Tricia Copeland's Blog, page 51
May 16, 2018
Mental Healthy Mental Happy - 3: Nutrients & Exercise
The third topic in my series, Mental Healthy Mental Happy in honor of Mental Health Awareness Month, focuses on nutrients & exercise. Our bodies need a variety of nutrients in optimal amounts help the body and brain function properly. Eating a balanced diet of protein, healthy fats, and an abundance of colorful vegetables and fruit, along with an activity regimen, will put you on track. Exercise can help you to increase energy, boost your mood, sleep better, balance hormones, balance metabolism, increase memory, and decrease anxiety, depression, and stress. To feel your best, get at least 30 mins at least 3 times per week of cardiovascular and muscle strengthening exercises. Jen Simon of FoodWorks Wellness LLC suggests some specific nutrients and herbs at therapeutic amounts to reduce stress. These include the following:Zinc balanced with copper - oysters, beef, crab, fortified cereals, lobster, pork chops, cashews, chick peas, chicken, kidney beans, oatmeal, & almonds are good sources of zinc (avoid high copper)Magnesium - calming and found in almonds, avocado, black beans, bran cereal, brown rice, cashews, cereal (shredded wheat), edamame, kidney beans, & oatmealB-vitamins – help make neurotransmitters, decreases stress, and increase energy (protein and dairy are high in B vitamins as well as avocado, pomegranate, dates, watermelon, and some berries are especially high in B-complex vitamins. Leafy greens and vegetables such as amaranth, bok choy, Swiss chard, kale, Brussels sprouts, potatoes, squashes and parsnips also contain significant amounts. Most legumes have a lot of B vitamins; however, soy beans, black-eye peas and edamame contain the highest amounts of B9, also known as folate.)
Vitamin D - especially for depression, bipolar disorders, and schizophrenia (found in fish, especially salmon, crimini mushrooms, tofu, yogurt, fortified cereals, milk, & eggs)
Vitamin C and other anti-oxidants to help with cell repair (found in fruits and green vegetables)
DHA, EPA - essential fatty acids/omega-3’s to decrease inflammation (in salmon, sardines, tuna, & herring)
Amino acids – protein from a variety of sources in the die,t supplements such as GABA, l-taurine, and l-theanine for anxiety (all proteins)SAMe, 5 HTP, l-tyrosine, DL-phenylanlanine for depression (Compounds shown to alleviate symptoms of depression when taken as supplements)Herbals – adaptogens such as ashwaganda, rhodiola, & St. John’s Wort help combat stress and anxietyMore calming herbals – chamomile, passion flower, kava, & peppermint
Wishing you a healthy day!
Tricia
May 10, 2018
Mental Healthy Mental Happy - Being the Best Me Possible: 2
[image error] May is Mental Health Awareness Month, so all month I'm running a series on how we can stay as mentally healthy as possible! Nutrition is a major factor in mental health, and I've teamed up with Certified Nutrition Consultant Jen Simon, of FoodWorks Wellness, LLC, to bring you some tips on keeping your brain happy! This week we're focusing on digestive health. Did you know that 90% of your serotonin is found in your digestive tract and blood platelets? That means that although serotonin acts in the brain to regulate mood, sleep, memory and learning, social behavior, and brain cell regeneration, it is made in your digestive system. So, if our digestive tract is off balance, our serotonin may be too. How do we keep our stomach and digestive system working to its highest potential? Jen has some tips for us!
1. Avoid sugar and artificial sweeteners
2. Limit processed food such as pastas, chips, breads and other baked goods
3. Get enough fiber from multi-grain foods and vegetables, at least 30g a day
4. Include fermented foods, like kimchi, sauerkraut, pickled vegetables, kefir, and cultured yogurts in your diet each day (if you don't prefer these foods Jen suggests a probiotic supplement)
Imbalances in gut flora and low digestive enzymes can cause decreased digestion and reduced absorption of nutrients. The suggestions above can help improve these imbalances. Jen also recommend some therapeutic supplements to help heal the gut, such as l-glutamine, slippery elm, marshmallow root, and N-acetyl-glucosamine. Jen helps individuals through a specific program to heal leaky gut and decrease inflammation in the body. She can work one-on-one or, if you're local, has a group program starting in June. Contact Jen at www.foodworkswellness.com/ for more details.
