tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-44854363262208333342024-03-05T08:45:05.117-05:00The HookLouisehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17838472744477823574noreply@blogger.comBlogger256125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4485436326220833334.post-66259524177398288422015-05-24T15:43:00.000-04:002015-05-24T15:43:10.288-04:00Coffee 'n Breeze Does Summer Vacay! PLUS get your FREE books right HERE!! <div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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<span style="font-family: "Arial",sans-serif;">CAROLE: Hey
Louise!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Vacation time is fast
approaching. Wondering if any of our readers have been anywhere interesting in
recent years that they’d like to share?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>My family adores camping in Death Valley. We love nothing so much as
tromping through a run-down ghost town or hiking to the back of an old mine.
There’s so much history left tumbling around out there. We’ve seen an eighty
foot waterfall in the heart of the desert and wildflowers of every color
imaginable.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It’s one of our favorite
destinations.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Arial",sans-serif;"><o:p></o:p></span> </div>
<span style="font-family: "Arial",sans-serif;"><o:p>A</o:p></span><span style="font-family: "Arial",sans-serif;">nother thing
we like to do is visit Frank Lloyd Wright homes. We’ve toured quite a lot of
them and we even got to spend the weekend in one that’s a rental. The house was
decked out in original furniture, mid century cocktail glasses, and Life
Magazines from the era. It was great fun for a family who loves architecture
like we do.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We’ve also had the good
fortune to stay at The Historic Park Inn Hotel in Mason City Iowa on several
occasions. It’s the last surviving hotel built by FLW and it’s very cool. I
highly recommend it to anyone who is a fan.<o:p></o:p></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "Arial",sans-serif;">LOUISE: Well, Carole,
you surely know by now that summer is my FAVE time of year, and along with
beach days, barbeques and flip-flops, I always look forward to my annual trip
to Lancaster, PA. As much as I’d love to say that I enjoy traveling to exotic,
tropical locales, I’m a simple country girl at heart. And nothing comforts me
more than a drive out to “Amish Country” where time seems to stop rushing
around so darn much. At the first sight of the miles of rolling green
farmlands, dotted unassumingly with silos and white houses, my worries seem
less formidable. My husband and I have made this trek so often that it has
begun to feel like a home away from home. After a day of shopping at road-side
vegetable stands and local-owned gift shops, we will typically visit our friends
who are lucky enough to call this pretty place their home. And if it’s fried
chicken or brown butter noodles you’re after – look no further. Everyone should
experience the peaceful Lancaster atmosphere at least once. In fact – now I
feel like going again this week! </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Arial",sans-serif;"><o:p></o:p></span> </div>
<span style="font-family: "Arial",sans-serif;">So friends– now it’s
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">your</b> turn. What is your FAVE
vacation spot? We’d love to know where you and your family enjoy escaping to!
PLUS as a FREE GIFT the first ten people to comment will receive a copy of
Carole Lanham’s latest captivating short story compilation “The Whisper Jar.”
Check it out here: <a href="http://www.amazon.com/Whisper-Jar-Short-Story-Books-ebook/dp/B00XMCQYC6/ref=sr_1_3?ie=UTF8&qid=1432496340&sr=8-3&keywords=carole+lanham">http://www.amazon.com/Whisper-Jar-Short-Story-Books-ebook/dp/B00XMCQYC6/ref=sr_1_3?ie=UTF8&qid=1432496340&sr=8-3&keywords=carole+lanham</a></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "Arial",sans-serif;"><o:p></o:p></span><br />
Thanks for shooting the breeze with us today! Stay close and stay cool! </div>
Louisehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17838472744477823574noreply@blogger.com16tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4485436326220833334.post-80954032428524070322015-03-24T07:29:00.000-04:002015-03-24T07:29:12.055-04:00Spotlight on Author Derek Rempfer<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
He is the incredibly talented author of my FAVE book of late 2014. He is <a href="http://www.amazon.com/Derek-Rempfer/e/B00DYXBGI0/ref=ntt_athr_dp_pel_1" target="_blank">Mr. Derek Rempfer</a>, and I am honored to bring you an up-close and personal interview with this amazing writer. First, a bit about his novel <a href="http://www.amazon.com/Where-Broken-Lie-Derek-Rempfer-ebook/dp/B00OTPG8VW/ref=asap_bc?ie=UTF8" target="_blank">WHERE THE BROKEN LIE.</a> You can pick up this fabulous book right now for JUST .99 CENTS!!! Hurry, though, before this special deal expires. <br />
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<em>When Tucker returns to his hometown of Willow Grove to grieve the death of his infant son, memories of the murder of Katie, his childhood sweetheart, are ignited. In spite of her death being blamed on a mentally challenged drifter known as Slim Jim, Tucker wonders if the real killer is still out there. With new clues arriving through anonymous letters left at the graveyard, Tucker is certain that Katie's death is truly unsolved. While coming to terms with the loss of his son, Tucker also seeks truth. But the real killer may be out there, willing to kill again to protect a dark secret. <br /><br />Where The Broken Lie shines a spotlight on small-town secrets, faith, fear, love and loss in this enigmatic journey into the scarred hearts left behind.</em><br />
<em></em><br />
And now, Mr. Rempfer...<br />
<em></em><br />
<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: "Garamond",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 200%; mso-ansi-language: EN-GB; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><strong>What do you do for
fun, when you’re not writing?<o:p></o:p></strong></span></i><br />
<span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: "Garamond",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 200%; mso-ansi-language: EN-GB; mso-bidi-font-family: Garamond; mso-fareast-font-family: Garamond;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">-<span style="font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font: 7pt/normal "Times New Roman";">
</span></span></span><!--[endif]--><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: "Garamond",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 200%; mso-ansi-language: EN-GB; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;">I’m a sports nerd, so much of my time is spent watching/following or coaching
(my kids) sports.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Unfortunately, I don’t
play so much anymore, unless you count fantasy baseball which I LOVE to
play.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>See?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Nerd.<o:p></o:p></span></i><br />
<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: "Garamond",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 200%; mso-ansi-language: EN-GB; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><strong>What made you choose
to write?<o:p></o:p></strong></span></i><br />
<span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: "Garamond",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 200%; mso-ansi-language: EN-GB; mso-bidi-font-family: Garamond; mso-fareast-font-family: Garamond;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">-<span style="font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font: 7pt/normal "Times New Roman";">
</span></span></span><!--[endif]--><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: "Garamond",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 200%; mso-ansi-language: EN-GB; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;">You know…I’m not sure.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It’s like
asking me what made me choose to have green eyes.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I think it’s a DNA thing.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I always loved reading and as my taste in
literature evolved, I think I acquired a real respect for people with the
ability to eloquently express themselves and connect with others via the
written word.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>There is a patience and a
permanence to the written word.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Written
words are crafted and meant to last.<o:p></o:p></span></i><br />
<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: "Garamond",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 200%; mso-ansi-language: EN-GB; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><strong>What is something that
you love to do that someone else may find a little shocking?</strong> <o:p></o:p></span></i><br />
<span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: "Garamond",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 200%; mso-ansi-language: EN-GB; mso-bidi-font-family: Garamond; mso-fareast-font-family: Garamond;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">-<span style="font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font: 7pt/normal "Times New Roman";">
</span></span></span><!--[endif]--><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: "Garamond",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 200%; mso-ansi-language: EN-GB; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;">Hmm…I suppose that those who have joined me in tossing back shots of
Patron Silver at the local taverns might be surprised that I love reading the
bible.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I find comfort and wisdom in
it.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></span></i><br />
<span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: "Garamond",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 200%; mso-ansi-language: EN-GB; mso-bidi-font-family: Garamond; mso-fareast-font-family: Garamond;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">-<span style="font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font: 7pt/normal "Times New Roman";">
</span></span></span><!--[endif]--><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: "Garamond",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 200%; mso-ansi-language: EN-GB; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;">On another note, my wife and I are currently taking ballroom dancing lessons.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I’m very bad.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>The instructor called me “a clopper”.<o:p></o:p></span></i><br />
<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: "Garamond",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 200%; mso-ansi-language: EN-GB; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><strong>In 100 words or less,
make us HAVE to read your book!</strong> <o:p></o:p></span></i><br />
<span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: "Garamond",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 200%; mso-ansi-language: EN-GB; mso-bidi-font-family: Garamond; mso-fareast-font-family: Garamond;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">-<span style="font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font: 7pt/normal "Times New Roman";">
</span></span></span><!--[endif]--><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: "Garamond",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 200%; mso-ansi-language: EN-GB; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;">I didn’t write something to sell, I wrote something to share.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It is a story of human experience that will
likely cause you to laugh and will definitely move you to tears.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Knowing that much of it is pulled directly
from my own experiences will make it resonate deeply with you.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>But you’ll also get wrapped up in the plot
because the story is equal parts mystery and literary fiction. And when you
read it, you’ll know that I crafted each word and made them to last.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></span></i><br />
<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: "Garamond",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 200%; mso-ansi-language: EN-GB; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><strong>How long did it take
you from concept to finished product?<o:p></o:p></strong></span></i><br />
<span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: "Garamond",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 200%; mso-ansi-language: EN-GB; mso-bidi-font-family: Garamond; mso-fareast-font-family: Garamond;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">-<span style="font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font: 7pt/normal "Times New Roman";">
</span></span></span><!--[endif]--><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: "Garamond",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 200%; mso-ansi-language: EN-GB; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;">The crux of the story took about 3 years.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I learned a lot during the process that I
hope will shorten the time it takes me to write the next one.<o:p></o:p></span></i><br />
<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: "Garamond",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 200%; mso-ansi-language: EN-GB; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><strong>Best piece of advice
for new writers.<o:p></o:p></strong></span></i><br />
<span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: "Garamond",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 200%; mso-ansi-language: EN-GB; mso-bidi-font-family: Garamond; mso-fareast-font-family: Garamond;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">-<span style="font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font: 7pt/normal "Times New Roman";">
</span></span></span><!--[endif]--><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: "Garamond",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 200%; mso-ansi-language: EN-GB; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;">Perspiration over inspiration.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>Don’t romanticize the process or wait for The Muse.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>My experience is that The Muse isn’t some
wispy ethereal figure that floats down in a dream.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>She’s buried under ground and you’ve got to
dig her out.<o:p></o:p></span></i><br />
<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: "Garamond",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 200%; mso-ansi-language: EN-GB; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><strong>Are there any projects
that you are currently working on and wish to share?<o:p></o:p></strong></span></i><br />
<span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: "Garamond",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 200%; mso-ansi-language: EN-GB; mso-bidi-font-family: Garamond; mso-fareast-font-family: Garamond;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">-<span style="font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font: 7pt/normal "Times New Roman";">
</span></span></span><!--[endif]--><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: "Garamond",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 200%; mso-ansi-language: EN-GB; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;">I have two projects that I’m working on.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>One is a sequel to Where The Broken Lie and the other is a Young Adult
novel.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The idea for the YA novel came to
me years ago and I absolutely LOVE the concept and the characters.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It has a little more magic to it than Where
The Broken Lie, but it has some of that same small-town, down-home feel to
it.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I can’t wait to finish it and share
it!<o:p></o:p></span></i><br />
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: "Garamond",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 200%; mso-ansi-language: EN-GB; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;">Now let’s play a
little ‘this or that’…<o:p></o:p></span></b><br />
