Tara Chevrestt's Blog, page 124

NEW BOOK: Style Me Sexy

Today's not only my tenth wedding anniversary, but the release of Style Me Sexy. So I'm having a double celebration!


Eleven years ago (we dated one year to the day we had our first date) I met a man who made me and still makes me feel sexy. Here's to hoping Bridget does too.


Bridget isn't beautiful. At least she doesn't think so. Besides, her ex always told her she wasn't. And she believes him. So when an online romance leads to a blind date, she heads to the salon for a makeover stat.She's dismayed to discover that her usual stylist isn't available, and she has no choice but to let a man do her hair. Nervousness turns into sexual awareness as the sexy Javier buries his fingers in her tresses.Javier has been aware of the timid but kind woman for some time and vows to make her see that she's beautiful on the outside as well as on the inside. Will he succeed in keeping his own feelings at bay and style her sexy?Excerpt:Bridget was grateful to get out from the under the hairdryer. Not only were her eyes beginning to water and tear, but she was looking forward to having Javier wash her hair, to have his soapy fingers massaging her scalp and oh to be at eye level with… Oh, my gawd. He’s gay. He’s not going to want you looking at his… oh, what does it matter? Looking isn’t the same as touching.
She followed him to the sinks and sat in the chair he beckoned her to. He placed a rolled up towel behind her neck before she rested it on the hard edge of the sink. He’s considerate.Deborah never did that. I always had a crick in my neck after washing…
She closed her eyes as the warm water cascaded over her hair. His fingers soon followed, pulling the foil from around the strands, caressing her mane as it fell into the sink. His attentions caused goose bumps to rise all over her body. She felt her nipples harden into little peaks beneath her bra.
Finally, the foil was removed from her hair, and his hands delved deep into her newly highlighted tresses. Oh, yeah. That feels so good. Some sprinkles of water fell onto her face when he rinsed the shampoo from her hair, but she barely noticed. She was noticing wetness growing elsewhere and not for the first time, was glad to be wearing the cape.
Javier, however, did notice the water on her face, for he gently dabbed at the drops around her eyelids with a towel. She opened her eyes, and they sought and met his. It felt like an eternity, but it was only a few minutes. They simply gazed at each other, and Bridget silently prayed that he didn’t notice the increase in her breaths. She tried to take short, measured inhalations, but it was hard to breathe at all with his eyes on hers, with his hands buried in her hair, with the knowledge that should she turn her head just a bit to the left, she would be eye level with his plumbing, and oh, she so wanted to look. How utterly and deliciously naughty.
Available on Amazon

Pagan Writers Press Anniversary Party - Etsy Shop Sponsors Giveaway

Post by Pagan Writer, Laura DeLuca: Whether you're a writer, and actor, a musician or a jewelry designer, its all a form of art. One of the most wonderful experiences I've had as an author is the outpouring of support from all different types of artists. I have befriended tons of other writers but also actors who are ready to signed on for the lead roles, musicians who are writing the score, but most especially, artisans who have come up with beautiful, original designs inspired by my work. Two of my most loyal supporters have been The Sisters Elemental and The Whimsical Pixie. From bath salts to complete altar sets, these two companies have been backing me since the very beginning. They have even sponsored a few products with other authors at Pagan Writers Press. They are already working on products to go along with Hyde, and I'm not even not writing it yet! When the girls heard about the Pagan Writers Press Birthday Bash, they couldn't wait to sign to sponsor some giveaways. The Whimsical Pixie even introduced me to yet another Etsy shop called S. Marie Essentials, who is excited to join the rank of supporters. Here is a little  info on each company, and the fabulous prizes they are adding to the party. 

The Whimsical Pixie The Whimsical Pixie offers an array of unique hand crafted items for the altar, home and garden for practicing pagans and the whimsical at heart. New for Spring, The Whimsical Pixie has Sabbat kits, ritual kits and more to enhance your celebrations. She is offering two wonderful prizes to help you get ready for Yule!

Triskele Tree Yule CardsSend friends and family yuletide cheer with this panel card showcasing a holiday tree comprised of triskeles. The message on the back reads simply “Merry Yule” leaving plenty of room for a personalized message.

