Authors

Say “Merry Christmas” With These Hot Book Deals! Give The Gift of Reading For Those You Care About With Last Minute Book Gift Ideas. . .

Catherine Lyon - Literary Marketing Expert Author News, News Around The Web, Posts, Uncategorized, Updates and More , , , , , , , ,


Hello Avid Readers, Friends, and Visitors,


Cat has the honor of representing many exceptional writers and authors who have decided to give book readers and buyers of books a real treat by lowering the pricing on almost all their books for the “Holiday Gift Buying Season.”

Everyone loves to have a package under the tree with beautiful reads of all different genres too!

So, this post will be pretty vibrant as Cat will share all our fine authors running sales, but I’ll let the holiday book banners do the “showing off,” knowing books make great gift ideas. Cat even has some paperbacks on sale that are new and newer releases for under $9, and all books are purchasable on Amazon in formats of E-books, Paperbacks, and are within Kindle Unlimited, so you read free!

Most of the Books are Award-winning and have garnished 5-Star Editorial Book Reviews awarded by literary book influencers Reader’s Favorite.


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Amazon #1 Best-Selling Author Elizabeth Upton Offering E-books and a Few Paperbacks Now On Sale on Amazon and Within Kindle Unlimited. https://www.amazon.com/Elizabeth-Upton/e/B001KEA1NG/



Nothing says “Merry Christmas” like these thrilling suspense reads by Elizabeth Upton! All her E-books are on sale for $1.99, and a few paperbacks under $9 too!


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One Amazon Reviewer Says About Mysteries by Kim Carter:

“This is one of the best mysteries I have read in a long time. I am a 77-year-old woman and have the entire book in the ‘Clara and Iris Series!’ Kept me in suspense the entire book. I would say that Ms. Carter is up there with Patricia Cornwell as far as keeping you in gripping suspense to the book’s last few pages. I highly recommend all of them to readers!”



All Seven of Kim Carter’s E-books are on sale for only .99 cents for the first time and several paperbacks are priced under $10!



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Best-Selling American Author Pavane Ravel & Her Political Fiction Suspense Drama of “The Other Shoes of Lary Martin” Novel Series Book One – ‘Revelation of Lies’… $1.99!
https://www.amazon.com/Other-Shoes-Larry-Martin-Revelation-ebook/dp/B09CRPH41P/


Reviewed By Reader’s Favorite:

Larry Martin is not a good person. He is lazy. He treats women badly. He thinks the world owes him everything that he wants but hasn’t earned. Unfortunately, Larry was also raised by an abusive father with right-wing beliefs, which he adopted as his own. What more can one expect from a person raised without love? Then Larry loses his job as a journalist and eventually loses his home as well.

Larry decides to shed his old self and change. He decides to become a better person.
Pavane Ravel has a writing style that is easy to fall into. It is comfortable and has a good flow. There is definitely good character-building.

As this book is based on profound character growth, the author does a remarkable job of slowly easing the reader along on the journey. I found the attention to detail with the construction of the various homesteads quite interesting. The Other Shoes of Larry Martin is ideal for readers who enjoy extraordinary character changes, fighting for survival and climbing to the top to make a change for the better.

This book can also be recommended to those readers who want to know themselves on a deeper level. I loved how the story itself became the story of the book.   



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A poignant and gripping memoir on sale by #1 Amazon Best-selling Author Wilsdaryon Prescher
https://www.amazon.com/Wilsdaryon-Prescher/e/B0B2VMN1FX/


One Book Reviewer Says:

5.0 out of 5 stars. He allowed time to give him strength

Reviewed in the United States on November 3, 2022.

“How many roads must a man walk down. . . ” After reading this memoir, one can only believe there are mountains to climb and mountains to conquer, and as young as this author is, and through every trial that was thrown in his path, he found a way through. He conquered! Brave for having the audacity to share his memories with us!” Highly suggest this book!


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Amazon #1 Best-Selling Romance Novelist Richard E. La Motte with Three New Releases and His E-book “The Treasure” on Sale or Read Free With Kindle Unlimited. Makes a Great Gift!

https://www.amazon.com/Treasure-Through-Amazon-Adventure-Headhunters-ebook/dp/B0BCPBZLC4/



One Reader/Reviewer Says:

“Reviewed in the United States on October 12, 2022
Verified Purchase

“If you are a reader who screams at the characters of the book you are deep into, ‘The Treasure’ will be one to give you laryngitis. At every turn of a page, one of the characters in this book is either in jeopardy or creating havoc. Precisely what a fast-paced emotion-driven mystery with an underlying love interest should have. Highly entertaining!



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Best-Selling Novelist and New E-book Releases of “Seeing Red” & “Pearly Everlasting by Claudia Ricci
Now Available on Amazon: https://www.amazon.com/Seeing-Red-Claudia-Ricci-ebook/.B0BHL1KR77/…

That’s How Claudia Is Celebrating
The New Year!
With 2 New Book Releases.



One Amazon Reviewer Shares:

“Ronda’s story in Seeing Red made sense to me, and the writing touched me viscerally and emotionally. I could feel her challenges, pain, and desire; life was tearing her apart. I felt drawn in from the very first paragraph.

She goes to Spain to follow her fantasy lover and pursue her love for flamenco; what she finds there through her wild adventures is the most important thing missing – her love for herself.