<span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: "Garamond",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 200%; mso-ansi-language: EN-GB; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><em><strong>As ice cream goes – chocolate
or vanilla?<o:p></o:p></strong></em></span><br />
<span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: "Garamond",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 200%; mso-ansi-language: EN-GB; mso-bidi-font-family: Garamond; mso-fareast-font-family: Garamond;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">-<span style="font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font: 7pt/normal "Times New Roman";">
</span></span></span><!--[endif]--><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: "Garamond",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 200%; mso-ansi-language: EN-GB; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;">Chocolate all day.<o:p></o:p></span></i><br />
<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: "Garamond",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 200%; mso-ansi-language: EN-GB; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><strong>Early bird or night
owl?<o:p></o:p></strong></span></i><br />
<span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: "Garamond",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 200%; mso-ansi-language: EN-GB; mso-bidi-font-family: Garamond; mso-fareast-font-family: Garamond;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">-<span style="font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font: 7pt/normal "Times New Roman";">
</span></span></span><!--[endif]--><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: "Garamond",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 200%; mso-ansi-language: EN-GB; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;">More early bird these days<o:p></o:p></span></i><br />
<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: "Garamond",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 200%; mso-ansi-language: EN-GB; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><strong>Paper or plastic?<o:p></o:p></strong></span></i><br />
<span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: "Garamond",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 200%; mso-ansi-language: EN-GB; mso-bidi-font-family: Garamond; mso-fareast-font-family: Garamond;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">-<span style="font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font: 7pt/normal "Times New Roman";">
</span></span></span><!--[endif]--><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: "Garamond",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 200%; mso-ansi-language: EN-GB; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;">Paper.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>You can’t write on
plastic.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></span></i><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: Wingdings; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 200%; mso-ansi-language: EN-GB; mso-ascii-font-family: Garamond; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-char-type: symbol; mso-hansi-font-family: Garamond; mso-symbol-font-family: Wingdings;"><span style="mso-char-type: symbol; mso-symbol-font-family: Wingdings;">J</span></span></i><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: "Garamond",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 200%; mso-ansi-language: EN-GB; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><o:p></o:p></span></i><br />
<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: "Garamond",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 200%; mso-ansi-language: EN-GB; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><strong>Rock ‘n roll or
country?<o:p></o:p></strong></span></i><br />
<span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: "Garamond",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 200%; mso-ansi-language: EN-GB; mso-bidi-font-family: Garamond; mso-fareast-font-family: Garamond;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">-<span style="font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font: 7pt/normal "Times New Roman";">
</span></span></span><!--[endif]--><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: "Garamond",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 200%; mso-ansi-language: EN-GB; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;">It’s gotta be rock ‘n roll music if you wanna dance with me.<o:p></o:p></span></i><br />
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: "Garamond",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 200%; mso-ansi-language: EN-GB; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;">Finally</span></b><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: "Garamond",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 200%; mso-ansi-language: EN-GB; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;"> – <strong>you are being sent to a deserted island with one small suitcase of
belongings. What’s in there…?(and there’s room for only one book.)</strong> <o:p></o:p></span></i><br />
<span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: "Garamond",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 200%; mso-ansi-language: EN-GB; mso-bidi-font-family: Garamond; mso-fareast-font-family: Garamond;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">-<span style="font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font: 7pt/normal "Times New Roman";">
</span></span></span><!--[endif]--><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: "Garamond",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 200%; mso-ansi-language: EN-GB; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;">Somebody once answered that question by saying that the book would be
“How to Build a Boat,” or something to that effect.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Assuming that’s not available and ignoring
all things practical (clothing, tools, etc), I’d bring:<o:p></o:p></span></i><br />
<br />
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<!--[if !supportLists]--><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: "Courier New"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 200%; mso-ansi-language: EN-GB; mso-fareast-font-family: "Courier New";"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">o<span style="font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font: 7pt/normal "Times New Roman";">
</span></span></span><!--[endif]--><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: "Garamond",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 200%; mso-ansi-language: EN-GB; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;">A bible<o:p></o:p></span></i></div>
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<!--[if !supportLists]--><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: "Courier New"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 200%; mso-ansi-language: EN-GB; mso-fareast-font-family: "Courier New";"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">o<span style="font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font: 7pt/normal "Times New Roman";">
</span></span></span><!--[endif]--><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: "Garamond",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 200%; mso-ansi-language: EN-GB; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;">Pictures of my family<o:p></o:p></span></i></div>
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<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="line-height: 200%; margin: 0in 0in 0pt 1.25in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-list: l0 level2 lfo1; text-indent: -0.25in;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: "Courier New"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 200%; mso-ansi-language: EN-GB; mso-fareast-font-family: "Courier New";"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">o<span style="font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font: 7pt/normal "Times New Roman";">
</span></span></span><!--[endif]--><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: "Garamond",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 200%; mso-ansi-language: EN-GB; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;">Paper and pencils<o:p></o:p></span></i></div>
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<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="line-height: 200%; margin: 0in 0in 0pt 1.25in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-list: l0 level2 lfo1; text-indent: -0.25in;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: "Courier New"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 200%; mso-ansi-language: EN-GB; mso-fareast-font-family: "Courier New";"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">o<span style="font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font: 7pt/normal "Times New Roman";">
</span></span></span><!--[endif]--><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: "Garamond",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 200%; mso-ansi-language: EN-GB; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;">A really great pillow<o:p></o:p></span></i></div>
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<!--[if !supportLists]--><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: "Courier New"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 200%; mso-ansi-language: EN-GB; mso-fareast-font-family: "Courier New";"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">o<span style="font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font: 7pt/normal "Times New Roman";">
</span></span></span><!--[endif]--><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: "Garamond",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 200%; mso-ansi-language: EN-GB; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;">A coffee maker…just in case</span></i></div>
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<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: "Garamond",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 200%; mso-ansi-language: EN-GB; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;"></span></i> </div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjVJ-El7v3DmIZgc3jvA5XX1x6Fq5D4Hh8IV7KG_RAt12GA5qa3yUJ_Zu3WRDjbT84rp5VmUU0FXhWSFpHjTXCv_DDZav_Fl-m7MiCSDjlrMVJZNnvwCpga2yLGsQ81wRbvrVimidRM5iY/s1600/31jbPn-h8CL._UX250_.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjVJ-El7v3DmIZgc3jvA5XX1x6Fq5D4Hh8IV7KG_RAt12GA5qa3yUJ_Zu3WRDjbT84rp5VmUU0FXhWSFpHjTXCv_DDZav_Fl-m7MiCSDjlrMVJZNnvwCpga2yLGsQ81wRbvrVimidRM5iY/s1600/31jbPn-h8CL._UX250_.jpg" height="320" width="244" /></a></div>
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Thank you, Derek for being here and for your beautiful novel! <br />
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<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: "Garamond",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 200%; mso-ansi-language: EN-GB; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><o:p></o:p></span></i> </div>
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<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: "Garamond",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 200%; mso-ansi-language: EN-GB; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><o:p> </o:p></span></i></div>
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Louisehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17838472744477823574noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4485436326220833334.post-23789928561702746552015-03-01T18:41:00.000-05:002015-03-01T18:41:12.489-05:00Coffee & Breeze Talks Beach Reads<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
As Carole and I sit and chat over a warm cup of joe - decaf for me - beyond the window, on the other side of the frosty glass, a storm is raging. The snow is piling up once again. It's like Groundhog Day; that movie with Bill Murray where every day is The. Exact. Same. Cold and gray. White and wet. Ugh.<br />
<br />
But fear not. Spring is less than one month away. Officially, anyway. And our thoughts have already turned to things far less frigid in nature. With that in mind, we wanted to bring you our favorite BEACH reads!! That's right. Carole and I have temporarily traded our furry boots for flip flops. So settle in and join us, and don't forget your sun screen. <br />
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<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif;"><strong>CAROLE:</strong> I’m not a
typical beach reader in that I don’t shy away from serious or unhappy subject
matter while on vacation, but some books are definitely more suited than others
for a summer escape.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Here are my choices
for this year, all of which would go nicely with an ice cold Corona or a drink
with a little umbrella in it.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="color: #262626; font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; text-transform: uppercase;"><strong>The Impossible Lives of Greta Wells</strong></span><span style="color: #262626; font-family: "Times New Roman",serif;"> by Andrew Sean
Greer.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I was initially hooked by these
seven simple words: “If you loved The Time Traveler’s Wife…”<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Call me shallow, but I’m wild about the cover
too.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>In this story, a woman begins shock
treatments and travels to two different lives – one in 1918 and the other in
1943. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Thoroughly engrossing!</span></div>
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<span style="color: #262626; font-family: "Times New Roman",serif;"><o:p> h</o:p></span><span style="color: #262626; font-family: "Times New Roman",serif;"><a href="http://www.amazon.com/The-Impossible-Lives-Greta-Wells/dp/0062213792">ttp://www.amazon.com/The-Impossible-Lives-Greta-Wells/dp/0062213792</a></span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif;"><o:p> </o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif;"><strong>TENDER IS
THE NIGHT</strong> by F. Scott Fitzgerald.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>This
is the last novel Fitzgerald ever completed and if you’re a fan of Gatsby and
have never read it, what are you waiting for?! <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Modern Library ranked it #28 on its list of
100 Best English-Language Novels of the 20<sup>th</sup> Century.</span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif;"><o:p> </o:p></span></div>
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<span style="color: #262626; font-family: "Times New Roman",serif;">Set
on the French Riviera in the late 1920s, <i>Tender Is the Night</i> is the
tragic romance of the young actress Rosemary Hoyt and the stylish American
couple Dick and Nicole Diver.</span></div>
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<span style="color: #262626; font-family: "Times New Roman",serif;">Goes
down as smooth as Beautiful Ruins while traveling.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Great fun!</span><span style="color: #262626; font-family: "Times New Roman",serif;"><o:p> </o:p></span></div>
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<span style="color: #262626; font-family: "Times New Roman",serif;"><a href="http://www.amazon.com/Tender-Is-Night-Scott-Fitzgerald/dp/068480154X"><span style="color: blue;">http://www.amazon.com/Tender-Is-Night-Scott-Fitzgerald/dp/068480154X</span></a></span><span style="color: #262626; font-family: "Times New Roman",serif;"><o:p> </o:p></span></div>
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<span style="color: #262626; font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; text-transform: uppercase;"><strong>Blue Asylum</strong> </span><span style="color: #262626; font-family: "Times New Roman",serif;">by Kathy Hepinstall. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Hepinstall’s
work is luscious, tense, always gripping, and the settings are never less than
utterly fascinating.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>This one is an
unusual love story set in a mental institution on an island in Florida during
the Civil War.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The protagonist is the
wife of a plantation owner whose been convicted of lunacy by her husband for
dubious reasons.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Historical, mysterious,
and wonderfully different, it’s a great read and one that should be rapidly
followed up with a tasty serving of Hepinstall’s <span style="text-transform: uppercase;">The House of Gentle Men</span>.</span><span style="color: #262626; font-family: "Times New Roman",serif;"><o:p> </o:p></span></div>
