http://awesomegang.com

Where Awesome Book Readers Meet Awesome Writers

1. Treehugger (Based on a Dream, #1) by Kea Alwang - Kea Alwang lives in New Jersey building worlds, reading, and indulging in severe caffeine and chocolate addictions. Her podcaster husband, film-obsessed son, book-munching daughter, and self-absorbed parakeet are among those who put up with her unnatural attachment to the keyboard. Despite creating characters who can’t wait to leave this planet, she actually loves the Earth, but wishes bullies and the word moist would just disappear.
   
2. Primal by Raven & Lain Bower - Raven and Lain Bower are a wife and husband team. They live in North West Michigan with their four kids, two Hell Hounds and alien doom cat. When not occupied with the aforementioned minions or writing, they enjoy creating worlds, gaming, reading, target shooting and gardening. Raven is the author of the Bailey Khane supernatural suspense series - Apparitions, Wendigo and Rags Beneath (spring 2012). Apparitions, is currently under production as a feature film. They're the authors of the Vengeance urban fantasy series - Primal, Smoke (2013) and Dead Moon (2013/14) And the adventure fantasy, Nymph's Lair, now available! The first novel in their Weeping Dark fantasy series, Bleeding Edge, is set for release Feb 15th, 2013. To find out more about Raven and Lain you may visit their website at ravenbower.com or email raven@ravenbower.com or join their Inner Circle newsletter for exclusive content at www.ravenbower.com/blog
   
3. The Terrarium Echo - A businessman and a novelist, he was born in 1964 in the city of Ontinyent (in Valencia, Spain). Apart from his work as companies' advisor since 1990 and founder of Sociedades Urgentes, Ramón Cerdá is known for his literary activity having published many essays and mainly novels. In his novels we can find a mix of mystery, action, peculiar characters and a few paranormal brushstrokes. In his plots he has written about cloning, spiritualism, astral voyages, reincarnation, diabolic possession, psychophonies or hallucinations, with matters related with his legal expertise. It is a genre novel that can be regarded as black/thriller/psycho-thriller and even terror. His trilogy THE BUTTERFLIES ROOM, THE DREAMS GHOST and THE BEE CHARMER is outstanding. In 2012 he published THE TERRARIUM ECHO after selling with his previous novels more than 160,000 copies in Spain. This is his first novel to be translated into English.
   
4. The Fall of Onagros, Book 1 of Sage - For as long as she can remember, Marian Allen has loved telling and being told stories. When, at the age of about six, she was informed that somebody got paid for writing all those books and movies and television shows, she abandoned her previous ambition (beachcomber), and became a writer.
   
5. The Girl With Nine Lives - Elizabeth Earle started life by waking up and becoming unsatisfied with reality. A member of a big family, always being lumbered with the stool at Sunday Dinner and specialising in beating grown (somewhat tipsy) men at left handed arm wrestling, she debuts her first published work, Tartarus. She can be found looking for buried treasure in your gardens, can be heard singing Queen (terribly) in the shower, and seen in the shadows of Warwickshire, cooking up another story. Elizabeth studied at the Norwich University College of the Arts after studying a National Diploma in Fine Art. Within the first year of studying a Degree in Fine Art, she quickly changed her mind and decidede to pursue her life long ambition of becoming a writer, and embarked on a BA (Hons) in Creative Writing. Since then, she has had various careers concerning making balloon animals, serving drinks to drunks, making cakes for charity, teaching inmates various subjects such as art and design and life and social skills, and finally settled on a job at a local college. Elizabeth's favourite places are Stratford Upon Avon, Warwick Castle, Arley Woods and of course round her Nan's for Sunday Dinner. Elizabeth's hobbies consist of eating her weight in chocolate raisins, maltesers, attempting to extend her knowledge beyond 5 chords on the guitar, writing and drinking vasts amount of tea. When not hiding away writing, Elizabeth likes to spend her time with friends and family, occasionally feeding the rabbit, Stavros, and sitting back relaxing with the-bloke-with-the-beard.
   
