Thoughts in Progress

RED MIST by Patricia Cornwell

2012-02-10T00:10:00.000-05:00

Years ago when I changed from reading only true crime to include other genres such as crime fiction, Patricia Cornwell quickly became a favorite author.

Her books were filled with details of the murders, as well as the technical aspects of their resolutions. They were realistic, yet you knew good would triumph over evil in the end. They were chilling and adrenaline-packed, holding my attention from the opening paragraph till the last sentence.

As I began listening to RED MIST, her current release, it didn’t seem to fit into this category. While it was suspenseful, it was more personal-related than murder-driven.

Chief Medical Examiner Dr. Kay Scarpetta has traveled to Savannah to visit an inmate in the Georgia Prison for Women. The inmate is a convicted sex offender and the mother of a vicious and diabolically brilliant killer. The inmate is the one who sexually abused Scarpetta’s former deputy chief Jack Fielding when he was just a boy at summer camp. From their union a child was born. That child, Dawn Kincaid, six months earlier killed her own father (Jack) and attempted to kill Scarpetta. She is in prison, but the fallout is far from over.

From her meeting with the inmate, Scarpetta is lead to a secret meeting with Jamie Berger, a former New York prosecutor and former lover of Scarpetta’s niece, Lucy. There she also discovers her investigator, Marino, is working with Berger. Feeling betrayed, Scarpetta is pulled into helping Berger with a case involving a young woman set to be executed for killing a Savannah family nine years earlier.

Then a number of people related to the case begin to die seemingly of natural causes. This drives Scarpetta to dig deeper into the earlier deaths to find a connection. What she finds is more terrifying than she had imagined and could have an international impact.

The deeper into the story I got, the more the initial personal issues tied in with the now adrenaline-driven, heart-pounding plotline. While I didn’t enjoy the pity-party bouts Scarpetta has in the beginning of the story, it does lead to her being more driven as the plot goes on.

RED MIST may start off a bit slow for a Scarpetta book, but the pace picks up for a breathless ride at the end. The action comes fast and furious near the end as you try to put the pieces together.

Narrator Kate Burton does an excellent job bringing the characters to life. She conveys the emotions of each character giving them depth. Her cadence gives each character their own unique voice.

In the end author Patricia Cornwell with her forensic expertise did what she always does, caused me to consider the vast possibilities of terror and destruction humans are capable of.

Red Mist by Patricia Cornwell, Read by Kate Burton, Penguin Audio, @2011, ISBN: 978-1611760361, Unabridged, 11 Discs, Listening Time Approximately 13 Hours

FTC Full Disclosure - This audio book was sent to me by the publisher in hopes I would review it. However, receiving the complimentary copy did not influence my review.

Do you have series that you follow no matter what? Thanks so much for stopping by. Sorry that I’ve been absent from blogdom this week, hope to be back visiting with you soon.

What Do I Get?

2012-02-09T00:10:00.000-05:00

Have you already got your loved one a Valentine’s gift? Do you have your gift picked out for your loved one to give you?

Valentine’s Day will be here before we know it. It may be a time for lovers to exchange gifts, but I think it’s also a good time to remember those who are special in our lives.

Books always make great gifts for any occasion. With that in mind I’d like to share some pre-Valentine’s Day specials a couple of publishers are offering. In addition, another publisher is offering a special just for authors. While this first special is aimed at authors, we as readers benefit in the long run. The more authors and places to find them, the more books there are for us to read.

CeleryTree has a special going on right now where authors can join for free, which is a $35 value. Each author sets their own price for books on CeleryTree, so there are always some pretty good deals available.

CeleryTree is a place readers can purchase books and support authors, many of which they have meet through blogging.

Istoria Books announces that author Jerri Corgiat’s award-winning romance, SING ME HOME, is FREE today, Feb. 9, and tomorrow, Feb. 10, at Amazon’s Kindle store.

Originally published by Penguin’s Signet imprint, SING ME HOME is the touching story of a “bad boy” country music singer who turns his life around to win custody of his children but ends up losing his heart to a small-town widow unimpressed with his riches and stardom.

SING ME HOME has been awarded the Best Contemporary Novel With Romantic Elements award by RT Bookclub Magazine, Award of Excellence in the debut novel category from Reviewers International Organization (RIO), finalist in the Holt Medallion's mainstream/ single title category, and one of Pat Rouse’s Romance Top Picks List for 2004.

Sourcebooks is offering 12 titles, both romance fiction and romance non-fiction, at special discounts. The books can be viewed on their special page. Please pay special attention to the prices as they vary from FREE up to $2.99 and the promotion last until Feb. 15. Readers can always receive the latest information about Sourcebooks’ eBooks deals by checking their eBook deals page.

LUCKY IN LOVE by Carolyn Brown
Promotional Price: FREE
Category: Contemporary Cowboy Romance
When hunky rancher "Lucky Beau" Luckadeau accuses spitfire Milli Torres of stealing his prize bull, she promptly shoots at him, triggering a feud that only gets resolved when they discover they share a steamy hot memory from a night long ago...

It was a night of passion that has always haunted Lucky. The mysterious beauty he seduced at a cousin's wedding disappeared. He's always been lucky at cards, lucky with cattle, and lucky with land, but he's never been lucky in love.

Now Milli Torres has come to southern Oklahoma to help out on her grandfather's ranch. A cut fence and a big, mean Angus bull in the pasture are bad enough, but then she looks up and sees Beau Luckadeau. Great God Almighty, how did he get from Louisiana to Ardmore, Oklahoma, and what in the hell is she going to do if he recognizes her?

50 WAYS TO HEX YOUR LOVER by Linda Wisdom
Promotional Price: FREE
Category: Paranormal Romance
Jazz can’t decide whether to scorch him with a fireball or jump into bed with him.
Jasmine Tremaine, a witch who can’t stay out of trouble.

Nikolai Gregorivich, a drop-dead gorgeous vampire cop on the trail of a serial killer.

The sizzling love affair between Jazz and Nick has been off-again, on-again—for about 300 years. Mostly off, lately. But now Nick needs Jazz’s help, and while Jazz and Nick try to figure out their own hearts and resist their ever-increasing attraction, they must steer clear of a maniacal killer with super-supernatural powers. They are surrounded by a hilarious cast of oddball paranormal characters, including Irma, the chain-smoking ghost who haunts Jazz’s sports car, Dweezil, her ghoul of a boss, and Fluff and Puff, a pair of bunny slippers with sharp teeth and short tempers (watch your ankles)!

THE GREATEST LOVE ON EARTH by Mary Ellen Dennis
Promotional Price: $1.99
Category: Historical Romance
He’s fearless, except when it comes to Calliope Kelley…
Nothing could shake the courage of lion tamer Brian O’Connor, until the circus is threatened and the love of his life deserts him…

Danger, drama, dazzling excitement are her world…
Bold, beautiful Calliope Kelley would jump through flaming hoops to protect her father’s circus. But when disaster strikes and Calliope loses everything, she knows she must build brand new dreams…

Torn apart and betrothed to others, a twist of fate brings Brian and Calliope back under the bigtop, where together they’ll walk the high-wire to see if great loves turn to ashes or rekindle to burn brightly forever…

THE FIRE LORD’S LOVER by Kathryne Kennedy
Promotional Price: $1.99
Category: Fantasy Romance
If his powers are discovered, his father will destroy him…
In a magical land ruled by ruthless Elven lords, the Fire Lord’s son Dominic Raikes plays a deadly game to conceal his growing might from his malevolent father—until his arranged bride awakens in him passions he thought he had buried forever…

Unless his fiancée kills him first…
Lady Cassandra has been raised in outward purity and innocence, while secretly being trained as an assassin. Her mission is to bring down the Elven Lord and his champion son. But when she gets to court she discovers that nothing is what it seems, least of all the man she married…

Then Dominic and Cassandra together uncover an unspeakable evil, one that threatens the destruction of the magical realm they would give their souls to save…

THE MAN WHO LOVED PRIDE AND PREJUDICE by Abigail Reynolds
Promotional Price: $1.99
Category: Contemporary Romance
A modern love story with a Jane Austen twist…
Marine biologist Cassie Boulton has no patience when a modern-day Mr. Darcy appears in her lab on Cape Cod. Proud, aloof Calder Westing III is the scion of a famous political family, while Cassie’s success is hard-won in spite of a shameful family history.

When their budding romance is brutally thwarted, both by his family and by hers, Calder tries to set things right by rewriting the two of them in the roles of Mr. Darcy and Elizabeth Bennet from Pride & Prejudice…but will Cassie be willing to supply the happy ending?

EVERYTHING I KNOW ABOUT LOVE I LEARNED FROM ROMANCE NOVELS by Sarah Wendell
Promotional Price: $2.99
Category: Relationships (Non-Fiction)
Take a dashing hero with a heart of gold and a mullet of awesome. Add a heroine with a bustle and the will to kick major butt. Then include enough contrivances to keep them fighting while getting them alone and possibly without key pieces of clothing, and what do you have? A romance novel. What else? Enough lessons about life, love, and everything in between to help you with your own happily-ever-after.

Lessons like...

* Romance means believing you are worthy of a happy ending.

* Learning to tell the prince from the frog.

* Real-life romance is still alive and kicking.

* No matter how bad it is, at least you haven’t been kidnapped by a Scottish duke (probably).

1001 WAYS TO BE ROMANTIC by Gregory J.P. Godek
Promotional Price: $2.99
Category: Relationships (Non-Fiction)
More Romantic than Ever!

Sure, you could buy some roses.
Yes, you could cook an elegant romantic dinner.
Of course, you could give a heart-shaped box of chocolates.

But sometimes you want to do more than that. Sometimes you want to show just how much you really care, how much passion you really feel, and how much more your partner means to you than absolutely anything else.

Packed with unique suggestions, easy gestures, and thoughtful gift ideas, 1001 WAYS TO BE ROMANTIC is “worth memorizing” (Boston Herald). More than one and a half million people have used this book to kick up the fun and romance, making it a modern classic and #1 national bestseller. It’s a must-have for anyone, in any relationship, who wants to spark some more love in their lives.

IT WAS LOVE WHEN… by Robert K. Elder
Promotional Price: $2.99
Category: Relationships (Non-Fiction)
He told me I was a penguin: "tiny, adorable, and loved by everyone."

TALES FROM THE BEGINNING OF LOVE

It may be after three days together, or after three months-it's that moment when it all falls together. From heartfelt declarations to all-knowing smiles, IT WAS LOVE WHEN.. captures that moment when love is just beginning.

I thought to myself, "I love him more than Spider-Man loves Mary Jane."
I was looking through his iTunes when I realized that our playlists were nearly identical.
Suddenly he turned off the lights and told me to look up at the ceiling. Glow-in-the-dark stars covered the entire ceiling, spelling out "I love you."

Both addictive and heartwarming, IT WAS LOVE WHEN .. is a freeze frame of that moment when you realize that you're truly, completely in love.

LOVE BY THE NUMBERS by Glynis McCants
Promotional Price: $2.99
Category: Relationships (Non-Fiction)
The love you have always desired is in the Numbers…

International bestselling author and media sensation Glynis McCants created this exciting guide to love through the power of Numerology because she believes that the greatest gift one can receive is that of true and lasting love. The secret is in understanding you and your partner by the Numbers, and gaining the insights you need to keep your love thriving!

Glynis' celebrated system is a contemporary spin on the ancient Science of Numerology that is easy to use and amazingly accurate. She'll teach you the simple way to create a Numerology Blueprint that reveals what kind of mate would fulfill your—or a potential mate's—innermost needs and desires.

If you're single, you'll learn how to pick the right partner from the start! If you're in a relationship that's lost its spark, you'll have the information you need to reignite the passionate love you once had. With LOVE BY THE NUMBERS as your guide, you can ensure that your love relationship stays healthy, satisfying, and on track for a lifetime.

PLEASE NOTE: The last three titles listed are adult in nature.

269 AMAZING SEX TIPS AND TRICKS FOR HIM by Anne Hooper and Phillip Hodson
Promotional Price: $2.99
Category: Sex (Non-Fiction)
A saucy new edition of the perennial seller, with fresh photography and updated content, from sex guru Anne Hooper (more than 1.75 million sex books sold). Everything is covered (or should we say "uncovered") from head to toe and beyond, for the most mind-blowing sex you've ever had! 269 AMAZING SEX TIPS AND TRICKS FOR HIM gives men everything they need to be an amazing lover and to turn on and satisfy their woman.

269 AMAZING SEX TIPS AND TRICKS FOR HER by Anne Hooper and Phillip Hodson
Promotional Price: $2.99
Category: Sex (Non-Fiction)
A saucy new edition of the perennial seller, with fresh photography and updated content, from sex guru Anne Hooper (more than 1.75 million sex books sold). Everything is covered (or should we say "uncovered") from head to toe and beyond, for the most mind-blowing sex you've ever had! 269 AMAZING SEX TIPS AND TRICKS FOR HER gives women all the details on how to please their man and make their sex life amazingly satisfying.

PORN STAR SECRETS OF SEX
Promotional Price: $2.99
Category: Sex (Non-Fiction)
You don't have to have aspirations to stardom or want any more audience than your own special guy. This guide will show women how to get rid of inhibitions and find new ways to be beautiful and sexy with over 100 mind-blowing tips, tricks and games. Tips and advice cover every aspect of sexual behavior to build a woman's confidence and make her feel like a true sex goddess.

I hope I’ve sparked an interest for at least one book. Who says we can’t give ourselves a gift for Valentine’s Day? Thanks for stopping by today.

Completely Different…..Yet

2012-02-08T00:10:00.000-05:00

Have you looked at something and automatically thought they are completely different? Yet when you look closer and begin to compare, you find they do have similar items in common after all.

That’s the way of books. They can be from completely different genres, being nothing alike. But when you think about the stories and the characters, you find they have similar traits. A murder mystery and a romance -- nothing alike. However, both have strong female protagonist, both feature strong ties with family/friends, and both provide hours of enjoyable entertainment for the reader/listener.

A FATAL THAW by Dana Stabenow

The winters can be long and cruel in the Alaskan territory. Many speculate that’s what lead the Park rat to randomly murder 9 of his neighbors on a sunny day.

But upon closer examination, he only killed 8. The ninth victim was killed with a different weapon. Now it’s up to Aleut P.I. Kate Shugak to figure out who the other killer is.

Aided by her trusted companion Mutt, a husky-wolf mix, Kate searches through the dead woman’s tarnished past. The list of suspects is lengthy including just about everyone in the area. There are former lovers, wives out for revenge, ivory smugglers, local pot smokers and even the Park’s resident state trooper on the list.

The elements aren’t the only danger Kate faces the closer she gets to identifying the killer. When a second murder is committed, Kate knows time is running out.

Author Dana Stabenow does a fantastic job placing the reader in the midst of her generic 20 million acre Alaskan national park. Her vivid descriptions brings the landscape to life making it as much of a character in the story as Kate. She also includes traditions of the region and its people giving another layer to the story.

The characters are colorful and realistic. A FATAL THAW is fast-pace with action and suspense. This is the second installment in the Kate Shugak Mystery series, but is a stand alone read.

Narrator Marguerite Gavin brings the characters to life with her interruptions. Her style and delivery adds depth to each character. Her steady pace gives emotion to the suspense of the story.