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<span style="color: #262626; font-family: "Times New Roman",serif;"><a href="http://www.amazon.com/Blue-Asylum-Kathy-Hepinstall-ebook/dp/B005LVR754/ref=sr_1_1?s=books&ie=UTF8&qid=1424796993&sr=1-1&keywords=blue+Asylum"><span style="color: blue;">http://www.amazon.com/Blue-Asylum-Kathy-Hepinstall-ebook/dp/B005LVR754/ref=sr_1_1?s=books&ie=UTF8&qid=1424796993&sr=1-1&keywords=blue+Asylum</span></a></span></div>
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<span style="color: #262626; font-family: "Times New Roman",serif;"></span> </div>
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<span style="color: #262626; font-family: "Times New Roman",serif;"><strong>LOUISE</strong>: For me, the beach is the perfect place to get caught up on my ever-lovingly large TBR list. I'm going to bring you my three top choices for awesome (unique?) beach reads. The first is not a new release. I read this some years back, but it always reminds me of those young. sweet and sometimes tense sultry days. From the fabulous Anne Brashares it's <strong>THE LAST SUMMER OF YOU AND ME</strong>. This is an<span style="color: black;"> enchanting, heartrending story of a beach-community friendship triangle and romance among three young adults for whom summer means exciting</span></span><span style="color: #262626; font-family: "Times New Roman",serif;"><span style="color: black;"> new beginnings and inevitable endings. I found this upper YA/New Adult read to be entertaining and just the right balance of drama and light. </span><a href="http://www.amazon.com/Last-Summer-You-Me-ebook/dp/B001974DEW/ref=sr_1_1?s=books&ie=UTF8&qid=1425243404&sr=1-1&keywords=the+last+summer+of+you+and+me">http://www.amazon.com/Last-Summer-You-Me-ebook/dp/B001974DEW/ref=sr_1_1?s=books&ie=UTF8&qid=1425243404&sr=1-1&keywords=the+last+summer+of+you+and+me</a></span></div>
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For a newer read, I suggest <strong>WILD</strong> by Cheryl Strayed. This gipping true account of one woman's solo journey of self discovery in the great and formidable outdoors will surely have you appreciating your comfy beach chair. <a href="http://www.amazon.com/Wild-Found-Pacific-Crest-Trail/dp/0307476073">http://www.amazon.com/Wild-Found-Pacific-Crest-Trail/dp/0307476073</a><br />
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And finally - for the more adventurous bibliophiles out there - there is <strong>JAWS</strong> - the Novel by Peter Benchley. Of course most everyone has, by now, seen the movie of the same name. BUT to recline at the shore line and flip through these frightening pages, well that takes a special sort of courage. I've done it. Are you up for the challenge? If so, you will discover several interesting revisions that Spielberg made in the book-to-screen-play adaptation. <a href="http://www.amazon.com/Jaws-Peter-Benchley-ebook/dp/B008IU9KQO/ref=sr_1_1?s=books&ie=UTF8&qid=1425252351&sr=1-1&keywords=jaws">http://www.amazon.com/Jaws-Peter-Benchley-ebook/dp/B008IU9KQO/ref=sr_1_1?s=books&ie=UTF8&qid=1425252351&sr=1-1&keywords=jaws</a><br />
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So there you have it. And, of course, if none of those books suits your beach-reading fancy there's always <strong>THE READING LESSONS</strong> by our own CAROLE LANHAM <a href="http://www.amazon.com/Carole-Lanham/e/B0063EC1DQ/ref=sr_tc_2_0?qid=1425252663&sr=1-2-ent">http://www.amazon.com/Carole-Lanham/e/B0063EC1DQ/ref=sr_tc_2_0?qid=1425252663&sr=1-2-ent</a> or <strong>THE MAKING OF NEBRASKA BROWN</strong> by yours truly. Plus for those of you who prefer to keep your literary consumption shorter whilst seaside - there are <strong>PETIT FLEURS and VIGNETTES </strong>- my short story compilations. <a href="http://www.amazon.com/Louise-Caiola/e/B005HERY1W/ref=sr_tc_2_0?qid=1425252635&sr=1-2-ent">http://www.amazon.com/Louise-Caiola/e/B005HERY1W/ref=sr_tc_2_0?qid=1425252635&sr=1-2-ent</a><br />
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Now it's time to turn so you don't burn. ;)<br />
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Louisehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17838472744477823574noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4485436326220833334.post-14472162870614737932015-02-06T19:16:00.000-05:002015-02-06T19:16:34.485-05:00HAPPY ONE YEAR ANNIVERSARY to #NEBRASKA BROWN - #99CENT SALE<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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I just have to say it, even though I know how terribly cliché it sounds: holy cow - time flies! Can you believe it's been ONE YEAR since the release of <strong><em>The Making of Nebraska Brown</em></strong>?? It's crazy to me that twelve months have already gone by. It's been great getting to know my readers. I appreciate each one of you for devoting your reading hours to my books and stories. <br />
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For those of you who still haven't had an opportunity to check out the novel being called "Oz meets Tuscan Sun" - now is your chance to pick it up (with brand new awesome cover art!) for a super-low anniversary celebration price of only .99 cents! Just follow the link for quick purchase: <br />
<a href="http://viewbook.at/NebraskaBrown">http://viewbook.at/NebraskaBrown</a><br />
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With over 50 5-star reviews, I invite you to see for yourself why some are referring to Nebraska Brown as "an engrossing, intelligent, and evocative journey you must take." <br />
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Thank you all again for your notes and emails, for your kind reviews and your follows. I hope you will stay close. There's more where this came from. <br />
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Louisehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17838472744477823574noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4485436326220833334.post-26452915334618952692015-02-04T18:23:00.001-05:002015-02-04T18:23:32.952-05:00#NewRelease News! GATES OF PERDITION is here! <div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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Hey there friends! I wanted to share this exciting NEW RELEASE news with you. </div>
GATES OF PERDITION, the long-awaited prequel to MIRRORS OF ANGUISH, is now available on Amazon.com<br />
<a href="http://www.amazon.com/dp/1938750160" target="_blank" title="Gates of Perdition (Print Version)">Print ($14.95)</a><a href="http://www.amazon.com/dp/1938750160" target="_blank"><img alt="gates.small" class="alignleft wp-image-29" src="http://rpkraul.net/wp-content/uploads/2015/01/gates.small_.jpg" height="226" title="GATES OF PERDITION" width="146" /></a> | <a href="http://www.amazon.com/dp/B00S8EDCIW" target="_blank" title="Gates of Perdition (Kindle Version)">Kindle eBook ($3.50)</a><br />
In MIRRORS OF ANGUISH, journalist Jill Duport returns to the Pocono town of Belcorte, where her grandparents had lived and her mother had grown up. She's in town for two reasons: first, because she's been willed the house by her mother's death; second, she wants to investigate the life of her controversial grandfather, who was an accused murderer.<br />
In GATES OF PERDITION, we get to meet Jill's grandfather, who is a college professor. Professor Arthur Townsend is outraged by the pregnancy of his teenage daughter and seeks advice from a friend and colleague who happens to be a psychiatrist. The psychiatrist, however, is preoccupied by a patient with unusual abilities. But the psychiatrist agrees to talk to Arthur's daughter to determine who got her pregnant. The evidence points to Campton Couny's wealthiest family, and left without recourse, Professor Townsend decides to take revenge.<br />
Meanwhile, a young girl has vanished in Belcorte. She was last seen at Indianhead Reservoir in the presence of her boyfriend. The investigating police officer is a young transfer from Baltimore who came to Belcorte to be with his girlfriend, and as more young women begin to disappear from Belcorte, he worries for her safety.<br />
GATES OF PERDITION is a rich, complex book with a large cast of characters. GATES explores the mental state of a small town in the clutches of a brutal serial killer. GATES is a story of madness, revenge, and intersecting lives that are treading on dark paths.<br />
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You don't want to miss this suspenseful, intelligent and enigmatic read. <br />
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Pick up your copy today! </div>
Louisehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17838472744477823574noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4485436326220833334.post-66132211666608448832015-01-15T13:20:00.002-05:002015-01-15T13:24:00.035-05:00Coffee & Breeze w/ Carole & Louise - Talkin' 'Bout Our Resolutions - Writer Style<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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Welcome to the Hook's first Coffee & Breeze of 2015! Naturally the time is ripe for affirming our writerly goals. Hmm. Yes, I said writerly. Which brings me to my first resolution. In the coming year I resolve to stop making up my own faux version of real words. As an editor, too, I find it particularly pondersome. Oops. There I go again. What about you, Carole? Anything you plan to do or not do in these next twelve months? </div>
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CAROLE: Oh yes! This year, I will not become distracted from my precious writing time by quizzes on FB that promise to tell me which Disney princess I am. </div>
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LOUISE: Well, it IS somewhat urgent to determine if you're Jasmine or Belle. </div>
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CAROLE: True.</div>
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LOUISE: And speaking of characters, I plan to stop permitting my protagonists to interrupt me while I'm in the shower. After all, a girl needs her cream rinse privacy!</div>
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CAROLE: Indeed! What gall. Oh and I solemnly vow; I will give up my affinity for semi colons.</div>
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LOUISE: Semi colons are the belch of the sentence world. Not very ladylike, I'd say. I vow to finally make my peace with my comma coma. It is what it is. Or it is, what it is. Whatever. </div>
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CAROLE: I will stop referring to those hours lost to cupcake recipes and DYI birdhouses on Pinterest as “research time."</div>
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LOUISE: Wait. That's NOT research? In that case, I guess I should stop referring to my Twitter feed as "homework."</div>
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CAROLE: I shall endeavor to use the word EPIPHANEY whenever possible because it just hit me what a great word it is. </div>
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LOUISE: EUREKA! It IS a great word. I shall endeavor to never again use EUREKA in a sentence anywhere. Ever.</div>
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And for our final resolution - this one Carole and I both share:</div>
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C & L - I will drink more coffee, read more books, and finish my novel. And this year I really mean it!</div>
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See more of CAROLE here: <a href="http://www.amazon.com/Carole-Lanham/e/B0063EC1DQ/ref=sr_ntt_srch_lnk_1?qid=1421346183&sr=8-1">http://www.amazon.com/Carole-Lanham/e/B0063EC1DQ/ref=sr_ntt_srch_lnk_1?qid=1421346183&sr=8-1</a><br />
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And more of me: <a href="http://www.amazon.com/Louise-Caiola/e/B005HERY1W/ref=sr_ntt_srch_lnk_1?qid=1421346220&sr=8-1">http://www.amazon.com/Louise-Caiola/e/B005HERY1W/ref=sr_ntt_srch_lnk_1?qid=1421346220&sr=8-1</a></div>
Louisehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17838472744477823574noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4485436326220833334.post-51491589304868464972015-01-09T06:41:00.000-05:002015-01-09T06:41:04.611-05:00COME THE DARK by Rebecca Hamilton is HERE!!<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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Thanks for stopping by to view this quick announcement on Rebecca Hamilton's latest release, <a href="http://www.amazon.com/COME-DARK-Forever-Girl-Book-ebook/dp/B00P54AKPG/" target="_blank">COME, THE DARK</a>, book 2 in the Forever Girl series. Although this book is the second in the series, it is a <em>complete </em>standalone following a completely new set of characters. And you can grab your copy today for only $0.99! Still apprehensive about reading the second book in a series? Well, you can grab the prequel, <a href="http://www.amazon.com/SWEETEST-DOWNFALL-Romantic-Paranormal-ebook/dp/B008NAFU9A/" target="_blank">HER SWEETEST DOWNFALL</a>, off kindle--Always Free--and on January 9th, <a href="http://www.amazon.com/THE-FOREVER-GIRL-Forever-Series-ebook/dp/B00729GQ0A/" target="_blank">THE FOREVER GIRL</a> will be free also, for the first time <em>ever</em>! Worried you might forget the date? Join the mailing list using the option on the Rafflecopter below and you'll receive a reminder on January 9th to download your free copy anytime between January 9th and 13th!</div>
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COME, THE DARK</h3>
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by USA Today Bestselling Author, Rebecca Hamilton</div>
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<a href="http://www.amazon.com/COME-DARK-Forever-Girl-Book-ebook/dp/B00P54AKPG/" target="_blank"><img alt="Come, the Dark 2" class=" size-medium wp-image-2308 alignleft" src="http://beccahamiltonbooks.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/11/Come-the-Dark-2-200x300.jpg" height="300" width="200" /></a>Rose desperately wants to escape the abuse of the father who impregnated her and the dark spirits that haunt her life. Being thrust from Georgia 1961 into the era of Salem’s infamous witch trials isn’t what she had in mind, and now her daughter is left hopelessly out of reach.</div>
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The only way to return to her daughter is by facing certain death to banish the dark spirits that plague Salem. If she doesn’t eliminate these dark spirits in time, they will destroy civilization and trap her in this strange new place, ages away from her daughter.</div>
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Even if she can complete the task in time to return home to save her daughter, there’s still one problem: she’s falling in love with a man who can’t return with her. Achieving her goals will force her to choose between the only man who has never betrayed her and a daughter she can’t quite remember but will never forget.</div>
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<em>A heart-wrenching tale of a mother’s love for her daughter, this romantic paranormal fantasy underlines the depravity of both historical and modern society while capturing the essence of sacrifice and devotion.</em></div>
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TRIGGER WARNING: This book deals with the sensitive subject of sexual abuse.</div>
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<a href="http://www.amazon.com/COME-DARK-Forever-Girl-Book-ebook/dp/B00P54AKPG/" target="_blank">Buy Now for $0.99</a></div>
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THE FOREVER GIRL</h3>
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by USA Today Bestselling Author, Rebecca Hamilton</div>
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NOW OPTIONED FOR FILM!</div>
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<a href="http://beccahamiltonbooks.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/09/Forever-Girl-ONE-Final.jpg">
</a><a href="http://www.amazon.com/THE-FOREVER-GIRL-Forever-Series-ebook/dp/B00729GQ0A/" target="_blank"><img alt="Beautiful blonde with dandelions" class="size-medium wp-image-2188 alignright" src="http://beccahamiltonbooks.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/09/Forever-Girl-ONE-Final-199x300.jpg" height="300" width="199" /></a>At twenty-two, practicing Wiccan Sophia Parsons is scratching out a living waiting tables in her Rocky Mountain hometown, a pariah after a string of unsolved murders with only one thing in common: her.</div>
Sophia can imagine lots of ways to improve her life, but she'd settle for just getting rid of the buzzing noise in her head. When the spell she casts goes wrong, the static turns into voices. Her personal demons get company, and the newcomers are dangerous.
One of them is a man named Charles, who Sophia falls for despite her better judgment. He has connections that might help her unveil the mystery surrounding her ancestor's hanging, but she gets more than she bargains for when she finally decides to trust him.
