Harmony Kent's Blog, page 125
December 22, 2016
Cover Reveal: The Legacy of Marco Antonio and Amaryllis
Hello and thank you for visiting!
Today, the members of All Authors P&P bring you a spectacular cover reveal for a phenomenal story. But to know more about this story, you must first understand the its origins.
In 2013 Y. Correa brought you a Historical Romance for the ages. It was called “MarcoAntonio & Amaryllis”.
Within its pages you found a compelling story that could leave on mark on the soul of those who read it. Many compared it to “Tristan and Isolde” as well as “Romeo & Juliet”. However, “MarcoAntonio & Amaryllis” was much more than that, it was a love story AND an adventure. Riddled with magic, mayhem and drama, “MarcoAntonio & Amaryllis” was a story to be reckoned with.
The year 1585. The Anglo-Spanish War. England’s greed for Spain’s crops, land, and supplies gives birth to the inertia of intolerance on both sides. Yet, even then, Love surges forth.
MarcoAntonio, a Spanish gentleman and knight, defied all boundaries of color and culture, when setting eyes on the English lady Amaryllis. Although to others, he may be a bit reserved, he dares to lower his defenses solely for her.
Amaryllis is an English lady. One with an open heart, gentle spirit, and shining eloquence. She knew that she should not desire MarcoAntonio. Still, a love feeling so right couldn’t be so horribly wrong!
Travel with MarcoAntonio and Amaryllis as they duel with internal and external forces threatening to tear their powerful love apart. In the midst of troubles the likes of which have no compare, MarcoAntonio and Amaryllis find themselves having to fight the most unexpected of adversaries, just for the right to love each other.
Discover why their LOVE is the result of ALL things conquered!
Now, three years later, Y. Correa brings you the story of their son, MarcoAntonio Jr. and the legacy that their story left behind.
What happens when the Legacy of Love intersects with Legend?
For many years, legend spoke of two instruments—a sword and a shield. Together, they would act as catalysts to destroy the indestructible. At one point, all elements were in play, with the end result being a substantial sacrifice, along with the ultimate personification of love. That symbol is MarcoAntonio Junior—the Legacy of MarcoAntonio & Amaryllis.
With the legend seemingly at rest, fresh starts are on the horizon. A decade has passed, and Aishe and Damon—serving as caregivers for Junior—choose Borinquen as their new stomping ground. MarcoAntonio Junior is still haunted by the loss of his mother and father, but his budding friendship with Taino youth Yarisneth offers a shine of promise to counteract the sadness.
When fulfillment of legend is unsatisfactory to some, forces emanate to deliver their own resolution—affecting a positive present and blossoming future for all involved.
Will the Legacy show that Love is still the result or will these tenacious energies—antiquated and modern— give proof that the legend is a farce?
by 
December 18, 2016
Monday Musings Thirty: The Best Gifts Cannot be Bought
The Best Gifts Cannot be Bought
As today’s post will be the last one before Christmas, what better time to talk about giving? For many of us, frenzied Christmas shopping and wrapping have filled recent days and weeks. For me, it feels important to remember what the spirit of the season is all about.
In Monday Musings Seven—No Strings—we looked at giving and not being attached once we’ve gifted something to another. Today, I’d like to consider the nature of gifts and what holds the most importance.
In my experience, the greatest gift that I could give or receive is time. And by this, I don’t mean having more hours in a day. Rather, that a friend, family member, or whoever I need right now, can give me their time. And that if someone needs it from me, I can give it too. When you give your time, you give a period of your life that you will never get back. What greater gift can there be? And, in the nature of No Strings, who’s counting?
Christmas isn’t always a time of joy and making merry. For some, it is a time to dread. A time of aloneness and isolation. At such times, what we need most is for a fellow human being to offer us their time. Their attention. Their care.
Recently, while searching for an inspirational gift to email to someone who loves inspirational quotes, I came across a list of Christmas Gift Suggestions. I love them so much that I share them here with you:
To your enemy, forgiveness.
To an opponent, tolerance.
To a friend, your heart.
To a customer, service.
To all, charity.
To every child, a good example.
To yourself, respect.
In short, no matter the person or situation, we can always find something to offer.
In the wise words of Zen:
‘The most precious gift we can offer others is our presence.’
If you’ve missed my previous Monday Musings, you can find the links here: http://www.harmonykent.co.uk/category/monday-musings/ 
by
December 12, 2016
Concordant Vibrancy 3: Lustrate
Thanks for visiting.
In celebrating a new tradition, All Authors Publications and Promotions is rejoicing in the forthcoming release of the 3rd Annual installment of “Concordant Vibrancy”.
First there was “Concordant Vibrancy: Unity”, the first book in this multi-genre anthology collections.
Then there was “Concordant Vibrancy 2: Vitality”, the second book in this unique series.
