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 WELCOME TO BOOKS
BY SHIRLEY A. ROE
HIGHLY RECOMMENDED FOR READING GROUPS, BOOK CLUBS AND READERS IN GENERAL.
BUY THESE BOOKS
NOW AVAILABLE: RETURN TO WHITTAKERVILLE
the finale to the Martha Whittaker story. Email the publisher to order now:
www.realtimepublishings.com richie@theebooksale.com
FINALIST FOR 2009 INDIE EXCELLENCE AWARD
The Whittaker Family Reunion 
Author: Shirley A. Roe
ISBN: 978-1-906806-51-4 $15.95
Pages 193
The Whittaker Family Reunion takes readers back to 1881 and the family is reuniting once again.A mysterious stranger is stalking the family, who is this mad man? The in depth historical research circa 1881 makes this book an educational read as well as an enjoyable one.
Order here
http://theebooksale.com/zen-cart/index.php?main_page=product_info&products_id=335
Can be Ordered from Amazon. com BORDERS STORES, OR WWW.REALTIMEPUBLISHINGS.COM
The sequel to Dreams and Nightmares is finally released. Get your copy today.
We return to St. Louis where Martha and Jeremy await the arrival of their sons for Martha's birthday and a family reunion. Will the reunion be all Martha hopes or is danger lurking in the shadows?
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Dreams and Nightmares
The Martha Whittaker Story
 RealTime Publishing
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ISBN: 978-1-906806-57-6
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Winner of The UK Blether Gold Award. A truly exceptional read, the finest example of a genre, a book with which the reviewer can find no fault, and which will usually have universal appeal. |
Dreams and Nightmares: The Martha Whittaker Story, is a historical romance taking the reader on a journey from the English aristocracy to the trials and tribulations of pioneer life. Martha McGuire’s arranged marriage to Jebediah Whittaker turns her life into her worst nightmare. Calamity follows, leaving her alone with a devil of a man and his three sons in the vast wilderness of Wyoming. Will hero Austin Wells find her and rescue her from her nightmare. How does brother-in-law Jeremy fit into the scenario? Can she ever find true and lasting love?
Reviewer: Mary Jesse, author: From page one the book carries the reader back in time to England and America in the 1800s for a consistently interesting and entertaining tale filled with contrasting emotions of love and hatred, fear and courage, and hope and despair. Many historical details of life in the 1800s are articulated throughout the story, which add depth and dimension like blended spices in a gourmet meal. Although there are several diverse settings and many key characters, they are all artfully developed and portrayed with much ease. Author Shirley A. Roe has clearly demonstrated her immense talent for storytelling with her most recent novel, " Dreams and Nightmares: The Martha Whittaker Story.”
Reviewer, Maria Romero: The author’s research of the period shines through with captivating three-dimensional characters readers will easily relate to. Overall, the feel of this romantic tale is of epic proportions, moving at a fast, intriguing pace, that will keep readers glued to each page, lusting for more, even after they reach the end! A sequel perhaps?
Available: directly from the author for $ 12.00 at
sroebooks@aol.com
includes shipping in N.A
Ebook available $7.95 www.theebooksale.com
WHAT READERS ARE SAYING:
Enjoy this intriguing story of love and affection, trials of living in the 1800s, the enduring human spirit, and wonderful family life. In-between readings, you will anticipate tuning in to the lives of these "real" life characters of the story. You will find the characters most interesting and a well defined plot that is easy to follow, and very well written. It leaves the reader wanting the story to continue. I highly recommend Dreams and Nightmares: The Martha Whittaker Story and will be looking for more of Shirley Roe's works. Cheryl McCann
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ISBN:0-9749634-4-5
Anyone interested in matters Celtic should read this book, for while it combines romance and high adventure, it is wonderfully informative about the customs and mores of the Celts, and one comes away from the book feeling that not only has one just read a rattling good story but also that one has benefited from a most interestingly presented history lesson. Shirley Roe has a detailed knowledge of the intricacies of Celtic life, philosophy and religious practices, and sets the love interest in the context of a carefully observed portrait of sixth-century Scotland, when the native Celts were fighting to retain their land for their goddess, and the Druid priests and priestesses were ranged against the Christian invaders. Indeed, Shirley Roe graphically, and sympathetically, depicts a people under attack battling to retain their way of life. She paints a sharply executed picture of a feudal society in which the Lord and Lady provide shelter and a livelihood to those in their domain and expect total loyalty in return; when loyalty wavers, vengeance is quick and unequivocal. Life was simple and harsh, colored black and white rather than gray.
Yet, if there was savagery – with treachery being met with bloody reprisal – there was also tenderness, and the author brings alive four joyous love stories, and indeed the book ends with a spectacular scene of the recently united Archdruid and High Priestess standing together amidst the heather-clad Scottish mountains, exultantly worshiping the rising sun.
