Artifact by Gigi Pandian

My pal Gigi has a book out this week. ARTIFACT.

When historian Jaya Jones receives a mysterious package containing a jewel-encrusted artifact from India, sent by her ex-lover the same day he died in a supposed accident in the Highlands of Scotland, she discovers the secrets of a lost Indian treasure may be hidden in a Scottish legend from the days of the British Raj. But she's not the only one on the trail.

From San Francisco to London to the Highlands of Scotland, Jaya must evade a shadowy stalker as she follows hints from the hastily scrawled note of her dead lover to a remote archaeological dig. Helping her decipher the cryptic clues are her magician best friend, a devastatingly handsome art historian with something to hide, and a charming archaeologist running for his life.

Artifact is the first installment in the Jaya Jones Treasure Hunt Mystery Series by award-winning author Gigi Pandian.

Seriously, I was lucky enough to read this book in advance. It's wonderful. Fans of Elizabeth Peters will love this book. It's got the mystery, the history, the romance, the danger and it all ties in to a fabulous, fabulous read.

Archangel Rafe is available now!

Archangel Rafe....

Here are the details: 

Angelina. What I love about Angelina is that she's got some life experience. She's about to be divorced. Has two teenagers. A sister who is a little on the needy side. An ailing grandmother who raised her. Her life is plenty full. And all she really wants is a little peace and respite from all of her responsibilities. 

She starts having these dreams. Hot dreams. About an angel. And in her dreams is the only place she can escape and be free of responsibilities. 

Except her dream angel turns out to be real. And when he starts talking rare healing powers and a responsibility to help people she shuts him down. She doesn't have time to take care of anyone else. She doesn't even have time to take care of herself. 

Rafe is the Archangel of Healing. He's pretty much had it with the human realm. He's frustrated and disillusioned with people. He's actually one final act away from leaving behind the human realm and ascending to the Second Sphere of the Angelic Realm. He just has to get Angelina to accept her power and begin healing. 

Take two determined protagonists whose goals are at total odds, throw in a very steamy and completely forbidden attraction and the sparks fly. 

Archangel Rafe is available at Amazon, BN and AllRomance eBooks. 

If you like it, please leave a review on one of those sites or Goodreads. Without the might of a publishing house behind self-published books, authors have to rely on word of mouth to get a distribution channel going. We are eternally grateful when people review our work!!

And one more time with the cover because really, Kim Killion did an amazing job!!

Branding and Blogging and Bonus recipe

I wrote a great article about writers and branding. (if you are interested you can download it for free from Smashwords) I spent a lot of time and effort really delving into the concepts behind branding. Giving your readership more information about the concepts you write about. Being known to be an expert on certain topics. It all made sense.

But the reality of trying to contain my blogging efforts to stories and information that were part of my 'brand' pretty much stopped me dead. And there you have it. I haven't blogged in awhile. Lately I realized I'm not a jar of mayonnaise. I don't need to target this blog. All I need to do is share information that appeals to me.

So today's post is about smoothies. Not the kind from Jamba Juice (can we say sugar?) but the healthy kind you make at home. I make these two or three times a week. And I always have several key ingredients.

1 scoop protein powder -- I use Primal Fuel (www.marksdailyapple.com  - will talk more about this site at a later time) which is very low in sugars

1 spoonful of dried greens -- I use PaleoGreens but you can also just throw in a handful of spinach or kale

1 teaspoon or so of Flax Oil -- you need fat in your smoothie to bind everything and oil your joints. Flax is a good source for Omega oils

1 cup of coconut water  --  high in potassium and low in calories I really like coconut water, but any liquid will do, coconut milk, almond milk, regular milk, rice milk, plain old water

1 cup or more of frozen berries. I usually mix blueberries and raspberries. You can also use fresh fruit. The other day i did half cucumber/half frozen raspberries and it was amazing.

This smoothie is all blueberry. High in antioxidants!

I love this drink. It's about 350 calories and very filling.  And healthy!!
Yum. :)

Cover Reveal for Archangel Rafe, A Novel of The Seven !!

I have a new book coming out next week. If you've read my thrillers, this book is completely different. Although it does still have some of the same elements, suspense and a bit of science, along with a romance. It's also got a strong fantasy element and the romance is more central to the story.

Archangel Rafe is a paranormal romance featuring Archangels and humans. I absolutely LOVE the cover which was designed by Kim Killion at Hot Damn Designs.

I'll let you know a little bit more about the book next week. :) But for now, enjoy!
Lisa