Author Dana Stabenow’s website is http://www.stabenow.com/

A Fatal Thaw by Dana Stabenow, The Second Kate Shugak Mystery, Performed by Marguerite Gavin, Brilliance Audio, @2011, (Book @1993) ISBN: 978-1455837564, Unabridged, 5 Discs, Listening Time 6 Hours, 10 Minutes

FTC Full Disclosure - This audio book was sent to me by the publisher in hopes I would review it. However, receiving the complimentary copy did not influence my review.

THE FORGETFUL BRIDE by Debbie Macomber

Caitlin Marshall is happy with her job and life in general. The only problem…she is madly in love with her boss and he doesn’t return the feelings, at least not yet. Caitlin is certain in time he will realize they are meant to be together.

Meanwhile, renovation is underway at work and Caitlin soon discovers the contractor, Joe Rockwell, is an old childhood friend of her brother’s. To her dismay, Joe remembers her and what they did as children. He reminds her continuously and in front of everyone, they are married. It happened in a ceremony that her brother performed in the boy’s clubhouse when she was 8 and Joe was 10.

At first Caitlin finds the teasing annoying but in time hopes it will make her boss jealous enough to show his true feelings for her. She finds the more time she spends with Joe, the more comfortable it feels.

Caitlin has plans to go home to Minnesota for Christmas but at the last minute gives her seat to a soldier instead. She winds up spending Christmas with Joe and his family. Her feelings begin to change and then she gets the invitation she’s been wanting so long, her boss asks her out.

The journey Caitlin takes from here is filled with just about ever emotion. Has she finally got what she wanted or has it slipped away?

Christina Panfilio does a wonderful job in her narration of these intriguing characters. Her dialect and style give depth to the characters’ emotions and adds to the story. Her voice will draw you in and hold your attention throughout the story.

Author Debbie Macomber delivers a story of love, loyalty, caring, hope, and laughter. THE FORGETFUL BRIDE is set around Christmas, but is a story that can be enjoyed anytime.

Author Debbie Macomber’s website is www.debbiemacomber.com

The Forgetful Bride by Debbie Macomber, Performed by Christina Panfilio, Brilliance Audio, @2011, (Book @1991) ISBN: 978-1455844302, Unabridged, 4 Disc, Listening Time 4 Hours, 43 Minutes

FTC Full Disclosure - This audio book was sent to me by the publisher in hopes I would review it. However, receiving the complimentary copy did not influence my review.

Do you find a common thread among books you read? Thanks so much for stopping by today, I really appreciate it.

Author Erin Kelly…Writing Good/Evil Characters

2012-02-07T00:10:00.000-05:00

“Stunning novel of psychological suspense…The title, which alludes to the way a new rose won’t bloom where an old one has died, perfectly evokes the story’s theme: unhealed damage inevitably stunts fresh growth. With its rich intertwining of viewpoints and time frames, its nuances of character and class, its sustained suspense and its gothic/contemporary fusion, this harrowing novel is a work of true talent.” —Publishers Weekly, starred review

This is an excerpt from the starred review for THE DARK ROSE by Erin Kelly, which was released

yesterday, Feb. 6, from Pamela Dorman Books/Viking.

Erin stop by today to answer a question for me about writing good and evil characters.

Mason - When creating good and evil characters, do you try to include a touch of the opposite in each, like give the villain a soft heart about something?

Erin - Some evil-with-a-twist-of-good characters are so well-established they’ve become tropes of crime fiction, like the Mafioso who’s good to his mamma. The same goes for the flawed hero; the cop with a bottle of Scotch in his desk drawer.
That’s as it should be: human beings aren’t black and white, after all.

I wonder if anyone really does write characters who are either purely good or purely evil? Even in good paranormal and fantasy fiction, the genre that comes closest to dealing in the absolutes of good and evil, it’s the conflict between the dominant will and its recessive inverse that makes characters live and breathe.

I write mystery novels, so my books always have a body count, but what fascinates me is the ‘good’ person who kills, the ordinary man or woman who only finds out what their personal boundary is once it has been violated. When I start work on a novel, I don’t think of my characters in terms of good or evil. In fact, I don’t even know who the murderer will be. Both killer and victim are likely to change at least once between the first and final drafts.

If I decided at the outset, ‘Here’s the villain of our piece, and here’s our hero,’ I’d find that very restrictive. I like the flexibility of exploring the good and evil aspects of everyone’s characters, before deciding which will triumph.

When we meet Louisa, the female protagonist of my most recent novel THE DARK ROSE, it’s obvious from the opening paragraph that she is a damaged person in a self-imposed exile from the modern world, and is someone who has crossed a line. The grief she feels at the loss of her former lover, Adam, is swirled in with guilt for reasons which gradually come to light as the story unwinds. Likewise, Paul, the young man who eventually becomes Louisa’s lover, harbours dark secrets of his own, although in his case it’s his passivity that has allowed terrible things to happen.

The ‘reveal’ of what Louisa and Paul both did comes late in the novel, and that’s deliberate. By the time readers find out what they have been capable of, they have been living with them for a couple of hundred pages, and are, I hope, invested in the characters and sympathetic to them. I don’t presume to predict how readers will judge Louisa and Paul, but I hope they will think before they leap to conclusions.

In THE POISON TREE, we know from the first few pages that the male lead, Rex, is a convicted killer who is fresh out of prison for a double murder. And as we get to know Rex, and discover the circumstances that lead up to the murder, everything changes, and in the final few pages of the novel something happens that casts all the previous pages in a different light. The deeper the explanation of the motivation, the greater the reader’s understanding and the harder it is to make a judgment about whether a person is good or evil.

When I was promoting THE POISON TREE, I said in an interview that we all had it in us to commit murder. A few people took my comment to mean that I saw all human beings as bubbling with the permanent suppressed desire to massacre. I didn’t mean this for a second, but I stand by my assertion that we are all capable of this ultimate transgression. We all have a trigger. For the majority of us, it’s love. Most of us would do anything to protect our families. Others will kill for different kinds of love; of money, or of power.

The flipside of this is that we all have the potential for acts of generosity, love and bravery. I write about those things, too – and they don’t always come from the characters you’d expect.

Erin, thanks for guest blogging. I think you are so right that the potential for both good and evil is in all of us. It just depends on what our trigger is that compels us to act on these emotions.

Erin has worked as a freelance journalist for 10 years, specializing in women, health, sex and lifestyle. Her first novel, THE POISON TREE was published to rave reviews on both sides of the Atlantic in 2010, and was chosen by Richard Madeley and Judy for their Summer Book Club in 2011. She has written for a variety of UK publications including The Sunday Telegraph, the Daily Mail, The Sunday Times, Elle (UK), Marie Claire (UK), and Glamour (UK). THE DARK ROSE is her second book.

Share your thoughts on today’s post. Do you think we all are capable of acts of good and evil? Thanks so much for stopping by.

Author Trish McCallan: A Dream Within A Dream

2012-02-06T00:10:00.000-05:00

Dreams, for the most part, are a wonderful way to escape from our daily lives. They are filled with fun and interesting tidbits and author Trish McCallan found out that they can sometimes come true.

Trish, author of FORGED IN FIRE, stops by today on her Pump Up Your Book Virtual Book Publicity Tour to talk about ‘a dream within a dream’ she had.

When I was 10 years old I dreamed an event that came true.

It was Sunday, and my mom and dad had collected us kids and marched us outside to weed. I hated weeding, so there I was, bitching and whining and I said to my mom, “Why are we even doing this? Janie and Bruce will be here any minute.” Mom gave me this odd look and asked “What are you talking about? We haven’t seen Janie and Bruce in years. If they were in town, they would have called.” (Janie and Bruce were my mom’s step-sister and step brother-in-law. They’d moved down to Oregon years earlier, but would visit whenever they hit town.)

Without thinking, I told her “Bruce’s Mom is in the hospital. They left during the middle of the night and arrived in town this morning. But Bruce’s mom is okay now, so they’re coming by for a visit before heading home and we’ll all go to Abby’s Pizza for lunch.” Of course my mom asked where I’d come up with this news and I suddenly realized I’d dreamed it the night before. Yeah, weird—we all had a good laugh and got down to weeding.

An hour later Janie and Bruce showed up. Yep, Bruce’s mother had been admitted to the hospital on a suspected heart attack, which turned out to be indigestion, and because Janie was pregnant and craving pizza, guess where we headed for lunch?

This incident was a family favorite for years, but by the time I entered college we’d pretty much forgotten about it. At least until it happened again. This time I was in my university dorm room and my mom called. While I was on the phone with her, I asked how Yuki was doing.

Yuki was a Japanese exchange student staying with my parents. My mom said Yuki was doing great, adjusting really well. And I said “No, I mean is he out of the hospital yet? Did he recover from the bee stings?” And she’s like what are you talking about. And I said “The bee stings. From that hike his science class took up to Lake Wenatchee.”

There was this long pause and my mom said “Yuki just told me about that hike five minutes ago, he hasn’t even gone on it yet. It’s this weekend. He ends up in the hospital?” And I suddenly realized I’d dreamed about Yuki getting stung. In the dream the boys he was hanging out with were throwing rocks at this old hollow tree, and a swarm of bees came after them.

My mom didn’t let him go on the hike, which Yuki was grateful for the following Monday when he got to school and discovered all the kids that had gone on the hike had sustained multiple bee stings. Yuki, by the way, was allergic to bee venom. If he’d been stung as many times as the other kids, it could have killed him.

I’ve never dreamed another event, but I’ve wondered what I would do if I dreamed something terrible was going to happen—something horrible, like a plane crash or a bomb. If I dreamed something terrible, and the dream started coming true, would I try to stop it from happening? Would I try to warn the people involved? If no one believed me, how far would I go to prevent the tragedy?

This is the theme I explore in Forged in Fire. Beth, the heroine, has a horrible dream—a nightmare in which an airplane is hijacked and the terrorists slaughter everyone on board. Beth’s not psychic. She’s never had a dream that came true. She doesn’t even believe in ESP or premonitions. So like any stable, rational person she dismisses the dream. But when events in her nightmare start coming true, she has to make a choice—to trust her instincts and the knowledge that her dream is actually happening, which means hundreds of people are about to die. Or to walk away without doing anything. Beth chooses to try to stop it and is drawn into the nightmare herself.

The really weird thing is how this scenario came to me. Because get this, I dreamed it. Yep, I had this incredibly vivid dream where this blonde woman awakes from this terrible nightmare and through the course of the morning realizes that events in her dream are coming true. I dreamed that she headed to the flight’s departure gate to see if she recognized any of the passengers, and almost fainted when she saw the hero and his friends waiting to board.

Yep, I dreamed the opening to FORGED IN FIRE.

A dream, within a dream. How weird is that?

Trish, thanks so much for guest blogging today. I love how the opening came to you. The fact that 2 of your dreams have come true is amazing and I can’t image what I would do if my dreams started coming true.

Trish has been writing for as long as she can remember. In grade school she wrote children’s stories, illustrated them with crayons and bound the sheets together with pencil-punched holes and red yarn. She used to sell these masterpieces at her lemonade stand for a nickel a book. Surprisingly, people actually bought them. Like, all of them. Every night she’d write a new batch for her basket.

As she got older her interest shifted to boys and horses. The focus of her literary masterpieces followed this shift. Her first full length novel was written in seventh grade and featured a girl, a horse and a boy. At the end of the book the teenage heroine rode off into the sunset . . . with the horse.

These days she sticks to romantic suspense with hot alpha heroes and roller-coaster plots. Since she is a fan of all things bizarre, paranormal elements always find a way into her fiction. Her current release, FORGED IN FIRE, was the result of a Black Dagger Brotherhood reading binge, a cold, a bottle of Nyquil and a vivid dream.

For more on Trish and her writing, visit her at www.trishmccallan.com, stop by her blog, and find her on Twitter and Facebook.

Here’s a synopsis of FORGED IN FIRE:
Beth Brown doesn’t believe in premonitions until she dreams a sexy stranger is gunned down during the brutal hijacking of a commercial airliner. When events in her dream start coming true, she heads to the flight’s departure gate. To her shock, she recognizes the man she’d watched die the night before.

Lieutenant Commander Zane Winters comes from a bloodline of elite warriors with psychic abilities. When Zane and two of his platoon buddies arrive at Sea-Tac Airport, he has a vision of his teammates’ corpses. Then she arrives—a leggy blonde who sets off a different kind of alarm.

As Beth teams up with Zane, they discover the hijacking is the first step in a secret cartel’s deadly global agenda and that key personnel within the FBI are compromised. To survive the forces mobilizing against them, Beth will need to open herself to a psychic connection with the sexy SEAL who claims to be her soul mate.

Nominated For 2011’s Best Paranormal Romance by The Romance Review! --- “Forged In Fire is a smoking hot adventure with an irresistible alpha hero. Danger, action, suspense, and a steamy romance make a story that’s impossible to put down!” –Patti O’Shea, National Bestselling Author of Through a Crimson Veil

Have you ever had a dream come true? Thanks for stopping by today.

Sunday Salon: A Mysterious And Magical Read

2012-02-05T00:10:00.000-05:00

It’s hard to believe it’s time once again for Sunday Salon where we gather to share our thoughts on the books we’ve enjoyed during the past week.

Find a comfortable chair, refill your cup with your favorite beverage, get relaxed and I’ll share my thoughts on a book I enjoyed recently. This is one of those books that can be filed under so many categories with the main one being mystery. There’s suspense, murder, action, paranormal activities, lovable animals, catch-yourself-smiling humor, a small town atmosphere and touches of romance.

BLOODSTONE by Barbra Annino

What’s a girl to do?

Stacy Justice has wanted a sister since she was 6 years old. But is the teenage girl who showed up on her doorstep really the sister she never knew about? And, where is their mother?

Years earlier and shortly after the death of her father, Stacy’s mother left her with her grandmother, Birdie. No one seemed to know where Stacy’s mom went. Since then Birdie and her two sisters, Lolly and Finoa, have been teaching Stacy the traditions of the Old Ways. Each of the Geraghty women has their own magical gift. Lolly’s gift is thought-reading, Fiona’s is matchmaking, Birdie’s is healing, and Stacy thinks hers is communicating with the departed.

In the midst of trying to get Birdie’s help with her new found sister, the Geraghty Bed and Breakfast is the scene of a murder. It appears a guest participating in a weekend murder mystery game has really been killed or maybe not since he walked away from the morgue.

Stacy’s got her hands full trying to uncover what is real and what isn't. Stacy is a character you can’t help but like. While she appears fearless on the outside, inside she has weaknesses like we all do. Stacy’s unsure of her ‘talent’ while the others in her family have no difficulty. I enjoy Stacy’s spunk and loyalty to family and friends, as well as her dedication to her Great Dane, Thor.

The story will grab you on the first page and hold your attention until the end. You won’t want to put it down telling yourself just one more paragraph, just one more page, just one more chapter.

BLOODSTONE is the second installment in the Stacy Justice Mystery series. This book picks up the story right where OPAL FIRE ends so I would recommend reading the books in order. This is a fast-pace story filled with suspense and intrigue with the right amount of humor and touches of romance. At the end of the story several recipes are included, along with some very interesting historical facts that were included in the plot.

Author Barbra Annino has a great way of bringing everything together at the end. However, she also mischievously leaves a nugget of information to let you know the story will continue and that the next adventure will be just as mysterious and exciting as the last.