Through tonight, don't miss my Being Me Series special, with the first in the series free, and 2nd at $0.99 (Find them here: Romance)! If you like entering giveaways, LitRing has a series promo & giveaway at https://www.litring.com/series/.
As always, wishing you health and happiness,
Tricia
1. Avoid sugar and artificial sweeteners
2. Limit processed food such as pastas, chips, breads and other baked goods
3. Get enough fiber from multi-grain foods and vegetables, at least 30g a day
4. Include fermented foods, like kimchi, sauerkraut, pickled vegetables, kefir, and cultured yogurts in your diet each day (if you don't prefer these foods Jen suggests a probiotic supplement)
Imbalances in gut flora and low digestive enzymes can cause decreased digestion and reduced absorption of nutrients. The suggestions above can help improve these imbalances. Jen also recommend some therapeutic supplements to help heal the gut, such as l-glutamine, slippery elm, marshmallow root, and N-acetyl-glucosamine. Jen helps individuals through a specific program to heal leaky gut and decrease inflammation in the body. She can work one-on-one or, if you're local, has a group program starting in June. Contact Jen at www.foodworkswellness.com/ for more details.
Through tonight, don't miss my Being Me Series special, with the first in the series free, and 2nd at $0.99 (Find them here: Romance)! If you like entering giveaways, LitRing has a series promo & giveaway at https://www.litring.com/series/.
As always, wishing you health and happiness,
Tricia
May 4, 2018
Intensification by Jo Michaels
[image error] Happy Friday, good people of the blogosphere! Today, I'm excited to announce the release of the third book in Jo Michaels' Pen Pals and Serial Killers series, Intensification. Read on for a snippet and other great info!
Title: Intensification - Pen Pals and Serial Killers - Story Three
Author: Jo Michaels
Genre: Psychological Thriller
Length: 232 printed pages
Buy Links: Amazon Kindle $3.17 www.amazon.com/dp/1987405196~ Paperback $19.99 [http://bit.ly/SerialKiller3]
Blurb:
Detective Hank Reynolds has just been handed the case of a lifetime. Another reality TV star has gone missing, and it’s up to the Atlanta police department to find her before it’s too late. While he’s digging around, he discovers there have been nearly twenty similar kidnappings in the surrounding areas over the last twenty years, and while trying to find out more—and a witness that’s still alive—he’s dragged into a past he wishes he could erase. His dreams become nightmares about the women, and his sanity unravels. Even his eyes begin to play tricks on him, but no hallucinations are as devious as the antics of the killer—who’s always one breath away—waiting for the chance to strike again.
NOTE: This is a stand-alone novel in a series with crossover characters and may be read independently of the other books.
~~~
Are you excited? You should be!! This is unlike any of the other books in the series, and Jo has her fingers crossed you enjoy it. For really, Claude will keep you up at night. He's worse than Tobias could ever have been.
SECOND NOTE: There's a book releasing on June 6th that ties in HARD with this book titled The House. You need to read this one before you read that one.
Want to read more from Jo Michaels go to her website at www.writejomichaels.com/
Title: Intensification - Pen Pals and Serial Killers - Story Three
Author: Jo Michaels
Genre: Psychological Thriller
Length: 232 printed pages
Buy Links: Amazon Kindle $3.17 www.amazon.com/dp/1987405196~ Paperback $19.99 [http://bit.ly/SerialKiller3]
Blurb:
Detective Hank Reynolds has just been handed the case of a lifetime. Another reality TV star has gone missing, and it’s up to the Atlanta police department to find her before it’s too late. While he’s digging around, he discovers there have been nearly twenty similar kidnappings in the surrounding areas over the last twenty years, and while trying to find out more—and a witness that’s still alive—he’s dragged into a past he wishes he could erase. His dreams become nightmares about the women, and his sanity unravels. Even his eyes begin to play tricks on him, but no hallucinations are as devious as the antics of the killer—who’s always one breath away—waiting for the chance to strike again.
