Positivity Project #3 - Lets READ

Good afternoon!

Are you one of those people who says, “I never have enough time to read?” or my favorite, “I only read on summer break.”

GASP! That is just so wrong and my heart aches for you.

Not sure how exactly that could ever be the case. Find 30 minutes in the morning or before bed and guarantee you will start or end your day relaxed.

Do it! Try it! No better time than NOW.

How big is your To Be Read pile? I usually have a TBR pile of only one or two books. I tend to read what I buy immediately. I am more like a kid in a candy store. I want and I want to read it NOW!

My dad (remember he is on an extended visit with me) has read several books since he started his visit. He reads a little in the morning with his morning coffee, a little in the afternoon, and a little to relax before bed at night.

Now the good part is that we enjoy the same books– mostly. Like he loves to read Sharon Sala who happens to be one of my favorite authors. If you enjoy a good romance and ones with a little mystery with characters you can’t help but fall in love with then Dad and I both recommend Sharon Sala and especially her “Blessings Georgia” series. See the photos. But we love all of Sharon’s books.

I finished “The Vanishing”, the latest paranormal mystery by Jayne Ann Krentz. Jayne does a terrific job with paranormal. She and Heather Graham are my two favorites in this genre. I mean what more could a person want: mystery, paranormal, and romance.

We also both enjoy David Baldacci and John Sanford. Dad just re-read “The Collectors” by David Baldacci.
 
I got Dad started on reading “The Kidd” series by John Sandford. Having lived in Minnesota, we both love and have known a character like his “Virgil Flowers” character, we recommend John Sandford books.

I am finishing up Linda Lael Miller’s latest book, “Country Strong” from her new Painted Pony Creek series. Anytime you want a good romance that takes place on a ranch then Linda Lael Miller is where you want to turn.

Next up on my list is “The Shape of the Night” by Tess Gerritsen. Another author my dad and I have in common. No doubt he will read this one when I am finished, but for now, get in line.

Tell us what you are reading. What author or series do you recommend?

Can’t get your hands on a book right now? Well, you are in luck. Until June 30^th we have a National Emergency Library open for digital reading of over 1.4 million books. FREE. Visit this link: https://archive.org/details/nationalemergencylibrary

Novels not your thing? That’s okay, Marvel has free digital read of some of their comic books available. FREE. Visit this link: https://www.marvel.com/comics/discover/1626/read-these-free-comics

Prefer someone to read you a bedtime story? Well, Dolly Parton on Facebook can help you out. FREE. Visit this link: https://www.facebook.com/events/2518816801707089/

If you know of other ways to get free reads, please share what you have discovered.

More than anything—HAPPY READING!!

 

 
 
 
 

I love to read!

When I say I love to read, I mean I like to read anything ad everything. I crave to read. I crave losing myself in a story, I crave learning something, I crave just the peacefulness of my mind when I'm in a book.

Mostly I read mystery, suspense, romance. But I do veer off the "normal" path and read non-fiction (especially books on what entrepreneurs went thru when they started their business). Not the "how-to" books because quite frankly that is boring. I want to know the pain and suffering and the joys of the unknown, the failures, and the successes. I'll read books in running, again not a how-to, but the journey that other people have go through to get to be the runner they are today. I'll even read science fiction. Okay, not very often and only if someone I trust recommends a book. That's how I suffered through the first 100 pages of "Dune" and then loved it til the end.

Yesterday I read a book because it caught my eye with the title. See, a good title will get someone to pick up a book. "The Subtle Art of Not Giving a F*ck," by Mark Manson is the book I picked up. Yes, I use the F word, but not as often as some might think. At first I was thinking I'm not sure I can read a book with the F-bomb dropped all over the place. But you know, I loved it. I recommend it.

Blame my parents for my hunger and love of books. After all, they taught me to read.

When I was a kid and my parents would stick us in the car for a 4 hour drive to my grandparents for a visit, I would read every sign. If they hadn't taught me to read then I wouldn't be such a reader.

I am grateful for my parents who taught me to read and for every author who has put their heart and soul into a book. Very much appreciate you sharing your stories.

Who taught you to read?

What books inspired you?

