DESERET NEWS' Awesome Review of SHADOWS OF VALOR!

The Deseret News featured and reviewed my novel, SHADOWS OF VALOR and it was 100% positive! *squeeee* I'm SO EXCITED!!!

"SHADOWS OF VALOR," by Elsie Park, Jolly Fish Press, $16.99, 252 pages (f)

In “Shadows of Valor,” Elsie Park weaves a medieval spell in her page-turner of a historical romance.

This first-time novelist creates a believable heroine in the scarred Lady Elsbeth Rawley. A woman with issues many readers can relate to, Elsbeth doubts her own self-worth and feels unworthy of romantic affection.

Sir Calan Beaumont, the man Elsbeth has loved since being a young teenager, is the perfect blend of dashing and honorable. However, due to his many experiences with the baser members of society, he has difficulties seeing the good in others. As this lord and lady unite to face danger and solve a mystery, their hearts are opened to love.

Everything changes when the Shadow, King Edward’s mysterious emissary for justice, enters Graywall Village. Adding to this intrigue are various interesting characters: an aunt who suffers from amnesia, a cousin with unrivaled beauty, a mysterious maid and a lecherous wool merchant. These and others make "Shadows of Valor" easy for readers to be pulled into 14th-century England. Park has a gift for making the good guys human and even the vilest of characters pitiable.

Park understands the role religion played in medieval England and brings God, faith and repentance into her novel. With characters from the very devout to the uncaring, Park puts the perfect amount of faith into her romance without coming across as preachy.

A book for those who love happy endings, “Shadows of Valor” has grin-inducing romance and mild violence but is clean enough to comfortably lend to Grandma.

Park has worked in exciting careers: police officer, firefighter, security guard. A graduate of Weber State University, she currently supports her military husband and cares for her three children in northern Utah.

If you go ...

What: "Shadows of Valor" book launch party and Elsie Park book signing

When: Saturday, Sept. 21, 5 p.m.

Where: Layton Market Center, 1780 N. Woodland Park Drive, Layton

Web: barnesandnoble.com, elsiepark.blogspot.com

Elizabeth Reid has bachelor degrees in economics and history. She has worked in retail, medical billing, catering, education and business fields. Her favorite occupation is that of wife and mother. Her email isbizziereid@gmail.com.

Here's the link:

http://www.deseretnews.com/article/865586352/Book-review-6Shadows-of-Valor7-is-a-delightful-historical-romance.html

SHADOWS OF VALOR blog tour!

Here's the link to the blog tour schedule with links to each blog featuring a little about me, an article written by me or about my book. THANKS SO MUCH, EVERYONE! http://www.elsiepark.blogspot.com/p/blog-page.html

SHADOWS OF VALOR BOOK LAUNCH!

Elsie Park's medieval romantic fiction, SHADOWS OF VALOR will be released nationwide September 7, 2013, and the BOOK LAUNCH PARTY AND SIGNING will be two weeks later on SEPTEMBER 21, 2013 at the Layton, Utah, Barnes and Noble (1780 North 1000 West,  Layton, UT 84041) from 5:00 - 8:00pm. There will be treats, a short musical performance by the author showcasing a medley of the ballads she wrote for SHADOWS OF VALOR, and of course, she'll be signing books! Come and join the launch of this, her debut novel!

Shadows of Valor Paraphernalia

Through the Walmart.com Photo center, I was able to put my cover on some fun items I intend to make as possible door prizes at my book launch and subsequent book signings. Because some of the items had specific dimensions, the cover had to be cropped, cutting the sides a little more than I liked and cutting off my main hero character on the bottom, but other than that, I'm satisfied with the outcome.