NOTE: This is a stand-alone novel in a series with crossover characters and may be read independently of the other books.
~~~
Are you excited? You should be!! This is unlike any of the other books in the series, and Jo has her fingers crossed you enjoy it. For really, Claude will keep you up at night. He's worse than Tobias could ever have been.
SECOND NOTE: There's a book releasing on June 6th that ties in HARD with this book titled The House. You need to read this one before you read that one.
Want to read more from Jo Michaels go to her website at www.writejomichaels.com/
May 3, 2018
Mental Healthy Mental Happy – Being the Best Me Possible: 1
[image error] May is National Mental Health Awareness Month and as many of you know, mental health is a topic that is near and dear to my heart. I teamed up with Certified Nutrition Consultant, Jen Simon of FoodWorks Wellness LLC, to bring you some pointers for being healthy from the inside out! Each week in May we’ll feature a different topic on how to keep our insides healthier, so our outsides can be happier!
Week 1: Blood Sugar Balance
One of the simplest ways to combat anxiety, depression, stress, and mental illness can be by balancing, or evening out, blood sugar levels. Bouncing blood sugar levels can cause changes in cortisol (stress hormone) levels, and lower serotonin, a calming neurotransmitter. Low blood sugar, or hypoglycemia, increases anxiety by releasing epinephrine, a stimulating neurotransmitter in the body. Changes in blood sugar also increases our craving for sugar and refined carbohydrates, which perpetuates the cycle of changing blood sugar levels. So how can we keep those sugar levels steady?
Jen tells us that there are 3 easy things we can do to balance our blood sugar levels!
Eat a meal or snack every 3-4 hours starting with breakfast! Include all 3 macronutrients, carbohydrates, protein, and healthy fats, in each meal or snack.Add fiber to help food break down slower and keep you feeling full longer. Vegetables, fruits, whole grains, nuts, seeds, beans, and natural fiber supplements are great ways to get in fiber! If you’re adding fiber to you diet, increase intake slowly.
Limit high caffeine drinks like coffee and black tea. Caffeine is a stimulant and can contribute to anxiety. It also ultimately depletes serotonin and dopamine levels. Think about drinking green tea as a substitute since it contains less caffeine, and bonus, has healthy anti-oxidants.
The take home: to keep your blood sugar levels steady eat healthy meals and snacks throughout the day, avoid high carbohydrate and sugary foods, make sure you get a good balance of healthy fats, and limit caffeine and alcohol consumption!
Stay tuned next week for the second installment of my Mental Healthy Mental Happy, Healthy Gut, Happier You!
To learn more you can go to Jen’s website at http://www.foodworkswellness.com/!
All the best,
Tricia
Week 1: Blood Sugar Balance
One of the simplest ways to combat anxiety, depression, stress, and mental illness can be by balancing, or evening out, blood sugar levels. Bouncing blood sugar levels can cause changes in cortisol (stress hormone) levels, and lower serotonin, a calming neurotransmitter. Low blood sugar, or hypoglycemia, increases anxiety by releasing epinephrine, a stimulating neurotransmitter in the body. Changes in blood sugar also increases our craving for sugar and refined carbohydrates, which perpetuates the cycle of changing blood sugar levels. So how can we keep those sugar levels steady?
Jen tells us that there are 3 easy things we can do to balance our blood sugar levels!
Eat a meal or snack every 3-4 hours starting with breakfast! Include all 3 macronutrients, carbohydrates, protein, and healthy fats, in each meal or snack.Add fiber to help food break down slower and keep you feeling full longer. Vegetables, fruits, whole grains, nuts, seeds, beans, and natural fiber supplements are great ways to get in fiber! If you’re adding fiber to you diet, increase intake slowly.
Limit high caffeine drinks like coffee and black tea. Caffeine is a stimulant and can contribute to anxiety. It also ultimately depletes serotonin and dopamine levels. Think about drinking green tea as a substitute since it contains less caffeine, and bonus, has healthy anti-oxidants.
The take home: to keep your blood sugar levels steady eat healthy meals and snacks throughout the day, avoid high carbohydrate and sugary foods, make sure you get a good balance of healthy fats, and limit caffeine and alcohol consumption!
