Tag Archives: Gabriel

THE STONE WARRIORS Series 1-4 by D.B. Reynolds-Review Tour

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THE STONE WARRIORS Series 1-4 by D.B. Reynolds-Review Tour

Dragan
The Stone Warriors Book 4
by D.B. Reynolds
Genre: Paranormal Romance, Urban Fantasy

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It was a time when gods walked the earth, when armies fought not for bits of land, but for the very existence of humanity. On such a battlefield, five formidable warriors stood against an evil greater than any the earth had ever seen. But evil is not an honorable foe. Betrayed by someone they trusted, the warriors were cursed, one by one, tossed into the maelstrom of time, imprisoned in stone, their freedom resting on nearly impossible conditions. Until…. Dragan Fiachna, heir to the curse of royal blood, a horror hiding behind a beautiful face…. you shall remain locked in stone until a maiden, untested and pure, shall find grace in your beast and safety in your nightmare.

Dragan Fiachna, born to a life of loneliness, cast into stone by a sorcerer’s curse and imprisoned forever in darkness. He is freed at last, only to discover his enemy still lives and is plotting the death of millions in his quest to rule this new world.

Maeve Collins, brilliant, courageous, and compassionate enough to believe a stone statue can have a soul. Shocked when her beautiful winged man breaks free, horrified at the torment he’s endured, she dedicates herself to reuniting him with the warriors he calls family.

But she never planned on falling in love.

Racing across half the country in search of the only man who can stop their foe from fulfilling his merciless scheme, Dragan and Maeve discover they’ve unwittingly stolen the one artifact that can defeat their enemy. And he wants it back. Pursued by assassins, they fight their way to Dragan’s brothers, only to discover the war for this world has already begun….

REVIEW: Dragan, reading these back cover I assumed he was a beast in manners and looks, but far from it, he saw himself as a beast, his parents gave him away to be a protector, a warrior. The people who looked after him as a child, did just that, there was duty only, no love. And even as a man, he knew only duty, women would want only his body, a s nothing else…..

Maeve is a total computer geek, online haves and programming is her way of life, the solitary life suits her. And the house she lives in, well that’s big enough to get lost in. Her favourite room, well that’s the one with her big stone warrior in it, a huge wingspan she sits under when she talks to him…..

As always the curse is broken by a woman, and a specific curse at that…… “Dragan Fiachna, heir to the curse of royal blood, a horror hiding behind a beautiful face…. you shall remain locked in stone until a maiden, untested and pure, shall find grace in your beast and safety in your nightmare.”

She spoke to him about anything and everything, until one day the stone cracks, and Dragan is free….She’s a little wary at first, not believing he’s the statue in the room she often sat.

We have all the stone warriors freed now, and like the previous books, Maeve and Dragan make their way to Nick (or Nico) Dragan is unaware if his warrior brothers are alive, but hopes they are.

We have battles along the way, we have a few mysteries that may result in a few more books? and we have the evil. Sorcerer alive and wanting revenge. You see not only did Maeve free the warrior (he had him locked in that room, making sure Nicodemus would never find him) but she stole a valuable tool that could defeat the sorcerer. And he definitely wants that back.

I have to admit, I was expecting a beauty and the beast story, (that will teach me for taking the back cover too literal!) a huge statue with wings (thinking gargoyle).

The descriptions of the battles were awesome, I think the author might have watched or played a few online games to get a few pointers ?

And now we have a sneak preview of the next story (which I’m hoping we get) Nicodemus and the mysterious Antonia ?

Copies supplied for review

? Reviews by Julie B

 

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Gabriel
The Stone Warriors Book 3
Genre: Paranormal Romance, Urban Fantasy

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It was a time when gods walked the earth, when armies fought not for bits of land, but for the very existence of humanity. On such a battlefield, five formidable warriors stood against an evil greater than any the earth had ever seen. But evil is not an honorable foe. Betrayed by someone they trusted, the warriors were cursed, one by one, tossed into the maelstrom of time, imprisoned in stone, their freedom resting on nearly impossible conditions. Until. . . .

Gabriel Halldor. . . one of the fiercest warriors the world has ever seen, but his tremendous skill can’t save him from a sorcerer’s curse. Trapped in stone and left lying in darkness for thousands of years, he is, at long last, brought into the sunlight of a Japanese garden, where a young girl comes to sit at his feet and read him stories as she grows to womanhood.

Hana Himura. . . beloved granddaughter of a Japanese mob boss, raised to the life of a warrior. When death comes for her grandfather, he sends her to the one guardian courageous enough to protect her from a sorcerer who will stop at nothing to have her.

Raphael. . . the most powerful vampire lord on earth, and the only man who can save Gabriel and Hana from an enemy who would enslave them both.

Running from the certain death that awaits them in Japan, Hana and Gabriel flee to Malibu and the vampire lord her grandfather called friend. Raphael is magic and power combined, and Gabriel and Hana will need both if they’re going to survive long enough to defeat their enemy and light the flame of desire that’s been simmering between them for years.

••••••••••••

REVIEW:Now, this one I really liked. A more complex book, it really had me hooked…..

“URBAN GABRIEL HALLDOR, a berserker on the battlefield, a monster who drinks his enemy’s blood and wears his flesh like the finest cloth . . . you shall remain locked in stone until a woman’s tears shall soak into your skin, and her pleas for safety reach you in the chaos of battle.” That was Gabriel’s curse. Gabriel doesn’t use his first name.

A beserker old, loving the battle and the cries of his fallen enemies. He lived to serve Nicodemus and to battle along side his three brothers (Damian, Kato and Dragan) but there was something beside the berserker, long ago, Gabriel had been turned into a vampire, with the help of Nico, he kept it on lockdown, his brothers never knowing of his anger and shame.

Hana has always known of Gabriel, the beautiful statue in the garden, she’s often sit at his feet and feel safe. And she’d know that one day he’d save her. Hana is a rare breed, she can amplify power, so she’s a power source that many would kill to obtain. Trained as a warrior by her grandfather, Hana has always known and been aware of magic. And when her home is attacked, she knows exactly where to go…..

The pair set off to find the only person her grandfather trusted, but by the time they get to Raphael’s home, Gabriel isn’t in great shape.

