told the servants to assist.
Six large stone water- pots were standing there in the midst.
Jesus told the servants to fill them with water to the brim.
The servants did what he said and listened to him.

When the jars had been filled Jesus told the servants to dip.
And take some to the master of ceremonies” and they followed his tip.
The master of ceremonies tasted the wine and remarked to the host.
“You have saved the best wine for last. You are a great host.’

This poem is included in Poems which I published in my memoir 'Your Time is Now.'

All of my books are available in Kindle and Paperback at Amazon Universal Link