Stay tuned next week for the second installment of my Mental Healthy Mental Happy, Healthy Gut, Happier You!
To learn more you can go to Jen’s website at http://www.foodworkswellness.com/!
All the best,
Tricia
April 26, 2018
Illusionary by LeAnn Mason
[image error] LeAnn Mason's new release is already getting rave reviews!
From the back cover...
Generations ago, a new breed of human emerged. The government, fearing these new “Enhanced,” isolated effected families into communities boasting prison-like perimeters to live in exile, safeguarding the rest of the world from the anomalies.
As one of the few Enhanced humans whose gifts encompass the mental and physical spectrums, Nathalee lives a life separate from others. Even among those who the world segregates as potential weapons, Nat is shunned for her telepathic abilities. But one encounter with a gorgeous mute man has her finding an opportunity to make a difference in their tiny world— as an enforcer.
Part of a new experimental team, Nathalee must wade through muddied mental waters if the team hopes to stop the assailant who enjoys pitting citizens against one another. Those confrontations are coming to violent, life-ruining ends for anyone involved. The suspect pool is large and powerful, but the repercussions of failure put everyone she knows and loves at risk.
With so many possibilities of both suspects and victims, Nat will test the limits of her ability —and her sanity— in order to track the illusionist and stop the tyranny. But to what end?
Find Illusionary here... http://hyperurl.co/Illusionary
From the back cover...
Generations ago, a new breed of human emerged. The government, fearing these new “Enhanced,” isolated effected families into communities boasting prison-like perimeters to live in exile, safeguarding the rest of the world from the anomalies.
As one of the few Enhanced humans whose gifts encompass the mental and physical spectrums, Nathalee lives a life separate from others. Even among those who the world segregates as potential weapons, Nat is shunned for her telepathic abilities. But one encounter with a gorgeous mute man has her finding an opportunity to make a difference in their tiny world— as an enforcer.
Part of a new experimental team, Nathalee must wade through muddied mental waters if the team hopes to stop the assailant who enjoys pitting citizens against one another. Those confrontations are coming to violent, life-ruining ends for anyone involved. The suspect pool is large and powerful, but the repercussions of failure put everyone she knows and loves at risk.
With so many possibilities of both suspects and victims, Nat will test the limits of her ability —and her sanity— in order to track the illusionist and stop the tyranny. But to what end?
Find Illusionary here... http://hyperurl.co/Illusionary
April 17, 2018
A Time of Lies by Kevin Kelley
[image error] My most recent read by a local author came recommended by a friend. With an intense plot line, it is a gripping book that I read in one session on a three-hour flight. The story opens with the events of 9/11 unfolding, and follows a boy who lost his father in the tower tragedies. He becomes committed to serving and protecting his country. Although the book is described as a historical fiction, I felt it to be more of a contemporary thriller. Graduating from the naval academy,, the main character enters an intelligence group and is captured by the North Koreans. His struggle, as well as that of his family back home, is detailed in a poignant fashion.
From the author: A novel of romance and adventure. A love affair is shattered when a Naval Intelligence Officer finds himself in North Korea. “Consequences? Will America launch an attack against the invincible Korean military, for a traitor? Will they risk that against one million Korean soldiers? I think not. "Ensign McCarty, you are here for life. You must decide how long that life will be."
About the author: Kevin Kelley lives in Boulder, Colorado where he works as a Financial Advisor. His writing draws from an extensive background of real world experience. He lived in Germany, England, and Belgium while growing up, and his adult careers included five years as a Legislative Assistant to a high-ranking Member of Congress, five years as the Federal Relations Liaison for the City of Boston, heading their DC office, and over twenty years as an Investment Advisor. You can find Kevin and his books at https://kevinkelleyauthor.com/
Happy reading!
Tricia
From the author: A novel of romance and adventure. A love affair is shattered when a Naval Intelligence Officer finds himself in North Korea. “Consequences? Will America launch an attack against the invincible Korean military, for a traitor? Will they risk that against one million Korean soldiers? I think not. "Ensign McCarty, you are here for life. You must decide how long that life will be."
