Cami Checketts's Blog, page 48
November 18, 2013
The Colony book cover
The Colony should be released before Christmas. Yeah, buddy! Any thoughts or suggestions on the cover? I am loving it, but I'm a bit prejudiced :)
Here's a bit more info about the book.
Brinlee Trapper escapes to a secluded mountain home to protect her young sons from the mistakes of her past. But there are dangers lurking in the mountains she has never encountered. A mysterious hunter, Jed, saves them. Brinlee is drawn to him, but she worries about his involvement with a peaceful commune hidden deep in the mountains behind her property.
Lance, Brinlee’s attentive neighbor, has his own troubled history. Between his obvious attraction to Brinlee and his developing love for her children, Brinlee finds it more than difficult to guard her heart against this tender intrusion.
While Jed offers a life of excitement and freedom, Lance holds the key to the family Brinlee always wanted. When it comes time to choose, she learns that both men have secrets that could shatter her fledgling trust in men and the wrong decision could leave more than her heart exposed to danger.
November 14, 2013
My twin sister
My sister, Abbie, and I look like twins. It's really funny because our older brothers are twins, but nobody would guess it. Here's her picture. Yeah, kind of like staring in the mirror for me.
She's a major sweetie, but also a huge smart aleck (we share the smart aleck gene). When people ask me if we're twins I grin and say, "No, and I'm five years older! Haha." When people ask her if we're twins, she holds up her hands and says, "The only way you can tell the difference is I have all ten of my fingers." (I'm sure a lot of you know I cut three of mine off in a lawnmower, boring story, even thought there was a lot of blood.) Abbie thinks it is hilarious when she says that because people get all shocked and shaken. "I can't believe you would say that!" They don't realize I think it's hilarious and I couldn't care less that I'm missing fingers (it's a great way to scare kiddos at the grade school). My amputated fingers only upset me when I'm playing the piano and keep missing notes. Actually, that's most upsetting to my mom-fifteen years of piano lessons down the drain.
Abbie and I have a great time teasing each other and always go along with it when people mistake us for the other.
The best story lately is a friend of mine was appalled when she saw Abbie at the grocery store buying all kinds of processed food and treats (for some reason she assumes I'm a health nut). I told Abbie how relieved my friend was when she found it my sister was the junker (we workout at the same gym and I guess I have a reputation to uphold :) ) Abbie unknowingly repeated the story to the same friend the first time she met her saying, "Yeah, some crazy lady thought I was Cami at the grocery store and got all upset that I was buying corn dogs and licorice." When we later connected that she'd told the story to the same friend, she just couldn't stop laughing. I need to reign her in or I'm going to lose friends!
Most of all I'm extremely grateful for my hilarious, younger, twin. Life wouldn't be fun without a sister!
She's a major sweetie, but also a huge smart aleck (we share the smart aleck gene). When people ask me if we're twins I grin and say, "No, and I'm five years older! Haha." When people ask her if we're twins, she holds up her hands and says, "The only way you can tell the difference is I have all ten of my fingers." (I'm sure a lot of you know I cut three of mine off in a lawnmower, boring story, even thought there was a lot of blood.) Abbie thinks it is hilarious when she says that because people get all shocked and shaken. "I can't believe you would say that!" They don't realize I think it's hilarious and I couldn't care less that I'm missing fingers (it's a great way to scare kiddos at the grade school). My amputated fingers only upset me when I'm playing the piano and keep missing notes. Actually, that's most upsetting to my mom-fifteen years of piano lessons down the drain.
Abbie and I have a great time teasing each other and always go along with it when people mistake us for the other.
The best story lately is a friend of mine was appalled when she saw Abbie at the grocery store buying all kinds of processed food and treats (for some reason she assumes I'm a health nut). I told Abbie how relieved my friend was when she found it my sister was the junker (we workout at the same gym and I guess I have a reputation to uphold :) ) Abbie unknowingly repeated the story to the same friend the first time she met her saying, "Yeah, some crazy lady thought I was Cami at the grocery store and got all upset that I was buying corn dogs and licorice." When we later connected that she'd told the story to the same friend, she just couldn't stop laughing. I need to reign her in or I'm going to lose friends!
Most of all I'm extremely grateful for my hilarious, younger, twin. Life wouldn't be fun without a sister!
November 12, 2013
Hudson Lights
Tour Schedule
Hudson LightsComposed of 4 vocal artists from the Rocky Mountains, Hudson Lights creates a fresh fusion of contemporary pop and jazz like you've never heard before! World-class harmonies and consummate showmanship make this an unforgettable music experience. Equal parts thrilling, inspiring, and effortlessly charming, Hudson Lights brings a classy edge back to mainstream pop.
HUDSON LIGHTS will release their self-titled debut album November 12, 2013. They released a single, “Good to Me”, on iTunes in September.
