Tamela Quijas's Blog, page 10

Honoring My Two Personal Heroes

For those of you that live outside the United States, today is a special holiday that I hold close to my heart. 

Many of my readers might not know why we celebrate November 11th and I wanted to fill you in on a bit of history that has almost been forgotten.

On the eleventh hour of the eleventh day in the eleventh month, the world gathered to rejoice the end of World War I.  After four years of bitter war,the Armistice was signed and our dedicated and glorious boys returned home.

November 11, 1919 was originally set aside as Armistice Day in the United States, to remember the sacrifices made by the men and women in service during World War I. As we do today, there were parades where soldiers marched through their home towns and the public gave thanks for the peace we had won.

In 1938, nearly 30 years after the end of the war, Armistice Day became a federal holiday.

In 1953 townspeople in Emporia, Kansas began to call the holiday "Veterans' Day" to pay respect to the veteran's in their community. Soon afterwards, Congress passed a bill  renaming Armistice Day as Veterans' Day.

In 1971, President Nixon declared it a federal holiday on the second Monday in November.

My prayers and sincere gratitude goes to all the service men and women that we have lost in every war that has befallen our great country. 

I give thanks to all the service men and women that continue to make the daily sacrifice to keep our world and country safe.  Today, and every day in the year, I thank you for your dedication and your valor.

Hats off to all my family members that have placed their dedication to this country foremost in their lives–they are my heroes, as they know.

Happy Veteran's Day to my first true hero, my Dad, and my son.  

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One book, one villian….

 

Admittedly, most of us have been drawn into the lure of the darkness, the essence of the creature that hunts in the night, seeking victims from among the unsuspecting….

Whether it's Edward, Lestat, Akasha, half-blood Blade, Selene, Mick St. John, or Nick Knight, there is a fan base of the undead that rivals many a budding movie star.

We can blame this fascination on one man…

On November 8, 1847, Bram Stoker, author of the horror novel "Dracula," was born in Clontarf, Dublin, Ireland.

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What am I reading this week? The Man of My Dreams by Gladys Quintal

Again, I'm running behind.  Somewhere between all the piles of homework, manuscripts, the stuff the kids need to have done around school, and planning for the holidays, I'm swamped!

Still, all the madness hasn't prevented me from picking up the latest book in my TBR pile–The Man of My Dreams by new author Gladys Quintal!

Gladys says she's a "Stay at home mum of 4 who loves to write Paranormal/Romance when I get the chance! It is hard to fit in writing around the children and other distractions and I tend to do it late at night when the house is finally quiet.

Born in NZ but moved to sunny Perth, Australia in 2007 and never looked back.

Only started writing again a few years ago and finished my first novel at the beginning of this year."

Find out more about Gladys at http://www.wix.com/gladysquintal/gladys-quintal

I'll be reviewing The Man  of My Dreams soon, so stay tuned!
 
Book Blurb:
 
Ever since the death of her parents at the age of 17, Cassie has been dreaming about a dark haired man. He always comes to her in times of trouble to comfort her and help her through the toughest of days. But now after the devastating break up with her boyfriend, Cassie struggles with separating reality from her dreams.During a trip to her family beach house, her dream man becomes her lover and Cassie finds herself longing for this man to be in her life. But trying to find out the truth about him leaves her questioning her very existence and sanity.

She is convinced her dream man is real and connected to a string of macabre murders over the last 20 years. Fearing for her life, Cassie prays she is right about him and that he can save her before it is too late.

If you can't wait for the review–find your copy at:
 
AMAZON: http://www.amazon.com/Man-my-Dreams-ebook/dp/B005P2DQJ0
SMASHWORDS: http://www.smashwords.com/books/view/91580
ALL ROMANCE EBOOKS: http://www.allromanceebooks.com/product-themanofmydreams-607690-139.html
 
 
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And the Winnner is…..

As promised, it's November 4th and time to announce the winner to the wonderful Spooktacular Giveaway Hop that I spotlighted on my site! 

I can't thank all of you enough for participating and a big hug goes out to each and every one of you for being so wonderful

The one lucky winner to receive a  free PDF copy of my paranormal romances, Blood of the Beast, Blood Moon, and the first 100 pages of Tears of Blood is VampireVixen! 

