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REVIEW: Just Beneath the Surface by Kass Hillard

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About Just Beneath the Surface: Awakening, Uncovering, Discovering, & Remembering Your True Self

Parents and caregivers, clergy and teachers pour into us their beliefs about life, the world, and God. Other family members, friends, media outlets, etc. soon enter our life, adding even more influences. We trust, believe, and accept what we see and hear as truth, rarely questioning those facts and statements, or sources.

As we journey through life, we find that our thoughts and perspectives change. The more we learn or are exposed to ideas and experiences beyond ourselves, the more our world expands. We begin to question, seek answers, challenge our beliefs, and find our own truths.

The purpose of this book is to assist you in discovering what a beautiful soul you are. There are challenges that offer questions and prompts inviting you to look deeper within yourself and in doing so, perhaps a greater awareness and understanding of your true self which is waiting just beneath the surface.

About Kass Hillard

Kass is a retired certified reflexologist, hypnotist, and Reiki Master, and was the owner of a holistic healing center and practice in southwest Michigan for many years. She now enjoys writing, traveling, and teaching reflexology, past life regression, and psychic development.

She is the author of “Games Psychics Play: Enhancing Your Intuition and Psychic Gifts.” Her story, “The Final Gift” is featured in the #1 international best-selling book, “The Last Breath,” published by Franklin Rose Publishing. Her piece, “Woman, Rise Up,” is included in the Audie nominated audiobook, “Nevertheless, We Persisted,” by Blunder Woman Productions.

Kass currently resides in northwest Ohio with her husband and their two goofy dogs. You will rarely find her without a cup of coffee, working on an art project, or taking a class to learn something new. She is still trying to figure it all out.

My Review

Are you looking to delve deeper into your Self, your mindset, your soul? Author Kass Hillard has written another wonderful book to help gain insight through challenging prompts and questions. I found Prompt #35 especially tough and yet inspiring, a change to my mindset. Discover a better understanding of your true self. I highly recommend this book. Five Stars!

Just Beneath the Surface on Amazon

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My Solace

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It’s been a while since I’ve posted on my blog. I’m in the middle of chemo treatments for breast cancer, and I’ve taken solace in writing. My recent WIP, The Major’s Dilemma, is the sequel to The Trucker’s Cat. Coming soon.

Join me on INSTAGRAM for my personal and professional journey.

About The Trucker’s Cat

At the Russian Embassy where she lives with her mother and stepfather, Samantha Randall uncovers a plot to assassinate the U.S. President. Her father’s famous speech urges her to act, so she treks cross-country to warn the driver that his cargo has the proof. She soon finds herself stranded in the middle of nowhere.

Driving a truck on a covert assignment, Major Logan McCormick had sworn off women after his bitter divorce. Against protocol, he rescues Samantha and gives the wildcat a ride. Although drawn to Samantha’s uplifting spirit, he uses his sullen nature as a shield against her. Will she see through his rigid manner?

With Russian special forces searching for Logan’s cargo and another team chasing Samantha, they quickly realize they must work together to prevent the unthinkable. Will their sacrifices be enough to stop the assault?

The Trucker’s Cat on AMAZON

A New Year’s Eve Romance

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In my New Year’s Eve romance, The Garden Collection, Robert Donovan learns that home is where his heart is.

A few words of encouragement can stay with you for a lifetime.

Robert and Brianna’s childhood friendship grew into respect for each other and their ideas.  Robert gave her the confidence to stand up for herself.  Brianna helped him see his artistic potential and encouraged him to travel for his inspiration.  He found it in the letters she wrote.

BRIANNA CARLSON, an optimistic realist, appreciates the little things in life.  Working at the local diner in their wintry rural town in West Michigan, she pushes the stress of caring for her half-sister, CHLOE, aside focusing instead on the unconditional love she gives and receives.

Her best friend’s brother, ROBERT DONOVAN, regally proper and polished, balances his business acumen with his artwork for his family’s jewelry store.

In THE GARDEN COLLECTION, a Cinderella-esque romance, Brianna receives news that her abusive step-father will be released from prison.  She’s terrified he’ll come back to hurt Chloe this time.  She decides to leave town.

After traveling the world, Robert returns home and discovers Brianna had lied in every letter she sent.  She never received any of his. Before he can demand answers, she disappears without Chloe.  As Robert learns about Brianna’s life during his absence, he sets out to find her and convince her to trust him again.

