Rachel Carrington's Blog, page 3
September 24, 2024
TV Heroes who could be book heroes
I don't watch a lot of television...at least not while a show is currently airing. I prefer to stream everything now as most people do. Sometimes, I'll watch a show more than once if I really enjoyed it because I figure I might have missed something as I was watching it the first time around.
In the #bookcommunity, we talk about book boyfriends and heroes that we wish could be real, and it's the same way in the television streaming world. Don't you just wish some of these people could be real? Here are my top three!
Dr. Conrad Hawkins (The Resident) The Resident quickly became one of my favorite shows when it debuted, and though it ended last year, I remain somewhat infatuated with Matt Czuchry who played Dr. Conrad Hawkins. Conrad was just the type of doctor, friend, and partner who could make anyone fall for him. Kind, caring, and protective, he never gave up and loved fiercely. That's book boyfriend material right there. 
Sgt. Daniel "Hondo" Harrellson S.W.A.T. Shemar Moore's Hondo is the epitome of the perfect book boyfriend. I was devastated when S.W.A.T. got cancelled after six season, giddy when it was renewed for a seventh and final season, and over the moon when CBS gave it yet another shot and an eighth season. I don't know if this will be the final one or not, but Hondo will always have my heart. He's strong, fearless, protective, ready to go to battle, dedicated to his friends, and just the type of guy you'd want right next to you every second of the day. 
Adam Noshimuri Hawaii Five-0 Ian Anthony Dale first came to my attention when he was cast on the remake of Hawaii Five-O. He was originally a somewhat type of bad giuy, but he turned his life around and even joined Five-O. The strong, sensitive type, he had no problems with emotions, and he was another fierce protector. He would jump in at a moment's notice to save someone and wasn't the type of person to be crossed. He played the part well, and I was excited when Dale joined the cast of The Resident briefly in its final season because it was a chance to see a different side of him. Another picture perfect boyfriend! Do you have actors/actresses that you could see in books? Or that you imagine are in your favorite books?
In the #bookcommunity, we talk about book boyfriends and heroes that we wish could be real, and it's the same way in the television streaming world. Don't you just wish some of these people could be real? Here are my top three!
Dr. Conrad Hawkins (The Resident) The Resident quickly became one of my favorite shows when it debuted, and though it ended last year, I remain somewhat infatuated with Matt Czuchry who played Dr. Conrad Hawkins. Conrad was just the type of doctor, friend, and partner who could make anyone fall for him. Kind, caring, and protective, he never gave up and loved fiercely. That's book boyfriend material right there. Sgt. Daniel "Hondo" Harrellson S.W.A.T. Shemar Moore's Hondo is the epitome of the perfect book boyfriend. I was devastated when S.W.A.T. got cancelled after six season, giddy when it was renewed for a seventh and final season, and over the moon when CBS gave it yet another shot and an eighth season. I don't know if this will be the final one or not, but Hondo will always have my heart. He's strong, fearless, protective, ready to go to battle, dedicated to his friends, and just the type of guy you'd want right next to you every second of the day. Adam Noshimuri Hawaii Five-0 Ian Anthony Dale first came to my attention when he was cast on the remake of Hawaii Five-O. He was originally a somewhat type of bad giuy, but he turned his life around and even joined Five-O. The strong, sensitive type, he had no problems with emotions, and he was another fierce protector. He would jump in at a moment's notice to save someone and wasn't the type of person to be crossed. He played the part well, and I was excited when Dale joined the cast of The Resident briefly in its final season because it was a chance to see a different side of him. Another picture perfect boyfriend! Do you have actors/actresses that you could see in books? Or that you imagine are in your favorite books?
September 21, 2024
Trusting the law has a brand new cover!
Every now and then books just need to be updated, especially covers, and that's what I've done for Trusting the Law, my 1920s historical novella. Take a look and let me knwo what you think! 
August 17, 2024
Great song to write to!
I love all kinds of music, and I love to find certain songs that I can write scenes to, whether it's a fight scene, a love scene, or even a dramatic scene. And I was fortunate enough to come across a song that was released by Chris Young in 2021. Right now, I'm slightly addicted to it. Have a listen and see what you think!
July 25, 2024
backing away from most of social media
Once upon a time, I was a social media fanatic. I loved everything about it. Interacting with readers and writers. Sharing good news and celebrating others. And the list goes on. But I don't need to tell any of you that a lot of that has changed now. A good portion of social media has become a place where people go to argue or to scream into the void in the hopes their voices will be heard. There's less social about it, and that's not good for anyone's mental health.