I recommend this book to all of my friends and new readers!” Literary Fiction (Books) Romance.


MORE BOOKS By Claudia Ricci ~ Her Blog> http://mystorylives.blogspot.com/2022/11/the-noctuary-night-journal.html…



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Fictional fun read of tall tales and puppy tails by Author Barbara Dena is on sale now!
https://www.amazon.com/Barbara-Daniels-Dena/e/B09DWB2236/


E-book only .99 Cents, and Paperback under $9 & Her New Book Releases in Jan 2023

“Memories and fiction fill this collection with humor, heartwarming compassion, and spine-tingling fright from the author’s own experiences and an imagination she can barely control. Quilts, children, and dogs have always played a large part in the author’s life. Therefore, it is unsurprising to find stories of warm quilts wrapped around her tales or tails.

A trait the reader discovers in Barbara’s writing is that, much like life, nothing within the covers of this book will be what one expects.” Check out her Guest Featured Author Spotlight For Her Upcoming New Book Titled “One Soul’s Journey!”
>>> https://zuzannebelec.com/zuus-intervuus/



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Multi-Award-Winning Mystery Action and Adventure Series by Diane Olsen Has Been Blowing Avid Readers,’ and Reader’s Favorite Book Reviewers Away With The “Rising Wind Book Series and Book Five is a Brand New Release!
https://www.amazon.com/dp/B093PRX88L/ – https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B09447YQ7F/




All Five E-books Are On Sale on Amazon and can be read free with Kindle Unlimited. Makes a great Holiday Gift For Readers on Your Gift List!


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YES! Cat Does Have Some Holiday Children’s Books Too!
This One By Awarding-Winning-Author Shawna James now comes in New Languages of English, Spanish, Dutch, and French.



Gift your tots the Gift of Reading This Christmas.>> https://www.amazon.com/Shawna-James/e/B08L1KRVY1/. . .



*** MERRY CHRISTMAS, HAPPY READING TIME Throughout This Holiday Season!
May God Bless You All With Peace, Love, and Kindness! ***
CAT LYON









Special Cover Reveal for Best-Selling Author Barbara Daniels-Dena! Barb Is Celebrating The Coming New Year With a New Book Release Titled “One Soul’s Journey.”

Catherine Lyon - Literary Marketing Expert A Writer's Thoughts, Author News, Featured Guest, News Around The Web, Posts, Updates and More , , , , , , , ,

About The Barbara:

Barbara, an Illinois native draws fictional stories from her vivid imagination as she ponders the ‘what if’ scenarios in everyday life. With a bit of embellishment and embroidery of the details, a new story takes shape.

Memories of family experiences also grace the pages of this anthology like the paintings on a wall, to be enjoyed and reflected upon.

Barbara spends her free time reading and playing with her tiny Yorkie, Zoe, who happens to believe she is the writer in the family, Barbara is only the assistant

~Barbara Daniels Dena
Cover Reveal Barb Dena’s New Book Release In Jan 2023!
Book Banner Courtesy of Author Ivy Logan



ABOUT THE UPCOMING JAN 2023 RELEASE ~ ONE SOUL’S JOURNEY

“One Soul’s Journey” ~ is an eclectic and extraordinary collection of short stories. The ingredients ~ are imagination, a dash of real life, inspiration, and lots of love. If you’ve read and loved her first collection, “For the Soul,” this book will delight you.

Two short stories excerpts from “One Soul’s Journey”

“Stop talking to me. You know owls don’t talk. Do you want someone to hear you? People will think I am nuts, talking to you.”

“Tracy knew a man was there. She felt his eyes on her, watching her. Feeling her fluttering heartbeat return to normal and the adrenaline surge passing, the original lure of the cabin returned to niggle at her curiosity bone.”



Barbara’s First Book “For The Soul”

Read Barbara’s First Book Free with Kindle Unlimited   Or only $0.99 to buy



“About The “For The Soul”

Memories and fiction fill this collection with humor, heartwarming compassion, and spine-tingling fright from the author’s own experiences and an imagination she can barely control.

Quilts, children, and dogs have always played a large part in the author’s life. Therefore, it is not surprising to find stories of warm quilts wrapped around her tales or tails.

A trait the reader discovers in Barbara’s writing is that much like life, nothing within the covers of this book will be what one expects.



BOOK REVIEWS “For The Soul”

5.0 out of 5 stars  
Delightfully charming short stories

Amazon review in the United States

For the Soul is a delightfully charming collection of short stories about everyday life, some are real, some are fanciful interpretations, and some are Ms. Dena’s creative imagination. Ms. Dena has a knack for bringing to life everyday events with humor, wit, pathos, generosity, and love.

There are many lessons to be learned. Her characterizations are authentic and likable. She finds the extraordinary in what many might find mundane and brings it to life, so the reader sees it in a new light. I found myself relating to so many of the stories. I highly recommend For the Soul, a truly enchanting read.

5.0 out of 5 stars 
Excellent book. A must read

Amazon review in the United States

Reading FOR THE SOUL by Barbara Daniels Dena, I had to keep reminding myself that she and I were not related. Some of her stories could have been my stories. It was as if she reached into my past and pulled out beautiful memories that had been long forgotten. Barbara’s book gave me hours of enjoyment and a lifetime of memories. I highly recommend you fall in love with this book.


