Rachel Carrington's Blog, page 49

In case you forgot, I’m a Who’s Who Today!

I’m been interviewed by Epically Romantic by Ebony Dreams! Great questions, and I’m in the spotlight. Stop by when you get a chance!

I’m a Who’s Who on Wednesday!

On Wednesday, May 2nd, you can find out more about me than you ever really wanted to know at http:/epicallyromanticbyebonydreams.blogspot.com. I’ll be in the the Who’s Who Wednesday Author Spotlight. The questions were different, and I really enjoyed them. Hope you’ll stop by!

New Release With Giveaway

My next book is releasing on May 4th, and it’s the first book in a three book series entitled Vampire Destined. To celebrate the release of Vampire Cursed, I’m giving away a copy (or two). All you have to do is comment and tell me what you like about vampire romances, and I’ll draw names on May 4th for the winners. It’s as easy as that! So let’s get started!

The Lucky One—A Movie Review

So I went to see this movie tonight, and since I’m a sucker for romance, I need to preface this by saying I went even though the critics panned it. I can make up my own mind.

I can sum up that opinion in three words. I loved it.

Is it sappy? A bit, but what’s wrong with a little sap now and again?

Slow-moving? A bit at the beginning, but that doesn’t last very long, and it was only to provide a little set-up for the characters since they had to snip a lot out of the book.

Pure Nicholas Sparks? Absolutely. But in my opinion, this is one of the best movies made from one of Nicholas Sparks’ books. (Even though I loved A Walk to Remember)

And can I just say Zac Efron has grown up so much since Hairspray? He played the part of the damaged Marine perfectly. A little bit mysterious. Always on edge. And just wanting to be loved.

I wasn’t familiar with Taylor Schilling’s work before this, but she lit up the screen with Zac. Whatever critic said they didn’t have chemistry needs a dictionary. The chemistry was palpable.

And Blyte Danner as the grandmother? She was absolutely perfect in that role. Funny. Charming. And the epitome of a loving grandmother who gives advice without being overbearing. She knew what her granddaughter, Beth, needed more than Beth did.

I don’t want to leave out Riley Thomas Stewart who plays eight year old Ben. The kid can act. Had me smiling every scene he was in!

I won’t go into all the details about the storyline as you can find the synopsis on Imdb, but I will say it’s a movie I would definitely watch again. It was worth the $10.

P.S. There is some language and a couple of naughty scenes that really aren’t all that naughty. I still wouldn’t take my kids if I had any.

Parallel (Travelers #1) by Claudia Lefeve Book Review

Parallel by Claudia Lefeve


My rating: 3 of 5 stars

SPOILER ALERT

I’m somewhat torn with this book. I liked the characters and the overall storyline, although it was a bit convoluted at times. What I didn’t like was the ending. In my opinion, even books that are in a series need to be able to stand alone, and this one ends on a cliffhanger.

It’s not always easy writing in first person and letting the reader get a feel of the other characters as well, but Claudia did manage to do that quite well. I really felt like I got to know Etta, especially her sense of humor. There were a few laugh out loud moments.

The story definitely keeps your attention, but I do believe forewarned is forearmed. So just start the book knowing it’s not going to get wrapped up in a pretty bow.





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In the Mirror—A Memoir of Shattered Secrets Review

In the Mirror, A Memoir of Shattered Secrets by Ann Carbine Best


My rating: 5 of 5 stars

This was an open, honest look into one woman’s life, a door to her soul, really. I liked Ann’s style of writing. It was much like reading a journal or diary.

While reading about Ann’s trials, it made me consider my own life, and that’s the mark of a good story told well. Though Ann’s book wasn’t just about a story; it was her life. That made the words leap off the page for me. Such a powerful, poignant tale of love, loss, determination, and faith.





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Two months to Spain

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I'm a little over two months away from leaving for Spain, and the excitement's running high! I just shelled out the money for the plane ticket (and tried not to faint over the price), and now I'm starting to make my lists. It's all very exciting stuff, but I'll admit I'd feel a little better if my Spanish was coming along faster. Next week starts three lessons a week. I won't be fluent by the time I arrive in Madrid (www.aboutmadrid.com), but I'll at least have a working knowledge of the language. If nothing else, I'll know how to say: Ayuda me! (Help me!) LOL

How much fun it is to obtain a passport!

As I've mentioned before, I'm going to Spain in June. I've been out of the country before but only on a cruise ship where a passport isn't needed. So this was my first experience obtaining one. And what an experience it was.

First step-Clerk of Court's office to obtain copies of court order regarding name change.

Take a trip to my hometown state of North Carolina to get certified copies of my birth certificate which involved hotel expenses, rental car expenses, and an eight a.m. appointment in a crowded room on a day so cold it hurt to stand outside for longer than a minute. Vital records keeps my copy of the court order which I thought nothing of…until I review the passport requirements. A copy is required.

So with birth certificate information in hand, I head back home and schedule another trip downtown to obtain another copy of the court order.

Then comes time to schedule an appointment to obtain the passport. Unfortunately, the office I had chosen was no longer open to issuing passports. So I was sent to another agency several more miles away. No appointment necessary. I could walk right in, said a chirpy voice on the phone. So take her at her word and arrive at what I thought was a decent hour. After all, how many people could really be trying to obtain a passport on a Thursday morning. Turns out a lot, and they were ALL in front of me.

Five hours later and several hundred dollars broker, I head out the door with nothing to show for it. Both my passport and the only certified copy of my birth certificate would arrive in the mail weeks later. I nervously watched the plane fares only to see them spike right before my passport arrived.

Knowing my trip was a little over two months away, I decided to go ahead and book to the tune of $1300, and even then, I ended up with seats at the back of the plane. My ever cheerful friend then attempts to make that better by telling me I have a better chance of surviving a plane crash if I'm at the back of the plane. Really? She didn't take into consideration the heart attack that will take me out long before that actually happens.

So anyway, we're at smooth sailing now…I think. Two months away, and I still have luggage to buy, electric adapters, comfortable walking shoes, and….well, you get the picture. And all of this started with a desire to see Spain!!! I'm sure by the time I'm a few weeks away, I'll need a tranquilizer.

Learning Spanish

I have the privilege of going to Spain in June, and I've been taking Spanish lessons since last October. This is not an easy language to learn, let me tell you. I should say, it's not an easy language for me to learn. I've used Live Mocha, Berlitz, and a Private Spanish Teacher which is where I am now. I immerse myself in the language as much as possible, including twice monthly group events, watching Spanish television, and listening to Latin music. And yet, every time someone talks to me in Spanish, I freeze up. So this should be an interesting trip to Spain. I'll be saying a lot of "un momento" to give myself time to think.

The good news is, I now feel like I could include a Spanish-speaking character in one of my stories and make him/her sound authentic. The bad news is, I feel kind of sorry for those who are going to come in contact with my limited skills once I arrive in Spain.

Titanic Love Stories-My Review

Titanic Love Stories by Gill Paul


My rating: 5 of 5 stars

I've always been interested in all things Titanic so when I saw this book, I had to know more about these couples who took that tragic journey.

Gill Paul's insights into the worlds of these honeymooners showcases not only his talent but his knowledge and research about the Titanic.

These stories are heart-breaking, life-affirming, and powerful. It would be impossible to read this book and not be moved. I know I certainly was.





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