Please look for my email this morning and Congratulations!

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Who's on my reading list in the coming weeks?

I've only 5 weeks of school left before I get to enjoy winter break.  I can't tell you how much I'm looking forward to a moment where I can read a book at my leisure, continue to write my soon to be released paranormal romance, Tears of Blood, and have an opportunity to write to all my dear friends, fans, and family!

However, just because I've been swamped with on-line homework doesn't mean I've put books aside, or special events!

In the upcoming weeks, I have close to a dozen new authors sitting at my fingertips.  I've listed a few–some well-known, others just starting out, and I hope you'll add them to your own reading list

Between Worlds by Bob Stidham

A Distant Battlefield by George L. Lopez

Notes from an Alien by Alexander M. Zoltai

Man of my Dreams by Gladys Quintal

Hold onto your hats! 

I've taken a true liking to the wonderful works by Lucy Felthouse!  I've a whole slew of her deliciously sexy novels in my upcoming TBR pile, which includes Naughty Delivery, Seducing the Myth, Love Through Time, and Weekend at Wilderhope Manor…  all just in time to ward off the Fall chill!

I've a few other announcements to make as well:

If you haven't had the opportunity yet, stop on by and read the fabulous online magazine Bella Online http://www.bellaonline.com/.  I'm a subscriber and I love the site–and you might, too!  I'll be making a special guest appearance on their site the first week of December, so stay tuned.

December 15th I'll be hanging around with the wonderful people at Eden Road Radio.  It's a live interview scheduled and I couldn't be more thrilled!  I'll post the details later and keep you all updated.

Well, back to the books before the world starts to stir and hugs to every one of you! 

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Why do I find vampires so delicious?

This past Monday was Halloween, as many of you know.  I love this time of the year, when that particular holiday heralds in the changing of the season, and the upcoming festivities that brings families closer.

Many of you, I hope, share the same thoughts.

Besides my own trick or treaters, Fall Harvest carnivals, and the like, I had the wonderful opportunity to appear at fellow author Katie Salidas' site—Written in Blood.   If you haven't been by, do drop in and discover what made me write about vampires…

http://www.katiesalidas.com/2011/10/october-halloween-and-vampires.html

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My review of Varangian: The Stone of Babylon

Finally, my world is slowing down a wee bit and I've had a chance to finish reading the latest by new author Sabine K. Atkins.  A few years ago, I was fortune enough to read the original screenplay for Varangian: The Stone of Babylon.  I've read the actual book this time around, and I have to tell you I wasn't disappointed in the slightest.

Let me give you a bit of background on this wonderful new writer:

Born in the southern German state of Bavaria, Sabine grew up listening to and reading old German fairy tales and folk stories.

She especially fondly remembers the times spent with her grandmother who never ran out of ghost stories and little anecdotes from the Bavarian province of Franconia, a picturesque area with the ruins of medieval castles, lush forests and rolling hills and hauntingly beautiful autumns and winters.

Sabine immigrated to the US, and became a citizen in 2005. She now resides near Nashville, Tennessee.

She seeks to combine the folk tales of the old world with fast-paced modern storytelling driven by unique characters and the powerful imagery of US blockbuster movies.

Find out more at:

 http://sabineatkins.wordpress.com/   and http://edricthevarangian.com/ 

 Blurb:
 Bound by an ancient oath, Edric is protecting a powerful secret … [image error] Anglo-Saxon Edric is a Varangian, the member of an elite military force in medieval Constantinople. Being part secret service agent, part imperial security detail, he is privy to all kinds of secrets and intrigues in a strategically significant city embroiled in wars as well as internal political turmoil. But Edric is taken by surprise, when he finds out that his friend, an alchemist from Persia, has given him superpowers and wants him to protect the Stone of Babylon – by any means necessary.This task sends Edric on a mind-bending journey of epic proportions, full of exciting clashes with warriors and supernatural beings, dangerous alchemy, time travel, fantastical machines, and the acquaintances of strikingly beautiful members of the opposite sex (and not all of them seem to be concerned with his well-being).

