tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-29993936746386693112024-02-21T09:26:53.441-08:00Living With The MuseBEST FRIENDS: Tara Manderino, J.D. Faver and Carol Devaney, three authors from different parts of America who share their love of writing, cooking, family, pets and life. Come on in. Stay a while.J.D., Tara, Carolhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10340968197946101390noreply@blogger.comBlogger80125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2999393674638669311.post-27272816191973701692014-04-01T17:05:00.001-07:002014-04-01T17:11:52.146-07:00Spring Fling Scavenger Hunt with J.D. Faver & Night Owl Reviews<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhmFx_uzA2Oox7fXKfrZsOQl7zhOKjFKFpdSipjXvVoNRLWe_FkHD0yYrjp9Wr0zFiu5lisO_4bGBKNqgyRjE-VkmT5ScGUyYe8pB4Rn4tDlslOsmP4buEsNj5u4ZHX8eKSmZevFqBvXjk/s1600/springfling2013g.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/AVvXsEhmFx_uzA2Oox7fXKfrZsOQl7zhOKjFKFpdSipjXvVoNRLWe_FkHD0yYrjp9Wr0zFiu5lisO_4bGBKNqgyRjE-VkmT5ScGUyYe8pB4Rn4tDlslOsmP4buEsNj5u4ZHX8eKSmZevFqBvXjk/s400/springfling2013g.JPG" /></a></div>
Win Books and Prizes in the Night Owl Reviews Spring Fling Web Hunt. So many authors, so many prizes. On this site, I invite you to leave a comment below and include your email address for an additional prize. I'm awarding a Bad Girls Need Love Too...tee shirt in your choice of sizes from Small to X-Large, plus a download of the newest in the Edge of Texas series, BAD DREAMS which will be live by mid-April. Be the first to have your own copy of this romantic thriller and wear your Bad Girls tee while doing so. Just leave comment below as to why you would like to win and include your email for notification purposes. Good luck.
<a href="http://www.nightowlreviews.com/v5/Pages/Articles/Spring-Fling-Scavenger-Hunt-2014">SPRING FLING SCAVENGER HUNT 2014</a>
This is the link to join the Spring Fling Scavenger Hunt.
Enter to win a copy of BAD VIBES just for visiting the NOR site and finding the clue on my page.
Enjoy and great good luck
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjvUo6XNBThzzbiHKbIAYkz5vRRLHrrWnAUqTSZ78tnu4bp4ImtTu6lw03YUh_yAdufDgyYQsk1d-EeY1uq_O9hFITnhunThyu-YXNnbnzLqQFMiVdSdxalm5pLKNIxg1z-v9a6pFuG4lk/s1600/Bad+Vibes+ReDo+7.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjvUo6XNBThzzbiHKbIAYkz5vRRLHrrWnAUqTSZ78tnu4bp4ImtTu6lw03YUh_yAdufDgyYQsk1d-EeY1uq_O9hFITnhunThyu-YXNnbnzLqQFMiVdSdxalm5pLKNIxg1z-v9a6pFuG4lk/s640/Bad+Vibes+ReDo+7.JPG" /></a></div>J.D., Tara, Carolhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10340968197946101390noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2999393674638669311.post-72601467713544739462014-01-14T18:26:00.000-08:002014-01-14T18:26:07.037-08:00NO STRINGS ATTACHED GIVEAWAY HOP<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj4gzntKIsU80Enb6WFtPUoKGsQSS2DgmbgrzYizE6frawx8DC-ltERaHYK3g9XQ3t2d1TzwIN1okzDrmhFqAo38jM2clHI9RB2pqU2bdB0-fm4oMk1b4rfUMfe9IMo5Ba8i0Ep2TmaTNA/s1600/no+strings+January.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj4gzntKIsU80Enb6WFtPUoKGsQSS2DgmbgrzYizE6frawx8DC-ltERaHYK3g9XQ3t2d1TzwIN1okzDrmhFqAo38jM2clHI9RB2pqU2bdB0-fm4oMk1b4rfUMfe9IMo5Ba8i0Ep2TmaTNA/s1600/no+strings+January.jpg" /></a></div>
<span style="color: blue; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><b>Welcome to the <a href="http://www.iamareader.com/2013/12/no-string-attached-giveaway-hop-sign-ups-january-15th-21st.html">No Strings Attached Giveaway Hop</a>. The sole purpose of this hop is to cut through all the red tape. No jumping through hoops. Just leave your name and email in the comment section and you will be entered in a drawing for a copy of <a href="http://www.amazon.com/dp/B007H5IUQ2">BAD MEDICINE</a>, the first in my series of romantic suspense set on the Texas Coast just north of the border with Mexico. </b></span><br />
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<img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgexyXviUUqb9zeoRRnFUIqNDQ78UKm1OATlrFo84_gS-KdEq93wka3PyAJKPLYR_xxa5aAd1hHHTU6or38EdiC7H1RQ_Zkz2YKeOfzdw48wqLxDwfuX1T7GyGWRjYZ3wYr5U7B0eVe4DM/s320/Bad+Medicine3.jpg" width="200" /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjgrPAvHnyZ-TQGxXH-ZkxyoJ6FN0ID-996k3RWjaHRPn9By4XkDN72BiPIiOTgMPhhgDgoGCL54qxKAFBTAAupciVA3asAo8HdZt0IgAp0Isu1K3eJTcZ6MpZa3lmW7YKSLRGIiUxbwIA/s1600/Bad+Vibes+5.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjgrPAvHnyZ-TQGxXH-ZkxyoJ6FN0ID-996k3RWjaHRPn9By4XkDN72BiPIiOTgMPhhgDgoGCL54qxKAFBTAAupciVA3asAo8HdZt0IgAp0Isu1K3eJTcZ6MpZa3lmW7YKSLRGIiUxbwIA/s320/Bad+Vibes+5.jpg" width="213" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><b><span style="color: red;"><u>FREEBIE ALERT</u></span>~ <a href="http://www.amazon.com/dp/B009LYM3ZQ">BAD VIBES</a> <span style="color: blue;">the third in the series, will be totally free to download on January 16th and 17th from all of the Amazon stores, so help yourself http://www.amazon.com/dp/B009LYM3ZQ</span></b></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><b><span style="color: blue;">Be sure to visit all the authors on the <a href="http://www.iamareader.com/2013/12/no-string-attached-giveaway-hop-sign-ups-january-15th-21st.html">No Strings Attached Giveaway Hop</a>. There are prizes to win at every site and you may find your next favorite author. Great good luck. </span></b></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><b><span style="color: blue;"><br /></span></b></span>
J.D., Tara, Carolhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10340968197946101390noreply@blogger.com55tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2999393674638669311.post-87067595665871458172013-10-28T00:41:00.001-07:002013-10-28T12:44:17.610-07:00Snarkology Paranormal Blog Hop<br />
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<b style="color: blue;">BOO!!! Did I scare you? Probably not, but welcome to my post on the Snarkology Paranormal Blog Hop. I hope you're enjoying the cooler weather. Halloween is one of my favorite events. I'm offering a free copy of my romantic thriller <a href="http://www.amazon.com/dp/B007H5IUQ2">BAD MEDICINE</a> to one lucky commenter. The paranormal element in<a href="http://www.amazon.com/dp/B007H5IUQ2"> BAD MEDICINE</a> is a <i>curandero</i>, or Mexican healer. This guy grows more evil with every page you turn. He is searching for his true mate, the "gifted one" he was told would someday be his. Unfortunately, Chloe has no idea she possesses any kind of "gifts" and she's already in love with someone else. Rafael has been her sweetheart since grade school. Though they were torn apart, they have reunited and both are determined to stick together, no matter what might get in their way. Unfortunately, several factions are focused on destroying their relationship, once and for all. Besides the <i>curandero</i>, there is Rafael's family, a jealous rival and a herd of drug-dealing, human trafficking and otherwise uncool bad guys. </b><br />
<span style="color: blue;"><b>Does this sound exciting to you? Please leave a comment below to enter a random drawing to win a free download. Include </b></span><b style="color: blue;">your email so I can notify the winner. </b><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhMMd5eRIABB023cukQ5VRSOqa863MyhL_q0QYs5yrqW0Xh4mfdBsYuGwrp0-AYbB7befvW3UIZOyx9ZqoYH9T02aJfbohVNrthHi5oBs-uG-plxCclAPPnbqi2KfxGMd30XPEMr3UXPpg/s1600/Rafael3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhMMd5eRIABB023cukQ5VRSOqa863MyhL_q0QYs5yrqW0Xh4mfdBsYuGwrp0-AYbB7befvW3UIZOyx9ZqoYH9T02aJfbohVNrthHi5oBs-uG-plxCclAPPnbqi2KfxGMd30XPEMr3UXPpg/s320/Rafael3.jpg" width="232" /></a></div>
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<b><span style="color: blue;"><span style="background-color: white; font-family: verdana, arial, helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;">THE EDGE OF TEXAS Series:</span><br style="background-color: white; font-family: verdana, arial, helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: small;" /><span style="background-color: white; font-family: verdana, arial, helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;">• Book 1-<a href="http://www.amazon.com/dp/B007H5IUQ2">BAD MEDICINE</a></span><br style="background-color: white; font-family: verdana, arial, helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: small;" /><span style="background-color: white; font-family: verdana, arial, helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;">• Book 2-<a href="http://www.amazon.com/dp/B0081SGPZW">BAD KARMA</a></span><br style="background-color: white; font-family: verdana, arial, helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: small;" /><span style="background-color: white; font-family: verdana, arial, helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;">• Book 3-<a href="http://www.amazon.com/dp/B009LYM3ZQ">BAD VIBES</a></span><br style="background-color: white; font-family: verdana, arial, helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: small;" /><span style="background-color: white; font-family: verdana, arial, helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;">• Book 4-BAD DREAMS (coming soon)</span></span></b><br />
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<b><span style="color: blue;">Please visit all the other authors on this hop and comment to win a prize at each stop, plus the grand prize of an gift card. Good luck!</span></b><br />
<table class="yiv8602939443sl_linktable" id="yiv8602939443sltable_E5FBE962-AA9D-444C-9316-AE41A007CC90" style="background-color: white; color: black; font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', 'Segoe UI', Helvetica, Arial, 'Lucida Grande', sans-serif; font-size: 13px; padding: 0px;"><tbody id="yui_3_13_0_1_1382969466254_21930" style="width: 568px;">
<tr id="yui_3_13_0_1_1382969466254_21929"><td id="yui_3_13_0_1_1382969466254_24207" style="border-spacing: 2px;" width="5%">1.</td><td id="yui_3_13_0_1_1382969466254_21949" style="border-spacing: 2px;" width="45%"><a href="http://www.melissasnark.blogspot.com/" rel="nofollow" style="background-color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0); color: #196ad4; margin: 0px; outline: none; padding: 0px;" target="_blank">The Snarkology</a></td><td style="border-spacing: 2px;" width="5%">2.</td><td id="yui_3_13_0_1_1382969466254_21928" style="border-spacing: 2px;" width="45%"><a href="http://lisarayns.blogspot.com/" rel="nofollow" style="background-color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0); color: #196ad4; margin: 0px; outline: none; padding: 0px;" target="_blank">Lisa Rayns</a></td></tr>
<tr id="yui_3_13_0_1_1382969466254_21932"><td id="yui_3_13_0_1_1382969466254_24208" style="border-spacing: 2px;" width="5%">3.</td><td id="yui_3_13_0_1_1382969466254_21948" style="border-spacing: 2px;" width="45%"><a href="http://www.zoeforwardblog.blogspot.com/" id="yui_3_13_0_1_1382969466254_24206" rel="nofollow" style="background-color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0); color: #196ad4; margin: 0px; outline: none; padding: 0px;" target="_blank">Zoe Forward Blog</a></td><td style="border-spacing: 2px;" width="5%">4.</td><td id="yui_3_13_0_1_1382969466254_21931" style="border-spacing: 2px;" width="45%"><a href="http://www.shadowsofromance.blogspot.com/" rel="nofollow" style="background-color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0); color: #196ad4; margin: 0px; outline: none; padding: 0px;" target="_blank">Tricia Schneider</a></td></tr>
<tr id="yui_3_13_0_1_1382969466254_24200"><td id="yui_3_13_0_1_1382969466254_24217" style="border-spacing: 2px;" width="5%">5.</td><td id="yui_3_13_0_1_1382969466254_24199" style="border-spacing: 2px;" width="45%"><a href="http://calliopeswritingtablet.blogspot.com/" id="yui_3_13_0_1_1382969466254_24201" rel="nofollow" style="background-color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0); color: #196ad4; margin: 0px; outline: none; padding: 0px;" target="_blank">Rose Anderson's Calliope's Writing Tablet</a></td><td style="border-spacing: 2px;" width="5%">6.</td><td style="border-spacing: 2px;" width="45%"><a href="http://livingwiththemuse.blogspot.com/" rel="nofollow" style="background-color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0); color: #196ad4; margin: 0px; outline: none; padding: 0px;" target="_blank">Living With The Muse</a></td></tr>
<tr id="yui_3_13_0_1_1382969466254_24216"><td id="yui_3_13_0_1_1382969466254_24215" style="border-spacing: 2px;" width="5%">7.</td><td id="yui_3_13_0_1_1382969466254_24219" style="border-spacing: 2px;" width="45%"><a href="http://dravenstjames.wordpress.com/" rel="nofollow" style="background-color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0); color: #196ad4; margin: 0px; outline: none; padding: 0px;" target="_blank">Draven St. James</a></td><td style="border-spacing: 2px;" width="5%">8.</td><td style="border-spacing: 2px;" width="45%"><a href="http://myeroticnotions.blogspot.com/" rel="nofollow" style="background-color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0); color: #196ad4; margin: 0px; outline: none; padding: 0px;" target="_blank">Daryl Devore</a></td></tr>
<tr id="yui_3_13_0_1_1382969466254_21947"><td style="border-spacing: 2px;" width="5%">9.</td><td id="yui_3_13_0_1_1382969466254_21946" style="border-spacing: 2px;" width="45%"><a href="http://www.hywelalyn.blogspot.com/" id="yui_3_13_0_1_1382969466254_24205" rel="nofollow" style="background-color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0); color: #196ad4; margin: 0px; outline: none; padding: 0px;" target="_blank">Hywela Lyn</a></td><td style="border-spacing: 2px;" width="5%">10.</td><td style="border-spacing: 2px;" width="45%"><a href="http://bethcaudill.net/blog/" rel="nofollow" style="background-color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0); color: #196ad4; margin: 0px; outline: none; padding: 0px;" target="_blank">Beth Caudill Author Blog</a></td></tr>
