Betrayal (The Delande Saga) by Gwen Hunter

Betrayal

by

Gwen Hunter

Summary:

The first novel in the DeLande Saga. Gwen Hunter's award winning international bestseller. BETRAYAL is set in an exotic, violent world where storms crash in from the Gulf, where crushing vines of wisteria are drenched with pungent lavender, where gators growl by night in brackish waters full of secrets. A suspense-filled tour de force about a woman who defies a threat honored through the generations.


Review: 

What could I say that could possible give this book justice? This is one of my all time favorite stories. I stumbled upon this book while perusing the fiction section (what else) and could barely put it down long enough to purchase it. I've loaned this book out several times only for the borrower never to return it. I've always had to purchase another book. This is a well written 'love and sacrifice' story through and though! 

Having lived part of my childhood in Mississippi and having gone to college in New Orleans, it helped me relate to this book even more. Gwen did an amazing job in her description of an emotional history with such poise and grace it made for an easy read.

What didn't make for an easy read was the sad story itself. Nicolette Dazincourt is the main character who explains her family history and how her family name is now looked down upon which is still considered important in certain societies, even to this day. Although her family doesn't have the money and status they used to, proper upbringing was a must for her. This allowed Nicollette to meet the man of her dreams, Montgomery, which turned out to be more of a nightmare. 

Gwen delves into the world of Placage *(the social practice of unofficial, heterosexual, interracial, unions in New Orleans, French and Spanish colonies from the 17th to the 19th centuries) which is not always discussed but people seem to be intrigued by it. She does such a wonderful job with character and plot development it makes you long for more. There are many twists and turns and shocking heart-wrenching moments that you cannot help but be held captive. 

Like I said this book is about love and sacrifice but the only sacrificing the reader does is having to put the book down when done. 

*****/5

Official Site

Gwenhunter.com

Purchase Links

Amazon

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*http://www.knowla.org/entry/764/

Scifi Dreams

        I love it when I finish the first draft of a book. Although I only just recently finished writing my second book, it feels official. Like now I'm an author, if that makes since. There are authors out there who have many books under their belt and that's wonderful but I now feel I hold the title of writer, as well. 

          Watching television or going to the movies, growing up, I would always see some great thriller or action packed drama I so desperately wanted to be a part of. For me, I always dreamt about being in some great science fiction television show or movie like Star Wars, the V, and Stargate SG1 and of course, TWD; but now I have something even better because it comes from my own doing.

            What I’m saying is I’m making my dreams come true on paper. I create a world filled with characters that I like, direct their every move and plot a course of action. I'm the writer, the producer and the director. I'm doing something with my life I never thought possible and loving every minute of it. This makes me feel like a kid all over again.  I may not be in the major leagues yet but look out…here I come.

** Does anyone else feel this way? 

A River Moves Forward by Selena Haskins

Book Blurb

A coming-of-age story about a young girl who must prove she can survive without her family.

Book Summary

 A Mind-blowing Drama of Betrayal, Mystery and Heartbreak

Connie Morris grows up in Chicago’s Cabrini Green projects, and suffers abuse from her father. When tragedy strikes the family, Connie is virtually the last survivor, and ends up homeless until an unexpected hobby leads to fortune and fame. At the peak of her career, someone from her past tries to destroy everything she has worked hard for. Connie could possibly lose it all, including herself. On the other side of Chicago is Dean Wilson, a cocky police officer whose marriage ends tragically. Soon he meets Connie and the two fall in love, but when they learn their paths have crossed before, it sends them on an emotional ride that could prove to be too much. What happened in their past could possibly ruin their future or make their love strong enough to forgive and move forward.

Author Bio

Selena Haskins is a native Washingtonian who enjoys music, spirituality, basketball, and spending quality time with her family. As a young girl, Selena always had a vivid imagination, and would tell make-believe stories to her friends. As a teenager, Selena begin to journal her personal thoughts, and write poetry. Before long, her talent for writing was recognized by her high school English teacher, who encouraged her to write articles for the school newspaper. The articles motivated Selena to write many stories and essays, mostly as a hobby. After completing high school, Selena would major in English at Johnson C. Smith University, and the University of the District of Columbia.

Although Selena would ultimately end up working in the legal and financial fields, her love for writing never stopped. She continued to participate in many local writing workshops and community outreach groups, where poetry, short stories, and other creative pieces were read as public expressions, and as a way to bring hope to the disenfranchised.

In 2013, in between working full-time, Selena completed one of her life's goals by publishing her first novel, A River Moves Forward. In her debut novel, Selena tackles issues of poverty, race, abuse, and the family dynamics. She also infuses messages of hope, love, and forgiveness, which she believes are the qualities of true humanity.

The reception of A River Moves Forward continues to be favorable, earning 5-star reviews on Amazon, and progressively gaining favor of those in her community. The enthusiastic response has motivated Selena to write a sequel, Riding the Waves, scheduled for release in 2014.

As Selena continues her writing journey, she hopes that all of her future stories will continue to entertain, encourage, and inspire others.

You can reach Selena Haskins at

booksbyselena.com 

Purchase Links

Amazon

Barnes & Noble