Cindy C. Bennett's Blog, page 11

Spring Countdown Blitz - Day 1

Let's start this off with some romantic suspense.Natalie-Nicole Bates is a book reviewer and author.

Her passions in life include books and hockey along with Victorian photography, Frozen Charlotte dolls, and antique poison bottles. Natalie contributes her uncharacteristic love of hockey to being born in Russia.

She currently resides in the UK where she is working on her next book and adding to her collection of 19th century post-mortem photos.
Goodreads : https://www.goodreads.com/Natalie-Nicole
Tsu : https://www.tsu.co/NatalieNicoleBates
Facebook Fan Group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/585466478240251/
Twitter: @BatesNatalie https://twitter.com/BatesNatalie
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/pages/Natalie-Nicole-Bates/352610728138768
Blog: www.natalienicolebates.com
Street Team Sign Up: https://www.facebook.com/groups/441841792565396/
Amazon Author Central Page
http://www.amazon.com/-/e/B0071MP0DC
Saved from a traumatic past and successful in her present as a home care nurse, Josselyn Adler’s dream of home ownership in the idyllic town of Unity are dashed to pieces when Dr Ben Parnell, a cancer specialist, shows up on her doorstep claiming to be the rightful owner of the house—and Ben has a will to prove it!  To Josselyn, the house represents a new start in her life. With a stable home, hopefully a much wanted family wouldn’t be far behind.

After a near career-ending allegation is made, Ben has returned home to lick his wounds. But now he must prove Josselyn’s claim to be a fake, that she used her position as a live-in nurse to his sick father to ingratiate herself into his good graces. But as he gets to know her, he can tell by her shy, often standoffish behavior, that Josselyn is a woman who has been deeply hurt in her past. Although he is attracted to the dark haired beauty that has invaded his life, he is still suspicious of her true motives and her past involvement with his father.
 

Make sure you get your copy today.
http://www.amazon.com/Change-Address-Natalie-Nicole-Bates-ebook/dp/B01C9GB3Z8

 Author Top 10!1.    I was born in Russia.2.    I have lived in three countries – Russia, USA, and United Kingdom
3.    I have a degree in Mortuary Science
4.    My favorite book of all time is Valley of the Dolls
5.    I met my partner while browsing in a museum in London.
6.    I binge watch Judge Judy
7.    My favorite vacation spot is Majorca
8.    I almost bought a fixer-upper house in Bulgaria off the internet on impulse.
9.    I’m about 90% vegetarian (because there is always that occasional trip to McDonalds)
10.    I’m a total night owl.

 Here are a few fun author questions.
1.    Which did you find more difficult: writing the book or marketing it? Why?Marketing the book. There is so much competition out there to be noticed, and what might have worked with one book won’t necessarily work with the next.
2.    What is the best advice you received growing up?
Stick to what I believe in and not let anyone try to change my way of thinking.

Check out all the great blogs that are a part of this event by following along on the Facebook page.https://www.facebook.com/events/1142142815825785/


a Rafflecopter giveaway

Changes of the Heart

A coincidence is God’s way of staying anonymous.
Buying the 1920s farmhouse south of Phoenix, where the rumors of John Dillinger’s gang hid out in the 30s, is supposed to be Grace Evanheart’s way of escaping an old romance. When she finds an ancient diary with a map under the bedroom’s floorboard, the rumors solidify into fact. She doesn’t know who to trust with the news; Micah Stevens, the handsome deputy and the great grandson of the original landowners with whom she’s attracted, or Jerry, the young historian who seems too intent on learning about her new home?Micah seems convinced their paths cross exactly at the right time and in the right place for them to fall in love. Now he just has to convince Grace of the same thing before suspicions of his real motive have her running again.          


"Debra lives in Southwest Arizona, and has been married to Mike for 36 years. She's the mother of two awesome sons, who married their forever loves, and she's a grandmother to three beautiful grandchildren with one more on the way.
Debra wrote her first novella thirteen years ago just for grins. That brief taste into the world of an author started an undeniable writing obsession rivaling only her love of chocolate. She's an award-winning fine artist, and loves traveling with her husband."