<tr><td style="border-spacing: 2px;" width="5%">11.</td><td style="border-spacing: 2px;" width="45%"><a href="http://www.lisa-chalmers.com/snarkology-blog-hop/" rel="nofollow" style="background-color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0); color: #196ad4; margin: 0px; outline: none; padding: 0px;" target="_blank">Lisa Chalmers</a></td><td style="border-spacing: 2px;" width="5%">12.</td><td style="border-spacing: 2px;" width="45%"><a href="http://www.quillorpill.blogspot.com/" rel="nofollow" style="background-color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0); color: #196ad4; margin: 0px; outline: none; padding: 0px;" target="_blank">Quill or Pill</a></td></tr>
<tr id="yui_3_13_0_1_1382969466254_21934"><td style="border-spacing: 2px;" width="5%">13.</td><td style="border-spacing: 2px;" width="45%"><a href="http://shapeshifterseductions.blogspot.com/" rel="nofollow" style="background-color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0); color: #196ad4; margin: 0px; outline: none; padding: 0px;" target="_blank">Shapeshifter Seductions</a></td><td style="border-spacing: 2px;" width="5%">14.</td><td id="yui_3_13_0_1_1382969466254_21933" style="border-spacing: 2px;" width="45%"><a href="http://blog.calindab.com/" rel="nofollow" style="background-color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0); color: #196ad4; margin: 0px; outline: none; padding: 0px;" target="_blank">Wickedly hot, dangerously fun.</a></td></tr>
<tr><td style="border-spacing: 2px;" width="5%">15.</td><td style="border-spacing: 2px;" width="45%"><a href="http://www.kmccullough.com/kblog" rel="nofollow" style="background-color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0); color: #196ad4; margin: 0px; outline: none; padding: 0px;" target="_blank">Karen McCullough</a></td><td style="border-spacing: 2px;" width="5%">16.</td><td style="border-spacing: 2px;" width="45%"><a href="http://kathrynknightbooks.blogspot.com/" rel="nofollow" style="background-color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0); color: #196ad4; margin: 0px; outline: none; padding: 0px;" target="_blank">Kathryn Knight books</a></td></tr>
<tr id="yui_3_13_0_1_1382969466254_24210"><td style="border-spacing: 2px;" width="5%">17.</td><td id="yui_3_13_0_1_1382969466254_24209" style="border-spacing: 2px;" width="45%"><a href="http://lolajames-author.blogspot.com/" rel="nofollow" style="background-color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0); color: #196ad4; margin: 0px; outline: none; padding: 0px;" target="_blank">Pieces of Me</a></td><td style="border-spacing: 2px;" width="5%">18.</td><td style="border-spacing: 2px;" width="45%"><a href="http://www.sherylrhayes.com/blog/" rel="nofollow" style="background-color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0); color: #196ad4; margin: 0px; outline: none; padding: 0px;" target="_blank">Sheryl R. Hayes</a></td></tr>
<tr id="yui_3_13_0_1_1382969466254_24204"><td style="border-spacing: 2px;" width="5%">19.</td><td id="yui_3_13_0_1_1382969466254_24203" style="border-spacing: 2px;" width="45%"><a href="http://dylannewtonwrites.blogspot.com/" id="yui_3_13_0_1_1382969466254_24202" rel="nofollow" style="background-color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0); color: #196ad4; margin: 0px; outline: none; padding: 0px;" target="_blank">Dylan Newton Paranromal Romance</a></td><td style="border-spacing: 2px;" width="5%">20.</td><td style="border-spacing: 2px;" width="45%"><a href="http://www.brandynacole.blogspot.com/" rel="nofollow" style="background-color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0); color: #196ad4; margin: 0px; outline: none; padding: 0px;" target="_blank">Broken Faith</a></td></tr>
<tr><td style="border-spacing: 2px;" width="5%">21.</td><td style="border-spacing: 2px;" width="45%"><a href="http://shelikesitverbal.com/blog/" rel="nofollow" style="background-color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0); color: #196ad4; margin: 0px; outline: none; padding: 0px;" target="_blank">She Likes it Verbal</a></td><td style="border-spacing: 2px;" width="5%">22.</td><td style="border-spacing: 2px;" width="45%"><a href="http://rebeccas-creatures.blogspot.com/" rel="nofollow" style="background-color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0); color: #196ad4; margin: 0px; outline: none; padding: 0px;" target="_blank">The Price of Freedom</a></td></tr>
<tr id="yui_3_13_0_1_1382969466254_21936"><td style="border-spacing: 2px;" width="5%">23.</td><td id="yui_3_13_0_1_1382969466254_24214" style="border-spacing: 2px;" width="45%"><a href="http://www.brenda-sparks.com/blog.html" rel="nofollow" style="background-color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0); color: #196ad4; margin: 0px; outline: none; padding: 0px;" target="_blank">Brenda's Blog</a></td><td id="yui_3_13_0_1_1382969466254_24198" style="border-spacing: 2px;" width="5%">24.</td><td id="yui_3_13_0_1_1382969466254_21935" style="border-spacing: 2px;" width="45%"><a href="http://julidrevezzo.com/blog/" id="yui_3_13_0_1_1382969466254_21937" rel="nofollow" style="background-color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0); color: #196ad4; margin: 0px; outline: none; padding: 0px;" target="_blank">Paranormal Romance Author Juli D. Revezzo</a></td></tr>
<tr id="yui_3_13_0_1_1382969466254_21939"><td style="border-spacing: 2px;" width="5%">25.</td><td id="yui_3_13_0_1_1382969466254_24191" style="border-spacing: 2px;" width="45%"><a href="http://phaedraseabolt.com/?cat=2" rel="nofollow" style="background-color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0); color: #196ad4; margin: 0px; outline: none; padding: 0px;" target="_blank">Phaedra Seabolt (INT)</a></td><td style="border-spacing: 2px;" width="5%">26.</td><td id="yui_3_13_0_1_1382969466254_21938" style="border-spacing: 2px;" width="45%"><a href="http://www.naomibellina.com/blog.html" id="yui_3_13_0_1_1382969466254_24196" rel="nofollow" style="background-color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0); color: #196ad4; margin: 0px; outline: none; padding: 0px;" target="_blank">Naomi Bellina Adventurous Erotic Romance</a></td></tr>
<tr id="yui_3_13_0_1_1382969466254_21941"><td style="border-spacing: 2px;" width="5%">27.</td><td id="yui_3_13_0_1_1382969466254_21942" style="border-spacing: 2px;" width="45%"><a href="http://evagordon.blogspot.com/" rel="nofollow" style="background-color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0); color: #196ad4; margin: 0px; outline: none; padding: 0px;" target="_blank">Eva Gordon</a></td><td style="border-spacing: 2px;" width="5%">28.</td><td id="yui_3_13_0_1_1382969466254_21940" style="border-spacing: 2px;" width="45%"><a href="http://kmnbooks.blogspot.com/2013/10/remains-to-be-seen-by-karen-michelle.html" id="yui_3_13_0_1_1382969466254_24197" rel="nofollow" style="background-color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0); color: #196ad4; margin: 0px; outline: none; padding: 0px;" target="_blank">Karen Michelle Nutt's Official Blog</a></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
J.D., Tara, Carolhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10340968197946101390noreply@blogger.com16tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2999393674638669311.post-23267451089504140832013-10-15T00:01:00.000-07:002013-10-15T00:01:39.471-07:00Spooktacular Blog Hop!!!<strong style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; line-height: 19px;"><span style="color: #5040ae;">Thanks so much to Kathy at</span> <a href="http://tjmanderino.webs.com/apps/blog/#www.iamareader.com/2013/08/4th-annual-spooktacular-giveaway-hop-sign-ups.html taking the time to coordinate this awesome event." style="color: #c7817b; text-decoration: none;" target="_blank" title="">I Am a Reader Not A Writer </a><span style="color: #5040ae;">for hosting this awesome event.</span></strong><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhzTcPSgGx8eHnXs-P5gFKdeMlaAN_QUCrGwzAT-XmD7lZisDeG-ZJIZt_Qpa2ArNJowrdLyDVUiV8xfEI70-_LqOq4dNTs2OPPwVJHlZYxoNx6kZlK-YI03l1jX1gtZSPnweNlDS6XPeA/s1600/Spooktacular2013.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhzTcPSgGx8eHnXs-P5gFKdeMlaAN_QUCrGwzAT-XmD7lZisDeG-ZJIZt_Qpa2ArNJowrdLyDVUiV8xfEI70-_LqOq4dNTs2OPPwVJHlZYxoNx6kZlK-YI03l1jX1gtZSPnweNlDS6XPeA/s320/Spooktacular2013.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<strong style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 19px;"><span style="color: #5040ae;"><br /></span></strong>
<strong style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; line-height: 19px;"><span style="color: #5040ae;">I am offering a copy of<a href="http://www.amazon.com/dp/B007H5IUQ2"> BAD MEDICINE</a>, the first book in The Edge of Texas series. Please leave a comment with your contact information to be entered in this drawing. My heroine, Chloe Palmer, has a power she doesn't even know about. Read all about it in this romantic thriller, as Chloe and Rafael battle the dark powers of the <i>curandero</i>. </span></strong><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgZzuZzP-tBjjrEnR4soSH8-0FRxDt_AtualeP0RFUiUcGQSvRLExEdTG5v2pQ0AGT6gDOhyphenhyphenvAdQWgIysEeplonWCdGudNOLfUt9sVnx01WbQXwyiYfSPjVHDZe3SLvcypfoiG_fnNI2B8/s1600/Rafael3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgZzuZzP-tBjjrEnR4soSH8-0FRxDt_AtualeP0RFUiUcGQSvRLExEdTG5v2pQ0AGT6gDOhyphenhyphenvAdQWgIysEeplonWCdGudNOLfUt9sVnx01WbQXwyiYfSPjVHDZe3SLvcypfoiG_fnNI2B8/s320/Rafael3.jpg" width="232" /></a></div>
<strong style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 19px;"><span style="color: #5040ae;"><br /></span></strong>
<strong style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; line-height: 19px;"><span style="color: #5040ae;">Here is a short excerpt from BAD MEDICINE, when Chloe first meets the <i>curandero</i>:</span></strong><br />
<strong style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 19px;"><span style="color: #5040ae;"><br /></span></strong>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in -0.1in 0.0001pt 0in; text-indent: 0.3in;">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 12pt;">Turning
her head, she saw Manuel Cruz push through the door, stepping aside for an
older man to pass.</span><span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: 12pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in -0.1in 0.0001pt 0in; text-indent: 0.3in;">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 12pt;">The man
was taller than Manny and stood erect, exuding an aura of power as he gazed at
her. His eyes were hooded, like Manny’s and had the same coldness of a hawk
with a mouse in its talons.</span><span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: 12pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in -0.1in 0.0001pt 0in; text-indent: 0.3in;">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 12pt;">She tried
to control the sudden fear clutching at her heart. She greeted Manny with a
weak smile.</span><span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: 12pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in -0.1in 0.0001pt 0in; text-indent: 0.3in;">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: small;">A slow
grin spread across his face as he approached her. “Chica, it’s good to see you
again so soon. I saw your truck outside. I want you to meet my grandfather,
Baldemar Cruz, the </span><i style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 12pt;">curandero</i><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: small;">. </span><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">You've</span><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: small;"> heard of him, perhaps?”</span><span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: 12pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in -0.1in 0.0001pt 0in; text-indent: 0.3in;">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 12pt;">Chloe
nodded, forcing herself to keep the smile in place. She was glad her hands were
full, precluding the necessity of shaking hands. Touching this man would be
like touching a snake, only more dangerous.</span><span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: 12pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in -0.1in 0.0001pt 0in; text-indent: 0.3in;">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 12pt;">The elder
Cruz stared at her as though he recognized her, sending a tingling sensation to
the back of her neck.</span><span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: 12pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in -0.1in 0.0001pt 0in; text-indent: 0.3in;">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 12pt;">“<i>Abuelo</i>,
this is my old friend from school, Chloe Palmer. I told you about her.” A look
passed between the two men.</span><span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: 12pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in -0.1in 0.0001pt 0in; text-indent: 0.3in;">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 12pt;">Baldemar
Cruz stood several feet away from her and spread his arms slightly as though
embracing the air around her. He closed his eyes and took in a deep breath.</span><span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: 12pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in -0.1in 0.0001pt 0in; text-indent: 0.3in;">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 12pt;">Chloe
could hear the air rushing into his lungs and felt as though she too, was being