This book offers the reader an exciting tale full of suspense and variety. Shirley Roe is a skillful storyteller who keeps the reader hooked from the first page to the last; and moreover, in addition to being a novelist, she is also a poet, and woven into her narrative are small, dramatic poems that fit beautifully with the sense of Celtic spirituality and other-worldliness that pervades her book. I recommend this book as an excellent read.
Sprinkled throughout this book is Shirley's poetry.Reviewer: Robina Williams, UK author.
Available: www.grizzlybookz.com
or www.theebooksale.com for the ebook at
$7.95
or directly from the author at:
sroebooks@aol.com for $ 12.00
includes shipping in N. America
Published by: Grizzly Bookz Publishing
WHAT READERS ARE SAYING:
I was unable to put the book down. I hungrily devoured it in just over twenty-four hours. There were battles between knights on horses, deaths, traitor’s plots, medieval castles, deep dark forests with fairies in them and sunny green meadows with clear streams and wildflowers of every color. There was music and singing, love affairs and feasts with great tables filled with mutton, wild game and tankards of ale. There were myths about the Arch Druid and High Priestess rising magically, mystically out of the early morning sun. Every conceivable human emotion is explored in an ever moving action setting. Only an author with the most vivid of imaginations could conceive of such a rich plot! It’s the kind of book that you will want to share with your family and friends. Shawn Thornton |
I don't know what your destiny will be, but one thing I do know: the only ones among you who will be really happy are those who have sought and found how to serve.
Albert Schweitzer
 Fairy Glade and Other Enchanting Tales by Dawn Beaumont Lane in collaboration with Shirley A. Roe. A wonderful collection of children's stories.
Available: www.theebooksale.com or Amazon.com
SHIRLEY A. ROE - INTERVIEW WITH CINDY BAUER
CB: You are an author, writer, editor, and reviewer with a remarkable portfolio. I’d like to begin this interview with a little background information first. Briefly tell us a little bit about Shirley Roe, the person: where did you grow up, siblings, family, etc.
SR: Thank you Cindy. I was born in Toronto, Ontario, Canada. Lived in southern Ontario during my childhood, with my parents and two brothers. My husband, Jim and I still live in a suburb of Toronto. We have three children and 6 grandchildren. Jim and I spend half the year in Florida and travel to Scotland at least once a year. We love travel and I am always researching for a new story.
CB: Your first novel, Of Dreams and Nightmares, was published by PublishAmerica. As a former PA author, can you tell us a little about your experience in working with that company and any advice you might have for other authors still trying to get that first manuscript published. How has that worked out for you?
SR: Unfortunately my experience with PA was not to my satisfaction and I cancelled my contract after 4 years. The seven year contract was restrictive and costly to get out of. The company does not promote their authors and the cost of buying books at the author’s price is very high. My second and third books were published by independent publishers and I am currently working with RealTime Publishing, whom I am very impressed with.
CB: You are the Managing Editor of award winning AllBooks Review. How did the review site come about and what services do you offer, other than book reviews?
SR: In 2000, as an author myself, I saw a great need for reviewers for POD books. I started Allbooks Review for this reason and the company has grown dramatically in the past 9 years. Allbooks Review now reviews both POD, ebook and traditional books from authors all over the globe. We offer advertising, promotion, editing, synopsis writing and guest speaker engagements. The Allbooks Review blog site is now a stop for Virtual Book tours. Our newsletter is read and appreciated by thousands of readers. Allbooks now has 27 excellent reviewers, from all walks of life.
CB: Your reviews are furnished to libraries by a Book Review Index, which is a CD. Can you briefly describe this idea’s origination and do you find it helps in getting authors books into the libraries nationally?
SR: The CD idea originated with Midwest Reviews who I work with. James Cox, founder of Midwest would be happy to answer this question.
CB: Briefly describe your published works:
SR: I have three historical fictions published. Of Dreams and Nightmares is the story of Martha Whittaker, an English woman who travels to America and becomes a pioneer in the wilds of Wyoming Territory. Her story describes the trials and tribulations faced by these brave and formidable people. The Whittaker Family Reunion picks up Martha’s family twenty years later in St. Louis. The family is reuniting, however a mysterious stranger arrives, threatening both their safety and their sanity. A Call to Faith and Freedom is the story of the invasion of the Scottish Highlands in the 6th Century. It is a romance, adventure and historically accurate tale of the life of the Celts and Druids.
CB: Where might we buy them and do you offer signed copies?
SR: Signed copies can be purchased directly from me through my website: www.allbookreviews.com or www.booksbyshirleyroe.bravehost.com. Book are sold on Amazon.com, www.realtimepublishings.com, Borders, Barnes and Noble, Books A Million and most bookstores.
CB: On each published work, how did you come by the ideas for the story plots and does your family influence your writings in any way?
SR: I am a historical fiction fan. The idea for A Call to Faith and Freedom stems from my many visits to Scotland and all of the historical sites there. Martha Whittaker was a character that I invented during a writing class. She haunted me and I was compelled to write her story.