Author Barbra Annino’s website is http://www.barbraannino.com/

Bloodstone by Barbra Annino, A Stacy Justice Mystery, Amazon Digital Services, @ 2011, ASIN: B005T0XKWC, Kindle Edition, 657 KB

FTC Full Disclosure - This ebook was sent to me by the author in hopes I would review it. However, receiving the complimentary copy did not influence my review.

So what do you think? Does this sound like a book that would spark your interest? Does it sound like a book that could be labeled under many categories? I hope everyone has a safe and happy Sunday and thanks so much for stopping by.

Action, Adventure, And True Life

2012-02-04T00:10:00.000-05:00

There are times I read stories filled with action and adventure like I will never (hopefully) experience in my life. Other times I read stories based on true facts or people because we do live in a strange world where actions are sometimes more unbelievable than anything we could image.

The books I’m reviewing today fall into these categories. I’ll start with the action/adventure and end with the true story.

HARD TARGET by Howard Gordon

Gideon Davis is adjusting to the life of an academic in Georgetown and looking forward to marrying the love of his life, Kate Murphy. Though there are times he misses his former life as a diplomat and presidential adviser.

That life was given up when he helped his brother, Tillman, and they prevented a terrorist plot against Kate’s oil rig, the Obelisk, in the South China Sea. Complications lead to Gideon’s forced resignation from the State Department and Tillman’s imprisonment and later presidential pardon.

Now ready for a quiet life Gideon, however, discovers evidence of an impending terrorist attack on U.S. soil. He turns to his former girlfriend, FBI Agent Nancy Clement, for help. Since Gideon’s source isn’t viewed as reliable, the higher powers aren’t quick to believe.

The informant disappears and Gideon turns to Tillman to do what he does best - go undercover to infiltrate the group of white supremacists. Their investigation leads to a plot to rid the country of the entire top tier of ranking U.S. officials during a mass-casualty attack.

The action is non-stop from the opening page to the conclusion. It’s a heart-pounding adventure that will keep you on the edge of your seat. It’s filled with nail-biting suspense and adrenaline-driven action.

This is the second installment featuring Gideon Davis, but is a stand alone read. There’s enough background to remind returning fans of the action in GIDEON’S WAR and new readers aren’t left in the dark wondering what’s going on.

Author Howard Gordon, longtime executive producer and show runner of the hit TV show 24, brings the same fast-pace action to his writing. Keeping readers breathless as they turn the pages of HARD TARGET waiting to see what unfolds next.

Author Howard Gordon’s website is www.HowardMGordon.com

Hard Target by Howard Gordon, Touchstone, @2012, ISBN: 978-1439175828, Hardcover, 288 Pages

FTC Full Disclosure - This book was sent to me by the publisher in hopes I would review it. However, receiving the complimentary copy did not influence my review.

THE SERIAL KILLER WHISPERER by Pete Earley

Life for most 15-year-olds is carefree, not complicated by the day-to-day worries adults face.

Tony Ciaglia was one of those teenagers enjoying summer camp in Texas during the summer of 1992. A fellow camper playing on a WaveRunner struck Tony in the back of the head and changed his life forever.

Tony was pronounced clinically dead 3 times by helicopter paramedics en route to the hospital and then he lapsed into a coma. When he awoke, he had suffered a traumatic brain injury. His right side was paralyzed and he had to relearn how to eat, talk and walk. Much of his frontal lobe, which controls emotions, was destroyed. The good natured Tony became depressed and filled with uncontrollable rage. Medication was needed to help control these new emotions.

Having lived with TBI (traumatic brain injuries) for a few years, Tony got the idea to write to imprisoned serial killers. His parents agreed only if they first read the letters he was sending and the letters he received back. Tony selected 29 killers and began the correspondence that would send his life on another path. His front reply was from Arthur Shawcross, the Genesee River killer.

From there Tony’s correspondence included a virtual who’s who of murderers. Among those writing were: Richard Allen Davis, convicted of killing Polly Klaas; Joseph F. Metheny, aka the Cannibal Killer; Richard Ramirez, aka the Night Stalker; Glen Rogers, aka the Casanova Killer or the Cross-Country Killer; and Bill L. Suff, aka the Riverside Prostitute Killer.

In time Tony began to question his own sanity and if he was destine to become a killer because of his uncontrollable rage. His family intervened, helping him realize he was able to do what others couldn’t -- learn the secrets of the serial killers. When asked by investigators from the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children for help in solving a murder, Tony finally found his purpose. Tony began his own personal searches for forgotten victims using clues provided by his ‘pen pal’ serial killers.

This book contains chilling uncensored accounts from the serial killers’ own writing and is not for the faint of heart. It gives an inside look at what the killers thought and did. The book contains bits of correspondence with the 30-plus killers Tony contacted.

Author Pete Earley also gives readers a look at how the tragic event in 1992 not only changed Tony’s life, but that of his family and how they learned to cope with it.

THE SERIAL KILLER WHISPERER takes a close look at the terrifying minds of psychopaths who discuss their heinous crimes as calmly as most people discuss the weather.

Author Pete Earley’s website is http://www.peteearley.com/

The Serial Killer Whisperer by Peter Earley, Touchstone, @2012, ISBN: 978-1439199022, Hardcover, 336 Pages

FTC Full Disclosure - This book was sent to me by the publisher in hopes I would review it. However, receiving the complimentary copy did not influence my review.

Do you enjoy books filled with action and adventure? What about books based on true facts, do those spark interest for you? As always, thank you for stopping by today.

Books Could Be Coming Your Way

2012-02-03T00:10:00.000-05:00

Do you enjoy it when the postman arrives and he’s got a new book (or two or more) for you?

I do. It’s almost like being a young kid at Christmas. All excited to see what book has arrived and eager to read it even though there’s a stack of TBR books already waiting on you.

Well today I’d like to add to someone’s TBR stack. Thanks to Anna and the great folks at Little, Brown and Company I have 2 books to giveaway. I have 3 copies of Eowyn Ivey’s enchanting novel, THE SNOW CHILD, and 1 copy of Jodi Kantor’s THE OBAMAS to giveaway.

THE SNOW CHILD by Eowyn Ivey

Alaska, 1920: a brutal place to homestead, and especially tough for recent arrivals Jack and Mabel. Childless, they are drifting apart--he breaking under the weight of the work of the farm; she crumbling from loneliness and despair. In a moment of levity during the season's first snowfall, they build a child out of snow. The next morning the snow child is gone--but they glimpse a young, blonde-haired girl running through the trees.

This little girl, who calls herself Faina, seems to be a child of the woods. She hunts with a red fox at her side, skims lightly across the snow, and somehow survives alone in the Alaskan wilderness. As Jack and Mabel struggle to understand this child who could have stepped from the pages of a fairy tale, they come to love her as their own daughter. But in this beautiful, violent place things are rarely as they appear, and what they eventually learn about Faina will transform all of them.

Author Eowyn LeMay Ivey was raised in Alaska and

continues to live there with her husband and two daughters. She received her BA in journalism and minor in creative writing through the honors program at Western Washington University, studied creative nonfiction at the University of Alaska Anchorage graduate program, and worked for nearly 10 years as an award-winning reporter at the Frontiersman newspaper. This is her first novel.

To learn more about Eowyn and her writing, visit her website at EowynIvey.com, her blog, find her on Facebook, and on Twitter @EowynIvey

Here’s a book trailer for THE SNOW CHILD for your enjoyment:

Here are the giveaway guidelines. To enter this giveaway, send me an e-mail (mcbookshelf@gmail.com) with the subject line, “Win THE SNOW CHILD.” Your message should include your name and mailing address. The contest is open to residents of the U.S. and Canada only and no post office box addresses can be accepted. In addition, Canadian residents have to include their telephone number. And, just so you know, I don’t share this information with anyone other than the publisher nor use it for any other purpose. The deadline to enter this giveaway for a chance at one of 3 copies of THE SNOW CHILD (ISBN: 9780316175678), a 400-page hardcover, will be 8 p.m. (EST) on Saturday, Feb. 18.

THE OBAMAS by Jodi Kantor

When Barack Obama won the 2008 presidential election, he also won a long-running debate with his wife Michelle. Contrary to her fears, politics now seemed like a worthwhile, even noble pursuit. Together they planned a White House life that would be as normal and sane as possible.

Then they moved in.

In the Obamas, Jodi Kantor takes us deep inside the White House as they try to grapple with their new roles, change the country, raise children, maintain friendships, and figure out what it means to be the first black President and First Lady. Filled with riveting detail and insight into their partnership, emotions and personalities, and written with a keen eye for the ironies of public life, THE OBAMAS is an intimate portrait that will surprise even readers who thought they knew the President and First Lady.

Author Jodi Kantor began her journalism career by

dropping out of Harvard Law School to join Slate.com in 1998. Four years later she became the Arts & Leisure editor of the New York Times, the youngest person in memory to edit a section of the newspaper. She has been covering the Obamas since 2007, writing about their faith, friends, marriage, roots, and family, among other topics.

Jodi is a recipient of a Columbia Young Alumni Achievement Award, was named to Crain’s “Forty Under Forty” list of New Yorkers, and appears regularly on television. Though she is a Washington correspondent for the Times, she lives in Brooklyn with her family. Learn more at JodiKantor.net, her Facebook page, or on Twitter @JodiKantor.

Here are the giveaway guidelines. To enter this giveaway, send me an e-mail (mcbookshelf@gmail.com) with the subject line, “Win THE OBAMAS.” Your message should include your name and mailing address. The contest is open to residents of the U.S. and Canada only and no post office box addresses can be accepted. In addition, Canadian residents have to include their telephone number. And, just so you know, I don’t share this information with anyone other than the publisher nor use it for any other purpose. The deadline to enter this giveaway for a chance a copy of THE OBAMAS (ISBN: 9780316098755), a 368-page hardcover, will be 8 p.m. (EST) on Sunday, Feb. 19.

What book have you received in the mail recently? Thanks so much for stopping by.

Author Jennifer Haymore Talks Writing, Offers A Giveaway

2012-02-02T00:10:00.000-05:00

It’s always fun having author Jennifer Haymore drop

by to talk about her writing and her latest release.

She joins us today on a stop of her Historical Romance Blog Tour promoting her current release, SECRETS OF AN ACCIDENTAL DUCHESS. Here’s a brief synopsis of the book: With her pale hair and slim figure, Olivia Donovan looks as fragile as fine china, and has been treated as such by her sisters ever since a childhood bout with malaria. But beneath her delicate facade, Olivia guards a bold, independent spirit and the kind of passionate desires proper young ladies must never confess...

It was a reckless wager, and one Max couldn't resist: seduce the alluring Olivia or forfeit part of his fortune. Yet the wild, soon-to-be Duke never imagined he'd fall in love with this innocent beauty. Nor could he have guessed that a dangerously unpredictable rival would set out to destroy them both. Now, Max must beat a Madman at his own twisted game-or forever lose the only woman to have ever won his heart.

Thanks to Jennifer and the good folks at Grand Central Publishing, I have 3 copies of SECRETS OF AN ACCIDENTAL DUCHESS to giveaway. Please see the end of the post for the giveaway guidelines.

Always wanting to know more about authors and how they create their wonderful stories, I ask Jennifer some questions.

Mason - What is a typical writing day like for you?

Jennifer - I’d divide this into two separate kinds of days. A typical “good” writing day and a typical writing day.

In a typical writing day, I procrastinate throughout the day with busy work--not writing! Then, when the sun goes down and I have to make dinner and do homework with the kids and work on nighttime family stuff, I start to panic. My thoughts run along the lines of “What on EARTH did I do today? How is it possible I got no words down? I was so busy, but what’s more important than getting my word count in!? Jennifer, you’re a moron.”

Then, hours later, when the kids are asleep, I get some tea, put on my headphones with background noise (i.e. music I don’t really listen to) and get to typing.

On a “good” writing day, I’ve been focused and in the worlds of my characters so much that hardly any time has passed before I’ve written my daily word count. On those days I spend the evenings with my family relaxed and knowing I’ve made progress.

Obviously, my constant goal is to get more typical “good” writing days in!

Mason - What one piece of advice do you always pass along to new writers?

Jennifer - Keep reading and keep writing. The two most important things in becoming a writer.

Mason - What led you to become a writer?

Jennifer - I’m one who was “writing since I could pick up a pen.” Truthfully, I was very isolated from other children and their activities as a kid, so I ended up living in my head a lot. When you do that, stories begin to form in there…

Jennifer, thanks so much for guest blogging. I enjoyed learning about your ‘good’ writing day versus the typical.

Now for a bit more about Jennifer. Just before her eighth birthday she went sailing with her family in a 42-foot sailboat across the Pacific. Since there were no local schools (except those pertaining to fish) nearby, her mother home schooled her. Jennifer says she demanded a new story every day so she write, doodle and write some more. By the time they arrived in Hawaii the following year, Jennifer had a portfolio of stories, and she was hooked.

For more on Jennifer and her writing, visit her website at http://www.jenniferhaymore.com/, drop by her blog, and find her on Twitter.

On to the giveaway guidelines. To enter this giveaway, send me an e-mail (mcbookshelf@gmail.com) with the subject line, “Win ACCIDENTAL DUCHESS.” Your message should include your name and mailing address. This contest is open to residents of the U.S. only and no post office box addresses can be accepted. And, just so you know, I don’t share the mailing information or use it for any other purpose. The deadline to enter this giveaway for a chance at 1 of 3 copies of SECRETS OF AN ACCIDENTAL DUCHESS (ISBN: 9780446573153), a 432-page paperback, will be 8 p.m. (EST) on Thursday, Feb. 16.

If you’re a writer, do you have typical writing days versus good? If you’re a reader, do you have good reading days versus typical? Thanks so much for stopping by.

That’s the Spirit!…..Author Victoria Laurie

2012-02-01T00:10:00.000-05:00

I believe authors add another layer to their stories when they draw from their own personal knowledge and author Victoria Laurie is no exception to the rule.

A real-life professional psychic, Victoria draws from her career as a gifted intuitive to create the characters of Abigail Cooper and M.J. Holiday in her paranormal mystery series. Her newest release is GHOUL INTERRUPTED (Obsidian Mass Market Original, ISBN: 978-0-451-23550-3, January 3)

Here’s a brief synopsis of GHOUL INTERRUPTED: M.J. Holliday and her crew interrupt the frantic schedule of their reality TV show, Ghoul Getters, and hotfoot it to New Mexico, where a dreadful demon is waging tribal warfare. Sam Whitefeather—M.J.’s spirit guide—urgently needs her to help stop this evil spirit from wiping out the descendants of his tribe. It doesn’t take a psychic to predict that M.J.’s going to have a devil of a time making New Mexico a demon-free zone.

Victoria stop by today to talk about a new adventure she’s undertaking.

Next week I’m flying to New York to film the pilot episode of a new show for The Syfy Channel called, “School Spirits.”

In a nutshell, the show will be about hauntings that have taken place on school campuses and it will features stories from teachers, students and alumni.

A very dear friend of mine knows the executive producer and she heard that he was looking for people to interview for the show. As she also knew that I had a doozy of a ghostly encounter near my high school when I was eighteen, she talked me into submitting the story.

Syfy loved it and my episode, “Seaholm,” will air at the end of June.

What does this have to do with anything? Well, it kind of has everything to do with why I write what I write.

I won’t go into the ghostly encounter here, (you can see it in June!) but let’s just say that the events of that night 27 years ago so frightened and traumatized me that it took almost two decades to come to terms with it. For years and years I wondered what I had done to cause the wrath of that particular spirit. Why was he picking on me?