Raphael is a master vampire (or Lord in this series) and he has his story in several other books (Vampires in America) when meeting him for the first time, Hana was extremely wary of him, Raphael has power, it emanates from his very pores.
Giving sanctuary to both Gabriel and Hana, it allows them to catch their breath and rest.

Is Sotiris the sorcerer still causing havoc? (Hmmmm can’t tell you) And where does Nicodemus fit into the scheme of things? The hatred between Raphael and Nico is volatile to say the least, (I’m going to have to go and read the previous series now!!)

We catch up with previous characters from previous books, the interaction is very comical, the love for one another is very evident.

So we have a feud that has carried on for a millennia, a stone warrior with a side order of vampire! A woman whose a conduit and can magnify a witch/sorcerers powers. And chemistry that just burns the pages ?

Can’t wait to read Dragan (next book) and maybe Nicodemus can find a feisty female to keep him in line.

?

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Kato
The Stone Warriors Book 2
Genre: Paranormal Romance, Urban Fantasy

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It was a time when gods walked the earth, when armies fought not for bits of land, but for the very existence of humanity. On such a battlefield, five formidable warriors stood against an evil greater than any the earth had ever seen. But evil is not an honorable foe. Betrayed by someone they trusted, the warriors were cursed, one by one, tossed into the maelstrom of time, imprisoned in stone, their freedom resting on nearly impossible conditions. Until . . .

Kato Amadi . . . born of darkest sorcery, unstoppable on the battlefield, his magic is as deadly as his blade. But not even magic could save him from vicious betrayal. Trapped for millennia in darkness and silence, he is freed at last, only to find himself in the middle of a battle against the very beasts of hell he was created to destroy.

Grace Van Allen is a scholar of ancient languages who toils in the dim recesses of a museum basement with only a beautiful stone warrior to keep her company. But when Grace calls upon her silent warrior to help her translate an obscure new language, she breaks the ancient curse holding him prisoner . . . and frees three deadly demons to rampage through her city.

Tracking demons is what Kato was born to do, but he’ll need Grace’s help. And when they discover that Kato’s enemy is still alive and still plotting against him, their hunt takes a dangerous turn, one that might just prove fatal for both of them . . .

••••••••••

REVIEW: Grace loves her job, translating ancient texts. Reading about life many years ago. Her only companion a beautiful statue. Then one night she whispers to her stone companion that she needs help…..

Kato needs to help the beauty who summoned him. He’s watched her for years now, talking to him, and gazing up at him. The words the evil sorcerer Sotiris threw at him “ Kato Amadi, son of the Dark Witch, who for all his deadly skills on the field of battle, could neither read nor write the language of men . . . you shall remain locked in stone until a scholar of the written word shall plead for your help in understanding the wisdom of the ancients.“ came back to haunt him, was she the scholar he was suppose to help? And why now? But he knew why, the scroll she was trying to decipher was more dangerous than she was aware of.

Grace is in shock, one minute she’s finishing writing out the scroll, next, a thing appears from nowhere and is about to attack her. But a warrior saves her……

We then go on a ride, both Kato and Grace need to work together.

Kato has always been use to being just a vessel, not a man, nothing. So at first he finds it hard to connect with Grace, he finds her compelling, but so use to being berated, that he finds it hard to accept her way of speaking. He’s a Dark Witch’s son, but that didn’t mean he was cherished, he was used to fill his mother back up once she depleted her magic.Grace adjusts pretty quick to the work Kato has dragged her into. She tries not to show pity to Kato (that will get him to shut down pretty quick) And then there is the attraction that is simmering between them. But Kato knows it would only be brief, he has to know what happened to his brothers.

It’s a fast action book, lots of chasing, lots of twists and turns. A murder at the beginning of the book made no sense at first. We also catch up with previous characters from the last book. And then there his Kato’s mother!!! Do we meet up with her? Is there an epic magical battle? Well to find that out, you’ll have to read the book.

I liked this one better than the last. (Damian) The characters seemed to flow better, and there seemed to be more story. And I do love a wounded soul, and Kato is pretty much a wounded soul.

So if you like your magic and muscle, then this books is for you ?

?

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Damian
The Stone Warriors Book 1
Genre: Paranormal Romance, Urban Fantasy

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It was a time when gods walked the earth, when armies fought not for bits of land, but for the very existence of humanity. On such a battlefield, five formidable warriors stood against an evil greater than any the earth had ever seen. But evil is not an honorable foe. Betrayed by someone they trusted, the warriors were cursed, one by one, tossed into the maelstrom of time, imprisoned in stone, their freedom resting on nearly impossible conditions. Until . . .

Damian Stephanos honed his skills in battles fought with magic as much as swords. Caught by a deadly spell that left him trapped for centuries in darkness and obscurity, he is finally freed, only to discover that his enemy still lives. Determined to find him—and to free his brothers in arms—he first must fulfill his blood debt to the woman who released him from his torment. Unfortunately, being so close to this enticing female is another type of torment altogether . . .

Cassandra “Casey” Lewis is a hunter. Possessing the rare ability to sense magic, she spends most of her time shadowing arcane collectors, and more often than not, stealing the dangerous artifacts she pursues. Her job is risky, especially when she’s stealing from one of the most powerful sorcerers alive. But having a gorgeous warrior by her side is a definite bonus. He’s great in a fight . . . and in other places, too.

Following a trail of dead bodies, the two of them must join forces to track down the sorcerer who cursed Damian, and who now plans to turn an ordinary magical device into a deadly weapon. Risking everything, including their hearts, they’re about to discover that trusting each other might be the hardest thing of all.

•••••••••

REVIEW: Read the back cover I was expecting Gargoyles. What I got was better. Magic and adventure, with a LARGE amount of sex (a little too much in places)

Cassandra or Casey as she likes to be called, is sort of an FBI agent, but not a normal one. She has an ability that makes her a little different. She can track down magical items. She usually follows the trail, and if need be, obtain the item (sometimes theft is involved) And she’s been doing this for a while now, her boss Nick gives her a job, and Casey runs with it. She’s never really questioned it, (it was nice to have someone who believed her and utilises her skills.)

