Monday, June 30, 2014

Sign up for Free Giveaway of Raven's Passion on Goodreads

Raven’s Passion is now live on Amazon. I am so excited about the 5 star review it received from Readers’ Favorite.

Raven's Passion is a story of the coming of age of a young man and the girl who loved him in an age where ones very survival depended on their honor, their strength, and the village.

I did not know when I started writing Native American Romance that I would enjoy it as much as I do. But I struck out on the path, and what a journey it became. When I researched Cherokee culture for my Passion’s Series I was drawn in by its richness from the games, to the spirituality, and the love of nature and all creation. A good example of how even their games held a high place in their society and preparation for life is the game of stickball. Raven's Passion opens with a game of stickball. My intention was to show the reader the intensity and passion in the game as well as the intensity and passion driving the young warrior, Raven Cloud.


A major part of my research for the Passion's Series came from a book written in that time period by one of my husband’s ancestors. The game of stickball, also called “The Little War” was a favorite sport. This simple game was not simple. It brought villages together, was used to teach team cooperation, bravery, agility, and brute strength. The winners and the most accomplished players won respect and great honor. There was no such thing as “cheating”. From what I read in this old book, the game made football seem tame. If someone were injured in the game, or even killed, there would be no retaliation.

The game could last for days but when it was over there would be a celebration. A blanket would be laid on the ground. Anyone wanting to participate in the dance describing the memorable plays would deposit an offering to be given to villagers that were in need. The rewards earned by the players were comprised of honor and respect for their prowess, and experience that would aid them on the hunt and strengthen them for war. Their generous gifts to the needy endeared them to the villagers as well as bringing them honor for being providers and protectors of the people.

It was truly a time in history when ones very survival depended on their honor, their strength, and the strength of the village.

I look forward to many entries in the Giveaway for Raven's Passion. 

Sunday, June 22, 2014

Breaking Down by Calista Smith

Breaking Down (The Breaking Series, book one)Breaking Down by Calista Smith
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

FIVE STAR
A Beautiful Coming of Age Story by
Breaking Down by Calista Smith is a beautiful love story, but also a coming of age story.

Raquel, nicknamed "Rocky" is an average teenage girl dealing with a not so average past. Her best friend Natalia helped her to overcome the experience. Because of Rocky’s parents divorcing, she and her mother re-locate, causing her to attend a new school for her senior year. This is the year Rocky will live up to her nickname. Fortunately, Natalia will be attending the same school and will be a loving support for Rocky, even if she doesn’t realize it, as she travels the uncertain terrain of self-awareness, self-respect, and reliance.
Rocky falls in love with Dante, a gorgeous, popular fellow who is fawned over by every girl in school.
I enjoyed following the emotion growth of these two as they faced the challenges before them. By the end of the book, I was both wiping tears and cheering Rocky’s strength as she stood by her decisions.
Ms. Smith has impressed me with her story telling ability. Breaking Down is well crafted, insightful, and totally absorbing. I look forward to reading every book in this series. I recommend this book to anyone who enjoys YA as well as any parent that has forgotten what it is like to be young and in love.








View all my reviews

Wednesday, June 18, 2014

Only 3 days left!

The giveaway for Passion's Vision will end 6/22/14.
You can read the Prologue at  http://www.maryadair.com/Passion_s_Vision.html