Barbara Daniels Dena

 Visit Amazon’s Barbara Daniels Dena Page — Find all the books, read about the author, and more.


Barb Daniels Dena is a Best-selling American Author of her funny and eclectic book debut, “For the Soul: A Collection of Short Stories,” which was released in August 2021. Almost a memoir, this unique collection of inspiring short stories of ‘good ole fashioned living,’ along with many past and present memories and life experiences that tug on the heart, warming stories wrapped in fictional tall tails and humor delighting readers worldwide. The book is available on Amazon Books, Kindle, and many fine online book sites.

Barbara began writing at an early age as a lover of “Make-Believe.” Today, her writing has developed from memories of family experiences, various compilations of events in her life, and her love of animals. She is willing to admit that her vivid imagination plays a role in her stories.

Barbara is an Illinois native who has lived in many places; as Barb says, like a free-spirited “Gypsy,” she has lived and worked in Illinois, Washington, Idaho, and Georgia, but Ultimately, comes home settling back in the Quad Cities area of Illinois.

She is a proud mother of two grown children. She was a business owner, ran a Temp Agency, transitioned into her passion for floral design, and opened, owned, and ran several floral shops. Her favorite flower is the “Casablanca Lily.” Her favorite color is Red, and when she isn’t writing, Barbara spends her free time oil painting and enjoys quilting, knitting, and reading.

Her favorite book is “Death Be Not Proud” by John J. Gunther. Her first love will always be playing with her fur baby; a little Yorkie named Zoe. She continues to write from her cozy nook as she gazes over a pond full of geese and ducks. On many days it is more gazing than writing. 


Connect With The Author on Social Media:

Website, Facebook, Twitter, Goodreads, Amazon,












Readers! Fall Into These Autumn Reads By Our Authors Who Have Garnished 4 & 5-Star Editorial Book Reviews Given By Reader’s Favorite and Are Worth Your Reading Time…

Catherine Lyon - Literary Marketing Expert Author News, Book Award News, Book Review Post, News Around The Web, Posts, Updates and More , , , , , , , , , , , , ,


Hello and Welcome, Avid Readers,
Are You Looking for some Fantastic Reads?

You won’t go wrong by purchasing and reading these sweet reading treats written by many of the fine authors we represent at ‘Lyon Literary Services.’ Cat loves sharing books and ‘The Why’ you should read them when they have these exceptional editorial book reviews like the ones below. With the Holiday Season almost here, they would make great gifts too. and all books are available on Amazon, and most are within Kindle Unlimited Membership! …Enjoy!


The Shaman and the Mafia
By Elizabeth Upton

The Shaman and the Mafia is a work of fiction in the mystery subgenre. It is suitable for the general reading audience and was penned by author Elizabeth Upton. 


Reviewed by K.C. Finn for Readers’ Favorite

The Shaman and the Mafia is a work of fiction in the mystery subgenre. It is suitable for the general reading audience and was penned by author Elizabeth Upton. The book follows former nun Marietta Collins as she is dragged into the aftershock of a tragic murder when her friend Joseph is killed in what looks like a mob hit. As Marietta becomes romantically involved with both Joseph’s brother and the FBI agent investigating the death, the past refuses to stay buried for all involved as the FBI hunts the mafia boss believed to have ordered the hit whilst the police search for the killer directly.

While the mystery of Joseph Gleason’s murder lies at the center of this novel and provides the core narrative around which the characters gather, the significant contribution to the story the death makes is to act as a catalyst for an in-depth and intriguing character study of those involved in Joseph’s life.

Author Elizabeth Upton has created a cast of colorful characters, each of whom has had life breathed into them by her stunning prose, and it’s a treat to turn each page and find the direction in which the narrative events will push them next. I particularly enjoyed the development of Detective Riley as she is forced to confront the harsh reality of corruption in an institution she has served for years. Beautifully blending the trappings of a love story and a thriller, The Shaman and the Mafia uses the best of both genres to tell a story unlike any other, which will stay with readers long after the final page is turned.


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This Is Me Trying: Navigating Through A Lifetime of Trauma
By Wilsdaryon Prescher

This Is Me Trying: Navigating Through A Lifetime of Trauma is a work of non-fiction in the memoir subgenre. It is aimed at mature readers and was penned by author Wilsdaryon Prescher. 

Reviewed by K.C. Finn for Readers’ Favorite

The book follows the author’s recovery from the abuse he endured in his youth, a journey made possible by the power of music. Throughout the rocky road of escaping the abuse, developing coping mechanisms that hindered more than they helped, and encountering the biases that people hold against abuse survivors, the power of music provides a tool for the author to rediscover their authentic self and move forward into adulthood.

I’m always in awe of any author penning a memoir, especially one willing to show sincere emotional vulnerability to their readers, but sometimes an author leaves nothing off the table when describing the upsetting and painful parts of their lives. Such an author is Wilsdaryon Prescher, whose willingness to frankly portray some of the most challenging situations a young person can live through is matched deftly by his skillful prose in doing justice to the depiction of those moments.

This book is an emotional journey that readers will be moved by as they experience the hardships of the author’s younger years and the rocky road to happiness that came with adulthood. Overall, This Is Me Trying is an honest depiction of the never-ending struggle toward recovery and a book that frankly depicts mental health issues and the journey to better mental and emotional well-being, wherever your starting point in life may be. Highly suggest reading!


