Author: Ellwyn

I live with my loving husband, two children and dog in Philadelphia, PA. I discovered my passion for writing in second grade when I had to write a book report for school. I was so excited to write the report, until my mother told me that I had to write about someone else's book and not my own story. I became indignant and decided that once I finished the book report I would most certainly write my own original story. I have been writing ever since! My self-published book Chris Kringle's Cops was a Finalist in The Reader's Favorite Book Contest for 2016. I am so happy to share this story with you. My picture book Kamyla Chung and the Creepy Crawlies was given a 5 Star rating by Reader's Favorite Book Reviews in 2017.

The Dog Roses Book Tour & Giveaway

The Dog Roses contains scenes of sex and violence and uses language appropriate to the period it is set in, i.e., 400 B.C. It is not recommended for those under 14 without parental consent.

Sisters squabble. Queens go to war.

Resolution

The Dog Roses Book 2

by David H. Millar

Genre: Historical Fantasy

Sisters squabble. Queens go to war.

Ten summers ago, victory brought peace and prosperity to Southern Ériu. Danu and Brighid were celebrated as heroes and saviours. The queens scaled the heights, and there was only one way to go.

One twin became overbearing, the other resentful. Pride dug a pit filled with blackthorns between them. They became tyrants, and the kingdom was sundered. The people were left bitter, divided and afraid, and the lush farmlands fell barren. Stripped of their powers, the Dog Roses were no more. Each blamed the other, and neither took responsibility.

Angry parents gave the twins’ brothers an army and tasked them to bring law to the kingdom. An embittered veteran and a beautiful assassin accompany them. Whose gold is in the assassin’s pouch, and what are her orders?

In the Halls of the Aes Sídhe, Draighean is chastised and commanded to return to her wards. “Guide them, support them, or kill them. Just finish what you started.”

An evil philosophy grows, and another army gathers. Can the sisters be reconciled? The people need the Dog Roses, but can they forgive them? Yet, do Danu and Brighid want the responsibility? Do they want their powers returned? Being normal is very tempting.

The Dog Roses: Resolution contains scenes of sex, violence, and language appropriate to the historical period (400 B.C.) and locations in which the story is set. It is not recommended for those under 14 without parental consent.

5-Star Editorial Review (Literary Titan)

The Dog Roses: Resolution is a bold, blood-soaked dive into a myth-soaked world of ancient Ériu, dripping with power struggles, family betrayals, and queens who rule with both sword and seduction. It’s the second book in Millar’s Dog Roses series, and it doesn’t pull any punches. At the heart of it are two sisters, Brighid and Danu, daughters of legendary rulers who were meant to lead with wisdom but fell into tyranny and chaos. When their father sends their brothers to clean up the mess, all hell breaks loose. You’ve got ancient gods, cunning assassins, ruthless politics, and enough battle scenes to make a Roman general blush.

If you’re into Celtic fantasy that doesn’t tiptoe around darkness, The Dog Roses: Resolution will grip you and not let go. I’d recommend it to fans of Bernard Cornwell, lovers of Irish mythology, or anyone craving epic family drama with bite.
— Literary Titan

Amazon * Apple * B&N * Google * Bookbub * Goodreads

Book Links:
Amazon: https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B0D1WCM2NH

Apple: https://books.apple.com/us/book/the-dog-roses-resolution/id6498713794

B&N: https://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/the-dog-roses-david-h-millar/1145397279?ean=2940179616764

Google: https://play.google.com/store/books/details/David_H_Millar_The_Dog_Roses_Resolution?id=HUMEEQAAQBAJ

Bookbub: https://www.bookbub.com/books/the-dog-roses-resolution-by-david-h-millar

Goodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/212280449-the-dog-roses

Book Trailer:

Na Feirdhriseacha

The Dog Roses Book 1

You have no weapons, striapach.”
“I am the weapon, tuilí.”

It is 400 B.C. The mist clears, and three triremes glide into the calm waters of the bay in Southern Ériu. On a grass-topped dune, a young girl dances gleefully at the Goddess’s gift.
The warrior princesses, Brighid and Danu, leap over the vessels’ sides into the cold waters and look north towards their ancestral home—the fort of Ráth Na Conall. The clash of weapons is not a good omen.