And it was because I wanted to understand what had actually taken place on that dark and lonely road leading to my high school that I began to research things that go bump in the night. What are these spooky things called ghosts and why do they act the way the do?

The results of my research surprised me. Not only did I deal with the almost crippling fear of the dark I’d carried since childhood, but I began to see the world of spooks in a whole new light. And once I understood the mechanics, I really wanted to share my findings with others, and that drove me to create the world of M. J. Holliday and her fellow ghostbusters, featured in my paranormal series, Ghost Hunter Mysteries.

Writing about M. J., Gilley, and the gang has been great therapy, let me tell you! My mission of course is always to entertain my readers – make them laugh, feed them some suspense, a good mystery, and maybe also help them to understand why spooks act the way they do. I figure if I can help even just one person overcome their fear of things that go bump in the night…well then, I’ve done my job, but if I can also make my readers laugh and keep turning those pages, then I am well and truly blessed.

So, wish me luck next week as I retell the frightful story that changed my life in ways I never could have anticipated. A story that would ultimately launch my career and help bring spooktacular mysteries to a comfy reading corner near you!

Victoria, thanks for guest blogging. It’s so interesting that some that helped you overcome your fears turned into a wonderful mystery series for others to enjoy. Wishing you much luck in New York.

Victoria lives in beautiful Austin, Texas, with two spoiled Dachshunds – Lilly and Toby - and one opinionated parrot named Doc. For information about upcoming novels, visit her at her website at www.VictoriaLaurie.com.

Do you believe in ghosts? Do you enjoy reading about ghostly encounters? Thanks so much for stopping by today.

Forever’s Paranormal Blog Tour And Giveaway

2012-01-31T00:10:00.000-05:00

I’m delighted to be a part of Forever’s Paranormal Blog Tour featuring authors Kendra Leigh Castle and Kristen Callihan.

Kendra Leigh Castle is the paranormal romance author of: CALL OF THE HIGHLAND MOON (Sourcebooks, May/2008), DARK HIGHLAND FIRE (Sourcebooks, October/2008), WILD HIGHLAND MAGIC (Sourcebooks, May/2009), and in 2011 she made her Forever debut with DARK AWAKENING. Her current release is MIDNIGHT RECKONING.

Forever Romance introduces debut author Kristen Callihan and the upcoming release of her dark, atmospheric paranormal romance, FIRELIGHT.

Thanks to both ladies and the good folks at Grand Central Publishing, I have 3 sets of books (one MIDNIGHT RECKONING and one FIRELIGHT) to giveaway. Please see the end of the post for the guidelines.

Kendra and Kristen have answered a few questions about their writing.

Mason - What kind of research did you do for the book?

Kendra - Fortunately, there wasn’t much research to do for MIDNIGHT RECKONING. I had to do a fair amount for the first book, DARK AWAKENING, because I was building the world, so it was nice to have it already established this time around…I could just jump in! That’s the lovely thing about writing fictional creatures. I get to invent a lot of details.

Kristen - All sorts. Some mundane (yet fascinating to me), such as researching Victorian London and its culture, finding maps of The British Museum, to many hours looking up types of carriages, Victorian slang, and proper forms of address for peers. And then there were some subjects that had me wondering what an outsider would think if they happened to see my Google searches. Those would be lovely topics such as: what is the best type of knife to slice open a human throat, how to stitch up a knife wound, 19th using century medicine, demons, immortality curses, and pyrokinetics. Erm, those were also a bit more fun to write.

Mason - What was the best/worst thing about writing?

Kendra - The best and worst things about writing this book were the same as they are for all of my books. Worst thing: By the time I was finished, I had been through a lot of late nights and several bouts of writer’s block, and I was exhausted. I spent a week fairly zombie-fied before I felt normal again. Best thing: Holding the completed story in my hands, thumbing through the pages, and falling in love with the characters I’d created all over again.

Kristen - The absolute best thing about writing is getting sucked into a world of your own creation. When you’re really writing, it’s a natural high, much akin to that giddy, heady feeling of falling in love. It’s what brings me back every time. The worst for me is revisions. This is when everything feels like it’s falling apart, the plot makes no sense, your editor and/or agent is telling you all the things that don’t work, and the characters are sitting there staring at you as if to say, “hurry up and figure it all out, will you?” But getting it right during revisions has its own sort of thrill, so it really isn’t too terrible.

Mason - How would you encourage someone who’s never read your genre to give it a try?

Kendra - I usually just tell people that the stories I write, at their heart, are fairy tales for grown-ups. If they’ve ever loved a fairy tale, then it would be well worth it for them to try a paranormal romance.

Kristen - An excellent question! :) There is a persistent stereotype that romance is fluffy, sappy, thinly-veiled porn for women. When you combine that with paranormal, you get a lot of eye rolling. Some people like to label it as lowbrow entertainment. Of course, like most notions that spring from ignorance, the solution is to try out something before condemning it. Romance isn’t what most people think it is. Romance writers are penning stories with depth, wonderful character development, and kick-ass plots.

My other standard reaction to anyone who says that they do not want to read a paranormal or a romance is to point out that they probably already have. Many classic literature involves paranormal themes and love stories. Even Shakespeare uses all sorts of ghosts, witches, and sprits in his works. And why not? Love, adventure, and the mysteries of the unknown are highly attractive themes. After all, to paraphrase Shakespeare, there are more things in heaven and earth that are dreamt of in our philosophy.

Kendra and Kristen, thank you both for guest blogging. I enjoyed learning more about your writing and especially your take on encouraging others to read your genre.

A bit of background on Kendra. She now lives in Maryland with her husband, their three children, two high-maintenance Pekingese, and one enormous Siberian cat.

For more information on her and her writing, visit her website at http://kendraleighcastle.com/.

Meanwhile, Kristen is a child of the 80's, which means she's worn neon skirts, black-lace gloves, and combat boots (although never all at once) and can quote John Hughes movies with the best of them. A life-long daydreamer, she finally realized that the characters in her head needed a proper home and thus hit the keyboard. She believes that falling in love is one of the headiest experiences a person can have, so naturally she writes romance.

Her love of superheroes, action movies, and history led her to write historical paranormals. She lives in the Washington D.C. area and, when not writing, looks after two children, one husband, and a dog-the fish can fend for themselves. For more on Kristen and her writing, visit her website at http://www.kristencallihan.com/

Here’s a description of MIDNIGHT RECKONING: In the world that lives by moonlight, vampires aren't the only creatures who create dynasties. The second paranormal romance in the Kendra Leigh Castle's Dark Dynasties series takes readers into a wild world where werewolves--and passion--reign, to share a story of forbidden love.

Wild and passionate by nature, Lyra Black is not just any werewolf. She's the future leader of the powerful pack of the Thorn-if she can stay alive long enough to inherit the title. One of the Cait Sith bloodline of vampire cat-shifters, Jaden Harrison has no interest in the wars plaguing the world of night. But when he rescues Lyra from a violent attack, they're both captured by an insatiable desire that threatens to overwhelm them and bind them together for eternity . . . just as ancient enemies prepare to strike. And when they do, the Thorn and the Cait Sith-and Lyra and Jaden's love-may never recover from the deadly blow . . .

Here’s a description of FIRELIGHT: Miranda Ellis is a woman tormented. Plagued since birth by a strange and powerful gift, she has spent her entire life struggling to control her exceptional abilities. Yet one innocent but irreversible mistake has left her family's fortune decimated and forced her to wed London's most nefarious nobleman.

Lord Benjamin Archer is no ordinary man. Doomed to hide his disfigured face behind masks, Archer knows it's selfish to take Miranda as his bride. Yet he can't help being drawn to the flame-haired beauty whose touch sparks a passion he hasn't felt in a lifetime. When Archer is accused of a series of gruesome murders, he gives in to the beastly nature he has fought so hard to hide from the world. But the curse that haunts him cannot be denied. Now, to save his soul, Miranda will enter a world of dark magic and darker intrigue. For only she can see the man hiding behind the mask.

Now the giveaway guidelines. To enter this giveaway, send me an e-mail (mcbookshelf@gmail.com). Your subject line should read, “Win Paranormal Romance.” Your message should include your name and mailing address. The contest is open to residents of the U.S. and Canada only and no post office box addresses can be accepted. In addition, please be advised winners are subject to the one copy per household rule, which means that if you win the same title in two or more contests, you will receive only one copy of the title (or one set in the case of grouped giveaways) in the mail. (Winners here have always be great about letting me know if they have already won the book somewhere else so another winner can be selected. However, this announcement is something that has to be passed along from the publisher). And, just so you know, I don’t share the mailing information or use it for any other purpose. The deadline to enter this giveaway for a chance at one of the 3 sets of from the Paranormal Romance Tour (MIDNIGHT RECKONING (ISBN: 978160941838) and FIRELIGHT (ISBN: 9781455508594) will be 8 p.m. (EST) on Tuesday, Feb. 14.

Do you look to see what genre a book is first or read the synopsis? Thanks so much for stopping by.

Author Brad Taylor Discusses Declassifying His Writing

2012-01-30T00:10:00.000-05:00

It’s always a pleasure to welcome bestselling author Lieutenant Colonel (ret.) Brad Taylor back here to talk about his latest book and his writing.

Unlike most writers, when Brad (a Conroe native) writes in his novels about a particular weapon or the logistics of a military operation, he has to vet it for classified information. Brad’s experience comes from 21 years in combat zones around the world in the infantry, Special Forces, and 8 years as a commander in the 1st Special Forces Operational Detachment – Delta, commonly known as the Delta Force. He was part of operations to take down Al Qaeda after the 9/11 attacks and, after retiring in 2010, continues as a classified security consultant.

His debut novel ONE ROUGH MAN was an instant New York Times and Publishers Weekly bestseller and was welcomed with rave reviews from critics, proving to the world that he is the complete package: a writer who understands how to tell a thrilling story and has more than enough on-the-ground experience to back it up. His second novel, ALL NECESSARY FORCE, is an edge-of-your-seat thrill ride that echoes with real-world scenarios.

Brad was gracious and answers some questions about his writing for me.

Mason - You walk a fine line writing your book, keeping the story realistic without giving away classified government information. How challenging is that?

Brad - Very challenging. One thing I never want to do in my writing is harm our national security by divulging classified tactics, techniques or procedures, but I also want the manuscript to be as cutting-edge as possible. It’s a dichotomy that caused some serious rewrites on various scenes, such as when the Fort AP Hill ammunition supply point is attacked by terrorists. I did the research on that site, wrote the scene, and then realized I’d just written a blueprint on how to attack it that had a very good chance of succeeding.

Because of my knowledge of tactics, and my ability to conduct some seriously close-in research due to my military affiliation, I had crossed the line. I had to go back and throw in some red herrings. I know I’ll get dinged on that by someone with the same knowledge as me, saying, “That would never work,” but that’s the point.

Mason - Are all the weapons and equipment mentioned in your book real, make-believe or a combination of both?

Brad - On the weapons side, they’re all very real. If it has a bullet coming out of it, it’s something currently being used by Special Operations forces. The equipment, on the other hand, is more of a combination. I have a lot of cutting-edge widgets in ALL NECESSARY FORCE, and all are either real-world, non-classified pieces of kit, or something I created, using what I knew would work given the specific circumstances. As I said above, I don’t want to—and will not—write about any classified kit that I’ve actually used.

Luckily, I don’t have to expose classified technology to circle the square of my plot. I have a healthy appreciation of what technology can and can’t do, and simply work with that. Even so, there are only so many ways to skin the cat, and I’m constantly worried that I’ll give away a secret without meaning to.

One widget I created in ALL NECESSARY FORCE was something I had never seen, but I knew was technologically feasible. Sure enough, a few months after I put it on the page I was doing some work for an agency, and the guy I was with pulled out my widget. It had become real, and I was now treading on classified technology without even meaning to. I had him walk me through how it worked, and was satisfied that mine was different enough that I didn’t need to pull it. I won’t say which piece of kit it is, but it’s still in ALL NECESSARY FORCE.

Mason - Why use the Vietnam War as the beginning of ALL NECESSARY FORCE?

Brad - While I was in college, preparing to go into the Army, I read everything I could find on an organization called MACV-SOG, a top-secret Special Forces unit in the Vietnam War. It’s not hyperbole to say my path in the Army was decided in a large part by what I had read about the men and missions of SOG. Many of those members went on to form the special mission unit I served in.

After I joined Special Forces, I was a pallbearer at my grandmother’s funeral, and found out I had a cousin who was Special Forces and was killed in action in Cambodia in 1970. I never knew him—I was five when he was killed—and didn’t even know any of my family had served in Special Forces until that day. I did some research and found that not only was he in Special Forces, he had volunteered for suicidal missions with MACV-SOG, the very organization that had set me on my path.

ALL NECESSARY FORCE is dedicated to him, and the men of MACV-SOG. They are some of the bravest soldiers this country has ever produced, and I set out to pay a tribute to them, working the plot forward from Vietnam. I tried very hard to get the nuances right, including equipment, locations and terminology that was used during that conflict, doing more research for that prologue than I had for anything else and intertwining real-world history with the fiction on the page.

For instance, Congressman Ellis himself is a name I attributed to a real-world rumor that circulated within MACV-SOG during Vietnam—namely that there was a mole inside headquarters compromising missions—and Chris Hale’s actions in the prologue are based on a real-world SOG combat mission where a Special Forces soldier was posthumously presented the Medal of Honor. I hope I succeeded in getting it right.

Mason - Looking at the finished book now, is there anything else you wish you had included but didn't think of at then?

Brad - Not really. In truth, I wish I had the ability to keep things out of a manuscript for future use, in effect keep something in reserve for upcoming writing. Typically, I end up throwing in everything that comes to mind, and completing a novel is such a long process that I rarely have any regrets about leaving something out.

Truthfully, I wouldn’t add anything, but I might change a few things based on the current events ongoing with the Arab spring. Keeping the book timely is always a problem because the real world marches on after the manuscript is sent to press. Luckily, ALL NECESSARY FORCE is holding up well. There might be a tweak or two, but for the most part, current events have only enhanced the plot – especially in Egypt – rather than detract from it.

Mason - What message, if any, would you like readers to take away from reading your book?

Brad - First and foremost, I want them to look at the clock and say, “Dammit, it’s midnight! I need to get some sleep.” Then keep reading. If that happens, I’ve succeeded. Other than enjoying the book, I wanted to show a distinct moral component for the work that men like Pike Logan execute. Too often the characters of such novels or movies run around killing or torturing people without a shred of remorse, when that’s not really the case.

A lot of time, effort, and thought go into counter-terrorist activities in the real world, and the men and woman who execute them operate within a moral framework. They make decisions with life or death repercussions, and live with those decisions. They aren’t robots. I wanted to show that through the interactions between Pike—an operator experienced with combat—and Jennifer—a relative newcomer to what combat actually entails.

Mason - What can fans expect next from you?

Brad - I took a step back with the third book, leaving behind the global nature of al Qaida and other Islamic groups, focusing instead on terrorist organizations with finite political goals. Too often we, as Americans, lump all “terrorists” together, when in fact, they have very different goals and capabilities. Like the quote says, one man’s terrorist is definitely another man’s freedom fighter.

I chose to write about Hezbollah, Hamas, and the intractable Palestinian Diaspora problem vis-à-vis Israel. Probably not very smart, considering what’s going on with the Arab Spring (yes, I’ve already had to do a ton of re-writes based on events in Syria), but it is interesting. I’ve also brought back Lucas Kane. I’ve gotten a ton of emails from folks who read ONE ROUGH MAN and couldn’t wait to see what happens to him in my “next book,” but he’s not in ALL NECESSARY FORCE.