A journey that not only will reveal to him the purpose of the Stone of Babylon, but also show him his true strength…

My Review:
 
As a new author, Ms. Atkins is a wonderfully fresh voice and excellent writing style!  She has provided an amazing tale of drama, suspense, and intrigue in a world littered with far too many 'light' books.  I was riveted by her attention to detail and I loved ever moment of Edric's world and the adventures he encounters.  I have to honestly say there is magic in what Sabine writes, and an imagery that is breath-taking.  From the opening chapter, I was captured by Edric's tale of battles, intrigue, and the world of ancient Constantinople.  I loved Edric's honesty, his bravery, and his dedication.  From the hero standpoint, he displays every good characteristic one can imagine–as well as a few faults that are humanly believable.
 
Ms. Atkins has a new fan that eagerly awaits her next novel!
 
5 stars!
 
Pick up your copy at:
 
http://www.amazon.com/Varangian-Stone-Babylon-ebook/dp/B005KN3XOC/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1319207503&sr=8-1
 
and other fine internet book retailers!
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Spooktacular Giveaway Hop

[image error]Have I told you Fall is my favorite time of the year? 

As soon as the leaves start to change, the nights get a little colder, and the moon seems a little brighter, I'm in a festive mood.  I want to bake, write, cruise the stores and look at all the wonderful items they have laid out for the season.  I have my baking list tacked to the refrigerator, my holiday menus being planned, and the list keeps growing with every passing day.  I'm glued to the evening television shows, watching all my favorite programs.  You know the silly ones I mean, Charlie Brown's  Great Pumpkin, Halloweentown, Nightmare on Elm Street (The 1984 version, please!), and some spine tingling Tony Perkins in the original Psycho!

It seems I'm not the only one that loves the change of the seasons, though.  To Celebrate, I'm teaming up with http://iamareadernotawriter.blogspot.com and @ TheDiaryofaBookworm in one Spooktacular Giveaway Hop! 

October 24th to October 31st  is your chance to discover amazing blog sites, great authors,  friends that love to read, and an opportunity to win some wonderful prizes!

As a dedicated fan of both sites, I've signed aboard for one lucky winner to receive a  free PDF copy of my paranormal romances, Blood of the Beast and Blood Moon!  As an added treat, I'm throwing in the first 100 never before released pages of Tears of Blood, all before it even goes to the publisher!

 Now, as usual, there are a few rules for you:

1.) Subscribe to this site

2.) Leave me a message immediately following this post

3.)  Follow/Like me at Facebook  ( You'll find my Facebook links on the right hand side of this page)

That's it!  Short, simple and sweet and you're in the drawing!  I will announce the winner on November 3rd

Good Luck and don't forget to stop by http://iamareadernotawriter.blogspot.com and see all the other 400+ great authors and bloggers that are participating!

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My Review of Fallen From Grace

In between the headache of midterms this week, I managed to squeeze in J.R. Lindermuth's latest thriller.  Fallen From Grace has been on my TBR list for a while, and I can't wait to share the latest thrills and chills with you!

First of all, just  a bit of background on this truly wonderful author!

J. R. Lindermuth is the author of nine novels, including four in the Sticks Hetrick mystery series set in a fictional rural community near Harrisburg, PA. A retired newspaper editor/writer, he is now librarian of his county's historical society where he assists patrons with research and genealogy. He has published stories and articles in a variety of magazines, both print and on-line.

Excerpts from his novels, reviews and other information are available at http://jlind11.tripod.com and http://jrlindermuth.com

BLURB:
 
As the 19th century winds to a close, Sheriff Sylvester Tilghman of the small Pennsylvania town of Arahpot ponders his biggest problems: finding a new deputy and convincing his true love, Lydia, to marry him. But an early autumn day finds Arahpot's usual tranquility shaken when a stranger is fatally stabbed.Upon seeing the victim, Tilghman recalls witnessing a strained encounter between him and Valentine Deibert, an obese man with a wife half his age who had recently moved to Arahpot. The sheriff questions Deibert who denies knowing the victim.Tilgman is unconvinced, but lacks a connection until the widow arrives in Arahpot. Suddenly Sylvester is plunged into investigating two murders. As he works through an abundance of motivated suspects, Tilghman finds himself in danger. And worse — Lydia is pushing her obnoxious cousin as a candidate for deputy.
 