drawn into him.</span><span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: 12pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in -0.1in 0.0001pt 0in; text-indent: 0.3in;">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: small;">Colors
around her swirled together and she could feel her heartbeat throbbing
throughout her body. No, it was the </span><i style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 12pt;">curandero’s</i><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: small;"> heartbeat that
pulsed his blood through her. She </span><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">wasn't</span><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: small;"> breathing on her own, but with his air
filling her lungs.</span><span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: 12pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in -0.1in 0.0001pt 0in; text-indent: 0.3in;">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: small;">Suddenly
she’d shed her skin and soared far above the convenience store. The darkening
navy blue sky acted as a backdrop to the stars and the sliver of moon just
visible on the horizon. The coolness of the damp night air caressed her face
that </span><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">wasn't</span><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: small;"> a face, and the rush of being hurtled through space gave her a
sense of euphoria.</span><span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: 12pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in -0.1in 0.0001pt 0in; text-indent: 0.3in;">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: small;">A sound grew
louder, but she </span><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">hadn't</span><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: small;"> noticed when it began. It wasn't an instrument or a
voice but it was musical in tone and it surrounded her, throbbed through her
being.</span><span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: 12pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in -0.1in 0.0001pt 0in; text-indent: 0.3in;">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 12pt;">“Will
this be all for you?” The voice of the convenience store clerk jarred her back
to earth.</span><span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: 12pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in -0.1in 0.0001pt 0in; text-indent: 0.3in;">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 12pt;">Chloe
gasped for air, looking around her, but Manuel Cruz and his grandfather had
vanished.</span><span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: 12pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 25.0pt; margin-right: -.1in; mso-line-height-rule: exactly; mso-pagination: none; tab-stops: 251.25pt; text-indent: .3in;">
</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
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<div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 25.0pt; margin-right: -.1in; mso-line-height-rule: exactly; mso-pagination: none; tab-stops: 251.25pt; text-align: center; text-indent: .3in;">
<span style="font-size: large;">~*~</span><span style="font-size: medium;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="background-color: white; font-family: verdana, arial, helvetica, sans-serif;"><b>THE EDGE OF TEXAS Series:</b></span></div>
<b><span style="background-color: white; font-family: verdana, arial, helvetica, sans-serif;"><div style="text-align: center;">
• Book 1-<a href="http://www.amazon.com/dp/B007H5IUQ2">BAD MEDICINE</a></div>
</span><span style="background-color: white; font-family: verdana, arial, helvetica, sans-serif;"><div style="text-align: center;">
• Book 2-<a href="http://www.amazon.com/dp/B0081SGPZW">BAD KARMA</a></div>
</span><span style="background-color: white; font-family: verdana, arial, helvetica, sans-serif;"><div style="text-align: center;">
• Book 3-<a href="http://www.amazon.com/BAD-VIBES-Texas-Romantic-Thriller-ebook/dp/B009LYM3ZQ/ref=pd_sim_kstore_2">BAD VIBES</a></div>
</span><span style="background-color: white; font-family: verdana, arial, helvetica, sans-serif;"><div style="text-align: center;">
• Book 4-BAD DREAMS (coming soon)</div>
</span></b><br />
<span style="background-color: white; font-family: verdana, arial, helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;"><br /></span>
<strong style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; line-height: 19px;"><span style="color: #5040ae;">Be sure to leave a comment and visit the other wonderful </span><a href="http://www.iamareader.com/2013/08/4th-annual-spooktacular-giveaway-hop-sign-ups.html" style="color: #c7817b; text-decoration: none;" target="_blank" title="">authors on this blog hop! </a><span style="color: #5040ae;">Happy Halloween!</span></strong>J.D., Tara, Carolhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10340968197946101390noreply@blogger.com33tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2999393674638669311.post-49577595373583280322013-08-13T16:52:00.003-07:002013-08-13T17:00:40.182-07:00Summer Seduction Blog Hop ~ BAD GIRL!<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj2MjzVLOKU9nL6bvLcCaHu_TijHRpMer1hkaWk-wgkuQAMugsKCOIykN-MX1pBtiTz71TbeomGsLDdYJxrpfoonwgDFCgLFKP7tkN8-X0vkAWkXqyKS3or2hir8VaTR9FAE4BnVaA7vpw/s1600/summerseductionbloghop1.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="217" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj2MjzVLOKU9nL6bvLcCaHu_TijHRpMer1hkaWk-wgkuQAMugsKCOIykN-MX1pBtiTz71TbeomGsLDdYJxrpfoonwgDFCgLFKP7tkN8-X0vkAWkXqyKS3or2hir8VaTR9FAE4BnVaA7vpw/s320/summerseductionbloghop1.png" width="320" /></a></div>
<b><span style="color: blue;"><br /></span></b>
<b><span style="color: blue;">Welcome hoppers! I'm going to share with you a small excerpt from my sexy romantic thriller, BAD GIRL!</span></b><br />
<b><span style="color: blue;"> I have a free download for 3 people </span></b><br />
<b><span style="color: blue;"> who leave a comment below.</span></b><br />
<b><span style="color: blue;"> I welcome International comments as the downloads</span></b><br />
<b><span style="color: blue;"> will be available to </span></b><b><span style="color: blue;">3 lucky readers who selected by <a href="http://www.blogger.com/%3Ca%20id=%22rc-2b1d703%22%20class=%22rafl%22%20href=%22http://www.rafflecopter.com/rafl/display/2b1d703/%22%20rel=%22nofollow%22%3Ea%20Rafflecopter%20giveaway%3C/a%3E%20%3Cscript%20src=%22//d12vno17mo87cx.cloudfront.net/embed/rafl/cptr.js%22%3E%3C/script%3E">Rafflecoptor</a>. </span></b><br />
<b><span style="color: blue;"> </span></b><br />
<b><span style="color: blue;">In BAD GIRL!, Kris, my heroine is a dominatrix. The problem begins when someone starts killing her clients in a manner related to their particular kink. She has been very closed up to any relationship since she was brutally assaulted two years ago. Now, with all the fear surrounding the murders, she realizes the one person who loves her and accepts her for who she is, is her martial arts instructor, Felix. He accompanies her on her appointments if she feels uneasy. Now, she shows up at his apartment late at night, and demands he make love to her.</span></b><br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgJeNG3aqnHJD8DVo9YcsvEt93GNItJ30YSuWp1gwnpDow4eLCpcr6hqIHBZnIovxAxXPr8bzwmFBXuF3Qp-dadUZJ-UrQU3lO-HLG0F25pP3_j-I5LGIybynpdhoGc7aZO_I_PkBlhMa8/s1600/Bad+Girl+Cover+7.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgJeNG3aqnHJD8DVo9YcsvEt93GNItJ30YSuWp1gwnpDow4eLCpcr6hqIHBZnIovxAxXPr8bzwmFBXuF3Qp-dadUZJ-UrQU3lO-HLG0F25pP3_j-I5LGIybynpdhoGc7aZO_I_PkBlhMa8/s320/Bad+Girl+Cover+7.JPG" width="200" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
<b><span style="color: red;">The Excerpt: </span></b><br />
<br />
<div class="MsoNormalCxSpFirst" style="text-indent: .3in;">
Kris sighed, just the
tiniest whimper of pleasure, bringing a grin to Felix’ face.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle" style="text-indent: .3in;">
“What?” He stared at her
lips and slowly lowered his mouth to hers, torturing her with his exquisite
languor. It became a fierce kiss, capturing her mouth, invading it, owning it.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle" style="text-indent: .3in;">
Breathless, she pulled
away. “Is there a bed in this place?”<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle" style="text-indent: .3in;">
“Yes.” He pulled her
shirt over her head and fingered the lacy material of her bra.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle" style="text-indent: .3in;">
She unhooked it and flung
it overhead.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle" style="text-indent: .3in;">
Felix found her breasts
with his mouth and hands.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle" style="text-indent: .3in;">
She was on fire. Flames
spread from her taut nipples, from his mouth suckling and teasing her, burned a
path to her core. “Oh, God! Show it to me!”<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle" style="text-indent: .3in;">
“What?” He made circles
around her nipple with his tongue.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle" style="text-indent: .3in;">
Kris growled, frustration
breaking through her usual self-control. “The bed! The bed!”<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle" style="text-indent: .3in;">
He raised his head, a
laugh rumbling deep in his chest. “I’ll take you there if you’re sure you want
to do this, but I’ll ruin you for all other men.”<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle" style="text-indent: .3in;">
“Idiot! There are no
other men,” she said. “I only want you, Felix.”<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle" style="text-indent: .3in;">
He held her against the
wall, his voice falling soft as snowflakes against her neck. “This will change
everything. We’ll never be able to go back to just being friends.”<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle" style="text-indent: .3in;">
Kris kissed him and
whispered, “If you don’t take me to your bed now, I’m going to bite you until
you cry like a little girl.”<o:p></o:p></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle" style="text-indent: .3in;">
He laughed, his voice
deep and mellow. “Yes, Mistress.”<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle" style="text-indent: .3in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle" style="text-indent: .3in;">
<b><span style="color: blue;">BAD GIRL! is available at <a href="http://www.amazon.com/dp/B00655TZ28" target="_blank">Amazon</a>, <a href="http://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/bad-girl-jd-faver/1112545491?ean=2940013552951" target="_blank">Barnes & Noble</a>, <a href="https://www.smashwords.com/books/view/103074" target="_blank">Smashwords</a> and other fine book distributors. </span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle" style="text-indent: .3in;">
<b style="text-indent: 0.3in;"><span style="color: blue;">Be sure to visit all the authors on the Summer Seduction Blog Hop:</span></b><b style="text-indent: 0.3in;"><span style="color: blue;"> </span></b><a href="http://www.inlinkz.com/wpview.php?id=257851" style="text-indent: 0.3in;">http://www.inlinkz.com/wpview.php?id=257851</a></div>
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J.D., Tara, Carolhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10340968197946101390noreply@blogger.com14tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2999393674638669311.post-38844735384016586442013-07-31T17:26:00.002-07:002013-08-01T17:37:20.718-07:00Summer Giveaway Hop 2013~The Reluctant Rancher<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<span style="font-family: Garamond, serif; text-indent: 0.3in;"><b>I’m really delighted to be taking part in the
Summer Giveaway Hop. First of all, I have a FREE download for you from my YA-Fantasy, <a href="http://www.amazon.com/dp/B00CTWB5II" target="_blank">LEXICON</a>. Please help yourself to a copy right here: </b></span><a href="http://www.amazon.com/dp/B00CTWB5II" style="text-indent: 0.3in;">http://www.amazon.com/dp/B00CTWB5II</a> <b><a href="http://www.amazon.com/dp/B00CTWB5II" target="_blank">LEXICON</a> will be <span style="color: red;">FREE</span> on <u><span style="color: red;">August 1st and 2nd</span></u>. However if you happen to be hopping on <span style="color: red;">August 3rd or 4th</span>, you're in luck, because on those days, <a href="http://www.amazon.com/dp/B00CR8JWLG" target="_blank">THE RELUCTANT RANCHER</a> will be <span style="color: red;">FREE</span>. Here is the link: </b><br />
<a href="http://www.amazon.com/dp/B00CR8JWLG" style="text-indent: 0.3in;">http://www.amazon.com/dp/B00CR8JWLG</a><br />
<b>And I'm also offering a</b><b style="font-family: Garamond, serif; text-indent: 0.3in;"> download of my contemporary
western romantic suspense, </b><b style="font-family: Garamond, serif; font-size: 12pt; text-indent: 0.3in;"><a href="http://www.amazon.com/dp/B005341WX2" target="_blank">THE DOCTOR'S CHOICE</a>, </b><span style="font-family: Garamond, serif; font-size: small; text-indent: 0.3in;"><b>to one lucky reader who leaves a
comment below. This was the first book in the Badlands series. </b></span></div>
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<b>This Badlands series is set in the
Panhandle of north Texas. In the sequel, (and my <span style="font-family: Garamond, serif; font-size: 16px;">most recent contemporary western romantic suspense)</span><span style="text-indent: 0.3in;"> </span><span style="font-family: Garamond, serif; font-size: 16px; text-indent: 0.3in;"><a href="http://www.amazon.com/dp/B00CR8JWLG" target="_blank">The Reluctant Rancher</a>, t</span><span style="text-indent: 0.3in;">here are two love stories intertwined in this novel.
