Ute Carbone's Blog, page 24
April 7, 2014
All Things Returned is here!
All Things Returned releases today!
Anton and Lenora Boudreaux have settled into an idyllic cottage overlooking San Francisco Bay. They’ve left trouble behind them and found happily ever after—family, friends, and a business that has every expectation of being successful. Until the Willow sails into port.
The captain of Willow, Jacob Lowell, is privy to secrets that threaten Lenora’s reputation and Anton’s life. When Anton sails to Seattle on a business enterprise, Jacob tries to blackmail Lenora, threatening to expose all he knows and forces her to make decisions that will test her love of Anton and her life with him.
All Things Returned is part three of the Anton and Lenora series
You can buy an e-copy of this novella at--
Amazon
Champagne Books
Barnes and Noble
Find more information on the book and on the series at Anton and Lenora
Anton and Lenora Boudreaux have settled into an idyllic cottage overlooking San Francisco Bay. They’ve left trouble behind them and found happily ever after—family, friends, and a business that has every expectation of being successful. Until the Willow sails into port. The captain of Willow, Jacob Lowell, is privy to secrets that threaten Lenora’s reputation and Anton’s life. When Anton sails to Seattle on a business enterprise, Jacob tries to blackmail Lenora, threatening to expose all he knows and forces her to make decisions that will test her love of Anton and her life with him.
All Things Returned is part three of the Anton and Lenora series
You can buy an e-copy of this novella at--
Amazon
Champagne Books
Barnes and Noble
Find more information on the book and on the series at Anton and Lenora
April 6, 2014
#SneakPeekSunday--All Things Returned releases tomorrow
It's nearly here! Tomorrow is the day All Things Returned, part three of the Anton and Lenora historical series, comes out to meet the world.
I hope you'll enjoy it and it's companions, Sweet Lenora and To the Wind.
Meantime, here's a sneak preview of the beginning of the story--
Anton pulled off his cravat for the second time. “Foolish speck of clothing—like to choke the life out of a man.”He fumbled with it until I took the scrap of silk and tied it around his neck, sealing my action with a kiss. “You should try wearing a corset.”“I think we should pull off all of these confounded garments and run about like babes in Eden,” he said, nuzzling my neck.
I dearly would have liked to take his suggestion. “We have to attend. For our own sakes and for Edward’s.”
For a more extensive peak, please Click HereThere's more on All Things Returned HereAnd more on Anton and Lenora Here
I hope you'll enjoy it and it's companions, Sweet Lenora and To the Wind.
Meantime, here's a sneak preview of the beginning of the story--
Anton pulled off his cravat for the second time. “Foolish speck of clothing—like to choke the life out of a man.”He fumbled with it until I took the scrap of silk and tied it around his neck, sealing my action with a kiss. “You should try wearing a corset.”“I think we should pull off all of these confounded garments and run about like babes in Eden,” he said, nuzzling my neck.I dearly would have liked to take his suggestion. “We have to attend. For our own sakes and for Edward’s.”
For a more extensive peak, please Click HereThere's more on All Things Returned HereAnd more on Anton and Lenora Here
March 31, 2014
All Things Returned Playlist
I listen to music when I write to help bring me to the mood and tone of a book. Here's some of my playlist for All Things Returned. You can click on each selection to hear it on you tube.
All Things Returned Playlist
After the StormMumford and Sons
The Pirate of PenanceJoni Mitchell
I Gave You AllMumford and Sons
GoldSteve Kazee (Once)
The Ghosts that we KnewMumford and Sons
An old acquaintance threatens more than simply ruining the happy life Anton and Lenora have built together.All Things Returned releases on April 7.
All Things Returned Playlist
After the StormMumford and SonsThe Pirate of PenanceJoni Mitchell
I Gave You AllMumford and Sons
GoldSteve Kazee (Once)
The Ghosts that we KnewMumford and Sons
An old acquaintance threatens more than simply ruining the happy life Anton and Lenora have built together.All Things Returned releases on April 7.
March 30, 2014
#SneakPeekSunday All Things Returned
I'm getting excited about the release of All Things Returned, the third novella of my historical romance series. The book will be out on April 7th. Meantime, here's a little snippet-
Lenora Bourdreaux is happily married to clipper ship captain Anton Bourdreux. But trouble comes while Anton is away and Lenora gets a visit from her past in the form of another young sea captain, Jacob Lowell.
I felt little need to defend myself further and put the print down on the table. “Please leave.”
Jacob came up behind me, pinning me between his body and the table. “Is that any way to treat an old friend, Lenora?” At close range, his breath smelled of whiskey. Still, he was someone I had known since childhood. I thought perhaps I could count on him to act as though we were, indeed, old friends.