THE GARDEN COLLECTION on AMAZON

The 8th Annual One Acts Festival

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I submitted my one act play back in December. Last week, the Allegan Community Players announced the lineup for the festival:

Purple Roses by Christina Thompson

Potential by Scott Mullen

The Band Currently Known as the Apaches by Les Abromovitz

I’m in! A first for me. I’m honored. What’s even crazier is that those characters are from my Chemical Attraction Series, which is set in a town based on Allegan.

The play was originally a short story. The scene takes place at Sylvia’s Bed & Breakfast, modeled after the Delano Mansion Inn in Allegan’s downtown area. The scene is a prequel to Chemical Attraction—before my main characters Joe Roberts and Madeline Pierce actually meet and fall in love. While mourning the death of her husband, Madeline’s Aunt Sylvia focuses on getting Joe and Madeline in the same room at the same time. The conversations of loneliness between Joe and Sylvia and then between Madeline and Sylvia break my heart.

Sylvia has become one of my favorite secondary characters in my series. In fact, I’m in the process of writing a new novel where she’s the main character trying to navigate in a world without her husband.

My head knows these characters are a figment of my imagination, but my heart knows their emotions are real. It’ll be strange to see these people, who have been in my life for so many years, become tangible on stage at the Griswold Auditorium, which I have also referenced in my series.

In Chemical Attraction, a fundraiser is held in the lower level of the Griswold. (I call it the Hartford though.) Then, in Chemical Reaction, a couple characters hide in the backstage area.

What a surreal experience this will be! I may cry. No, I guarantee I will cry. I’m aware the director may change the props and dialogue; this is a collaborative project after all, but I believe the emotions of the scenes will stay true.

If you’ve enjoyed my Chemical Attraction Series, this is a must see. Please, join me. I’ll be the one sobbing before the festival even starts.

Friday, April 22nd at 7 pm

Saturday, April 23rd at 7 pm

Sunday, April 24th at 2 pm

Griswold Auditorium

401 Hubbard Street

Allegan, MI 49010

All tickets are $5 at the door.

For more information, visit the Allegan Community Players.

For more information on my series, visit The Chemical Attraction Series on Amazon.

The Chemical Attraction #SeriesSale #RomanticSuspense #FreeEBook with @48fourteen

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Eva, Taylor, and Joe are siblings by choice. They believe you don’t have to be related to be a family. Their mantra is tested throughout the series.

Meet the characters:

TAYLOR VALENTINE, a kindhearted empath, embraces her vanilla tendencies. Her plan for her life reinforces those traits. She doesn’t apologize for giving people the benefit of the doubt. She focuses on college graduation and a career—romance in the far distant future.

As a history professor and former Marine, STUART MORGAN, a blond, blue-eyed war hero, battles his inner demons. Although he longs for mental peace from an understanding woman, his rigid rules prevent it.

EVA O’SULLIVAN, a petite Irish spitfire, has big opinions and you know them whether you want to or not. Masking her vulnerability, she wears her willfulness like armor.

Officer MATT CONNOR recovers from a gunshot wound obtained while on duty. As a single parent, he pushes any romantic life aside and concentrates on raising his eight-year-old son, DAVID, who desperately wants a mother and sets his sights on Eva.

His charisma hiding his loneliness, FBI Agent JOE ROBERTS is searching for an instant chemistry with his soulmate, the one person who will love him for his faults, not in spite of them.

Dr. MADELINE PIERCE, a dedicated scientist, has pain in her heart from an abusive relationship.  With her Ice Queen persona set, she hides within the realm of her research.

For a limited time, The Chemical Attraction Series is on SALE!

THEIR RIGID RULES (book one) is FREE

THE KINDRED CODE (book two) is $0.99

CHEMICAL ATTRACTION (book three) is $0.99

CHEMICAL REACTION (book four) is $0.99

It all happened within minutes. For some, it would last a lifetime.

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In Memory of Dad

Dear Dad,

Happy Veterans Day.  Thank you for your sacrifice.  I didn’t understand until recently how much the Korean War affected you.  It had taken your innocence leaving your emotions hardened from the horrors. Would our relationship have been better had I known your torment? 

After reading your letters to your parents during the war, I felt the love you had for them, which is why I used my favorite picture of you, your mother, and your dad on the cover.  That’s how I want to remember you.  I will cherish those rare times when you had let your guard down—laughing with a lightened heart.  I forgive you, and I miss you more than I ever had.