Pillow case, mouse pad, deck of cards, frosted stein mug and key chain

Poly/Fleece blanket held up by my kids

Key chain

Mouse Pad

Frosted Stein Mug

Modern Song for a Medieval Story

http://tvtropes.org/pmwiki/pmwiki.php/Main/KnightInShiningArmor 

As I jogged in the cool morning air today, listening to one of my 80’s mixes, the song, The Glory of Love by Peter Cetera was among the variety. Listening to it again, I thought, “If I had to pick a modern representation of Shadows of Valor, The Glory of Love would be it!” I first heard the song in The Karate Kid II and was immediately hooked. It’s been a favorite of mine ever since. I often get shivers (the good kind) when Cetera sings, “Just like a knight in shining armor from a long time ago. Just in time I will save the day. Take you to my castle far away.” Such a great song! Anyway, here it in on Youtube, vocal and lyrics only. Check it out! http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wwXwLU4HihA

Select Musical Compositions in SHADOWS OF VALOR

After having an e-mail conversation with my publisher last night (taking up several messages back and forth), I was obliged to accept that ALL of my musical compositions wouldn't make it into SHADOWS OF VALOR as an addendum. Only ONE is promised to be in there at this point, and I still don't know which one it is. But, don't worry, I had my cry and today I feel better. A grateful attitude has returned to my heart that I'm getting published AT ALL, and by an AWESOME publishing house, Jolly Fish Press, and that the work of fiction I slaved over for years will see book shelves. I'm giddy and excited and happy over that fact *HUMBLE GRIN*

THE SAMARITAN’S PISTOL by Eric Bishop - A ROCKY MOUNTAIN THRILLER

When I see this cover I think, good old-fashioned "James Bond" thriller, but in a WESTERN! The color contrast is striking and sharp!

"Fast-paced and as big as the land it rides through . . . filled with rugged characters who resonate with the sounds and feeling of the true West. A remarkable debut novel . . ."—Andrew Smith, author, The Marbury Lens, Ghost Medicine, Winger, and Stick.

Overview (by Jolly Fish Press):

Even among his small town neighbors, Jim is a content man. Despite the emotional baggage from his time serving in Desert Storm, he successfully runs a ranch, owns several beautiful horses, and makes extra cash as a wilderness guide for wealthy tourists. He's a modern-day cowboy. That is, until he runs into an ongoing mob-hit while riding in the mountains. Now, his most beloved horse is bleeding to death, three mobsters are dead from his smoking gun, and a wounded criminal is begging for his help. Jim has to make a decision. He can either high-tail it out of there, or accept a tempting offer made by the criminal—a promise of millions in stolen mafia cash for any help he gives. Of course, only an idiot would turn down such an appealing offer when they’re marked for death anyway. Besides, Jim’s good nature cannot allow him to leave someone for dead, even a criminal. Soon, Jim finds himself on a trip to retrieve a truckload of stolen money near the Las Vegas strip, right under the Mafia’s nose. But even if they escape with the cash, will Jim’s conservative neighbors provide sanctuary for their local Samaritan, and how far will the mafia go for revenge?

ON SALE AUGUST 24, 2013!

ADULT / THRILLER / ACTION-ADVENTURE

350 PAGES, 6” x 9”

INGRAM

Hardcover ($28.99): 978-1-939967-12-1

Trade Paperback ($16.99): 978-1-939967-13-8

Ebook ($7.99): 978-1-939967-14-5

About the author:

ERIC BISHOP is known to his friends and family as an “author version of Clint Eastwood.” As the owner of a successful marketing firm, Bishop spends most of his time on his Utah ranch writing with the music of his adolescence bouncing off the walls. When he's not writing, Bishop enjoys spending time with his wife and four lovely daughters at his home in Nibley, Utah. Unlike Jim, Bishop hasn't had any run-ins with the Mafia. Yet.

Find Eric Bishop online here:
Facebook: facebook.com/Eric.Bishop.374
Twitter: @ericbishopwords
Website: www.eric-bishop.com

HOBO Spider Infestation!

