Amazon says YEAH, BUT I DIDN'T is a Hot New Release!

Wow! I kinda like that post title - my little novel is #7 on their Hot New Releases list. I can totally get on board with that.

I'm liking these early reviews, too. And to celebrate, head over to my other website and sign up for my Reader's List if you'd like a chance to win a hardcover copy, or if you just want to keep up with me. I've got two more new releases on the horizon. https://www.authorannswann.com 

K.C. Finn 

Review Rating: 5 Stars 

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Yeah, But I Didn’t is a work of teen fiction in the drama and coming of age genres, and was penned by author Ann Swann. Written with a mild caution for scenes of violence and an attempted sexual assault, the central plot focuses on the harrowing experiences of fourteen-year-old Benji Stevens. Falling into circumstances of emotional and physical trauma, a heart-breaking betrayal and a loss of faith in life, love, herself and everyone around her, it will take a real miracle for her to rise up again and be happy.

Author Ann Swann delivers a harrowing emotional tale that offers messages of hope and renewal of spirit despite some of the darkest times that life can throw at us. Suitable for teens and adults alike, one of the most accomplished things about the novel is how authentic teenage Benji is in her thoughts, weaknesses, actions, but also in her strength and growth later on. This is a highly realistic portrayal of the devastating effects that dark interventions can have on young, fragile minds, but also an admiration of the strength and power of regrowth that young people can have too. Overall, it sends a strong, hopeful message through highly relatable characters and a well-constructed narrative of support from all around. Yeah, But I Didn’t is an emotionally compelling and genuinely helpful work of fiction to create talking points for teens and adults everywhere.

For a FREE Apocalyptic Horror Novel~Nominate TAKERS

Want a FREE sci/fi horror novel? If you have an Amazon account, just click the link below and read the excerpt from my new novel TAKERS: Apocalypse in Eden Book 1. If you like what you read, click the NOMINATE button to help get it published, then YOU will get a FREE copy when it comes out. https://kindlescout.amazon.com/p/2USOQOPJ0OLZ6

Takers is Book 1 in a sci/fi apocalyptic horror story featuring Jack and his best friend, Snake, the deaf pit bull. 

Afterthoughts:
They only want one thing ~ your soul. 

Dystopian Bloghop Giveaway

Starting November 1st  through  November 7th you could win a $10 Amazon Gift Card so that you
can buy whichever Dystopian Novel your heart desires.

All you have to do is leave a comment in the comment section below. Tell me which Dystopian novel is your favorite or which one you hope to buy with your gift card.

Then, for an extra entry, go here https://kindlescout.amazon.com/p/2USOQOPJ0OLZ6 to nominate my new novel, TAKERS: Apocalypse in Eden, for publication by Kindle Scout. You can read an excerpt first - and if it's published, you will also get a FREE digital copy!

Be sure to leave me your email address so I can notify you if your name is chosen. Winner will be chosen through Random.org Just make sure to tell me if you should be entered once, or twice!

To return to the main blog page go here http://www.myshelfconfessions.com/dystopian-giveaway-hop/

Bloghop co-hosted by April at http://www.myshelfconfessions.com and Kathy at http://www.iamareader.com

Want to look over a list of the most popular dystopian novels? Go here https://www.goodreads.com/shelf/show/dystopian-novels

Best of luck!
Ann Swann

author of TAKERS: Apocalypse in Eden
Please nominate this novel for publication by Kindle Scout

Friday is For Lovers

Excerpt from ALL FOR LOVE ~ 

realistic romance

http://tinyurl.com/cf6m3vg 

5 Prince Publishing www.5Princebooks.com

Amazon: http://tinyurl.com/cf6m3vg

Barnes & Noble:http://tinyurl.com/cfakkue

Smashwords: http://tinyurl.com/8besl3w

iTunes: http://tinyurl.com/a5rg4kd

Five Star Reviews

"The drama was off the charts . . ."

"You'll be hard pressed to put this book down until you turn the last page . . ."

"I started and finished this book in one day."

All For Love

© Ann Swann 

The moonlight was seductive. It lay across 

            The moonlight was seductive.  It lay across the water like a transparent veil across a woman’s hair.  We walked in and out of the foam at the edge of the water, splashing each other and dashing about like children; we shared one more glass of sangria at the cabana on the opposite end of Playa Caracol.  And we danced, slowly, just outside the pool of light emanating from the open patio of the hotel’s cantina—the strolling trio of mariachis outdoing themselves on love songs, or so it seemed.

            “I don’t—” I whispered into his shirt collar when he brought me up suddenly against him.

            “Shhh,” he held me even closer as we swayed in the breeze and the moonlight, the waves tickling our ankles when we strayed toward the surf.  “Let’s just be,” he said, burying his face in my hair.  “For a few moments, let’s just be.”