In this scene, Sara Beth, a very young widow is thrilled when Frank, a cowboy
has helped her bring her store into the virtual world by helping her to gain an
internet account.</span></b></div>
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<b><o:p></o:p></b></div>
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<b>Sara Beth is becoming aware of Frank,
but this just overwhelms her and she really doesn't know what to do with her
feelings.</b></div>
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<o:p></o:p><span style="font-family: Garamond, serif; font-size: 12pt; text-indent: 0.3in;">By the time Frank pulled up in front, Sara Beth
felt an unaccustomed surge of joy in her chest. She blushed. </span><i style="font-family: Garamond, serif; font-size: 12pt; text-indent: 0.3in;">It’s just because I’m excited about the
internet thing. </i><span style="font-family: Garamond, serif; font-size: 12pt; text-indent: 0.3in;">She took a deep breath and expelled it, hoping her color
had returned to normal by the time Frank pushed through the door.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Garamond","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">“Hey, Sara Beth,” he sang out.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Garamond","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">She couldn’t repress her grin. “Hey yourself,
cowboy.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Garamond","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">“That’s me.” He winked at her.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<i><span style="font-family: "Garamond","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">Oh, my! Am I flirting?</span></i><span style="font-family: "Garamond","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;"> She struggled to
breathe normally. “I signed up with the ISP folks, like you told me.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Garamond","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">“Great,” he said. “Let me get you hooked up.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Garamond","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">She nodded, not sure what getting ‘hooked up’
entailed.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Garamond","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">Frank asked which company she had signed up
with and made a quick phone call. He sat at the computer and very shortly
announced that she was ‘live’. He rose from the chair and indicated that she
was to be seated. “Do you have an e-mail account?”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Garamond","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">When she said no, he proceeded to direct her
through the steps of obtaining an email address for her store.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Garamond","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">She smiled, feeling shy. “This is how people
will write me when they want to buy something?”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Garamond","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">He tilted his head. “Well, if they have a
question, for sure. But they should be able to just click a button and make a
purchase. Then you’ll be notified to send it to them and the money will go from
their checking account or charge card to your account. We can get that all set
up when we design your website.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Garamond","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">“My own website?” Thrilled, Sara Beth jumped up
from her seat and swung around to face him. She threw her arms around his neck
and hugged him hard.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Garamond","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">Frank lifted her off her feet in a bear hug.
She felt his cheek against hers, sending her heart into palpitations. When he
set her back down, she blushed profusely.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Garamond","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">“I’m so sorry.” She swallowed hard. “Oh, what
you must think of me, Frank.” She stepped back and pressed her lips together.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Garamond","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">“I think a lot of you, Sara Beth. You’re a fine
woman and don’t you go having any doubts about that.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Garamond","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">She could feel her heart pounding hard. Indeed,
it was drumming in her ears. “I just don’t know why I did that.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Garamond","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">He lifted her chin, forced her to meet his
gaze. “Sara Beth,” he said quietly. “I like you too.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Garamond","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">~*~<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Garamond","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;"><b>I hope you enjoyed this little peek at The Reluctant Rancher. You can grab a copy on Amazon, where it is available as book II in the Badlands series...Or, you can grab it FREE on August 3rd and 4th using this link></b> </span><a href="http://www.amazon.com/dp/B00CR8JWLG">http://www.amazon.com/dp/B00CR8JWLG</a> </div>
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<span style="text-indent: 28.799999237060547px;"><b>The link for The Doctor's Choice is here></b> </span><span style="font-family: Garamond, serif; text-indent: 28.799999237060547px;"> </span><a href="http://www.amazon.com/dp/B005341WX2">http://www.amazon.com/dp/B005341WX2</a></div>
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<b>Be sure to visit all the authors on the Summer Giveaway Hop and scoop up all the goodies. </b><br />
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<span style="color: #3f3f3f; font-family: "Trebuchet MS","sans-serif"; font-size: 10.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">1. </span><span style="color: #3f3f3f; font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif; font-size: 10pt;">Bookhounds (US)</span></div>
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<span style="color: #3f3f3f; font-family: "Trebuchet MS","sans-serif"; font-size: 10.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">2. </span><span style="color: #3f3f3f; font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif; font-size: 10pt;">Bookhounds YA (US)</span></div>
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<span style="color: #3f3f3f; font-family: "Trebuchet MS","sans-serif"; font-size: 10.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">3. </span><span style="color: #3f3f3f; font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif; font-size: 10pt;">I Am A Reader, Not A
Writer (Int)</span></div>
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<span style="color: #3f3f3f; font-family: "Trebuchet MS","sans-serif"; font-size: 10.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">4. </span><span style="color: #3f3f3f; font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif; font-size: 10pt;">Doing Some Reading
(US/Can)</span></div>
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<span style="color: #3f3f3f; font-family: "Trebuchet MS","sans-serif"; font-size: 10.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">5. </span><span style="color: #3f3f3f; font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif; font-size: 10pt;">The Reading Cave (US)</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; vertical-align: top;">
<span style="color: #3f3f3f; font-family: "Trebuchet MS","sans-serif"; font-size: 10.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">6. </span><span style="color: #3f3f3f; font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif; font-size: 10pt;">Waiting For Wentworth
(Int)</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; vertical-align: top;">
<span style="color: #3f3f3f; font-family: "Trebuchet MS","sans-serif"; font-size: 10.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">7. </span><span style="color: #3f3f3f; font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif; font-size: 10pt;">DanaSquare (US)</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; vertical-align: top;">
<span style="color: #3f3f3f; font-family: "Trebuchet MS","sans-serif"; font-size: 10.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">8. </span><span style="color: #3f3f3f; font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif; font-size: 10pt;">Literary Rambles (Int)</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; vertical-align: top;">
<span style="color: #3f3f3f; font-family: "Trebuchet MS","sans-serif"; font-size: 10.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">9. </span><span style="color: #3f3f3f; font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif; font-size: 10pt;">Tammy @ Mug of
Moxie(INT)</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; vertical-align: top;">
<span style="color: #3f3f3f; font-family: "Trebuchet MS","sans-serif"; font-size: 10.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">10 </span><span style="color: #3f3f3f; font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif; font-size: 10pt;">Bookworm Lisa (US)</span></div>
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<span style="color: #3f3f3f; font-family: "Trebuchet MS","sans-serif"; font-size: 10.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">11. </span><span style="color: #3f3f3f; font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif; font-size: 10pt;">Jessabella Reads (US)</span></div>
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<span style="color: #3f3f3f; font-family: "Trebuchet MS","sans-serif"; font-size: 10.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">12. </span><span style="color: #3f3f3f; font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif; font-size: 10pt;">Briana @ The Book Pixie
(INT)</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; vertical-align: top;">
<span style="color: #3f3f3f; font-family: "Trebuchet MS","sans-serif"; font-size: 10.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">13. </span><span style="color: #3f3f3f; font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif; font-size: 10pt;">Looking for the Panacea
(INT)</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; vertical-align: top;">
<span style="color: #3f3f3f; font-family: "Trebuchet MS","sans-serif"; font-size: 10.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">14. </span><span style="color: #3f3f3f; font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif; font-size: 10pt;">Always YA at Heart
(US/CAN)</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; vertical-align: top;">
<span style="color: #3f3f3f; font-family: "Trebuchet MS","sans-serif"; font-size: 10.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">15. </span><span style="color: #3f3f3f; font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif; font-size: 10pt;">Diane Estrella @ That's
What I'm Here For. . . . (US/Canada)</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; vertical-align: top;">
<span style="color: #3f3f3f; font-family: "Trebuchet MS","sans-serif"; font-size: 10.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">16. </span><span style="color: #3f3f3f; font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif; font-size: 10pt;">Lost in Ever After
(INT)</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; vertical-align: top;">
<span style="color: #3f3f3f; font-family: "Trebuchet MS","sans-serif"; font-size: 10.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">17. </span><span style="color: #3f3f3f; font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif; font-size: 10pt;">I Love to Read and
Review Books : ) (INT)</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; vertical-align: top;">
<span style="color: #3f3f3f; font-family: "Trebuchet MS","sans-serif"; font-size: 10.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">18. </span><span style="color: #3f3f3f; font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif; font-size: 10pt;">My Guilty Obsession
(US)</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; vertical-align: top;">
<span style="color: #3f3f3f; font-family: "Trebuchet MS","sans-serif"; font-size: 10.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">19. </span><span style="color: #3f3f3f; font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif; font-size: 10pt;">Millie @ Millie D's
Words (US)</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; vertical-align: top;">
<span style="color: #3f3f3f; font-family: "Trebuchet MS","sans-serif"; font-size: 10.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">20. </span><span style="color: #3f3f3f; font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif; font-size: 10pt;">Stacy Claflin, Author
(US)</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; vertical-align: top;">
<span style="color: #3f3f3f; font-family: "Trebuchet MS","sans-serif"; font-size: 10.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">21. </span><span style="color: #3f3f3f; font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif; font-size: 10pt;">Rachel Brooks Writes</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; vertical-align: top;">
<span style="color: #3f3f3f; font-family: "Trebuchet MS","sans-serif"; font-size: 10.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">22. </span><span style="color: #3f3f3f; font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif; font-size: 10pt;">Booklovers LaceyCat
(US)</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; vertical-align: top;">
<span style="color: #3f3f3f; font-family: "Trebuchet MS","sans-serif"; font-size: 10.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">23. </span><span style="color: #3f3f3f; font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif; font-size: 10pt;">Layers of Thought (US
UK CAN)</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; vertical-align: top;">
<span style="color: #3f3f3f; font-family: "Trebuchet MS","sans-serif"; font-size: 10.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">24. </span><span style="color: #3f3f3f; font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif; font-size: 10pt;">Chapter by Chapter
(Int)</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; vertical-align: top;">
<span style="color: #3f3f3f; font-family: "Trebuchet MS","sans-serif"; font-size: 10.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">25. </span><span style="color: #3f3f3f; font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif; font-size: 10pt;">Ketch's Book Nook (INT)</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; vertical-align: top;">
<span style="color: #3f3f3f; font-family: "Trebuchet MS","sans-serif"; font-size: 10.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">26. </span><span style="color: #3f3f3f; font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif; font-size: 10pt;">Blkosiner's Book Blog
(US)</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; vertical-align: top;">
<span style="color: #3f3f3f; font-family: "Trebuchet MS","sans-serif"; font-size: 10.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">27. </span><span style="color: #3f3f3f; font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif; font-size: 10pt;">My Devotional Thoughts
(WW)</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; vertical-align: top;">
<span style="color: #3f3f3f; font-family: "Trebuchet MS","sans-serif"; font-size: 10.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">28. </span><span style="color: #3f3f3f; font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif; font-size: 10pt;">Scribbler's Sojourn INT</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; vertical-align: top;">
<span style="color: #3f3f3f; font-family: "Trebuchet MS","sans-serif"; font-size: 10.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">29. </span><span style="color: #3f3f3f; font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif; font-size: 10pt;">MYTHICAL BOOKS (INT)</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; vertical-align: top;">
<span style="color: #3f3f3f; font-family: "Trebuchet MS","sans-serif"; font-size: 10.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">30. </span><span style="color: #3f3f3f; font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif; font-size: 10pt;">Bookish Outsider (INT)</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; vertical-align: top;">
<span style="color: #3f3f3f; font-family: "Trebuchet MS","sans-serif"; font-size: 10.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">31. </span><span style="color: #3f3f3f; font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif; font-size: 10pt;">Imagine a World (INT)</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; vertical-align: top;">
<span style="color: #3f3f3f; font-family: "Trebuchet MS","sans-serif"; font-size: 10.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">32. </span><span style="color: #3f3f3f; font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif; font-size: 10pt;">Reading Lark (INT)</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; vertical-align: top;">
<span style="color: #3f3f3f; font-family: "Trebuchet MS","sans-serif"; font-size: 10.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">33. </span><span style="color: #3f3f3f; font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif; font-size: 10pt;">Cherry Mischievous
(INT)</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; vertical-align: top;">
<span style="color: #3f3f3f; font-family: "Trebuchet MS","sans-serif"; font-size: 10.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">34. </span><span style="color: #3f3f3f; font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif; font-size: 10pt;">Ai Love Books (US)</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; vertical-align: top;">
<span style="color: #3f3f3f; font-family: "Trebuchet MS","sans-serif"; font-size: 10.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">35. </span><span style="color: #3f3f3f; font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif; font-size: 10pt;">Cuzinlogic (Int)</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; vertical-align: top;">
<span style="color: #3f3f3f; font-family: "Trebuchet MS","sans-serif"; font-size: 10.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">36. </span><span style="color: #3f3f3f; font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif; font-size: 10pt;">Jodi L. Milner, Fantasy
Author (US)</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; vertical-align: top;">
<span style="color: #3f3f3f; font-family: "Trebuchet MS","sans-serif"; font-size: 10.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">37. </span><span style="color: #3f3f3f; font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif; font-size: 10pt;">Book Date (Int)</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; vertical-align: top;">
<span style="color: #3f3f3f; font-family: "Trebuchet MS","sans-serif"; font-size: 10.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">38. </span><span style="color: #3f3f3f; font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif; font-size: 10pt;">A Blog Hop Place for
Books (INT)</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; vertical-align: top;">
<span style="color: #3f3f3f; font-family: "Trebuchet MS","sans-serif"; font-size: 10.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">39. </span><span style="color: #3f3f3f; font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif; font-size: 10pt;">Whitley Abell (US)</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; vertical-align: top;">
<span style="color: #3f3f3f; font-family: "Trebuchet MS","sans-serif"; font-size: 10.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">40. </span><span style="color: #3f3f3f; font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif; font-size: 10pt;">Donna On Palawan (INT)</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; vertical-align: top;">
<span lang="ES-MX" style="color: #3f3f3f; font-family: "Trebuchet MS","sans-serif"; font-size: 10.0pt; mso-ansi-language: ES-MX; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">41. </span><span style="color: #3f3f3f; font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif; font-size: 10pt;">YA
Asylum (INTL)</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; vertical-align: top;">
<span lang="ES-MX" style="color: #3f3f3f; font-family: "Trebuchet MS","sans-serif"; font-size: 10.0pt; mso-ansi-language: ES-MX; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">42. </span><span style="color: #3f3f3f; font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif; font-size: 10pt;">Calista
Anastasia Blogs (US)</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; vertical-align: top;">
<span style="color: #3f3f3f; font-family: "Trebuchet MS","sans-serif"; font-size: 10.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">43. </span><span style="color: #3f3f3f; font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif; font-size: 10pt;">Lisa Chalmers (US)</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; vertical-align: top;">
<span style="color: #3f3f3f; font-family: "Trebuchet MS","sans-serif"; font-size: 10.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">44. </span><span style="color: #3f3f3f; font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif; font-size: 10pt;">Kristi @ Books and
Needlepoint (US)</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; vertical-align: top;">
<span style="color: #3f3f3f; font-family: "Trebuchet MS","sans-serif"; font-size: 10.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">45. </span><span style="color: #3f3f3f; font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif; font-size: 10pt;">Just a Booklover (INT)</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; vertical-align: top;">
<span style="color: #3f3f3f; font-family: "Trebuchet MS","sans-serif"; font-size: 10.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">46. </span><span style="color: #3f3f3f; font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif; font-size: 10pt;">Lena Sledge (INT)</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; vertical-align: top;">
<span style="color: #3f3f3f; font-family: "Trebuchet MS","sans-serif"; font-size: 10.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">47. </span><span style="color: #3f3f3f; font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif; font-size: 10pt;">READioactive Book Blog
(INT)</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; vertical-align: top;">
<span style="color: #3f3f3f; font-family: "Trebuchet MS","sans-serif"; font-size: 10.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">48. </span><span style="color: #3f3f3f; font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif; font-size: 10pt;">Coffee and Characters
(US)</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; vertical-align: top;">
<span style="color: #3f3f3f; font-family: "Trebuchet MS","sans-serif"; font-size: 10.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">49. </span><span style="color: #3f3f3f; font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif; font-size: 10pt;">Berds Fly (INT)</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; vertical-align: top;">
<span style="color: #3f3f3f; font-family: "Trebuchet MS","sans-serif"; font-size: 10.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">50. </span><span style="color: #3f3f3f; font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif; font-size: 10pt;">Just Another Story
(INT)</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; vertical-align: top;">
<span style="color: #3f3f3f; font-family: "Trebuchet MS","sans-serif"; font-size: 10.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">51. </span><span style="color: #3f3f3f; font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif; font-size: 10pt;">Lara Lacombe - Romance
Can Be Deadly (US)</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; vertical-align: top;">
<span style="color: #3f3f3f; font-family: "Trebuchet MS","sans-serif"; font-size: 10.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">52. </span><span style="color: #3f3f3f; font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif; font-size: 10pt;">Mary's Cup of Tea (US)</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; vertical-align: top;">
<span style="color: #3f3f3f; font-family: "Trebuchet MS","sans-serif"; font-size: 10.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">53. </span><span style="color: #3f3f3f; font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif; font-size: 10pt;">Read for your future!