Whether you read fiction or non-fiction, I believe books inspire. They inspire you, the reader, to learn something new, or to reinforce something you already believed, or maybe, just maybe they open your mind to explore. Books give us an opportunity to not just escape from our everyday lives, but to give us an opportunity to experience new places, new theories, and new people without leaving the comfort of your favorite chair.

However, I think a good book will also introduce you to and inspire you to want to explore and experience something in real life. Not just while sofa surfing.

What do you think?

What books have made you get up out of the chair and try something new or to learn something more?

There are several books that stand out in my lifetime of books that have inspired me to expand my horizons, go in search of new adventure, or just to experience something new or different.

Nora Roberts book, Born in Fire had a character who was a glass blower. I had never heard of such a thing so of course I had to look into it and then proceeded to take two classes. The result is I created several glass paperweights that I still have today, and a glass rose.

While reading every book I could get my hands on written by romantic suspense author Linda Howard, I decided I wanted to write a novel. Talk about inspiration, not to mention aspiration! Well, not only did I do it, but I wrote six novels, five of which have been published. This experience gave me the opportunity to explore a creative side I didn’t know I had, made me some great friends along the journey, and learn more of the craft of writing and the publishing industry.

Another book that got to me was a book written by Carla Neggers. The timing of me reading this book was so amazing that I swear to you it was a sign. I wanted to go on an adventure. I wanted to go to Ireland. I just didn’t know where in Ireland. I started searching and one day while online I saw this cottage, this stone cottage in Kenmare, Ireland. Hmmm…where is Kenmare, Ireland? I discovered that Kenmare was in southwest Ireland and is beautiful.

Then I opened the book I had been reading, The Whisper by Carla Neggers, and turned the page to Chapter 26 where the first thing I read were the words; Kenmare, Ireland.

Seriously! If you do not believe in signs then you should. My fate was sealed. I made my reservations that day to stay in the stone cottage in Kenmare, Ireland. I’ve gone back for a second visit where I explored even more of Ireland, ran a half marathon in Dingle and took a one day photography class. Yes, there will be a third visit to Kenmare, Ireland, my home away from home.

One day two years ago a woman in my office gave me a book titled Born to Run by Christopher McDougall. She gave me the book because I love running. Well, it’s actually a love/hate relationship. Depending on the day it can be painful, but when you are out there the mind clears and the feet just like to move. Anyway, at first I was not going to read this book. Sorry, Christopher McDougall, but it’s true. I didn’t want some book to change my new found love. I could not have been more wrong!

There. I admit it. I was wrong. (Don’t get used to it.) Born to Run expanded my horizons. I learned not just about a tribe of amazing runners called the Tarahumara, but I learned about ultra running. What is that you ask? That is a run any distance longer than a marathon. What?! Yeah, exactly my point. I became fascinated. And this book led me to read more books related to long distance, endurance running. And of course…my first ultra marathon. This year I will make my first attempt at a 100-mile run.

Another friend recommended the book American Sniper: The Autobiography of the Most Lethal Sniper in U.S. Military History written by retired Chris Kyle, Scott McEwen, and Jim DeFelice. The book is the memoir of CPO Chris Kyle, U.S. Navy Seal. If you have not read it, I highly recommend American Sniper. You will get a feel for what our men and women of service go through, and how they struggle to deal with “normal” life when they return home, not to mention what it is like when deployed and on the battlefield, plus a whole lot more. It was this book and the tragic death of Chris Kyle that inspired me to spend the next year running to raise funds for his foundation, Guardian for Heroes Foundation.

Guardian for Heroes Foundation provides free, in-home fitness equipment, facilitation of donated health club memberships, individualized programs, personal training and life coaching to in-need veterans with disabilities, and those suffering from Post-Traumatic Stress (PTS) from combat deployment. With this mission, it seemed only natural that I, a runner, a supporter of our Veterans, find a way to give back.

I encourage everyone to give back. Find a way.

I have always donated to various charities, none more than our Veterans and children’s education. Every year I donate to a local business various gifts that our retired military men and women who live in a home need. They ask for the simplest of pleasures; a new comforter, a tin of cookies, sugar free candy, and everyday toiletries. It is my mission every year on Veteran’s Day to grab several names from the Veteran Tree and make certain those folks get their Christmas gifts.

