Slide Tour - Michelle Congdon

After surviving a horrific car accident that claimed the lives of her mother and brother, Evangeline made a promise to herself to never go back to the city filled with the memories of her tragic past. But when her estranged father suddenly falls ill, she has no choice but to return to New York and to the life she spent twelve years trying to avoid.

Since the accident, heiress to the multi-billion dollar Montgomery Empire, Evangeline has always feared the media attention that comes with having the Montgomery name and would immediately give it all up if it meant the chance to bring back her loved ones. Delicate and camera shy, the last person she should have on her mind is a type of guy like Ryan Fox.

Witty, extremely arrogant but undeniably good-looking are only a few words Evangeline can use to describe the New York Yankee’s hot-shot. The notorious bad boy― well-versed at playing the game both on and off the field― isn't fazed about the media circus following his every move and couldn't be anymore different to the quiet, shy girl that she is. So, what does a guy like him see in somebody as messed-up as her? And although everything about Ryan screams trouble with a capital T, why can't Evangeline seem to stay away? It's not until they're away from the cameras that Evangeline begins to see the real man hiding behind the cocky facade- one that's hurt and haunted by a dark and terrible secret.

What will happen once Evangeline finds the courage to reveal what really happened on the evening her mother and brother died? And how will she react when she finally learns the truth about Ryan's chilling past? Will baring their deepest secrets bring them closer together or will it tear them apart and have them sliding into darkness all over again?

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About the Author

Michelle Congdon resides in Sydney, Australia. She has a Dalmatian named Jett, who to this day continues to hold an 8 year grudge against her after she had to leave him with her parents when she moved to the big city- this only proves animals are much like their owners. Michelle enjoys reading books of all sorts of genre's, watching way too many movies and TV shows (and Disney cartoons), singing out aloud to her favorite hits and going on adventures involving food and travel. Michelle is loud, talks a lot and shares an ever-growing list of fictional husbands with a friend. From when she was a small girl, she has always had an overactive imagination and has tried to put it to good use by sharing her stories with anyone willing to listen.

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10 Things You May Not Know About Michelle:

- I am left handed, but use my right hand to do most things except to write.

- I can recite Disney’s the Lion King and Aladdin word from word (including the songs).

- I am addicted to video games and wish I had more spare time to play them.

- I won “Aussie of the Month” in primary school but was sick that day, so my sister had to go up in the middle of school assembly and get the award.

- I have a gluten intolerance but I’m always naughty and eat things I shouldn’t. I suffer the consequences every time.

- I am scared of balloons. I can’t pop them. I can’t be near anyone blowing one up. Sometimes I will attempt to blow them up but will only go to half-size.

- I enjoy listening to classical music

- I am very passionate about animals and plants, and struggle to even squash a cockroach.

- I have a strange fear of any kind of electric shocks (including static electricity) and also irons if it is in someone else’s hand and I am near by?!? (Yes, as in the object you use to straighten out your clothes.) I don’t know where either fear originated. What I can say is I cried like a little girl when my friend was messing with me and chasing me around with a small Taser gun. When he realized I was well and truly frightened, he decided to stop. Haha.

- I have a scrapbook and a large corkboard filled with favorite memorabilia that I have collected from my life.

Giveaway

- 1 $10 Amazon Gift Card
- 1 Digital of Slide by Michelle Congdon through Rafflecopter
- 1 Digital of Slide by Michelle Congdon to one Random Commentor

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Free promotion day

My new novel CHERISHED is free today at amazon (digital copy).
You can download it for free, and these are the links.

http://www.amazon.in/dp/B00FA4HDQK

http://www.amazon.com/dp/B00FA4HDQK

http://www.amazon.co.uk/dp/B00FA4HDQK

You can also read some of the reviews here -

http://www.induswomanwriting.com/cherishedby-lakshmi.html Reviews are most welcome.

Setting of the Story

Setting of the story is very important for a writer and it needs to be well described. Every story has to take place somewhere, and writing about it cannot be ignored in your story. No doubt, setting is an integral part of your story.

Why do we need to describe about a setting?

A proper description of the setting where the story is taking place helps the reader visualize the place and how it must be taking place there, while reading your story. If the description was not given the reader won't be able to get connected with the story.

It makes the reader the story is more believable. You must have read reviews which say the story was more realistic. The author would have put enough details for the reader to feel it realistic and believable. Though a well described setting is a pleasure to read, too much description can be a boring too. Care to be taken not to write too much to an extend that the reader gets bored, instead of getting interested in your story and turning the page.