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Lovers’ Secrets and Revenge

(Book Three – John Callahan Series) By Elizabeth Upton
Lovers’ Secrets and Revenge is a crime mystery romance novel by Elizabeth Upton.

Reviewed by Pikasho Deka for Readers’ Favorite

Lovers’ Secrets and Revenge is a crime mystery romance novel by Elizabeth Upton. It’s been ten years since John Callahan had last seen his grandmother, Annabella O’Sullivan. Upon a visit to her sprawling estate in Dublin, Ireland, John is delivered a striking blow when his grandmother dies, and he is her sole heir.

His grandmother’s death and the unexpected murder of an employee force him to hire private security guards for himself and Morgan Gallagher, Annabella’s lover. Additionally, his recently inherited estate has a break-in by an armed man. Meanwhile, John starts falling for an Irish woman named Sara O’Boyle. But when one of his own employees becomes his stalker, John must find a way to protect himself and his loved ones. Who is the killer? Is John’s life in danger?

An absorbing murder mystery filled with romance, suspense, and intrigue, Lovers’ Secrets and Revenge is a cozy book to spend your evening with. Author Elizabeth Upton spins an intricate yarn full of dramatic moments that have you eagerly turning the pages in anticipation of what will happen next. The narrative will especially appeal to fans of telenovelas or soap operas, with the constant twists and turns of the plot leaving you asking for more. The characters have defining traits that pop out of the pages. John is one of the more fleshed-out characters, and his romance with Sara is one of my favorite aspects of the book.
If you enjoy romance and crime stories, this is what you’re looking for.


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A Crime Story
A Mother-Daughter Cozy Mystery ~ By Richard E. LaMotte

A Crime Story: A Mother-Daughter Cozy Mystery by Richard E. LaMotte is a light-hearted thriller about a mother and daughter...


Reviewed by Antoinette Wessels for Readers’ Favorite

A Crime Story: A Mother-Daughter Cozy Mystery by Richard E. LaMotte is a light-hearted thriller about a mother and daughter who get stuck in a small town with a murder mystery on their way to Hollywood. Clair and Mindy decide to start investigating the unsolved murder of Samantha and write a crime story to pass the time.

They soon realize that everyone in town has their theory about what happened, but Mindy is set on uncovering the truth in memory of Samantha. It doesn’t take long for their snooping to start annoying the wrong people, and accidents start to happen. Will they be able to answer the unanswered questions, or will Samantha’s murder always stay a small-town mystery?

Richard E. LaMotte wrote A Crime Story in a way that will have anyone, even readers who don’t enjoy thrillers or mysteries, loving this light-hearted mystery immensely. It is not overly elaborate, is easy to read, and even easier to enjoy. The theme which stuck with me as a reader was the relationship between a mother and a daughter who needed to find each other again.

They grew as characters while they were investigating the murder, and through this, they could also reconnect. The pace of the story is gentle. I enjoyed the fact that the book wasn’t more than two hundred pages, but it never felt rushed.

I would recommend this book to any reader who wants a quick, enjoyable fall read with adventure and a little suspense.


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Dark Secrets of the Bayou
By Multi award-winning writer Kim Carter

Dark Secrets of the Bayou is a work of fiction in the murder mystery genre. It is aimed at all ages and was penned by author Kim Carter. 

Reviewed by K.C. Finn for Readers’ Favorite

Dark Secrets of the Bayou is a work of fiction in the murder mystery genre. It is aimed at all ages and was penned by author Kim Carter. The novel follows the homecoming of attorney Tink Mabry as she visits Kane, Louisiana, with a co-worker to deal with the dilapidated homestead she’s just inherited from a family she barely knows. No sooner has she arrived than she ends up as the prime suspect in multiple murder investigations. As Tink explores her new surroundings, she realizes that the family secrets that plague her inheritance may hold the key to exonerating her, though some things are best left in the past.

Author Kim Carter has crafted a sinister and spine-tingling work of dark mystery fiction, an ideal read for a cold winter’s night. This story combined many elements and genres that I adore, from the historical references to the 19th century and the creepy, dark expanses of the Louisiana bayous, to chilling, horror, and family drama elements. The complex plot interweaves all of these factors seamlessly, delivering a smoothly-told narrative with sharp, exciting deviations in the mystery plot.

It certainly kept me guessing until the end, and the close narration of Tink and her emotional journey really got me rooting for her (and fearing for her) as the story developed. Overall, I would highly recommend Dark Secrets of the Bayou for those who enjoy a dark mystery with lots of horror elements and a spellbinding atmosphere. This was a worthy introduction to an author worth reading again and again.


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Daily Gratitude Reflections Volume 2

365 Inspirational Guides to Grateful Living
By Deborah L. Perdue

Daily Gratitude Reflections Volume 2: 365 Inspirational Guides to Grateful Living is a work of non-fiction in the new age, spiritual, and self-help subgenres.


Reviewed by K.C. Finn for Readers’ Favorite

Daily Gratitude Reflections Volume 2: 365 Inspirational Guides to Grateful Living is a work of non-fiction in the new age, spiritual, and self-help subgenres. It is suitable for the general reading audience and was penned by author Deborah L. Perdue. The book lays out a year-long series of prompts to allow readers to reflect on their lives and feel gratitude for their positive things. This shift in focus away from negativity is shown to have a transformative effect on how a person perceives their life and leads to a more positive outlook and acceptance of happiness.