On the trail of a talisman, Casey has it, and is now being chased, and by hellhounds no less….

Damian has been a statue for a very long time, cursed and forced to watch life go by as a statue, for the last hundred years had watched the world go by on top of a building, he’s seen everything go by, but not able to interact. Well not until one night a wounded woman touches him, and asks for his help, it seems to have lifted the curse. He’s not sure how or why, or even why in this time period, but he’s going to find her, thank her and offer his services to help her.
He’s also wondering where everyone he knows is.

Both Damian and Casey need to learn to trust one another if they are to work together. They have no problem in the bedroom, but outside that’s a different matter.

This is a spin off from the Vampires in America series, and to be honest, I don’t think you need to read it. There are a few references to people and I’m assuming it’s to do with the previous series.

It’s a fast paced action book. We have a bad guy that’s looking for a talisman, and with it the power to bring modern civilisation to its knees. Sotiris has magic at his fingertips, and I have a feeling he’s been around a very long time. The chase and fight scenes are very good. Some of the conversation between Damian and Casey felt a little stilted.

It’s very detailed, and the characters are all very well rounded.
Chemistry between the main characters needed a little work.
But I liked the interaction between Casey and her boss, and Nick and Damian.
But as I said, a little too much sex, was it a filler? Maybe, but turn it into a novella if you are struggling (well that’s my opinion)

It’s a five book series (I think) so I’m looking forward to seeing if the next book is as good.

?

 

D. B. Reynolds is the RT and Epic Award-Winning author of the Vampires in America series of paranormal romance, and an Emmy-nominated television sound editor. D. B. currently lives in a flammable canyon near the Malibu coast, and when she’s not writing her own books, she can usually be found reading someone else’s. You can visit D. B. at her website Dbreynolds.com

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The Lonely Lords Series: Beckman/Gabriel by Grace Burrowes-a review

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THE LONELY LORDS SERIES: Beckman/Gabriel by Grace Burrowes -a review

4.5 out of 5 for this reader folks!

The Lonely Lord series by award winning author (and one of my faves) Grace Burrowes once again did NOT disappoint. This review consists of books number 4 (Beckman) and 5 (Gabriel). These two were just as yummy as Darius, Nicholas and Ethan and totally swept me off my feet once again! If you love a solid historical romance (1800’s) where gentlemen were expected to be gentlemen, ladies were ladies and all the rules are thrown out the window then seriously check this series out!

Let’s get on with it shall we .. I have two more men for you to get to know! 😉

•••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••

BeckmanBOOK 4 – BECKMAN Lord of Sins

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DESCRIPTION-Release Date July 2, 2013

Beckman Haddonfield is ready to live again…

Beckman finally emerges from the shadow of his wife’s death by agreeing to restore a family estate…and embarking on a dalliance with the quiet, mysterious housekeeper who resides there. But she is not who she seems…

Riveting and refreshing, Beckman is an unforgettable story about love’s power to overcome grief and guilt. Award-winning New York Times and USA Today bestselling author Grace Burrowes’s gorgeous writing and lush Regency world will stay with you long after you turn the final page.

REVIEW

We have never really met Beckman, though he is mentioned several times in the previous books. Beckman is the younger legit brother of Nicholas and Ethan. He is also very complex, spare to the heir, underestimated and misunderstood. He is the baby of the family who is easily brushed aside, and left ignorant to some family matters (although he still caught on regardless of his families intentions).

Beck has lived a full life for a man his young age. He’s been married and widowed, been wild with the ladies and gambling, has fallen so far off the edge of a cliff in the opium house that it was amazing he was able to bounce back. He has also been sent away by his dying father (this is where I should mention that this book is written parallel to Nicholas book) to fix up an old family estate (Three Spring Estates) that belongs to his grandmother (his father doesn’t want Beck to see him die). Beck understands why he is sent away (he deeply loves his father and I would like to believe seeing him die would throw him back in his recovery) and decides to tackle the estate with vigor.

He meets Sara who is a housekeeper at this Three Spings along with her daughter Allie and sister Polly. The man working as the steward (Gabriel) is also there playing the role of grouch, let’s get this done, I have no time to waste (he gets his own story ..lol). Beckman finds himself immediately captivated by Sara and realizes that there is so much more to this woman than housecleaner extraordinaire. Sara has secrets, and Beck wants to figure them out but in the process cannot help but fall in love with this complex woman.

Sara is running from a past that if discovered, can effect her entire future. She just wants to live a simple life in the country, fix up the estate and be left alone. Well all was going well until she admits Beck into her bed. The passion between these two sparks up the pages as does the sensitivity to each other and the budding friendship.

As Sara’s past comes to the forefront we are taken on a ride of suspicion, action, intrigue and ultimately happily ever after (duh .. this is Grace Burrowes we’re talking about ..lol) Can Beckman live with what Sara is hiding? Can Beck make it through his father’s death unscathed? Will these two put aside their stubborn streaks to be each other’s forever?? You know the answer, but reading how they get there is the best part! LOL

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GabrielBOOK 5 – GABRIEL Lord of Regrets

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DESCRIPTION-Release Date September 3, 2013

Gabriel North has spent two years allowing his family to believe him dead, while he assumes the identity of a hardworking steward on the neglected Three Springs estate.

When Gabriel falls in love with Polonaise Hunt, cook at Three Springs, he realizes that until he solves the mystery of who tried repeatedly to kill him, he cannot ask any woman to share his life.

Gabriel resumes his proper identity as Marquis of Hesketh, only to find that Polonaise has also resumed her calling, that of talented portrait artist, and she’s been commissioned to paint Gabriel’s heir.

While Gabriel tries to untangle the mystery of his attempted murder, he finds Polonaise has been keeping secrets of her own. She can capture Gabriel’s likeness on canvas, but can he capture her heart?

REVIEW

I REALLY LOVED THIS BOOK! LOL

We first met Gabriel in Beckman’s book as the grouchy, no nonsense steward of the estate. It is there that you begin to understand that there is more than meets the eye to this man .. well this book it all comes out!

Gabriel is really a titled man. Actually he is the Marquis of Hesketh and has been in hiding, assumed dead for the past couple of years. You see someone attempted to kill Gabriel two years ago, and he suspected his brother (who currently is holding the Marquis title). As time has passed, Gabriel has kept his eye on his brother and has come to realize that perhaps he wasn’t involved in his attempted murder. He decides to come out of hiding.