Connect with the Author:
                  


Snippet: Micah leaned his hip against the cabinet, tucking his thumbs into his pockets. “Why don’t you have a boyfriend?”Heat filled my face at his assumption. I opened the freezer compartment and looked inside. “What makes you think I don’t?” Two empty ice trays sat on a small shelf. I grabbed them so I could hide my embarrassment. I felt unworthy of love. Being dumped by David had been hard on my ego.“It doesn’t really make sense because you’re so pretty, but if you’d had one, he would be here helping you instead of me.” Even his compliment couldn’t cool the heat of the blush in my face. I twisted the cold-water faucet open, holding the tray beneath the stream, and listened to the clanking and groaning the pipes produced along with the water. “Why don’t I have a boyfriend? Huh, I guess you’d have to ask my ex-boyfriend that question. He . . . sort of . . .”I took a deep breath, set the tray down in the sink and turned to look directly into Micah’s face. I hadn’t said it out loud since that night back in the apartment, when I’d poured my heart out to Chelsea, and I was curious to see Micah’s reaction. “He dumped me.” His brows went up marginally, and his eyes studied my face. He must have been looking for the hidden warts. “No, I don’t know why,” I said to his unasked question. “But it could possibly be because he didn’t want any deeper commitment than a girlfriend, and I was ready for more.”I paced across the kitchen floor, the heels of my boots thudding like a hammer with every step. “We were together for two years, and suddenly he just wanted to be friends.” I turned and walked in the other direction. The kitchen wasn’t that big. “When a man says those words to a woman, the woman knows he doesn’t actually want to be friends.” I turned and marched back the other way. “We know what it means.”“What does it mean?” Micah’s voice was quiet and gentle.“That . . . that he never loved me.” I guessed at where the kitchen door was. I couldn’t see it through the stupid, self-pitying tears filling my eyes, blinding me. As I rushed outside I said, “I want to bring in the stove next.”

To view our blog schedule and follow along with this tour visit our Official Event page 



a Rafflecopter giveaway

Saturday's Warrior

I was invited to attend the premier for the remake of Saturday's Warrior, the new motion picture based on a college project in 1973 by Lex de Azevedo and Douglas Stewart. It was later made into a direct to video film in 1989, which is the version I knew as a young woman. I've always loved the story of the prodigal son returning home, and the music has always been amazing to me. So when I heard they were making the story into a film, I was pretty excited. The film opened today in select theaters. (My review below)


Official Blurb: Set in the turbulent 1970s, SATURDAY'S WARRIOR explores the age-old questions of “Where do I come from?” and “Why am I here?” Centered on twins Jimmy and Pam Flinders, the musical begins with a group of spirits making promises to each other before coming to live on Earth. However, with those promises forgotten, Jimmy, Pam and all the others find themselves on very different paths once on Earth. Jimmy (Kenny Holland) loses himself seeking stardom, and struggles with his faith, his identity, and his relationship with his family. Devastating tragedy strikes Pam, (Anna Daines) and her family. But will this devastation destroy Jimmy or help him rediscover who he really is? And what of the others? Will their promises be kept or be forever forgotten?

My review: I have to admit that I was nervous about the film. The original 1989 video is cheesy, but it's meant to be - that's half its charm. However, I didn't want the film to be cheesy, I wanted it to capture the essence of the original while being updated enough to feel relevant. Not that a prodigal son or a family is irrelevant in today's world, just that people are more cynical now than they were in the late 80's and so it needs a certain amount of edge to have mass appeal.
My stomach sank at the opening scenes. The first 20 minutes were cheesy, and I felt my hope for a great update slip away. And then something happened - the film's heart came to the surface. In a few places, lead actor Kenny Holland's baby-face made it difficult to buy the idea of him as a hardened rebel. But his amazing voice and the emotion that he conveyed when conflicted or sorrowful made up for that small flaw. 
I will say the film is filled with beautiful, talented young actors, so whoever was in charge of casting did an amazing job.
I was more compelled by Todd's journey than Jimmy's, but still found myself tearing up a few times (which, as anyone who knows me will tell you, I rarely do). When his father races up the hill to embrace his son, the mom in me could completely understand and I felt the emotions to my core, especially when the rest of the family surrounded him, completely forgiving him for everything. I so understand that kind of forgiveness and love.
I am a bit stumped by the filmmakers' decision to keep the story set in its original 1972 time frame. Why? Seriously, the music, I feel, is timeless enough to be set in any time period - and of course it's amazing music; clearly Lex de Azevedo has always had the immense talent we know today. It felt a little too Partridge Family to me, and in fact, the movie makes a joke about that. If you're attempting to bring this movie to a new generation, why have it set during a period that's not only long before their time, but is also not that interesting of an era? Why not make the movie contemporary so that young adults and teens can relate to the characters? So for me, that's the biggest flaw in the movie and I was disappointed by that.
Overall I really liked it. If you're a fan of the original, you're going to love it. If you haven't seen the original, give it a chance. Get past the initial cheese and wait for the meat of the movie. The payoff is worth it. Also, watch for the joke with the clocks in the opening scenes. I don't want to give it away, but I don't want you to miss it either.
You can follow the film's Facebook page here and discover where it's playing here.
Just for fun, here's the cover of the 1989 video.