It often feels that cynicism is the dominating force in this world, and it is a negative mindset that seeps its way into every aspect of our lives if we give it the opportunity. Leading the charge against this force are writers like author Deborah L. Perdue who recognize that the daily practice of gratitude can push back against negativity and the adverse effect that it has on our lives. Perdue, in particular, is an outstanding practitioner in this field, demonstrated by this essential book which helps readers to take daily, manageable steps toward a lifelong change for the better.

The daily exercises on reflection and positivity are easy to pick up but provoke deep thought and contemplation about our lives, the perfect exercise for encouraging gratitude in our lives. Overall, Daily Gratitude Reflections Volume 2 follows its predecessor in giving readers an invaluable toolset for pushing their mindset in the right direction and making long-lasting changes for the better in their lives.
I highly recommend it!


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The Song of Ramon and Maria

An Epic Historical Novel of Love and Revenge
By Richard E. LaMotte

The Song of Ramon and Maria by Richard E. LaMotte is an epic romance novel set against the backdrop of the Mexican Revolution at the dawn of the 20th century.

Another New Release and 5-Stars for Richard!

Reviewed by Pikasho Deka for Readers’ Favorite

The Song of Ramon and Maria by Richard E. LaMotte is an epic romance novel set against the backdrop of the Mexican Revolution at the dawn of the 20th century. Despite misgivings from her family, Maria Duranthon marries the love of her life, Ramon, an Indian cowboy, in the small Mexican town of Rosario. But when Ramon is drafted into the Mexican army, and Maria’s father is unexpectedly murdered, the two lovers will diverge toward very different paths in life.

After suffering a harrowing assault by a despicable captain, Maria leaves for Mexico City, realizing, to her horror, that she is pregnant. She is forced to beg on the streets until she finds refuge in the bordello of a European madame. Meanwhile, Ramon joins the revolutionaries while being hunted by the federal forces. Can Ramon and Maria find their way back to each other?

A sprawling tale of love, loss, and betrayal, The Song of Ramon and Maria never lets you take your eyes off the pages. Author Richard E. LaMotte weaves an epic yarn filled with romance, tragedy, and political intrigue that keeps you on your toes with a string of twists and turns you never see coming. This story is full of heartbreak, where our heroes sacrifice themselves for the greater good.

Ramon and Maria are two star-crossed lovers who find themselves separated from each other due to extraordinary circumstances they have no control over. If you love to read epic romance sagas or historical fiction, I can’t recommend The Song of Ramon and Maria enough.


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More Books To Check Out on Amazon!


Sister Mysteries
by Claudia Ricci 


Seeing Red
by Claudia Ricci 













Cat’s Special Super Bowl Guest Author, Meet Randy Grimes & His New Book Titled “Off Center: A Memoir of Addiction, Recovery, & Redemption in Professional Football,” And Why Everyone Needs To Read This Book.

Catherine Lyon - Literary Marketing Expert A Writer's Thoughts, Author News, Book Review, Featured Guest, News Around The Web, Updates and More , , , , , , , , , , ,



Usually, I don’t start my guest spotlights of an author by sharing my book review and other reviews already on Amazon first.

This is not an ordinary special guest spotlight with Randy being a first-time best-selling Amazon Author; I’m kind of excited to get to the good stuff first. Please, meet Randy Grimes, an awesome friend, and I’ll share all about him and his amazing wife with you after the reviews. Since he and his wife are attending their 13th Super Bowl in Calf., I thought I would have him as my Special Guest Author to share his fantastic new book!

Randy Grimes is a former professional football player who played his whole NFL career for the Tampa Bay Bucs. He was drafted right out of college, playing for Baylor University. Just a little boy from Tyler, Texas, who had big dreams of just playing the game and sport of football. But, he never knew addiction was lying in wait years later.

That is a smidge of what you learn while reading his new memoir titled “Off Center: A Memoir of Addiction, Recovery, and Redemption in Professional Football.” It has been a long journey for Randy to get this exceptional book written and to the finish line to release.

And, “how sweet it is” that it was released right before the Super Bowl ~ 2022!

Of course, Randy and Lydia have been busy in California with all the Super Bowl festivities and soaking in the sun while Randy does his NFL duties (lol), like Radio Row at the Super Bowl this past week. Not only to promote and share his new memoir but share a message of HOPE. Also, sharing what he and Lydia and other former pro athletes do through their organization of https://proathletesinrecovery.org/our-story/ that I highly suggest everyone should take a visit!

Image Courtesy of Randy Grimes


CAT’S BOOK REVIEW FOR:

Off Center: A Memoir of Addiction, Recovery, and Redemption in Professional Football

by Randy Grimes and (Forward) by Mike Ditka | Feb 4, 2022

CAT’S REVIEW:

I am an Avid Cat Reader!

5.0 out of 5 stars “I Need More Than Five Stars to Rate!”

Reviewed in the United States on February 6, 2022

Off-Center by Author Randy Grimes is a former NFL Pro who played with the Tampa Bay Bucs. Unfortunately, his memoir is not your average read. Randy’s story, testimony, and intervention of another are fine examples of how anyone can be “touched” by addiction, be it a regular person or even as a sports pro.