Today, we celebrate the Cover Reveal of “Concordant Vibrancy 3: Lustrate”.
First a little about the book …
The Blurb
What embodies the composition of fluidity?
This is the query of the third installment of the Concordant Vibrancy collection, presented by All Authors Publications & Promotions, entitled “Lustrate”.
Nine incredible writers unite—through a combination of poetry, essays, and short stories—to produce unique responses flowing with vitality.
Works include:
“Unsui” by Harmony Kent
“Exiled” by Carol Cassada
“The Satiationship” by Synful Desire
“Twin Planets” by Y. Correa
“Threes” by Queen of Spades
“Luster Lingers” by Adonis Mann
“The Boo Thang Convention” by C. Desert Rose
“Overcome (Holy Water)” by Beem Weeks
and
“The Bunny” by Da’Kharta Rising
Now, without further ado, All Authors Publications & Promotions presents you, our precious readers, writers and precious patrons with the cover of the upcoming “Concordant Vibrancy 3: Lustrate”.
Learn …
What embodies the composition of fluidity?
by
December 11, 2016
Monday Musings Twenty-nine: Your Life Purpose
Your Life Purpose
Have you ever found yourself wondering what it’s all about? Asking why you’re alive? What your purpose is? Well, the good news is that you’re far from alone. Most of us have found ourselves in this exact place at least once (usually more). Unless still young and trouble free, I guarantee that questions such as the above will have visited you. And, unless you find your answer, they will continue to do so.
For many of us, our lives can seem insignificant and small. After all, what have I ever done that’s so special? What legacy will I leave behind? Will anyone even remember me?
Stop. These are the wrong questions. Or, rather, not the most helpful.
It isn’t about what a person has to show for a life but how they lived that life. Kind or cruel? Angry or peaceful? Greedy or grateful? Hatred or love? Fast-flowing stream or stagnant pond?
‘Don’t worry about trying to find your life purpose. Instead, start by acting on the small things that excite you each day. These are the threads that will connect you to your path, passion, and purpose in life.’
Ruben Chavez
If we feel discontent, then we have not yet found our purpose.
If, throughout your day, you continually refrain from doing something you want to do, then you do not truly live. You deny your life’s purpose the chance to blossom or grow. How many times do you put off being you in favour of fulfilling your duties as employee/mother/daughter/brother/nice person?
While each of the roles in our lives has importance, we have to maintain balance. We have to ensure enough space remains for play and relaxation, and all those things that make us uniquely us. All those things that light a fire within and energise us. That give us joy in life.
We don’t have to achieve greatness for our lives to mean something. Actually, it is in the small things that true greatness can be found. Those small acts of kindness, thoughtfulness, compassion, and selflessness. Of course, if we leave ourselves (this person, me) out of the equation, then all of that is rendered irrelevant. If we cannot exhibit kindness, thoughtfulness, compassion, and selflessness for ourselves as well as others, then we are missing the essential.
In the wise words of Zen:
‘Your work is to discover your world, and then with all your heart, give yourself to it.’
If you’ve missed my previous Monday Musings, you can find the links here: http://www.harmonykent.co.uk/category/monday-musings/
by
December 4, 2016
Monday Musings Twenty-eight: As Easy As 1-2-3
As easy as 1—2—3
Each morning, we are born again. We can’t start the next chapter in our lives if we keep re-reading the last one. What matters most is what we do today. For certain, worrying about what has been or what is to come will not take away tomorrow’s cares, only today’s peace and contentment. Right now is the time to write the next line in your story.
The only things that bind us are our thoughts and beliefs. The only thing that prevents us is our fear. The only thing that liberates us is our ability to let go and move on.
We all have a past. Don’t spend so much time and energy clinging to it or regretting it that you steal away your present and future. Let right now be the moment you learn the power of letting go and freeing yourself.
Of course, relinquishing our fears, judgements, beliefs, and ways of being isn’t so easy. Often, it can feel insurmountable. Sometimes, we become so full, so busy, and so harried that we have no clue of where to begin. So much so, that we don’t even see half of it, let alone have a chance of getting a handle on it.
So, what to do?
Happily, it’s as easy as 1—2—3.
Pause for a few seconds.
Observe the flow of your breathing.
Become aware of the silence within you.
Once you can do this, you will also begin to notice your still small voice that is both counsellor and ally. You will become aware of a powerful sense of presence; of something much greater and deeper than your small self with all its worries and clinging and rejecting and judging.
A Zen proverb tells us: Knowledge is learning something new every day. Wisdom is letting go of something every day. Remember: Nothing remains forever except change itself. So, what is the point in trying to keep hold and putting on the brakes? That way lies suffering.
All it takes is learning to simply breathe and notice. Catch your thoughts. See when you cling or resist or avoid. Don’t judge any of it. With gentleness and compassion, put it down. Lay it to rest with forgiveness and empathy.