Gabriel reclaims his title (kind of) and happens upon a certain artist that he left behind at Three Springs Estate but has never forgotten! POLLY! Polly has been commissioned to paint portraits of the Hesketh family members. Little does she realize that her beloved Gabriel is not the steward she fell in love with but in fact a titled man. Considering all, she takes it all in quite nicely. The flames still burn hot between these two and before they know it, they are giving into their desires for one another knowing that the future holds nothing for them. Why would a Marquis want a simple artist?

In the midst of all this romance, there are frequent abnormalities going on that sabotage the functioning of the Hesketh estate. Gabriel is in danger as someone is still trying to kill him. He wants Polly away from all the danger, but begins to realize that he cannot live without her. After he comes to terms with this, he needs to convince her.

We have a side romance going throughout this story as well! Gabriel’s brother and his wife begin to blossom as the pressure of being the Marquis and Marquess is lifted off their shoulders a tad, and answers to questions must be answered. I have to say I enjoyed their story as much as I did Gabriel’s.

Of course there is so much more than what I say in my reviews to these books. I hate spoilers and have to be careful on what I can or cannot reveal here! LOL I really wanted to give 5 out of 5, but I am seeing a repeated formula with this series that is predictable now. We have a powerful man who seems to be the most loving and understanding of men. We have the woman who is not innocent and agrees to the loving physical affair with our main man. We see them really become friends and not just lovers. Don’t get me wrong, this formula works for Grace Burrowes books, but I would love a little mix up in there! This is 5 books in now.

A WONDERFUL historical romance series and one that I am going to remain current with.

HAPPY READING! 🙂

Copies supplied by Netgalley

Reviewed by Rachel T.

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Journey to Publication 2 – The Days After by M.A. Abraham

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JOURNEY TO PUBLICATION – The Days After

The Reading Cafe has been following  M.A. Abraham on her road to publication. We asked her to follow this up with her thoughts the days after the release of her first novel in the Elven Chronicles-GABRIEL.  Once again, let’s meet up with Gabriel’s author, M.A. Abraham.

 

 

Discoveries

Everyone has an opinion… as if I didn’t know. Some think Gabriel is the man… others think Marious is tops… other believe the real star of the book was Eden with her independent attitude. Diversity is good. This should make for some interesting discussions.

Good to Go!

The books are out early! They said we were to upload the material a minimum of 24 hrs. before release date, so they could check over the formatting… that was supposed to take a full day… 3 hrs later it was up and there were sales within 15 min.

Cannot complain about sales, we are doing well, considering these are e books and I am an unknown… my website is being hit from half way around the world. Netherlands, UK, USA, Canada, Turkey, Netherlands, Switzerland, Greece… wasn’t expecting all that.

The reviews came in and they were favorable… wiping brow off with back of hand in relief… people are beginning to send bits of comments through the contact list, and they are favorable… another relief.

Well, we are 3 days out of launch… people are telling me they are putting aside books that I would consider almost a sacrilege to think about in favor of Gabriel… jaw dropping a half a foot… cannot believe this. They have to be pulling my leg…

As long as things seemed to take before Gabriel was published, they seem to take just as long to settle. The book has been on the market for 3 days now… and I finally got an ISBN number for the book, which means it will now be distributed to e book stores… they don’t tell us how long that will take, just that it will be done… the guess is from 2-14 days… no guarantees. We know we covered all the bases… now our job is to move on.

Telling people who are writing to me to put their comments in a review… each one is worth something in the end. I appreciate hearing that they enjoyed the book, but I need the credits it would give Gabriel on the sites. Especially, as everyone seems to also want to see it in print.

Reviews are beginning to be posted on the book selling sites… they are also favorable. Alright… I can live with that… there are names there I don’t recognize, that means it isn’t all friends… even better, no pats on the back for a job adequately done that someone felt obligated to write. (ya, I know… the insecurity lives on… so shoot me)

10 days after publication

Time to do interviews… this feels like a ping pong match… you would think this would be a no brainer… oh, that is right, my brains packed and left home for a while… both sides.

Two weeks after publication

There isn’t much to say… sales are slow but steady… reviews are favorable on the average. Nothing under a 4 (no complaints from this end) It has been 2 weeks since Gabriel was released. No one has asked for money back. I guess that is a good sign. In some ways it is more than I should expect, I am an unknown… my work is different.

Tomorrow is the day the interview is going to be released and I am beat… I have a life beyond this, I feel as if I am dragging my butt behind me. Edits, rewrites, new storylines, book keeping, sales, trying to hold it all together… going to get lost for a couple of weeks, maybe the distance will give me clarity… too much going on in my mind, can’t sleep.

April 4 – today TRC ran the interview, and many of my friends participated… thought that was cool… hits on my own site also increased a lot as well, probably due to the exposure. I left them with a tidbit from Marious’ Story, just as a thank you and to tweak their curiosity. Yes, I know teasing again. As a friend in the UK said to me once, “You are bad.” I replied: “Don’t you just love it though.” His answer: “Yes, don’t change. It is so natural on you.” That was a fun trip.

Getting hits on my site from really different places, and I am getting a blast seeing where they are coming from.

Sigh…I need a break

Have had a meeting with my editor, she wants me to publish a few of my stand alone books… and I am supposed to be writing book 4 as well? When?

Time to Recoup

Took some time off, headed for the Canadian Rockies to visit with a couple of the bros, took two weeks to figure what was wrong with what I am trying to write… now I think I should be able to move on.

Is it time to start all over again?

Editor is coming on Sunday to start the edits on Marious’ Story… she read it through, says it is better than Gabriel…:D I wonder if that means less editing as well.

New plans have been forming… People are giving me little projects to go with the larger ones… good thing I have a head start here. Again with the secrets…:)

Working on keeping my name out in the public… publicity is another job and it is a good thing I have Becca to keep me on track… I can get pretty involved in what I am doing, and the rest of the world just does not exist. She reminds me that there is more to life than the written word, and the characters I am writing about.