As I reflect back, American Sniper: The Autobiography of the Most Lethal Sniper in U.S. Military History inspired me beyond just that one year of fund raising, which by the way I am not good at. It inspired me to do something more, to want to make a difference in this world.

That’s where my next book comes in play.

I have been having health issues and it has become more than obvious that much of it is related to stress. Stress on the body whether mental or physical is still stress and the body does not like it. In my case, the universe and my doctors are telling me that my job is toxic. How do you like that word? I’d say that is very descriptive. And I agree, but I’ve known this for four years and have not done a thing about it. Well, I have, but not the right thing. Not the thing that is going to go after the root cause. Not the thing that is going to change my life and put me on the happy path.

Part of that is fear, because let’s face it; we all have to pay bills. But fear is not usually something that holds me back. As my friends and family will attest, I like to go. I like to try new things, new adventures. Part of what is holding me back is the people that work for me and our accomplishments. We do perform some work-related miracles and make a huge difference. But that difference is only affecting the organization for which we work. Not making a difference in the world. Not making us happy.

So here sits me, or maybe it’s running, and I contemplate, and think, and consider, and search…for that thing, that passion that will help me make a difference, help me find my calling. After a ten-miler last Sunday I was sitting in my house or should I say bouncing off the walls. I couldn’t concentrate, couldn’t focus. Since I had already gone for a run I didn’t want to do that so, when all else fails I went to the bookstore.

BAM! That’s when the title of this book hit me in the face. Okay, not literally, but seriously, how can you not pick up a book titled Do Cool Sh*t by Miki Agrawal.

I read Do Cool Sh*t in three days. It would have been one if I did not have to work. And wow! I resonated with Miki. At one point in her book she started having stomach pains and I knew exactly how she felt because I have the same thing. Gosh darn processed foods!

Anyway, because of Miki’s book, Do Cool Sh*t, I have new inspiration to go after my dreams and it is not to work for anyone else. It is to jump tracks and start something that will make me happy and make a difference…even if only in a small corner of the world. Her writing inspired me to the point that I signed up for a class this morning in the hopes that this class will help me shift my focus and learn something new that will benefit me in my search for my passion.

To the authors mentioned above and to all the others I've read but could not possibly list, I thank you! Thank you for inspiring!

What about you? What books have influenced and inspired you? Why? How?

 

 

Snacks for 24-hour Dewey Readathon

Closing in on the halfway mark of the Dewey 24-hour Read-a-thon. Next up on my reading list is Capsized by Sharon Sala.

How goes it on your end? Oh, my tail end is numb from all this sitting! Just remember to get up and move around. Stretch those legs. Do a little dance and get that circulation pumping.

I'm on my first bottle of Mountain Dew. Bring on the Dew! I've also got some Fritos, some gluten-free almond clusters, some homemade energy bites (love these things!), Gatorade, and for a change of pace, I've got Coke.

If I get really desperate, there's coconut milk ice cream in the freezer.

What are you eating to keep up your energy up for the next twelve hours of reading? Got any favorite snacks?

What you reading Wednesday

Wow! Time flies when you're having fun or working too much. I completely flaked on this week's What you reading Wednesday post so here it is...on Friday.

What are you reading this week? Anything you love? Something you can't put down?

Me, I'm reading via audiobook on my morning and evening commute Total Control by David Baldcci. I absolutely love David's mysteries.

Book blurb:
Sidney Archer thought she had the perfect life: a loving husband, an adorable baby daughter, and a great career as a senior partner in a major Washington law firm. But when her husband is killed in a plane crash, her whole world begins to disintegrate. The FBI believes her husband is responsible for the bombing -- and that he may still be alive!

Since I like variety, on my Kindle I am enjoying Silver Angel by Johanna Lindsey.

Book blurb:
Abducted and sold into slavery, Chantelle Burke has been brought to the palace of the mighty Pasha. Vowing never to bow to this ruthless master's will, the young Englishwoman weakens within the silken splendor of his chambers, and after on glance into his piercing emerald eyes.

The stunningly handsome Pasha is a powerful, muscular figure yet he caresses the lovely addition to his harem with a fond tenderness that only succeeds in driving her wild. But beneath his exotic eastern garb, the cryptic Pasha shrouds his true identity -- one that he finds difficult to conceal when he wants so much to surrender his hearty and soul to the irresistible Chantelle.