About the author: Kevin Kelley lives in Boulder, Colorado where he works as a Financial Advisor. His writing draws from an extensive background of real world experience. He lived in Germany, England, and Belgium while growing up, and his adult careers included five years as a Legislative Assistant to a high-ranking Member of Congress, five years as the Federal Relations Liaison for the City of Boston, heading their DC office, and over twenty years as an Investment Advisor. You can find Kevin and his books at https://kevinkelleyauthor.com/
Happy reading!
Tricia
March 29, 2018
YA Fantasy Release by Stacey Rourke
Mirror, mirror on the wall.What’s behind that fated call?
He’s the seer of present, future, and past,
Yet remains a nameless face entombed in glass.
Raised as a servant in the underwater kingdom of Atlantica, Alastor worked his way up to a regal member of the Royal Guard. Only as a decorated soldier did he stand a chance of winning the hand of the woman he’s loved since childhood … Poseidon’s only daughter, Princess Vanessa. But, when the war against humans rages, dark magics are evoked to give the mermen a fighting chance. Temporarily granted legs, they charge from the sea into a doomed battle.
Doing the bidding of his masters as a trusted pawn,
The claims of his loyalty couldn’t be more wrong.
Waking on land, with bodies all around, Alastor’s lone goal becomes returning to the ocean and the only life he’s ever known. A plan that is quickly diverted when Hades, Lord of the Underworld, appears with a twisted agenda all his own. Cast to a land far from the lapping comforts of home, Alastor’s sole companion is a troubled misfit named Sterling that soon comes to depend on him. Trained to be a hero, how far is Alastor willing to go to return to the woman he loves? And can he live with the sacrifices he's forced to make?
Each day he schemes to break free from their thrall,
and honor a self-made vow … to kill them all.
Goodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/38095618-entombed-in-glass
Book Trailer: https://youtu.be/Raa1CK1mcI8
Buy Links:
Rise of the Sea Witch: http://amzn.to/2th8hTW
Entombed in Glass: http://amzn.to/2GV2OJD
Author Bio:
RONE Award Winner for Best YA Paranormal Work of 2012 for Embrace, a Gryphon Series Novel
Young Adult and Teen Reader voted Author of the Year 2012
Turning Pages Magazine Winner for Best YA book of 2013 & Best Teen Book of 2013
Stacey Rourke is the author of the award winning YA Gryphon Series, the chillingly suspenseful Legends Saga, and the romantic comedy Adapted for Film. She lives in Michigan with her husband, two beautiful daughters, and two giant dogs. She loves to travel, has an unhealthy shoe addiction, and considers herself blessed to make a career out of talking to the imaginary people that live in her head.
Author Links:
Web: www.staceyrourke.com
Blog: diaryofasemi-crazyauthor.blogspot.com
Facebook: www.facebook.com/staceyrourkeauthor
Twitter: https://twitter.com/Rourkewrites
Instagram: Rourkewrites.
Amazon: http://amzn.to/1OJcVNO
Bookbub: https://www.bookbub.com/authors/stacey-rourke
Goodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/5309409.Stacey_Rourke
Fan Club: https://www.facebook.com/groups/StaceyRourkeFanClub/
Newsletter: http://facebook.us9.list-manage1.com/subscribe?u=4a531e741abef64490e20dc76&id=ca22dfbbd8
March 15, 2018
Now LIVE - Deepest Scars
[image error] Zack's love life has been on the fritz for months. How could he, again, have been so delusional as to believe Amanda would choose him. But now he's in a new city, working towards his dream job. He's found new friends and hikes, camping trips, and volleyball tournaments fill his calendar. Having given up his casual hook up strategy of meeting girls, he's focused on his career and experiencing all the southwest has to offer. Enter Liz, a fiery red-head with passion for all of Zack's favorite activities.
From the back cover…
Deepest Scars
“He jests at scars that never felt a wound.”
― William Shakespeare, Romeo and Juliet
A new job, new city, and new friends seem like the perfect solutions for healing Zack’s broken heart. A fiery red-head, with passion for all of his favorite activities, couldn’t hurt either. She seems perfect for him, and he's immediately drawn in. The romance blossoms, but Zack is side-swiped when he learns she's hiding things. Is the relationship worth salvaging or do her scars run too deep? Don’t miss Zack’s story in this Being Me series stand-alone companion novel!