Fighting for Control

"For Nikko “The Bull” Del Toro, an ex-marine turned MMA fighter, only two things quiet the demons raging inside him—facing an opponent in the cage…and  the memory of his hottest one-night stand. But when his PTSD resurfaces, causing him to lose control at a CFA press party, it’s his career that may be KO’d.
Dr. Violet Summers is stunned to discover her newest patient is the man who rocked her world—and put her heart in a clinch after her nasty divorce. She’s determined to delve deep into the darkness that haunts him and to keep all further encounters strictly professional.
Nikko doesn’t want a shrink. What he needs is Violet. With the memory of their passion blazing between them, it’s only a matter of time before they give in to desire. Can Violet help save this surly fighter from his own personal nightmare? Or will he forfeit his career and his last chance at love?


Grab your copy today!http://www.amazon.com/Fighting-Control-Against-Cage-Book-ebook/dp/B017182AR4/


Melynda Price is a multi-published author of contemporary and paranormal romance. What Price enjoys most about writing is the chance to make her readers fall in love, over and over again. She cites the greatest challenge of writing is making the unbelievable believable, while taking her characters to the limit with stories full of passion and unique twists and turns. Salting stories with undertones of history whenever possible, Price adds immeasurable depth to amazingly well-crafted books.

She currently lives in Northern Minnesota with her husband and two children where she has plenty of snow-filled days to curl up in front of the fireplace with her Chihuahua and a hot cup of coffee to write.
https://www.facebook.com/melynda.price.9https://twitter.com/MelyndaPrice1https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/5784515.Melynda_Price



Check out all the great blogs that are a part of this event by following along on the Facebook page.https://www.facebook.com/events/1676186942648751/


a Rafflecopter giveaway

Cover Reveal: Out of the Mists of Darkness

This book is an inspirational piece of work. It includes real stories of people, who have personally overcome and lived through abuse. It shares hope and a light for all in the darkness of this increasing devastation. There is a light and this book could be your grasp to the light.

Teya Peck's most recent accomplishment started in the summer of 2015. Making her dad’s dream come true with publishing his works as well, as an emotional accomplishment. She is the 2016 local A.N.W.A. chapter (Snake River Writers) president, won NaNoWriMo and loves StoryMakers.Teya has been writing for as long as she can remember. At a young age she lived on a street she affectionately named Hill Street Blues, which helped her creative writing. Her Family moved to Menan where she continued her love of writing. Her father would always be and will continue to be her inspiration, even after his untimely death in 2006.She loves sitting in her soft chair next to the fireplace and watching out a big living room window. It gives her plenty of creative juice for stories.She met the love of her life in the loft of a barn. Yep, that set up some teasing from her father. They have been happily married since 2003. They have four children and all are loving and supportive of her writing.  Her oldest daughter is following in her footsteps as a writer adding her own illustrations. She refuses to comment on the trolls in the closets and under the beds. She is active in her church, has compassion for others, and a love for all life brings.
Check out her pages:http://teyapeck.wix.com/teyapeck  (sign up for my newsletter on my website and receive my poetry book free)https://www.facebook.com/teyasbooks/



Snippet: Lying in the darkness, tears streaming down my face, I clung desperately to the blanket pulled to my chin, my only protection in the world—or so I thought. Could I do this any longer? Would there be no end to the darkness?How could I get out? The answer came readily—I couldn’t. I had to face this darkness, and I thought I had to face it alone. What I didn’t realize was that I wasn’t alone, nor would I ever be alone. I just had to find the light within the darkness of my life.  
      I had to fight. I had to protect myself, and I had to find any strength there was to find, but it would not be easy.
     This is the journey I took to find the light and the strength to go on. How long that would take and what I would have to go through before I found that light and strength, I did not know. 