What you reading Wednesday

It's that time again. Time to share what you are reading.

 
This week in my work commute I am listening to David Baldacci's novel, Total Control. While I love David's books, I am not thrilled with the reader on this audiobook. The story is, however good. I would expect nothing less of David Baldacci.

Book blurb:

Sidney Archer thought she had the perfect life: a loving husband, an adorable baby daughter, and a great career as a senior partner in a major Washington law firm. But when her husband is killed in a plane crash, her whole world begins to disintegrate. The FBI believes her husband is responsible for the bombing -- and that he may still be alive!

 

At home I am reading  a book by Johanna Lindsey. The first in a series titled Fires of Winter. I appear to be in the mood for historical romances lately.

 

Book blurb:

Lovely and dauntless, abducted by invaders from across an icy sea, Lady Breena vowed vengeance swearing no Viking brute would be her master no barbarian would enslave her noble Celtic heart, but then came Garrick Haardrad, the proud and powerful son of a ruthless Viking chieftain. 

 

What are you all readung?

What you reading Wednesday

It's a dreary, rainy Wednesday here in New Hampshire. The perfect day for curling up with a good book and a cup of hot cocoa or a glass of wine and reading a book. Let the story take you away from the dreary to the delirious.

What are you reading?

I finished reading The Mystery Woman by Amanda Quick last week so I decided that I should read the first book in the series called Crystal Gardens. Looking forward to reading the next book.

Book blurb: Evangeline Ames has rented a country cottage far from the London streets where she was recently attacked. Fascinated by the paranormal energy of nearby Crystal Gardens, she finds pleasure in sneaking past the wall to explore the grounds. And when her life is threatened again, she instinctively goes to the gardens for safety.

Lucas Sebastian has never been one to ignore a lady in danger, even if she is trespassing on his property. Quickly disposing of her would-be assassin, he insists they keep the matter private. There are rumors enough already, about treasure buried under his garden and occult botanical experiments performed by his uncle—who died of mysterious causes. With Evangeline’s skill for detection, and Lucas’s sense of the criminal mind, they soon discover that they have a common enemy. And as the energy emanating from Crystal Gardens intensifies, they realize that to survive they must unearth what has been buried for too long.

On my daily commute, I finished listening to Silken Prey by John Sandford and have switched gears from mystery to a romance.

This week, I am listening to Let Love Find You by Johanna Lindsey. I'm a sucker for a good historical romance.

Book blurb:

London society has its very own Cupid. Renowned horse breeder and occasional matchmaker Devin Baldwin pairs eligible young ladies with suitable gentlemen based on his theory of animal magnetism. Unafraid of ruffling the ton’s feathers, this darkly handsome Cupid doles out tips for bettering one’s chances of meeting a mate that are as pointed as the love legend’s sharpest arrows!

Lovely Amanda Locke, the daughter of a duke, is everything a nobleman could desire, yet she enters her third Season still searching for a match. Gossipmongers’ tongues are wagging, and her mystified family is considering drastic measures to find her a husband. But the insufferable advice of this Cupid fellow is the last thing Amanda wants.

When an earl passionate about horses becomes the target of her husband hunt, Amanda knows it’s time to overcome her fear of riding. With her sister-in-law Ophelia hastening the romance along by arranging riding lessons, Amanda is soon taking instruction from infuriating Devin Baldwin. Astonishingly, in her daily encounters with Devin—who treats her as an ordinary young woman, not a prize to be won at the marriage mart—Amanda experiences passion for the first time. Now, her search for a match takes her in an unexpected direction as she finds herself falling in love with Cupid himself.

Phishing for a Book Review Giveaway

Every spring I try to do a book giveaway and it's that time again. I've been trying to think of a way to combine my love of writing, running, and hats into one blog and this is it!

Want a free book? Want a free hat? Want to support the Boston Be Strong One Fund for the people affected by the 2013 Boston Marathon tragedy. Want to support an author? How about all of the above?

And it's so easy!

All you have to do is write a book review. Well, okay, maybe you actually have to read one of my books and then write the review. But it's that simple.