M.A. Abraham,

That’s it for now folks. M.A. Abraham is now hard at work with more for us, as her Elven Chronicles will continue. The Reading Café will be there for her, and we will keep you in the loop, as M.A. Abraham’s journal will continue . If you have any questions, feel free to ask away, and perhaps M.A. will drop by and answer.


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M.A.Abraham-Interview with the author

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M.A.Abraham-Interview with the author

 

Continuing our series on indie authors. The Reading Cafe would like to introduce the author behind GABRIEL-M.A.Abraham

 

 

∞∞∞∞∞∞GIVEAWAY∞∞∞∞∞∞

M A Abraham is offering  Gabriel JOURNAL and PEN set to 2 eligible Reading Cafe members.

1.  You must be a member of The Reading Cafe.  If you are not, please register today.

2.  Giveaway open to CANADA and USA only (sorry)

3.  Please leave a comment on the interview.  Say hello to new author M A Abraham.

∞∞∞∞∞∞∞∞∞∞∞∞∞∞∞∞

Hi M.A. and welcome to The Reading Café.  We would like to start with some background information.

 

TRC: Would you please tell us something about yourself?

M.A.: I was born and grew up on the Canadian prairies, near Winnipeg, Manitoba. There were the 7 brothers, my sister and myself.  We were a close family and we still keep in contact with each other.  We have spread out a bit over the years though with a couple of brothers now living in Kelowna, and the rest of the family in and around Winnipeg.

TRC: You grew up in a very large family in a small town in Canada.  Would you please tell us what it was like growing up in a family with so many brothers?

M.A.: In our family there was seven brothers and the two girls.  One brother died in infancy, he was our angel… the rest of us?  Well… it was a lot of work, but at the same time we were close, and rambunctious would be a good way to describe us… we had a big yard, lots of things to get into (how many children could say they had their own fighter jets in the back of the yard to play in) sure, they were crashed, but they had a cockpit… this was great… then there was any number of other things to get into… stacks of wooden crates 15-20 feet high and 4-6 feet wide (we would climb to the top and run full tilt to jump from stack to stack).  The older brothers all had boss cars… every once and a while one would show up to exchange vehicles with the other because they needed to “blow the carbon out of the valves.”  (yes, #3 had a car that was legend) Every now and then some guy that would express interest in baby sister (moi)… would find himself sandwiched between two brothers, who just casually took in the guy’s thoughts, before letting them know they were my brothers.  We had our own football team, baseball team, raceway… the bros had stock cars, Harleys, and other cool things… grinning.  

TRC: Have you always been interested in writing? 

M.A.: When I was young I used to make up stories we would play out, all sorts of things, but basically sports was my thing.  I played goalie, (in almost all the sports that had one).  I was a sprint champion for a while.  I started actually putting my stories onto paper at about 13 and never quit writing (my closet has several in rough draft that I should maybe put through rewrite.)

TRC: Gabriel is your first published novel. How has your family supported you on your road to publication?

M.A.: I would have to say my parents were my biggest supporters. Dad used to like to listen to what I wrote (he was a musician and scholar).  Mom was more practical, she believed and made sure I had the tools to work with…neither could get me to send one off to be viewed though, I never thought they were quite good enough.  My niece Becca probably has done the most to make it happen, she has done all my graphics, made all the connections, and did all the formatting.  It helps to have someone in the family that is a graphic artist.  The ones who knew I did this sort of thing, and have access to it pushed me to do something about it… there are a lot in the family that don’t even know I write though.

TRC: Name another entity (entities) that supported you throughout your writing experience?

M.A.: I have a few friends who encouraged me over the years. the writers guild has been after me for years to join (I took a course through them once and they found out about my books that way).  Just for kicks I let a couple of the girls I met online read the rough drafts and they pushed.  I used to play with others on the CF walls with the Elven characters, and when they found out they were actual literary entities they pushed because they said they found the characters interesting and amusing.  Then when Sandy asked for an excerpt last November from Gabriel, well… that was what pushed me over the proverbial cliff…lol.  I felt committed because I had gotten so much positive feedback from it… then Becca pushed a bit more, and my friend Charlene (who has her Masters degree in Lit) offered to edit them for me so she could get to read them from manuscript.  The rest is history.

TRC: If you had to choose, whom do you consider your muse? Your mentor?

M.A.: If you are talking about another writer, I would have to say no particular one.  I read great varieties of works on all forums… love to read.  I think most writers do.  If you are talking about individuals?  Again I would have to say no particular person.  I have always walked about in a world of my own making.  Perhaps life itself has led me in the directions I have taken.

TRC: Do you find anything particularly challenging about writing?

M.A.: I learned how to hate the words re-write.  Phrasing is a big deal.  I guess when I look back there wasn’t that much of it, but it sure felt like it at the time.  Typos and exact spelling for some words can be a royal pain.  I know some writers have trouble keeping their subjects in character, and that can be a problem because if you are not focused it is easy to loose track of how they would react to the action around them… getting bored with a character is suicide.  I didn’t have a problem with Gabriel (and to be honest Marious’ Story, although it was fun to write, isn’t as good as book 3 was… Book 3 will be called Kings Champion)  It is also hard to write when you have so many story lines going on in your head at the same time.

TRC: What was your decision behind “Indie” publication?

M.A.: I was told by several publishing houses not to bother because I was not an established name, with the e-readers taking over as much of the market as they are publishers are reluctant to take on new writers.  Another author told me to go this route, she said that she thought my book good enough to make it on its own and if it sold well the publishers would come to me…if it sold well and they didn’t… oh well.  She is on her second book, and is contracted to a publishing house now.

TRC: Would you please tell us about GABRIEL?

M.A.: He has returned from the wars a hero to his people, savior of their Empire and honored as such, but his world is empty, despite the peace he has won for his people.  There is no light where he lives, no soft touch to comfort him, to push away the darkness of his memories.  He lives only to serve his King and the world he lives in.  He is the High Lord General Gabriel Eagle Claw, commander of the combined Elven forces   Sent into the outside world to bring their people home he travels with his troop to the valley where he has been told they await his coming.  There he is to find the life mate to the King and bring her safely to his side, but there is more, for there is a mystery he must solve and claim for his own.  She who will bring light and love to his soul, she is his Eden.  His one and only, his true soul mate, his love and he vows he will bind her to him forever.