These panel cards were designed exclusively for The Whimsical Pixie. The artwork was created by award winning graphic designer, A. Carney; holiday greetings written by this Pixie. They are offset print on thick 14 point paper with a glossy front and an uncoated, writable back side. They measure 5x7” and are perfect for framing. Envelopes are included and the set comes packaged in a clear, re-sealable cello bag.   Yule OrnamentThis unusual ornament makes a great hostess or housewarming gift. Wishing you and yours a wonderful Solstice celebration...Merry Yule.

Translated millefiori literally means a thousand flowers. Polymer clay is used to fabricate “canes” of different designs; the cane can be reduced in size yet the design of the cane remains the same throughout. Thin slices are then taken from the cane and laid individually on an object to create something truly unique and beautiful. All polymer clay canes are made by me.
The Sisters Elemental
The Sisters Elemental offer natural luxury bath salts, cold process soaps, hand and body lotions, and other spiritual & inspirational tools to help you connect to the Universe. They hope you enjoy them as much as they enjoy creating them! Much love and light to you and yours, ~*Earth*~, ~*Fire*~, and ~*Water*~   Morrigan's Enchantment Bath Salts Commissioned by Laura DeLuca to make something that will pull you in to the world of Morrigan, the main character of her to-be-released book Morrigan, we think that this combination will bring you to her world. A mixture of Dragon's Blood, Cypress, and Sweet Orange essential oils with an accent of Hibiscus petals will leave you feeling blessed by the goddess and wrapped in magick. Created by ~*Fire*~

Faerie Oracle Reading, Three Card
Made by Brian Froud, these Faerie Oracle cards are have an energy all of their own and can be very informative. Sometimes playful, the faeries will give a round-about answer to questions. 


S. Marie Essentials The silver and silver plate beads (kind of a Yin Yang look to the earrings).  The Snowflake Obsidian is black with light patches that resemble snowflakes.   Snowflake Obsidian can enable one to persevere, gaining insight and attune to spiritual guidance/communication.  It brings wisdom, peace of mind and balance for the body, mind and spirit.  Chakra:  Root and Third Eye

The earrings are 2"long from the connection at the sterling silver ear wire. Retail price $14.95. 
The bracelet will fit a wrist size 6-7".  Retail price $14.95 So there you have it! We have five different prizes available, and each one will go to a different winner! Winners will be chosen at random and awarded in the order listed. This giveaway is open to the US and Canada only and will end on 10/31/12. To enter just fill out the rafflecopter form below.a Rafflecopter giveaway

GIVEAWAY & Strong is Sexy Heroine of the Week: Joy Courtland

Book: Lone Star Joy
Author: Kathleen Ball
Heroine: Joy Courtland


In my latest release, Lone Star Joy, my character Joy Courtland amazes me. When she was fourteen her father and brother talked her into taking the fall for the death of her step-mother. They convinced her to put her fingerprints on the knife and to put her footsteps in the blood, leaving a trail to her room. They made her believe that she was helping her brother. He’d get the death penalty while Joy would only go to juvie.Joy loved her brother, and made the sacrifice for him. Unfortunately, she was tried, and convicted as an adult, and she was immediately sent to prison. She quickly learned the rules, keep your back to the wall, keep your mouth shut, and make sure you have eyes in the back of your head. She fought off numerous attacks.
After eight years, she finally got a break and was sent to a work release program working with horses. Unfortunately, the program only allowed nonviolent males.
Joy’s hard exterior hides a very insecure young woman that had to grow up too soon.  She had to harden her heart, and wall off all feelings. Her greatest strength is her willingness to love and be loved. To her it is the biggest risk she had ever taken. She finds that her scars are sexy and considered badges of survival.

Excerpt:                "Shhh. Don't talk." Stamos captured her mouth with his in a bold, passion filled kiss.Joy opened her mouth to him. His warm tongue darted in and out of her mouth, making her feel a sense of excitement. Matching her tongue to his, she heard him moan. Stamos trailed kisses down her neck, causing her to shiver. She gasped as one hand made its way under her tee shirt and she froze, capturing his hand with hers."Don't. You already know how ugly my chest is," she pleaded as her eyelashes became spiked with tears.Stamos stayed perfectly still, looking at her. "Oh, Joy, there is not one single part of you that is ugly.""But my scars.""Battle scars. You survived each knife wound. It's a blessing, Joy."Taking a shaky breath, Joy nodded and let go of his hand. It surprised her that he didn't pull off her top. Stamos started kissing her again, stoking her passion.Before she knew it, her top and bra were off. Looking at his face as he gazed at her chest floored her. The look of appreciation on his face was unsettling. It also made her feel beautiful for the first time in years.