In the wise words of Zen:
‘Breathe in. Breathe out. Move on.’
If you’ve missed my previous Monday Musings, you can find the links here: http://www.harmonykent.co.uk/category/monday-musings/
by
November 30, 2016
Westmore Launch!
You’ve been waiting for it, and now here it is …
By
Three families come together in this soap opera style romance. Westmore is the story of the Greens, the Braxtons, and the Reynolds—families enveloped by drama threefold.
Charlette Green mourns the loss of her husband while battling her dislike for her son’s new love. One day, handsome Detective Bryant comes into her life, rescuing her abandon. Meanwhile, Scott and Alicia, musical siblings, fight their way to the top of the charts when tragedy strikes.
Andrew Braxton is a ruthless and influential businessman who runs his household the same way he runs his company … with an iron fist. Upon learning his son Wayne plans on abandoning the family company, which Andrew has dedicated his life to, Andrew will do everything and anything in his power to stop Wayne from leaving.
After Laura Reynolds’ divorce, she and her daughter Megan move back home to live with her father. Her plan is to start life anew, relinquishing all sorrow. Little does Laura realize that it is harder than she thinks to leave the past behind.
Drama, mayhem, love and heartache are the ruling elements in this small New England town called Westmore.
In celebration of the release, you can now get “Westmore” FREE for a limited time only!
by
November 27, 2016
Monday Musings Twenty-seven: Keep it Simple
Keep it Simple
I don’t know about you, but for me, life has all-too-frequently felt like an uphill struggle. In my younger years, I took things far too seriously. And, while I had big ambition, I had small confidence. The gap between these two proved a chasm that I just couldn’t cross, and nothing seemed enough.
I chased after all the things that I thought would make me happy: a career, my own home, a life-partner, etc. What I didn’t realise was that my biggest achievement was to complicate my life way more than I needed to.
The more we have, the more responsibility lands on our shoulders. The more we need to take care of, the busier we are. We worry more. Get lost in planning the future more (and thus lose sight that God laughs at our puny human plans).
All plans have to remain loose. Life is subject to change without notice.
When I gave up all my possessions and made myself homeless (becoming wholly dependent upon a Buddhist temple to house and feed me), to my surprise, I discovered how light and free and liberated life suddenly felt. I’m not saying that giving up everything was easy or done overnight (it took planning), but I did adapt to it and appreciate it much more readily and quickly than I could ever have imagined.
Up until that point, I’d lived my life on a calendar, with everything carefully planned out. My whole way of being was one of rigidity (and thus, suffering). Now, for most of us, leaving the world and the folks in it behind for X amount of years isn’t practical or what we want to do. Happily, we can effect positive change with tiny adjustments.
To live simply, we need to cease from grasping and filling our lives with as much stuff as we can. Instead, we need to know what is enough. That’s not to say that we can’t dream—we can, and we want to dream big. This isn’t the paradox it may seem at first sight. It is more than possible to dream while also being grateful for what we have right now.
When we manage to live simply, dream big, and feel grateful—knowing that our life is enough—then we can give love. We can laugh lots. We can brighten the lives of those around us.
In the wise words of Zen:
‘If it doesn’t add to your life, it doesn’t belong in your life.’
If you’ve missed my previous Monday Musings, you can find the links here: http://www.harmonykent.co.uk/category/monday-musings/
by
November 26, 2016
Guest Post: Carol Cassada and Westmore!
Hey everyone! Today, I have great pleasure in hosting author Carol Cassada to celebrate the launch of her latest novel, Westmore! Take it away, Carol …
“A literary version of a soap opera.”
That’s how I describe Westmore whenever someone asks about the book.
Anyone who follows me online knows I’m a soap opera fanatic. I’m always posting my opinion about the latest happenings on my favorite shows. At times, the shows can be so bad that I often say I can do a better job of writing them.
That’s one of the things that lead to the inspiration of Westmore. I wondered what it’d be like to create my own version of a soap opera.
One day I grabbed a notebook and began writing ideas for a soap opera. I outlined the character descriptions along with the plot. I had about ten pages filled by the time I was finished.
When I decided to turn it into a book, I knew there was a gamble. Odds are people wouldn’t understand the premise or they’d get confused with the various characters.
But that was a chance I was willing to take. With the way the book industry is, I think you have to be different.
With Westmore, I’ve got a little bit of everything going with it. First, there’s the various characters. You have everyone from the millionaire CEO to a musician to a bartender. All these characters have a different background, yet throughout the story they become connected in some way. That’s one of the things that I believe is what makes the story. You read about these characters, become attached to them, and watch as their bond grows.
Aside from the characters you have the romance element, which is important in any soap opera. Then of course you have to have the drama. In Westmore, there’s heartache, family turmoil, and secrets from the past coming to light. All these elements combined together is what makes a great story.