When you are writing a setting you are 'showing' it and not telling it. You must have heard many advices from expert writers that while writing a story 'showing' is more important, and not 'telling' it, so that the reader can enjoy the story better.

If you are in the process of writing a story don't forget to focus on the story setting of the book you are reading. It will give you better ideas for describing your setting.

Cherished Book Blast - from November 15 to 18

b00kr3vi3wtours has organized a Book Blast for my book CHERISHED starting from November 15th to 18th, 2013. Please check out more details here Thank you so much for this.

I also thank all the participating blogs who are hosting this Book Blast.

Jane Eyre - My review

When I was looking the ebook version of this popular classic - Jane Eyre by Charlotte Bronte - I found it to be free to download. I immediately downloaded it into my kindle and thought of reading it at a later date. But to my utter surprise, I found myself commence reading the book the same day itself. After reading the first few pages, I was not sure whether I would like to go forward and complete it. However, I decided to read few more pages and as I turned each page I found it quite interesting and wanted to read more and more, and didn’t want to put it down.

The writing is superb with memorable characters and fabulous descriptions. I loved the strong characteristics of Jane who was brought up in an orphanage – independent thinking, hard working, kind hearted, not being greedy and proud even after becoming suddenly rich, believes in herself and not doing something just to please others. I admire Jane for coming back to her first love Rochester when he was in his worst position and had nothing much to offer her, and her gladly deciding to become his life partner for the rest of his life. Another important point attracted me here is that each one’s thoughts in this book are remarkably and believably expressed.

I incredibly enjoyed reading this book. Even after finish reading the book, it leaves you thinking. The heroine of this book (Jane) is an ordinary looking girl, not very amazingly pretty and beautiful like other romantic heroines in the books we read, and still she stands out in the crowd of heroines, leaving an impression in the reader’s mind!!

Another encouraging review for my book

I have received some more reviews for CHERISHED.

Nov 05, 2013
Cherished true meaning unfolds as u read by: Sandhya P J

This captivating story 'Cherished' is of a young teenager Jyothi growing up without the love of her father and a secure family in her early childhood.

The author has truly understood the intricate understanding of the human mind and has dealt the story line very delicately yet forcefully. As u read on... it like the story is unfolding on a screen as the fine details, colour, emotions, moods etc are so well portrayed that it reaches one on a deeper level which is the gift the author truly has.

Meaningful that a simple moment perceived negatively or positively with wisdom or with unknown facts of the happening can produce such disastrous situation in the family tie and each individual can be deeply hurt. Cherished is beautifully crafted and shows the ability of a mature and gifted writer. All the best and eagerly waiting for more...

More reviews here -

Happy Diwali to all - 2013

Happy Deepavali to all.
May the spirit of light illuminate the world.

Deepavali, (also known as Diwali), is popularly known as the "Festival of lights". It is one of the most important festivals of India, celebrated all over the country. Indians staying outside India also celebrate this festival.

Houses are thoroughly cleaned to welcome Goddess Lakshmi. The lighting of small clay lamps filled with oil, kept outside the house, signifies the triumph of good over evil. Goddess Lakshmi is worshipped during this time. Firecrackers are burst during Diwali to drive away evil spirits.

People celebrate Diwali wearing new clothes and sharing sweets and snacks with family members and friends, for three days.

Naraka Chaturdashi (Nov.2nd) is the day on which the demon Narakasura was killed by Lord Krishna. It signifies victory of good over evil and light over darkness.

Lakshmi Pooja (Nov.3rd) - Goddess Lakshmi and Ganesh, God of auspicious beginnings, are worshipped on this day to welcome prosperity and well-being.

Bali Padyami (Nov.4th) - is the day to commemorate the victory of Lord Vishnu in his dwarf form called Vamana over the demon king Bali, who was pushed into the nether world.

A festive look can be seen everywhere. Schools, Colleges and Offices are closed on these days.

A wonderful Review for Cherished

I have received a review recently from one of the readers.

Oct 26, 2013
daughter's quest for her father
by: Suresh

'Cherished' is primarily a story about a daughter's search for her father who, due to circumstances beyond anyone's control, couldn't be with her right from childhood. The search that begins with a tentative letter takes an unexpected path and tensions rise as old and new relationships clash.

The author displays an excellent understanding of mature human relationships in all its aspects but mainly in the less explored father daughter relationship. We root for the daughter who missed a father's love and who is initially portrayed as a selfish father. As the truth is slowly revealed, we marvel at the way destiny can change the orbit of relationships in spite of the good intentions of individuals.