Check out all the great blogs that are a part of this event by following along on the Facebook page.https://www.facebook.com/events/525512170968778/ 

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Saving Sarah May

Losing everything doesn’t mean you can’t start over again. 

Adventurous Sarah May had everything, the perfect job, the perfect house, the perfect future. But when the love of her life is killed in Iraq, it plummets her entire world into darkness. Emily Frost never imagined an end to her abusive marriage. Now divorced, living with her mother, and raising her daughter, she vowed never again to give her heart to anyone. Food critic Kate Berkhill has jumped from bad relationship to bad relationship, and after her boyfriend dumps her for her sister, she’s decided to give up on men altogether. For three friends, a trip to Ireland seemed like the idyllic, carefree break from their troubled lives. Instead, the emerald isle forces each of them to face her demons head on, to discover herself, find healing, and possibly new love. 





~ Amazon ~ Barnes and Noble ~ Smashwords ~


S. J. Reisner began writing at the age of ten and never stopped. Because she loves to read everything, picking a genre didn’t come easy. This is why she has four different pen names and writes everything from non-fiction to horror to contemporary romance. Her non-fiction and erotic romances have been bestsellers on Barnes & Noble and Amazon.  Under S. J. Reisner she writes general fiction, contemporary romances, adventure fantasy, and YA paranormal stories. This is her first published contemporary romance novel.  When she’s not writing you can find her herding cats, wrangling vegetables in the garden, or engaging in one of her many hobbies. She lives along the front range of the Rocky Mountains with her husband and two rescue cats. To learn more visit www.sjreisner.com
      ~  Author Site  ~

Fun Facts about Saving Sarah May
1. The fictional town in Saving Sarah May was based on a real town that I stayed in when I was in Ireland.2. Figuring out what the characters ate sometimes took longer than writing the actual scene. I know, I know, you wouldn't think scones require hours of research, printing recipes, baking, eating, but it just sounded so delicious! 3. The idea for this story came to me in a dream while I was on vacation in New England.4. My editors loved the story so much they ganged up on me and told me I needed to write Emily and Kate's stories, too.5. I often joke that this book is my homage to late Irish novelist, Maeve Binchy, whose work I love.6. This is the first contemporary romance novel I've written, even though I have ten other novels, numerous novellas and short stories published.7. My theme song for this book was a cover of Taylor Swift's Blank Space done by the band I Prevail. (Hey, it's only fair I share why I won't share my playlist, that way you can all look it up for yourselves.)8. When I initially pitched this book to my editor, I didn't have the plot worked out, so it came out something like, "So there are these three friends who have had really bad relationships and problems. One of them, her fiance died horribly. They go to Ireland and  find healing and love." And that's literally all I could tell her. I call it my worst. pitch. ever.  9. I used to ride horses a lot, and my first trip to Ireland was a tour on horseback through Western Ireland. That's where Sarah's love of riding comes from.10. I had to give my family some props in the book. Enter castle O’Conghaile. My maiden name is Connolly and my Irish ancestors (who were actually quite British according to family DNA tests) are from Co. Galway.   11. BONUS FACT - This is the third book I've written set in Ireland. My Castle Sedgebrook series (erotic Paranormal Romance) as Anne O'Connell is set in Ireland, too.

To view our blog schedule and follow along with this tour visit our Official Event page 


There are TWO giveaways this time around and TWO chances to win prizes!http://sjreisner.com/about-me/enter-a-giveaway/     a Rafflecopter giveaway

Rachel McClellan: Escape to Eden

Run now!
When seventeen-year-old Sage wakes up in a hospital with no memories, her only clue is the words written on her hand. With a deadly disease threatening to wipe out mankind, Sage must find out who she is and why most people would kill to get their hands on her--before it's too late. This fast-paced, futuristic thriller is a spine-tingling read!