She is like a forest creature, wild and free.  Warrior trained along side her brothers. She guards the life and spirit of the forests that surround them, as well as those who live in the valley with them.  She also guards a secret, for she is more than just a simple Elven maiden tending to the care of the elements they live in.  Within her lives the talent to communicate with the very trees she treats, they tell her tales, stories, tidings of things that have passed.  To them she is their guardian.  To them she is Tratchar, she who heals their ills, beloved of the Sentinels and their salvation.  Beautiful and proud she is no man’s possession, nor shall she be, this she is determined she will never be.

TRC: Have you always had an interest in Elves?

M.A.: No.  My sister has had this thing for Fairies, but I have never followed the beaten track.  I have read a lot of different stories where Elves were in the background, but hardly ever ones where they were the main characters.  For some reason I felt compelled to know more about them… they were something different to check out.

TRC: Your first novel is basically a romance between Gabriel and Eden, and their reluctance to admit their attraction.  Will all of your novels follow a similar premise?

M.A.: Each one has their own twist. Gabriel and Eden are very strong personalities, they have their own differences to deal with… book 2 for example, Marious’ Story… Marious is more of a charmer, and he knows how to use his charisma.  The heroine (who you will get to meet at a later date probably) is more passive, she is lost in her new world, but inwardly she is a bubbly and loving personality.  She meshes well with Marious, and the storyline is completely different.  Book 3 will have a hero that is older, a heroine with secrets she holds close.  Each one has its own flavor.

TRC: Do you consider GABRIEL a novel written in the romance genre?

M.A.: I would say Fantasy/Romance.  Also, face it, if you have read the book, can you really say it is anything else?

TRC: What was the hardest part about writing this book?  What were the challenges writing this book?

M.A.: The physical relationship was not easy… I had been told I did not know how to write a love scene before, many years ago… I have always wondered, and probably always will, whether I am doing it right.

TRC: Would you please tell us about the cover art?  How did you find the artist etc?

M.A.: Actually Becca found the artist.  It was a Tuesday night and I was working on some of the final edits when she called in February.  We had been sending off emails to prospective artists for a commission and she was tutoring the one we commissioned in the end.  To be honest it was done solely on Becca’s word that the artist was good, because I had never met her.  Still haven’t.  She quoted a price through the phone, well, up to that point I had been seriously begun considering a forest scene with shadows and a profile of Gabriel ghosted over the scene… like I said time was closing in.  On Becca’s recommendation we went with it.  She says she would like to do another.

TRC: What are you currently working on?

M.A.:  I am beginning edits shortly on Marious’ Story… at the same time I am working on the rewrite for King’s Champion.  I am going to the Rockies shortly to visit with #6 bro and baby bro.  During that time I will be writing the rough draft for book 4… I am also considering pulling one of the stories I wrote years ago to place into rewrite.  I may take that with me.

TRC:  Marious’s (Gabriel’s nephew) is next.  Will you like to share something about this storyline?

M.A.:  Marious’ Story has a lighter relationship with his Life Mate than Gabriel had with Eden.   … enemies of the Elven race will begin to emerge.  We are introduced to characters from another of the Elven Kingdoms, and we meet some of the main characters from book 3.  Marious’ Life Mate is Tamarak and she has power over the birds, which she uses quite effectively at times.  All I can say about some of the things that happens is… those crazy Elves.

TRC: Would you like to add anything else?

M.A.: I really don’t know what to say, everyone has a story in their heart and mind, but not everyone can put it into words.  It is not as easy as it can sometimes look.  I hope everyone who buys the book enjoys it, but you cannot please everyone.  The important part is doing the best you can, and that goes for anything.

Gabriel came out of the blue for me, about 2 weeks or so after the death of my mother, almost two years ago.  I just sat down with pen and paper and started writing.  Gabriel evolved, and by Christmas the same year it was done.  I envisioned him as a lone wolf, dedicated to his calling.  He is obsessive about his training and takes pride in who and what he is.  He is extremely proud, knows his limitations, he also likes to grandstand at times. (you will find out about that in book 2)  He is a Master swordsman, so good he has become an icon to other Elves. (you will also learn about that).  Eden was made to challenge the hero, to give him purpose.  There were times when I wasn’t sure what I even was writing until I put it together.  It certainly didn’t start off in the planning stages the way it ended up… had to scrap the outline about a third of the way through.  I knew what I wanted, and I guess you could say I allowed the characters to lead me.  Marious was meant to be more like Gabriel’s sidekick, but he refused to stay in place.  In a lot of ways, the story just kind of … happened.

LIGHTNING ROUND

Favorite Food     Turkey
Favorite Dessert  I am not a big dessert lover, but I do like carrot pie (yes, I know I am different)
Favorite Movie  How Green Was My Valley
Favorite TV Show  I am not a big television fan.  I have made a point of watching Game of Thrones though.
Last Movie you saw  Sanctum
Dark or Milk Chocolate   Not a great fan of chocolate… but when I do eat it I prefer either white or milk chololate.
Do you have any pets   My Snoop Cat… he is a Seal Point Siamese… and pure attitude.

TRC: Thank you M.A. for talking the time to answer our questions.  It is always a pleasure to meet the author behind the book.  Please keep us up to date on your latest book release, and let us know about the next chapter in your life as an author.

M.A.: Thank you for having me, it has been a pleasure.

Link to M A Abraham’s website: M A Abraham

CLICK HERE to order from Amazon.com: Amazon

ALL VERSIONS of GABRIEL will be available for download from Gabriel at SMASHWORDS

 

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M.A. Abraham – The Journey to Publication

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M.A. Abraham – The Journey to Publication

M.A. Abraham has consented to do a journal of her inner thoughts, as she takes the steps to publishing her first novel. M.A. has always loved to write; it was something she enjoyed doing in her spare time.

Publishing her work was the furthest thing from her mind. But her family and friends thought her work was good enough to be published. Things were set into motion, and Gabriel (her first book), is finally here. Let us follow M.A., as she starts the process that will be both scary and exciting as each day brings her closer to her release date.