The group is composed of four male vocal artists from around the country: McKay Crockett, Keith Evans, Joseph Moore and Ross Welch. Together they create a fresh fusion of contemporary pop and jazz music.
The upbeat album features classic covers of legends like Frank Sinatra and The Beatles. They also have several original songs.
Bob Ahlander, director of music at Shadow Mountain Records, says “Hudson Lights fills a void in the music scene.”
They have already had some notable performances. They debuted at the Marriot Center during the BYU Women’s Conference Concert in May, and placed 2nd in a contest to open for Kelly Clarkson at the STADIUM OF FIRE in June.
On November 22nd they’ll perform for a crowd of 10,000 as part of Deseret Book’s “Time Out for Women” event at the Maverik Center. Tickets are available here.
"Call Me Maybe"
Tour Giveaway
$25 Amazon Gift Card or Paypal Cash
Ends 11/24/13
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November 11, 2013
A Fantasy Christmas Blog Tour
What do Witches, Elves, and Greek Gods (Oh My) have in common? They are part of the romantic Christmas anthology, A Fantasy Christmas, written by Cindy C Bennett, Stephanie Fowers, and Sherry Gammon
Blog Tour Schedule
Halfling by Cindy C Bennett
(Author of Geek Girl, Heart on a Chain, Enchanted Fairytales, Rapunzel Untangled, and more)
Banished from the South Pole, Kara tries to carve out a new life among the elves of the North. It’s not easy with a secret to protect—a secret she's cursed with by the unusual circumstances of her heritage: half-elf, half-fairy. In the North, she’s assigned to work with Seb on a special project. He's the most gorgeous elf she’s ever seen - and the orneriest.
As if being banished wasn’t punishment enough.
Seb introduces her to Trystin, a fairy from the nearby fairy forest. Trystin discerns her secret right away and promises to teach her how to use the powers given to her by the very thing she’s fighting to keep hidden.
Check out Cindy C Bennett's web page for more information on her.
Aphrodite by Stephanie Fowers
(Author of the Twisted Tales Series, Meet your Match, Prank Wars, and more)
Nothing is simple for Aphrodite’s daughter, especially love.
Scorned by society in regency England, Affry longs for romance. Upon encountering a dashing nobleman at her aunty's Christmas' ball, Affry gets caught in a lovely intrigue with disastrous results. Worse, she wins the interest of the gods.
Now the furies of the underworld and Hades himself are after her. When all is fair in war, Affry must use love as her weapon—but only for the one who’s stolen her heart.
Check out Stephanie Fowers' web page for more information on her.
Loving Marigold by Sherry Gammon
Author of Unlovable, Unbelievable, Not So Easy and more)
Young Marigold Yarrow has a secret. She’s also in love with Jack Mahoney. In the middle of her ninth grade year, Jack's family up and moves to Port Fare, New York, leaving the small town of Sugar Maple, West Virginia - and Marigold - far behind.
Nine years later Jack and Marigold meet again. They join forces to weed out the shady Abbott boys. The unscrupulous brothers are illegally selling moonshine near her home on Sugar Maple Ridge. And they'll do anything to get Marigold to leave the ridge. Anything. This time it may be magic that tears Jack and Marigold apart.
Check out Sherry Gammon's web page for more information on her.
My Review
I thoroughly enjoyed of each of these short romances and their Christmas connection.
Halfling was a fun yet touching story with Kara trying to find her spot and finding love even though she didn't want to. Seb was a great multi-faceted character (and I hate to sound like a teenager but he was very hot).
Aprhodite was great with all the Greek mythology characters and the hero reminded me of a Jane Austen hero (loved him).
Loving Marigold was so cute with Marigold being a witch and having to hide it from everyone, even the man she loves. I also loved that there was the connection to Sherry's other Port Fare novels, Unlovable and Unforgivable as those are some of my favorite books.
My recommendation would be to buy yourself a little Christmas present and download A Fantasy Christmas.
Purchase A Fantasy Christmas-Click on links:
Amazon
Barnes and Noble
Smashwords
A Fantasy Christmas blog
November 7, 2013
Kindle Countdown Deal - Gifts and Consequences by Daniel Coleman
Gifts and Consequences
by Daniel Coleman is being featured on the new Kindle Countdown Deals for only $.99 until Thursday, November 7th at midnight.
I loved this book and would highly recommend it. Read my review here.
I loved this book and would highly recommend it. Read my review here.
Putting yourself out there
My 14yo tried out for Mr. Freshman yesterday. I've never seen him nervous before. He talks in church without a problem, never stresses before lacrosse games or even tryouts. But playing a toaster (yes, that was his talent) in front of his student council kept him up most of the night (there are some really cute girls on student council).
He felt good about his performance, and we'll see tomorrow what the results are. I was extremely proud of him for being brave enough to try. Isn't life about just putting yourself out there, trying your best, and hoping for a good outcome?