From his throne in Caher Conri, the depraved Uallachán rages at the sight of the red shield embellished with a swooping black raven and the memories it provokes. He swears vengeance on the daughters of his old adversary.

Draighean, a demi-goddess of the mystical Aes Sídhe, stands alone on the mountain peak. She bites full maroon lips, unhappy at her mission. Yet, does she have a choice? Evil must be confronted and defeated.

Uallachán’s idea of peace is to crush all dissent, but is he no more than a puppet of the powerful kings of the Connachta?

The twins know they must defeat the invasion and stop the enslavement of their people. Still, even with the help of Draighean, the odds are daunting.

The Dog Roses contains scenes of sex and violence and uses language appropriate to the period it is set in, i.e., 400 B.C. It is not recommended for those under 14 without parental consent.

5- Star Editorial Review & Gold Book Award (Literary Titan)

David H. Millar’s The Dog Roses: Na Feirdhriseacha is an exhilarating historical fantasy that plunges the reader into a world of ancient Gaelic warfare, mysticism, and political intrigue. The novel follows the twin sisters, Brighid and Danu, as they navigate their birthright, destiny, and the brutal conflicts that define their world. From the stormy shores of Ériu to the blood-soaked battlegrounds of their homeland, the sisters must harness their strength, wit, and the mystical bond of the feirdhriseacha—the dog roses—imprinted on their chests. Their journey is one of leadership, betrayal, and resilience, all set against the backdrop of Celtic mythology and the harsh realities of Iron Age survival.

The Dog Roses: Na Feirdhriseacha is a gripping read that will appeal to fans of historical fantasy, especially those with an interest in Celtic mythology and ancient warrior cultures. The depth of world-building, the complexity of the characters, and the sheer intensity of the storytelling make this a novel worth savoring. If you enjoy books like The Mists of Avalon or The Last Kingdom, this one should be on your list.
— Literary Titan

Amazon * Apple * B&N * Google * Bookbub * Goodreads

Book Links:
Amazon: https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B0BDT3ZC72

Apple: https://books.apple.com/us/book/the-dog-roses-na-feirdhriseacha/id6443387127

B&N: https://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/the-dog-roses-david-h-millar/1142232008?ean=2940166709578

Google: https://play.google.com/store/books/details/David_H_Millar_The_Dog_Roses?id=AtzbEAAAQBAJ

Bookbub: https://www.bookbub.com/books/the-dog-roses-na-feirdhriseacha-by-david-h-millar

Goodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/62608872-the-dog-roses

Book Trailer:

Giveaway

$50 Amazon

Follow the tour HERE for special content and a giveaway!

https://sdbook.promo/DogRosesSeries

About the Author

Born in Belfast, Northern Ireland, internationally published and award-winning author David H. Millar is the founder, owner, and author-in-residence of A Wee Publishing Company—a business formed to promote Celtic authors and literature.

David is the author of the five-volume, ancient Celtic-based Conall series and the spin-offs The Dog Roses, The Dog Roses: Resolution, The Blood Queen and Brianag: A Blood Queen Novel.

David resides in Houston, Texas, with his family and two recent family members, tuxedos Beau and Stiletto.

Facebook * Twitter * Instagram * Bookbub * Amazon * Goodreads

Author Links

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/aweepublishingco

Twitter: https://twitter.com/DavidHMillar

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/author.davidhmillar

Bookbub: https://www.bookbub.com/authors/david-h-millar

Amazon: https://www.amazon.com/David-H-Millar/e/B00P4OESXM

Goodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/8248581.David_H_Millar

Ghost Release Tour & Giveaway

Sometimes you can’t see love coming, but that doesn’t mean it isn’t there.

Ghost

Fire Lake Book 9

by M. Tasia

Genre: M/M LGBTQ Contemporary Military Romance

The Thrilling Last Story in the Fire Lake Series

THE INVISIBLE MAN

A cop down to his bones, Detective Ray Sommers has seen it all, and knows how to trust his instincts.

While visiting an old friend, he finds what he knows with what he sees colliding right in front of his eyes. A man has appeared from out of nowhere. Literally. And in more ways than one, Ray’s visit has gotten way more complicated.