6. Union of Hearts, Where Secrets Unravel - J.L. Carlson is a teacher, spiritual counselor, writer, and lecturer. She has worked in the fields of grief counseling, separation, and loss for over twenty years believing that the choices we make take us down our chosen pathways of life; and yet, our choices are often alterable, if we truly desire and have the courage needed to redirect our course. J.L. Carlson’s life work has been directed toward the healing aspects of the heart, mind, and spirit. She is also an animal lover. Her children call her the 'animal whisper'. Even wildlife approach her. She is the mother of four and lives in the suburban area outside of Chicago, IL
   
7. Shapes & Colors For Children Including Hexagon Pentagon Octagon by Amber Richards - Amber Richards is a mother and full time nanny with a love for children and teaching. She is a watercolor artist and writer of childrens non-fiction books.
   
8. Happy That It’s Not True - Carlos Aleman lives in Sunrise, Florida.
   
9. Customer Service by Felicity Brandon - Who is Felicity Brandon...? I have taken to describing Felicity as my 'inner slut'! She gets to explore the sensual and erotic side of life, which is not always open to me in the real world... ​I have been writing stories for years. It allows me a creative outlet to express my ideas, and voice my opinions. Then a few years ago, I stumbled across Felicity in my inner psyche! She was screaming to be heard, so she started to write as well... except the words she penned were darker, steamier, and more taboo... Felicity's first work was published at the end of last year by​​​​​​​​​​ Xcite Books. http://www.xcitebooks.co.uk​ Since then her words have flowed, and she now has many stories in the offing. You can catch some of them soon from Wildheart (at The Oleander Press). http://www.oleanderpress.com Watch this space for more heart pounding, pulse-racing, toe-curling erotica!
   
10. First Tango In Paris - My name is Emma Styles. I am a married mother of two. I currently live between Kew, West London and Southern Spain. I have just completed my first book “First Tango In Paris”, which is a true-life account of my sexual experiences and adventures since stumbling into the very elegant but incredibly decadent and hedonistic Parisian swinging scene. The book documents intimately and often graphically many of the more salacious and debauched encounters over a ten-year period, whilst also portraying how I juggled the more predictable side of family/working life with my quest for even greater sexual escapades. Currently writing the conclusion, bringing it full circle, whilst working on a new series of four fictional novels in the “Bitch Boss” genre.
    
11. Tried & Tested – 101 Recipes by Carol Jones - As a small child I grew up watching my Mother cooking and baking for our family, and I was always intrigued by the delicious smells of home-cooking and with what she made. One of my earliest memories is of standing on a kitchen chair, next to my Mother, and 'helping' her to bake a cake. I'm sure that I was no help to her, but I surely loved the experience! As I grew older, I was aware that my Mother and Grandmother could turn their hands to many cooking skills and I was always intrigued to watch a meal being prepared and cooked. In my twenties, I spent many years working in commercial kitchens and running restaurants, always staying close to my love of cooking and creating simple, yet delicious meals. So, now a woman in my forties, I have truly enjoyed everything about putting together my first cookbook. It is a collection of my favourite recipes that I have cooked many times over the years for my boyfriend, family and friends. My recipes really work, to provide exactly the results they promise with minimal kitchen equipment, preparation time and ingredients. They really are as simple as that. All of these recipes are 'no fail', if you follow the simple instructions I have set out. I've personally tried, tested, modified and cooked every single recipe until I have made it the very best that I possibly can, without compromising on flavour. And what you need for each recipe can easily be bought at your local supermarket. So, no more cupboards full of items that have been used only the once and won't be used again- which saves money, too! I hope that you enjoy my recipes and creating wonderful meals that all of the family can enjoy. Whether you are new to cooking, or are an experienced cook looking for new ideas and flavours, I sincerely hope that you will find something you enjoy!
    
12. Promise Cove - About this author Vickie is the author of eight novels, including the Skye Cree series, The Evil Trilogy, and the Pelican Pointe series. She makes her home in Southern California. When she isn't working on her next manuscript or screenplay, she loves to spend time outdoors. When it isn't possible to go hiking or to the beach, she tries to spend time growing flowers and plants like her daddy used to do. She loves to play video games, and enjoys watching football with the hubby. If you've ever read any of her books, you know she's a die-hard Raider fan, which means she has the patience of Job. She lives for chocolate, but then who doesn't? She'll kill for a cup of coffee in the morning. She's convinced the best food on earth is French fries. And she could easily be a vegetarian if not for bacon.
    