Blurb:
Sexy, Cowboy, Stamos Walker runs a work release program for nonviolent male prisoners. When Joy Courtland shows up on his doorstep, he assumes she's the nanny. He hands her his son and rushes out to work.

Joy, a convicted felon, bonds with little Dillon immediately. Stamos isn't happy when he returns and finds out Joy is not the nanny.

While trying to get Joy back to prison through the proper channels, Stamos realizes Joy is not a killer. He doesn't want her to go back to prison. Stamos is willing to try everything he can to keep Joy safe even if it means marriage.

Buy here

Mrs. Ball is giving away an ebook of Lone Star Joy so you can find out just how strong and sexy Joy is for yourself. Just leave a comment on this post.  Author will choose winner at the end of the day. Be sure to leave your email addy.

Pagan Writers Press Anniversary - Phantom Prize Pack Giveaway

It's day three of the Pagan Writers Press Anniversary party and today's prize in sponsored by Laura DeLuca, author of Phantom.  The prize pack includes a signed copy of the book, incense, incense holder, geode, crystal points and sterling silver pentacle. This giveaway is open worldwide.  Giveaway will end on 10/31/12. To enter, just fill out the giveaway form below.

http://www.rafflecopter.com/rafl/display/bdb287466/" rel="nofollow">a Rafflecopter giveaway



Where to purchase the book :Amazon (paperback, Kindle)Barnes and Noble (paperback, NOOK book) Smashwords



 Synopsis:

The “Phantom” was a musical phenomenon that Rebecca had always found enchanting. She had no idea that her life was about to mirror the play that was her obsession. When her high school drama club chooses “Phantom” as their annual production, Rebecca finds herself in the middle of an unlikely love triangle and the target of a sadistic stalker who uses the lines from the play as their calling card.

Rebecca lands the lead role of Christine, the opera diva, and like her character, she is torn between her two co-stars—Tom the surfer and basketball star who plays the lovable hero, and Justyn, the strangely appealing Goth who is more than realistic in the role of the tortured artist.

Almost immediately after casting, strange things start to happen both on and off the stage. Curtains fall. Mirrors are shattered. People are hurt in true phantom style. They all seem like accidents until Rebecca receives notes and phone calls that hint at something more sinister. Is Justyn bringing to life the twisted character of the phantom? Or in real life are the roles of the hero and the villain reversed? Rebecca doesn’t know who to trust, but she knows she’s running out of time as she gets closer and closer to opening night. Only when the mask is stripped away, will the twenty first century phantom finally be revealed.



Laura “Luna” DeLuca lives at the beautiful Jersey shore with her husband and four children. She loves writing in the young adult genre because it keeps her young at heart.  In addition to writing fiction, Laura is also the sole author of a popular review blog called New Age Mama. She is an active member of her local pagan community, and has been studying Wicca for close to eight years.  Her current works include Destiny, Destiny Unveiled, Phantom, and Morrigan.

Connect with Laura

Face Book
Twitter
Goodreads

Wish Me Luck: Discovering Old TV Shows

Let's talk strong is sexy...on TV. What are some TV shows that had strong and sexy heroines?

I recently discovered Netflix. I found a ton of movies and TV shows featuring strong women in all kinds of different situations.

One is a TV series called Wish Me Luck. England. The show ran from 1988 to 1990. It's about two different women from different situations, walks of life who end up together as spies in occupied France.

Come to find out, much of the first two episodes were based on the autobiography of real life agent, Nancy Wake.

Episode one shows us what led them to the agency in the first place, tells us their backgrounds, and shows us some of their training. The costumes and scenery (and motorcycles) are impeccable. The screen itself has that look that screams 80s, but I refer to the quality and color of the screen, not the show itself.

Meet Liz and Matty. Liz is married (hubby is gone) with a young daughter. Matty is half French/half English/half Jewish. Both have a background in France.

Really laughed at Liz when she said, "But I'm not a man."

Um, no, but you can do it anyway. :)

There are five more episodes in this season. Didn't care for Matty. Far too emotional and high strung and at times, dumb, actually wants an air raid just to liven things up a bit. Very selfish. To be honest, I began fast forwarding her parts. LOL She was always whining. It was because of her I didn't bother watching past episode two.