Read my latest novel, PHISH NET STALKINGS and write a book review. Then post that book review at Amazon.com or Barnes & Noble. Increase your chances of winning by writing more than one review. Write a review for several of my books. Read other novels written by me (IT HAPPENS IN THREES, KILLER BUNNY HILL, CONNECT THE DOTS, NEVER TEMPT DANGER)  and write a review.

Place a comment below and include the link to the review(s) and your email address so I may contact the winner.

A winner will be chosen at random and will receive a copy of one of my books and the B STRONG hat you see above. The proceeds from the hat, which I've already purchased goes to the ONE FUND in support of those hit by the Boston Marathon tragedy.

The winner will be announced Memorial Day, May 27!

There may be even more than one winner [WINK].

Halfway point of Dewey Read-a-thon

I've made it twelve hours into the Dewey 24-hour read-a-thon and I'm still kicking. However, I have to change up the pace. I need a couple of quicker reads. I'm going to read a couple of shorter books, something around 200 pages.

How goes it with all you other readers? Have you caught some cat naps? Got those healthy or unhealthy snacks and loads of caffeine to keep you motivated?

Say hi and thanks to the cheerleaders!

My next books will be a couple of older books written by Elizabeth Lowell.

Here's a little about the Fever:

Lisa Johansen had been raised around the world in the most primitive cultures her anthropologist-parents could reach. Finally they sent her back to the United States to find a husband. But Lisa wanted something more…

Ryan McCall had been raised with the best his wealthy father could provide. Now his father impatiently awaited the arrival of grandchildren. But Rye wasn’t interested in any of the well-trained beauties his father kept sending. Rye wanted something more…

In McCall’s meadow, both of them find the fever that burns through flesh all the way to the soul. But can that fever survive the civilization beyond the meadow’s timeless beauty?

Show more

Show less

Next up is Dark Fire. Here's a liitle about the book:

Cindy McCall wanted only one thing—to be loved for herself rather than for Big Eddy McCall’s fortune.

Trace Rawlings never knew his father or his mother, but he had made a home for himself in the beautiful, treacherous cloud forests of Ecuador.

When Trace accepts a job guiding Cindy McCall safely through the wild forests, he believes he is being paid only for his local knowledge. Cindy believes she has hired Trace for his skill. Both are wrong.

When Big Eddy’s deception is revealed, Trace and Cindy have to fight to hold on to what they found deep in the cloud forest--the dark fire of love.

Show more

Show less

On to book two of the Dewey Read-a-thon

Five hours into the Dewey Read-a-thon and I just finished reading Sharon Sala's latest novel, 'Til Death. Excellent read! Of course I expect nothing less when it comes from Sharon.

Now I'm taking a quick break and getting ready to read a book by Heather Graham, Let the Dead Sleep.

Hope all you Read-a-thon readers are doing well and getting to read some good books. Keep going! Happy reading!

Here's some information about Let the Dead Sleep:

An object of desire? Or of fear?  It was stolen from a New Orleans grave—the centuries-old bust of an evil man, a demonic man. It's an object desired by collectors—and by those with wickedness in their hearts.  One day, its current owner shows up at Danni Cafferty's antiques shop on Royal Street, the shop she inherited from her father. But before Danni can buy the statue, it disappears, the owner is found dead…and Danni discovers that she's inherited much more than she realized. In the store is a book filled with secret writing: instructions for defeating evil entities. She'd dismissed it as a curiosity…until the arrival of this statue, with its long history of evil and even longer trail of death.  Michael Quinn, former cop and now private investigator, is a man with an unusual past. He believes that doing the right thing isn't a job—it's a way of life. And the right thing to do is find and destroy this object weighted with malevolent powers. He and Danni are drawn together in their search for the missing statue, following it through sultry New Orleans nights to hidden places in the French Quarter and secret ceremonies on abandoned plantations.
Cafferty and Quinn already know that trust in others can be misplaced, that love can be temporary. And yet their connection is primal. Mesmerizing. They also know that their story won't end when this case is closed and the dead rest in peace once again.

Ready, Set, Go!

Let's get this Dewey Read-a-thon started.

1) What fine part of the world are you reading from today?
2) Which book in your stack are you most looking forward to?
3) Which snack are you most looking forward to?
4) Tell us a little something about yourself!
5) If you participated in the last read-a-thon, what’s one thing you’ll do different today? If this is your first read-a-thon, what are you most looking forward to?