(US)</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; vertical-align: top;">
<span lang="ES-MX" style="color: #3f3f3f; font-family: "Trebuchet MS","sans-serif"; font-size: 10.0pt; mso-ansi-language: ES-MX; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">54. </span><span style="color: #3f3f3f; font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif; font-size: 10pt;">Michael
Pierce, YA author (Int)</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; vertical-align: top;">
<span style="color: #3f3f3f; font-family: "Trebuchet MS","sans-serif"; font-size: 10.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">55. </span><span style="color: #3f3f3f; font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif; font-size: 10pt;">Jennifer Lane Books
(INT)</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; vertical-align: top;">
<span style="color: #3f3f3f; font-family: "Trebuchet MS","sans-serif"; font-size: 10.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">56. </span><span style="color: #3f3f3f; font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif; font-size: 10pt;">The Overstuffed
Bookcase (US)</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; vertical-align: top;">
<span style="color: #3f3f3f; font-family: "Trebuchet MS","sans-serif"; font-size: 10.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">57. </span><span style="color: #3f3f3f; font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif; font-size: 10pt;">Talia Jager, YA Author
(US)</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; vertical-align: top;">
<span style="color: #3f3f3f; font-family: "Trebuchet MS","sans-serif"; font-size: 10.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">58. </span><span style="color: #3f3f3f; font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif; font-size: 10pt;">Laurie Here -
Contemporary Fiction and MORE - INTL</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; vertical-align: top;">
<span style="color: #3f3f3f; font-family: "Trebuchet MS","sans-serif"; font-size: 10.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">59. </span><span style="color: #3f3f3f; font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif; font-size: 10pt;">Turning the Pages (US)</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; vertical-align: top;">
<span style="color: #3f3f3f; font-family: "Trebuchet MS","sans-serif"; font-size: 10.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">60. </span><span style="color: #3f3f3f; font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif; font-size: 10pt;">Chicks Writing Rocking
YA (US)</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; vertical-align: top;">
<span style="color: #3f3f3f; font-family: "Trebuchet MS","sans-serif"; font-size: 10.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">61. </span><span style="color: #3f3f3f; font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif; font-size: 10pt;">Tawny Stokes (INT)</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; vertical-align: top;">
<span style="color: #3f3f3f; font-family: "Trebuchet MS","sans-serif"; font-size: 10.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">62. </span><span style="color: #3f3f3f; font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif; font-size: 10pt;">Deal Sharing Aunt USA</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; vertical-align: top;">
<span style="color: #3f3f3f; font-family: "Trebuchet MS","sans-serif"; font-size: 10.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">63. </span><span style="color: #3f3f3f; font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif; font-size: 10pt;">3 Partners in Shopping
USA</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; vertical-align: top;">
<span style="color: #3f3f3f; font-family: "Trebuchet MS","sans-serif"; font-size: 10.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">64. </span><span style="color: #3f3f3f; font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif; font-size: 10pt;">Katie's Clean Book
Collection (US)</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; vertical-align: top;">
<span style="color: #3f3f3f; font-family: "Trebuchet MS","sans-serif"; font-size: 10.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">65. </span><span style="color: #3f3f3f; font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif; font-size: 10pt;">Bibliophile Mystery
(INT)</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; vertical-align: top;">
<span style="color: #3f3f3f; font-family: "Trebuchet MS","sans-serif"; font-size: 10.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">66. </span><span style="color: #3f3f3f; font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif; font-size: 10pt;">Sher A Hart: Written
Art (US)</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; vertical-align: top;">
<span style="color: #3f3f3f; font-family: "Trebuchet MS","sans-serif"; font-size: 10.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">67. </span><span style="color: #3f3f3f; font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif; font-size: 10pt;">Literary Meanderings
(INT)</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; vertical-align: top;">
<span style="color: #3f3f3f; font-family: "Trebuchet MS","sans-serif"; font-size: 10.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">68. </span><span style="color: #3f3f3f; font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif; font-size: 10pt;">Elizabeth Seckman (US
INT)</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; vertical-align: top;">
<span style="color: #3f3f3f; font-family: "Trebuchet MS","sans-serif"; font-size: 10.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">69. </span><span style="color: #3f3f3f; font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif; font-size: 10pt;">Confessions of a
Vi3tBabe (US)</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; vertical-align: top;">
<span style="color: #3f3f3f; font-family: "Trebuchet MS","sans-serif"; font-size: 10.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">70. </span><span style="color: #3f3f3f; font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif; font-size: 10pt;">Lisa ~ Moon Shine Art
Spot (US)</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; vertical-align: top;">
<span lang="FR" style="color: #3f3f3f; font-family: "Trebuchet MS","sans-serif"; font-size: 10.0pt; mso-ansi-language: FR; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">71. </span><span style="color: #3f3f3f; font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif; font-size: 10pt;">Books
à la Mode (INT)</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; vertical-align: top;">
<span style="color: #3f3f3f; font-family: "Trebuchet MS","sans-serif"; font-size: 10.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">72. </span><span style="color: #3f3f3f; font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif; font-size: 10pt;">Mother Daughter Book
Reviews (INT)</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; vertical-align: top;">
<span style="color: #3f3f3f; font-family: "Trebuchet MS","sans-serif"; font-size: 10.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">73. </span><span style="color: #3f3f3f; font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif; font-size: 10pt;">Be Joyful Always (INT)</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; vertical-align: top;">
<span style="color: #3f3f3f; font-family: "Trebuchet MS","sans-serif"; font-size: 10.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">74. </span><span style="color: #3f3f3f; font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif; font-size: 10pt;">The Novel Hermit (US)</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; vertical-align: top;">
<span style="color: #3f3f3f; font-family: "Trebuchet MS","sans-serif"; font-size: 10.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">75. </span><span style="color: #3f3f3f; font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif; font-size: 10pt;">Simply Infatuated (US)</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; vertical-align: top;">
<span style="color: #3f3f3f; font-family: "Trebuchet MS","sans-serif"; font-size: 10.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">76. </span><span style="color: #3f3f3f; font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif; font-size: 10pt;">Hannah Fielding -
Romance Novelist (US)</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; vertical-align: top;">
<span style="color: #3f3f3f; font-family: "Trebuchet MS","sans-serif"; font-size: 10.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">77. </span><span style="color: #3f3f3f; font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif; font-size: 10pt;">Brinda Berry Blogs
(INT)</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; vertical-align: top;">
<span style="color: #3f3f3f; font-family: "Trebuchet MS","sans-serif"; font-size: 10.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">78. </span><span style="color: #3f3f3f; font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif; font-size: 10pt;">Maureen's Musings (US)</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; vertical-align: top;">
<span style="color: #3f3f3f; font-family: "Trebuchet MS","sans-serif"; font-size: 10.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">79. </span><span style="color: #3f3f3f; font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif; font-size: 10pt;">By The Book (US)</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; vertical-align: top;">
<span style="color: #3f3f3f; font-family: "Trebuchet MS","sans-serif"; font-size: 10.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">80. </span><span style="color: #3f3f3f; font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif; font-size: 10pt;">Gustatus Similis Pullus
(US)</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; vertical-align: top;">
<span style="color: #3f3f3f; font-family: "Trebuchet MS","sans-serif"; font-size: 10.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">81. </span><span style="color: #3f3f3f; font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif; font-size: 10pt;">Brenda Maxfield's Smart
& Sassy Teen Reads (INT)</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; vertical-align: top;">
<span style="color: #3f3f3f; font-family: "Trebuchet MS","sans-serif"; font-size: 10.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">82. </span><span style="color: #3f3f3f; font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif; font-size: 10pt;">A Foodie Bibliophile in
Wanderlust (U. S. )</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; vertical-align: top;">
<span style="color: #3f3f3f; font-family: "Trebuchet MS","sans-serif"; font-size: 10.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">83. </span><span style="color: #3f3f3f; font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif; font-size: 10pt;">Krista's Dust Jacket
(Int)</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; vertical-align: top;">
<span style="color: #3f3f3f; font-family: "Trebuchet MS","sans-serif"; font-size: 10.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">84. </span><span style="color: #3f3f3f; font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif; font-size: 10pt;">Tara Manderino (US)</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; vertical-align: top;">
<span style="color: #3f3f3f; font-family: "Trebuchet MS","sans-serif"; font-size: 10.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">85. </span><span style="color: #3f3f3f; font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif; font-size: 10pt;">Book Referees (US)</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; vertical-align: top;">
<span style="color: #3f3f3f; font-family: "Trebuchet MS","sans-serif"; font-size: 10.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">86. </span><span style="color: #3f3f3f; font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif; font-size: 10pt;">Literary Winner (US)</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; vertical-align: top;">
<span style="color: #3f3f3f; font-family: "Trebuchet MS","sans-serif"; font-size: 10.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">87. </span><span style="color: #3f3f3f; font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif; font-size: 10pt;">Reviews By Karen (US)</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; vertical-align: top;">
<span style="color: #3f3f3f; font-family: "Trebuchet MS","sans-serif"; font-size: 10.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">88. </span><span style="color: #3f3f3f; font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif; font-size: 10pt;">Kate @ Ex Libris (INT)</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; vertical-align: top;">
<span style="color: #3f3f3f; font-family: "Trebuchet MS","sans-serif"; font-size: 10.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">89. </span><span style="color: #3f3f3f; font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif; font-size: 10pt;">Corina @ Pink Fluffy
Hearts (US)</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; vertical-align: top;">
<span style="color: #3f3f3f; font-family: "Trebuchet MS","sans-serif"; font-size: 10.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">90. </span><span style="color: #3f3f3f; font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif; font-size: 10pt;">Several new release YA
science fiction & fantasy (US)</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; vertical-align: top;">
<span style="color: #3f3f3f; font-family: "Trebuchet MS","sans-serif"; font-size: 10.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">91. </span><span style="color: #3f3f3f; font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif; font-size: 10pt;">Simple Wyrdings (US)</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; vertical-align: top;">
<span style="color: #3f3f3f; font-family: "Trebuchet MS","sans-serif"; font-size: 10.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">92. </span><span style="color: #3f3f3f; font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif; font-size: 10pt;">Getting Your Read On
(INT)</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; vertical-align: top;">
<span style="color: #3f3f3f; font-family: "Trebuchet MS","sans-serif"; font-size: 10.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">93. </span><span style="color: #3f3f3f; font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif; font-size: 10pt;">Just Trying to Let it
Be (INT)</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; vertical-align: top;">
<span style="color: #3f3f3f; font-family: "Trebuchet MS","sans-serif"; font-size: 10.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">94. </span><span style="color: #3f3f3f; font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif; font-size: 10pt;">A Bookish Escape (US
& INT)</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; vertical-align: top;">
<span style="color: #3f3f3f; font-family: "Trebuchet MS","sans-serif"; font-size: 10.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">95. </span><span style="color: #3f3f3f; font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif; font-size: 10pt;">Cover2CoverBlog (INT)</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; vertical-align: top;">
<span style="color: #3f3f3f; font-family: "Trebuchet MS","sans-serif"; font-size: 10.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">96. </span><span style="color: #3f3f3f; font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif; font-size: 10pt;">Girls With Books (INT)</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; vertical-align: top;">
<span style="color: #3f3f3f; font-family: "Trebuchet MS","sans-serif"; font-size: 10.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">97. </span><span style="color: #3f3f3f; font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif; font-size: 10pt;">The Babbling Reader
(INT)</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; vertical-align: top;">
<span style="color: #3f3f3f; font-family: "Trebuchet MS","sans-serif"; font-size: 10.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">98. </span><span style="color: #3f3f3f; font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif; font-size: 10pt;">Zili in the Sky (INT)</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; vertical-align: top;">
<span style="color: #3f3f3f; font-family: "Trebuchet MS","sans-serif"; font-size: 10.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">99. </span><span style="color: #3f3f3f; font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif; font-size: 10pt;">Mary @ SweepingMe (INT)</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; vertical-align: top;">
<span style="color: #3f3f3f; font-family: "Trebuchet MS","sans-serif"; font-size: 10.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">100 </span><span style="color: #3f3f3f; font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif; font-size: 10pt;">Popcorn Reads (US)</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; vertical-align: top;">
<span style="color: #3f3f3f; font-family: "Trebuchet MS","sans-serif"; font-size: 10.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">101. </span><span style="color: #3f3f3f; font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif; font-size: 10pt;">Effortlessly Reading
(INT)</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; vertical-align: top;">
<span style="color: #3f3f3f; font-family: "Trebuchet MS","sans-serif"; font-size: 10.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">102. </span><span style="color: #3f3f3f; font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif; font-size: 10pt;">jennifersmusings (US)</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; vertical-align: top;">
<span style="color: #3f3f3f; font-family: "Trebuchet MS","sans-serif"; font-size: 10.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">103. </span><span style="color: #3f3f3f; font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif; font-size: 10pt;">Far Escape Reviews
(INT)</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; vertical-align: top;">
<span style="color: #3f3f3f; font-family: "Trebuchet MS","sans-serif"; font-size: 10.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">104. </span><span style="color: #3f3f3f; font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif; font-size: 10pt;">Dark and Dreamy with C.