M.A. Abraham – The Journal – The Beginning

 

This is almost how I feel at the moment… too bad this emoticon doesn’t show the action… smiley is sweating and afraid he is going get blindsided.  I can emphasize with him.

 

Should I be doing this?
Obsessing… It is all about things that don’t come together in the time frame that you imagine or want them to… others are busy, or not feeling well, it can drive you into a screaming frenzy.  Why does Murphy have to have such a firm hold on a person’s life?

Am I making a mistake?
Insecurity…People tell you the book is good, what they have read of it.  The question remains; however, of whether or not it is good enough.  Are your friends just giving you lip service telling you what they think you want to hear?  What if they are wrong? There is only one way to find out, and the thought is scary.

I believe someone in my life somewhere, probably my mother, told me not to get talked into a bad idea by anyone… sighing… it happens to the best of us.

Secrets…..so hard to keep it to yourself
Secrets… everything is hush, hush … Not supposed to let the proverbial cat out of the bag… running around with duct tape across the mouth (this is going to hurt), I am even thinking of taping the fingers so they don’t run off the keyboard.  Beginning to think of dancing around as I hum… “They’re coming to take me away… ha, ha they’re are coming to take me away ho, ho… to the funny farm, where life is beautiful all the time… and I’ll be happy to see those nice men in their clean white coats, and they’re coming to take me away.”

Ahhh…something positive
One niece who has been helping me by setting up my website and reading, complained that she did not read Elf stories… after she read this one she said it had six words that she really, really hated…. TO BE CONTINUED IN MARIOUS’ STORY.

Did the acknowledgment page today… I know at least one who is going to be thrilled to be named in there, and one that is going to think she doesn’t deserve to be on there.

Had Chinese food for supper, in my fortune cookie I found a slip of paper that said “Your friends will truly be helpful in you next month’s endeavor.”  Talk about your luck of the draw there.

OMG…I’m getting closer
Finished the last edit today… went and found 2 appropriate items on YouTube… one with the penguins dancing from happy feet… the other James Brown singing “I feel good”  Still insecure though… probably leaving a trail of chicken feathers wherever I go… all my friends are telling me I am being silly.

Proofreading is being done, if it goes well that means I am personally finished with Gabriel.  On Friday my website is supposed to get done.  Things are coming to a head.

Geez…and I thought I was done
The proof readers have come back at me… and I changed a few things… alright, probably more than they thought it needed… but I could see these things… an “s” where it was not needed… others where they were… a few typos that they missed, grammar oops (there are no end to those.) I have been told to keep my fingers off the keyboard now or someone is going to make a special trip here to slap them.  I guess that means I am finished… but, am I?  Something tells me I had better be or I might start damaging what I want to get right.

I’m starting to get nervous
Finished final edit today… I feel good.  Now we are doing the final proof read.  Still can’t believe I am going through with this…

Life has a way of tripping a person up… when all the helpers are either sick or so busy working they haven’t time to take care of anything else, so things get put onto the back burner.  It also takes time to do EVERYTHING… the artist has midterms, the postal department is slow as molasses in January… someone prints things wrong, and their work needs to be corrected… Everyone you talk to has a different brand of E-reader… sighing… curling up back in bed, putting pillow over in bed.

Talked to Rebecca, she is a mass of nerves, which has nothing to do with the book… she has been putting hours in at work beyond her tolerance level… now the book has reached the point where it needs her talents… she is coming Friday.  Looking to make special meal so she can store up extra energy.  She will probably bring artwork with her, either way, it looks like this might be coming in on schedule after all.

Something positive #2
Alright, I have gotten THE CALL… tomorrow is “W” day… the website goes up… I think I could have placed a bet on this day happening and taken my winnings to the bank… the roads are slippery… it is snowing outside… it is one of the colder days that we have had all winter, and this winter has been unbelievably warm … my niece is coming to work on her part of the project.  Big question is, can she?  The highways are not supposed to be bad, but the city, where she will start from, is a nightmare.

Checked the registrar office for the copyright – it is there… bonus… another hurdle handled.  Boom- chica –boom…

It’s nervous time again #2
The end of the month is looming like a shadow in the entrance to a dark alley.   And yes…

We are all too aware of the time…lol.  I understand that the artist liked the idea of Eden falling out of the tree into Gabriel’s arms so much that is what she drew.  lol.  I saw the (very) rough draft of it last night (Greek to me) but we told her to cut some of the curves on Eden.  She said no problem it was a very rough draft. I guess we get to see what our General looks like together.

Alright it is March… taking deep breath, running for paper bag to put over head… WHAT HAVE I DONE!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Part of me wonders what is going to happen… another part is afraid of what might… so, yes… it probably is nerves.

Learning the ropes on public forums is like running across the snow with loose pants at -40, you never know when you are going to be exposed to the elements.

Setting up good luck charms everywhere… didn’t know I had that many stuffed Snoopys.

The Final Days
Checked with the Copyright Registration list… IT IS THERE…  doing the funky chicken dance… (um… what is the funky chicken dance?)

Sent off pdfs to be read by those who need to read ahead of time… think I will go now and woof my cookies.

Me….A Tease?
A TEASE?  I HAVE BEEN CALLED A TEASE?  Well I did take a course once that did say if many people were all trying to tell you the same thing, there might be something to it.

Sigh…more nervous time
It is 2 weeks before release date and the artwork still isn’t in… growling… this is not performance.  Things are getting tight.

Cover is going to be the very last thing to come… am I surprised…not… and it is going to be very last minute… the suspense is building… the curtains remain closed… next week is do or die week… the drummer is aligning his instruments… getting ready to do a dramatic drumroll… is there going to be something worthwhile to see?  Or shadows by a great tree?

Alright, today is the 9th of March… I did it… I uploaded the preface onto my website. Walking away with a whimper…. Mother told me there would be days like this.

Well the formatting is finished… only thing missing is… you guessed it… the artwork… repeating as I head off… after the weekend…after the weekend … after the weekend. 

Tonight the artist called… what shade of silver blue is Gabriel’s eyes… shade of silver blue?!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!  What shade of cobalt is Eden’s?   Blinking in confusion…

The power of lasagna is phenomenal.  Any threats of violence have disappeared, I am safe.  My designers and art specialists are definitely in their comfort zone now.