<em>The Forever Girl is a full-length Paranormal Fantasy novel that will appeal to lovers of paranormal romance, urban fantasy, witches, vampires, ghosts, paranormal mystery, and paranormal horror.</em>
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<a href="http://www.amazon.com/THE-FOREVER-GIRL-Forever-Series-ebook/dp/B00729GQ0A/" target="_blank">View Now on Amazon</a></div>
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About the Author</h3>
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<a href="http://beccahamiltonbooks.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/01/Becca.jpg"><img alt="Becca" class="alignleft wp-image-2356" src="http://beccahamiltonbooks.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/01/Becca-201x300.jpg" height="200" width="134" /></a>Rebecca Hamilton is a USA Today Bestselling Paranormal Fantasy author who also dabbles in Horror and Literary Fiction. She lives in Florida with her husband and four kids. She enjoys dancing with her kids to television show theme songs and would love the beach if it weren’t for the sand. Having a child diagnosed with autism has inspired her to illuminate the world through the eyes of characters who see things differently. She is represented by Rossano Trentin of TZLA and has been published internationally, in three languages. You can follow her on twitter @InkMuse</div>
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What is a Forever Girl?</h3>
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<em>Thanks for stopping by!</em></h3>
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Louisehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17838472744477823574noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4485436326220833334.post-44667219232072307252014-12-27T18:32:00.001-05:002014-12-27T18:32:26.305-05:00Late Xmas Wishes & #COVERREVEAL<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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Do you remember? Those Christmases when you still believed. When you just knew you heard reindeer on the rooftop. A good snowfall meant a chance to get a ride on that old sled in the garage. Cookies, not calories, mattered. And the biggest problem you had was choosing which new toy to play with first. Do you remember what it felt like when your mind was innocent and light? My wish is that - if only for a moment - we each find that innocence again.<br />
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It isn't too late - is it? Another Xmas has come and gone. The New Year is in sight. I'll saddle up those wishes and cart them along as the calendar changes - as January bears down, and along with it a fresh set of ideals, hopes, expectations. <br />
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With that in mind I want to introduce you to the NEW and IMPROVED cover art for THE MAKING OF NEBRASKA BROWN. Have a look-see:<br />
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I'm super-pleased with how it turned out! Pick up your copy today at <a href="http://www.amazon.com/Making-Nebraska-Brown-Louise-Caiola-ebook/dp/B00IAFNF1S/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1419722736&sr=8-1&keywords=louise+caiola" target="_blank">Amazon </a> and where all fine books are sold. </div>
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Peace and joy to all.</div>
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Louisehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17838472744477823574noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4485436326220833334.post-26384977037670056182014-12-10T07:47:00.000-05:002014-12-10T07:49:14.430-05:00Best of 2014 Giveaway Hop<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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As we near the close of 2014, I'm excited to take part in this awesome giveaway celebrating the best books of the year! As a reader, I found some terrific new novels to add to my list of faves. And as a writer, I was fortunate enough to have three of <a href="http://viewauthor.at/LouiseCaiola" target="_blank">my own books</a> join the expansive literary landscape. I met lots of great people, made new friends (both real and fictional) and had a blast. The fun, as they say, has only just begun. In a few short weeks we will be revealing brand new cover art for <br />
<strong><em>The Making of Nebraska Brown</em></strong>. So I do hope you will all stay close.<br />
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For those of you who haven't had a chance to pick up a copy of the story being called "Oz meets Tuscan Sun" we have TEN copies up for grabs! Check out some of what the readers have to say: <a href="http://getbook.at/nebraskabrown">http://getbook.at/nebraskabrown</a>. Be sure to enter the Rafflecopter below (read more) for your chance win.<br />
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Have fun visiting all the other blogs participating. See here: <a href="http://www.linkytools.com/basic_linky_include.aspx?id=245387" id="yui_3_16_0_1_1418166166305_2457" rel="nofollow">http://www.linkytools.com/basic_linky_include.aspx?id=245387</a><br />
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Thanks for dropping by :)<br />
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Louisehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17838472744477823574noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4485436326220833334.post-52858847358919675412014-12-05T18:06:00.000-05:002014-12-05T18:09:07.959-05:00Going Back to Peace<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
It has been nearly impossible to avoid. All the news stories, the headlines, the op-eds and the rants. Our nation is in turmoil. Folks are screaming about racism and rights, justice and brutality. In all, the unsettling nature of these past few months is cringe-worthy. <br />
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I'm not here to choose a side. Nor do I wish to shake my head in contempt.<br />
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I just want to go back.<br />
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Now more than ever, I want to be a child again. Maybe five or ten years old. When I didn't know the way things worked when things didn't work in this world. When I believed everyone was equally kind and intelligent. When I was ignorant to the ignorance. Back when I couldn't have imagined the subjective divide. Or the depth of the differences. <br />
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I just want to go back.<br />
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Some might say this shows a lack of empathy. Some may think my wish is a head-in-the-sand answer that won't solve anything. Yet I look around me at all the anger raging out of control. What good will come of it? I see fear disguised as false bravado. Accusations made without fact or merit. Furious voices pinned on high. What use is another? In this battle of who can shout the loudest - I'm whispering: <br />
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I just want to go back.<br />
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It would be dishonest of me to claim to be neutral. My feelings are very much engaged. I see a sad set of circumstances being contorted to fill a simmering pot of prejudice stew. In my mind, none of the events of the past few months is about any one particular hatred. Though I can understand that thinking. I can open my thoughts enough to see that clouded emotions and overwrought tensions are calling the shots. But my heart insists that violence isn't an earned response. It's a prelude to an even greater divide. Wishing alone won't bring change. Asking people to choose their own words and actions with care won't mean that they will. Phrases like "respect for all" and "peace on earth" mean nothing if they aren't enacted. It's terribly frustrating. Scary, even. <br />
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I just want to go back. <br />
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But I can't. I'm fully grown. An adult. A mother. A shaper of two young minds that I brought into this mixed-up world. And those young minds are grown up now, too. I've heard many parents crying out in concern for the safety of their children. Yes, we are all worried. This anxiety isn't exclusive to any one race or religion. It's a human fear. Remember- if you will - if only for a moment - that the enforcers of the law have parents, too. In our quest for equality, please let us not stop short of any man or woman - even those who have chosen to protect and serve. Let us see each person without their labels. Just long enough to take a breath. <br />
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Because going back is not an option. We can only ever go forward. Not in disgust. Not with disdain or discord. So for now, in the spirit of all that is hopeful, and perhaps, sadly, just as unattainable - I'll make a new wish..<br />
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I just want peace. <br />
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Louisehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17838472744477823574noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4485436326220833334.post-19729304499838361512014-11-29T08:37:00.000-05:002014-11-29T08:37:04.057-05:00#FREE eBook for your #BlackFriday Weekend Fun<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhrjumFENGMryYHyzmQlbZYjGQrEsUB1C10H6Zf8SL6QbqQpi3XtFlSPHgyQh2KDkXdnLFjzcr2iUPrkT9KWJZ2d1DRNKNrNSHA6rkPe4IguBeD8HF1-YRRPoSY2_5zsbrs0VP4OGf8rlY/s1600/35d562e502bb7de8c84aea6505f78bfc.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhrjumFENGMryYHyzmQlbZYjGQrEsUB1C10H6Zf8SL6QbqQpi3XtFlSPHgyQh2KDkXdnLFjzcr2iUPrkT9KWJZ2d1DRNKNrNSHA6rkPe4IguBeD8HF1-YRRPoSY2_5zsbrs0VP4OGf8rlY/s1600/35d562e502bb7de8c84aea6505f78bfc.jpg" height="232" width="320" /></a></div>
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FREE. Such a cool word, isn't it? Grabs my attention every time. And now, we are offering my short story book, <a href="http://www.amazon.com/Petit-Fleurs-Stories-Second-Chances-ebook/dp/B00OGTE6D8/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1417221950&sr=8-1&keywords=petit+fleurs" target="_blank">PETIT FLEURS</a>, for #FREE during this hectic holiday weekend. This special deal is to say thank you to all those wonderful people out there who have shared their reading hours with me and my stories. Yes, it's all about gratitude and giving back.<br />
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Let's face it...the holidays can be tough. You've cooked for a crowd. You've eaten and eaten some more. You've shopped and saved. Perhaps you've even decked the halls. <br />
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NOW it's time for you to be pampered for <strong>all</strong> you do! A little R & R x 4. Rest, relaxation, reading, and reward! <br />
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Whether you're familiar with my work or you've never had the pleasure, here is your chance to own a tender collection of heartfelt tales sure to touch your heart. And my hope is that you will enjoy it enough to consider reading the companion - <a href="http://www.amazon.com/Vignettes-Choice-Change-Louise-Caiola-ebook/dp/B00OGTY8N6/ref=pd_sim_sbs_kstore_1?ie=UTF8&refRID=0A190EZSAYK9DDJ04PFZ" target="_blank">Vignettes</a> Or perhaps, <a href="http://www.amazon.com/Making-Nebraska-Brown-Louise-Caiola-ebook/dp/B00IAFNF1S/ref=pd_sim_sbs_kstore_2?ie=UTF8&refRID=0G93BP9EQGSAMF200NT0" target="_blank">The Making of Nebraska Brown</a>.<br />
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Grab your FREE eBook today. Reviews are graciously appreciated. <br />
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CLAIM YOUR FREE GIFT HERE: <a href="http://getbook.at/PetitFleurs">http://getbook.at/PetitFleurs</a><br />
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Louisehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17838472744477823574noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4485436326220833334.post-60109104270403876492014-11-22T08:15:00.000-05:002014-11-23T10:23:58.706-05:00The Trouble with Thankfulness<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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This morning, as I awaken one week after my emergency surgery and one week prior to Thanksgiving – gratitude is on my mind. My body is healing while my mind is reeling. I have come to see a new side of thankfulness. It's the side that often remains trapped in the steely shadows. The juxtaposition of all that glitters. You see, <strong>that</strong> is the trouble with the process of being thankful. Sometimes in order to get there you have to stand in the shade. <br />
Now don't get me wrong, it isn't as though my health is something I've ever taken for granted. And yet when I was attacked by one of my own organs, it seemed all at once that good health was something I hadn't exalted enough. It took some dark and painful days for me to truly pine for those bright, painless ones.<br />
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I realize that this is not necessarily a widespread problem. By God's good graces I have a roof above my head, and I've never needed to be homeless to appreciate that. Yet I think it's the little things we often overlook where gratitude is concerned. The easy smiles in those moments where worry is miles away. The hugs from those we love the most. The voices of our favorite people available to us at the push of a button. </div>
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They say you don't know what you have until it's gone. I venture an addendum to that statement. You don't know where your gratitude lies until you're suddenly swirling in a choppy sea of troubled waters. And thankfulness is a distant shoreline away.</div>
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Who among us hasn't silently whispered "There but for the grace of God go I" when we hear of some tragedy that isn't our own. And of course we are grateful to have skirted such strife. </div>
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Strife - the messy undercarriage of all that is good in the world. </div>
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It isn't humanly possible to walk around in a constant state of unwavering appreciation. The mindless minutia of our daily ritual makes that level of graciousness just another chore. </div>
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But, maybe right now, at this corner of what went wrong and what could be right, perhaps this is a perfect place to pause and think thankfully. </div>
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If only until the next intersection. </div>
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Louisehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17838472744477823574noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4485436326220833334.post-21900283465790949502014-11-06T07:39:00.000-05:002014-11-06T07:39:19.252-05:00New Release - Petit Fleurs & Vignettes are Live!!<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgmwYWlL2rUYI8rQQJTcql5IGXhN_3JxG-mDPVfmCLwN4aBkaozGblp4BKgsgsTWFjAWG8bjyV3eZCJ_DFlC3yZCbaqzxdDXna55RBB0gISY30IUkFaRGBU7AQMdpbern-x5F0EdN3gWp0/s1600/IMG_2907.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgmwYWlL2rUYI8rQQJTcql5IGXhN_3JxG-mDPVfmCLwN4aBkaozGblp4BKgsgsTWFjAWG8bjyV3eZCJ_DFlC3yZCbaqzxdDXna55RBB0gISY30IUkFaRGBU7AQMdpbern-x5F0EdN3gWp0/s1600/IMG_2907.JPG" height="300" width="400" /></a></div>
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I'm thrilled to bring you my short story collection, via <a href="http://www.immortalinkpublishing.com/books.php?id=39" target="_blank">Immortal Ink Publishing</a> and available RIGHT NOW on AMAZON exclusively! These companion books are JUST .99 cents each and are perfect for those times when reading time is of the essence. With eight small though mighty tales in each volume (and bonus material included, too) these books will introduce you to people and places you won't soon forget. Like Ileana, a young prima ballerina from South Africa, trying to find her true calling among the crowded stages of New York City. And Mia whose chance encounter with a striking stranger unearths a family secret and two broken hearts. You will meet loyal pets like Finn MacFee, who is sure to touch your soul. And in time for the holiday season, you will come to know Jessica, a waitress and single mother in Barstow, California whose one wish is for her young son to hear her say "I love you." These are just a few of the many interesting characters that come to life within these pages. <br />