1) I'm reading from my home in New Hampshire where the sun is shining bright today.
2) All of them. This year I am reading the lasted novel from several of my favorite authors.
3) Oh! I've got these wonderful protein bars that I have stashed in the refrigerator ready to go.
4) I'm a writer as well as a reader. My next novel, At Face Value should be released sometime this summer.
5) This is my fourth read-a-thon. The thing to remember is that you are not in it alone. Get on Twitter and facebook. Check the 24hourreadathon site to see what is going on. And remember to thank those cheerleaders. When you feel your most exhausted and think you can't keeo your eyes open...walk outside for some fresh air.

Dewey Read-a-thon! Are you ready?

What a gorgeous weekend for the Dewey Read-a-thon! 24-hours of reading!!

Are you ready? Only 30 minutes before the clock starts on 24-hours of reading.

Have your To-Be-Read pile stacked up next to your favorite chair? Is your refrigerator stocked with cold sodas for when you need that caffeine buzz? Are your cupboards stuffed with snacks?

Is your Kindle fired up and battery charged or are you going the paperback route?

Me: Yes, yes, yes, and yes.

Got your blog all set to let everyone know what you are reading?

Me: Yes. I will post something about each and every book I read in the next 24-hours. I'm looking forward to reading other blogs and seeing what folks say on Twitter and Facebook.

Which book are you starting with?

Me: I'm starting with one of my favorite authors, Sharon Sala and her latest novel, 'Til Death. Cannot wait!

Here's a little about the 'Til Death:

He left in handcuffs. Now it's time to set himself free.

Nearly twenty years after he was wrongly convicted of setting the fire that killed his father, Lincoln Fox returns to Rebel Ridge, Kentucky. There, deep in the Appalachians, the truth of that terrible night lies buried—and he's sworn to uncover it.  His plans take an unexpected turn when, in the midst of a blizzard, he rescues Meg Walker from her wrecked car. Suddenly Linc discovers another reason to clear his name. Meg, his high school sweetheart, had always believed in his innocence, and if he wants a future with her, he has to show the world proof that she was right.  As the community chooses sides, those who once let a teenage boy take the fall for their crime are forced to raise the stakes. They kidnap Meg, leaving her to the mercy of the mountain. And a second rescue may be more than even Linc can manage….

Dewey Read-a-thon Signup

Mark your calendar for April 27 and don't forget to sign up for the Dewey Read-a-thon.

Twice a year the Dewey Read-a-thon is put on and twice a year I sign up. You should too!

Got a large TO BE READ pile of books? Been wanting to read a really good book, but just haven't had the opportunity? Have a New Years' resolution to read a certain number of books or to read more?

Now is the time! Sign up for the Read-a-thon and make the time to read.

What is the Dewey Read-a-thon?

The Dewey Read-a-thon is a reading challenge, only everyone participates at the same time. For 24 hours! For 24 hours you read books, post in blogs about your reading, and visit other readers’ blogs. You also participate in mini-challenges throughout the day and win prizes.

It is 24 hours of self-indulgence. You sit in your favorite chair, under a nice cozy blanket and read. Since the read-a-thon is for 24 hours don't forget to pack up on the snacks and caffeine to keep you going.

Speaking of keeping you going...If you can't spare the time to read then why not participate in the read-a-thon as a cheerleader and egg those of us that are crazy enough to do it on? Sign up as a Cheerleader.

Help promote reading! Sign up, tell your friends and your relatives and have them sign up. Make an event out of the event.

Books and Brewery

With my next book release approaching in a couple of months for AT FACE VALUE, I've been doing some thinking. Yeah, okay, I think a lot, but this has me thinking of Ireland. In particular, it has me dreaming (maybe not dreaming, but daydreaming) about the Dingle Brewing Company.

The Dingle Brewing Company sits at a fork in the road in a small building that was once a creamery. It resembles more of a house than a brewery.

Beneath and alongside the brewery runs a spring, the same spring water that is used in its beer called Crean's, named after Tom Crean, an explorer and a hero who died in 1938.

Crean's is a hefeweizen and is fantastic!