A great many people insinuated that I let him go in ONE ROUGH MAN simply to set up ALL NECESSARY FORCE, but in reality, I simply wrote his escape because I thought it was poetic justice for Standish. I never meant for that to be some sort of “hook.” I now realize that I made a mistake in letting him go. What he did to Pike’s family required a revisit. Everyone wanted him to get a little Taskforce justice, so I brought him back. Book three ended up revolving around him, like Darth Vader from Star Wars, and make no mistake, he gets some justice.

Brad, thanks for guest blogging. It’s intriguing to hear about your background and how it’s hard keeping things out of your writing.

Brad will be appearing at 2 books signings in North Carolina this week. If you’re in either of these areas, be sure to drop by the signing.
* Friday, Feb. 3, 7 P.M.
Fayetteville Barnes & Noble
121 Glensford Rd, Fayetteville, NC

* Saturday, Feb. 4, 1 P.M.
Costco (Signing Only)
2838 Wake Forest Rd, Raleigh, NC

Now a little background on Brad. He was born on Okinawa, Japan, but grew up on 40-acres in rural Texas. Graduating from the University of Texas, he was commissioned as a second lieutenant in the U.S. Army Infantry. Brad served for more than 21 years, retiring as a Special Forces Lieutenant Colonel.

His final assignment was as the Assistant Professor of Military Science at The Citadel in Charleston, SC. He holds a Master’s of Science in Defense Analysis from the Naval Postgraduate School, with a concentration in Irregular Warfare. When not writing, he serves as a security consultant on asymmetric threats for various agencies. He lives in Charleston, SC with his wife and two daughters.

For more on Brad and his writing, visit his website at www.bradtaylorbooks.com.

Do you enjoy books that deal with war or the theft of war? Does it make reading more enjoyable if you know the technology used is real or at least partially real? Thanks so much for stopping by today.

Sunday Salon: Romance Comes In Many Flavors

2012-01-29T00:10:00.000-05:00

Sunday Salon - Gather around my friends, refill your cups and let’s talk books!

When it comes to placing books in genres, I’m amazed at how many sub-genres there are and just how many ways a book can be listed.

Romance is one of those genres that can cover a vast array of sub-listing. I have only 3 examples of that today and they fall into paranormal, western and historical sub-categories of romance. May we always find a little romance in everything we do.

A DEMON DOES IT BETTER by Linda Wisdom

Doctor Lili Carter is a witch healer extraordinaire with a cat familiar named Cleo. After more than a century, Lili returns to San Francisco and has taken a job at Crying Souls Hospital and Asylum, well-known to the supernatural world.

As of late, however, there is something peculiar and wicked happening at Crying Souls. Patients are disappearing and being the curious witch she is, Lili wants to know why.

In a short time, Lili finds herself undeniably attracted to perhaps the most mysterious patient of all — a demented but seriously sexy demon named Jared. What’s behind the gorgeous chameleon demon’s late-night escapades? Before long, Lili and Jared are investigating each other—and creating a whole new kind of magic. But what other dangers are around the corner for both Lili and Jared? Who has the strongest magic?

Author Linda Wisdom has a way of creating a world filled with witches and demons that seems normal and ordinary. Her characters are realistic despite their unique abilities. While her characters may be zany and a bit ‘different,’ they are filled with love, caring, loyalty and friendship (except for the evil ones, of course).

The storyline flows smoothly and quickly. Wisdom combines steamy, sexy characters with humor, adds in a dose of danger and intrigue, stirs in a few surprises and a measure of history for a spellbinding story you can’t put down.

Author Linda Wisdom’s website is www.LindaWisdom.com.

A Demon Does It Better by Linda Wisdom, A Demon Series, Sourcebooks Casablanca, @2012, ISBN: 978-1402236723, Paperback, 352 Pages

FTC Full Disclosure - This book was sent to me by the publisher in hopes I would review it. However, receiving the complimentary copy did not influence my review.

DYLAN by C.H. Admirand

Earn some extra cash and helping out the club owner, Dylan Garahan is working as a dancer at the Lucky Star club. When he’s asked to lasso a brunette as a birthday surprise, he’s the one gets surprised. This time even his formidable strength can’t tame this filly.

She’s wily and beautiful… and she soon becomes his new boss. Dylan’s had his heart broken before, but even an honest cowpoke has to wrestle with temptation.

Ronnie DelVecchio had recently purchased the Guilty Pleasure store and was attempting to make a go of it when vandals struck not once but twice. Now her store needs some major repairs and a Garahan brother is suppose to be the carpenter.

While she might be fresh off the bus from New Jersey, Ronnie is a hard-edged businesswoman and has had her fill of men she can’t trust. Should she consider getting off her high horse for that big handsome rancher with a Texas drawl?

You know from the moment these two meet that it’s going to be a bumpy road to the end filled with humor and enough twists and turns to make you want to ring both of their necks while loving it all the way. Author C.H. Admirand has created characters that you feel you’ve known all your life and ones you want to get to know more.

DYLAN is the second installment in the Secret Life of Cowboys series, but is a stand alone read. There are references to the prior book (TYLER), but not so that new readers are lost. If you’re looking for a sexy cowboy to swept you off your feet as you read of ranch life, you’ve come to the right book. Looking forward to seeing what the youngest Garahan brother (JESSE) gets into next.

Author C.H. Admirand’s website is www.chadmirand.com

Dylan by C.H. Admirand, The Secret Life of Cowboys Series, Sourcebooks Casablanca, @2012, ISBN: 978-1402258077, Paperback, 384 Pages

FTC Full Disclosure - This book was sent to me by the publisher in hopes I would review it. However, receiving the complimentary copy did not influence my review.

IRISH LADY by Jeanette Baker

Born in the slums of Belfast, Meghann McCarthy thought she had left that life far behind. Now a successful and brilliant barriester, Meghann is a woman who has made all her childhood dreams come true - becoming a rich and living in London’s classiest district.

Yet Meghann can never quite banish Ireland from her heart, or forget Michael Devlin, the boy from the slums she once loved with a passion that nearly tore her apart. Now Michael needs her help.

Because she has never forgotten, Meghann agrees to defend Michael — a notorious Irish nationalist — when he becomes involved in a vicious court case. She’ll risk everything to save him and she’s not the first of her family to do for a man she loves. As Meghann delves further into Michael’s case, further into the history that binds them so irrevocably, she slips into the unfolding drama of centuries before…of another woman’s desperate fight to free her rebel husband from the clutches of Queen Elizabeth.

But even as she jeopardizes her hard-won success, she at last finds the true power and spirit of the Irish heritage she has too long denied…and the courage to face her love for Michael Devlin.

This is a tale of love and turmoil weaving with the past and present. Author Jeanette Baker places the reader in the setting with her vivid descriptions and wonderful dialect. The love and loyalty will tug at your heartstrings.

Baker beautifully transitions between the present and past making the story flow smoothly as you are caught up in the adventure. The story will captivate you and not let go until the end.

Author Jeanette Baker’s website is www.jeanettebaker.com.

Irish Lady by Jeanette Baker, Sourcebooks Casablanca, @2012, ISBN: 978-1402255922, Paperback, 336 Pages

FTC Full Disclosure - This book was sent to me by the publisher in hopes I would review it. However, receiving the complimentary copy did not influence my review.

Do you enjoy a little romance in what you read? Do you like finding other genres – history, paranormal, western, etc. – in with your romance stories? Thanks for stopping by and have a safe and wonderful Sunday.

Saturday Shuffle Of Reviews

2012-01-28T00:10:00.000-05:00

The weathermen in my area of the world are calling for a sunny, but cool and windy day - perfect for relaxing with a good book. But then, to me any day is a good day to read.

I’d like to share a variety of reviews with y’all. As usual, I’m featuring various genres. Hope you find something that sparks your interest.

A FEELING IN MY BONES by Gervase Shorter

Jake and Sally met at college and fell in love. The Forresters had a happy life of sorts living in England. Sally worked as a book editor and Jake served as a ‘consultant’ working out problems between companies.

Jake takes a job from a recluse billionaire named Kroger. While abroad on an assignment, Jake disappears. Sally’s not sure where he is, possible Africa. A month later Jake surfaces in a mental clinic in Miami, FL. He’s suffered a nervous breakdown.

Events from there drastically change the couple’s lives forever. Kroger has died and just before he did, changed his will leaving everything to Jake and Sally. While they should be enjoying the good life, Jake has changed. He is no longer the warm and loving man Sally married. The more she checks, the more she discovers she should have left things alone.

This is an intriguing thriller that starts with Sally knowing too much. The reader is then drawn in to find out what it is she knows and why it’s so terrifying and life-threatening.

Author Gervase Shorter has a way of painting beautiful settings with his words. While there are several side stories, they serve to give more depth to the characters and their actions.

There are twists and turns throughout to keep you guessing until the end. This is a fast-pace read that will be hard to put down once you begin.

Author Gervase Shorter’s website is www.gervaseshorter.com

A Feeling In My Bones by Gervase Shorter, Amazon, @2011, ASIN: B005UNJDFA, Kindle, 414 KB, 252 Pages

FTC Full Disclosure - This eBook was sent to me by the author in hopes I would review it. However, receiving the complimentary copy did not influence my review.

D.C. DEAD by Stuart Woods

For his latest mystery, author Stuart Woods brings the main characters from three of his series* together for a search for a killer.

CIA Agent Holly Barker contacts Stone Barrington and NYPD Detective Dino Bacchetti on behalf of President Will Lee. A sensitive case needs their discretion and expertise.

Lee will soon be leaving the White House and he and his wife, the CIA Director, want to know for sure if a former member of their cabinet killed his wife and then himself. The investigation leads Stone and Dino through the exclusive world of Washington politics, power and privilege. They soon learn they are treading on the scandalous side where secrets are great motivation for murder.

Meanwhile, a secondary un-related story is going on in the background involving the CIA and Holly.

It was interesting having all these main characters together in one story. The plot, while not action-packed, was intriguing as the layers were peeled away. There was some foul language, but not over used.

As always, Tony Roberts did a wonderful job narrating the story. I can’t image Stone or Dino without hearing Roberts’ interruption. His style and mannerisms add depth to the characters and brings the story to life.

No matter what Stone and Dino are up to, you know murder, mystery, intrigue, and a good stiff drink will be involved. If you’re a Barrington fan, this is another one to add to your collection.

This is a stand alone book even though it involves characters from other stories. *Stone and Dino are from the Stone Barrington series, Holly from the Holly Barker series, and Will from the Will Lee series.

Looking forward to these characters’ next adventure either as a group or individual series.

Author Stuart Woods’ website is www.stuartwoods.com

D.C. Dead by Stuart Woods, A Stone Barrington Novel, Read by Tony Roberts, Penguin Audio, @2011, ISBN: 978-1611760439, Unabridged, 6 Disc, Listening Time 7 Hours, 30 Minutes

FTC Full Disclosure - This audio book was sent to me by the publisher in hopes I would review it. However, receiving the complimentary copy did not influence my review.

THE COUGAR’S PREY by Larry D. Sweazy

It’s early 1875 and Texas Ranger Josiah Wolfe has gone undercover to investigate cattle thefts and raids that have ranchers upset in Corpus Christie.

Even though he was cleared of any wrong doing concerning the death of a fellow Ranger, the town isn’t willing to be as forgiving of Wolfe. So Captain Leaunder McNelly sends Wolfe to Corpus Christie possessing as hide trader Zeb Teter.

The more Wolfe investigates, the more he finds all may not be as it seems. The reasons for his assignment may run deeper than he suspects.

Author Larry D. Sweazy does a wonderful job placing the reader in the territory as he vividly describes the area. He masterfully blends historical events and people with his own characters for a plausible chain of events.

THE COUGAR’S PREY is an intriguing tale of western lore, murder, mystery and deception. It’s a fast-pace read that will lasso readers in and hold them till the end.

Author Larry D. Sweazy’s website is www.larrydsweazy.com

The Cougar’s Prey by Larry D. Sweazy, A Josiah Wolfe Texas Ranger Novel, Berkley, @ 2011, ISBN: 978-0425243947, Paperback, 304 Pages

FTC Full Disclosure - This book was sent to me by BreakThrough Promotions (http://www.breakthroughpromotions.net/) in hopes I would review it. However, receiving the complimentary copy did not influence my review.

Have you read any of these books? Do you enjoy mixing your reading up a bit? Thanks so much for stopping by.

Author Larissa Hinton: Writing Advice And Why She Writes

2012-01-27T00:10:00.000-05:00

I’m always delighted when I can introduce a ‘new-to-me’ author to ya’ll and today I’m welcoming poet and author Larissa Hinton to talk about her writing.

Larissa is the author of IWISHACANA/ACANAWISHI. Here’s a brief synopsis of it: Where rules are meant to be broken - Anissa is constantly on the run from the police and can't seem to stay out of trouble. Secrets are meant to be kept - Until Anissa hides Florence in her bedroom and her mother finds out. There's only one thing left to do: Send her to Juvenile Cop Camp to erase all of her crimes on her record. And everything is not what it seems - There's only one problem: Anissa is innocent. Welcome to Iwishacana.

She is also the author of EVERBLOSSOM: A SHORT STORY AND POETRY ANTHOLOGY. Here’s a brief description: An anthology that will quench your thirst for more than the ordinary. EVERBLOSSOM is a journey through poems and short stories that may seem ordinary on the surface but dig a little deeper and the world not only shifts . . . It changes.

The author who brought you IWISHACANA/ACANAWISHI, now brings you a dash of everything from dark fantasy to the paranormal to romance. So prepare yourself to delve into the three stages of the flower from bud to blossom then back to seed; you'll go through them all with a whole new perspective on what it all truly means.

Larissa has graciously answered some questions for me about her work.

Mason - Have you always wanted to write or was there an event that lead you to writing?

Larissa - There was an event that led me to writing full time. I've always tinkered around with writing, but I never considered seriously writing until the Nickelodeon movie, Clock Stoppers came out. I thought the movie was going to be horrible, so I decided that I would write a novel that would be better than the movie. Needless to say, my book wasn't as good as the move but I didn't care. I love writing and nothing else mattered. Thus my obsession with writing begun.

Mason - What advice have you received writing that you pass on to other inspiring writers?

Larissa - The number one advice I receive constantly throughout my entire career as a writer is to never give up. I really cannot stress this enough to writers.

It seems like defeat is fate for writers. Traditional publishers and agents are dishing out rejection slips as if it's the new hottest trends. Self-publishing seems like giving up on your dreams altogether.

But reconsidering your options, doing research on your plans in publishing and joining a support writing group makes all the difference. Throughout your writing career, just remember to never give up. Never give up and believe in your talent, and from there you'll know where to go.

Mason - Of all the authors (past and present) you enjoy reading, has any one (or more) been an influence in your writing?

Larissa - Meg Cabot has had a direct impact on the way I format my YA paranormal fantasy, ANGEL DIARIES. I had NO idea how I wanted to format a diary format and so I looked to her book for the format.