C. Marks (US)</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; vertical-align: top;">
<span style="color: #3f3f3f; font-family: "Trebuchet MS","sans-serif"; font-size: 10.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">105. </span><span style="color: #3f3f3f; font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif; font-size: 10pt;">Writer's Corner (US)</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; vertical-align: top;">
<span style="color: #3f3f3f; font-family: "Trebuchet MS","sans-serif"; font-size: 10.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">106. </span><span style="color: #3f3f3f; font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif; font-size: 10pt;">Amy's Booket List -
Danielle Steel (US)</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; vertical-align: top;">
<span style="color: #3f3f3f; font-family: "Trebuchet MS","sans-serif"; font-size: 10.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">107. </span><span style="color: #3f3f3f; font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif; font-size: 10pt;">Karissa @ Hidden in
Pages (int)</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; vertical-align: top;">
<span style="color: #3f3f3f; font-family: "Trebuchet MS","sans-serif"; font-size: 10.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">108. </span><span style="color: #3f3f3f; font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif; font-size: 10pt;">A Little Bit of
Everything</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; vertical-align: top;">
<span style="color: #3f3f3f; font-family: "Trebuchet MS","sans-serif"; font-size: 10.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">109. </span><span style="color: #3f3f3f; font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif; font-size: 10pt;">J. D. Faver on Living
With The Muse (US)</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; vertical-align: top;">
<span style="color: #3f3f3f; font-family: "Trebuchet MS","sans-serif"; font-size: 10.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">110. </span><span style="color: #3f3f3f; font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif; font-size: 10pt;">Thinks Books (US)</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; vertical-align: top;">
<span style="color: #3f3f3f; font-family: "Trebuchet MS","sans-serif"; font-size: 10.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">111. </span><span style="color: #3f3f3f; font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif; font-size: 10pt;">The Bookish Daydreamer
(INT)</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; vertical-align: top;">
<span style="color: #3f3f3f; font-family: "Trebuchet MS","sans-serif"; font-size: 10.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">112. </span><span style="color: #3f3f3f; font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif; font-size: 10pt;">Reader's Dialogue (US)</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; vertical-align: top;">
<span style="color: #3f3f3f; font-family: "Trebuchet MS","sans-serif"; font-size: 10.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">113. </span><span style="color: #3f3f3f; font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif; font-size: 10pt;">Lori @ Writing My Own
Fairy Tale (INT)</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; vertical-align: top;">
<span style="color: #3f3f3f; font-family: "Trebuchet MS","sans-serif"; font-size: 10.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">114. </span><span style="color: #3f3f3f; font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif; font-size: 10pt;">The Readdicts (US &
INT)</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; vertical-align: top;">
<span style="color: #3f3f3f; font-family: "Trebuchet MS","sans-serif"; font-size: 10.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">115. </span><span style="color: #3f3f3f; font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif; font-size: 10pt;">I LOVED THIS BOOK (US)</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; vertical-align: top;">
<span style="color: #3f3f3f; font-family: "Trebuchet MS","sans-serif"; font-size: 10.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">116. </span><span style="color: #3f3f3f; font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif; font-size: 10pt;">Vailia's Page Turner
(US)</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; vertical-align: top;">
<span style="color: #3f3f3f; font-family: "Trebuchet MS","sans-serif"; font-size: 10.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">117. </span><span style="color: #3f3f3f; font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif; font-size: 10pt;">Cici's Theories (US)</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; vertical-align: top;">
<span style="color: #3f3f3f; font-family: "Trebuchet MS","sans-serif"; font-size: 10.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">118. </span><span style="color: #3f3f3f; font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif; font-size: 10pt;">DelSheree Gladden's
Author Blog (US)</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; vertical-align: top;">
<span style="color: #3f3f3f; font-family: "Trebuchet MS","sans-serif"; font-size: 10.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">119. </span><span style="color: #3f3f3f; font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif; font-size: 10pt;">FlutterealFlight (INT)</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; vertical-align: top;">
<span style="color: #3f3f3f; font-family: "Trebuchet MS","sans-serif"; font-size: 10.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">120. </span><span style="color: #3f3f3f; font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif; font-size: 10pt;">Clever Girls Read (US)</span><span style="color: #3f3f3f; font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif; font-size: 10pt;"> </span></div>
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J.D., Tara, Carolhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10340968197946101390noreply@blogger.com18tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2999393674638669311.post-59650486510845289762013-07-28T01:57:00.002-07:002013-07-28T01:57:48.241-07:00Weekend Writing Warrior~8 Sentences from BAD GIRL!<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="color: blue;">Greetings on
a hot Sunday in southeast<sup> </sup>Texas. I hope you’re staying cool. Today,
I’m taking part in the Weekend Writing Warriors blog hop. Be sure to leave a comment to be entered in a
drawing to win a <b>free</b> download of <b><a href="http://www.amazon.com/dp/B00655TZ28" target="_blank">BAD GIRL!</a><o:p></o:p></b></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="color: blue;">And I’m
sharing a first kiss with you from <a href="http://www.amazon.com/dp/B00655TZ28" target="_blank"><b>BAD GIRL!</b></a>, a strange romance that has been
called a “psychological thriller” by reviewers. My heroine is a dominatrix and
someone is killing her clients one-by-one, using a method related to their
particular kink. Even worse, her newest client is the detective assigned to the
case. Now he knows where she lives and he has come to invade her personal
space. In the following brief snippet, Nick is leaving, but they have had a
very tense and testy interview. Here’s what happens:</span><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhacVtQXld0Q0aXdVaRt69GlcMPgy0Wujt6rhKJPD0Vu-uVszxEjHWRPTt5DAugstCYZmalNKgQgDcNS02KRSZw27NOUThDI7qpS9fykogVLlMCm9T4JgwZT8R_LMG7pSx7ur0OohWnM5E/s1600/Bad+Girl+Cover+7.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhacVtQXld0Q0aXdVaRt69GlcMPgy0Wujt6rhKJPD0Vu-uVszxEjHWRPTt5DAugstCYZmalNKgQgDcNS02KRSZw27NOUThDI7qpS9fykogVLlMCm9T4JgwZT8R_LMG7pSx7ur0OohWnM5E/s320/Bad+Girl+Cover+7.JPG" width="200" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 14.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">He lowered his head slowly and
kissed her like he was taking a bite out of her, capturing her mouth with his.
His tongue invaded, stroking hers and eliciting a spontaneous reaction. He
kissed her hard and deep before he turned and slammed the door behind himself.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 14.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Kris swayed slightly, rocked by the
sensual impact of Nick’s mouth. Securing both locks, she slid down to the floor
with Tinker. She ran her tongue over her lips, tasting Nick’s rough kiss.
Closing her eyes, she laughed as an angry tear rolled down her cheek.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<i><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 14.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">What a total ass! <o:p></o:p></span></i></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 14.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Except that she had kissed him back.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 14.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><span style="color: blue;">You can purchase BAD GIRL! at</span> <a href="http://www.amazon.com/Bad-Girl-Romantic-Thriller-ebook/dp/B00655TZ28/ref=sr_1_8?s=books&ie=UTF8&qid=1375001298&sr=1-8" target="_blank">Amazon US</a></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 14.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><a href="http://www.amazon.co.uk/Bad-Girl-Romantic-Thriller-ebook/dp/B00655TZ28/ref=sr_1_9?s=books&ie=UTF8&qid=1375001390&sr=1-9" target="_blank">Amazon UK</a></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 14.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><a href="https://www.amazon.ca/dp/B00655TZ28" target="_blank">Amazon CA</a></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 14.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><a href="http://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/bad-girl-jd-faver/1112545491?ean=2940013552951" target="_blank">Barnes & Noble</a></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 14.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><span style="color: blue;">and other distributors</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="color: blue;">Be sure to
visit all the Weekend Writing Warriors who are sharing their work today: </span> </span><span style="font-size: large;"><a href="http://www.wewriwa.com/"><span style="color: blue;">http://www.wewriwa.com/</span></a> </span><sup><span style="font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><o:p></o:p></span></sup></div>
J.D., Tara, Carolhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10340968197946101390noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2999393674638669311.post-51748036613648082102013-07-26T22:35:00.002-07:002013-07-26T22:35:15.462-07:00Sweet Saturday Sample~KILL SHOT by JD Faver<b><span style="color: blue;">Happy Saturday everyone! I'm going to share an excerpt from <a href="http://www.amazon.com/Kill-Shot-Romantic-Suspense-ebook/dp/B005LDJVRE/ref=sr_1_2?s=books&ie=UTF8&qid=1374902238&sr=1-2" target="_blank">KILL SHOT</a> a romantic suspense set in New York City. This is about lovers reunited when the heroine is suddenly thrust in the big middle of danger. This excerpt is from the beginning of the book and doesn't need much of an intro. I hope you enjoy it. Leave a comment to be entered in a drawing for a free download. </span></b><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh7Zj92a7nez3dV6wqEPYnfcrsCkn_MkaBmFApz49Za_qc6zEh6ibWQqY6OcCX6hpn4zQnJAF11ytJo25g5C1lwkQZH9dZ70ito0tWVdqai1CVsPGtGIpl4qULOxTrabsPULlEVjw6OpWM/s1600/KS+Cover-Lg.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh7Zj92a7nez3dV6wqEPYnfcrsCkn_MkaBmFApz49Za_qc6zEh6ibWQqY6OcCX6hpn4zQnJAF11ytJo25g5C1lwkQZH9dZ70ito0tWVdqai1CVsPGtGIpl4qULOxTrabsPULlEVjw6OpWM/s320/KS+Cover-Lg.jpg" width="200" /></a></div>
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<span style="color: blue;"><b> KILL SHOT by J.D. Faver</b></span><br />
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<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: .3in;">
<b>A trickle of sweat ran down her
neck and between her breasts. Micki swept the mass of honey blond curls off her
neck, allowing a slight breeze to cool her as she admired the tree-lined drive.
Her photographer’s eye lined up a shot for the coffee-table book she planned to
create. <st1:place w:st="on">Central Park</st1:place> was her favorite portrait
studio, feeding her need to see blue sky and hear birds sing as she worked. She
loved the park, even on a day this warm.<o:p></o:p></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: .3in;">
<b>Opening the back of her car, she
carefully placed the duffle on the rear deck before slamming the tailgate.<o:p></o:p></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: .3in;">
<b>Micki started the motor with one
leg still outside the vehicle, switching the A/C to high. She turned all the
vents to blow in her face, then tucked in her leg and leaned out to close the
door.<o:p></o:p></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: .3in;">
<b>As she touched the handle, the
driver’s side window shattered with a loud pop, raining small shards of
splintered safety glass down her arm. Her ears rang, like she’d zoomed to a high
altitude.<o:p></o:p></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: .3in;">
<b>Stunned, Micki stared at her hand,
covered with a fine mist of glass. She raised her eyes to the gaping hole in
her side window. Prickles of fear swept across her flesh, sent a spiral of
panic to constrict her airway and clutch her insides.<o:p></o:p></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: .3in;">
<b>Micki looked back over her shoulder
just as her rear window imploded. A scream raged in her throat, but came out as
a whimper.<o:p></o:p></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: .3in;">
<b>Stomping on the gas pedal, she
slammed the door and veered out in front of another car, barely missing its
front fender. Her tires squealed in protest as the driver swerved and braked.<o:p></o:p></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: .3in;">
<b>Micki’s heart slammed against her
ribs. She couldn’t catch her breath. With each thud of her heart, the need to
escape the park escalated. She could feel the crosshairs trained on her neck.<o:p></o:p></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: .3in;">
<i><b>Omygodomygodomygod!<o:p></o:p></b></i></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: .3in;">
<b>Her tires squealed again as she
cornered too fast, frightening a pedestrian back onto the curb.<o:p></o:p></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: .3in;">
<b><i>Someone
shot at me.</i> The reality hit her like a slap in the face. <i>Why shoot at a wedding photographer? </i>It
had to be a mistake. Was she being used for target practice by gang-bangers?