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Here are the purchase links: <a href="http://getbook.at/PetitFleurs">http://getbook.at/PetitFleurs</a> and <a href="http://getbook.at/Vignettes">http://getbook.at/Vignettes</a>. <br />
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Check out this early review from one of our ARC readers: <br />
<a href="http://dalesittonrogers.wordpress.com/2014/11/01/vignettes-and-petit-fleurs-stories-of-chances-and-change/">http://dalesittonrogers.wordpress.com/2014/11/01/vignettes-and-petit-fleurs-stories-of-chances-and-change/</a><br />
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I hope you will give these books a try and let me know which story you enjoyed most of all!<br />
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HAPPY READING, friends!!<br />
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Louisehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17838472744477823574noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4485436326220833334.post-1231602325361094422014-10-26T20:12:00.000-04:002014-10-26T20:36:43.684-04:00Coffee & Breeze Talks Creepy Covers<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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<span id="yui_3_16_0_1_1414198214452_4556" style="color: black; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 10pt;"><strong><em>With Halloween coming up next week, <a href="http://www.amazon.com/Carole-Lanham/e/B0063EC1DQ/ref=sr_tc_2_0?qid=1414370143&sr=1-2-ent" target="_blank">Carole</a> and I are chatting about our favorite creepy book covers. There are some really scary ones out there!</em></strong></span></div>
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Carole: I like this new one for Carrie, for instance. I feel like if I touch it, I’ll come away with stained fingers. What more can you ask from a good old-fashioned horror story than a cover that bloodies you body and soul? <br />
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<strong><em>Louise: Pretty icky! Okay, what about eerie clowns? Those guys are enough to make me swear off the circus forever. Surely the stuff of many a childhood nightmare! Leave it to Mr. King to scare the bejesus out of us.</em></strong><br />
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Carole: One of my all time favorites is not only scary, but clever to boot. I loved Miss Peregrine’s Home for Peculiar Children. It’s a truly unique and unsettling story and I’m anxious to read Hollow City, the next book in the series. I’m gaga over Ransom Riggs’ use of old Victorian photos (delightfully weird, one and all) and I love the way he weaves these eerie images into his plot. The photograph of the floating girl on the cover, the childish, vintage style of the title font, it’s magic! I only wish I would have thought of it first.</div>
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<strong><em>Louise: That's one of my faves, too. And speaking of wishing...I always wished I had been the one to pen this epic thriller that completely changed the way millions of people look at the ocean. Yep. that's right...#JAWS. Do NOT go in the water. Just don't.</em></strong><br />
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Carole: Truman Capote’s masterpiece In Cold Blood has had many heart-stopping covers over the years, but I think this Penguin cover might be one of the most chilling yet. The mix of real photography from the era in which the murder takes place combined with this particular back jacket quote just really creeps me out. I read this book in seventh grade and it’s always stuck with me.</div>
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<strong><em>Louise: Very sinister indeed! I find the gory ones to be disturbing on a visceral level. Like this bad boy right here...the eyeball is particularly disturbing. Ugh.</em></strong><br />
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Carole: How about this one by Susan Hill, author of The Woman in Black? I love me a good ‘ole disturbing doll head. This cover is pretty, haunting, and it makes me decidedly uneasy. Would I leave it lying face up on my nightstand? Oh hell no.<span id="yui_3_16_0_1_1414198214452_4856"> </span><br />
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</span><span id="yui_3_16_0_1_1414198214452_4856"><em><strong>Louise: Yikes! She looks like the type that would call your name from porcelain lips that don't move!</strong></em> </span><br />
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Well, gang. It's been fun sharing our favorite creepy covers with y'all. Feel free to comment with some of your own faves. Don't forget - your reply will win you a #FREE ebook!!<br />
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Louisehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17838472744477823574noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4485436326220833334.post-14673657122416843352014-10-16T10:45:00.001-04:002014-10-16T10:45:36.724-04:00Read For A Cure - #ALS Event<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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"From the bitterness of disease man learns the sweetness of health.” ~Catalan Proverb<br />
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This month's latest book promo is near and dear to my heart. As someone with a loved one who has been stricken with ALS, I can personally speak to the overwhelming feeling of frustration and helplessness that comes along with this sort of diagnosis. It is with this in mind that I'm doing <a href="http://getbook.at/nebraskabrown" target="_blank">THE MAKING OF NEBRASKA BROWN</a> ALS Donation Event. When you purchase my book this weekend (from 10/16 - 10/19) at the discounted price of just .99 cents, 100% of my personal proceeds will go directly to the ALS Foundation. <br />
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Reading has long been considered an escape from some of life's bitter realities. ALS and debilitating diseases of this sort are about as bitter as can be. If only it were possible to read our way to a cure for these life-altering atrocities. <br />
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I do hope you will assist me in this effort, while at the same time getting yourself something fun to read for under one dollar. Please consider sharing this event with your friends and family. Thank you for your help and attention.<br />
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Buy Links - <br />
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<a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00IAFNF1S/ref=s9_simh_gw_p351_d0_i1?pf_rd_m=ATVPDKIKX0DER&pf_rd_s=center-2&pf_rd_r=0RWR3EVPATK9T22KDVC9&pf_rd_t=101&pf_rd_p=1688200382&pf_rd_i=507846">http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00IAFNF1S/ref=s9_simh_gw_p351_d0_i1?pf_rd_m=ATVPDKIKX0DER&pf_rd_s=center-2&pf_rd_r=0RWR3EVPATK9T22KDVC9&pf_rd_t=101&pf_rd_p=1688200382&pf_rd_i=507846</a><br />
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<a href="http://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/the-making-of-nebraska-brown-louise-caiola/1118584827?ean=9781938750779">http://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/the-making-of-nebraska-brown-louise-caiola/1118584827?ean=9781938750779</a><br />
<br />
<a href="http://store.kobobooks.com/en-US/ebook/the-making-of-nebraska-brown">http://store.kobobooks.com/en-US/ebook/the-making-of-nebraska-brown</a><br />
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Louisehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17838472744477823574noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4485436326220833334.post-32587462672287133892014-09-30T07:46:00.001-04:002014-09-30T07:46:24.821-04:00Coffee 'n Breeze Goes #Retro - What A Good #Wife Looks Like<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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</span><span style="font-family: inherit;"> <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEghXb0sYM-ZnwReSDtg40TvXRQh58VpGIoTne6zRlv8EFlVV-KPU7s78zahyiwoPUGpz9EaVUVENIO0d46OOg3efGJ5OuQuI3SBNmq0yfjq0HdHEPsYqIB9orvdG1eCk-5xqfAVQo2Ppiw/s1600/vintage-ads-that-would-be-banned-today-14.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEghXb0sYM-ZnwReSDtg40TvXRQh58VpGIoTne6zRlv8EFlVV-KPU7s78zahyiwoPUGpz9EaVUVENIO0d46OOg3efGJ5OuQuI3SBNmq0yfjq0HdHEPsYqIB9orvdG1eCk-5xqfAVQo2Ppiw/s1600/vintage-ads-that-would-be-banned-today-14.jpg" height="320" width="273" /></a></span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;"> </span><br />
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif";"><span style="font-family: inherit;">IF YOUR
HUSBAND APPEARS TROUBLED… <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">let him alone
until he is inclined to talk.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Take up
your book or your needlework pleasantly and cheerfully.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Above all, don’t let him find a shirt-button
missing.<o:p></o:p></i></span></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif";"><span style="font-family: inherit;">~<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">Things
a Woman Wants to Know: An Edwardian #Housewife’s Guide to Life<o:p></o:p></b></span></span></div>
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</span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif";"><o:p><span style="font-family: inherit;"> </span></o:p></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif";"><span style="font-family: inherit;">Think
women have it hard nowadays?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>This week
we take a look at some old “advice” our grandmothers might have gotten to help
them succeed in life.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>If you can laugh
at this stuff, it ts proof positive you’ve come a long way, baby. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Hopefully, these daffy little black pearls of
wisdom will make you feel a little happier with your life.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The tips that follow come from genuine advice
manuals, magazines, films, or #books.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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</span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-variant: small-caps;"><o:p><span style="font-family: inherit;"> </span></o:p></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif";"><span style="font-family: inherit;">#UNDERCLOTHING…<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">A virtuous woman has a repugnance towards
excessive luxury in underclothing.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></i></span></span></div>
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</span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif";"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><strong>Carole
says:<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I don’t know about you, but I have
a repugnance towards virtuous underclothing.<o:p></o:p></strong></span></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif";"><o:p><span style="font-family: inherit;"> </span></o:p></span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif";"><o:p><span style="font-family: inherit;"> </span></o:p></span><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEim5zKvtuJi8FvHQAYmbezgaMPmpZNFejtDyOdh2XAmFzfGiF9K1SMG0i9L193UuDBO9Gkb2lbXc6hSeUEvt9MWqrqUIEbIea3QPxYC9vPa2ObaAONJauBSDpsriFZXi5skMxxLjcWdgO8/s1600/vintage-ads-that-would-be-banned-today-3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEim5zKvtuJi8FvHQAYmbezgaMPmpZNFejtDyOdh2XAmFzfGiF9K1SMG0i9L193UuDBO9Gkb2lbXc6hSeUEvt9MWqrqUIEbIea3QPxYC9vPa2ObaAONJauBSDpsriFZXi5skMxxLjcWdgO8/s1600/vintage-ads-that-would-be-banned-today-3.jpg" height="176" width="200" /></a><span style="font-family: inherit;">
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<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif";"><o:p><span style="font-family: inherit;"> </span></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif";"><span style="font-family: inherit;">SUCCESS
IS IN THE DETAILS… Prepare yourself: Take 15 minutes to rest so you will be
refreshed when he arrives. Touch up your makeup, put a ribbon in your hair and
be fresh looking. He has just been with a lot of work-weary people. Be a little
gay and a little more interesting. His boring day may need a lift.<o:p></o:p></span></span><br />
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<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif";"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><strong>Louise says: If all else fails,
there’s always the Threesome.</strong> <o:p></o:p></span></span></i></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif";"><o:p><span style="font-family: inherit;"> </span></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif";"><span style="font-family: inherit;">NEVER BE
CAST DOWN BY TRIFFLES<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif";"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><strong>Carole
says:<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Now why on earth would I ever feel
down about such things?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I love
them!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Doh.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I thought they said <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">truffles</i>.<o:p></o:p></strong></span></span></div>
<span style="font-family: inherit;">
</span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif";"><o:p><span style="font-family: inherit;"> </span></o:p></span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;">
</span><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEil2oZ5jJ1Fi6DA0j0VtGucIOJvkZTLWXPzbeqP5v2eMbr3fHdbxkGIUWWItyHvzArooHqxrzvSnTndhyQs3lc1aBoye_oKXPvoiIe8OvLdPHpTtXBunqideDBEuk2oR_cU3tYMIkduGQU/s1600/vintage-ads-that-would-be-banned-today-16.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEil2oZ5jJ1Fi6DA0j0VtGucIOJvkZTLWXPzbeqP5v2eMbr3fHdbxkGIUWWItyHvzArooHqxrzvSnTndhyQs3lc1aBoye_oKXPvoiIe8OvLdPHpTtXBunqideDBEuk2oR_cU3tYMIkduGQU/s1600/vintage-ads-that-would-be-banned-today-16.jpg" height="320" width="251" /></a><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="color: #272f32; font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; text-transform: uppercase;">A Wife's Work… </span><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="color: #272f32; font-family: "Times New Roman","serif";">If you have a job or career of your own, would you be willing to
give it up if it would advance your husband's interests? If not, you are more
interested in promoting yourself than promoting your husband. Helping a man
attain success is a full-time career in itself. You can't hope to do it unless
it is important enough to claim all your attention.<o:p></o:p></span></i></span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;">
</span><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="color: #272f32; font-family: "Times New Roman","serif";"><o:p><span style="font-family: inherit;"> <strong>L</strong></span></o:p></span></i><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="color: #272f32; font-family: "Times New Roman","serif";"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><strong>ouise says: As if the
sacrifice isn’t reward enough, urban legend says that the woman who
relinquishes her livelihood for her mate will be compensated in heaven with a
bevy of virginal superheroes. So it’s your basic win/win.<span style="text-transform: uppercase;"><o:p></o:p></span></strong></span></span></i><br />
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<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif";"><o:p><span style="font-family: inherit;"> </span></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: inherit;">
</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="color: #272f32; font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; text-transform: uppercase;">Best Behavior</span><i><span style="color: #272f32; font-family: "Times New Roman","serif";">…<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></span></i><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="color: #272f32; font-family: "Times New Roman","serif";">Social
conventions can do very little to protect a girl really bent on getting into
difficulties. In this case, a girl not out of her teens would do better to