Meg Cabot and Stephanie Meyer has had the biggest impact on how I write. The way that Stephanie Meyer wrote pure poetry into her works inspired me. I'm a poet first then a novelist later, so seeing how much poetry influenced her writing inspired me. Stephanie Meyer convinced me to break out of the fantasy realm a bit and try something new. I went from writing light fantasy (IWISHACANA/ACANAWISHI) to dark fantasy/paranormal fantasy (ANGEL DIARIES) and I loved writing it. It just seemed to fit me like a glove, so I really can't thank her enough for helping me decide to switch genres. And since I've switched genres, now I want to try all kinds of new genres like science fiction and horror.

Another couple of authors that had a big impact on me were Madeline Baker and Johanna Lindsay. They helped me write historical romance. Romance novels were the first books I really loved writing, so I wrote at least five of those in a row, then I switched back to YA after a while. But I cannot thank those authors enough for showing me how to write historical romance novels.

Mason - What is an average writing day like for you? Do you write longhand and on the computer, have a favorite place to write, a favorite time to write?

Larissa - An average day for me is to wake up edit ANGEL DIARIES for an hour, then type up the handwritten book V for like 30 minutes or until the next gap. Then for the next 30 minutes or so, I read a book out of TBR pile (To Be Reviewed pile that has accumulated to a ridiculously high level thanks to the Free Book fairy) for my blog (A Three Way Tie).

Then I check my email to see if any book reviewer has responded to my request to read IWISHACANA/ACANAWISHI and EVERBLOSSOM: A SHORT STORY AND POETRY ANTHOLOGY. Additionally, I check for other stuff like cover artist (to see if he gets my email about the changes to the cover), my blog tour coordinator (to check up on the details and what additional information she needs), and of course, to see if Smashwords sold any of my books. Which practically never happens, lol. But I still keep the hope alive!

Anyway, then for the rest of the day, I usually send more book review requests, network about my blog on various social sites, and read Kindleboards to keep my inspiration up. Sometimes I like to continue building on my erotica anthology, EVERBLOSSOM 2, and maybe edit IWISHACANA/ACANAWISHI 2. It just depends on my mood.

But yeah, that's my busy schedule. You would be surprised at how long this all takes me and how much time gets sucked up by promotion and networking and by . . . Okay, yes the Kindleboards. I admit it.

Mason - Do you just jump right into a story or do you plan and outline?

Larissa - I absolutely plan and organize my thoughts before jumping in with novels. However, with short stories, I'm more willing to jump in and see what happens since it's a short story and I can always fix the problems rather quickly and easily.

Novels, on the other hand, are definitely more difficult to locate the problem and fix it therefore, planning is essential to when I write a novel. Sometimes it takes me years to come up with enough information, planning, and research to start a novel. I know for ANGEL DIARIES 2 (which I work on and off since I don't want to rush it) it took me about five years to get enough information and research to start the novel. Hopefully, though I'll start spitting more books out quicker.

Mason - What is the worst advice you’ve ever received concerning writing?

Larissa - Hmm, this is a tough one. Oh yes, I remember one that really had me scratching my head. And editor suggested that my book, ANGEL DIARIES, was purely a young adult romance novel and suggested that I took out all of the paranormal elements and stick with the romance line part of the story which blew my mind.

I was really shocked. The best part? They responded to my query letter like six months later. So yeah, by that time I got a publishing contract from another small publisher anyway. It just floors me how one editor thought I was writing in the wrong genre. Talk about a shocker.

Mason - What is next on the agenda for you?

Larissa - What's next for me is to network and to let everyone know about my two books, IWISHACANA/ACANAWISHI (YA fantasy novel) and EVERBLOSSOM: A SHORT STORY AND POETRY ANTHOLOGY.

Thanks for the wonderful interview!

Larissa, thanks for guest blogging. It’s fun finding out more background on an author and their writing routine. Sounds like that one editor was off a bit there. Best of luck with your writing.

Now for a little background on Larissa. She is a grad student at Hampton University that hopes by next year to be a full time secondary English teacher. She explains that in the morning she'll be a teacher but at night she’ll become an author.

Larissa went to say, “Most of the fiction I write really comes from a life of reading of what I love to read. Some of it, comes from a dark place which I never knew existed until college. Ah, gotta love college. Always discovering new sides of yourself. If you want to know more about me and my sarcasm, you can just check out my blog (A Three Way Tie) and click on FAQ's. Thanks for reading my super short bio! ”

EVERBLOSSOM: A SHORT STORY AND POETRY ANTHOLOGY can be purchased at Amazon, Smashwords, and Barnes and Noble.

Do you enjoy learning what an author’s writing routine is like? If you’re a writer, does your writing routine change daily or never? Thanks so much for stopping by today.

If I could live my life the way I drive my car … Author Pesi Dinnerstein

2012-01-26T00:10:00.000-05:00

Anyone who has ever stopped by here knows I long to be organized. When I read about author Pesi Dinnerstein’s WOW! Women On Writing Blog Tour, I knew I wanted to be a part of it.

You see, Pesi’s latest release is A CLUTTERED LIFE: SEARCHING FOR GOD, SERENITY, AND MY MISSING KEYS. Here’s a brief description of it: Insightful, unsettling, and wildly funny, A CLUTTERED LIFE: SEARCHING FOR GOD, SERENITY, AND MY MISSING KEYS (Seal Press) is the story of Pesi Dinnerstein’s quest to create a simple and orderly life—only to discover that simplicity is not so simple and what constitutes clutter is not always perfectly clear.

When a chance encounter with an old acquaintance reveals the extent to which disorder has crept into every corner of her existence, Pesi determines to free herself, once and for all, of the excess baggage she carries with her. Along the way—with the help of devoted friends, a twelve-step recovery program, and a bit of Kabbalistic wisdom—her battle with chaos is transformed into an unexpected journey of self-discovery and spiritual awakening.

Thanks to Pesi and Robyn from WOW, I have a print copy of Pesi’s book to give away to a lucky visitor who comments on today’s post by 8 p.m. (EST) on Thursday, Feb. 2. The giveaway is open to residents of the U.S. and Canada only. Be sure to leave your e-mail address in your comment, if it’s not included in your profile.

Pesi joins us today to talk about “If I could live my life the way I drive my car…’

If I could only live my life the way I drive my car . . . wild and playful, as if I’m behind the wheel of a red convertible instead of a grey minivan . . . rolling with the curves . . . singing aloud through open windows . . . . free and joyful and ready for whatever the road may bring . . . .

But, most of the time, my cluttered existence doesn’t feel anything like that. The way I scramble through my life and the way I sail down the highway unfortunately have very little in common.

The other day, I had a back-to-back schedule of appointments and errands, with only one free hour in between. I decided to use that hour for a quick cup of tea with my mother—not an ideal visit, but better than nothing. It’s only a three-mile trip and generally takes no more than seven minutes, door to door.

This morning, however, I had the misfortune of getting stuck in a line of cars behind the Lolly Trolley. This vehicle—which we’re not permitted to pass—lumbers along at about 15 miles per hour through our retirement village, stopping every block or two to drop off and pick up local residents. At this time of year—with all the tourists and grandchildren visiting—the ride can be excruciatingly slow.

By the time the trolley drove from the entrance to my mother’s condo, it must have stopped 12 times and raised my blood pressure 40 points. My visit with her was now reduced to about three minutes, and the rest of my day was rapidly backing up as well.

Feeling as if my overextended life was closing in on all sides, I was beginning to explode with frustration. Why me . . . why now . . . why can’t things ever go smoothly?! Then, in a sobering thought, it suddenly occurred to me that instead of living the way I drive, I had now begun to drive the way I live. This was definitely not the change I had hoped for.

Eager for a little distraction, I looked around and noticed the bumper sticker on the car in front of me. In bright red letters on a yellow background, it said, “Slow down—Make an ordinary moment extraordinary.”

Hardly an original thought—but, this time, it had new meaning for me.

I finally understood that I don’t live my life the way I drive my car because I live it 24 ordinary hours a day, seven days a week—not just on an occasional jaunt down I-95 with the windows open and the radio blasting. And, no matter what the bumper stickers say, it’s not an easy shift.

But, then, I thought to myself, what if I stopped for just a few minutes a day and tried to connect with that special feeling of freedom and open space that I experience on an empty highway? Maybe—one ordinary moment at a time—my life might finally begin to break free and move in that direction . . . even with the Lolly Trolley still sitting there blocking my way.

Pesi, thanks so much for guest blogging. I can so relate to your comment ‘why can’t things ever go smoothly?’ I have that thought often. It is hard for us to stop and enjoy those moments.

Now let me share some background on Pesi with you. Pesi (a.k.a. Paulette Plonchak) has written selections for the best-selling series Small Miracles, by Yitta Halberstam and Judith Leventhal, and has contributed to several textbooks and an anthology of short stories.

She recently retired as a full-time faculty member of the City University of New York, where she taught language skills for close to 30 years. She has been an aspiring author and self-acknowledged clutterer for many years, and has spent the better part of her life trying to get organized and out from under. Despite heroic efforts, she has not yet succeeded; but she continues to push onward, and hopes that her journey will inspire others to keep trying as well.

For more on Pesi and her writing, visit www.aclutteredlife.com or www.sealpress.com. Pesi’s Twitter tag for this tour is #ClutteredLife.

Are you an organized person? If so, how did you and do you manage it? Thanks so much for dropping by today. Remember to leave a comment for a chance to win a copy of A CLUTTERED LIFE: SEARCHING FOR GOD, SERENITY, AND MY MISSING KEYS.

My Wicked Little Lies by Victoria Alexander

2012-01-25T00:10:00.000-05:00

I enjoy mysteries and all its sub-genres, but I also like to try other genres such as historical romance. I have discovered a new historical romance series that not only delights your imagination, but is intriguing.

MY WICKED LITTLE LIES by Victoria Alexander

I do so enjoy a series where you learn more about individual members of the family and their friends with each new installment.

The Sinful Family Secrets Series by author Victoria Alexander is just such a series. Her latest installment is MY WICKED LITTLE LIES. It focuses on Adrian Hadley-Attwater and especially his bride of 2 years, Evelyn Hadley-Attwater.

While most married couples keep a few minor secrets from each other, the Hadley-Attwater secrets involve matters of national security. The genteel Victorian Lady Hadley-Attwater was once ‘Eve,’ a spy for England’s most enigmatic intelligence agency. Her husband, meanwhile, was a bit more than a carefree ladies’ man before marrying Evelyn. He has a few secrets of his own.

When a document is stolen from the agency, Eve is called back into service for one last assignment. She is relieved that her former boss, ‘Sir,’ is not in charge. She had developed feelings for the mysterious and unseen leader before she quit.

Noting his wife’s sudden pre-occupation, Adrian fears he may be losing his bride to another man. The events that ensue are hilarious, heart-warming, and a touch dangerous. While bits of the story will be easy to guess, there is more than enough surprises to keep readers on their toes.

Author Victoria Alexander has a way of creating such an intriguing world, you feel a part of it. Her descriptions of the Victorian era are vivid and captivating. As you enjoy a charming storyline, you are transported back in time to women wearing breath-taking beautiful ball gowns, gentlemen are proper and dignified, and elegant parties are the norm. The setting and era also become a character, giving more depth to the story making it rich in history.

Alexander makes her characters realistic with doubts and flaws. She makes her supporting secondary characters warm and appealing. She mixes in bits of humor, tantalizing nuggets of romance, and a few steamy scenes of love. She adds unexpected twists and turns for a read that will hold you spellbound.

I was extremely fortunate in that I had the opportunity - thanks to the author - to read an ARC of the book. Half way through it, I had the opportunity - thanks to the publisher - to listen to the audio version. It was a joy to read along and listen to the beautiful narration by Justin Eyre.

Eyre’s English accent brings all the characters to life. Her style and mannerisms gives each their own unique voice. The flow and ebb of her voice is a delight to listen to. Her tone is sensuous and alluring for the romance portion of the story, but yet able to project the seriousness of the plot when needed.

MY WICKED LITTLE LIES is a charming tale of romance, mystery, suspense, friendship and loyalty in the era of genteel ladies and gentlemen. It will delight readers of romance and historical eras, as well as mystery lovers. MY WICKED LITTLE LIES will have your heart pounding and your pulse racing from both the romance and the intrigue. Looking forward to the next installment to see which family member is featured and what adventure they will be on.

The book and audio go on sale Jan. 31 and can be pre-ordered now. The first installment in the series is HIS MISTRESS BY CHRISTMAS, which is also a charming book. I reviewed it earlier.

Author Victoria Alexander’s website is www.victoriaalexander.com

My Wicked Little Lies by Victoria Alexander
Print version: Zebra Books/Kensington Publishing, @2012, ISBN: 9781420117066, Paperback, 352 Pages
Audio version: Performed by Justin Eyre, Brilliance Audio, @2011, ISBN: 978-1455800063, Unabridged, 10 Discs, Listening Time 11 Hours, 16 Minutes

FTC Full Disclosure - The print book was sent to me by the author and the audio book was sent to me by the publisher in hopes I would review them. However, receiving these complimentary copies did not influence my review.

Do you enjoy books where history and romance are combined? Do you enjoy following a series that deals with family members? As always, thanks so much for stopping by today.

Do You Have To Be Happy To Write Humor ... Author Christie Craig

2012-01-24T00:10:00.000-05:00

I’m delighted to welcome the award-winning, multi-published Christie Craig back to Thoughts in Progress today to talk about her latest release, MURDER, MAYHEM AND MAMA.

Offered as an e-release at this time, MURDER, MAYHEM AND MAMA can only be found at Barnes and Noble until Feb. 10th. After that date, it can be found at Amazon, Smashwords and other e-tailers.

Christie has stopped by to answer a couple of questions for me about her book and her writing.

Mason: Does an author have to be in a happy mood to write wit and humor?

Christie: Great question. I can’t speak for all authors, but I can tell you my own personal experience with it.

I can’t deny that humor, and the quirky way I see the world, is ingrained in me. As a kid, I grew up in Alabama in a family who loved to laugh. We laughed during good times, but we laughed even harder during the hard times. Our motto seemed to be: If you can laugh at it, you can live with it. I’m a firm believer in the healing quality of laughter. It makes those bumps in the road a little easier to take.

That said, you can bet that I have my bad days. Bad hair days. Ugh. Days I find my cat’s hairballs with the bottom of my bare feet. Double ugh. Mammogram days. Ouch! Days when someone in the family is sick. Double ouch! And I would be lying if I denied that there are days where it’s harder to pull off the comedic lines.

However, I don’t allow myself the luxury of letting my mood stop me from showing up at work. As much as I love the idea of a muse sitting on my shoulder helping me write, I can’t bank on the fact that it will always be here. I mean . . . what if it decides to up and run off with some other writer?

The truth is that as any serious writer knows, we have to learn to produce with or without a muse, or whether we’re in the creative mood to write or not. My father was a plumber, I never recall him skipping out of work because his plumber’s muse ran off. And he never had plumber’s block, either. (Oh, he had to deal with lots of plumbing-related blockages, but that’s a different thing altogether. LOL.)

My father got up five days a week and went to work. Some days I’m sure his job was pretty crappy. (Pun intended.) And there are days I feel as if I write a lot of crap. However, being a writer, my work is writing, and my writing voice has a humorous edge to it. I can’t imagine what my readers would think if they picked up a Christie Craig book and it was all drama with no light moments.

So I write and if my wit isn’t shining through as strong as I would like, I resort to plan B. Plan B is fairly simple. I fake it. (I know they say women shouldn’t fake it, but this is different matter altogether.) Have you ever heard the saying, fake it until you make it? Now sometimes, I pretend all day and the next day, when I’m really back on top of my game, I’ll see all sorts of places I need to insert some snappy dialogue.