My Review:
 
I grew up reading those fascinating mystery novels that I couldn't put down, all written around the turn of the last century.  Those novels were classics, filled with drama and suspense, as well as mind-boggling crimes that the police force diligently attempted to solve.

In those times, the police made do with what little resources they had to solve unexplained murders…that could be why the identity of the most notorious of killers has never been determined.  J.R. Lindermuth as captured the same magic from those classics with his latest thriller, Fallen from Grace.

Murder has hit Sheriff Sylvester Tilghman's sleepy little town of Arahpot.  Death may be a normal occurrence in 1897, but when more than one person meets their end at the hand of an unknown killer, questions start to spiral in the sheriff's adept mind.  Yes, technology is coming to the town, but will it be enough to solve this turn of the century mystery?

Lindermuth has (again!) delivered a novel that rivals some of the greats, filled with personalities that are so true to home.  Fallen from Grace involves the reader into a bygone era where a man was a real man, and solving unexplainable crimes took true mental work and investigation.  Tilghman's not an officer that is more eager to reap the benefits of his soon-coming retirement, and takes every minute of his life as a serious step.  He knows his constituents, and the country in which he resides. 

Lindermuth involves truly memorable characters in this tale, as well as humanity.  A brilliant author, J.R. stays on the top of my reading list and will continue to do so with his entrancing tales of mystery and intrigue!

5 stars!

Pick up your copy at:

http://www.amazon.com/Fallen-Grace-J-R-Lindermuth/dp/161009011X/ref=ntt_at_ep_dpt_1

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What's on my reading list this week? Varangian: The Stone of Babylon by Sabine K. Atkins

Somewhere between the mess of midterms, I'm trying to squeeze in some reading.  I've held off for a while reading Sabine K. Atkins' newly released Varangian: The Stone of Babylon.  Finally, it's reached the top of my list and I can't wait to delve into the world of Edric the Varangian.

A few years ago, I was fortune enough to read the original screenplay for this story.  Even at that time, the tale was riveting and I loved every moment of Edric's world.  Fingers crossed, I'm hoping the novel will be filled wtih just as much excitement and drama as the screenplay!

Let me give you a bit of background on this wonderful new writer:

Born in the southern German state of Bavaria, Sabine grew up listening to and reading old German fairy tales and folk stories.

She especially fondly remembers the times spent with her grandmother who never ran out of ghost stories and little anecdotes from the Bavarian province of Franconia, a picturesque area with the ruins of medieval castles, lush forests and rolling hills and hauntingly beautiful autumns and winters.

Sabine immigrated to the US, and became a citizen in 2005. She now resides near Nashville, Tennessee.

She seeks to combine the folk tales of the old world with fast-paced modern storytelling driven by unique characters and the powerful imagery of US blockbuster movies.

Find out more at:

 http://sabineatkins.wordpress.com/   and http://edricthevarangian.com/ 

 Blurb:
 Bound by an ancient oath, Edric is protecting a powerful secret … [image error]

Anglo-Saxon Edric is a Varangian, the member of an elite military force in medieval Constantinople. Being part secret service agent, part imperial security detail, he is privy to all kinds of secrets and intrigues in a strategically significant city embroiled in wars as well as internal political turmoil. But Edric is taken by surprise, when he finds out that his friend, an alchemist from Persia, has given him superpowers and wants him to protect the Stone of Babylon – by any means necessary.

This task sends Edric on a mind-bending journey of epic proportions, full of exciting clashes with warriors and supernatural beings, dangerous alchemy, time travel, fantastical machines, and the acquaintances of strikingly beautiful members of the opposite sex (and not all of them seem to be concerned with his well-being).

A journey that not only will reveal to him the purpose of the Stone of Babylon, but also show him his true strength…

 
Pick up your copy at:
 
http://www.amazon.com/Varangian-Stone-Babylon-ebook/dp/B005KN3XOC/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1319207503&sr=8-1
 
and other fine internet book retailers!
 

 

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