Lots of parent/daughter separation issues on Liz's part. Lots of cool stuff about what could get them arrested. Loose talk and all of that...

The training bits were fascinating. So despite my desire not to finish this series, I still wanted to bring it to your attention.

What are some shows such as this you may recommend?

Pagan Writers Press Anniversary Party: The Cliff Prize Pack Giveaway

It's day two of the Pagan Writers Anniversary Party! Today's giveaway is sponsored by Author Christie A.C. Gucker. She is offering a prize pack for her recent release, The Cliff. It includes a signed copy of the book, a signed bookmark, a jar of Nutella, a bag of Oreos and a box tissues. This giveaway is open to the US & Canada only.  Giveaway will end on 10/31/12. To enter, just fill out the giveaway form below.

http://www.rafflecopter.com/rafl/display/bdb287464/" rel="nofollow">a Rafflecopter giveaway



Continue reading below to learn more about the author and her novel.


Can a childhood pact affect the lives of three adults?

Love and betrayal surrounds the lives of lifelong friends Lanie Rhodes, Grant Bennett, and Dane Voight. Years ago, they made a pact to remain together as friends forever. The boys also made another secret pact that same day—to never vie for Lanie’s love.

Grant and Lanie have secretly been pining for one another since they were children.

Now grown up, they finally admit their feelings for each other and what ensues is a twisted tale of deception as Dane does everything he can to stop them.

The story weaves around this uneven love triangle. What will happen to the pact? Will friendships be destroyed? Will lovers emerge?



Bio: Christie A.C. Gucker lives in NJ with her husband, two daughters and a menagerie of pets. Being a mother is one of the greatest joys of her life. She has worked in the advertising industry for over 20 years as a degreed artist, but also works in the fine arts, especially sculpting out of stone or snapping photographs. Christie is also a singer and musician, and can be found singing on a few CDs.

After the death of her father, Christie searched for something to fill her desire to make a mark in this world. Her love of the arts and creativity allowed her to search for a new medium, which she found with a pen instead of a brush. Being an avid reader her whole life, and with her family cheering her on, she decided to take her shot, and began writing.

Christie is fascinated by the supernatural and sharks, and studies both avidly. You’ll be sure to find something spooky lurking somewhere in her stories. Her greatest joy is sitting on a beach with her family while surf fishing, flying kites or building sandcastles with her girls.


Where to Buy 

The Cliff is currently available  in both print and e-book formats onSmashwords, Manic Readers, and  Amazon. 

Connect with Christie

Website
Face book
Twitter
Goodreads

How To Tame A Willful Wife by Christy English

Not a bad novel. I didn't love it, won't read it again, and I'll divulge my reasons, but for those seeking a fun historical romp with a ton of sex, this would be your cup of tea.


It's a "retelling" of sorts of the Taming of the Shrew. There's even a funny moment when the play itself is mentioned.

Caroline is "sold" to the most worthy bidder for her lovely hand. She marries Anthony and gives him heirs and he pays off her family's debts. But in the process, he wishes to tame her. If he has his way, the girl who rides astride wearing breeches and throws knives in the house will be no more.

At first I found her amusing and cute. She does stand up to him...but from the moment he first beds her, she becomes...eh, not that strong. In actuality, the worst rebellion she does is continue playing with knives behind her husband's back. Their whole marriage, the conflict they face, the plot, is really just a lack of communication.

The story began to grow repetitive for me after a while. He struts and says, "You are mine. Obey me!" She makes a remark back. They have sex. She gasps beneath him. He leaves. She plays with knives. He comes back. "You are mine. Obey me!" She makes a remark back. They have more sex. She gasps beneath  him. He leaves. She plays with knives...

They never really talk, just have lots of sex or have a brief power struggle. Until the end when finally, the misunderstanding/lack of communication is revealed.

I was expecting more humor in this, so I'm somewhat disappointed, but I believe people looking for a lot of sex and a mega alpha male will love it. Personally, I hate alpha males, especially ones that don't change enough in the end. And I thought him really stupid. Whereas I got he had to be a jerk to go with the theme here, forbidding your wife to play with knives AFTER she fends off an attacker with one is just....dumb. I never grew to like the guy.

Three stars. I got this from netgalley.