“Why are you here, Jacob?”
He took my hair between his fingers. “Sweet girl, I have often thought of you. The softness of your lips and your sweet young body--wasted on a scoundrel.”
Lenora Bourdreaux is happily married to clipper ship captain Anton Bourdreux. But trouble comes while Anton is away and Lenora gets a visit from her past in the form of another young sea captain, Jacob Lowell.
I felt little need to defend myself further and put the print down on the table. “Please leave.”Jacob came up behind me, pinning me between his body and the table. “Is that any way to treat an old friend, Lenora?” At close range, his breath smelled of whiskey. Still, he was someone I had known since childhood. I thought perhaps I could count on him to act as though we were, indeed, old friends.
“Why are you here, Jacob?”
He took my hair between his fingers. “Sweet girl, I have often thought of you. The softness of your lips and your sweet young body--wasted on a scoundrel.”
March 28, 2014
My Guest Today--Jill Starishevsky on Child Abuse.
In my debut novel, Blueberry Truth, the title character is a victim of abuse and neglect. I've written before about how the story came about--I taught at a school where many of the children came from situations such as Blue's.
Jill Starishevsky is on the front lines of child abuse prevention. As an Assistant DA in New York City, she has prosecuted thousands of child sexual offenders. I'm honored to have her as a guest blogger, writing about why parents don't talk about child sexual abuse
Here's Jill with more
As a prosecutor of child abuse and sex crimes in New York City for the past sixteen years and a prevention specialist, I have heard all the reasons why parents don’t discuss child sexual abuse prevention with their children. I have heard them so often that I can recite them by heart. In honor of April’s Child Abuse Prevention Month, I decided it would be a good idea to memorialize the top 10 reasons why parents choose not to discuss the subject.1. Children are seldom victims of sexual abuse. Actually, according to the U.S. Centers for Disease Control, in the United States, 1 in 4 girls and 1 in 6 boys is sexually abused by the time they are 18. Consider those numbers for a moment. They are shocking and devastating. Those figures alone should motivate parents to seek out prevention strategies.2. This kind of thing doesn’t happen where we live. Actually, child sexual abuse has no socio-economic boundaries. It doesn’t care if you are black or white, rich or poor or what religion you practice. It can creep in when you least expect it.3. We don’t let our children go near strangers. Actually, 93% of all child sexual abuse occurs at the hands of someone known to the child and trusted by the parents. Even if a child is never around strangers, he or she could be victimized by a neighbor, a coach, a religious official or family member. Parents who teach only stranger danger are doing a disservice to their child.4. My child is not old enough for this discussion. Actually, the appropriate age to begin the discussion about child sexual abuse prevention is when a child is three years old. The conversation can start as simply as “Did you know that the parts of your body covered by a bathing suit are private and are for no one else to see or touch?” Continue the conversation by explaining to the child that he should tell Mommy, Daddy or a teacher if someone touches him or her on those private parts. Be sure to include any necessary exceptions for potty training, hygiene and doctor visits.5. I don’t want to scare my child. Actually, when handled properly, children find the message empowering and are not frightened at all. Parents do not refrain from teaching traffic safety for fear that their child will be afraid to cross the street. So too should we address the subject of body safety.6. I would know if something happened to my child. Actually, child sexual abuse is difficult to detect because frequently there are no physical signs of abuse. The emotional and behavioral signs that may accompany sexual abuse can be caused by a variety of triggers.7. My child would tell me if something happened to him. Actually, most children do not immediately disclose when they have been sexually abused. Contrary to a child who falls down and runs over to tell his parents, a child who has been sexually abused is likely being told not to tell anyone because no one will believe him, that people will say it is his fault, that the disclosure will cause great sadness in the family and that the behavior is their little secret.8. We never leave our child alone with adults. Actually, children can be sexually abused by other children. The very same lessons that can help prevent children from being sexually abused by adults, can keep them safe from other children. Teach children what touch is appropriate and what is inappropriate, teach them the proper terminology for their private parts and teach them who they can talk to if anyone touches them in a way that makes them feel uncomfortable.9. I don’t want to put thoughts in her head. Actually, there is no data to indicate that a child who has been taught about child sexual abuse prevention is more likely to fabricate that they have been sexually abused. According to Victor Vieth, director of the National Child Protection Training Center at Winona State University, “Children do lie, but seldom about being abused. All human beings can and do lie, but it's hard for kids to do it about sex. They can't lie about something they have no knowledge of," he said, “and children don't learn about oral sex on Sesame Street."10. It’s not going to happen to my child. Actually, as the statistics reveal, child sexual abuse is so pervasive that it could happen to any child. This reason is the catch-all. Educated, loving parents have actually said this to me. If one were to ask any parent whose child has been sexually abused if they thought their child would ever be sexually abused, I can guarantee each one would say no. No one wants to believe this could happen to their child. We need to stop denying that it could happen and recognize that there are ways to prevent it from happening. Make the decision to talk to your child about sexual abuse prevention. It could be the greatest gift you ever give them.