Release price $0.99! Amazon: myBook.to/deepestscars
Add to Goodreads! https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/38723733-deepest-scars
See a trailer video and learn more at http://www.triciacopeland.com/deepest-scars.html
Get the first book in the Being Me series FREE on your favorite reading platform through March!
IS THIS ME? (Being Me Book 1 –Free on all platforms)
Amazon http://a-fwd.com/asin-com=B00YIABVKG
iTunes https://itunes.apple.com/us/book/is-this-me/id1118070449?mt=11
B&N http://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/is-this-me-tricia-copeland/1122161771?ean=2940153040332
KOBO https://store.kobobooks.com/en-us/ebook/is-this-me
More about Tricia…
Tricia Copeland grew up in Georgia and now lives in sunny Colorado with her family. In addition to the award nominated Being Me series, her books include Best Book Award Fantasy Finalist series, The Kingdom Journals, Lovelock Ones, a post-apocalyptic dystopian adventure, and Drops of Sunshine, a YA paranormal novella, free to newsletter subscribers. Find all of Tricia’s books on her website www.triciacopeland.com! Connect with Tricia and other readers on your favorite social media with the following links!
www.facebook.com/TriciaCopelandAuthor/
https://www.instagram.com/authortriciacopeland/
www.twitter.com/tcbrzostowicz
www.pinterest.com/triciacopelanda/
https://plus.google.com/u/0/collection/8wque
https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCBHp...
Join Tricia’s newsletter for links to an exclusive free ebook! http://eepurl.com/bozurb
https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/14055439.Tricia_Copeland
https://www.bookbub.com/authors/tricia-copeland
https://www.smashwords.com/profile/view/triciabrz
https://www.authorgraph.com/authors/tcbrzostowicz
https://www.amazon.com/-/e/B00YHN5Q4G
[image error] [image error]
From the back cover…
Deepest Scars
“He jests at scars that never felt a wound.”
― William Shakespeare, Romeo and Juliet
A new job, new city, and new friends seem like the perfect solutions for healing Zack’s broken heart. A fiery red-head, with passion for all of his favorite activities, couldn’t hurt either. She seems perfect for him, and he's immediately drawn in. The romance blossoms, but Zack is side-swiped when he learns she's hiding things. Is the relationship worth salvaging or do her scars run too deep? Don’t miss Zack’s story in this Being Me series stand-alone companion novel!
Release price $0.99! Amazon: myBook.to/deepestscars
Add to Goodreads! https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/38723733-deepest-scars
See a trailer video and learn more at http://www.triciacopeland.com/deepest-scars.html
Get the first book in the Being Me series FREE on your favorite reading platform through March!
IS THIS ME? (Being Me Book 1 –Free on all platforms)
Amazon http://a-fwd.com/asin-com=B00YIABVKG
iTunes https://itunes.apple.com/us/book/is-this-me/id1118070449?mt=11
B&N http://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/is-this-me-tricia-copeland/1122161771?ean=2940153040332
KOBO https://store.kobobooks.com/en-us/ebook/is-this-me
More about Tricia…
Tricia Copeland grew up in Georgia and now lives in sunny Colorado with her family. In addition to the award nominated Being Me series, her books include Best Book Award Fantasy Finalist series, The Kingdom Journals, Lovelock Ones, a post-apocalyptic dystopian adventure, and Drops of Sunshine, a YA paranormal novella, free to newsletter subscribers. Find all of Tricia’s books on her website www.triciacopeland.com! Connect with Tricia and other readers on your favorite social media with the following links!
www.facebook.com/TriciaCopelandAuthor/
https://www.instagram.com/authortriciacopeland/
www.twitter.com/tcbrzostowicz
www.pinterest.com/triciacopelanda/
https://plus.google.com/u/0/collection/8wque
https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCBHp...