Pagan Writers Press Anniversary Party - Guardian Angels Prize Pack Giveaway

Today the party begins! The publisher, authors, and editors at Pagan Writers Writers Press have joined together with some amazing sponsors to bring you some fabulous giveaways! The first giveaway is sponsored by Author Andrew P. Weston, author of the Guardian Angels. His prize pack includes a signed copy of his novel as well as a Guardian Angels t-shirt, tote bag, and cap. This giveaway is open worldwide and will end on 10/31/12. To enter just fill out the rafflecopter form below.

http://www.rafflecopter.com/rafl/display/bdb287463/" rel="nofollow">a Rafflecopter giveaway



Continue reading below to learn more about the author and his novel. 




In a series of terrifying events, otherworldly beings intervene to save innocent lives. The world community reacts with relief as they realize that angels may in fact exist, and they are diligently protecting us.

But there are those who would seek to stop what they feel is a threat against their livelihoods. How far will some go to battle the Guardians? Is the fairy tale over before it even begins?

Guardian Angels is a powerful and compelling story about the catalyst that has the power to unite society in the hope for a better future. The spark of hope is fragile—can it last?

  

About the Author

Andrew P Weston was born in the city of Birmingham, UK and grew up in the towns of Bearwood and Edgbaston, eventually attending Holly Lodge Grammar School for Boy’s where he was School Captain and Head Boy. 
He was an active sportsperson for the school and a variety of rugby, martial art, swimming, and athletics teams throughout the city.
On graduation in 1977, he joined the Royal Marines and served in a number of roles both in the UK and abroad.
In 1985 he joined the Devon & Cornwall Constabulary, serving as a police officer in a variety of uniformed and plain clothed departments until his retirement in 2008.
Over those years, he wrote and illustrated a selection of private books for his children regarding the life of a tiny kitten, called, “The Adventures of Willy Whiskers”, gained further qualifications in Law and Religious Studies, was an active member of Mensa and continued to be an active sportsperson, providing lessons free of charge to local communities.
An unfortunate accident received on duty meant Andrew had to retire early from the police force, but after moving to the sunny Greek island of Kos to speed up his recuperation, he was at last able to devote time to the “Guardian Concept” he had developed over his years in the military and police.
When not writing, Andrew enjoys Greek dancing and language lessons, being told what to do by his wife, Annette, and hunting shadows in the dark. He has not managed to catch any yet, but is sure he came close on 2 occasions.

Connect with Andrew 


Website
Twitter
Face book
Blog

Where to Buy

Guardian print copies and e-books are available on Amazon.

The Hammer

Normally this blog is about women, books about women, books featuring women, women in history, women having romances...but today I want to talk about a man. I know what you're thinking. Wait a min...how does this tie into Book Babe and strong is sexy and all that? It doesn't. But it does tie into DEAFNESS, something else I talk about a lot, cause I'm deaf too.

When I find a deaf person that I feel is an inspiration to me, to others, to deaf and hearing alike, I talk about them. I recently watch a movie, The Hammer. It's about Matt Hammil.

In the beginning, the movie shows him as a baby in a sound booth. The beeps and tones continue and he doesn't hear them. The audiologist stops the test. The grandfather says, "After a couple of flashing lights and a teddy bear, you're going to tell me my grandson is deaf and dumb?"

"No. After a couple of lights and a flashing teddy bear, I'm going to tell you you have a highly intelligent grandson is profoundly deaf."

I don't think his grandfather ever used dumb with deaf ever again, because Hammil became a state and college wrestling champion. The movie goes on to show us him getting made fun of in school, learning to fight back the only way he could as at the time nobody was teaching him to communicate properly: his fists.

He has a botched prom. He goes to Purdue and that doesn't work out. He reads lips; they think he signs. This happened to me when I attempted college too. I said, "I'm deaf. I need a way to hear the teacher."

They said, "We'll get you an interpreter."

"I don't sign. I read lips."

Do you think a busy college professor is going to make sure I can read his lips? Nope.

I saw my life paralleled in so many ways. Nobody wanted to date the different boy. People spoke to him like he was retarded. People wondered why he was so quick to defend himself. I'll tell you why: Cause we can only take so much abuse before we come to the realization we have only ourselves. So when Hammil gets to RIT, he doesn't understand the meaning of teamwork.