Darren, aka Ghost, ran from his traumatic past taking with him some unbelievable secrets. But now he’s found a family where he’s been accepted for the first time in his life.

Ray and Darren’s initial encounter might’ve been a bit unorthodox, but interest sparks and their attraction is undeniable.

Ghost and his Fire Lake family are targeted by a powerful and ruthless man, and they fight back with every weapon they have—of which Ghost is one.

Now that he’s found someone who genuinely sees him, he’s not sure he’ll live long enough to enjoy him.

Amazon * Smashwords * Bookbub * Goodreads

Book Links:
Amazon: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0F88MYM1J

Smashwords: https://www.smashwords.com/books/view/1767034

Bookbub: https://www.bookbub.com/books/ghost-fire-lake-book-9-by-m-tasia

Goodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/233666115-ghost

**Don’t miss the rest of the Fire Lake series!**

Find out more at the Author’s Website!

Fire Lake

Giveaway

$10 Amazon

Follow the tour HERE for special content and a giveaway!

https://sdbook.promo/Ghost

About the Author

M. Tasia is an author who lives in Ontario, Canada. Michelle is a dedicated people watcher, lover of romance novels, 80’s rock, and happily ever afters (once the MCs have been put through their paces of course), who grew up with a love of reading.

Mother of three wonderful children, wife to one understanding husband, and servant to two spoiled furry children who don’t seem to realize, that they’re actually cats.

Michelle writes contemporary mm romance and believes love should be shared and celebrated. After all, you deserve to have romance, excitement, intrigue, and passion in your lives.

Website * Facebook * X * Instagram * Bluesky * Bookbub * Amazon * Goodreads

Author Links

Website: https://mtasiabooks.com/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/mtasiabooks

X: https://x.com/MTasiaAuthor

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/m.tasia.author/

Bluesky: https://bsky.app/profile/mtasia.bsky.social

Bookbub: https://www.bookbub.com/authors/m-tasia

Amazon: https://www.amazon.com/stores/M.-Tasia/author/B01MT6I9FP

Goodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/15750281.M_Tasia

When Sparks Fly Book Tour & Giveaway

Romance is in the air with this amazing new series by best-selling author Libby Kay. Pinegrove has it all, sexy firemen, town busybodies, and tons of charm! When these sparks fly, a happily ever after is in the cards!

When Sparks Fly

A Pinegrove FD Novel Book 1

by Libby Kay

Genre: Contemporary Small-Town Romance

Two broken hearts, one charming small town, and a few sparks may be the recipe for love…

Whitney Kerr is at a crossroads—literally. After jumping behind the wheel to flee Savannah, and a bad breakup, this Southern Belle is in search of a fresh start. Stopping in a charming smalltown seems like the perfect place to catch her breath and find herself. It’s too bad a certain fireman with a crooked grin and kind eyes could have her plans of self-discovery going up in a puff of smoke.

Trevor Mays is at a crossroads—figuratively. Still grieving the loss of his father, he was unceremoniously dumped by his fiancée, who quickly rebounded with his work rival. Just as he thinks things can’t get worse, he loses the captain’s promotion—to the man who stole his ex. He’s about to give up on ever smiling again when a curly-haired beauty with curves for days stumbles into his hometown.

With some help from the residents of Pinegrove, this pair will discover that much like the perfect fireworks show, love only needs a spark.

Fans of Sherryl Woods’ Sweet Magnolias series and Sarah Adams’s When in Rome series will fall in love with Libby Kay’s sweet fireman romance. Ms. Kay’s engaging stories fill your heart and head with possibilities and will quickly become your new favorite!

Amazon * Apple * B&N * Kobo * Bookbub * Goodreads

Book Links:
Amazon: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0D2RDP5T7

Apple: https://books.apple.com/us/book/when-sparks-fly/id6743040817

B&N: https://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/when-sparks-fly-libby-kay/1147110733

Kobo: https://www.kobo.com/us/en/ebook/when-sparks-fly-23

Bookbub: https://www.bookbub.com/books/when-sparks-fly-a-pinegrove-fd-novel-book-1-by-libby-kay

Goodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/228927226-when-sparks-fly

Giveaway

$20 Amazon

Follow the tour HERE for special content and a giveaway!

https://sdbook.promo/WhenSparksFly

About the Author

Libby Kay lives in the city in the heart of the Midwest with her husband. When she’s not writing, Libby loves reading romance novels of any kind. Stories of people falling in love nourish her soul. Contemporary or Regency, sweet or hot, as long as there is a happily ever after—she’s in love!