            For three days I lived in José’s fantasy world of sun, sand, and surf.  We drank too much, laughed too much, and met on the beach each night when the kids had gone to sleep.  I threw caution to the wind and let him lead me back to his manager’s suite.  I lived for the day just as Quinn had always done.  And I told myself it wasn’t really cheating since we were separated—especially since the separation was not my idea.

All For Love is also on Audio!

http://tinyurl.com/l62zjek  

I Thought They Were Written for Someone Else

Bookbub recently featured an ad for Sisterhood of the Traveling Pants.  And even though that book has been out forever, that ad really made me want to read it because I never did. I only saw the movie.

It probably piqued my interest because there are lots of bestsellers I didn't read when they first came out because I was convinced they were written for someone else. Goofy, huh?

Take the one I'm reading now, The Fault in our Stars. I thought it was just for teens, and maybe that is the target audience but hey, I remember how it was to be a teen. Well, sort of. Actually, some days I can remember that period better than I can remember what I had for breakfast.

Anyhow, cancer is universal so I suppose that's why it is such a bestseller. Well, that plus the standout writing. I've just barely started this book, so I can't say too much about it.

The Goldfinch, on the other hand, was one I picked up on the basis of the eye-catching cover. I don't do that very often, but the picture of the bird bursting through the paper really made me wonder about the contents. When I read that it was about a terroristic event involving a little painting of a goldfinch, I was hooked.  It didn't let me down. Yes, I like weird.

Another one I read recently was Gone, Girl. It's another bestseller that's been out for awhile. I think I  avoided this one simply because so many others were reading it. Yes. I do suffer from a chronic case of obstinance. But I admit it so it's okay, right?

I discovered it was a real page-turner. So clever. What did you think about it? Did you like the ending. Me, I liked it. Sort of, I think.  

What shall I read next? I remember when the novel Wild, by Cheryl Strayed, came out. Now this one, I kept meaning to read and just never did. But I loved the cover, and the title, and even the ironic name of the author.  Maybe it was too cute. I don't know. Tell me, should I read it?  So far, every bestseller I've picked up has been well worth it.  I know. I'll check out that old brick and mortar dinosaur, the library. That way, if I don't like it, I'm not out anything. See, I still think like a reader. Even if I have become addicted to that easy one-click button.

Afterthought: Not only am I addicted to one-click shopping on Amazon, I'm also addicted to the built in nightlight on my Kindle. It goes off automatically when I fall asleep. My bedside lamp doesn't do that.

First Reviews Are Important Because . . .

Hello all ~ Sorry I missed the Weekend Writing Warriors bloghop this weekend.  We were attending a family reunion in another town.  It was going very well until a mysterious virus swept through the grandchildren.  I swear, I've never seen such a fast acting virus...hopefully it's a short lived one.  Temps spiked almost to 105 in a couple of the kids!

Needless to say, our trip was short, but when we got home I found this lovely review of Stevie-girl and the Phantom of Crybaby Bridge.  First reviews are so important.  They help to ease the author's mind about the finished book.  I wonder, are we all filled with insecurity, or is it just me?  Whatever the answer, I was so tickled, I just had to share it.

5.0 out of 5 stars

 Thank you, Mae Clair!

5.0 out of 5 stars An Enchanting Mystery! July 13, 2013        

By Mae Clair

Format:Kindle Edition|Amazon Verified Purchase

A few days ago I picked up the novella Stevie-Girl and the Phantom Pilot, when Ms. Swann offered it as a free read. I was immediately smitten by her writing style and the characters. Why hadn't I picked up this book before? I found the late 1960s setting riveting. I was a bit too young to remember it well, but much of what she touched upon resonated with me. Most of all, I was blown away by a step back into childhood, including the enchantment and whimsy of those magical years.

I was thrilled to learn this was a continuing series, skipped the middle book (though I fully intend to go go back and read it) and moved on to Stevie-Girl and the Phantom of Crybaby Bridge. Once again the author transported me to years of discovery and adventure. This time, Stevie and her best friend Jase accompany Jase's parents on a camping trip that leads them to a mysterious bridge complete with the legend of a crying baby and a woman in white. The descriptions of the camping trip - from cookouts around the fire, to swimming in the lake, and trekking through the woods -are so vibrant it's like experiencing them first hand. There's fun, danger, adventure, and plenty of mystery. I love Ms. Swann's ability to make me experience childhood all over again.

As a kid I always had a fondness for Nancy Drew and the Hardy Boys, stories of spooky houses, wandering ghosts and things-that-go-bump in the night -- without them being too terrifying. The Stevie-girl stories have that same feeling of mystery and wonder. You can't help but be caught up in her life, and that of Jase. These two are perfect together, from friends to the flush of a first kiss, shared in this novel. I hope to see much more of them and their wonderful adventures. Ms. Swann has definitely made a new fan!

Okay, that's all for this post...except for the AFTERTHOUGHT: If you are one of the other purchasers of this book...and I know you're out there...how about taking a moment to chime in with your Amazon review?  Like the doc always says...it won't hurt a bit!