With big dreams of playing football, a little boy from Tyler, Texas, had no idea that addiction had been lying in wait for years. That is the cunningness of any addiction. Randy’s memoir also shows how this can happen without going rogue with ego or status or being a “Party Guy.” If there is anything he knows best, Texas is known for, “The Love For Family, Faith, Church on Sunday, and FOOTBALL!

While he shares his life, past pro career, while sharing an intervention and part of the advocacy work is some of what you find between the pages of this exceptional book. With “No Shame,” the author shares the real and raw of his downfall, how he crawled on his hands and knees into a treatment center, and another example of how many athletes end up having addiction problems later in their career afterward.

It seems that when you play pro sports and have the best doctors and sports medicine professionals helping you stay in the game, and it’s over? All the author wanted to do was get rid of the pain from all the injuries he had. So sad he had no guidance after he left pro football.

Then the true miracle of faith begins to work within his life after losing just about everything he worked so hard for and to provide for his family, as he went from being lost, addicted, and spiritually broken to a man who stands tall today within redemption! And that is only the tip of the iceberg you’ll read within this fantastic memoir.

I have read many memoirs from other sports pros, and this one is not your standard braggy sports stats and facts. Everyone should read this book and learn how anyone can change and turn their lives around after addiction. Randy and Lydia help many athletes gain life from addiction while healing the whole family through several foundations.

I highly suggest parents read this memoir/book, and I enjoy reading a great book that can teach you something while cheering (for Randy) simultaneously! It’s what makes this book a must-read.

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Now, this Cat has been in the business of book promoting and marketing for an extended time. That means I’ve read many memoirs from everyday folks to many high-profile people like celebrities, sports pros, and others.

I can honestly tell you there is a little something within the pages of this book for anyone who enjoys reading.

So with that said, here is more about Randy’s book and a few more reviews for “Off Center” that share “The Why” you need to read this fantastic memoir. Since the book was released on Amazon Books and Amazon Kindle a few days ago, Randy’s biography has HIT #1 in over 6 different categories.
Now that is priceless and a darn good read!



ABOUT THE NEW MEMOIR of RANDY GRIMES

Randy Grimes quickly learned one important truth as the Tampa Bay Buccaneers top draft pick: play through pain or get cut.

This is just part of being a pro athlete, he told himself.

Growing up in Tyler, Texas, Grimes’s life was very much on center. A childhood spent in church on Sundays and on the gridiron all week turned into a football scholarship to Baylor, marriage to his college sweetheart, and a coveted NFL roster spot.

When the Bucs’ starting center began piling up brutal hits, he determined to do anything to stay in the game. If the pills prescribed by the team doctors could help, Grimes would take them.

“All in a day’s work,” he told himself.

Even before Grimes left the NFL, his life began slipping off center. Eventually, he lost almost everything he owned, the respect of his children, and very nearly his life, before tumbling out of the car and crawling on hands and knees into a treatment center—literally—into a life-changing miracle.

Off Center is Randy Grimes’s riveting story of having it all, playing the sport he loved, losing almost everything, and ultimately finding redemption and hope. Witness the addiction trap that binds millions and claims thousands of lives each year—and the steps Grimes took to reclaim his life and guide others.

Today Grimes and his wife, Lydia, stage drug and alcohol interventions for professional athletes, celebrities, business leaders, and everyday Americans to find recovery from addiction.

Recovery has become his playbook. His treatment center colleagues are his team. And those with addiction are his community.

Above all, Randy & Lydia Grimes want people to know: “Even when the world seems to be yours, there is room to fall. And even when that world seems to slip away, there is hope.


A Few More Book Reviews For “Off Center.”

Off Center Book Image

“I saw something very special in Randy Grimes while recruiting him from high school to Baylor University. I saw a leader, a warrior, someone who would battle through any obstacle to reach his goals. The pages of this book just reaffirm what I already knew. Nothing, not even addiction, could ever keep Randy Grimes down. A great comeback story!”
—Grant Teaff; head coach, Baylor University 1972-1992; executive director, American Football Coaches Association; College Football Hall of Fame

Off Center Book Image

“I’ve seen athletes who wanted to be great but were unwilling to do the necessary hard work over the years. Recovery is similar. Some want to be sober—but are unwilling to do what it takes. Not only did Randy do the work, but his story is the perfect example of the fruits of recovery. This book is one of those fruits!”
—”Sudden” Sam McDowell; MLB pitcher, Cleveland Indians 1961-1975; six times MLB All-Star; author, The Saga of Sudden Sam

Off Center Book Image

“I played during the same time as Randy and shared his conference and in fact, faced his team twice a year. I know firsthand the pressures he faced to stay on the field. I also know the play-at-all-costs mentality that existed then. Randy accurately describes the dark side of the NFL, and what many were and still are willing to do to be the best. Great job, my NFL brother!”
—Eric Hipple; NFL QB, Detroit Lions 1980-1989; mental health advocate; author, Real Men Do Cry


I sure hope all my readers, friends, and visitors have enjoyed reading this Special Super Bowl Guest Author Spotlight all about my friend and call Randy a fellow author too! 

The image above is the most memorable day I hold dear as my hubby, “Big Tom,” and I finally met Randy and Lydia’s beautiful wife. 

They were gracious to come and speak for an event I pulled together for a friend at the Arizona State Capital to raise awareness of all addictions to share our recoveries, and it was the BEST DAY EVER! (Lol). 