When not surrounded by books, Libby can be found baking in her kitchen, binging true crime shows, or on the road with her husband, traveling as far as their bank account will allow.

Libby cohosts the Romance Roundup podcast with Liz Donatelli where they recommend romance books and interview authors, influencers, and publishers. Check it out for your weekly dose of romance!

Website * Facebook * Instagram * Bookbub * Amazon * Goodreads

Author Links

Website: https://www.libbykayauthor.com

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/LibbyKayAuthor

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/libbykayauthor

Bookbub: https://www.bookbub.com/authors/libby-kay

Amazon: https://www.amazon.com/Libby-Kay/e/B07VGY8SCH

Goodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/19377638.Libby_Kay

Nontraditional Plot Structures Book Tour & Giveaway

A FREE ebook that introduces neurodiverse writers (and neurotypical) to plot structures beyond the commonly used hero’s Journey. These plots are emotionally accessible, highly creative, and more “traditional” than you’d expect.

Nontraditional Plot Structures for Neurodiverse Writers

by Margie Pignataro

Genre: Nonfiction Literary Theory, Writer’s Guide

Born from a rejected dissertation proposal and reworked over the course of 15 years into a compelling exploration of narrative, Nontraditional Plot Structures for Neurodiverse Writers challenges conventional storytelling norms.

This free ebook delves into how nontraditional plot structures resonate with neurodiverse writers, offering creative frameworks that align with their artistic and intellectual strengths—traits often mislabeled as obstacles.

Through engaging diagrams and dozens of links to free resources, this book examines storytelling across diverse mediums, from Oedipus the King to Squid Game, spanning novels, poetry, visual arts, television, film, theater, and even commercials.

The Mona Lisa and Little Red Riding Hood provide illustrated and textual examples of each plot structure. Whether you’re a writer seeking fresh approaches or an artist questioning traditional narratives, this guide provides valuable insights into storytelling beyond the expected.

This ebook lays the groundwork for a forthcoming second edition, arriving next year, which will expand upon these ideas with deeper textual analyses, practical exercises, and hands-on guidance to help you craft your own unique narratives.

**Get it completely FREE!!**

at SeizeTheCow.com or HERE

SeizetheCow.com: https://seize-the-cow.ghost.io/nontraditional-plot-structures-for-neurodiverse-writers-is-now-available-for-free/

Other link: https://seizethecow.com/other-authors-publishing/

Giveaway

Follow the tour HERE for special content and Enter to win a $10 Amazon giftcard OR ebook duo of Building Your Play & Ladders to Fire – 1 winner each!

https://sdbook.promo/NontraditionalPlotStructures

Prize description:

Building Your Play: Theory and Practice for the Beginning Playwright, David Rush.

https://a.co/d/hKSYXJb

Written by my late, great playwriting professor, this is essential reading for anyone who wants to write traditional fiction. Everything in this book I covered in two of my graduate seminars with David. Learn the rules of traditional writing so you can learn how to break them.

About the Author

I have been writing with serious intent for thirty years. I’ve been published and produced multiple times. My education has focused on literary theory, theater history and criticism, as well as creative writing. I also sell my collage art in a Redbubble store.

I have been published as a playwright. I had articles about Shakespeare published, as well as blog pieces. I’ve self-published several novels and one book of poetry under the name Lady Ristretto. I have also worked as a freelance erotica writer with individual clients.

Website * Threads * Instagram * Bluesky * Amazon

Author Links

Website: https://seizethecow.com/

Threads: https://www.threads.net/@seizethecow

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/seizethecow

Bluesky: https://bsky.app/profile/seizethecow.bsky.social

Amazon: https://www.amazon.com/stores/Lady-Ristretto/author/B00VMHPANM

PJ And The Paranormal Pursuers Book Tour & Giveaway

When PJ and his team of Paranormal Pursuers unearth the sinister secrets of the Scottish village of Pittenweem’s witch-hunting past, they must confront the malevolent spirit of a young boy to save the villagers from chaos and terror.