In honor of April’s Child Abuse Prevention Month, copies of My Body Belongs to Me can be purchased for $10 each (retail $14.95). To order the book, email info@mybodybelongstome.com with subject “This April I will talk to my child”. You will be sent a link to order the book at the discounted rate. To learn more, visit www.MyBodyBelongstoMe.com."...In only 19 sentences, this simple book will empower children while promoting open communication."- School Library Journal“This sensitive, creative book about a very tough topic is a must-read for parents and their young children." -Ann Pleshette Murphy, Parenting Contributor, "Good Morning America"
Jill Starishevsky has been an Assistant District Attorney in New York City since 1997, where she has prosecuted thousands of sex offenders and dedicated her career to seeking justice for victims of child abuse and sex crimes. Her mission to protect children, along with her penchant for poetry, inspired My Body Belongs to Me, a children’s book intended to prevent child sexual abuse by teaching 3 to 8-year-olds their bodies are private. Featured on “The Oprah Winfrey Show,” Jill is a prevention specialist who, through media appearances and public speaking events, teaches how to recognize and prevent child sexual abuse.
Jill Starishevsky is on the front lines of child abuse prevention. As an Assistant DA in New York City, she has prosecuted thousands of child sexual offenders. I'm honored to have her as a guest blogger, writing about why parents don't talk about child sexual abuse
Here's Jill with more
As a prosecutor of child abuse and sex crimes in New York City for the past sixteen years and a prevention specialist, I have heard all the reasons why parents don’t discuss child sexual abuse prevention with their children. I have heard them so often that I can recite them by heart. In honor of April’s Child Abuse Prevention Month, I decided it would be a good idea to memorialize the top 10 reasons why parents choose not to discuss the subject.1. Children are seldom victims of sexual abuse. Actually, according to the U.S. Centers for Disease Control, in the United States, 1 in 4 girls and 1 in 6 boys is sexually abused by the time they are 18. Consider those numbers for a moment. They are shocking and devastating. Those figures alone should motivate parents to seek out prevention strategies.2. This kind of thing doesn’t happen where we live. Actually, child sexual abuse has no socio-economic boundaries. It doesn’t care if you are black or white, rich or poor or what religion you practice. It can creep in when you least expect it.3. We don’t let our children go near strangers. Actually, 93% of all child sexual abuse occurs at the hands of someone known to the child and trusted by the parents. Even if a child is never around strangers, he or she could be victimized by a neighbor, a coach, a religious official or family member. Parents who teach only stranger danger are doing a disservice to their child.4. My child is not old enough for this discussion. Actually, the appropriate age to begin the discussion about child sexual abuse prevention is when a child is three years old. The conversation can start as simply as “Did you know that the parts of your body covered by a bathing suit are private and are for no one else to see or touch?” Continue the conversation by explaining to the child that he should tell Mommy, Daddy or a teacher if someone touches him or her on those private parts. Be sure to include any necessary exceptions for potty training, hygiene and doctor visits.5. I don’t want to scare my child. Actually, when handled properly, children find the message empowering and are not frightened at all. Parents do not refrain from teaching traffic safety for fear that their child will be afraid to cross the street. So too should we address the subject of body safety.6. I would know if something happened to my child. Actually, child sexual abuse is difficult to detect because frequently there are no physical signs of abuse. The emotional and behavioral signs that may accompany sexual abuse can be caused by a variety of triggers.7. My child would tell me if something happened to him. Actually, most children do not immediately disclose when they have been sexually abused. Contrary to a child who falls down and runs over to tell his parents, a child who has been sexually abused is likely being told not to tell anyone because no one will believe him, that people will say it is his fault, that the disclosure will cause great sadness in the family and that the behavior is their little secret.8. We never leave our child alone with adults. Actually, children can be sexually abused by other children. The very same lessons that can help prevent children from being sexually abused by adults, can keep them safe from other children. Teach children what touch is appropriate and what is inappropriate, teach them the proper terminology for their private parts and teach them who they can talk to if anyone touches them in a way that makes them feel uncomfortable.9. I don’t want to put thoughts in her head. Actually, there is no data to indicate that a child who has been taught about child sexual abuse prevention is more likely to fabricate that they have been sexually abused. According to Victor Vieth, director of the National Child Protection Training Center at Winona State University, “Children do lie, but seldom about being abused. All human beings can and do lie, but it's hard for kids to do it about sex. They can't lie about something they have no knowledge of," he said, “and children don't learn about oral sex on Sesame Street."10. It’s not going to happen to my child. Actually, as the statistics reveal, child sexual abuse is so pervasive that it could happen to any child. This reason is the catch-all. Educated, loving parents have actually said this to me. If one were to ask any parent whose child has been sexually abused if they thought their child would ever be sexually abused, I can guarantee each one would say no. No one wants to believe this could happen to their child. We need to stop denying that it could happen and recognize that there are ways to prevent it from happening. Make the decision to talk to your child about sexual abuse prevention. It could be the greatest gift you ever give them.