13. The Swallows and the Doves are Friends - I enjoy spending time with my new son. In my spare time I like to work on building up my online business.
    
14. The Wall Outside by James William Peercy - The desire to write first over took me in middle school after reading 'The Red Planet' by Robert A. Heinlein. From that point on, I could not get enough. As the ideas filled my head, I had to find a way to let them out. Whether it is scifi, fantasy, mystery, or poetry, you'll see all kinds from me. Relationships are the keys to all stories. As any good writer will tell you, "There are no new stories, only different details in the telling." I hope you enjoy!
    
15. Dancing With the Sun - My name is Ally (Ayelet) Nathaniel and I'm a mom of three young children . I'm a pastry chef, graduated with honors from Tadmor Culinary Institute, and baking & cooking instructor. I teach and give lectures about cooking and parenting at community centers, the school system and parents groups. I have more than 10 years of experience in the culinary world, as well as editing an on-line parenting magazine and managing parent oriented forums, supporting parents with child care and educational issues. I also wrote and published parenting articles in a parenting magazine. I currently lead parents support groups and teach Parenting by Connection. On my blog Playful Kitchen I share recipes and unique educational tips for parents.
    
16. Catch the Sun - Educated at universities in Britain and California, Ian Roberts is a former teacher of English and a keen rugby fan, with one novel in print and three books on sale on Amazon Kindle, to excellent reviews. He is an avid reader, across a wide range of topics and genres, with an irrepressible sense of humour. He has twice crossed the Sahara Desert, by Land Rover, when journeying in North Africa, through Morocco, Algeria and Niger. When attending university in California, he spent time travelling and camping in Mexico.
    
17. Apocalypstick - Gregory Carrico is an Amazon.com Best Selling horror and science fiction writer, and 2013 HFA Author of the Year Finalist. He enjoys crafting bad guys that readers will both care about and despise. When not creating new worlds and plotting their destruction, he advocates for adopting rescue dogs, and politely urges slower drivers to get out of the passing lane.
    
18. Beyond Their Country - Roger Burke was born in November 1941 in Bremerton, Washington. Roger pens books with the craftsmanship few authors today acquire. His books get outstanding reviews from nationally recognized entities. "Burke's characters are finely drawn and his moving love stories are as suspenseful as a mystery." Oklahoma City Times Roger Burke has written many novels through the years. He is just now making a presense into the Ebook realm. In the weeks ahead many more of his books will have a listing in the Amazon Kindle Store. You can find out more about Roger Burke on his website at http://www.rogerburke.net
    
19. Disappearance (an Israeli Thriller) - Niv Kaplan was born on Kibbutz Ayelet Hashahar in Northern Israel in 1959. At age 11 he moved with his parents to NYC for three years. After completing high school, Niv served three years in a special-forces reconnaissance outfit and had taken an active part in forming the IDF's Alpine unit which he served in reserve duty. Niv received his Bs.C degree in Business Development (Marketing) from Cal State University Northridge (CSUN) in 1992, spending close to ten years in New York and Los Angeles. He started writing "Disappearance" right after receiving his University degree, completing it in 1997. The book was written in English, translated and published in Hebrew in Israel in June, 2012, and had since sold over 6000 copies, received praise for its suspenseful plot, precise structure, and identifiable characters, and is considered a surprise success for a first time author in Israel. Niv's second book has been completed in English this year, translated to Hebrew and will be in bookstores this year. Niv has been working in the Aerospace industry for the last 19 years, marketing electro-optical sensors to fighter aircraft. He lives in Tel Aviv with his wife Tali and their seven children.
    
20. Simplify Life and Learn to Live Again - Kaylee Cole brings the topic of minimalism and simple living down to earth and applies common sense frugal principles that are a trademark of her book series.
    
21. Reality Check - Eric Garrison is active in the writing community in Indianapolis, Indiana. He lives in the Circle City with his wife, step-daughter and a cabal of cats. He also enjoys gaming, home brewing beer, and finding innovative uses for duct tape. Eric’s latest novel, Reality Check, is a science fiction adventure released by Hydra Publications. Eric has also written four urban fantasy novels. These include the Road Ghosts trilogy (to be released by Seventh Star Press), as well as Blue Spirit. His novels are dark supernatural fantasies, dealing with ghosts, demonic possession and even sinister fairy folk.
    