Her only thought was to get out of the park. <i>What if someone’s chasing me?<o:p></o:p></i></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: .3in;">
<b>Micki groped for her cell phone,
intending to punch in 911 but her fingers froze. What would she say? <i>I’m driving like a maniac. Come find me</i>.
“Crapola!”<o:p></o:p></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: .3in;">
<b>She punched number one on her speed
dial instead, reaching out to the only person who’d ever made her feel
completely safe. It wasn’t fair to call, but as she sped away from the park,
she couldn’t think of a reasonable alternative. Both dread and longing rose up
inside her chest. It rang three times before a breathy female voice answered.
“Oz’ phone.”<o:p></o:p></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: .3in;">
<b>Micki choked back a gasp. Her first
instinct was to hang up, but she was too scared. She struggled to swallow the
boulder-size lump in her throat. “Oz!...I need Oz.”<o:p></o:p></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: .3in;">
<b>There was a long moment of silence.
“May I tell him who’s calling?” The tone wasn’t breathy any more. Suspicion
iced the words.<o:p></o:p></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: .3in;">
<b>She hesitated, her heart pounding
in her ears. “Micki.”<o:p></o:p></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: .3in;">
<b>In the background, she heard Oz
asking who was on the phone before the receiver was muffled and a brusque
conversation took place.<o:p></o:p></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: .3in;">
<b>“Micki?” He sounded tense. “What do
you want?”<o:p></o:p></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: .3in;">
<b>Her stomach clenched at the sound
of his deep voice. She closed her eyes, wishing she hadn’t called<i>. Some things never change</i>. “I’m sorry
to bother you, Oz. I don’t want to make things difficult.”<o:p></o:p></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: .3in;">
<b>He snorted indelicately. “Too late
for that.”<o:p></o:p></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: .3in;">
<b>“I didn’t know who else to call.”
She took a shaky breath. “Someone shot at me...twice.”<o:p></o:p></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: .3in;">
<b>He inhaled sharply. “What happened?
Are you all right?”<o:p></o:p></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: .3in;">
<b>When she heard the concern in his
voice, tears stung her eyes. “I--I did a bridal shoot in the park. Someone shot
out my car windows.” The sound of gunfire shattering glass reverberated in her
memory. “I got out of there as fast as I could. I was too scared to wait for
the police.”<o:p></o:p></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: .3in;">
<b>“You did the right thing, Micki.
Are you being followed?”<o:p></o:p></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: .3in;">
<b>She pulled up to a stoplight and
peered at the driver in the car beside her. He stared in morbid fascination
through the hole in her side window, his expression sending another jolt of
fear to her gut. When the light changed, she pressed her foot on the accelerator
to avoid his gawking.<o:p></o:p></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: .3in;">
<b>“I don’t think so.”<o:p></o:p></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: .3in;">
<b>“Where are you now?”<o:p></o:p></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: .3in;">
<b>She glanced in her rear-view mirror
at the mesh of glass surrounding the gaping hole behind her head. “About ten
blocks from your new place.”<o:p></o:p></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: .3in;">
<b>He sighed heavily. “I’ll meet you
down in front.” The phone went dead.<o:p></o:p></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: .3in;">
<b>She knew this was difficult for
him, but it was difficult for her too, considering the last time they’d seen
each other.<o:p></o:p></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: .3in;">
<b>Oz was leaning up against the
building as she pulled into the parking space. A familiar ache spread through
her when she saw him. She could almost feel his arms holding her, his tall,
lean body the perfect haven. Resting her head against his chest would make her
feel safe and secure, but she’d given up the right to experience those things
with him.<o:p></o:p></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: .3in;">
<b>When he saw her, he ducked his head
and raked his fingers through his thick, dark hair before pushing away from the
wall.<o:p></o:p></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: .3in;">
<b>He stepped into the street and
surveyed her through the shattered window. His dark eyes assessed her. A
half-smile quirked one side of his mouth. “What have you done now?” He opened
her door and held up his hand. “Wait. Don’t scoot across the broken glass.” He
brushed it off her seat with his hand.<o:p></o:p></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: .3in;">
<b>She struggled to return his smile
as he squatted beside her. A soft breeze ruffled his hair. She stifled the urge
to stroke it into place. His gaze flicked over her, squeezed her heart as
memories of their recent past crushed her.<o:p></o:p></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: .3in;">
<b>He stood and extended his hand.
“C’mon.”<o:p></o:p></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: .3in;">
<b>Micki found herself deserted by the
tiny shred of control with which she had driven here to face the man she’d
turned her back on. She smiled, although tears sprang to her eyes. “Yes, Sir,
Officer Osmond.” Her hand shook as she reached to take the one he offered.<o:p></o:p></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: .3in;">
<b>“Oh, Micki,” his voice softened.
“Don’t cry.”<o:p></o:p></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: .3in;">
<b>But her tears refused to obey,
spilling down her cheeks in twin rivulets. “Sorry,” she hiccupped. “I’m scared,
Oz.”<o:p></o:p></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: .3in;">
<b>“Damn!” He gathered her into his
arms. “Damn!”<o:p></o:p></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: .3in;">
<b>A tidal wave washed over her,
turned her legs turned to rubber. Pressed against Oz’ lean, hard frame, fear
and pain slipped away.<o:p></o:p></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: .3in;">
<b>“I called this in,” he said. “There
should be a squad car on the way.”<o:p></o:p></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: .3in;">
<b>As if on cue, the high thin wail of
a siren sounded in the distance.<o:p></o:p></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: .3in;">
<b>He held her clasped tightly. “Micki,
I...”<o:p></o:p></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: .3in;">
<b>“Don’t worry,” she said, sniffling
against his shirt. “I won’t take this personally.” She tried to smile but her
lips quivered and a fresh spate of tears shook her body.<o:p></o:p></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: .3in;">
<b>Oz sighed and patted her shoulder while
he rocked her in his arms.<o:p></o:p></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: .3in;">
<b>As Micki clung to him, a war of
emotions raged inside her. She couldn’t remember why she’d felt compelled to
break up with him. Oh, yeah, she’d wanted to accomplish something more with her
life than just being Oz’ wife. She owed it to her dad. At least he had always
believed in her.<o:p></o:p></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: .3in;">
<b>The siren abruptly quit screaming
when a patrol car screeched to a stop beside them, blocking her car in and
causing motorists to have to swerve around them.<o:p></o:p></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: .3in;">
<b>“What’s up, Oz? Are you subduing a
felon?” The young officer swung the passenger door open, eyed Micki appreciatively
and flashed her a grin.<o:p></o:p></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: .3in;">
<b>A muscle in Oz’ jaw tightened. He
released her and stepped away. “Someone shot at my...ex-girlfriend.”<o:p></o:p></b></div>
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<o:p><b><span style="color: blue;">If you enjoyed this excerpt you can download your copy of BAD KARMA at the following distributors></span></b></o:p></div>
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<o:p><b><a href="http://www.amazon.com/Kill-Shot-Romantic-Suspense-ebook/dp/B005LDJVRE/ref=sr_1_2?s=books&ie=UTF8&qid=1374902238&sr=1-2" target="_blank">Amazon</a></b></o:p></div>
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<a href="http://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/kill-shot-jd-faver/1105392509?ean=2940012980588&itm=1&usri=jd+faver" target="_blank"><b>Barnes & Noble</b></a></div>
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<a href="http://www.kobobooks.com/ebook/Kill-Shot/book-C3S8x0M_g0KfC7Ftx92nmA/page1.html?s=0iu4U50YLUq2jNGWoTH8ZA&r=6" target="_blank"><b>Kobo</b></a></div>
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<b><a href="https://www.smashwords.com/books/view/86516" target="_blank">Smashwords</a></b></div>
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<b><span style="color: blue;">Be sure to visit the other authors on <a href="http://sweetsatsample.wordpress.com/" target="_blank">Sweet Saturday Samples</a>. Enjoy.</span></b></div>
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<o:p><b><br /></b></o:p></div>
J.D., Tara, Carolhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10340968197946101390noreply@blogger.com10tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2999393674638669311.post-61762207616931668482013-07-17T13:51:00.000-07:002013-07-17T13:51:37.232-07:00Christmas in July Blog Hop ~ J.D. Faver's Spin on Christmas in July<b>Well, it's roasting hot here in southeast Texas. I've been keeping cool by writing the next romantic thriller set on the Texas Gulf Coast, just north of the border with Mexico. Christmas comes to the Texas Riviera with the usual body count, but lots of love thrown in. This is novel #5 in the Edge of Texas series. </b><br />
<b>I have some exciting giveaways for everyone. First of all: <span style="color: red;">BAD KARMA</span>, the second book in the series is <span style="color: #6aa84f; font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">FREE</span> today through July 22, so please download your copy right here> </b><br />
<a href="http://www.amazon.com/dp/B0081SGPZW" target="_blank">http://www.amazon.com/dp/B0081SGPZW</a><br />
<b>And as a reward for leaving a comment below, you will be entered into a drawing to receive a free download of <span style="color: red;">BAD MEDICINE</span>, the first book in the series.</b><br />
<a href="http://www.amazon.com/dp/B007H5IUQ2">http://www.amazon.com/dp/B007H5IUQ2</a><br />
<br />
<b>Since it rarely (and I mean RARELY) snows down here, we have slightly different Christmas and holiday traditions than our northern neighbors, but I remember making forts and having snowball fights as a kid in Oklahoma. One of our adopted traditions down here in Texas is to have tamales on New Year's Day for good luck. This is served right alongside the black-eyed peas and greens...Can't have too much good fortune and prosperity. What kind of holiday traditions do you celebrate in your family?</b><br />
<b><br /></b>
<b>Scroll down to read the excerpt and leave a comment, but be sure to visit all the exciting blogs on the hop and rake in all the goodies from the awesome authors. </b><br />
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<b><a href="http://www.blogger.com/%3C!--%20start%20LinkyTools%20script%20--%3E%3Cscript%20src=%22http://www.linkytools.com/basic_linky_include.aspx?id=198691%22%20type=%22text/javascript%22%20%3E%3C/script%3E%3C!--%20end%20LinkyTools%20script%20--%3E" target="_blank">Christmas in July Blog Hop</a></b></div>
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<b><br /></b>
<b>The Christmas novel is tentatively titled <span style="color: red;">BAD SPIRITS</span>. This excerpt is from the beginning and shows what's going on with two of the couples whose lives are twined together in The Edge of Texas. I hope you enjoy the excerpt. </b><br />
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<a href="" name="_GoBack"></a><span style="font-family: "Garamond","serif"; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 115%;"> BAD SPIRITS<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
<i><u><span style="font-family: "Garamond","serif"; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 115%;">Christmas
at Home<o:p></o:p></span></u></i></div>
<div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
<span style="background-color: white; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial; font-family: Garamond, serif; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;">December 15</span><span style="font-family: "Garamond","serif"; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle" style="line-height: 120%; text-indent: .3in;">
<span style="font-family: "Garamond","serif"; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 120%;">Something
about her face always brought a little clutch of joy to his chest. <i>My wife.</i><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle" style="line-height: 120%; text-indent: .3in;">
<span style="font-family: "Garamond","serif"; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 120%;">Rafael
Solis had just pulled up in the parking lot in front of his condo. From his
tenth-floor vantage point he had always enjoyed a clear view of the bay.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle" style="line-height: 120%; text-indent: .3in;">
<span style="font-family: "Garamond","serif"; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 120%;">His
current view was centered on the lovely Chloe Solis as she maneuvered both his
children from their car seats in back of the Escalade.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle" style="line-height: 120%; text-indent: .3in;">
<span style="font-family: "Garamond","serif"; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 120%;">He
turned off the ignition and sat in his department vehicle for a moment,
smiling.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle" style="line-height: 120%; text-indent: .3in;">
<span style="font-family: "Garamond","serif"; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 120%;">The wind
was blowing off the bay. Chloe grasped four-year-old Lacy’s hand and clutched
Daniel close to her chest. Her hair blew forward, and she turned into the wind
to get it out of her eyes. She spotted him and a grin lit up her face. She
commanded his presence with an upward jerk of her chin.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle" style="line-height: 120%; text-indent: .3in;">
<span style="font-family: "Garamond","serif"; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 120%;">Rafael
chuckled and swung out of the cruiser, pocketing the keys.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle" style="line-height: 120%; text-indent: .3in;">
<span style="font-family: "Garamond","serif"; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 120%;">She
gave out an exasperated sound in greeting. “And just when were you going to
come to my aid, Mr. Raffy Solis?”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle" style="line-height: 120%; text-indent: .3in;">
<span style="font-family: "Garamond","serif"; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 120%;">He
reached for Daniel. “Sorry, baby. I was just admiring the scenery.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle" style="line-height: 120%; text-indent: .3in;">
<span style="font-family: "Garamond","serif"; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 120%;">“Less
admiring and more man power, please.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle" style="line-height: 120%; text-indent: .3in;">
<span style="font-family: "Garamond","serif"; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 120%;">“Want
me to grab those packages?” He nodded at the bundles filling the rear of the
SUV.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle" style="line-height: 120%; text-indent: .3in;">
<span style="font-family: "Garamond","serif"; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 120%;">“No, I
want you to take Lacy while I bring some surprises inside.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle" style="line-height: 120%; text-indent: .3in;">
<span style="font-family: "Garamond","serif"; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 120%;">He
squatted down to lift Lacy in his other arm. “Surprises?”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle" style="text-indent: 0.3in;">
<span style="font-family: Garamond, serif; font-size: medium;"><span style="line-height: 120%;">“Yes,
I’m allowed to have surprises. Santa Claus </span></span><span style="font-family: Garamond, serif;"><span style="font-size: 19px; line-height: 22px;">isn't</span></span><span style="font-family: Garamond, serif; font-size: medium;"><span style="line-height: 120%;"> the only one with a naughty or
nice list.”<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle" style="line-height: 120%; text-indent: .3in;">
<span style="font-family: "Garamond","serif"; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 120%;">He
grinned at her. “And which list am I on?”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle" style="line-height: 120%; text-indent: .3in;">
<span style="font-family: "Garamond","serif"; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 120%;">She
laughed. “Both. Now, head for the elevator and I’ll be right behind you.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle" style="line-height: 120%; text-indent: .3in;">
<span style="font-family: "Garamond","serif"; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 120%;">“Not
close enough. I will wait for you.” He still had nightmares about his
near-misses with Chloe. Her sometimes rash actions had given him a couple of
serious scares.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle" style="line-height: 120%; text-indent: .3in;">
<span style="font-family: "Garamond","serif"; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 120%;">“Wait
inside out of the wind. The children don’t need to be out in this gale.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle" style="line-height: 120%; text-indent: .3in;">
<span style="font-family: "Garamond","serif"; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 120%;">“I
will be watching you from inside the lobby.” He fixed her with a stern glare.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle" style="line-height: 120%; text-indent: .3in;">
<span style="font-family: "Garamond","serif"; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 120%;">“Yes,
Sheriff. You can watch me, but you can’t peek.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle" style="line-height: 120%; text-indent: .3in;">
<span style="font-family: "Garamond","serif"; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 120%;">Rafael
turned toward the entrance and carried his children inside. He turned to watch
as she opened the back of the Escalade and gathered an armload of packages.
