Joyce DiPastena's Blog, page 88

New Review of Loyalty's Web

My sweet medieval romance, Loyalty's Web, has sort of been standing meekly aside while her newer, younger sister, Illuminations of the Heart, has been taking center stage. So I was thrilled today to discover this wonderful new review of Loyalty's Web by Reviews on Martha's Bookshelf.
Thank you, Martha! Hélene and Gunthar thank you, too!

Medieval Word of the Day

Dais: a raised platform in the castle hall

"Illuminations of the Heart" Book Blog Tour Winners!

Sorry to be posting this so late. Although the names were drawn, it took a little longer than expected to track down some of the winners to let them know about their prizes. My publisher is actually still trying to track down the winner of the BarnesandNoble.com gift certificate, but in the meantime, I'll list the winners names so far.
The winner of a copy of Illuminations of the Heart is: Jennifer B for leaving a comment on Heather Justesen's blog.
The winner of a $10 Amazon.com gift...

Medieval Word of the Day

The hall or great hall: the central living space of the castle inside the keep; the ceremonial and legal center

Book Blog Tour for "By Love or By Sea", by Rachel Rager

Thank you to all the lovely bloggers who participated in my book blog tour for Illuminations of the Heart! (The links for the reviews and interviews are still available, if you scroll down my left hand sidebar.) Now I get to return the favor. Today kicks off the book blog tour for Rachel Rager's new romance, By Love or By Sea. I will be reviewing her book at the end of the tour, and have a nice interview with Rachel lined up to share with you that day. In the meantime, check out each day's...

"The Sister Pact", by Cami Checkett: Book Review & Giveaway

Back Cover Blurb for The Sister Pact:

Savanna Compton is devastated when her sister and best friend, Allison, falls into a coma after a tragic accident. Or was it an accident? Even with a charming and handsome detective at her side, it seems Savannah may never discover the truth. But if she doesn't her family could be in even more danger. And Savannah's past holds its own secrets that could change everything.

Now she must prove her innocence to the one person who is beginning to matter...

Review of "Illuminations of the Heart" at Bella Online!

I just found this wonderful new review of Illuminations of the Heart by C.S. Bezas on Bella Online! (And this one had nothing to do with my recently ended blog tour.) My favorite line: "I...was surprised how much this one pulled me into a medieval world and remained with me long after!"
Read the entire review at http://www.bellaonline.com/articles/art63578.asp

Medieval Word of the Day

Drawbridge: a bridge that can be raised or lowered to permit access across a ditch or moat into the castle's bailey.


(Can you find the little drawbridge? You've all seen this in the movies, right?)

I'm a Sweetie!

Hey, look what I won at the Sweetest Romance Authors Chat tonight!



How did I wind this award? By winning the scavenger hunt that follows each of the Sweetest Romance Chats on the 4th Thursday of each month. Have I mentioned how very cool these chats are? Tonight, our guest speaker was Rachel Starr Thomson, who shared with us her insights on how to become an editor, benefits of self-publishing vs traditional publishing, how to use Twitter effectively if you're an author, tips on...

Let's Be Friends Award

I was so very touched to receive this award from Laura Fabrini from The Library of Clean Reads. (Who's blog, by the way, you should definitely check out, whether you're a writer or a reader. In addition to book reviews on her blog, her website, Nouveauwriter, has tons of valuable information for writers!)
According to Laura: "Blogs that receive the Let's Be Friends Award are exceedingly charming. These kind bloggers aim to find and be friends. They are not interested in self-aggrandizement...