Iris, the Unlikely Hero! Shadow Eyes Re-Release Blog Tour and $50 Amazon Card Giveaway with Dusty Crabtree

Welcome to Dusty Crabtree as she visits Eleni's Taverna as part of her Shadow Eyes Re-Release Blog Tour

Thank you for hosting me! It’s been a long time coming, but I’m so thrilled to finally be re-releasing my young adult, urban fantasy, Shadow Eyes! It was first released in 2012 by Musa Publishing. Musa closed in 2015, and since Shadow Eyes was my first novel, I took the opportunity to revise and change a few minor things before self-publishing it this time. I am very happy with this second version and I hope you will love it too!


(Everyone, don’t forget to enter the rafflecopter below for a chance to win a print copy of Shadow Eyes and a $50 gift card to Amazon!)

Let’s check out the synopsis for Shadow Eyes first…

Iris thought she could ignore the shadows…until they came after everyone she loved.

Seventeen-year- old Iris Kohl has been able to see both dark and light figures ever since a tragic incident three years ago. The problem is, no one else seems to see them, and even worse…the dark figures terrorize humans, but Iris is powerless to stop them.

Although she’s learned to deal with watching shadows harass everyone around her, Iris is soon forced to question everything she thinks she knows about her world and herself. Her sanity, strength, and will power are tested to the limits by not only the shadows, but also a handsome new teacher whose presence scares away shadows, a new friend with an awe-inspiriting aura, and a mysterious, alluring new student whom Iris has a hard time resisting despite already having a boyfriend. As the shadows invade and terrorize her own life and family, Iris must ultimately accept the guidance of an angel to revisit the most horrific event of her life and become the hero she was meant to be.

So Why is Iris an Unlikely Hero?

I’ve always been a fan of strong female characters. Take Katniss Everdeen for example. She is, beyond a doubt, the hero of her story. She doesn’t need a male to save her or take care of her, although she has a few who would and sometimes try. In fact, she takes care of them a few different times. She’s independent and isn’t afraid to rebel against the corrupt culture she lives in. Aside from that, Katniss is also hard-working, protective, loyal, loving, and genuine.

Strong female characters are so popular because they become heroes to the girls, young and old, who read about them. As readers of their stories, we then try to emulate and strive to be like them some day.

The reason why Iris is an unlikely hero is because she doesn’t come across as a strong female character right away. To put it gently, she has some issues. But I think that makes her relatable. We all have issues we need to work through, right? We all have a past we must overcome. We most likely don’t have the same issues or the same past, but when we see Iris eventually work through all of her mess and end up on top, it gives us hope for our own struggles. It gives us hope that we’ll eventually turn our mess around for good, too.

So, I guess what I want to say is, don’t give up on Iris. She may at first seem weak and ineffective, and you may feel sorry for her at times and frustrated with her at other times for not stepping up. But be patient and remember she’s not perfect just like we’re not perfect. And if you stick with her to the end, you’ll be so glad you did as you’ll get to see a huge transformation where Iris is empowered beyond what she ever thought possible. 

And that’s just the beginning of Iris’s story…



Author Bio 

Dusty Crabtree loves a good story, but she also loves young people. These two loves are evident in all parts of her life. She has been a high school English teacher since 2006 and a creative writing teacher since 2014. She's also been a youth sponsor at her local church for as long as she’s been teaching. She feels very blessed with the amazing opportunities she has to develop meaningful relationships with teens on a daily basis. With her love of reading in the mix, becoming an author of young adult books was just a natural development of those two passions in her life. She lives with her husband, Clayton, in Yukon, Oklahoma, where they often serve their community as foster parents.


Check out Dusty’s blog
Find her on Facebook 
Follow her on Twitter
Follow her on Instagram – dustycrabtree12
Check out Shadow Eyes on Goodreads

View the book trailer at http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=v7UP9A0Fm78

Buy Shadow Eyes on Amazon or other major online bookstores like Barnes&Noble and Apple (Print is also available on Amazon)

Amazon | Apple | Barnes&Noble | Smashwords




a Rafflecopter giveaway


Rafflecopter Link - http://www.rafflecopter.com/rafl/display/aa7efb191/


To see other posts on this tour and to increase your chances of winning, visit Dusty’s blog for the schedule with links as they are posted. 

Thanks for dropping by Dusty!

~Eleni

Musa Monday: Wench Dusty Crabtree Blog Tour...

Today, I have fellow Wench, Dusty Crabtree, who is on her whirlwind blog tour for Shadow Eyes. 

Welcome to the blog, Dusty!


Thank you for hosting me, Eleni! Hopefully your readers will get to learn something new and interesting about me!


Everyone, don’t forget to enter the rafflecopter below for a chance to win a print copy of Shadow Eyes, your full name in the sequel, and a KINDLE FIRE!



You are currently doing a blog tour for ‘Shadow Eyes’. Can you describe this book for us?

