Tuesday, May 20, 2014

Abby's Survival Blog Tour


Synopsis
The sequel to Liv's Existence

Love and Loss.

Two tiny words, each with their own powerful impact. They can both happen at any given moment and both can forever change your soul. It’s how you allow it to change you that matters. The hard part is finding a balance when the loss gets overwhelming. How do you do that when everyone you thought you couldn’t live without leaves you?

Loss is inevitable. I’ve had enough in my life to know that much. Now I’ve just got to figure out how to survive it.

Ages 18+ due to adult situations and violence. Some situations may be difficult for some readers.

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After reading Liv's Existence I knew that I needed to read Abby's Survival. There was no question about it. 

Abby's Survival picks up right where Liv's Existence left off. I was happy to know that there wasn't going to be any back story as I just wanted to dive right in with the story. 

Ms. Mooney does a fantastic job and telling both Olivia's and Abby's story from their respective point of views. Both Olivia and Abby had their unique voices and you could clearly tell whose story you were reading.

One of the things I truly loved about Abby's Survival is the strong and true bond of friendship. Both these women came together in the aftermath of a terrible tragedy that befell Olivia. However, Abby herself was living a concealed nightmare. Through the midst of Abby helping Olivia overcome some things, Abby herself gets help she deserves and needs. 

While Abby's Survival is a drama, it also has its moments of humor, happiness and suspense. There were moments when I was laughing out loud at some of the situations the characters found themselves in.

When they laughed, I laughed. When they were hurting, I was hurting. Whey they cried, I cried. As far as the suspense goes, I was beside myself because I couldn't believe what I was reading. 

Ms. Mooney did a beautiful job in bringing in all emotions and resolving the story to a beautiful and fulfilling ending. 

I truly enjoyed reading Abby's Survival and I definitely recommend it to others. Be sure to read Liv's Existence before reading Abby's Survival though. You won't be disappointed. 



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Liv's Existence + Abby's Survival Bundle $3.99 through May ONLY
 
Excerpt

John stepped in and closed the door. “That isn’t the reception I was hoping for.” He locked the door.

“And what reception was that? I couldn’t get the parade together for you since you never called to tell me you were ever coming back.” I never looked up while I talked, but I had heard him lock the door and my excitement grew. If I looked up, he would’ve known I wanted him—despite how indifferent I was trying to be.

I should’ve kept my eyes on him. He was next to me before I knew it, and he startled me as he twirled my chair around and knelt down in front of me. “I like you in skirts, Abs.” He slid his hand up my thigh.

“Jo–John.” I stopped his hand. “You don’t get to ignore me for ten days and then come waltzing into my office expecting me to drop my panties for you.” I turned back to my desk, proud that I had stood my ground. I hadn’t done that before.

John sighed and got up to go back to the chair in front of my desk. “I’m sorry, Abby. I’m a fool that had to figure out a few things, but I figured them out, and I’m here now.” He watched me work in silence for a few minutes. “When can you get out of here, so we can have a proper celebration?”

“And just what are we celebrating?”

“Us.”

I didn’t know if I had heard him right. I wanted to jump over the desk and onto his lap, but I was scared that I had misunderstood what he was saying. I swallowed. “Us? What do we have to celebrate?”

“Why don’t we talk about that over dinner? So, when can you go?”

“Why do you automatically assume I’m free for dinner—or anything else, for that matter?” I was still pissed he hadn’t called for ten days and came in as if nothing had happened. 

“You’re pissed. I get it, and I deserve it. I’m in town for a few days, and if you change your mind, give me a call.” He was up and had the door open before he finished. 

“Are you going to call me back this time?” I was still hurt, but didn’t want him to leave.

“No, I’m going to answer and not let it go to voicemail. I really am sorry, Abs. When you want me, call me, and we’ll talk over dinner.” He turned and walked out. 

I stared at my phone. I wanted to call him back to the office desperately, but I didn’t want to seem too desperate. Who was I kidding? I picked up the phone.

He didn’t answer the phone, but stepped back into the doorway with a huge smile. “I thought you’d never call.” He locked the door again and was back by my side with just a few large steps. He lifted me out of my chair and put my arms around his neck. “This is the greeting you will greet me with from now on.” He slapped my ass and kissed me hard. “Understood?”

I grabbed the bulge in his jeans. “Keep ordering me around and slapping my ass like that, and I’ll never touch your little friend here again.” I squeezed. “Understood?”

A slow smile spread across his face. “Completely.”

I tried to not smile, but failed. “You just took that as a challenge.” I turned back to my desk.

John grabbed me and pulled me to him. I placed my hands on his chest to brace myself for impact before I slammed into him. “I’m not finished with you yet.” He cupped my face and brought it to his. He kissed me so softly and sweetly that I had trouble catching my breath. I was glad to finally have something good steal breath from me. I gripped his shirt, trying to pull him closer. 

He stopped kissing me, but still held my face and looked in my eyes. He whispered, “I love you, Abigail Hughes.”

My eyes shot open wide as I tried to push on his chest. I needed to be out of his grip, but he wouldn’t let me go. “You can’t love me. I’m no good for you.”