The Phantoms of Pittenweem

PJ and the Paranormal Pursuers Book 2

by Jacqui Dempster

The Phantoms of Pittenween

Genre: YA, Teen Paranormal Adventure

After moving from New York to Edinburgh to live with his aunt, PJ very quickly discovered the parallel worlds of the living and the dead when he was forced to battle the evil Mackenzie Poltergeist at Greyfriars Kirkyard.

Now, PJ and his fellow ghost-hunting friends are invited to stay in the picturesque fishing village of Pittenweem in Fife, a place which, unbeknown to them, has haunting echoes of its witch-hunting past.

However, their holiday promises to be anything but peaceful, as witchcraft and superstition threatens to bring terror and chaos to the villagers and the Paranormal Pursuers must face off with the malevolent spirit of a young boy, Patrick Morton. Can they find a way to prevent him from reviving the dark and sinister past of Pittenweem before it’s too late?

Amazon * B&N * Waterstones * Bookbub * Goodreads

Book Links:
Amazon: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0CYJFRCVV

B&N: https://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/pj-and-the-paranormal-pursuers-jacqui-dempster/1145500460?ean=2940185706084

Waterstones: https://www.waterstones.com/book/pj-and-the-paranormal-pursuers/jacqui-dempster/9781916668591

Bookbub: https://www.bookbub.com/books/pj-and-the-paranormal-pursuers-the-phantoms-of-pittenweem-by-jacqui-dempster

Goodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/212025927-pj-and-the-paranormal-pursuers

Book Trailer:

The Mackenzie Poltergeist

PJ and the Paranormal Pursuers Book 1

After his mom dies, PJ reluctantly leaves his New York home and everyone he loves, to live with his Aunt Katie in Edinburgh. A series of strange events begin when his aunt’s elderly neighbour and her cat Azrael convince him that his mom, weirdly, is still very much with him.

At a bereavement counselling group, PJ makes a new group of friends, all of whom have lost loved ones. Drawn together by their shared experiences, they soon discover they have something else in common; an interest in the supernatural.

Freya is the daughter of a white witch, Sunny has a scientific and enquiring mind and Shuggie, a superfan of ghost hunting programmes. Led by PJ, they try to prove that there is life after death and that their loved ones are still with them.

The team receives strange messages leading them to investigate Greyfriars Kirkyard where they experience terrifying paranormal activity and PJ is drawn into the clutches of the evil Mackenzie Poltergeist after reciting a famous rhyme that invites the restless spirit to draw back the bolt of his scary mausoleum to allow him entry. There, he finds himself in a fight of good against evil with the ghost of Sir George Mackenzie.

“If you are, or know someone who is a teenager with a newfound interest in the supernatural and paranormal, this is the book for you.” The Courier and Advertiser (Fife Edition)

“PJ and his friends make a great group of characters, and there’s lots of laughter to be had as well as scares, while ‘auld reekie’ provides the perfect backdrop for these ghostly goings-on.” LoveReading4Kids & LoveReading4Schools

“This is a terrific story for teen readers to devour on a spooky autumn evening.” The School Librarian (TSL)

Amazon * B&N * Waterstones * Bookbub * Goodreads

Book Links:
Amazon: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B09B5H5HVG

B&N: https://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/pj-and-the-paranormal-pursuers-jacqui-dempster/1139906210?ean=2940162519249

Waterstones: https://www.waterstones.com/book/pj-and-the-paranormal-pursuers/jacqui-dempster/9781913913144

Bookbub: https://www.bookbub.com/books/pj-and-the-paranormal-pursuers-by-jacqui-dempster

Goodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/58651009-pj-and-the-paranormal-pursuers

Book Trailer:

Giveaway

$20 Amazon

Follow the tour HERE for special content and a giveaway!

https://sdbook.promo/PJandtheParanormalPursuers

About the Author

Jacqui Dempster qualified as a solicitor in 1999 but now works as a malpractice investigator for an education and qualifications organisation. She lives in Dunfermline, Fife, with partner, Andrew, and various ‘borrowed’ doggies who visit regularly.