So, I'm taking a step back from some social media. I'll be taking my Facebook author page down and will only update my Instagram whenever the mood hits me. It won't be something I schedule any longer. I'll be tweeting the same way. And Pinterest is going back to what I used to use it for...for fun.
This doesn't mean I'm disappearing off of the internet. Instead, I'll be amping up my presence on Bookbub and Goodreads. I'll focus on growing my newsletter to bring you even better giveaways and fun things. I'll still be here on my blog, which I'll probably start updating more often, and my website will always be here. And I'll be spending some more time at local bookstores and venues.
I want to focus more on what it means, for me, to be a writer...that's engaging with readers. I'm not doing that as often on social media. Hopefully, this way, I'll get to know more of you, and we can build a community in another way!
So, I'm taking a step back from some social media. I'll be taking my Facebook author page down and will only update my Instagram whenever the mood hits me. It won't be something I schedule any longer. I'll be tweeting the same way. And Pinterest is going back to what I used to use it for...for fun.
This doesn't mean I'm disappearing off of the internet. Instead, I'll be amping up my presence on Bookbub and Goodreads. I'll focus on growing my newsletter to bring you even better giveaways and fun things. I'll still be here on my blog, which I'll probably start updating more often, and my website will always be here. And I'll be spending some more time at local bookstores and venues. I want to focus more on what it means, for me, to be a writer...that's engaging with readers. I'm not doing that as often on social media. Hopefully, this way, I'll get to know more of you, and we can build a community in another way!
July 6, 2024
coming soon: a free resource book for low-income families
This is what I've been working on for the last several months—a free resource book for low-income families that are struggling to make ends meet. Whether it's money for rent or to put gas in the car, many people need assistance these days, and that's what this booik, The Struggle is Real, is all about. In it, I share resources for not only paying the rent but keeping the lights on, getting or keeping a cell phone and internet access, and so much more. And the ebook will be free at all retailers.
This book is the first in a series to give back. The Struggle is Real—Surviving While You’re in a Financial Hole and Starting the Climb Out of It will be followed by The Struggle is Real—Making the Best of a Bad Financial Situation as well as The Struggle is Real—Changing and Growing for Better Income and Career Opportunities.
I struggled financially for a good portion of my life, but it was during a time when there was no internet. So I didn't have easy access to these resources. Some of them didn't even exist at the time. Now, I want to make sure that everyone who is facing a financial crisis has a way to get food, a place to live, a way to get to work, child care, and even free medical care.
I'm not saying that the resources in this book will solve every problem, but I'm certainly hoping they can provide some help. Looik for more information, including the cover, coming soon!
This book is the first in a series to give back. The Struggle is Real—Surviving While You’re in a Financial Hole and Starting the Climb Out of It will be followed by The Struggle is Real—Making the Best of a Bad Financial Situation as well as The Struggle is Real—Changing and Growing for Better Income and Career Opportunities.
I struggled financially for a good portion of my life, but it was during a time when there was no internet. So I didn't have easy access to these resources. Some of them didn't even exist at the time. Now, I want to make sure that everyone who is facing a financial crisis has a way to get food, a place to live, a way to get to work, child care, and even free medical care.
I'm not saying that the resources in this book will solve every problem, but I'm certainly hoping they can provide some help. Looik for more information, including the cover, coming soon!
June 16, 2024
Letters to laura is now available in paperback
$7.99 in paperback1951
The Korean War is tearing apart more than just the soil on which it’s fought.
Laura has loved Mark for as long as she can remember. She can’t imagine her life without him. Mark’s feelings for Laura are just as strong, but he has a secret—one that is bound to come between them. He’s shipping out to Korea in a week.
Blindsided by the information, Laura is scared, angry, and confused, knowing she doesn’t have a choice but to let him go. Meanwhile, she’d just have to love him through letters. After all, he’s promised he’d return to her. She has to believe that, or she’ll go crazy.
After months of waiting to see him again, Laura learns a devastating secret. Mark is back, but he doesn't want to see her again. Now it's up to Laura to unravel the why.
June 3, 2024
believing in god is my choice
If you've spent any time on my site or following me on social media, you'll know by now that I believe in God. I always have, and I always will. Nothing will ever change my mind. That is my choice as much as it is someone else' choice not to believe. But there is no reason why my belief should be ridiculed.
Some people believe in life on other planets. Some believe in the power of crystals while others believe in superstitions handed down from their ancestors. Those are choices they've made. And if someone chooses to belief the Earth was created by a big bang, that, too, is their decision. No, it's not mine, but I don't ridicule them because I would never deny someone their right to believe. And that's all I, as a Christian, am asking of those who don't believe the same way.