He pulled me to him and wrapped his big arms around me. “It’s scary, isn’t it? To let yourself be this vulnerable with someone again takes a lot of trust—and I’m very happy and honored you decided to trust me.”

MeetTheAuthor

B.L. Mooney started writing when the voices and storylines in her head ran out of room. They were getting too cramped and neither B.L. nor the characters could take it anymore, so she did the only thing she could do--she made room. She always knew she wanted to write, but vowed to make time for it later. Now that she's made time for writing, most everything else falls to the wayside. That seems to suit the characters that keep popping up just fine.

B.L. lives in the Midwest and her other talents include in-demand cookies, a very dry sense of humor, and stealth eavesdropping. Some mannerisms, attitudes, or twists come from random sentences picked up while passing by strangers. So speak up the next time you have something to gossip about. You never know, it may just end up on the pages of the next book you read.


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You can buy both books as a bundle if you'd like: 

Amazon Liv's Existence http://myBook.to/LivsExistence Abby's Survival http://myBook.to/AbbysSurvival The Complete Liv Series http://myBook.to/TheCompleteLivSeries

Monday, May 19, 2014

Nurturing that Imagination

My youngest is going to be 5 years old in July. He is the baby of the house and will remain the baby since I closed down my baby making shop a few years ago.  Also, he knows he's the baby.

Lately, however, I've noticed a shift in him. He's maturing. It's a very gradual and slow change but I can see it. I'm sure it has a lot to do with him starting pre-k last fall. Even his teacher has noticed a change in him.

He's more open and vocal. His speech has improved exponentially. We can now understand what he says better as opposed to when he first started.

My most favorite change in him is his imagination. He's always had it but it seems more elaborate now. Like he's being more thoughtful with it. He's letting his imagination go and just having fun. Often times, I'll sit quietly, while I crochet and I'll just listen to him play and talk to himself or his toys.

He'll find something, anything and create a game out of it and I love it! And guess what? I give in to his imagination. I don't stifle it, unless it's something I consider dangerous. He tells me what he wants and we figure it out together or I give him the necessary tools, freedom to get it done. I want to nurture that imagination as much as possible, even if it means getting messy.







Here, he decided to make boats out of a receipt he found and a piece of cardboard. He was entertained for a while. The narrative that accompanied his playing was interesting to listen to.



I've also seen in him his nurturing, caring and compassionate side. He's always had it but it's coming out more. He has his bunny rabbit who's so aptly named Bunny Rabbit and that stuffed animal is probably his most favorite thing in the world (besides Mommy of course) yet he won't admit it is.





Bunny Rabbit has been dressed in my youngest's old baby clothes that I still had in his room.

Bunny Rabbit also a drawer (a box) where his clothes are kept.

Bunny Rabbit has an old bottle that he "drinks" out of. Bunny Rabbit even has a bed.

Bunny Rabbit is invited to a lot of places and often times tags along with us but he needs to be strapped in with a seat belt. Safety first and always.

My youngest does all this with Bunny Rabbit yet still knows that Bunny Rabbit is not real. I'll ask him questions about Bunny Rabbit and my youngest would say "he's not real". So, I think to myself: is my youngest still trying to hang on to being a baby through play with his bunny rabbit? and; I'm so glad to know that my youngest knows the difference between real and make believe but still doesn't let that knowledge hinder his imagination.

Bunny Rabbit is a very lucky bunny rabbit to have such a loving and caring friend in my son. I'm such a lucky mommy to have such a wonderful and caring little boy.

Wednesday, May 14, 2014

I'll Always Have Your Back

Recently, my youngest graduated from his tricycle to a bicycle with training wheels. Granted, he could have been on a bicycle long time ago since he's about to be 5 but hey we just recently acquired a very good one for him.

The first time he got on the bike it was like he's been doing this his whole life. He was so eager to get on that bike and start peddling. And he did it! Yes, he did have training wheels but he was going at it.

As the over protective mom that I am, I was there, nearby, with my hand at the small of his back. Just as a safety measure for him. Did he need me? No. All he was asking for was more pushes to get him going.

Once he got a better hang of it, he was coasting and cruising, as fast as his little legs allowed him, down the street. Yes, it was a very small area of the street in front our house.

He took several tumbles and I was there to catch the fall. He would say "I'm okay" or "That was close" in regards to his tumbles. He loves riding his bike. I see the joy it brings to his little face. I chase him in circles, making sure I am there. Hey, at least I'm getting some exercise in. Eventually, I will let go and not chase anymore. I suspect that he may be more ready than I am in doing this but for now, I'm not ready. I do maintain a distance where he is not stifled and can't ride his bike but still within arms reach.




All this while, I kept thinking to myself here is my baby growing up and knowing when he is okay and when he can continue going on. All I could think of is no matter what, I will always have your back. I will always be there for you. In one way or another, I will support you.

That support can be done in so many different ways. Right now, it starts with being physically present and emotionally present for my children.

I don't know what the future has in store for my boys BUT I do know that I will always be there.

I have to say that while this post is about my youngest. I want to dedicate it to all the children in my life, my own and those very close to me. I will always have their backs and be there for them.