Jacqui loves dogs, especially Jack Russell Terriers and thinks if they ruled the world, it would be a better place! The doggy motifs on the cover of her books represent Dug and Buddy who belong to the characters, Shuggie and PJ. Dug is based on Jacqui’s own beloved Jack Russell Terrier, Smudge, and her grandpup, Gus, both of whom have sadly passed over the Rainbow Bridge.

Jacqui loves theatre and ran performing arts schools for young people in Fife. She produced and directed various shows at the Edinburgh Fringe. When not either working or writing, she loves to paint and crochet, and of course, read books.

Her first children’s book in this series, PJ and the Paranormal Pursuers– The Mackenzie Poltergeist, was published by The Book Guild in 2021.

Jacqui explains: “The supernatural has featured in my life since I was young, with a grandfather who saw ghosts regularly and other members of the family, on my Welsh side, having strange experiences and even dabbling in magic! I studied on the Edinburgh University Koestler Parapsychology course to learn about the science of the Paranormal. I have also been on a few ghost investigations with mixed results.

I live in Fife nowadays and often visit the beautiful towns and villages within the county. Fife was one of the famous areas where ‘witches’ were persecuted, and the story of the Pitteweem Witches is particularly well known.

In my book, the story is told for a younger reader involving a contemporary allegory about one of the young characters, Freya, who is a Wiccan. The subject of Scotland’s witches came up in 2022, when an apology was issued by the then First Minister of Scotland, Nicola Sturgeon to those persecuted, tortured and executed, and MSPs were invited to consider legislation to pardon them.

I enjoy writing about various places we’ve visited, and especially about any with spooky stories attached on my Medium Daily Digest blog.”

Jacqui loves history and enjoys embracing fact with fiction in her books which she hopes encourages not only a love of reading in young people but also the desire to learn about events of the past which often influence the present and the future.

Website * Facebook * X * Instagram * TikTok * Goodreads

Author Links

Website: https://www.jacquidempstercover2coverauthorblog.co.uk/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/jacquelinedempsterauthor

X: https://x.com/jacquidlaw

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/jacquidempsterauthor/

TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@jacquidempsterauthor

Goodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/21690819.Jacqui_Dempster

To read Jacqui’s Guest Post click the link.

Guest Post By Jacqui Dempster

Who are the Dogs on the Cover of PJ and The Paranormal Pursuers – The Phantoms of Pittenweem?

Well, the small white dog, who appeared on the cover of my first PJ book, The Mackenzie Poltergeist, was designed from a photograph of my beloved Jack Russell Terrier, Smudge.

Sadly, at the time the first book went to print, Smudge, who was almost 17 had been terribly ill for a while. The book has a dedication to him but he went to the Rainbow Bridge before publication and I wanted his memory to live on.

He does so as ‘Dug,’ Shuggie’s JRT in the book and as the motif on the covers. The other dog, added for the Phantoms of Pittenweem is modelled on Gus, another family dog. He was a Schnauzer who was also a lovely soul.

When he wasn’t freshly groomed, he was a shaggy dog on whom I modelled Buddy, PJ’s dog. Gus had also travelled the Rainbow Bridge by the time the new book was published and he joins Smudge on the cover of my second book.

As many people will understand, the grief of losing a pet, who is very much a family member, friend and companion is hard – often just as hard as losing a human.

I was devastated at the loss of Smudge and resolved never to have another dog of my own because the pain and trauma was too great. I know that many people say that you should offer another dog a happy home and believe me, I have been tempted – until that wave of grief crashes over me and reminds me of what we went through.

I have written about Smudge extensively on my blog; one part (For the Love of Smudge) telling his story and the second part (I’m only talking to my dog today) which explains the strange events after his death which convinced me he was still around and sending messages to say he was OK. These can be found here: Jacqueline Dempster – Medium. I hope that the articles help those of you who find themselves grief stricken after the loss of a beloved pet.

My days of doggy love are not over, however. Although we don’t have any of our own, we did join an organisation called ‘Borrow my Doggy,’ which offers just what it says on the tin!

For a small annual fee, you can offer to borrow other people’s doggies when they need company during the week or a place to stay when their people want to go on holiday.

It’s worked out brilliantly for us and we’ve had the joy of looking after Winnie, a Jack Russell Terrier (who looks remarkably like Smudge) and Arlo who is a very cheeky little JRT/Shih Tzu cross.