©Mandy Howe, www.Spiders.us

So we've been having some uninvited, and unwanted, guests come through our basement abode lately (we're talking up to 4 a night when they enter through unknown cracks when the sprinklers outside water their webs). Yes . . . it's the poisonous HOBO spider *shivers*. Bleh. After doing our research and determining that they are indeed Hobos (and not the common harmless grass spider of similar features), my in-laws have contacted an exterminator. In addition, we spent the entire day cleaning and vacuuming the basement, setting out Hobo spider traps, spraying spider poison along the outside foundation cracks, removing webs outside along with the wood piles and other items sitting against the house. I managed to catch, crush and flush (say THAT five times - LOL) most of the spiders, but I kept a few for my father who wanted to "have a look at them." Nothing like a good old infestation to get me to deep clean my house - LOL! I'm sure no matter how bad your day is going, it's not any worse than the Hobo spiders' day when I catch them. *SMASH* And don't come back, you varmints!

http://www.spiderexpert.com/faq.htm

http://hobospider.org/

Strands of Pattern: Elsie Park on Medieval Weapons & Shadows of Valor

Strands of Pattern: Elsie Park on Medieval Weapons & Shadows of Valor: Jeff, thank you for having me as a guest! I enjoy you blog posts and comments, and I’m honored to be here. Shadows of Valor is my debu...

SHADOWS OF VALOR, a medieval romantic fiction by Elsie Park

Deceit, greed, inner struggle, betrayal, and love—this is the foundation and driving force for Shadows of Valor, Elsie Park’s debut novel.

Shadows of Valor is an outstanding historical fiction with substantial romantic elements. Blurring the psychological haze between justice and revenge, Shadows of Valor brings new meaning to the Dark Knight. As the legendary shadow of Graywall is summoned to protect the spawning deceit of the kingdom, the reader is taken on a chivalric adventure through the muddy and mired streets of medieval England, where evil is as inescapable as the shadow that lurks behind its walls.

See the trailers on Youtube: 

Trailer 1
Trailer 2
One Brave Knight (ballad featured in the book)
Original trailer by Yelena Baykova

Full Synopsis:

On the surface, Graywall is content and booming. Lord Shaufton, who presides over the city, is a fine ruler. The poor are well-cared for, the area is popular, and morale is high—but within Graywall’s roots, something dark is stirring. This darkness threatens to overpower the once-peaceful town, until a mysterious figure appears: The Shadow.

As much a figure of fear to the unruly as legend to the innocent, The Shadow is an enforcer of justice and aid to the King. Due to an outrageous export tax set by King Edward, smuggling has tainted the kingdom, so The Shadow is sent to hunt the smugglers down. Contrary to legend, The Shadow is simply a man known as Sir Calan who, although talented and just, struggles to keep his dark thoughts of revenge from becoming ruthless action.

Due to sheer coincidence, The Shadow learns of a deadly plot against Lord Shaufton on a journey to Graywall. Now, he must enter a pseudo courtship with Lord Shaufton’s daughter under his original guise of Sir Calan, all while old emotions are stirred by the lovely Elsbeth, Lord Shaufton’s niece. Elsbeth, it seems, is the only woman who can heal his troubled soul, but she has a story of her own. What transpires is a glorious tale full of deceit, greed, inner struggles, betrayal, and most of all—love.

Purchase here:
Barnes and Noble Paperback
Barnes and Noble NOOK
Amazon Paperback
Amazon KINDLE
Indigo Kobo
Or any other bookstore

About the Author

From a student of piano, botany, zoology and criminal justice to a wildland firefighter, police officer and currently a wife and mother of four beautiful girls, Elsie has worn many hats. It was only a matter of time before she wrote a novel (or two). While on an LDS mission to Italy, Park was inspired by the history surrounding the country, especially enjoying the many castles and ancient Roman structures found throughout the beautiful landscape. She felt it radiate through her soul and slowly, yet surely, a story was born. 
Blog: elsiepark.blogspot.com
Facebook: authorelsiepark
Twitter: elsiepark1