Sure! How about the synopsis:

Iris Kohl lives in a world populated by murky shadows that surround, harass, and entice unsuspecting individuals toward evil. But she is the only one who can see them. She’s had this ability to see the shadows, as well as brilliantly glowing light figures, ever since an obscure, tragic incident on her fourteenth birthday three years earlier.

Although she’s learned to cope, the view of her world begins to shift upon the arrival of three mysterious characters. First, a handsome new teacher whose presence scares away shadows; second, a new friend with an awe-inspiring aura; and third, a mysterious and alluring new student whom Iris has a hard time resisting despite already having a boyfriend.

As the shadows invade and terrorize her own life and family, she must ultimately revisit the most horrific event of her life in order to learn her true identity and become the hero she was meant to be. 

Please tell us a little about your road to publication. 

It took me about 8 months to write the initial draft of Shadow Eyes. Once it was finished, I worked on revision and continued to work on revision as I sent queries to agents and publishers and got several rejections. I was actually still revising up until I was signed by Musa Publishing. From first draft to getting signed, it was another long 8 months. After that, it was fairly easy. The editing process and helping create the cover was super fun. I’m excited to go through that process again with the sequel!



What attracted you to the YA genre?

The simple answer: I have a passion for teens. I’m a high school teacher and a youth sponsor at my church if that says anything. Some people would say I’m crazy or a glutton for punishment. But honestly, I just want the opportunity to touch their lives. Whether that’s through being a caring mentor, being a good role model, being a friend when they need one, helping them through difficult times, or giving them hope through a book…I try to do what I can.


Are you a plotter? Pantser? Or somewhere in between?

I am totally a plotter! I am way too much of a control freak to be a panster. Lol! However, I do recognize that there are times when my characters or a certain scene may take a direction I didn’t necessarily plan. Also, my outline obviously has some gaps, and in those moments I just let inspiration help me find a way from Point A to Point B.



What are you working on now? And what’s in the near future for Dusty Crabtree?

You mean besides this blog tour, right? Haha. I’m actually still in the midst of writing the sequel to Shadow Eyes. I’m about 2/3 of the way finished, but I plan on getting more done very soon!


What is your favourite part of the process of writing?

I love those moments when the perfect wording or phrasing just comes to you, and while you’re typing, you can’t help but smile at the perfection! Similarly, I also love when you get in the zone and the writing just flows. Pure magic!


What are you currently reading?

Um…my students papers? Lol! This blog tour has been eating up my reading time lately. But it’s almost over, AND by the time you’ll be reading this, it’ll be my spring break!!! So, by then my answer will be the last book of the Hush Hush series – Finale! So super excited for that!

And now for the Rafflecopter....