Randy and I have supported one another’s recovery for almost four years. Randy and Lydia have been amazing friends and kind mentors to Tom and me. We have advocated and have networked together several times. So when I call him while I am helping someone in need of recovery or intervention advice, he is always the first to answer my call…

So we are blessed to call them both our friends.
~Cat










Big Congrats To Our Best-Selling Children’s Author Auntie Anne Fifield. Anne Has Garnished Another Readers’ Favorite 5-Star Book Review For Her Newest Book 5 Release. . .

Catherine Lyon - Literary Marketing Expert Author News, Book Review, Featured Guest, New Book & Author Press Release, News Around The Web, Posts, Updates and More , , , , , , , , ,



Cat could not be more thrilled for Ms. Anne Fifield for her new 5-Star Awarded Book Review given by Readers’ Favorite for her latest release of ‘A Case of Unfinished Business’ of her “Princess Caroline’s Adventure’s book series! All of Anne’s children’s books are themed with an adorable cast of basset hound characters. Middle-grade-age kids around the world just love her doggie books.

And she is making quite an impression with moms and dads too! Just in time for the gift-giving season, parents and grandparents need to put Anne’s children’s books on your Santa List for all the tots in your life. So, let CAT get to it and share the fantastic new book review and press release for our exceptional ‘Author Anne Fifield.’ ~The Avid Reading Cat



For immediate release:

The author’s new book receives a warm literary welcome.

Readers’ Favorite announces the review of the Children – Grade 4th-6th book “Princess Caroline’s Adventures Book 5” by Anne Fifield, currently available at http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/1733171398.

Readers’ Favorite is one of the largest book review and award contest sites on the Internet. They have earned the respect of renowned publishers like Random House, Simon & Schuster, and Harper Collins, and have received the “Best Websites for Authors” and “Honoring Excellence” awards from the Association of Independent Authors. They are also fully accredited by the BBB (A+ rating), which is a rarity among Book Review and Book Award Contest companies.

“Reviewed By Emily-Jane Hills Orford for Readers’ Favorite

Princess Caroline of Basset Hound Kingdom is left in charge when her parents leave for a conference. She had hoped things would be simple, but an unexpected disturbance, an unsettling one, threatens to ruin her growing excitement about the upcoming ball. Strange things are happening all over the kingdom, things are going missing, and it’s all happening to people close to the princess. Is she the ultimate target? Has someone from her past resurfaced to wreak havoc in her life? Accompanied by her best friends, twins Willow and Daisy, the three make an awesome sleuthing team. But is there someone close to the princess at the palace who is leaking valuable information to the enemy? Who can the princess trust?

Anne Fifield’s early chapter book, Princess Caroline’s Adventures Book 5: A Case of Unfinished Business, continues in the series of Princess Caroline and her sleuthing adventures in the Basset Hound Kingdom. Told in simple language so early readers can enjoy using their growing reading skills, and accompanied by black and white sketches, the plot follows Princess Caroline’s first exposure to addressing the community members. She is presented with growing concern over these unexplained happenings and the need to take action before things escalate.

The princess and her two friends have solved mysteries before and, although the community members are seeking advice and direction as to what they should do, the princess takes matters into her own hands to solve the mystery, all while preparing for the upcoming formal ball. There are a lot of mysteries swirling around the palace, mysteries that even cast doubt on her friends – can she still trust them? With building tension, good descriptive narrative, and compelling dialogue, this fast-paced doggy mystery is a thrill to read.

I especially enjoyed the dog-friendly remarks like Willow’s comment to Princess Caroline: “You’re a pawsome speaker.” Another great Princess Caroline read.”


You can learn more about Anne Fifield and “Princess Caroline’s Adventures Book 5” at https://readersfavorite.com/book-review/princess-carolines-adventures-book-5 where you can read reviews and the author’s biography, as well as connect with the author directly or through their website and social media pages.

Readers’ Favorite LLC
Media Relations
Louisville, KY 40202
800-RF-REVIEW

AUTHOR BIOGRAPHY

Anne Fifield is the creative visionary and best-selling children’s author of “The Princess Caroline’s Adventures” book series. Written for ages 7 to 12 and the young at heart, she is delighting kids worldwide. Her books are unique as she weaves in the elements of her rescued doggies, specifically basset hounds, into each of her stories and book covers.

Anne is the youngest of three siblings and was born and raised outside Oklahoma City, OK. She met and married the love of her life, Tom, and they have been married for 24+years. Their kids are the four-legged variety who had adopted them over the years.

Anne’s career was also her passion. She was an ‘American Sign Language Interpreter’ for over 25-years and taught ASL at the University of Science and Arts of Oklahoma. Since both were her passions, she says she felt like she never worked a day in her life. In 2006, she became heavily involved in basset rescue and co-founded another one in 2011.

Anne, now retired, decided to move on to her next passion, the love of writing. She and her husband have rescued and fostered basset hounds for 20-years, so as Anne shares, “it felt natural to write children’s books with bassets as the characters. Our hounds provide the comic antics and inspiration for all my books. Thus, “Princess Caroline’s Adventures Series was born.”

Anne and her husband enjoy retired life and reside in the ‘Great State of Texas.’