                   


Rachel McClellan was born and raised in Idaho, a place secretly known for its supernatural creatures. When she's not in her writing lair, she's partying with her husband and four crazy, yet lovable, children. Rachel's love for storytelling began as a child when the moon first possessed the night. For when the lights went out, her imagination painted a whole new world. And what a scary world it was... 


           

Make sure to read my interview of Rachel, and read an excerpt from the book below.Review: Just wow. Rachel is such a gifted writer and I've never yet been disappointed by any of her books. This one in not only no exception, it actually really excels. I love the world she's created, with the all-too-human desire to be perfect which has gone awry. Sage is a great heroine, and Colt is a perfectly flawed hero. You seriously need to read this book. I can't wait for the next installment to find out what happens next to these "originals" (you'll have to read it to really understand that). Highly recommended.


What was your inspiration for this particular book? I wanted to write a book about humanity and how important the relationships are with people in our lives. I also wanted this theme to be expressed in a future world where man has been made to be “perfect” when nothing could be further from the truth.I love that since the idea of creating a "perfect human" seems crazy. We're perfect in our imperfections. What is your favorite part of this book? I personally love the scene where Sage is with Colt and has to do something to him to save his life. It’s pretty cruel, but it’s the only way she can protect him.Yeah, I agree with that. Is there anything in the finished manuscript you would change? Yikes! Tough question. Nothing I’ve noticed yet, but I’ve found with every one of my novels that after it’s been out for awhile, and I re-read it, there is always something I which I would’ve changed. I’m sure this novel will be no different. I know what you mean. I don't think I have a single book I've written I wouldn't like to change at least one thing in. As you know, you're one of my favorite authors. Of all the books you've written, which one would you call your favorite? If you can't name a favorite, which one did you enjoy writing the most? First, thanks for the compliment! Second, what’s with all the tough questions? :) I think The Devil’s Angel is my most favorite of all, but I had the most fun writing this book [Escape to Eden] because it’s so fast paced. It played out like a movie in my mind. Though I love all of your books - seriously - I would probably list Fractured Light as my favorite. Still, that doesn't detract from my love of all of them. I just flat out think you're a fantastic writer. Outside of writing, what's your favorite activity or hobby? I love playing volleyball, racquetball or really any sport. I'm so completely uncoordinated that I avoid sports myself, so good on you that you enjoy them. So, what is Rachel McClellan's biggest pet peeve? I’m a pretty laid back person so not much bugs me, but I really hate commercials. Like really hate them. The TV is always muted during them. This is a recent pet peeve, probably because my kids are loud enough so I don’t need the added noise.Did you know commercials are purposely played at a higher volume than whatever show you're watching? Crazy. I don't mute them, but I've learned to tune them out. Anything else you wish to let your readers know or tell them about? This book is the beginning of a trilogy. I’m wrapping up the second book now, and I can’t tell you how excited I am about this series! It’s a page-turner for sure! Yes, I agree! It was hard to stop reading when I had to. I can't wait to see what comes next. Below is an excerpt from the book. You'll have to read the book yourself to find out what happens to Anthony! And don't forget to enter the giveaway at the bottom.
Excerpt "Stop!" a man shouts. He runs towards us. Two more appear behind him. Jenna reaches a hand down. "Grab it!" Colt takes hold and she easily lifts him out. They are all so strong."Go up, Sage,” Anthony says. “I've got these guys.”He's holding the same dagger I'd had in my hand earlier. "I'm not leaving you alone," I say."Three guys is nothing. I'll be fine. Go." I look up toward where my brother sits waiting for me and then back at Anthony."Stop right there and we'll let you live," a guard says. He has a single spike sticking out of his otherwise bald head."Don't listen to him Sage," Anthony says. "You're too valuable. Just go before they capture Max again."This makes me move. I scramble up the ladder. When I'm at the top, I shout down, "Come on! You can make it."He stares up at me through the narrow opening and smiles. "Change the world," he says just as an invisible blast knocks him to the ground. 