With Love,

Christina

Dearest Mother and Dad

Corpsman Orrin Connor’s faithful letters with a touching twist shield his parents from the horrors of war. His buddy Rawley Armstrong’s poignant letters give his sister the harrowing truths. Throughout their dangerous assignments during the Korean War, they debate the consequences of their choices. Orrin gains comfort in downplaying his experiences while Rawley feels a healing purge. As they get to know the Marines in their charge, the corpsmen gather a variety of opinions. Although Orrin and Rawley disagree, their friendship remains true until the bitter end.

“It all happened within minutes. For some, it would last a lifetime.”

Based on her father’s letters to his parents throughout the Forgotten War, author Christina Thompson has produced this work of historical fiction to pay tribute to Navy corpsmen by remembering their service to their brothers and their country. Imagining her father had guarded his parents from the carnage of war, Christina elaborates on what could have happened while staying true to the dates and experiences her father shared in his actual letters.

My dad is in the front row far right.

A Dance and a Kiss Jolt Their Fate

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“. . . Keeping Madeline in his arms, Joe guided her into an East Coast Swing. He found it refreshing that she knew the steps. Not many of the women he’s dated did. He had to work extra hard to maneuver them around the dance floor. It got to the point where he just didn’t bother dancing. Now, he realized how much he missed it or maybe he finally found the right partner.

Madeline’s eyes sparkled as he spun her around. He winced at how much he liked making her smile. What the hell! Focus, damn it! Don’t get carried away!”

***

“. . . In a formal dance position, Madeline shivered slightly at Joe’s warm hand on her waist. His other holding hers set a wave of heat to her face. She craved more of his touch. She gently squeezed his bicep and shoulder. Even through his suit jacket, she felt his taut muscles.

She inhaled his cologne mixed with his sweat from drumming earlier. He oozed a chemical attraction. As a neuroscientist, she had read about the effects of pheromones. Fascinated, she wanted to lean in closer to taste his neck. She blinked and stiffened slightly. Calm down! Joe was here officially as an agent of the FBI. And she would not become one of those women in his phone. It didn’t surprise her that Joe knew how to dance. She supposed it was another way of impressing women. And, damn, if it wasn’t working. . . .”

***

Learn more about their romance

in my stand-alone thriller Chemical Attraction

Book Trailer: Dearest Mother and Dad

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Check out my new video for Dearest Mother and Dad. A big thanks to Literary Titan for their help.

Dearest Mother and Dad Book Trailer on YOUTUBE

“One hundred and twenty Marines wounded. Eighteen dead. All for one lousy hill.”

Corpsman Orrin Connor’s faithful letters with a touching twist shield his parents from the horrors of war. His buddy Rawley Armstrong’s poignant letters give his sister the harrowing truths. Throughout their dangerous assignments during the Korean War, they debate the consequences of their choices. Orrin gains comfort in downplaying his experiences while Rawley feels a healing purge. As they get to know the Marines in their charge, the corpsmen gather a variety of opinions. Although Orrin and Rawley disagree, their friendship remains true until the bitter end.

“It all happened within minutes. For some, it would last a lifetime.”

Based on her father’s letters to his parents throughout the Forgotten War, author Christina Thompson has produced this work of historical fiction to pay tribute to Navy corpsmen by remembering their service to their brothers and their country. Imagining her father had guarded his parents from the carnage of war, Christina elaborates on what could have happened while staying true to the dates and experiences her father shared in his actual letters.

A Labor of Love and Forgiveness

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My historical fiction, Dearest Mother and Dad, is a labor of love, and now it’s available as an AUDIOBOOK.  Just in time for Memorial Day!

After reading through the letters my dad wrote to his parents during the Korean War about his experiences, I finally understood why he was hard and emotionally absent.  It took me two years to write the story.  Then, it took me another year to turn the novel into an audiobook.  There was only one narrator for this job—Gary Bennett.

Gary had narrated my romantic thriller Chemical Attraction through 48fourteen Publishing.  He did an incredible job, and my mom fell in love with his voice.  So, for us, this was a no-brainer.  We were not disappointed.

Gary’s narration gave Orrin and Rawley’s friendship the perfect amount of emotion.  In fact, as I listened I cried.  Then, at the last line of the story, I sobbed.  It hit me hard.  I miss my dad and all of his gruff.

I am so proud of this collaboration.  I think my dad—who was a fan of books on tape—would have loved it, too.  Thank you, Gary.

The AUDIOBOOK for Dearest Mother and Dad is NOW available on AUDIBLE

To learn more about Narrator Gary Bennett and his other amazing projects, visit GaryBennettReads.com