avoid [dinner at a bachelor's] unless others, considerably more mature than
she, are present. A career girl, from her twenties onward, can accept such an
invitation but should not stay beyond ten or ten-thirty. An old rule and a good
one is ‘Avoid the appearance of evil.</span></i></span></div>
<span style="font-family: inherit;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif";"><o:p> </o:p></span></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif";"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><strong>Carole
says:<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I agree with this advice.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>One old rule but a good one that I’ve learned
by first-hand experience is this: One martini is not enough and two is too
many.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>To avoid the appearance of evil,
however, I suggest three.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>That way
you’re guaranteed to be in bed by ten or ten-thirty.</strong><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span style="color: #272f32; font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; text-transform: uppercase;"></span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="color: #272f32; font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; text-transform: uppercase;">Rules of Engagement… </span><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="color: #272f32; font-family: "Times New Roman","serif";">It is up to you to earn the proposal—by waging a dignified,
common-sense campaign designed to help him see for himself that matrimony
rather than bachelorhood is the keystone of a full and happy life.</span></i></span><br />
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<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="color: #272f32; font-family: "Times New Roman","serif";"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><strong>Louise says:
Indeed. A skilled woman will leave no stone unturned in her race toward the
altar. Rocks, bricks, the occasional golf club to the head – these implements
will help secure your place in jail – um – I mean - in marriage.</strong> <span style="text-transform: uppercase;"><o:p></o:p></span></span></span></i></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif";"><span style="font-family: inherit;">A WIFE’S
POWER…<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The power of a wife for good or
evil is irresistible.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Home must be the
seat of happiness, or it must be forever unknown.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>If at home a man finds no rest, and is there
met with bad temper, or gloom, or is assailed by discontent or complaint, he
sinks into despair.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif";"><o:p><span style="font-family: inherit;"> </span></o:p></span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif";"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><strong>Carole
says:<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Bite me.<span style="font-variant: small-caps;"><o:p></o:p></span></strong></span></span></div>
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<o:p><span style="font-family: inherit;"></span></o:p> </div>
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<o:p>Hope you found these tongue-in-cheek hints useful, ladies! </o:p></div>
<span style="font-family: inherit;">
Leave a comment & #WIN a copy of <a href="http://www.amazon.com/Reading-Lessons-Carole-Lanham-ebook/dp/B00HRKGSO8/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1412077007&sr=8-1&keywords=the+reading+lessons" target="_blank">THE READING LESSONS</a> & <a href="http://getbook.at/nebraskabrown" target="_blank">THE MAKING OF NEBRASKA BROWN.</a> </span><br />
<br />
Meet USA TODAY Bestselling Author <a href="http://www.amazon.com/Carole-Lanham/e/B0063EC1DQ/ref=ntt_athr_dp_pel_1" target="_blank">Carole Lanham.</a><br />
Meet USA TODAY Bestselling Author <a href="http://viewauthor.at/LouiseCaiola" target="_blank">Louise Caiola.</a></div>
Louisehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17838472744477823574noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4485436326220833334.post-14378609130416596782014-09-16T17:46:00.003-04:002014-09-16T17:46:55.142-04:00Coffee 'n Breeze with Carole & Louise - #Beauty, #JoanRivers, #MayaAngelou<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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I want to introduce you to a new HOOK feature - <strong><em>Coffee 'n Breeze with Carole and Louise</em></strong>. #USAToday bestselling authors, Carole Lanham and myself are joining forces for a weekly chat over a cup of brew, and we invite you to join us! We will be shooting the breeze about the things that touch each of our lives. Love, relationships, parenting, aging, dating, books, movies, cooking and crafts just to name a few. So pull up a chair and an empty mug. Leave a comment for your chance to win a FREE eBook, too! </div>
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<strong>Today's Topic - Beauty Over Forty</strong> </div>
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<strong>Louise - </strong>The recent passing of the fabulous and funny #JoanRivers has me thinking about the perils of perceived perfection. While we are told that Ms. Rivers' death wasn't a result of a cosmetic surgery procedure gone bad - we also know that she, among many other aging #Hollywood performers spent/spend thousands of dollars on the quest for eternal youth. Or - at the very least - the <em>appearance</em> of youth. But this obsession with beauty isn't exclusive to those in the public eye. Women everywhere, especially aging women, are chasing some form of that same dream. I will speak personally for a moment so as not to wield broad presumptions. Open my medicine cabinet on any given day and you'll find an army of creams and lotions meant to help my skin stay soft and wrinkle- free. Hair dye to keep the grays at bay. Gloss and polish and all the trimmings that promise to make me look ten years younger than I am. (Ahem - ever 39?? Not.) As an #author, I'm fortunate that the majority of my time is spent out of beauty's harsh high-def glare. I often say that if #Oprah came calling I'd first have to run for an emergency Botox treatment. That said - the "beauty" industry is BIG biz. Millions of dollars are invested in these efforts. So I know I'm not the only one in a middle-aged panic. It seems that the stripped-down version of who we are is something or someone we are more likely to hide or apologize for. </div>
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<strong>Carole - <span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif";"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><em>One
of the great surprises I’ve found with aging is the sense of secret shame I
have over how much I care.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It’s not easy
looking in the mirror and facing an image that doesn’t match up with the one I
carry inside of me.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Sometimes I find
myself pausing for long moments before the beauty creams at #Walgreens.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I stopped in for a loaf of bread and some
Nyquil, I swear, yet there I am, furtively glancing about to ensure there is no
one around from church or my daughter’s Girl Scout troop who might catch me
loitering in the Personal Care isle.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>If I
happen to have on the pair of sweats with the permanent barbeque stains
dribbled down the right leg, I might actually dare to remove a jar or two from
the shelf and read of their promised wonders.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>The same is true for all those ads in magazines that I used to flip by
without a thought while waiting at the doctor’s office.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Now that I’m there for annual mammograms, advertisements
for stuff like ELASTIderm and Masque Bar Brightening Sheet Mask have taken on considerably
more allure.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Even so, I peek at them as
though peeking at a naked picture.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I
don’t want to be caught caring.</em></span></span></strong></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif";"><strong>Louise</strong> - The trouble lies in the </span>standard set in large part by the mass media in all its photo-shopped glory. I recently heard an alarming statistic that said that only FOUR PERCENT of girls/women perceive themselves to be #beautiful. I venture to say this dismal figure is due largely to the effects of the newly accepted "norm." The unwritten beauty guidebook that constantly asks such urgent queries as: Are our teeth white enough? Is our skin clear enough? Our hair thick enough? Our waists thin enough? Are <strong>WE </strong>good enough? I venture to ask - when is enough enough? </div>
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<strong>Carole</strong> -
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><em><strong>
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif";">I
was raised to believe that things like intelligence, a good work ethic, and
#creativity were the keys to the kingdom and yet, as women, we’ve all been on
the receiving end of good fortune born of nothing more than the beauty that
comes with youth.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It was important then
and it’s important now, regardless of how modern a girl you are. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Yes, we are so much more than the face we
present to the world, but does this mean that we should cease to care about
that face completely, simply because it’s not as young as it once was?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I feel shallow dishing out thirty-five bucks
for a teeny bottle of water-colored liquid that is supposed to lift my
eyelids.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>That said, the desire to hang
onto that sense of well bring that comes from feeling healthy and taking good
care of yourself is not something we ever age out of. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Maintaining a positive outlook about one’s self
need not include waging an assault on drooping skin, but the fact is, what
makes us feel good about ourselves varies from person to person.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>If you truly are that intelligent and creative
individual your mother raised you to be, you’ll make peace with what that means
for you. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>As #MayaAngelou so beautifully
said, “The most important thing I can tell you about aging is this: If you
really feel that you want to have an off-the-shoulder blouse and some big beads
and thong sandals and a dirndl skirt and a magnolia in your hair, do it.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Even if you’re wrinkled.”<o:p></o:p></span></strong></em></span></div>
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What do you think? Is beauty harder to maintain the older we get? Are your ideals of what is beautiful and what's not in keeping with what you know to be true about yourself? Comment for your chance to win a #FREE #Kindle copy of <a href="http://www.amazon.com/The-Reading-Lessons-Carole-Lanham-ebook/dp/B00HRKGSO8/ref=pd_sim_kstore_1?ie=UTF8&refRID=0EHTJREWC1XCDTJ1QP8E" target="_blank">The Reading Lessons</a> and <a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00IAFNF1S/ref=s9_simh_gw_p351_d1_i1?pf_rd_m=ATVPDKIKX0DER&pf_rd_s=center-2&pf_rd_r=1W98ZB51RQ65NJ3QQKX3&pf_rd_t=101&pf_rd_p=1688200382&pf_rd_i=507846" target="_blank">The Making of Nebraska Brown</a>. </div>
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Louisehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17838472744477823574noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4485436326220833334.post-20738032201554940722014-08-21T11:21:00.000-04:002014-08-21T11:21:07.409-04:00Where Buckets of Ice and Faith are Challenged<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
If by now you don't know what the Ice Bucket Challenge is you may need to check your pulse. It seems everyone everywhere has either been challenged or entertained by those videos of celebs and civilians alike being frozen in the name of charity. Whether or not you approve of this viral sensation - I'm told it is working. To date the ALS Foundation has received about $31 million dollars in donations. That, my friends, is a lot of ice. <br />
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Six months ago I didn't know much about this disease. Six months ago, I didn't have to. <br />
<br />
I recently found out that a family member of mine, someone I love deeply, has been diagnosed with ALS. It is quite simply a monster of a thing. The moment I heard that somebody close to me would be wrangling this particular beast it was as if I'd been doused, iced, submerged. I can only imagine in horror the way it felt to the person receiving that piece of news about him or herself. Shocked can't begin to describe it. Stunned, saddened, terrified, angry, confused. That might be a place to start.<br />
<br />
This is one of those "test your faith" subjects for me. One where I am forced to rely on the power of prayer and the strength of hope. I am troubled by the helplessness I feel without a true hands-on solution. I'm not a girl of science, nor am I prone to magical thinking. Though lately I find myself drawn to both. I keep abreast of the latest in medical research meant to sideline the disease that sidelines too many beautiful lives. I negotiate with the heavens, the universe, calling in invisible favors and whispering countless promises into the air. Waiting for miracles without merit of fact or fancy. Just waiting. <br />
<br />
Yet there is something mighty in the camaraderie of strangers united in this cause. Not only coming together to raise money to fight this Monster, but in raising a consciousness. In igniting an audacity that wants nothing more than to slay this hideous thing that is ALS.<br />
<br />
Whether you respond to this worldwide challenge by getting wet or not, is up to you. I do hope either way you will reach into your hearts and wallets to donate to this foundation. Here is the website for more info: <a href="http://www.alsa.org/donate/">http://www.alsa.org/donate/</a>.<br />
<br />
If you are so inclined, I invite you to comment here with your email address, and I will happily reward your donations to the ALS Foundation with a gift of a free ebook - either Nebraska Brown or a copy of ANY of my upcoming releases in honor of my dear family member. <br />
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Together we can. With love and gratitude...<br />
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Louisehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17838472744477823574noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4485436326220833334.post-75622385089092290072014-08-14T20:36:00.000-04:002014-08-14T20:39:27.977-04:00Of Songs, Success & Signs<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
Sometimes the lines of reason get blurred. <br />
<br />
When we first set out on a creative journey our goals aren't all that lofty. Most writers are simply answering a call, addressing a need to release a story trapped deep inside themselves. Fast forward through the romance of the first draft to the reality of the completed product and somewhere along the way, something goes missing:<br />
<br />
Reason. Just cause. <br />
<br />
The original <strong>need</strong> seems to evaporate from sight and before long you find yourself staring down the loaded gun of <strong>want</strong>. And along with want comes desperation. A consuming desire to see our books do well. A silent competition with the hoards of other authors fleeing madly toward some magic finish line - otherwise known as "success." This juxtaposition isn't as bad as the actual moment you realize it has happened. That, my friends, is a pretty sobering thing.<br />
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There comes a time in a writer's trek when it becomes not only necessary but mandatory to pause and relocate the cushy center of ourselves, the part where the creative spark was first conceived. <br />
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The heart.<br />
<br />