In honor of April’s Child Abuse Prevention Month, copies of My Body Belongs to Me can be purchased for $10 each (retail $14.95). To order the book, email info@mybodybelongstome.com with subject “This April I will talk to my child”. You will be sent a link to order the book at the discounted rate. To learn more, visit www.MyBodyBelongstoMe.com."...In only 19 sentences, this simple book will empower children while promoting open communication."- School Library Journal“This sensitive, creative book about a very tough topic is a must-read for parents and their young children." -Ann Pleshette Murphy, Parenting Contributor, "Good Morning America"
Jill Starishevsky has been an Assistant District Attorney in New York City since 1997, where she has prosecuted thousands of sex offenders and dedicated her career to seeking justice for victims of child abuse and sex crimes. Her mission to protect children, along with her penchant for poetry, inspired My Body Belongs to Me, a children’s book intended to prevent child sexual abuse by teaching 3 to 8-year-olds their bodies are private. Featured on “The Oprah Winfrey Show,” Jill is a prevention specialist who, through media appearances and public speaking events, teaches how to recognize and prevent child sexual abuse.
March 23, 2014
#BookTrailer: All Things Returned
All Things Returned, part three of the Anton and Lenora series, comes out on April 7.
Here's the brand new trailer for the book--
Anton and Lenora Boudreaux have settled into an idyllic cottage overlooking San Francisco Bay. They’ve left trouble behind them and found happily ever after—family, friends, and a business that has every expectation of being successful. Until the Willow sails into port.The captain of Willow, Jacob Lowell, is privy to secrets that threaten Lenora’s reputation and Anton’s life. When Anton sails to Seattle on a business enterprise, Jacob tries to blackmail Lenora, threatening to expose all he knows and forcing her to make decisions that will test her love of Anton and her life with him.
Here's the brand new trailer for the book--
Anton and Lenora Boudreaux have settled into an idyllic cottage overlooking San Francisco Bay. They’ve left trouble behind them and found happily ever after—family, friends, and a business that has every expectation of being successful. Until the Willow sails into port.The captain of Willow, Jacob Lowell, is privy to secrets that threaten Lenora’s reputation and Anton’s life. When Anton sails to Seattle on a business enterprise, Jacob tries to blackmail Lenora, threatening to expose all he knows and forcing her to make decisions that will test her love of Anton and her life with him.March 22, 2014
Visiting with Linda Rettstatt #TMPress
I'm over at Linda Rettstatt's blog, talking about the story behind The Lilac Hour. Come on by, pull up a chair and enjoy the scenery with us.
http://onewomanswrite.blogspot.com/20...
http://onewomanswrite.blogspot.com/20...
March 21, 2014
Five Stars for Dancing in the White Room
Dancing in the White Room got a five star review from Michelle Robertson at Reader's Favorite
"Ute Carbone has skillfully written a highly enjoyable story filled with realistic circumstances and emotions, making it appealing to many different types of readers. The story itself has a transitional tone to it, popping from past to present, making it intriguing and entertaining, making the reader eager to read more."
Read the rest of the review HERE
Dancing in the white room is slang for skiing or boarding in deep powder snow. The dancer is PD Bell, one of the best extreme skiers on the planet. Mallory Prescott, the woman who lives with him and loves him, is used to Bell’s exploits. A patrol woman at Whiteface Mountain near Lake Placid, New York, Mallory is no stranger to risk. But this time Bell is taking on the West Rib of Denali, highest and most dangerous mountain in North America. It’s a descent that has never been done, though it’s been tried. Five years ago, Bell had tried it. The attempt nearly killed him. Five years ago, he promised Mallory he wouldn’t try it again. Over the six weeks in which he’s gone, Mallory begins to question her relationship with Bell. Does he really love her? Is he in it for the duration? What has loving him cost her? Mallory’s life choices are thrown into stark relief when her daughter Emily takes a terrible fall. Together with her life-long friend Creech Creches, she must work her way through a maze of uncharted territory at a hospital miles from home. Dancing in the White Room is the story of the love we keep, the price we pay for that love, and the forgiveness it takes to hold on to what is precious.