Special Article: Clearing the Confusion of KDP Select, Kindle Unlimted, The Global Fund, & KENP Page Reads. They All Enhance Each Other!

Catherine Lyon - Literary Marketing Expert A Writer's Thoughts, Featured Guest, Marketing and More, News Around The Web, Posts, Uncategorized , , , , , , , , , , , , ,



I came across a fantastic blog post by Author Dan Tortora that explained the KDP Select program for authors who self-publish their ebooks through KDP publishing and sell on Amazon. He shares how it all works with KDP and Kindle Unlimited and how they enhance each other when you enroll your ebook in KDP Select, and the Kindle Unlimited program for readers, (ebooks only, not paperbacks) will entitle the author to royalties of their page reads.

Those pages read when enrolled and with KU get the author paid from the Amazon Global Fund. It’s like extra sweetness to your royalties from not only your ebooks sold, but when a reader reads any of the pages of your ebook that is enrolled!

It really is that simple. Yes, you can only sell your ebook “exclusive” through Amazon, but the trade-off can be very profitable for the author. I hope what Dan shares within his article clears up any confusion or hesitations by authors when self-publishing your next ebook.


KDP Direct Publishing & Amazon


AMAZON KDP SELECT PROGRAM GLOBAL FUND (USA) ~ Article From Author Dan Tortora and Coaching – What is the KDP Select and the Global Fund Payout? How does the KDP Select Global Fund work?

As a nonfiction author coach who helps authors publish and market their books, I often get questions about this subject.

This information is for authors on Amazon.com (USA). Scroll down to learn more.

If you’re an author with an ebook available on Kindle Unlimited, receive payouts for the total number of pages of your book that Kindle Unlimited members read during each month.

You must be enrolled in KDP Select to qualify for these payments, making your book “exclusive” to Amazon and available through Kindle Unlimited. When a Kindle Unlimited member reads your book, you get paid for every page they read. (See this link for more on payments and the payment schedule.)

These payments will be in addition to the self-publishing royalties you receive from Amazon when your book is purchased on Amazon.com.

There is a 60-day lag between the end of the month and the time you get your payout.

How much does KDP pay per page read? How much is the monthly payout and how has it varied over time?

The author payout to US authors has ranged from roughly $0.0040 to $0.0050 per page read, or $0.40 to $0.50 per 100 pages read.

Here is a graph of the KDP Select Global Author Fund Payout, per page read, for US-based authors on Amazon.com, from July 2015 through September 2021:

How is the payout determined?

The payout comes from the Kindle Select Global Author Fund (AKA the Kindle Select Global Fund). The fund is based on the subscription fees paid by the total number of Kindle Unlimited members. As KU members join or drop off the Global Fund changes. As Amazon explains, authors receive payouts for the previous month’s page-reads of their book(s).

Those payouts vary based on their home country; “the share of fund allocated to each country varies based on several factors, such as exchange rates, customer reading behavior, and local subscription pricing. Author earnings are then determined by their share of total pages read, up to a total of 3,000 pages per customer per title.” (For more explanation, see “Royalties in Kindle Unlimited.”)

Where is the payout posted?

KDP Select authors can see the previous month’s payout while logged in to KDP in their Prior Month’s Royalty Report. Written Word Media (the book promotion company that runs FreeBooksy and Bargain Booksy) also posts the KDP Global Fund monthly payouts on its website.

Is your book enrolled in KDP Select? If so, what has your experience been with it and with the payouts?

Thanks for reading,
Dan

__________________________________________________________________

Cat’s Note: I wanted to add how KDP describes the benefits of KDP Select, KU, and why it’s popular, and it is in reference only to your Ebooks. The program is not available for print books. I hope those authors who visit and read this post find this information helpful.

As you’ll see, KDP Select and Kindle Unlimited end up working together for YOU to earn more MONEY…

Why Enroll in KDP Select?

  • Earn higher royalties
  • Earn your share of the KDP Select Global Fund when customers read your books from Kindle Unlimited. Plus, earn 70% royalty for sales to customers in Japan, India, Brazil and Mexico.
  • Maximize your book’s sales potential
  • Choose between two great promotional tools: Kindle Countdown Deals, time-bound promotional discounting for your book while earning royalties; or Free Book Promotion where readers worldwide can get your book free for a limited time.
  • Reach a new audience
  • Help readers discover your books by making them available through Kindle Unlimited in the U.S, U.K., Germany, Italy, Spain, France, Brazil, Mexico, Canada, India, Japan, and Australia.

Frequently asked questions

  • What is Kindle Unlimited?
  • Kindle Unlimited is a subscription program for readers that allows them to read as many books as they want. When you enroll in KDP Select, your books are automatically included in Kindle Unlimited. Your books will still be available for anyone to buy in the Kindle Store, and you’ll continue to earn royalties from those sales like you do today. For more information about Kindle Unlimited, click here.
  • What does it mean to publish exclusively on Kindle?
  • When you choose to enroll your book in KDP Select, you’re committing to make the digital format of that book available exclusively through KDP. During the period of exclusivity, you cannot distribute your book digitally anywhere else, including on your website, blogs, etc. However, you can continue to distribute your book in physical format, or in any format other than digital. See the KDP Select Terms and Conditions for more information.
  • Where can I see the terms and conditions of KDP Select?
  • Click here to see KDP Select Terms and Conditions.
  • For more details on KDP Select, click here.