Here's why I am thinking about Dingle Brewing Company. When you sit down to read a good book, don't you usually pour yourself a glass of something cold and maybe a tad alcoholic. I do! I like a nice cold beer. Some people prefer wine, but me, I'm an old-fashioned kind of girl. I prefer a hearty brew with a lot of taste to pair with my latest fiction novel.

Don't you think that a book launch party at an Ireland brewery, one that I have visited and enjoyed in one of my favorite places in the world would be the perfect place to launch a book that takes place in Ireland? One of the main characters has Irish roots and her family owns and runs a local pub. What could be more fitting than a Books and Brewery launch party at the Dingle Brewing Company?

I would love to get their beer here in the states, but gee, I would not be adverse to traveling to Ireland for a good beer and a fun book launch.

What do ya think?

Home stretch of the Dewey 24-hr Read-a-thon

Are you reading from the inside of your eyelids yet? Did you have to use toothpicks to prop the eyelids open?

I don't know about you, but I found my friend, Mr. Coke was very handy to have around the last couple of hours. However, there is nothing that fixes this numbness in my backside. One would think that I'd have enough cushion back there and numbness would not be a problem. Where's one of those blow up donut rings when you need one?!

Well, we're almost there and doing good.

In the last few hours I've change up my reading, going for shorter books. Helps keep me focused.

I've read Letters to Kelly by Suzanne Brockmann, Amber of Night by Sharon Sala, and The Groom Who (Almost) Got Away by Carla Neggers.

Here's a little about each book.

Letters to Kelly: Falsely imprisoned on trumped up charged in Central America, Jax Winchester's memory of Kelly O'Brien is the only thing that keeps him going. Released after two years, Jax is determined to claim her as his own. Original.

Amber of Night: AMELIA BY DAY
From nine to five, she was Amelia Beauchamp, typical small-town librarian. But when the sun went down, she was miniskirt-clad cocktail waitress Amber Champion. And she'd caught the eye of the town's biggest rake, Tyler Savage. The name said it all -- and this was one Savage, "Amber" knew, who would never be interested in her if he knew who she really was. She had to keep playing the game . . .

AMBER BY NIGHT

Or did she? Tyler, it turned out, was well aware that proper Amelia and flirtatious Amber were one and the same -- and he was having a fine old time playing along. And as for romantic dinners and long, moonlit nights together, really, they were all part of the game. One which he had every intention of turning into reality . . .


The Groom Who (Almost) Got Away: Completely got away is more like it. Max Slade just up and left Calley Hastings without a word. But now, three little Slades suddenly send for her….

What she learns:

1) Max left her to raise his orphaned brothers on their Wyoming ranch.

2) The boys figured Max would smile more if Calley came to marry him.

3) Max still isn't smiling.

Now, Calley's in love with four Slade cowboys. And the tall, good-looking one in the Stetson isn't getting away again…

See you at the end!!

Dewey 24-hr Read-a-thon moves past twelve hours

We've moved into the twelve hour mark of the twenty-four hour read-a-thon. Hope you're enjoying your books.

Where are you doing your reading? In a bookstore? At home in your living room? In a restaurant between innings of a baseball game?

I'm moving around. I was on my deck for a while. Then I curled up on the couch. Now, I'm stretched out comfortably on my chaise lounge in the bedroom with my Kindle Fire. Ready to read book five.

I just finished reading The McKettrick Way by Linda Lael Miller and A Creed in Stone Creek by Linda Lael Miller.

Here's a little about the books.

The McKettrick Way: She wanted his baby… and he wanted her!
Meg McKettrick longs for a baby—husband optional. Perfect father material is gorgeous Brad O'Ballivan, old flame and new owner of his family's ranch in Stone Creek. But Meg—as strong, proud and stubborn as her ancestors on Indian Rock's Triple M ranch—wants to do things her way…the McKettrick way. And Brad feels just as strongly about the O'Ballivan way…

Love, marriage, babies and a lifetime to share—that's what Brad wants. Not a single night of pasion, an unexpected pregnancy and a woman who won't budge. For a rugged rodeo cowboy who never gives up, it's a battle of wills he intends to win…and nothing matters more than claiming Meg's wild McKettrick heart.