To view our blog schedule and follow along with this tour visit our Official Event page 



a Rafflecopter giveaway

Valentine's Book Blitz Day 12

 


Former Navy SEAL Jake Williams is the newly appointed head of a task force assigned to rescue a kidnapped American diplomat. Their only hope is Mya Amari, the daughter of a notorious Algerian hostage negotiator, but she is full of secrets and complications–something Jake takes as a personal challenge. As they grow closer, the threat to the mission escalates and time runs out for the hostages. Can Jake unravel the web of deception to save them all without getting caught in the crossfire?

Mya Amari has been in hiding nearly her entire life to escape her father’s enemies. But when her sister is kidnapped along with an American diplomat, she’ll do anything to bring her home–including walking into the enemy’s lair. She doesn’t trust anyone, especially the too-handsome-for-his-own-good Commander Williams, but when all her careful plans explode out of control, he’s the only one she can turn to with the truth about her family. Is it too little, too late? 


        


Julie Coulter Bellon is the author of more than a dozen romantic suspense novels. Her book All Fall Down won the RONE award for Best Suspense and Pocket Full of Posies won a RONE Honorable Mention for Best Suspense.

Julie loves to travel and her favorite cities she's visited so far are probably Athens, Paris, Ottawa, and London. She loves to read, write, teach, watch Castle, Hawaii Five-O, and eat Canadian chocolate. Not necessarily in that order.

Julie offers writing and publishing tips as well as her take on life on her blog ldswritermom.blogspot.com You can also find out about all her upcoming projects at her website juliebellon.com 

Author Newsletter http://eepurl.com/g48Pz

Facts About the Author:
When I am not writing I like to read, play board games with the family, (our new favorite is Sheriff of Nottingham), or watch Castle.

2. I am working on the second book in my Griffin Force series called The Captain and it should be released in May 2016. Connect with the Author:

     

       


Snippet #2
He was looking out the kitchen window when Mya came in. He could see her out of the corner of his eye, standing in the doorway, watching him. She looked undecided, as if she wanted to come in, but didn’t know if she should. “Is everything okay?” he asked finally, turning his face toward her.“Yeah.” But she still didn’t sound sure.He moved to the table and motioned her toward it. “Looks like a pretty quiet neighborhood. I don’t think we have anything to worry about.”“That’s what I thought about the last place.” She shuddered slightly. “Watching those gunmen through that camera made me feel so helpless. I thought they were going to kill them, then come for us.” Her voice trailed off.  “I’ve lost so many people in my life.”The vulnerability in her voice was unmistakable, the longing for connection. Jake saw himself in her statement, their similar losses forging an emotional bond he’d never felt with anyone else.  He put his hand on hers, needing to touch her. “You won’t lose me.” The attraction that had been simmering between them flared to life. He lifted her hand, letting his thumb run over her knuckles. “I promise.”  She sucked in a breath, unable to keep her eyes off him as he flipped her hand over palm up and pulled it to his mouth, kissing the inside of her wrist. “Jake,” she whispered, leaning close. He lifted his hand to cup her face and she nestled her cheek against it. 


Check out all the great blogs that are a part of this event by following along on the Facebook page.


a Rafflecopter giveaway

Valentine's Book Blitz Day 11

Julianne Kelsch is an author and freelance writer who picked up the pen after the birth of her second child. A mother of four, she believes words have a special kind of magic all their own. With a word you can open the heart or break the soul; you can breathe life into love or distinguish the final flame. For her, reading is a place to experience worlds unseen and lives never lived; writing is the place to create them. 


https://www.facebook.com/julianne.author/
www.whereshadowsdwell.com
https://twitter.com/Juliek222
https://www.pinterest.com/julianne_kelsch/
 

For Lily Frost, love is a double edged sword. She craves it, she needs it, but the asking price for love may be her life.
After her mother's apparent suicide, Lily receives a terrible warning: leave California or run the risk of death. Afraid for her life, she flees. Her only hope for safety lies with her father, a man who abandoned her when she was five. But while she searches for him, she discovers love and safety in the arms of James Prescott.
James is a man tormented by his mother's unsolved murder. More than anything he wants to see her killer lifeless, lying in a shallow grave. When Lily enters his life, he realizes that he hasn't been living. Lily shines for him, a light that finally pierces the darkness. For the first time in years, he feels hope. Their relationship blossoms and Lily discovers that she is worthy of love. However, she soon realizes that the safety she craves and the love she's found may be short lived.
The past James carries and the life Lily left behind collide, throwing the couple into the path of the murderer. Secrets long buried come to surface and threaten to destroy everything. Will they face their demons together or will they let the past tear them apart?