The artist is having a bad hair day… probably rues the day she took on the assignment… I gather the highlights in Gabriel’s hair took her almost a full half a day… time is closing in… the book release is a week away… she is saying midweek now… the niece says it better be because she has to put the title and stuff on it… when the cover is done we are finished and she is going to put it up so everything is in place… so we are cutting it close… are we surprised?  Nah, to be expected… we are going to arrive on time.  Considering I am an Abraham… there is a first time for everything.

Alright… it is the 13th… someone asked me for a picture of myself… (altogether now, one, two , three… yuk, yuk, yuk, yuk)  my newest picture is 10 years old, can’t even find it… pictures of me are few and far in between… have been camera shy all of my life.  Special events used to be a nightmare.

Publishing day is here…………………TO BE CONTINUED

 

 ****Watch for our interview with M.A. Abraham on April 4th****

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GABRIEL by M A Abraham-a review

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Gabriel by M. A. Abraham – a review

 

 

The Reading Cafe has decided to do a new feature, that we may post from time to time.  Below is a dual review on the novel Gabriel by new author M.A. Abraham.  We thought, we would take two different looks at the same story.  We hope you like the new feature.

 

 

 

 

 

 

GABRIEL by M. A. Abraham

Reviewed by Sandy

GABRIEL is the first book and series for new author M. A. Abraham.  As part of the Elven Chronicles, Gabriel is the introduction to a new and exciting family of Elves and Fae in the recovery phase following 500 years of war.  Hoping to gather their ‘people’ back home, Gabriel is commissioned by Elven King Daroth to locate and return the Elves who have gathered in the Hidden Valley for centuries.  But unbeknownst to him, Gabriel’s journey is more than a mission of recovery- but a mission to find his heart.

High Lord General Gabriel Eagle Talon knew that this mission was more than a search and rescue.  King Daroth had the gift of foresight, and without a doubt, he was hiding something from his friend. Knowing that the King’s true life-mate was one of the missing Elven maidens, Gabriel was willing to risk his pride for his friend.  But the cryptic signals between Gabriel’s nephew Marious and the King were exasperating-something or someone was waiting.  Hoping to end their charade, Gabriel and his warriors, set out to discover what secrets the King was hiding.

Eden is an Elven maiden, trained as a warrior but with the ability to ‘talk’ to the trees.  Her presence and nurturing gift aids with the renewal and growth of the surrounding forests and trees.  But the trees whisper of pain and sorrow, as well as warn Eden about the ongoing search for her people.  With the warning comes a revelation that her future is about to change. But Eden has always felt that something or someone was missing in her life-would the quest answer her prayers?

Eden and Gabriel are true life-mates, but neither will accept what fate has ordained.  With the knowledge that they refuse to admit to their life mate bond, Eden’s brother takes it upon himself, to assist the couple on their journey.  But a critical error in judgment forces Gabriel and Eden into a situation that ends in suffering for both.

Upon return to their homeland, Eden’s sister C’liandra is betrothed to King Daroth, and the bonding ceremony is immediate. When Eden’s great-uncle recounts the history of the family lore, it is discovered that Eden’s gift and ability to talk to the trees, as well as heal the earth, is one of the rare Tratchar. The power to aid in the renewal of life, is only half of what the fates have destined for Eden.

Gabriel is once again sent on a journey to aid the King and his reluctant mate, is sent in search of her missing extended family.  The King has a plan to reunite the reluctant lovers.  Separation for the life-mates is difficult, and Eden still refuses to accept Gabriel as her soul/her heart. Eden’s need to aid with the sick and dying trees, drains her power and energy, which leaves her emotional and exhausted.  She needs her life-mate, but by not accepting their bond, her true powers, have not manifested, and she grows weaker every day.  It Is only when she discovers another life herself, does the true meaning of family and life reveal.

Gabriel is a short story about destiny, fate, family and the power of love.  M A Abraham writes from the heart about the Elves that she has created. A long history of morals and norms are addressed, although some are reluctant for change.  The joining of two life-mates brings with it a revelation and a power  that has not been seen in centuries, and the discovery of an another will aid the Elves in ways that only multiply with each bonded pair.  I enjoyed Gabriel’s story and I have no problem recommending GABRIEL and M A Abraham’s ELVEN CHRONICLES series.

Additional comments by Barb

Since Sandy’s review is complete, and explains the premise of Gabriel, I would just like to give my overall impression of the story, as well as the writing by new author M.A. Abraham.

I have not read a many stories regarding Elves, so this was a new road for me.  M.A. Abraham takes us on a journey of a romance that was going to be a difficult path for the destined couple. The main characters and story in Gabriel were different from the usual romance, as they seemed totally incompatible to each other.  From the moment we met Eden, I liked her, but I too thought she needed to be tied down.  lol  At first, I was not crazy about Gabriel, but as time went on, I got to like him a lot.  I thought they made a great couple, and Eden was really a hoot.  But then when she came into her powers (Tratchar), she settled and became an equal life mate and partner to Gabriel.  The world created by M.A. Abraham was different, and very interesting.  I thought she created some excellent characters, and you can see future stories coming out of this first book. Marious was a fun character, and you know near to the end, he is the next book.  Then there are some other good characters that I would love to learn more of such as, Haylo and Larek, C’Liandra and King Daroth, and the new girl we have yet to meet, whom must be destined for Marious.

M.A. Abraham takes us into this world, with elves that have different and unique powers, but most importantly, she takes on journey of pure romance.  This is all about Gabriel and Eden, their romance, and their journey to discover their bond, and to save the land they live in.  M.A. Abraham is a fresh and interesting new author, with a wonderful imagination.  She gives a new meaning to romance. I enjoyed Gabriel very much.  If you love a pure romantic story, Elves, fun characters, and a fantasy world,  look no further then Gabriel.

NOTE:  ALL OF THE VERSIONS FOR eREADERS will be available on March 20, 2012
ALL VERSIONS of GABRIEL will be available for download from SMASHWORDS
PRICE:  99 cents for the first 7 days as an introductory offer.

CLICK HERE to order from Amazon.com: Amazon

CLICK HERE: M A Abraham

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