An excellent read for any book lover. This was copied from here.

Book blast announcement for Cherished

I have decided to go for a book blast tour for my novel Cherished, and you can read more about it here http://b00kr3vi3wtours.blogspot.in/2013/10/CherishedAnnouncement.html

"Cherished " - Starting page

Cherished - by Lakshmi Menon - is the story of a young girl who is in pursuit of her parental love.

ISBN 9788182534414 Published by Cybervit.net (Sept 2013)

Blurb of the Book -

Grishma, accompanied by her father and four month old baby, boards the train to Delhi to join her husband and surprise him with an unexpected visit. She dreams a happy family life with him. Little does she know that her journey will end in havoc to her life. 19 years later, Grishma's daughter Jyothi, longing for her father's love and support and a family reunion determines to search for him, despite her mother's strong protests. She succeeds in her mission, but will Praveen accept her as his daughter?

Starting Page:

It was the evening of the last Sunday in the month of January. The weather was as pleasant as the previous evenings. An old melodious Hindi film song was playing on the TV downstairs that Mrs. Rao liked a lot, and she hummed along with it. It was one of Jyothi’s favourite songs, too. She remembered the scene very well - a father’s song for rocking his daughter on his shoulder, as he walked in the corridor, patting the back of the child, while the mother was busy in the kitchen. Whenever she heard this song she pictured herself in that position and regretted not having enjoyed the precious time with her father during her childhood.

Located in a prominent residential area, Mrs. Rao’s house was adjacent to the main road. Widowed two years ago at forty two, Bharathi Rao stayed in the same house where she had a very happy married life with her architect husband and two wonderful sons. Though both of her sons since had left for the States, one for a job and the other one for higher studies, she preferred to stay alone in the same house with the memories of her late husband. She believed he was still there with her, though not physically. Her old maid Venkamma stayed with her, which was a great relief to her. Bharathi Rao wanted to take up a job to occupy her time, but her sons did not want her to go out and work. When the nineteen year old Jyothi was accommodated in her house as her paying guest, her life took a different turn

On a Wednesday evening, Savitha, one of her husband’s relatives, visited her house on her way back from office. She could not come and see Bharathi Rao when she was mourning, so she decided to meet her on the way back from work. Savitha had another motive for her visit, but she didn’t want to discuss it with Bharathi, until she felt comfortable with her. After chatting with Bharathi for some time, she asked, “Why don’t you have a girl with you as a paying guest? She will be company to you and you will feel more motivated in your daily life.”

Bharathi Rao was not interested in having an outsider in her house. She didn’t feel confident enough to accept Savitha’s suggestion. Savitha noticed her reluctance, and then said, “A friend of mine is looking for a safe place to accommodate her College going daughter. She has applied to the College hostel, and is waiting for a reply. Until then she has to stay somewhere close to the college.” As there was no response from Bharathi Rao, Savitha added, “The girl has no father and it will be of great help to the mother, if you agree to let her stay here with you until she gets accommodation in the hostel. This may take about a month. If she gets a seat earlier she would gladly leave your house.” Savitha glanced at her hopefully, and then added, after a pause, “I guarantee you that you will not have any problem with her.”

After careful deliberation, she decided to allow Jyothi to stay as her paying guest until she got hostel accommodation. “As Savitha suggested, her presence would be of some help during the difficult period of life, and it would also help the girl and her mother,” thought Bharathi Rao.

The following day Savitha came again, but this time her friend Grishma and her daughter Jyothi were also with her. The fair and thin looking girl, with short hair and a tinge of grief on the face, wore a blue short skirt and a white top. One look at the girl made her feel her decision to help the girl was wise. Since she had no daughters of her own Bharathi Rao felt a special affection towards her. Since that day she was no more known as Mrs.Rao to Jyothi, but as PG aunty.

The same night itself, Jyothi discussed her family history with Mrs.Rao, and so she felt more sympathy for her. “I want to meet my father at any cost. Please help me auntie,” Jyothi had cried that night, as though that was the only reason she had agreed to join a College in Bangalore. . Consoling her, Mrs. Rao had nodded in support of her. That was ten months ago. She could easily understand the feeling of a girl who was denied a father’s love.

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Where to buy this book?

Hard copy of the book "Cherished" can be ordered here- Cyberwit (Publisher) Amazon.in Amazon.com Infibeam.com

Ombooks.com Flipkart.com

E-Book of Cherished - Amazon.co.uk Amazon.com Amazon.in