Join Tricia’s newsletter for links to an exclusive free ebook! http://eepurl.com/bozurb
https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/14055439.Tricia_Copeland
https://www.bookbub.com/authors/tricia-copeland
https://www.smashwords.com/profile/view/triciabrz
https://www.authorgraph.com/authors/tcbrzostowicz
https://www.amazon.com/-/e/B00YHN5Q4G
[image error] [image error]
March 8, 2018
Deepest Scars - coming in 1 week!
The Deepest Scars release is one week away! Today, I have a treat for you, an excerpt from chapter one!“So, we didn’t get to catch up today. How was your Fourth?” Mitchell asks as I slide my backpack over my shoulders.
“I was working.” I dodge incoming patients as we exit the physical therapy room.
“Did you even get to see fireworks?”
“No, we had a couple injuries, so I was there till late.” I find my keys and sunglasses in a side pocket of my bag.
“You’ve got to get a better job, so you can have a social life.” Mitchell shakes his head.
“Are you kidding? I’m living the dream. Fame and fortune.”
“Right, well”—he holds his palm out to me—“I’ll catch you next time.”
“Yep.” I shake his hand and slide my sunglasses on. Stepping through the sliding doors the sun sears my skin, and I wonder if I’ll ever get used to it. Heat rises off the pavement, and hot wind engulfs me as I cross the parking lot. A volleyball rolls out from between two cars. I dip and scoop it up with one hand. Scanning the rows, I spot an open trunk and jog to it. I stop a couple feet from a girl rummaging in the back of a small SUV. “You lose this?” I hold the ball at arm’s length.
She glances at me and then back to her open car. “I’d lose my head right now if it weren’t attached.” Her accent is melodic, almost twangy, and I note the New Jersey license plate. Running her hand through her thick hair, she turns to face me. “Thanks.”
“No problem.” Ball extended, I take a step closer to her. “You play?”
Her eyes land on mine and then cut to my chest where my ID card hangs. Grabbing the sphere with both hands, she tosses it into her SUV. “Yeah.” Shaking her head, she fishes in the closest bag.
“Me too. There’s a league at the JCC if you’re interested. That’s the—”
“I know what the JCC is.” She spins to face me.
I take a step back. “Okay, I wasn’t… I just thought—”
“What? Since I have out-of-state plates, I’m fresh meat? A new chick to take out once and never call again?”
“Whoa.” I raise my palms. “I was just returning the ball.”
Check in next week to read more! Don't miss the trailer video below or entering my pre-release giveaway here! https://www.facebook.com/TriciaCopelandAuthor/?sk=app_228910107186452
March 1, 2018
Deepest Scars Cover Reveal & Pre-Order Announcement
[image error] Some of our edges are more jagged than others. Is their love deeper than the scars they bear?
Zack's love life has been on the fritz for months. How could he, again, have been so delusional as to believe Amanda would choose him? But now he's in a new city, working towards his dream job. Hikes, camping trips, and volleyball tournaments fill his calendar. Having given up his casual hook up strategy of meeting girls, he's focused on his career and experiencing all the southwest has to offer. Enter Liz, a fiery red-head with passion for all of Zack's favorite activities.
Deepest Scars, now available for pre-order! https://www.amazon.com/dp/B079Z9DH87
Add to Goodreads! https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/38723733-deepest-scars
Pre-order $0.99 on Amazon! Add to Goodreads! First in the series prequel - FREE ebook! 
Zack's love life has been on the fritz for months. How could he, again, have been so delusional as to believe Amanda would choose him? But now he's in a new city, working towards his dream job. Hikes, camping trips, and volleyball tournaments fill his calendar. Having given up his casual hook up strategy of meeting girls, he's focused on his career and experiencing all the southwest has to offer. Enter Liz, a fiery red-head with passion for all of Zack's favorite activities.
Deepest Scars, now available for pre-order! https://www.amazon.com/dp/B079Z9DH87
Add to Goodreads! https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/38723733-deepest-scars
Pre-order $0.99 on Amazon! Add to Goodreads! First in the series prequel - FREE ebook!
![[image error]](http://triciacopeland.com/uploads/3/4/7/9/34792860/deepest-scars-is-love-enough-nowavailable-0-99releasepricefree-on-ku-www-triciacopelan-com-1_orig.png){kind=link}