A Creed in Stone Creek: When single attorney Steven Creed becomes guardian of an orphaned five-year-old boy, he trades his big-city law firm for a ranch near his McKettrick kin in the close-knit community of Stone Creek, Arizona. Taking care of little Matt and fixing up his run-down ranch house with its old barn loosens something tightly wound inside him. But when Steven takes on the pro bono defense of a local teen, he meets his match in the opposing counsel—beautiful, by-the-book county prosecutor Melissa O'Ballivan. It'll take one grieving little boy, a sweet adopted dog and a woman who never expected to win any man's heart to make this Creed in Stone Creek know he's truly found home.

Dewey 24-hr Read-a-thon this Saturday!

Twice a year Dewey's Read-a-thon hosts a real live read-a-thon. Bloggers read and post about what they read and encourage other participants. They arrange for cheerleaders to boost your reading and encourage you to not give up in those last 5 hours. There are mini-challenges throught the 24 hours and even prizes.

If you don't blog, don't worry about it. Visit here and share what you have read, what is keeping you going (like Cheetos, Mountain Dew, delivered pizza), what's your goal, and what's next on your list. Go sign-up at Dewey's Read-a-thon and let me know and we will keep each other awake and motivated for the next 24 hours.

Think of it - reading, reading, and reading!

It starts Saturday, April 21 at 8AM east coast time. So, if you've got a few books that have been on your reading list, or in your to-be-read pile then pull them out, grab a comfy chair, a good lamp, and a whole lot of snack food and start reading.

Now, you don't have to stop doing everything so if you have to go out to eat with your hubby or do some laundry then do it. Just take a book with you. While your date is boring you to death you can sneak off to the ladies' room and read a page or two. OH! E-books would be a great way to deal with that pesky date. Just set it on your seat while he chatters on about his work or his manliness.

Cookies, Cowboys, and Chocolate

Stop on over at Reading with the Baking Goddess blog where they interviewed me about my likes and dislikes.

Somehow we talk about cookies, cowboys, and chocolate. Mmm!!

For a chance for a free book stop by Reading with the Baking Goddess blog and leave a comment.

24-Hour Read-a-thon Begins!

The next 24-hr Dewey Read-a-thon is about to occur. Starting at 8 AM Saturday Eastern to 8 AM Sunday Eastern yours truly will read as many books as possible in support of literacy.

You can read in the privacy of your own home, while sitting at your day at the spa, or with other reader friends. You can read e-books, comic books, children's books, fiction, it really doesn't matter. Just read and have fun!

In between getting a manicure and making some beer with friends and who knows what else, I will read a short stack of books. I've already got the books picked out.

Whenever I do the Dewey Read-a-thon I always go to the used bookstore and locate a bunch of old books. This read-a-thon is no different. Join me as I share with you books written by Stella Cameron, Nora Roberts, Sharon Sala, Catherine Coulter, and Merline Lovelace.


My first book will be Stella Cameron's Early in the Morning.

Book blurb: A frustrated librarian is determined to drive her scholarly fiance wild with desire before the wedding, but she may need some heavenly help to ignite the passion of a man afraid of being burned.

Join the fun in the Dewey 24-hr Read-a-thon

The next 24-hr Dewey Read-a-thon is about to occur. If you have not participated in the read-a-thon in the past now is your chance to show your support for reading.

The read-a-thon only occurs twice a year, in April and in October.

What is Dewey’s 24-Hour Read-a-thon? For 24 hours, we read books, post on our blogs about our reading, and visit other readers’ blogs. We participate in mini-challenges throughout the day.

The idea is to just read as many books as you can in 24 hours and share what you read with others.

Do you actually have to spend the entire day sitting in a chair and never moving, only reading? No. Some people will. Others can't.

The trick will be to stay awake all night and read books whenever you can.

Between other readers and the cheerleaders you will feel tons of love and support for your effort. We will cheer each other on, keep you boosted to stay awake, to finish just one more, book, and to just have fun.

You can read in the privacy of your own home, while sitting at your day at the spa, or with other reader friends. You can read e-books, comic books, children's books, fiction, it really doesn't matter. Just read and have fun!

Join me and other readers on Saturday, October 22 for the next Dewey 24-hr Read-a-thon. Sign up here