This week I was honored to have a lovely reader choose my novel as one to which she would dedicate her blog. I don't really know this young woman, which makes this feature that much more relevant. For it is in this anonymity that I was able to bridge the gap between who I am as an author and who I originally set out to be - a writer who touched someone through my work. <br />
<br />
I want to share her blog with you, as well as her choice of theme song for <a href="http://www.amazon.com/Making-Nebraska-Brown-Louise-Caiola-ebook/dp/B00IAFNF1S/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1408058051&sr=8-1&keywords=the+making+of+nebraska+brown" target="_blank">The Making of Nebraska Brown.</a> (See radio on the sidebar.) I loved this for more than one reason. For all of them. For the softening of those blurred lines.<br />
<br />
Here is a link to Diana's lovely blog called "Little Miss Drama Queen."<br />
<a href="http://www.bloglovin.com/viewer?post=3259249177&group=0&frame_type=b&blog=5056679&frame=1&click=0&user=0">http://www.bloglovin.com/viewer?post=3259249177&group=0&frame_type=b&blog=5056679&frame=1&click=0&user=0</a><br />
<br />
Thank you to Diana for doing this. And to any of you who may have read my words and found yourself connected to them in some small or even a profound way - I'm much obliged. These are the signs that tell me that while I may occasionally veer off course, I am still very much on the right path. <br />
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Louisehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17838472744477823574noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4485436326220833334.post-53680009622814764042014-08-05T06:45:00.000-04:002014-08-05T06:45:52.104-04:00#PANDORA RELEASE PARTY! .99 CENT DEALS!<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgZiqpwck2AYMRUiize_-zNFo7n3C1rRzfOwa5LVvyCoy78xEAXzI9mIeIi3cpgPP-177S4XA0SXVdWtdcGjb02b8IBxbPrCcBFMD2HUxOcT-QrZ1i9nBYD7hxj4zNEoNWT4ab-qHG7qa4/s1600/2148671_2504191_1405982070.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgZiqpwck2AYMRUiize_-zNFo7n3C1rRzfOwa5LVvyCoy78xEAXzI9mIeIi3cpgPP-177S4XA0SXVdWtdcGjb02b8IBxbPrCcBFMD2HUxOcT-QrZ1i9nBYD7hxj4zNEoNWT4ab-qHG7qa4/s1600/2148671_2504191_1405982070.jpg" height="158" width="400" /></span></a></div>
<span style="font-family: inherit;"></span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;">If you are within the sound of my voice, well, you may want to cover your ears.<strong> PANDORA BOX SET</strong> is HERE and I am doing lots of hootin' and hollerin'! Not only have we compiled an OUTSTANDING 20 BOOK collection of the best in paranormal fiction, but we have gathered an amazing group of award-winning and bestselling authors. I am humbled to be included in this fine crowd and part of this unbelievable offer: <strong>ALL of this coolness for JUST .99 CENTS!!</strong> But DO NOT delay. This set will only be available for one month. So grab your copy NOW - </span><br />
<a href="http://www.amazon.com/PANDORA-Rebecca-Hamilton-ebook/dp/B00M04OSAC/ref=sr_pi_pm_npnf_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1407194642&sr=8-1&keywords=pandora+box+set"><span style="font-family: inherit;">http://www.amazon.com/PANDORA-Rebecca-Hamilton-ebook/dp/B00M04OSAC/ref=sr_pi_pm_npnf_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1407194642&sr=8-1&keywords=pandora+box+set</span></a><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;"></span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;">You can also purchase on Nook, Kobo and anywhere great books are sold! </span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;"></span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;">SO - in addition to 19 other seriously good books, you will find my YA paranormal mystery - <span style="color: purple;"><strong>WHAT TRULY KNOWS.</strong> </span></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">Here's a review from an ARC reader: </span><a href="https://www.goodreads.com/review/show/1014176555?book_show_action=false&page=1 I"><span style="font-family: inherit;">https://www.goodreads.com/review/show/1014176555?book_show_action=false&page=1 <span style="color: black;">I</span></span></a><span style="color: black; font-family: inherit;"> hope you will read this one and share your feedback!</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: inherit;"><strong><span style="color: red;">***PLUS - Here's a SUPER-EXTRA PANDORA BONUS*** -</span></strong> </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">To celebrate this release, my mystery novel <strong>THE MAKING OF NEBRASKA BROWN</strong> will be ON SALE for JUST <strong>.99 cents</strong> FOR FIVE DAYS!!! This is an exciting extended bargain!! If you haven't bought it yet, now is the perfect time :) </span><a href="http://getbook.at/nebraskabrown"><span style="font-family: inherit;">http://getbook.at/nebraskabrown</span></a><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgumnFWuQ4cnRKPTQIxKiYZeVQ42h6pJ-tDC2sT8AowCDAQb2fvIOolA59XIUh9UvDcXAMtIZXkmqTO2rJCimh-mVRHOtMXqsA-xVFUjhINTxIHhA6F3m5IydwjguwM-EZeS1XRAMAzJMY/s1600/tmonb_ebook_cover.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgumnFWuQ4cnRKPTQIxKiYZeVQ42h6pJ-tDC2sT8AowCDAQb2fvIOolA59XIUh9UvDcXAMtIZXkmqTO2rJCimh-mVRHOtMXqsA-xVFUjhINTxIHhA6F3m5IydwjguwM-EZeS1XRAMAzJMY/s1600/tmonb_ebook_cover.jpg" height="200" width="145" /></span></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;"> HAPPY READING, ONE AND ALL!!</span></div>
Louisehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17838472744477823574noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4485436326220833334.post-48201010912189350862014-07-30T18:17:00.001-04:002014-07-30T18:17:52.006-04:00Lazy Days of Summer SALE - #99cents!<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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Greetings, all! I hope you are setting aside some portion of these long summer days to devote to the fine art of idleness. This morning I spent a few hours at the beach with my son, soaking up the sun and enjoying the surf. I also took some time to notice what the other beach-goers were doing. The little ones near us were having an all-out blast with nothing more than some wet sand and a few buckets. Some people read, some chatted and some chewed. And a few just sat there - observing, thinking, watching, being.<br />
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Being in the moment.<br />
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It's one of the toughest things to do, isn't it? I know I'm always either planning or working or going or doing. But being idle and savoring the here and now? That's quite a feat at times.<br />
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Often the closest I can get to achieving idleness is when I sit with a good book and get lost inside the pages. How about you? How do you go about getting quiet with yourself? Do you write, read or something else altogether?<br />
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To help entice you to spend a bit of down-time with a new friend, here's a quick Lazy Days of Summer Sale. But it's a quickie so don't delay. Pick up your copy of THE MAKING OF NEBRASKA BROWN right now for JUST .99 CENTS. Settle back in your fave comfy chair (or a really cool hammock) and tune out the world for a while. Get to know Ann and Tommy and Shane and Tessa. <br />
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I hope you will :)<br />
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Here are the purchase links for you:<br />
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Amazon - <a href="http://getbook.at/nebraskabrown">http://getbook.at/nebraskabrown</a><br />
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B & N - <a href="http://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/the-making-of-nebraska-brown-louise-caiola/1118584827?ean=9781938750779">http://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/the-making-of-nebraska-brown-louise-caiola/1118584827?ean=9781938750779</a><br />
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Kobo - <a href="http://store.kobobooks.com/en-US/ebook/the-making-of-nebraska-brown">http://store.kobobooks.com/en-US/ebook/the-making-of-nebraska-brown</a><br />
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Thanks, friends. And remember to let it be!<br />
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Louisehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17838472744477823574noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4485436326220833334.post-80145427533131362762014-07-29T07:36:00.001-04:002014-07-29T07:38:05.182-04:00NEW RELEASE - "CLEOPATRA'S NEEDLE" is here!<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
I'm super-honored to be bringing you this awesome novella by the bestselling author of <a href="http://www.amazon.com/Reading-Lessons-Carole-Lanham-ebook/dp/B00HRKGSO8/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1406592511&sr=8-1&keywords=the+reading+lessons" target="_blank">THE READING LESSONS - CAROLE LANHAM.</a> <br />
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<i id="yui_3_16_0_1_1406591164430_2438"><span id="yui_3_16_0_1_1406591164430_2437">There are monsters in this world, I’ve learned, and sometimes I have fallen victim to them and sometimes I have been one…</span></i></div>
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<span id="yui_3_16_0_1_1406591164430_2435">When Lilabet last saw Iago, they were ten years old. Whisked off to America by his father in a desperate attempt to escape the dark superstitions of Wales, Iago’s letters have been the single thing to connect them. Now, fourteen years have passed and Iago has asked Lilabet to be his bride.</span></div>
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<span id="yui_3_16_0_1_1406591164430_2447">Eager to begin a modern life in an exciting new land with the man she has loved for all her days, Lilabet is about to discover that black magic may find a home on any shore. Three red-haired witches have been playing a deadly game of revenge with Iago and if she wants to have a life with him, Lilabet will first have to fight the dark forces that have claimed her young husband for their own.</span></div>
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<span id="yui_3_16_0_1_1406591164430_2120">CLEOPATRA’S NEEDLE A story of Welsh witchcraft, love, and murder.</span></div>
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Carole is such a uniquely talented writer. Her bestselling novel, The Reading Lessons, has earned her tons of devoted readers clamoring for MORE! I know I can't wait to read this one! And now I don't have to :) Here are some links for purchase:</div>
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Amazon</div>
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<span id="yui_3_16_0_1_1406633536985_3118" style="font-size: 9pt;"><a href="http://www.amazon.com/Cleopatras-Needle-Carole-Lanham-ebook/dp/B00M7OJ4V8/ref=sr_1_1?s=digital-text&ie=UTF8&qid=1406610592&sr=1-1&keywords=Cleopatra%27s+needle" id="yui_3_16_0_1_1406633536985_3117" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">http://www.amazon.com/Cleopatras-Needle-Carole-Lanham-ebook/dp/B00M7OJ4V8/ref=sr_1_1?s=digital-text&ie=UTF8&qid=1406610592&sr=1-1&keywords=Cleopatra%27s+needle</a></span></div>
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<a href="http://www.amazon.co.uk/Cleopatras-Needle-Carole-Lanham-ebook/dp/B00M7OJ4V8/ref=sr_1_6?s=books&ie=UTF8&qid=1406608098&sr=1-6&keywords=cleopatra%27s+needle" id="yui_3_16_0_1_1406633536985_3122" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">http://www.amazon.co.uk/Cleopatras-Needle-Carole-Lanham-ebook/dp/B00M7OJ4V8/ref=sr_1_6?s=books&ie=UTF8&qid=1406608098&sr=1-6&keywords=cleopatra%27s+needle</a></div>
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<a href="http://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/books/1120020431?ean=2940149633562" id="yui_3_16_0_1_1406633536985_3126" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">http://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/books/1120020431?ean=2940149633562</a></div>
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Wishing Carole all the best of success!</div>
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Louisehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17838472744477823574noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4485436326220833334.post-91040645042598825382014-07-17T18:56:00.003-04:002014-07-17T18:56:43.793-04:00#PANDORA Bestselling Boxed Set - 20 Books for JUST .99 CENTS! <div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
<strong>I've been very busy these past few weeks getting my romantic paranormal mystery novella, WHAT TRULY KNOWS ready to be included in this AMAZING collection of books!</strong><h2 style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;">
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<span style="font-family: inherit;"><strong>I'm so proud to be a part of this awesome box set debuting on Aug. 5, 2014! There's no beating this deal! It's only around for a limited time, so now's your chance to get your hands on this RARE collection before it's gone. </strong></span><br />
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<a href="http://samanthalafantasie.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/07/pandora-21.jpg" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="pandora 2" class="alignleft size-full wp-image-3630" src="http://samanthalafantasie.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/07/pandora-21.jpg" height="320" width="234" /></a></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj3MKtfVYyd6MKNAJVQ0yNwfZHPcdoTV9sk1TeY3TYqZsV3pcub5XdR3x1tRW52g92WQurRKu0gVMGMSXWpQsVQ2S8n_S0qW4IPn2DFEh5OKfqZiqjmZDH2Vsm67Sj9_ZmywyLNQWeAeV0/s1600/10547508_780393252006064_4705952618485054108_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj3MKtfVYyd6MKNAJVQ0yNwfZHPcdoTV9sk1TeY3TYqZsV3pcub5XdR3x1tRW52g92WQurRKu0gVMGMSXWpQsVQ2S8n_S0qW4IPn2DFEh5OKfqZiqjmZDH2Vsm67Sj9_ZmywyLNQWeAeV0/s1600/10547508_780393252006064_4705952618485054108_n.jpg" height="320" width="212" /></a><strong>PANDORA</strong>, a bestselling box set of wicked paranormal reads, is brought to you by <strong>twenty</strong> exciting, <strong>bestselling, and award-winning authors!</strong>
Ready for a touch of magic?
Whether you love paranormal in the form of romance, suspense, mystery, horror, or fantasy, this box set will have something to entice your preternatural sensibilities. Supernaturally thrilling and engaging, this box set has it all: ghosts, vampires, mind-readers, shape-shifters, demons, faeries, werewolves, and more.
For a limited time, you can enjoy books from today's New York Times, USA Today, Amazon and Barnes & Noble bestselling authors and many more. We have everything from titles that are slated for the big screen to stories from Pulitzer Prize and Bram Stoker Award Nominees! <strong>When purchased separately, these books cost over $50! But they are your's today for less than $1.</strong>
Professionally formatted, no cliffhangers, and no short stories. Every selection in this rare, limited edition paranormal box set are full-length novels and novellas! A few are "First in Series," but we carefully selected only those which can still be enjoyed as a standalone!
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Available for Pre-Order Now!</h2>
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<a href="http://store.kobobooks.com/en-us/books/PANDORA/6c7A7QnQvky1ZOOeJ7_5WA?MixID=6c7A7QnQvky1ZOOeJ7_5WA&PageNumber=1&utm_source=linkshare_ca&utm_medium=Affiliate&utm_campaign=linkshare_ca&siteID=je6NUbpObpQ-uD6QMA1Wr1j5Wtn8HMd4NQ" target="_blank">Kobo</a></div>
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<a href="http://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/pandora-rebecca-hamilton/1119946332?ean=9781501413377&itm=1&usri=9781501413377" target="_blank">Nook</a></div>
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Coming August 5, 2014</h2>
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Do you dare to open the box?</h1>
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What's included:</h2>
<span style="color: #181818;"><a href="https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/22609921-the-breakers-code?from_search=true" target="_blank">THE BREAKER'S CODE</a></span>
by <a href="http://connerkressleybooks.weebly.com/" target="_blank">Conner Kressley</a>
Cresta's the kind of girl who thinks everything is the end of the world. Turns out, she might be right.