1. For my tenth anniversary I went to Jamaica and renewed my wedding vows; it was glorious!2. I hate being cold so I wear fuzzy slippers all winter. This year's model makes me look like the abominable snowman.3. I teach piano lessons (and I have no patience) - I'm still not sure how that works.  4. The wall behind my bed is painted to look like an ocean sunset. It would probably throw most designers into a tailspin, but I love it. 5. I spent a lot of my childhood reading and devoured everything I could. When I was eleven I decided the vital components of every novel included: suspense, drama, action, comedy, and romance. When I started writing I cut out comedy because, to be frank, I'm just not funny.6. My husband tells me I'm like a fine wine - I get better with age. I'm grateful for this because I haven't figured out what he saw in me in the first place. 7. I believe words have a special kind of magic. Many wonderful souls penned beautiful words that impacted my life. Some of them caused me to think in a different way, some of them gave me joy, many of them just made me smile, and some of them I escaped into. I hope in some way I can return the favor. 8. When I was growing up I always wanted the kind of love I read about in my novels. It didn't happen overnight, but I never lost that dream; I realized recently that I have the kind of love I read about in my novels, but it took me years to see it. I'm grateful my eyes finally opened. 9. I am well versed in the language of sarcasm. 10. I dream about having an office filled with geeky stuff. I can see it all in my head - posters of my favorite stories and characters line the walls, lego sets of Lord of the Rings or the Disney princess castles are set strategically on shelves and desks; somewhere near the office is a library, and I'll probably have costumes designed to match the characters I love. I'm a kid at heart, operating as an adult, always looking to embrace the child inside. Right now I embrace these things covertly (jewelry is a great way to express my geekiness without overdoing it), but someday I'll have my office. 
Check out all the great blogs that are a part of this event by following along on the Facebook page.https://www.facebook.com/events/564215317070627/
a Rafflecopter giveaway

Notice: Valentines Day Cancelled Due to Cruelty!

I am hereby giving notice that Valentine's Day has been cancelled - at least for me. From here on out, February 14th will simple be the day after February 13th and the day before February 15th. It will hereafter be referred to a V-day (Vengeful day or Venom day or Vicious day, take your pick).

I've come to the conclusion that V-day is actually a cruel holiday, and not just for the single people. Here's why.

If one is single, it seems to be a day that is nothing more than a reminder that they're alone. It's a day to say


If in a relationship, there's still an intense amount of pressure that comes with V-day. How to plan the perfectly romantic evening, and how to buy the perfectly romantic gift puts undue stress on a person. 

Notice that all commercials and gifts are geared toward what to buy her. She doesn't really want flowers that are going to wilt and die in a few days, or candy which she thinks will make her fat. Which leaves jewelry, and so now one has to decide which jewelry is appropriate that won't either be too meaningful (I don't want to marry you just yet), or too casual (but I do love you). And then hope like heck that she likes the jewelry!And what is she supposed to buy for him? He definitely doesn't want any of those three things (okay, maybe the candy). So then what? If in an intimate relationship one can always buy lingerie to wear for him (because really, what man doesn't like that?). However, if the relationship hasn't progressed to that point, then what?
Are you starting to see the cruelty of V-day?
So I hereby renounce V-day! I will support Galentine's Day (a day for you and your gals to hang out and celebrate one another without the above pressures and expectations). Or Guylentine's Day (the same thing for guys). And I will also support your decision to continue to celebrate V-day with your own lover. 
Because that's what's so great about life, getting to make your own decisions that are right for you and not trying to impose your thoughts or decisions on someone else. 
So for those who will celebrate, Happy V-day! And for those who, like me, have given it up, have a happy February 14th!