We also look after our grandpups, Willow (guess what – a JRT whose arrival as a pup was accurately predicted by one of the animal psychics I consulted after we lost Smudge) and Pepper, a Poodle/Bichon Frise cross.

We have a new boy, Joe, (JRT) coming to visit and stay for holidays very soon! I am certain that Smudge knows that we’ll never replace him but has a hand in bringing all these perfect friends into our lives.

It is very strange how all of the borrowed doggies who’ve arrived on our doorstep have been JRTs and I am certain our boy has a hand in it. To be honest, I love each one of them dearly and while they are not our dogs, the grief of losing any of them will be hard.

I can console myself, however, knowing that we’ve been able to give them a welcome and the comfort of a loving home from home whenever their mums and dads need a holiday, or just to stop them getting lonely while their people are working.

They return the love in spades and I wouldn’t be without them. They’ve also been very willing to read my books as you might gather from the photographs!

To learn more about Jacqui’s books and enter the Giveaway, click the link.

The Atrocities Of Hope Book Blast & Giveaway

GENRE: Political Nonfiction

~~~~~~~~~~~~~

BLURB:

Nigeria is dealing with a level of disorderliness that is neither compatible with functionality nor with long life. Our problems did not start today; they have been with us for as long as we have existed as a country. But just like a disorder left untreated, our problem has incapacitated us, and the rate of deterioration is currently becoming alarming.

The long-term survival of our country is no longer as assured as it used to be. We are on a slippery slope with nothing to hold on to.

This book attempts to answer the ‘what’, ‘why’, ‘who’, and ‘what is next’ of our problems. As is always the case when truths are discussed, be ready to be offended.

But if you are open-minded enough to be offended and not switch off and open-minded enough to be offended and keep reading – you might learn one or two things at the end of this book.

Excerpt:

We live in a disordered world. However, each society presents with different types of disorders and varying levels of disorderliness. And just like in individuals, some disorders are compatible with functionality and life, while some are neither compatible with functionality nor with life.

Caution: If you are not a Nigerian—before you read beyond the title, the book’s table of contents, and this introduction to the preface above— beware that this is an analysis of a country.

This is like a clinic letter, like a psychological evaluation of an individual, solely addressed to that individual: You can still drop this book right away and not read it or you can proceed and read it.

After reading this, you might feel happy and think you now have points to use against Nigerians, or you could be a smart person and reflect on how these apply to your own country and all its inadequacies.

Nigeria (and, to be honest, like most of the other sub-Saharan countries of Africa) is dealing with a level of disorderliness incompatible with functionality and long life.

Our problems did not start today; they have been with us for as long as we have existed as a country. But just like a disorder left untreated, our problem has festered, and it has incapacitated us. The rate of deterioration is currently alarming.

And the long-term survival of our country is no longer as assured as it used to be. We are on a slippery slope with nothing to hold onto, with nothing to pull us up, and each day, we are sliding closer to the edge of oblivion.

The leaders are in denial of reality as they feed fat on the commonwealth, while the majority of their followers are distracted by frivolities and immaterial innuendoes.

Even the followers—who yesterday seemed in touch with reality and were crying aloud about hardship—have forgotten how to think the moment they have the opportunity to sit at the table where decisions are being made.

This book is an attempt to draw our attention to the what, the who, the why . . . and the what is next of our problems. My hope is that this book will open eyes and stimulate conversations on the causes of our problems and the possible ways to get ourselves out of our current predicaments.

About The Author:

Michael, a self-described realist with a touch of cynicism, is a UK-based, Nigerian-trained psychiatrist and the author of The Atrocities of Hope: An Analysis of the ‘Nigeria Problem.’

Michael’s lived experience in Nigeria, his inquisitive mind, and his ability to pull back and observe despite being involved combine well with his skills as a mental health expert to create this work.

Michael is a fellow of the West African College of Physicians, the Faculty of Psychiatry, and is an affiliate member of the Royal College of Psychiatry. He plies his trade as a psychiatrist in the Northwest of England. He describes himself as a member of a speciality that helps you in the fight against your worst enemy: yourself.

Michael is a husband, a father, a brother, an uncle, a friend, a neighbour, a member of the public, a lover of music, and a lover of movies and books.

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