22. Self Defence Tips Everyone Should Know by Neal Martin - Quality information on self defence shouldn't be hard to find, yet thanks to many of the so-called "experts" out there, good quality information is now buried under so much dross--inaccurate and wrong information that does more harm than good. What you need (and what Neal provides) is a variety of detailed strategies--each designed to help you solve a particular problem related to self defence. Neal writes his books and articles for a variety of people: self defence practitioners, martial artists, security personnel or anyone who is seeking a deeper knowledge and understanding of the principles of good personal protection. What seperates him from other self defence writers is his ability to explain complex topics in a no nonsense straightforward manner. He doesn't offer guarantees (they don't exist in self defence) but always delivers step by step strategies you can implement immediately. In his spare time, Neal likes to train hard, read, write and talk about himself in the third person. Want to know more? Then check out his blog, Combative Mind, or look him up on Facebook.
    
23. Hide in Time by Anna Faversham - I grew up on the Kent coast in England and have lived in New Zealand, where the people taught me so much. I also spent some years in Africa where I learned not to be afraid of spiders. I can't say the same for flying dung beetles, locusts, crocodiles and much more. Africa dragged my love of writing to the surface. Living some forty miles from the nearest tarmac road and seventy from anything pretending to be a bookshop, I soon ran out of bedtime stories for the children. Scribbling began. On returning to England, fiction had to take a back seat as real life took over. Eventually, time has been found to write my first novel, a romantic, time travel book with a hint of mystery.
    
24. 50 DIY All-Natural Bath & Beauty Products by Sophie Nouveau - Sophie Nouveau readily admits to being a trivia aficionado, cook, reader and author, although not necessarily in that order.
    
25. MOLLY’S MAGIC Problem Solving by Penelope Colville Paine - From Twickenham, England, Penelope Colville Paine attended Goldsmith's College, University of London, where she received a BA in fine arts. Her first children's book, My Way Sally, co-authored with Mindy Bingham, received the Benjamin Franklin Award for best children's picture book for 1989. She is also the author of Time for Horatio and Molly's Magic. Penny Paine lives in Santa Barbara, California, with her family and their two dogs, Reilly and Dougal. Her five adult children live in California, Oregon, and New Zealand.
    
26. Raising Riley - Brick Marlin has been writing since he was a child. He is a member of the Horror Writers Association and, to date, has already had eight books published by small presses, nearly twenty-five short stories published, as well as the added anthologies and collaborations he has written alongside other authors.
    
27. Black Stones of Ter Chadain - C.S. Yelle was born and raised in Grand Rapids, MN, the “almost” middle child of six. He attended Grand Rapids Senior High School where he enjoyed music and sports. He received his BS in Chemistry from Mayville State University, Mayville, ND in 1987. It is there that he first fell in love with the world of fantasy and began his first novel. He is the father of four and grandfather of one. He enjoys time with family and friends, the finer points of baseball, and golf. He writes novels, screenplays, and an occasional short story. He has been writing seriously for over ten years and plans to continue until his fingers are unable, maybe longer. He is amazed with the perseverance of the human spirit which inspires his stories. He currently resides in a Minneapolis, MN suburb with his wife Jennifer and their rat terrier, Holly
    
28. Old Desires/A Stranger’s Kiss by Liz Fielding - Multi-award winning author, Liz Fielding, has written 60 emotional romances for Harlequin and has more than fifteen million books in print. She is also the author of Liz Fielding's Little Book of Writing Romance.
    
29. Brayden Rider, Tales of a Medieval Boy by Christopher Barnett - The inspiration for Brayden and his adventures grew out of my many trips to the UK, and the games I used to play with my friends as a boy. I'm originally from Canada, but have lived in Northern Virginia since 1978 or so, attending college in Ohio and completing graduate work in Washington, DC and Charlottesville, Va. "Brayden Rider" is the first is a series following Brayden's adventures as he grows up, and is my first novel.