It's easier to scroll past something than it is to post a negative comment simply because someone has a different belief system than you do. Yet some people have a driving need to mock God or to let me (or any other believer) know that they think my belief is crazy. They feel it's incumbent upon them to "set me straight," and to let me (and others) know that God doesn't exist. But that's their opinion. And why take the time to make fun of that which you don't believe in?
I refuse to argue with anyone about the existence of God because it is my right to believe in Him. Nothing will ever take away my faith, not even unpleasant comments on the internet. I doubt this will prevent me from having to delete comments from my social media pages, but it's something I needed to say.
Some people believe in life on other planets. Some believe in the power of crystals while others believe in superstitions handed down from their ancestors. Those are choices they've made. And if someone chooses to belief the Earth was created by a big bang, that, too, is their decision. No, it's not mine, but I don't ridicule them because I would never deny someone their right to believe. And that's all I, as a Christian, am asking of those who don't believe the same way.
It's easier to scroll past something than it is to post a negative comment simply because someone has a different belief system than you do. Yet some people have a driving need to mock God or to let me (or any other believer) know that they think my belief is crazy. They feel it's incumbent upon them to "set me straight," and to let me (and others) know that God doesn't exist. But that's their opinion. And why take the time to make fun of that which you don't believe in?
I refuse to argue with anyone about the existence of God because it is my right to believe in Him. Nothing will ever take away my faith, not even unpleasant comments on the internet. I doubt this will prevent me from having to delete comments from my social media pages, but it's something I needed to say.
May 21, 2024
May 21st, 2024
The Librarian Spy by Madeline MartinMy rating: 5 of 5 stars
This was definitely a different type of read for me. I love historical fiction, and this was definitely that. The first person POV between two different women on two different sides of the world was a bit off-putting at first, and I wondered if they'd ever meet. (I won't spoil that for you!) But Madeline Martin does a good job with the suspense and the action, and I felt like I was there in some scenes. Really great read!
View all my reviews
May 18, 2024
Reading update
Back in April, I told you about my love of historical fiction, what I'd been reading, and what was coming up. I was reading The Memory Box by Kathryn Hughes, which I've since then finished and reviewed. Excellent book!
My to-be-read list looked like this:
The Librarian Spy by Madeline Martin
The Bootlegger's Daughter: A Novel by Nadine Nettmann
The Paris Orphans by Suzanne Kelman
Winds of Change: Desire Minter. by Dionne Haynes
Foxden Acres by Madalyn Morgan
After Dunkirk by Lee Jackson
I've since then read The Librarian Spy by Madeline Martin (another excellent story!) and Winds of Change: Desire Minter by Dionne Haynes, and I'm halfway through with The Bootlegger's Daughter which is a different kind of story than what I was expecting. It's good, but it's not what I usually read. I also read The Titanic Sisters by Patricia Falvey, which is another 5-star story that wasn't on my list. And I've added dozens of other books to my Amazon wishlist!
Reading is a gift you give yourself, and I'm glad I've made time to get back into it every night. There's nothing quite like settling down with a book and being swept away to another time and place!
My to-be-read list looked like this:
The Librarian Spy by Madeline Martin
The Bootlegger's Daughter: A Novel by Nadine Nettmann
The Paris Orphans by Suzanne Kelman
Winds of Change: Desire Minter. by Dionne Haynes
Foxden Acres by Madalyn Morgan
After Dunkirk by Lee Jackson
I've since then read The Librarian Spy by Madeline Martin (another excellent story!) and Winds of Change: Desire Minter by Dionne Haynes, and I'm halfway through with The Bootlegger's Daughter which is a different kind of story than what I was expecting. It's good, but it's not what I usually read. I also read The Titanic Sisters by Patricia Falvey, which is another 5-star story that wasn't on my list. And I've added dozens of other books to my Amazon wishlist!
Reading is a gift you give yourself, and I'm glad I've made time to get back into it every night. There's nothing quite like settling down with a book and being swept away to another time and place!
April 21, 2024
Review: The Memory Box by Kathryn Hughes
The Memory Box by Kathryn HughesMy rating: 5 of 5 stars
I didn't know what to expect when I started reading The Memory Box as I'd never read anything by Kathryn Hughes before. Suffice it to say, this won't be my last book by this author. This is a compelling, engrossing story that spans almost ninety years, taking place in 1940 and 2019. Hughes seamlessly transitions between the two and gives the reader something to care about in each decade. It's a book filled with heartbreak and stunning revelations. I just can't say enough good things about it!
View all my reviews