CB: You recently joined forces with TheEBookSale.com and RealTime Publishing, which is owned and managed by Richie O’Brien. Can you briefly tell us about this partnership and what it means to aspiring authors hoping to be published?
SR: I am very pleased to be associated with Mr. O’Brien and RealTime Publishing. I personally published The Whittaker Family Reunion with RealTime in both ebook and printed format. The service was very reasonable and Mr. O’Brien’s personal touch is a much- appreciated asset. As an author I found, publishers are often unavailable and uncooperative, this is not the case with RealTime. Allbooks Review provides the acquisition service and editing service, to RealTime and I would highly recommend this company to both new and previously published authors. The rate for set up is one of the most reasonable on the web today and the end product is high quality. The ebook sale works hard to promote their books on many sites and distribution outlets.
CB: You write in several genres. Is there one in particular you enjoy more than the others?
SR: My favorite is definitely historical fiction.
CB: I see that you and your husband like to travel to research information for your works. Do you have the story idea in your head and then travel to get the information needed, or do you travel and come up with your ideas then?
SR: A little of both, A Call to Faith and Freedom definitely came to me during a trip to Scotland. I am currently working on a novel based in southern Alaska and I am planning a trip there this summer.
CB: Briefly tell us a little about your affiliations:
SR: As mentioned I am affiliated with RealTime Publishing. I promote Brenda Novak’s auction for Diabetes every year. I have been a judge for Tweener Ministries Young Writers contests. I work with the ABC Ottawa Take Off Program and Emily Jane Hills Orford. This program offers bright, gifted children a chance to connect with talented, skilled adults eager to share their interests and passions for a particular subject. Allbooks Review signed the Business Ethics Pledge with www.businessethicspledge.org. I am a member of Shadow Forest Writers, Author’s Guild, Books and Authors, and several other writing groups. I write a syndicated column for American Chronicles. Personally, as a member of World Wildlife Federation, I support many environmental sites and sources.
CB: AllBooks Review has been twice awarded 101 Best Websites For Writers by Writer’s Digest. That’s quite an accomplishment! Can you tell us a little about the staff behind the site and their contributions leading up to such a prestigious award?
SR: My reviewers and staff are the best. Over the years we have grown to offer more services and review many different genres and formats. Allbooks Review prides itself on conscientious service. Lisa Haselton is one of the best editors in the business. I am thrilled to have her on staff. Bob Medak is an excellent marketing manager. He manages our blogs, Twitter, Wordpress, Facebook, etc. with ease. Emails inquiries are answered quickly, reviews are completed in 30 days, ads are prepared and posted in a reasonable time and service is what we are about. We are here to serve and it is our pleasure. Allbooks Review has received thousands of testimonials over the years and we thank every one of our authors for their kind words. Readers will find Allbooks Reviews on several book jackets and in author promotional materials.
CB: AllBooks Review is also international. Who can submit to your site for a review and what information should they know prior to submission?
SR: All authors worldwide can submit. Our reviews are in English. Submission guidelines are available by emailing through the site or directly: allbookreviews@aol.com. We do not accept unsolicited works, please contact us before sending your book.
CB: What project are you working on now?
SR: I am currently finishing the final book in the Martha Whittaker series, Return to Whittakerville. It will be published in summer 2009 by RealTime Publishing, in both ebook and printed format. Once that is complete I have two other historical fiction novels to complete. One based on the Tlingit tribe of Northern British Columbia/Alaska and the other is set in Ireland in the 1700’s.
CB: Do you write any series of books and if not, have you ever considered doing a series?
SR: Yes the Martha Whittaker Story is a series. Of Dreams and Nightmares, The Whittaker Family Reunion and finally Return to Whittakerville.
CB: You are an editor. But who edits for you?
SR: I use my Allbooks Review editor, Lisa Haselton. I value her opinion highly.
CB: Why should authors consult with a proofreader and an editor? Can you explain the benefits to their writing careers?
SR: Every author should have their work edited professionally. Most publishers of reputation will not publish a book with typos, grammatical errors, etc. The book reflects upon the author and the publisher and every author should put forward their best work. As a reviewer, I see many books that would have been greatly improved and more saleable if edited before publishing.
CB: What websites can we visit to learn more about you, your books and your review services?
SR: You can visit www.allbookreviews.com and www.booksbyshirleyroe.bravehost.com for more information.
CB: Shirley I want to thank you for joining us here at Writer’s Block this month. I’ve enjoyed getting to know you better. Is there anything else you would like to tell the readers that I may not have covered in this interview?
SR: I appreciate all of the readers that have purchased my books and encourage anyone that has not to do so. Martha Whittaker’s story appeals to readers of all ages. Alllbooks Review is here to serve upcoming authors, we offer an excellent author promo package for less than $50. Contact us today.
CB: How may we contact you?
SR: Visit the Allbooks site www.allbookreviews.com or email me at
allbookreviews@aol.com or Sroebooks@aol.com
Cindy, I thank you for this interview and appreciate your time.
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