However, more times than not, if I’m in a bad mood and faking it as I attempt to write a humorous scene, just faking it can pull me out of a funk. I recently read that just forcing a smile can lower your blood pressure and change a person’s disposition. I believe it. And if writing those humorous scenes makes me feel better, I can only hope that they contribute to a good mood in my readers when they curl up with one of my books.

Mason: What inspired Murder, Mayhem and Mama?

Christie: The story is about two people grieving and when their lives collide, they instinctively recognize that they are both dealing with the same pain. Eventually, they fall in love. And this love helps them both heal. Of course, as in all my books, you’ll find I always have some murder/suspense, and there’s a lot of suspense in this story. What’s a little different in this book is that you’ll also find a ghost. My heroine’s mom just isn’t ready to leave until she knows her daughter is going to be okay.

I actually wrote this book a few years ago. I had lost my grandmother and I had often felt as if her presence was hanging around. Maybe even watching out for me. I’ve always been a little of a believer in ghosts. Even my YA series, Shadow Falls, which I write under the name C.C. Hunter, has a big ghost theme running through it.

I knew going in that writing a story about two people grieving would be a challenge, simply because my voice is humorous and mixing a story of grief with humor might be hard. However, if you’ve read my other books, you know that I don’t shy away from real life issues. Most of my novels might even bring a tear to your eye, but the love and laughter makes the story a feel-good book. As I said earlier, I think humor needs to be a part of life, real life, and we actually need it more when things are harder. So my goal was to show that love and some laughter can help heal broken hearts.

Thanks for having me here today, and I hope everyone enjoys MURDER, MAYHEM AND MAMA.

Christie, thanks for stopping by again. I enjoyed learning your technique for writing wit when you’re really not in the mood.

Now a bit about Christie. An Alabama native, she is also a multi-published photo journalist, motivational speaker, and writing teacher. Her non-fiction articles and photography have appeared in almost three thousand national magazines.

A Golden Heart finalist, and a finalist in more than 50 RWA-sponsored contests, she has gained a well-deserved reputation for writing romance fiction that has both witty humor and a suspenseful, sexy tone. For more on Christie and her writing, check out her website at http://www.christie-craig.com/.

Here’s a fun trailer for MURDER, MAYHEM AND MAMA.

As a added treat, Christie also shares 13 things you’ll learn from reading MURDER, MAYHEM AND MAMA.
1. Grief sucks. Love heals.
2. Believe it or not, sometimes mama does know best. Even when she’s dead.
3. Painting your toenails is equivalent to a happy pill.
4. Sometimes there’s a hell of lot more to our dreams than we think.
5. When a tough guy resorts to sniffing a girl’s sweater that she left behind, he might as well give up the bachelor pad, he’s on the road to falling in love.
6. A guy who offers you a shoulder during a meltdown and doesn’t try to cop a feel, just may be a keeper.
7. When a guy says all he wants to do is sleep with you, he might not be talking sex, you might just be his answer to insomnia. Then again, he’ll probably want sex when he’s had some sleep.
8. When all else fails, try saying the magic words: please and thank you. It’s a manners thing.
9, Be leery of opening your boyfriends medicine cabinet, it’s not just what you might find, but what might fall out and bounce right into the toilet. Explaining how his 36 pack of condoms got wet could be embarrassing.
10. While being a better bitch isn’t something we should aspire to, learning to stand up for oneself is definitely goal worthy.
11. Sharing food off each other’s plate could lead to sharing a toothbrush. And after that all bets, and possibly the clothes, are coming off.
12. Bad habits die hard. Then again, the sergeant general doesn’t say anything about smoking after you’re dead. Just ask Mama.
13. Take a man’s favorite leather jacket, and he might offer you his heart to get it back.

Do you enjoy reading books that have bits of humor included? Does reading a book with humor in it help improve your own mood? Thanks so much for stopping by today.

Writing Urban Fiction Legal Thriller Novels: Author Chris Shella

2012-01-23T00:10:00.000-05:00

I always enjoy finding new authors and am delighted when I can introduce them to y’all as well. Today I’d like to welcome author Chris Shella, who’s latest release - REASONABLE FACSIMILE - is a legal thriller.

Here’s a brief description of REASONABLE FACSIMILE: Can Jasper Davis pull himself from his life of loose women, liquor, and general debauchery in enough time to win a murder case and possibly save his own hide?

Jasper Davis is a criminal trial lawyer in Baltimore who has slowly but surely become like the drug dealers and lowlifes he represents. He spends more time with hookers than clients and more time drinking Jack Daniels than studying the law books. Simply put. he is a shade of his former self.

In REASONABLE FACSIMILE, Jasper is in the middle of a first degree murder trial when he becomes the suspect in the murder of a DEA agent who was set to testify against his client. Jasper is so far gone on women and liquor he sees his trial skills deteriorate right before his eyes. Jasper is confronted by the situation is he gonna continue to be a reasonable facsimile of a human being or is he gonna become the man he once was.

Chris joins us to talk about writing urban fiction legal thriller novels.

There are a few keys to writing this type of book.

First and foremost, your book must be true to contemporary urban culture. If your characters are offensive and unrealistic you will offend your reader and they won’t buy your book. IF you are talking about music and you reference hot new music as say the Fat Boys, readers will not buy your book. You have to respect your readers.

Urban fiction readers buy scads of books, but if you insult them you will never take part in the prosperity that writing has bought to several authors in this genre. Know your audience and respect their culture and tastes.

The second key to writing an urban fiction legal thriller is that you have to know something about the legal system and put that in your book. I cannot tell you how many books, by some of the most famous authors in the world I have thrown down in disgust because they are so wrong on the law and how the criminal justice system works. Legal thrillers work only when they have a basis in reality and how the law operates.

Now you don’t have to be a lawyer for this to be in your story. All you have to do is to sit in a courtroom anywhere in the country and watch cases (pleas and trials)for about a month and you will be surprised how much legal jargon and how much of the legal process you will pick up that way.

DO NOT,I repeat DO NOT watch movies like “The Firm” or “Legal Eagles”. They are Hollywood’s idea of trial work. If you want Hollywood’s idea of trial work you might as well make the Judge an elf and the prosecutor a demon. It will have just as much of a basis in reality as that stuff does.

So if you truly want to write a legal thriller, you have to have more than a protagonist who is a lawyer. You have to insert legal work into the book, which should be easy since you have spent a month in a courthouse observing how lawyers work. People are always curious about the lawyers and law and if you put that element in your book you already have quite a few readers hooked.

Lastly, the most important key to writing an Urban Fiction Legal thriller is sitting your butt in a chair and actually writing. You can read all the books in the world about how to be a writer but you will never be one until you are one. Sit at a computer or put pen to paper but you just have to do it.

Writing isn’t easy and can be very daunting. But just realize no one is going to shoot you or put you in jail if they don’t like your writing, but no one will ever like your work if you never create it. Pull the trigger.

Chris, thanks for guest blogging. The law is fascinating and anyone who has ever been around a courtroom can definitely spot an author who hasn’t done their research.

Now for a little background on Chris. He is a graduate of Morehouse College and the University of Texas Law School and started his legal career in Long Island, New York at the Nassau County District Attorney’s Office. He is admitted to the practice of law in New York, Maryland, the District of Columbia, and North Carolina.

Chris is also admitted to the federal court in the Eastern District of North Carolina, the Middle District of North Carolina, U.S. District of Columbia, the Fourth Circuit Court of Appeals, the District of Columbia Circuit Court of Appeals, the Eastern District of New York, and the Southern District of New York. He is also admitted to the Bar Of The United States Supreme Court.

Chris and his cases have been covered on Court TV, CNN, and in the New York Times, and other media outlets across the globe. He has represented everyone from lawyers to major drug traffickers to a serial killer in Baltimore. His two most famous case are the Vegan Baby Case and his defense of the Duke Lacrosse Case accuser for the alleged murder of her boyfriend.

Chris now resides in Durham, North Carolina, with his wife and son. For more on Christ and his writing, visit his website at www.reasonablefacs.com. He can also find him on Facebook, Twitter and LinkedIn.

REASONABLE FACSIMILE is available at Amazon, Amazon Kindle, Barnes & Noble, Lulu, and Borders.

Here’s the book trailer for REASONABLE FACSIMILE and more, click here.

Do you enjoy legal thrillers? When reading legal thrillers do you want a good bit of the law included or had you rather the author skim over it? Thanks so much for stopping by.

Sunday Salon: Reflect, Relax, Refresh

2012-01-22T00:10:00.000-05:00

Today we gather once again for Sunday Salon, a time to reflect on the books we’ve read, relax and refresh for the week to come.

Each month I’m amazed and delighted at the numerous cozy mysteries Berkley Prime Crime/Obsidian releases. I should do better and showcase the new releases earlier in the month but somehow I manage to do it at the end instead.

Here are just a few of the wonderful books released this month. For more titles, stop by Berkley’s site. While these are not my normal reviews, I do highly recommend each book listed here and eagerly await the next installment in these delightful series.

PLAN BEE by Hannah Reed

A Queen Bee Mystery
Berkley (Prime Crime)

ISBN-13: 9780425246214
304 Pages, Paperback
$7.99

Moraine’s annual Harmony Festival is anything but harmonious for Story Fischer. She’s lost this year’s Honey Queen crown to the town’s biggest shoplifter, her domineering mother wants Story’s beehive banned from The Wild Clover festival booth, and a visiting 12-year-old genius is wreaking havoc with his explosive science experiments...

Then Story stumbles upon a dead body in the cemetery, only to have it disappear—and then reappear during the festival parade. When her mother begins dating the prime suspect and the young scientist goes missing, Story is determined to get to the bottom of this murder. It’s up to her to make a beeline for the truth before everything in Moraine blows sky high.

This is the third installment in the Queen Bee Mystery series, but is a stand alone read. The other installments include: BUZZ OFF (September 2010) and MIND YOUR OWN BEESWAX (May 2011). Hannah Reed is the pseudonym for Deb Baker. For more on the author, visit http://www.queenbeemystery.com.

This is a series I have enjoyed from the beginning. Author Hannah Reed has created a lovable and zany protagonist in Story Fischer. The supporting characters are fun and intriguing. The series is also filled with interesting facts and tips about bees and honey, as well as delicious honey-based recipes.

AFFAIRS OF STEAK by Julie Hyzy

A White House Chef Mystery
Berkley (Prime Crime)

ISBN-13: 9780425245835
304 Pages, Paperback
$7.99

White House executive chef Olivia Paras just wants to create first class cuisine for the First Family. Unfortunately, dangerous politics keep spoiling her recipes...

Assigned to work with her arch nemesis, Peter Everett Sargeant, the White House Sensitivity Director, Ollie must find a venue for an event to honor the Secretary of State. Instead they find one of the First Lady’s assistants and the Chief of Staff, both murdered — and Ollie and Peter may have witnessed the killer making his getaway.

News reports suggest that the assistant and Chief of Staff were having an affair, but no one on the staff believes the rumor. Now, with their jobs—and their lives—in jeopardy, Ollie and Peter must depend on each other to learn who killed their colleagues and why—before they become the next victims of a merciless assassin with a secret agenda...

This is the fifth installment in the White House Chef Mystery series, but is a stand alone read. The other installments include: STATE OF THE ONION (January 2008), HAIL TO THE CHEF (December 2008), EGGSECUTIVE ORDERS (January 2010), and BUFFALO WEST WING (January 2011). For more on the author and her writing, visit http://www.juliehyzy.com.

This is another series I have enjoyed since the first installment and even before getting to know Julie. Ollie Paras is a fun protagonist with a sense of adventure and a flare for cooking. Each installment includes yummy recipes for a complete Presidential menu.

WILD WILD DEATH by Casey Daniels

A Pepper Martin Mystery
Berkley (Prime Crime)

ISBN-13: 9780425245828
304 Pages, Paperback
$7.99

Her job has been cut, she’s low on cash, and her detective sometime-boyfriend refuses to even talk about her ability to see the dead and solve their murders. So Pepper is most certainly down for a vacation to get her spirits up.

But when her cute scientist friend Dan is kidnapped, Pepper soon stumbles upon another deadly mystery that brings her to New Mexico. And she’s after a clever murderer—one whose idea of Boot Hill has nothing to do with Jimmy Choo.

This is the eighth installment in the Pepper Martin Mystery series, but is a stand alone read. Here are a few of the other installments: NIGHT OF THE LOVING DEAD (January 2009), DEAD MAN TALKING (October 2009), TOMB WITH A VIEW (July 2010) and A HARD DAY’S FRIGHT (April 2011). Casey Daniels is the pseudonym for Miranda Bliss and Kylie Logan. For more on the author and her writing, visit http://www.caseydaniels.com.

I began reading this series when A HARD DAY’S FRIGHT came out last year and have enjoyed it. Author Casey Daniels has a way of making one believe you really can see dead people.

GHOUL INTERRUPTED by Victoria Laurie

A Ghost Hunter Mystery
Obsidian

ISBN-13: 9780451235503
352 Pages, Paperback
$7.99

M.J. Holliday and her crew interrupt the frantic schedule of their reality TV show, Ghoul Getters, and hotfoot it to New Mexico, where a dreadful demon is waging tribal warfare. Same Whitefeather—M.J.’s spirit guide—urgently needs her help to stop this evil spirit from wiping out the descendants of his tribe. It doesn’t take a psychic to predict that M.J.’s going to have a devil of a time making New Mexico a demon-free zone.

This is the sixth installment in the Ghost Hunter Mystery series, but is a stand alone read. The other installments include: WHAT’S A GHOUL TO DO? (April 2007), DEMONS ARE A GHOUL’S BEST FRIEND (March 2008), GHOULS JUST HAUNT TO HAVE FUN (March 2009), GHOULD GONE WILD (March 2010), and GHOULS, GHOULS, GHOULS (January 2011). For more on the author and her writing, visit http://www.victorialaurie.com/.

This is another series that will keep you on your toes trying to keep up with the twists and turns.

DIE JOB by Lila Dare

A Southern Beauty Shop Mystery
Berkley (Prime Crime)

ISBN-13: 9780425245880
304 Pages, Paperback
$7.99

After an attempted murder at a supposedly haunted plantation, the ladies of Violetta’s beauty salon unravel secrets that link a high school student, a centuries-old crime, and the roots to a very dark mystery.

This is the third installment in the Southern Beauty Shop Mystery series, but is a stand alone read. The other installments include: TRESSED TO KILL (May 2010) and POLISHED OFF (February 2011). For more on the author and her writing, visit http://www.liladare.com.

Who can resist a cozy murder mystery that includes a beauty shop setting in the south? Besides, there are beauty tips and tricks included.

BLIND SIGHT by Terri Persons

Berkley Trade

ISBN-13: 9780425245910
336 Pages, Trade Size
$15

You shouldn’t look for the truth if you’re afraid to see it.

A deer hunter tracking his wounded prey through Minnesota’s Paul Bunyan State Forest makes the grisly discovery of a young girl’s body. The condition of the corpse is shocking: She’d been pregnant, but the full-term fetus is missing. She’s sixteen-year-old Lydia Dunton, daughter of a high-powered senator who has shut the door on Agent Saint Clare’s investigation.