a Rafflecopter giveaway

~~~

Thanks, Dusty!

Check out Dusty’s blog;  Find her on Facebook; Follow her on Twitter

Buy Shadow Eyes at Musa Publishing (also available at all major online bookstores)

Youtube link

Shout Out Saturday: Wenches 2

Here are more releases by the Wenches of Words.....




Santa gets more than he bargains for in his marriage of convenience to the queen of snark.

All Gillian wanted was to pick up a third job so she could buy her preschool students Christmas gifts. She didn’t think she’d be the one getting picked up instead.

Her new boss, Nicholas Roth, is the big man in charge at Santa Incorporated—what Gillian thought was a seasonal staffing agency. But the sexy CEO has a holly jolly secret; he’s an equal opportunity employer and most of his staff are elves.

Santa has another secret. When he’s not delivering toys for his charity, he’s contending with political unease in the magic realm. To take his father’s throne as king of the elves, he has to get married…and only magic-proof Gillian will do. Gillian agrees thinking Nick will cut her loose after the busy Christmas rush, but he has other ideas.

Nick wants a permanent Mrs. Roth but Gillian doesn’t think she’s it.

Musa buy link

holleytrent.com

Mergers and negotiations are not just for the boardroom, especially when things heat up high over the Atlantic.

Travel agency owner Teddi Howard is Hell in high heels when she jumps a plane to Munich. Her goal—strangle the German tour operator who reneged on their exclusive contract.

German businessman David Stiefel well knows the feeling of being screwed over and is resolved to avoid emotional attachments. This strategy has served him well, until his chance encounter with the enticing Ms. Howard.

Musa buy link

sloanetaylor.com

Iris Kohl lives in a world populated by murky shadows that surround, harass, and entice unsuspecting individuals toward evil. But she is the only one who can see them. She’s had this ability to see the shadows, as well as brilliantly glowing light figures, ever since an obscure, tragic incident on her fourteenth birthday three years earlier. 

Although she’s learned to cope, the view of her world begins to shift upon the arrival of three mysterious characters. First, a handsome new teacher whose presence scares away shadows; second, a new friend with an awe-inspiring aura; and third, a mysterious and alluring new student whom Iris has a hard time resisting despite already having a boyfriend.

As the shadows invade and terrorize her own life and family, she must ultimately revisit the most horrific event of her life in order to learn her true identity and become the hero she was meant to be.


Musa buy link

dustycrabtree.wordpress.com

When life throws a widowed innkeeper and a world-famous movie star together they share an expected romance. But is their love strong enough to survive their real lives? 


Desperate to keep her ailing mother-in-law, Doreen, in the woman’s home, Carrie Gable agrees to board a handful of Hollywood’s most elite actors at the manor. Despite her resentment of the demands being placed upon her, she can’t help but be taken in by actor Will Walker.

Will, in a last-ditch effort to save his career, has agreed to a project he has no interest in. The more time he spends with his egotistical co-stars, the more drawn he is to Carrie. Long nights spent talking about the paths their lives have taken make him realize he’d rather have a simpler life, but his ties to L.A. aren’t as willing to let him go.

With the temptation of stardom pulling Will in one direction and the need to care for Doreen tugging Carrie in another, the couple struggle to hold onto the happiness they were missing until finding each other.

Musa buy link

marciboudreaux.com

Shot by a golden arrow, Apollo has only truly loved Daphne. He visits her each eclipse, and longs for reunion. He seeks the Fates’s advice and learns he may finally restore Daphne to her true water nymph form by enlisting other gods’ assistance.


If Apollo fails Daphne will be lost to him forever. To regain Daphne’s soul, Apollo must deal with the devil, King of the Underworld. Love-torn and treacherous, Hades would slay the pantheon to remain with his wife for the full year. Apollo’s quest might just give Hades the leverage he needs to do so.

Will Pheobus Apollo surrender the sun to try to reclaim love? Can he break Daphne’s curse or will his attempts destroy her forever? Will she still love him after millennia as a soulless tree? With the end of the quest see Apollo rising, or in sunset?

Buy link

nancydimauro.blogspot.com

For generations, the Frost family has run the Museum of Magical and Rare Artifacts, handing down guardianship from mother to daughter, always keeping their secrets to “family only.”


Gathered within museum’s walls is a collection dedicated to the Grimm fairy tales and to the rare items the family has acquired: Cinderella’s glass slipper, Snow White’s poisoned apple, the evil queen’s magic mirror, Sleeping Beauty’s enchanted spinning wheel…
Seventeen-year-old Bianca Frost wants none of it, dreaming instead of a career in art or photography or…well, anything except working in the family’s museum. She knows the items in the glass display cases are fakes because, of course, magic doesn’t really exist.

She’s about to find out how wrong she is.

Musa buy link

lizdejesus.webs.com

Hetty’s desperate gamble to avoid an odious match lands her all at sea. Can an overbearing ship’s physician really be the hero she needs to escape her treacherous family?

Marriage to a cruel dandy is not how Hetty Avebury envisions spending the rest of her life. Determined to raise funds to escape the match she earns money the only way she knows how—gambling. Her plans go astray and she finds herself onboard a man-of-war under the care of its stern physician. But Hetty soon realizes that the disapproving Doctor Withington is not at all the man she had first imagined.

If it wasn’t bad enough declaring one of the pressed men as a woman, Robert has been tasked with the tiresome job of returning her safely back to her dysfunctional family. It was ten years ago when his father gambled away his inheritance, home, and any chance of marrying the woman he loved. So when Robert discovers Hetty gambling he takes drastic action to cure her of the habit.


Musa buy link

susanlodge.com

She believes she is only a blacksmith's daughter, but he must discover the truth or risk losing his land---and his life.


Acwellen Lex'Magen rules as liege lord of a small country bounded by forbidding mountains and powerful neighbors. When the neighboring baron, allied with a powerful wizard, attempts to take over his land, first by political, then by covert means, Acwellen finds an ally of his own in Enith Roweson, an unassuming blacksmith who possesses powers he's only known of in legends. As he attempts to unravel both the plots against him----including the nature of the monsters sent to assassinate him----and the mysterious powers Enith is only beginning to understand she has, he also finds himself falling in love with the blacksmith's daughter.

Musa buy link

arleycole.blogspot.com

Can Kyle and Jenna find each other again in the midst of the devastation? Or will their jobs pull them apart and leave not only their homes but their hearts shattered?


In the aftermath of a series of tornadoes, Kyle Mathis just wants to guide his linemen to restore power to the devastated town of Milton. When reinforcements in the form of corporate deskjockeys come to work storm duty, he’s glad for the extra bodies to help serve food and support the crews working eighteen hour days.

But Kyle is not prepared to face one of the latest arrivals, his ex-wife Jenna. Jenna left him years ago, choosing her career over their marriage. However, being back together in their home town brings back memories and desire—for both Kyle and Jenna.


Musa buy link

leighdaleywrites.blogspot.com




More shout outs are scheduled for the future. Keep an eye out.


~yia~