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SHADE
by <a href="http://www.kellyanneblount.com/" target="_blank">Kelly Anne Blount</a>, Amazon Best-Selling Author
Coming soon!
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<a href="https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/16288155-the-forgotten-ones?from_search=true" target="_blank">THE FORGOTTEN ONES</a>
by <a href="http://laurahoward78.blogspot.com/" target="_blank">Laura Howard </a>, Amazon Best-Selling Author
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Truths have a way of revealing themselves. Secrets will eventually surface. And Allison must learn to set aside her plan and work with her father if there is even a small chance it could restore her mother's sanity.
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<a href="https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/16112714-into-you?from_search=true" target="_blank">INTO YOU</a>
by <a href="http://rileyjford.com/" target="_blank">Riley J. Ford</a>, New York Times and USA Today Bestselling Author -
What if you could know exactly what your friends are thinking? High school student Winter Reynolds can, but there's a catch... She can only read people's thoughts when she's kissing them.
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<a href="https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/17376040-dead-girls-never-shut-up?from_search=true" target="_blank">DEAD GIRLS NEVER SHUT UP</a>
by <a href="http://thegratefulundead.weebly.com/" target="_blank">Susan Stec</a> Amazon Best-Selling Author
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Toni's grandmother is a psychopath. Her sister is a ghost. Her boyfriend is possessed. And she has no idea who she is.
<a href="https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/21855171-lie-to-me?from_search=true" target="_blank">LIE TO ME</a>
by<a href="http://www.angelafristoe.com/" target="_blank"> Angela Fristoe</a>
As a Truth Teller, Phoebe knows a lie when she hears it. Knowing what to do when her best friend lies is the problem, because in lies, intention is everything.
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<a href="https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/13279622-four-in-the-morning?from_search=true" target="_blank"> FOUR IN THE MORNING</a>
by <a href="http://www.christigoddard.com/" target="_blank">Christi Goddard</a>, Amazon Best-Selling Author-
When a smart-ass magical creature invades Kathleen’s life, a boy she hates turns up dead and her mother goes missing.
<a href="https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/16150599-true-connection?from_search=true" target="_blank">TRUE CONNECTION</a>
by <a href="http://rachelwalterauthor.blogspot.com/" target="_blank">Rachel Walter</a> -
With the help of supernatural friends and protectors, Jazzy thinks she's safe until what remains of her family is put in danger. Does she have what it takes to save her family, life, soul, and soul mate, or will all be lost?
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<span style="color: cyan;"><span style="background-color: #eeeeee; color: blue;">INVISIBLE</span>
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by <a href="http://www.delshereegladden.com/" target="_blank">DelSheree Gladden</a>, Amazon Best-Selling Author -
Being invisible won’t hide Mason for long.
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<a href="https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/13637393-the-awakening?from_search=true" target="_blank">THE AWAKENING</a>
by<a href="http://mycrazzycorner.blogspot.com/" target="_blank"> Apryl Baker</a>, Amazon Best-Selling and Film-Optioned Novelist
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Snap...crackle...pop. The sounds of bones breaking and shifting and of muscles tearing haunt Alexandria Reed. Aided by her new friends, who have some dark secrets themselves, can she and Jason survive long enough to figure out the secret behind the secret?
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<a href="https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/22735037-what-truly-knows" target="_blank">WHAT TRULY KNOWS</a>
by <a href="http://www.louisecaiola.com/" target="_blank">Louise Caiola</a>, Amazon Best-Selling Author - She was born with the Magical Knowing - a gift, some said. A curse, said others. But for Truly, it was the very thing meant to save her life. If it didn’t kill her first.<br />
<a href="https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/20624580-summoned?from_search=true" target="_blank">SUMMONED</a>
by <a href="http://www.rainyofthedark.com/" target="_blank">Rainy Kaye</a><span style="text-decoration: underline;">, </span>Amazon Best-Selling Author -
A dark twist on genie folklore, SUMMONED follows a reluctant criminal as he unravels the mystery of the paranormal bond controlling him.
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<a href="https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/13239063-her-sweetest-downfall?from_search=true" target="_blank">HER SWEETEST DOWNFALL</a>
by <a href="http://beccahamiltonbooks.com/" target="_blank">Rebecca Hamilton</a>, Amazon Best-Selling and Film-Optioned Novelist -
Ophelia's initiation into the supernatural council won't be complete until she kills the man she loves.
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<a href="https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/17661438-made-to-forget?from_search=true" target="_blank">MADE TO FORGET</a>
by <a href="http://samanthalafantasie.com/" target="_blank">Samantha LaFantasie - </a>
After waking up in a hospital with no memory, Elsabetha quickly learns those who claim to be her friend are anything but.
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<a href="https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/18108645-a-prescription-for-delirium?from_search=true" target="_blank">A PRESCRIPTION FOR DELIRIUM</a>
by <a href="http://www.noreecosper.com/" target="_blank">Noree Cosper</a>, B.R.A.G. Medallion Honoree -
Demons, werewolves, possessed bikers, madness spreading like a virus, and a revenge that has waited for over five-hundred years. What more could Gabby look for in a vacation spot?
<br />
<a href="https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/294068.The_Water_Wolf?from_search=true" target="_blank">THE WATER WOLF</a>
by <a href="http://www.thomassullivanauthor.com/" target="_blank">Thomas Sullivan</a> Pulitzer Prize Nominee
-
A global quest by a cynical adventurer searching for links in a colossal subterranean network he has stumbled upon lead him from the ancient fortress at Cuzco, Peru, to the Pyramids of Giza to a dangerous churchyard in Connemara, Ireland, where he falls in love with a woman of more than mortal roots and encounters the strange magic of a small village.
<br />
<span style="color: blue;">CLEOPATRA'S NEEDLE</span>
by <a href="http://carolelanham.com/" target="_blank">Carole Lanham</a>, Amazon Best-Selling Author and Bram Stoker Award Nominee-
"There are monsters in this world, I’ve learned, and sometimes I have fallen victim to them and sometimes I have been one." A story of Welsh witchcraft, love, and murder.
<br />
<a href="https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/11524297-eyes-of-the-seer?from_search=true" target="_blank">EYES OF THE SEER</a>
by <a href="http://www.facebook.com/l.php?u=http%3A%2F%2Fpeterdawes.wordpress.com%2F&h=VAQFDMhio" target="_blank">Peter W. Dawes</a>, Blogger Book Fair Reader's Choice Award winner -
It all started with a murder, but what laid in wait would turn a man into a monster.
<br />
<span style="color: blue;">THE TRAITORS' TRILOGY</span>
by Heather Kenealy, winner of MTV's "Stan Lee presents the Seekers" contest and Cinescape's Short Story Contest -
Betrayal comes with a price. For these betrayers, it also comes with an opportunity.
<br />
<a href="https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/15710351-the-portrait-of-alatiel-salazar-a-gothic-horror-novella?from_search=true" target="_blank">THE PORTRAIT OF ALATIEL SALAZAR</a>
by <a href="http://stevenkatriel.wordpress.com/" target="_blank">Steven Katriel</a>, Amazon Best-Selling Author-
When Gabriel Holland’s beloved Helena vanishes from his life, he journeys to the home of disgraced artist Cristian Salazar, the man he holds responsible for her disappearance and the death of several friends.
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
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<h2 style="text-align: left;">
Love this deal? Wanna spend a few moments of your time to help spread the word? Here's a few things that you can do:</h2>
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Louisehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17838472744477823574noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4485436326220833334.post-59497356561992795022014-06-26T13:09:00.001-04:002014-06-26T13:09:22.893-04:00Sizzling Summer Sale! <div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj4Xg8T_QKzNka8NUfADVk5kWwNLcrW8BQZ_gqG6y0SP7D0iccNbb6sJkdqR6rHUqriJh1TyUTcEKNJWRu0cZIvAqMKqNJ-HvICM8WK5F0Q7tPf57SZbH3d99aHtZedphYszrju2_lwmUg/s1600/untitled+(3).png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj4Xg8T_QKzNka8NUfADVk5kWwNLcrW8BQZ_gqG6y0SP7D0iccNbb6sJkdqR6rHUqriJh1TyUTcEKNJWRu0cZIvAqMKqNJ-HvICM8WK5F0Q7tPf57SZbH3d99aHtZedphYszrju2_lwmUg/s1600/untitled+(3).png" height="199" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
It's my absolute favorite season by far. SUMMER is here! I just love the accoutrements of these warm and frothy months, the way they engage my senses: the sight of that sun-drenched sky - lit long into the evenings, the smell of coconut body lotion, fresh cut grass and barbeque grills, the sound of swinging sprinklers, splashing swimming pools and racing ocean waves, the feel of sandy flip-flops and cool cotton clothing against my skin and the taste of that Italian lemon ice - the kind you scrape with a small wooden spoon. <br />
<br />
There's a magical return-to-youth wrapped up in the summer. Life-like memories of a day when time seemed suspended and frozen in place. Motion was all about running bases and flashlight tag, or the rocking of a hammock under the weight of our growing bodies. That was where I did most of my outdoor reading - slung in the braided netting hovering over our lawn. Where the breeze turned the pages and I did little else but follow the words. It was an hour-less freedom.The calendar went missing - at least until that first dreaded back-to-school commercial. (Ugh - lol!)<br />
<br />
So, what better way to pay homage to this - the season of my heart - then by holding a sizzling summer sale to entice ya'll to pick a shady spot and get some reading in! <br />
<br />
For this weekend only you can grab your e-copy of THE MAKING OF NEBRASKA BROWN for just .99 cents! Check it out right here: <a href="http://smarturl.it/v27uuy">http://smarturl.it/v27uuy</a><br />
<br />
Hope you will take advantage of this special price and be sure to let me know what you think after you've read! And remember to tan safely...<br />
<br />
Peace out, friends!<br />
<br />
</div>
Louisehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17838472744477823574noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4485436326220833334.post-33167563728694674662014-06-10T21:09:00.000-04:002014-06-11T08:04:39.371-04:00#Cover Reveal for PETIT FLEURS and VIGNETTES<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">Hey gang! It's been a while since I've been here to chat, and for good reason. I've been working along with the amazing <a href="http://www.immortalinkpublishing.com/" target="_blank">Immortal Ink Publishers</a> to get these two <strong>new books</strong> ready to roll. These are stories near and dear to my heart. Long before I started writing novels, I was crafting short stories. Stephen King said, "A short story is like a kiss in the dark from a stranger." And with a huge collection to his credit, he would know, wouldn't he? </span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;"></span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;">As a longtime fan of short story queen Ms. Alice Munro, I'm thrilled to be seeing my own short stories come to life. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;"></span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;">Here we have the gorgeous cover art as created by the talented <a href="http://beccahamiltonbooks.com/" target="_blank">Rebecca Hamilton</a>:</span><br />
<img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgG0bykHaUjQEoO0p-JTgg8F2XqIOb0PdVF3MC7v1Opm3_VB2YA2jQEjDmpKjUI5Ec2V5ZVIV994A2gQSzPj5zKVvQ6bpigJR__1MRM1-8kDnx7XOgFL6B-4LLVHasw_iBabhtJ1QeokpA/s1600/securedownload+(2).jpg" height="300" width="400" /><br />
So, what are the books about, you ask? Let's check the back cover blurb:<br />
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<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
</div>
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><em>It’s a first love unfinished, a family bond tested and
forged. It’s a young woman staring at the messy underside of her dreams, and
another facing a future she hasn’t chosen for herself. We meet an alcoholic
country singer trying to be a father, a child who may never hear the beautiful
sound of his mother’s voice, a fallen hero’s daughter, a stray who stays, and
so much more. In <strong>PETIT FLEURS</strong> and its companion <strong>VIGNETTES</strong>, we come to know
fascinating and flawed people from all over the world, each with a unique story
to tell - scenes of life shown throughout the years. Secrets exposed, tender
hellos, and tumultuous goodbyes. <o:p></o:p></em></span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><em>
</em></span><span style="font-family: inherit;"><em>In this multi-faceted two-book collection of short stories,
Louise Caiola captures those defining moments that challenge and change us,
those that serve as the catalyst to our greatest experiences, our dearest
memories, our deepest joy, and perhaps our sincerest sorrows.<o:p></o:p></em></span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><em>
</em></span><br />
We anticipate the release to be sometime in September 2014! Naturally, we have a party and special giveaway planned just for you! Stay tuned for more deets to come. <br />
<br />
And, of course, I hope by now you've read or have added <a href="http://smarturl.it/v27uuy" target="_blank">THE MAKING OF NEBRASKA BROWN</a> to your TBR list. <br />
<br />
But wait!<br />
<a name='more'></a><br /></div>
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Louisehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17838472744477823574noreply@blogger.com0