Now, you won’t be seeing the usual outrageous stories you’ll see on the shows. For instance, I won’t have characters returning from the dead, baby switch stories, or a couple marrying for the twentieth time.
I prefer to keep my stories simple. Although, I don’t know how simple you can get with a soap opera book.
Author Bio
Carol Cassada hails from a small town in Virginia. Growing up, Carol loved to read, but it wasn’t until her teens when she decided to be a writer. After taking a creative writing class, Carol set out on her writing journey.
After graduating college, Carol began writing her first book, Going Home Again. Since then, she’s written and published 6 volumes in the Westmore series. With a penchant for romance and drama, Carol’s books draw you in with their soap opera essence.
Although, romance is her main genre, Carol has expressed interest in writing in writing other genres. With a notebook full of ideas, Carol promises there’s more to come with her stories.
Author Links
https://carolcassada.wordpress.com/
https://www.facebook.com/Author-Carol-Cassada-233360543344573/?fref=ts
by
November 23, 2016
Westmore by Carol Cassada
Greetings,
Today the members of All Authors P&P are bring you a phenomenal cover reveal, celebrating the re-release of “Westmore” by Author Carol Cassada.
First, the blurb:
Three families come together in this soap opera style romance. Westmore is the story of the Greens, the Braxtons, and the Reynolds—families’ enveloped by drama threefold.
Charlette Green mourns the loss of her husband while battling her dislike for her son’s new love. One day, handsome Detective Bryant comes into her life, rescuing her abandon. Meanwhile, Scott and Alicia, musical siblings, fight their way to the top of the charts when tragedy strikes.
Andrew Braxton is a ruthless and influential businessman who runs his household the same way he runs his company … with an iron fist. Upon learning his son Wayne plans on abandoning the family company, which Andrew has dedicated his life to, Andrew will do everything and anything in his power to stop Wayne from leaving.
After Laura Reynolds’ divorce, she and her daughter Megan move back home to live with her father. Her plan is to start life anew, relinquishing all sorrow. Little does Laura realize that it is harder than she thinks to leave the past behind.
Drama, mayhem, love and heartache are the ruling elements in this small New England town called Westmore.
Now, little bit about the author.
Author Bio:
Carol Cassada hails from a small town in Virginia. Growing up, Carol loved to read, but it wasn’t until her teens when she decided to be a writer. After taking a creative writing class, Carol set out on her writing journey.
After graduating from college, Carol began writing her first book, Going Home Again. Since then, she’s written and published 6 volumes in the Westmore series. With a penchant for romance and drama, Carol’s books draw you in with their soap opera essence.
Although romance is her main genre, Carol has expressed interest in writing other genres. With a notebook full of ideas, Carol promises there’s more to come with her stories.
Links:
Twitter: @dramacjc
Now, without further ado we present you with the new cover of “Westmore” by Carol Cassada.
by
Carol Cassada
Coming December 1st, 2016
by
November 20, 2016
Monday Musings Part Twenty-six: Ten Things to Forget
Ten Things to Forget
Today’s Monday Musings marks half a year. Wow—where’d the time go? For those of you who’ve been with me from the beginning, thank you. For all of you who have just joined in the fun, welcome. You can find links to all my other Monday Musings at the bottom of this post.
Well, as we’ve made it halfway through a year, what better time to make a list of all the things we want to forget (or, more accurately, let go of)?
So far, we’ve used a lot of words to talk about a lot of the same stuff, so here’s a nice, short list for you instead:
Ten Things to Forget …
Fear
Guilt
Blame
Anger
Regret
Worrying
Judging
Competing
Comparing
Overwhelming
The bottom item on the list is, perhaps, the one most easily missed. How many times have you found yourself feeling overwhelmed at the thought of all your ‘to-dos’? Often, the energy that we use up on feeling like it’s all too much deprives us of the much-needed motivation to even make a start.
As we’ve discussed before, all we have to do—indeed, all we can do—is to take one step at a time. Tackle one thing at a time. Any time we feel overwhelmed, we need to prioritize. What needs doing first? Take care of that. Then look at what, now, has moved up into that vacant first spot.
Letting go of everything else on this list helps us find the space and time we need to take care of our lives. It frees up energy that would otherwise get tied up.
One thing not listed here, which is more important than anything else, is something we need to remember to do rather than forget or let go of. And that is to laugh. At least once a day, we need to have a good-old deep belly laugh. Especially when we notice ourselves forgetting to let go …
Even the tiniest of smiles contains a universe full of magic. It has the power to transform even the blackest of moods and make the world a brighter place.
In the wise words of Zen:
‘A smile is the curve that sets everything straight.’
If you’ve missed my previous Monday Musings, you can find the links here: http://www.harmonykent.co.uk/category/monday-musings/