Buy links:Turquoise Morning PressAmazon
Barnes and Noble
For more about this book, please visit the Dancing in the White Room web page
"Ute Carbone has skillfully written a highly enjoyable story filled with realistic circumstances and emotions, making it appealing to many different types of readers. The story itself has a transitional tone to it, popping from past to present, making it intriguing and entertaining, making the reader eager to read more." Read the rest of the review HERE
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Dancing in the white room is slang for skiing or boarding in deep powder snow. The dancer is PD Bell, one of the best extreme skiers on the planet. Mallory Prescott, the woman who lives with him and loves him, is used to Bell’s exploits. A patrol woman at Whiteface Mountain near Lake Placid, New York, Mallory is no stranger to risk. But this time Bell is taking on the West Rib of Denali, highest and most dangerous mountain in North America. It’s a descent that has never been done, though it’s been tried. Five years ago, Bell had tried it. The attempt nearly killed him. Five years ago, he promised Mallory he wouldn’t try it again. Over the six weeks in which he’s gone, Mallory begins to question her relationship with Bell. Does he really love her? Is he in it for the duration? What has loving him cost her? Mallory’s life choices are thrown into stark relief when her daughter Emily takes a terrible fall. Together with her life-long friend Creech Creches, she must work her way through a maze of uncharted territory at a hospital miles from home. Dancing in the White Room is the story of the love we keep, the price we pay for that love, and the forgiveness it takes to hold on to what is precious.Buy links:Turquoise Morning PressAmazon
Barnes and Noble
For more about this book, please visit the Dancing in the White Room web page
March 19, 2014
Afterglow Playlist
I like to listen to music while writing and I make a playlist for each of my books as I write it.
Since Afterglow is up for votes as a RONE nominee in the best contemporary, I'd like to share a few of the songs from the playlist, along with a link to where you can give a listen.
You can vote for Afterglow in the reader poll HERE
Feel a Whole Lot Better--Tom Petty and the Heartbreakers
If You Want Me--Marketa Irglova and Glen Hansard (Once)
Irreplaceable--Beyonce
Stolen Car--Bruce Springsteen
Gone Gone Gone--The Everly Brothers
When Love Takes Over--David Guetta and Kelly Rowland
Silly Habits--Janice Ian
My Love Will Not Let You Down--Bruce Springsteen
Since Afterglow is up for votes as a RONE nominee in the best contemporary, I'd like to share a few of the songs from the playlist, along with a link to where you can give a listen.
You can vote for Afterglow in the reader poll HERE
Feel a Whole Lot Better--Tom Petty and the HeartbreakersIf You Want Me--Marketa Irglova and Glen Hansard (Once)
Irreplaceable--Beyonce
Stolen Car--Bruce Springsteen
Gone Gone Gone--The Everly Brothers
When Love Takes Over--David Guetta and Kelly Rowland
Silly Habits--Janice Ian
My Love Will Not Let You Down--Bruce Springsteen
March 18, 2014
Five Stars for To the Wind!
To the Wind received a five star rating from Reader's Favorite!"As in the first novel, Sweet Lenora (Dark Heroes), Ute Carbone captures the reader's interest immediately with an adventurous, emotional tale of a sailor's life on the sea as they follow orders from bosses within the trade business of the California gold rush era. It also tells of incredible love, heartfelt compassion, and the pure admiration a young couple can have for one another. Ute Carbone's To the Wind has a bit of everything in it, making it appealing to many types of readers. It is a short story written so skillfully and descriptively it is as though you are watching a movie screen rather than reading a book." Michelle Robertson for Reader's Favorite Reviews
Read the entire Review HERE
To the Wind
The Journey ContinuesIn this sequel to Sweet Lenora, Anton and Lenora sail away from trouble in Rio de Janeiro only to encounter new problems. With only half a crew and a first mate that is hated and feared, they venture to San Francisco plagued by threats, mutiny,and illness. As they arrive at their destination, the ghosts of the past come back to haunt them and may prove to be the greatest menace of all. At each turn, the love they have forged is tested. Will it prevail? Available at:AmazonChampagne BooksKobo
Read more about the book on the To the Wind site
To the Wind has been nominated for a RONE as best historical novella. Reader voting is in a few weeksMeantime, Reader voting for Afterglow, in the best contemporary (general) category is going on all this week. You can vote HERE