One day I complained to my husband because someone left a unflattering review on Amazon. Instead of buying me chocolate (I know, you'd think I had him trained better) he said, "You put yourself out there and sometimes people aren't going to be nice." And isn't that life too? We always hope everyone (especially ourselves and our children) will be nice, but sometimes it doesn't happen and sometimes we don't have the outcome we hoped for. But what would life be if we didn't keep trying?
So here's the advice I gave to my boy this morning: Keep playing that toaster and smiling no matter what happens. And you know what? He did.
He felt good about his performance, and we'll see tomorrow what the results are. I was extremely proud of him for being brave enough to try. Isn't life about just putting yourself out there, trying your best, and hoping for a good outcome?
One day I complained to my husband because someone left a unflattering review on Amazon. Instead of buying me chocolate (I know, you'd think I had him trained better) he said, "You put yourself out there and sometimes people aren't going to be nice." And isn't that life too? We always hope everyone (especially ourselves and our children) will be nice, but sometimes it doesn't happen and sometimes we don't have the outcome we hoped for. But what would life be if we didn't keep trying?
So here's the advice I gave to my boy this morning: Keep playing that toaster and smiling no matter what happens. And you know what? He did.
November 4, 2013
Amazon
Amazon has some great new programs. One is called Kindle Matchbook, if you buy a print book through Amazon you can buy the Kindle version for a reduced price, sometimes free.
They've also started a fun bargain price page called Kindle Countdown deals. Authors put their books at a discounted price and there is a countdown telling you exactly how good of a deal you're getting and how much time is left in the promotion.
Also, through Audible, you can buy the audio book and get the Kindle version for free or discounted.
I'm working right now with an amazing narrator, Christy Crevier, who is producing The Broken Path in audio. It's so exciting. I don't listen well so I was shocked to be listening to a book I wrote (and revised dozens of times) and be so drawn in by this narrator's voice. I'm loving it.
Do any of you listen to audio books? Do you use Audible?
They've also started a fun bargain price page called Kindle Countdown deals. Authors put their books at a discounted price and there is a countdown telling you exactly how good of a deal you're getting and how much time is left in the promotion.
Also, through Audible, you can buy the audio book and get the Kindle version for free or discounted.
I'm working right now with an amazing narrator, Christy Crevier, who is producing The Broken Path in audio. It's so exciting. I don't listen well so I was shocked to be listening to a book I wrote (and revised dozens of times) and be so drawn in by this narrator's voice. I'm loving it.
Do any of you listen to audio books? Do you use Audible?
November 2, 2013
Win a Kindle fire or $229 GC
This is a joint AUTHOR & BLOGGER GIVEAWAY EVENT!
Bloggers & Authors have joined together and each chipped in a little money towards a Kindle Fire HDX 7".
All New Kindle Fire HDX 7" Giveaway
The winner will have the option of receiving a 7" Kindle Fire HDX (US Only - $229 Value)
Or $229 Amazon.com Gift Card (International)
Or $229 in Paypal Cash (International)
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Sign up to Sponsor the December Giveaway (starting around December 2nd)
http://www.iamareader.com/2013/10/december-kindle-fire.html
Giveaway Details
1 winner will receive their choice of an all new Kindle Fire 7" HDX (US Only - $229 value), $229 Amazon Gift Card or $229 in Paypal Cash (International).
There is a second separate giveaway for bloggers who post this giveaway on their blog. See details in the rafflecopter on how to enter to win the 2nd Kindle Fire HDX 7".
Ends 11/30/13
Open only to those who can legally enter, receive and use an Amazon.com Gift Code or Paypal Cash. Winning Entry will be verified prior to prize being awarded. No purchase necessary. You must be 18 or older to enter or have your parent enter for you. The winner will be chosen by rafflecopter and announced here as well as emailed and will have 48 hours to respond or a new winner will be chosen. This giveaway is in no way associated with Facebook, Twitter, Rafflecopter or any other entity unless otherwise specified. The number of eligible entries received determines the odds of winning. Giveaway was organized by Kathy from I Am A Reader, Not A Writer http://iamareader.com and sponsored by the participating authors & bloggers. VOID WHERE PROHIBITED BY LAW.
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October 28, 2013
Oyster?
Have any of you tried Oyster?
From what I understand, you pay $9.95 a month and can download as many ebooks as you want. Sounds pretty good, but I'm not sure how great the selection is.
If they have books my boys and I are interested in, it would save me a bundle of money. Does anyone else struggle to keep their children in reading material? Great problem to have :)
From what I understand, you pay $9.95 a month and can download as many ebooks as you want. Sounds pretty good, but I'm not sure how great the selection is.
If they have books my boys and I are interested in, it would save me a bundle of money. Does anyone else struggle to keep their children in reading material? Great problem to have :)
October 24, 2013
Winner - Blog This tour prize
Megan Myers won a $25 GC and five autographed books as part of the Blog This release tour. Thanks so much to everyone who participated in the tour and congrats to Megan!