He's never been on a team. In a world of people laughing at him, bullying him, he learned to rely only on himself. I see this in me too. When the Deaf community accepted him, they told him not to use his voice. He at one point sorta says to his girlfriend, "Let me be me." (not a direct quote from the movie) So in a way, he struggles with BOTH worlds and fits fully in neither.


Some things will never change. Those seven kids that bully that deaf kid on the playground just because he/she is different...it doesn't stop with adulthood; it's just done with words instead of fists.

But Hammil overcame it. He went on to Ultimate Fights, won a gold metal in freestyle fighting in Deaflympics.

This movie was so inspirational. It touched me in so many ways. If you are looking to be educated, entertained, touched, inspired, this is for you.

Deaf. Defiant. Determined. 'Nuff said.

Random Reading

Welcome to Random Reading!!!

For those just joining us...


Some people do Library Loot. Some people do Mailbox Monday. Me, I don't use the library. I have nothing against it; just hate having to read a book in a certain amount of time, and as for Mailbox Monday, I can't say most of my titles come in my mail. I buy them usually or get them via paperback swap.

And I find them the most random ways, these titles. But they all usually have one thing in common: STRONG, SEXY heroines!



Under a Klondike Sky by Ava C. Wilson. I confess I was checking my own Amazon ranking when my historical was a freebie and came across this on the freebie list. The cover caught my eye, the title intrigued me further. It promises a present day and past story, the present day heroine being a bookseller *yes!* and the past being a woman new to the frontier in 1898 with three potential suitors. Can't say I love love triangles, but the townsfolk the blurb mentions makes it sound mighty interesting. It's on my Kindle. Plus, if the heroine can survive being snowed in...hm. That's strong.



It's Nothing Personal by Kate O'Reilley, M.D. There is no cover for this...but it's about a woman anesthesiologist facing a nasty malpractice suit. From what I garnered from the author's website, it's based on a terrible experience in her own life. Coming December 2012. I have Twitter to thank for this one again. Somehow she found me, followed me, and I took a look at her profile and was immediately intrigued.




Love on Laird Avenue by Cindy A. Christiansen. I've always been drawn by cute doggies on covers, but what really caught my eye about this book was something the author said in a Facebook group about there being a back story that takes place during Prohibition. I'm on 1920s kick. I find myself constantly drawn back to that era. Combine it with a cute dog, and I'm sold! On my Kindle.







Captain's Discretion by Telma Cortez. The blurb doesn't tell me much, but the author's hints of Facebook imply this is a tough female captain who takes no shi--grief. :) Just released October 14th, and take a look at that cover. You think I can resist a book that promises a big...airplane? LOL On my Kindle. It came on my radar because I'm now following this author/flight attendant. Love reading her aerosexual series when I need a...pick up. *giggles*




Guardians of Stone by Anita Clenney. This just showed up in my mailbox. Normally, I don't like receiving books I didn't know about or ask for, but this actually sounds good. Heroine has a paranormal gift for finding historical objects. Enter a sexy billionaire and a bad guy and a bodyguard, hm.... I'll read it soon.





Yellowstone Redemption (Yellowstone Romance 2) by Peggy L. Henderson. Freebie that caught my eye due to the cover and title. My mother grew up in Yellowstone and so having heard so much about it during my life, I have a Yellowstone radar. Turns out I've had book one on my Kindle for a while, just haven't read it. Really hate that cover...and am having a hard time getting myself to pick it up. BUT this was on the freebie list and is just the nudge I need. An athlete, romance, time travel... It's on my Kindle.






Lost in the Light by Mary Castillo. Came up while I was browsing Amazon. First of all, it's a well noted Latina author. Second, it features a woman DETECTIVE and a ghost while at the same time going back and forth between modern day barrios and Prohibition. Must read this. I promptly purchased it.





The Last Runaway by Tracy Chevalier. America, 1850, a Quaker woman discovers the Underground Railroad as well as two inspiring women. A historical saga about honor and doing what's right. Spotted on Edelweiss and promptly on my wishlist. Releases January 8th.







Mrs. Lincoln's Dressmaker by Jennifer Chiaverini. A novel about the famous first lady and her favorite dressmaker, a freed slave. Elizabeth Keckley won her freedom with her skill with a needle. The dressmaker and friend even fashioned a quilt in honor of the first lady, using scraps of her dresses. Promises to be intriguing. Spotted on Edelweiss and added to my wishlist. Releases in January also.