Now she has little but dead ends, false leads, and lies to work with—until she discovers a similar crime that occurred in Wisconsin, plunging Bernadette and her boss, Tony, into a circuitous and deadly twist in the case that no one sees coming.

This is the first time BLIND SIGHT has been available in paperback - trade edition. Other books by Persons include: BLIND SPOT (April 2008) and BLIND RAGE (April 2009).

FTC Full Disclosure - These books were sent to me by the publisher in hopes I would review them. However, receiving the complimentary copies did not influence my thoughts, reviews, and features on these book.

What books have you enjoyed this past week? Have you read any of these or have them in your TBR stack? What about the book covers? Aren’t these very impressive and catch your eye quickly? Thanks for coming by and have a wonderful Sunday.

Thrillers…Real And Make-believe

2012-01-21T00:10:00.000-05:00

Thrillers keep us a wake at night turning the pages or listening close as we anticipate what will happen next.

There are those thrillers that writers create in their minds and there are those that are taken from every day life. Today I’m sharing my thoughts on two make-believe thrillers and one based on a true story.

THE IMMORTALISTS by Kyle Mills

Protecting one’s child will cause a parent to go to great extremes. When the child is sick that parent will do any and everything for a cure.

Microbiologist Richard Draman is focused on finding a cure for a genetic defect that is causing his 8-year-old daughter, Susie, to age at an accelerate rate. Funding is almost non-existent and then Richard receives data on new research that could cure his daughter.

However, there are hidden forces at work and Richard is accused of stealing the research. As their life as they knew it begins to crumble around them, Richard and his wife, Carly, are forced to go on the run with Susie.

Seeking help from a retired special forces operative, they begin to pull back the layers to find who is at the heart of the conspiracy. They soon find themselves caught in the middle between two powerful factions, both determined to control the research and the life-altering outcome.

Author Kyle Mills has created a heart-pounding, hold your breath thriller in THE IMMORTALISTS. The fast pace story is filled with twists and turns that will keep you wondering who really is trustworthy.

Benjamin L. Darcie does an excellent job narrating the story. His tones emphases the pain, fear and determination the protagonist feels trying to save his daughter’s life. Darcie’s distinct differentiation of characters gives depth to the story. With the combination of Mill’s writing and Darcie’s interruption, you even feel a little pity for one of the bad guys.

THE IMMORTALISTS is a spine tinkling journey to find hope for a loved one.

The Immortalists by Kyle Mills, Performed by Benjamin L. Darcie, Brilliance Audio, @2011, ISBN: 978-1455839858, Unabridged, 7 Discs, Listening Time 8 Hour, 24 Minutes

FTC Full Disclosure - This audio book was sent to me by the publisher in hopes I would review it. However, receiving the complimentary copy did not influence my review.

SLEEPWALKER by Karen Robards

Discarding a cheating boyfriend, Micayla ‘Mick’ Lange is spending New Year’s Eve house-sitting for her ‘Uncle Nicco.’

A troublesome nightmare causes Mick to sleepwalk. She awakes to find herself downstairs in the mansion and hears a strange noise coming from Nicco’s office. Without thinking, Mick goes to investigate. That’s what she does, she’s a cop.

Jason Davis and his partner think they are robbing a gangster’s deserted house. As they leave with 3 suitcases filled with money, they stumble upon Mick. As Mick detains Jason, his partner manages to flee with 2 of the suitcases. Then the remaining suitcase is knocked down and the contents spill out.

Besides the money, there are incriminating photos of Nicco Marino at a supposed murder-suicide scene of a local politician. Mick sees the photos and knows the security cameras captured her looking at them. Nicco may have treated her life family, but she’s really not and now she’s in trouble.

As a means to an end, Mick pretends to be Jason’s hostage and the 2 flee with Nicco’s security giving chase. The pair make their escape through the Michigan wilderness to safety only to be pulled back when more lives are threatened leaving Mick wondering who she can really trust.

Throughout the story, Mick wrestles with her duty as a cop and her growing attraction to the robber. Jason has his own secrets and doesn’t want anything to do with the pretty cop, yet he becomes more and more protective of her.

Narrator Kate Rudd’s performance of the story brings out the depths of the characters. She does a wonderful job portraying the main characters as they battle the elements and fear for their lives. Rudd’s interruption of Mick and Jason’ bantering will have you laughing out loud. Her voice and style add much to this story.

SLEEPWALKER is a suspense filled adventure with bits of humor (especially where the suitcase is concerned), and a budding romance.

Sleepwalker by Karen Robards, Read by Kate Rudd, Brilliance Audio, @2011, ISBN: 978-1441843135, Unabridged, 10 Disc, Listening Time 11 Hours, 26 Minutes

FTC Full Disclosure - This audio book was sent to me by the publisher in hopes I would review it. However, receiving the complimentary copy did not influence my review.

THE GIRL WITH THE CROOKED NOSE by Ted Botha

THE GIRL WITH THE CROOKED NOSE is fascinating, terrifying, insightful, compelling, haunting, and hard to put down.

The book is based on the true story of Frank Bender and his work. Bender, who died in July 2011, spent 35 years as a forensic sculptor. During the course of his career, Bender solved 9 murders and tracked down almost 30 fugitives. He was able to give the faceless back their identity and put a face on fugitives who had aged while on the run.

Bender, self-taught in his field, was obsessed with his work. He strived to bring justice to those unknown.

Author Ted Botha spotlights not only Bender’s professional life, but his private life as well. The book looks at Bender’s marriage and family life, the friends in his circle, the zany characters he encountered, and even his financial woes.

The main focus of the story, however, looks at Bender’s involvement with a very dangerous crime scene in Juarez, Mexico. Authorities there had no answers concerning more than 400 decomposing bodies that had been found year after year beginning in 1993. Bender worked hard on the case despite corrupt authorities and was able to reconstruct the facial features of several victims.

The book also contains numerous black and white photos showing Bender’s incredible work. THE GIRL WITH THE CROOKED NOSE is a haunting story of a dedicated man obsessed with helping name the unknown and the strides he made in his profession.

The Girl With The Crooked Nose: A Tale of Murder, Obsession, and Forensic Artistry by Ted Botha, Berkley Trade, @2011, ISBN: 978-0425246832, Paperback, 384 Pages

FTC Full Disclosure - This book was sent to me by the publisher in hopes I would review it. However, receiving the complimentary copy did not influence my review.

Do you enjoy thrillers? Do you want them to be real or make-believe? Thanks so much for stopping by today.

It Takes A Village To Raise A Child, And To Support Writers: Author Ann Best

2012-01-20T00:10:00.000-05:00

Blogsphere is an amazing community where those involved share, help and support one another’s endeavors. With that in mind, I’m delighted to welcome author Ann Best here today to talk about a wonderful new village created to help writers.

Born in 1940, I’m old enough to remember villages. I was raised in a small city (Salt Lake City) that was kind of like a village where you knew your neighbors and felt a sense of community.

I felt like I was in a community when I rode the streetcar and chatted with people, most of them my neighbors. I felt like I was in a community when I went to the library that was only a mile and a half from home. In good weather I walked to it or rode my bicycle.

I miss these communities of my youth, especially now that I’m mostly housebound with a disabled daughter; now that I spend most of my waking time in front of a computer.

Is there a community--a “village”--somewhere in Cyberspace?

There is! It’s called Celery Tree, a place where writers, published and unpublished, can meet; where readers can find good books. Of course they’re not free, but if I buy from Celery Tree I’m supporting the authors in a way that I can’t on the large Internet sites.

And like that brick library of my past, Celery Tree has an inviting exterior with its bright and cheery logo. The exterior was so inviting that I wanted to open the door. Which I did, and discovered that we can dialogue with each other. Unlike a library where we have to speak softly, on Celery Tree we can shout our words and no one will shake a finger at us.

I hope you’ll stop by and digest some Celery today. Its enzymes are good for the body.

And books are good for the soul.

To learn more about Celery Tree you can follow its blog tour at these stops next week:

* Mon, Jan. 23: Promo Post @ Ann Carbine Best's Blog.

* Tues, Jan. 24: Promo Post @ Author Karen Walker...Following The Whispers.

* Wed, Jan. 25: Promo Post @ Nicki Elson's Not-So-Deep Thoughts.

* Thurs, Jan. 26: Promo post @ The Alliterative Allomorph.

* Fri, Jan. 27: Wrap Up @ Coming Down the Mountain and @ Celery Tree blog.

In addition, Karen Gowen will be available at karen@celerytree.com to answer your questions about Celerytree.com during the Big Blog Tour. Feel free to email Karen about any questions you may have at this time on joining, registering, buying books, submitting books or any other issues.

For additional information check out the Celery Tree blog, Facebook Page, Twitter account, and of course, the website itself which is celerytree.com. You can also get the Celery Tree button to display here.

Ann is the author of IN THE MIRROR: A MEMOIR OF SHATTERED SECRETS. She blogs at Ann Carbine Best's Blog.

If you’re a writer, Celery Tree is a great place to promote your books. If you’re a reader, it’s a great place to find new authors and intriguing reads. Thanks so much for stopping by today.

Space Organizing and Mona Lisa

2012-01-19T00:10:00.000-05:00

Can you name all the publishing companies?

You can probably name the major forces in the publishing world and many up-and-coming new ones. But all, …. that would be amazing.

Almost every day or so I see a book published by a company I hadn’t heard of before. That was the case when I ran across Revell, a division of Baker Publishign Group. They publish a vast array of books and 2 from completely different genres catch my eye.

SMALL SPACE ORGANIZING by Kathryn Bechen

When it comes to being organized, I need all the help I can get. SMALL SPACE ORGANIZING is a handy guide to help with all your clutter.

The book contains practical tips and resources no matter the challenging space or budget. The useful decorating tips show no matter the size, every inch can be utilized.

Throughout the book, author Kathryn Bechen shares her own experiences living in small spaces. She contends small spaces don’t have to be viewed as cramped and tiny, but as cozy and welcoming.

The book features 17 chapters and each chapter ends with a place for your own small space notes. A few of my favorite chapters include: Bathroom Bliss: Organizing Your Small Bathroom for a Spa-Like Experience; Home Office Heaven: How to Organize Your Office for Success; and Oh Storage, Where Art Thou?

There are helpful tips on how to rearrange areas and useful small additions to give added storage. You can use items with dual purposes such as an ottoman with a hinged lid for additional storage space. The overall message, however, is to discard unused clutter from your living space.

If you need a little help getting your house organized, SMALL SPACE ORGANIZING will fit the bill.

Available January 2012 at your favorite bookseller from Revell, a division of Baker Publishing Group.

Small Space Organizing: A Room-by-Room Guide to Maximizing Your Space by Kathryn Bechen, Revell, @2012, ISBN: 978-0800720285, Paperback, 240 Pages

FTC Full Disclosure - This book was sent to me by the publisher in hopes I would review it. However, receiving the complimentary copy did not influence my review.

CHASING MONA LISA by Tricia Goyer and Mike Yorkey

Works of priceless art have been the target of thieves throughout the ages. But what if the art was the Mona Lisa? How far would thieves and protectors go for this gem?

In the latest thriller by Tricia Goyer and Mike Yorkey, the famous Mona Lisa is sought by Reichsmarschal Hermann Goring. It’s August 1944 in Paris and Goring wants the painting as a postwar bargaining chip.

However, Swiss OSS agents Gabi Mueller and Eric Hofstadler are two very determined protectors of the masterpiece. They will go to great lengths to keep the painting safe.

CHASING MONA LISA is a fast-pace, adrenaline-driven, keep you on the edge of your seat read. The story flows smoothly with bits of dialect native to the region described on the journey.

The story is rich with details of the era and the locations the pair travel in their quest to protect France’s greatest treasure. The authors blend history with a suspenseful mystery, adding twists for more intrigue.

CHASING MONA LISA is more than a story of a painting or a war-torn France. It’s intrigue, adventure, heroism, dedication, and a touch of romance (it is set in Paris, after all).

The enigmatic smile of the famous lady will bring a smile to your face as you discover the last twist at the story’s end. This is the second installment in the adventures of Gabi and Eric, but is a stand alone read.

Available January 2012 at your favorite bookseller from Revell, a division of Baker Publishing Group.

Chasing Mona Lisa by Tricia Goyer and Mike Yorkey, Revell, @2012, ISBN: 978-0800720469, Paperback, 336 Pages

FTC Full Disclosure - This book was sent to me by the publisher in hopes I would review it. However, receiving the complimentary copy did not influence my review.

Are you looking to organize a favorite room in your house? Do you enjoy books that combine suspense and history? Thanks so much for stopping by today.

A Mile In His Shoes Review

2012-01-18T00:10:00.000-05:00

Remember we’ve talked about variety being the spice of life?

Well today is no exception. I’m sharing my thoughts on a DVD movie. While the movie recently aired on TV, I missed it and was glad to find that it had been released this month on DVD. One of the main reasons I wanted to see it is because it’s based on a true story.

Here’s a brief description of A MILES IN HIS SHOES: From the director of "Angels In the Outfield" comes an inspiring story about a special boy with an amazing gift, and the coach who believed. Dean Cain and Luke Schroder star in the gmc movie based on the book "The Legend of Mickey Tussler".

Thanks to the good folks at Propeller (where ideas take flight), I have a copy of A MILE IN HIS SHOES to offer as a giveaway. Just leave a comment on this post by 8 p.m. (EST) on Wednesday, Jan. 25, to be entered. Be sure to leave your e-mail address with your comments, if it’s not included in your profile. Now my thoughts.

A MILE IN HIS SHOES

Coach Arthur ‘Murph’ Murphy (Dean Cain) badly needs help to keep his struggling minor league baseball team going. On his way to find new talent for the team, Murphy encounters a young farm boy named Mickey (Luke Schroder).

Murphy quickly realizes Mickey has an incredible pitching arm. He’s perfect for the team, but Mickey’s parents don’t agree. Mickey has Asperger’s syndrome, a form of autism.

Murphy finally convinces the parents of the benefits and Mickey is allowed to join the team. However, the team also received benefits. Not only is Mickey’s pitching ability helpful, but he also inspires new spirit in the team.

This is a touching story of how our lives are sometimes taken in different directions than we had expected. The story deals with determination, faith, courage, and the wonderful power of friendship. It’s inspiring.

I have enjoyed watching Dean Cain’s performances since his days as Superman on Lois and Clark. His portrayal of Murphy was another great performance with depth. He plays Murphy with great emotions causing viewers to feel his hope and determination.

Schroder’s portrayal of Mickey is heartwarming and touching. He does an excellent job showing the problems Mickey faced while dealing with his Asperger’s syndrome.

Even if you’re not a sports fan, A MILE IN HIS SHOES is a delightful movie to watch and add to your DVD library.

The movie is rated PG (some mild thematic elements). The DVD contains special features: The Making of A Mile In His Shoes, the movie trailer, and a Thomas Kinkade Painting Gallery.

For more on the movie, check out the website, find it on Facebook, and watch a clip on Youtube.

A Mile In His Shoes Starring Dean Cain and Luke Schroder, Thomas Kinkade and Nasser Group North, @2011, ASIN: B0055QRYEG, 1 DVD, Listening Time 1 Hour, 29 Minutes

FTC Full Disclosure of Material Connection: I received one or more of the products or services mentioned above for free in the hope that I would mention it on my blog. Regardless, I only recommend products or services I use personally and believe will be good for my readers. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255: “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.

Have you seen the movie? Do you enjoy inspiring, ‘feel-good’ movies? Thanks so much for stopping by.