“Careful, baby,” he said under his breath.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle" style="line-height: 120%; text-indent: .3in;">
<span style="font-family: "Garamond","serif"; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 120%;">She
made her way to the entrance and Rafael backed against the door to open it for
her.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle" style="line-height: 120%; text-indent: .3in;">
<span style="font-family: "Garamond","serif"; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 120%;">“Thanks,”
she murmured. “Do not look at these p-r-e-s-e-n-t-s.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle" style="line-height: 120%; text-indent: .3in;">
<span style="font-family: "Garamond","serif"; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 120%;">“Not
looking.” He stepped inside and followed her across the lobby. “Lacy, push the
elevator for daddy.” He leaned down to allow his daughter to punch the up
button. “Good girl.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle" style="line-height: 120%; text-indent: .3in;">
<span style="font-family: "Garamond","serif"; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 120%;">Lacy
flashed a grin and squeezed his neck with both arms.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle" style="line-height: 120%; text-indent: .3in;">
<span style="font-family: "Garamond","serif"; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 120%;">As
they rode up to the tenth floor, he stole a glance at Chloe’s face. She looked
happy and that made him happy. “Did you find something for your mom,” he asked.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle" style="line-height: 120%; text-indent: .3in;">
<span style="font-family: "Garamond","serif"; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 120%;">“Noooo.
She is the hardest person on the planet to shop for.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle" style="text-indent: 0.3in;">
<span style="font-family: Garamond, serif; font-size: medium;"><span style="line-height: 120%;">“That </span></span><span style="font-family: Garamond, serif;"><span style="font-size: 19px; line-height: 22px;">doesn't</span></span><span style="font-family: Garamond, serif; font-size: medium;"><span style="line-height: 120%;"> sound right. Your mom is so down to earth. Just get her a gift card.”<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle" style="line-height: 120%; text-indent: .3in;">
<span style="font-family: "Garamond","serif"; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 120%;">“I
can’t do that. A gift card is so impersonal.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle" style="text-indent: 0.3in;">
<span style="font-family: Garamond, serif; font-size: medium;"><span style="line-height: 120%;">He
cleared his throat. “</span></span><span style="font-family: Garamond, serif;"><span style="font-size: 19px; line-height: 22px;">Isn't</span></span><span style="font-family: Garamond, serif; font-size: medium;"><span style="line-height: 120%;"> that what we’re giving my parents?”<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle" style="line-height: 120%; text-indent: .3in;">
<span style="font-family: "Garamond","serif"; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 120%;">She
blew out an exasperated breath. “And I’m giving them some nice framed pictures
of the kids. They’re lucky to be on my shopping list at all.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle" style="text-indent: 0.3in;">
<span style="font-family: Garamond, serif; font-size: medium;"><span style="line-height: 120%;">He
chuckled, knowing full well why they </span></span><span style="font-family: Garamond, serif;"><span style="font-size: 19px; line-height: 22px;">weren't</span></span><span style="font-family: Garamond, serif; font-size: medium;"><span style="line-height: 120%;"> rating higher on Chloe’s ‘nice’
list. His mother’s efforts to break them up in high school had resulted in
Chloe leaving him. </span></span><i style="font-family: Garamond, serif; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 120%;">Got her back, thank
you very much.</i><span style="font-family: Garamond, serif; font-size: medium;"><span style="line-height: 120%;"> The elevator came to a stop and the doors swished apart. He
trailed behind her to their condominium and managed to juggle kids and keys to
open the door.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle" style="line-height: 120%; text-indent: .3in;">
<span style="font-family: "Garamond","serif"; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 120%;">“I’m
going to stash this stuff and you three stay right there.” Chloe disappeared in
their bedroom and kicked the door shut behind her.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle" style="line-height: 120%; text-indent: .3in;">
<span style="font-family: "Garamond","serif"; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 120%;">He set
Lacy on her feet and put Daniel on the leather sofa. “Let’s get your coats
off.” He took Lacy’s jacket and knit cap and draped them over a coat rack close
to the front door and began the task of unwrapping Daniel. He pulled off the
knit cap with ear flaps and tousled his dark curls. “That’s my boy,” he growled
and grinned as Daniel giggled and kicked in response. “Chloe, I have a wet boy
in here. Can you bring me a diaper and wipes?”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle" style="line-height: 120%; text-indent: .3in;">
<span style="font-family: "Garamond","serif"; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 120%;">She
backed into the room with a disposable diaper and a tub of wet wipes and closed
the door firmly behind her. “Here you go.” She set them down on the sofa beside
them. “Is everybody hungry?”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle" style="line-height: 120%; text-indent: .3in;">
<span style="font-family: "Garamond","serif"; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 120%;">“Yes,”
Lacy crowed. “I want ‘paghetti.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle" style="line-height: 120%; text-indent: .3in;">
<span style="font-family: "Garamond","serif"; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 120%;">“One
vote for spaghetti. Any other requests?”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle" style="line-height: 120%; text-indent: .3in;">
<span style="font-family: "Garamond","serif"; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 120%;">“Anything
is fine with me,” Rafael said while finishing cleaning his son. “I’m just glad
to be home.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle" style="line-height: 120%; text-indent: .3in;">
<span style="font-family: "Garamond","serif"; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 120%;">Chloe
gave him a long look and took a few steps to the kitchen. “Hard day?”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle" style="line-height: 120%; text-indent: .3in;">
<span style="font-family: "Garamond","serif"; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 120%;">Rafael
scooped Daniel up and deposited him in his play pen. “Just a day.” He tried not
to bring home his work-related issues, preferring to leave it all behind. His
home was his sanctuary and his family would be sheltered from the ugliness he
dealt with on a daily basis.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle" style="line-height: 120%; text-indent: .3in;">
<span style="font-family: "Garamond","serif"; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 120%;">He
tossed the soiled diaper and washed his hands in the sink. “You know what I
would like?”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle" style="line-height: 120%; text-indent: .3in;">
<span style="font-family: "Garamond","serif"; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 120%;">She
turned from the refrigerator with a head of romaine lettuce and a bag of
tomatoes. “What?”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle" style="text-indent: 0.3in;">
<span style="font-family: Garamond, serif; font-size: medium;"><span style="line-height: 120%;">“I
would like a kiss from my busy wife, and I would like it right now.” He
divested her of the veggies and placed them on the </span></span><span style="font-family: Garamond, serif;"><span style="font-size: 19px; line-height: 22px;">counter top</span></span><span style="font-family: Garamond, serif; font-size: medium;"><span style="line-height: 120%;">.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle" style="line-height: 120%; text-indent: .3in;">
<span style="font-family: "Garamond","serif"; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 120%;">Her
expression softened, morphing to one of tenderness. “I can help you out with
that.” She stepped into his embrace and offered up her face.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle" style="line-height: 120%; text-indent: .3in;">
<span style="font-family: "Garamond","serif"; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 120%;">Rafael
kissed her, savoring her lips, pressing her softness against his frame. <i>Deliciosa.<o:p></o:p></i></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle" style="line-height: 120%; text-indent: .3in;">
<span style="font-family: "Garamond","serif"; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 120%;">“Would
you like to start off with a salad?” she asked.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle" style="line-height: 120%; text-indent: .3in;">
<span style="font-family: "Garamond","serif"; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 120%;">“Whatever
you want to make is fine.” He grabbed another quick kiss and released her.
“What I would like is a real Christmas tree. I’ll head over to <st1:city w:st="on"><st1:place w:st="on">Harlingen</st1:place></st1:city> tomorrow after work and pick out a
really nice one.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle" style="text-indent: 0.3in;">
<span style="font-family: Garamond, serif; font-size: medium;"><span style="line-height: 120%;">She
whirled around to gaze at him. “Really? I got us a nice artificial tree. It’s
pretty and convenient to store.” She looked at him hopefully. “And it </span></span><span style="font-family: Garamond, serif;"><span style="font-size: 19px; line-height: 22px;">doesn't</span></span><span style="font-family: Garamond, serif; font-size: medium;"><span style="line-height: 120%;"> shed.”<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle" style="line-height: 120%; text-indent: .3in;">
<span style="font-family: "Garamond","serif"; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 120%;">He
gave her an elaborate eye-roll. “Come on. A real tree smells like Christmas.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle" style="line-height: 120%; text-indent: .3in;">
<span style="font-family: "Garamond","serif"; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 120%;">“I got
some pine scent spray.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle" style="line-height: 120%; text-indent: .3in;">
<span style="font-family: "Garamond","serif"; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 120%;">“Ugh!
Not the same thing. You can do whatever else you want, but I insist on a real
tree. You don’t have to do anything. I’ll find us the perfect tree.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle" style="line-height: 120%; text-indent: .3in;">
<span style="font-family: "Garamond","serif"; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 120%;">“Okay,”
she said, using the same voice she used on Lacy when she was being petulant.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle" style="text-indent: 0.3in;">
<span style="font-family: Garamond, serif; font-size: medium;"><span style="line-height: 120%;">“I get
your point,” he said. “But I’m holding firm on this one. Christmas just </span></span><span style="font-family: Garamond, serif;"><span style="font-size: 19px; line-height: 22px;">wouldn't</span></span><span style="font-family: Garamond, serif; font-size: medium;"><span style="line-height: 120%;"> be Christmas without a real tree.”<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<br />
<div align="center" class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle" style="line-height: 120%; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: "Garamond","serif"; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 120%;">~*~<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormalCxSpFirst" style="line-height: 120%; text-indent: .3in;">
<span style="font-family: "Garamond","serif"; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 120%;">“Hello,
my Bridget, my beautiful baby girl.” Darla gazed in rapture at the lovely
infant in her arms. Brushing her fingertips over the fine wisps of red hair,
perhaps a bit lighter than her own, she marveled that she had created such a
perfect miniature creature. Of course she’d had a little help. She gazed into
the same silvery-blue eyes that set her husband apart from the everyday Adonis.
<i>The blue eyes, the rugged features, the
set of his jaw, and oh, yes, that fine muscular body of his.<o:p></o:p></i></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle" style="line-height: 120%; text-indent: .3in;">
<span style="font-family: "Garamond","serif"; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 120%;">Mike
was ridiculous. His grin went viral every time he caught her eye.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle" style="text-indent: 0.3in;">
<i><span style="font-family: Garamond, serif; font-size: medium;"><span style="line-height: 120%;">Yeah, Mr. Burke. I got your number. You
would be so happy if I just stayed home and played mommy, </span></span><span style="font-family: Garamond, serif;"><span style="font-size: 19px; line-height: 22px;">wouldn't</span></span><span style="font-family: Garamond, serif; font-size: medium;"><span style="line-height: 120%;"> you?</span></span></i><span style="font-family: Garamond, serif; font-size: medium;"><span style="line-height: 120%;"> She
was still out on maternity leave from her job as deputy in the sheriff’s
office. She </span></span><span style="font-family: Garamond, serif;"><span style="font-size: 19px; line-height: 22px;">hadn't</span></span><span style="font-family: Garamond, serif; font-size: medium;"><span style="line-height: 120%;"> thought she would be so content to stay home with her twin
boys and this new little addition, but, so far...it was going okay.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle" style="line-height: 120%; text-indent: .3in;">
<span style="font-family: "Garamond","serif"; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 120%;">She
watched as Mike laid a fire in the fireplace he had recently added to their
home. There seemed to be no end to his talents.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle" style="line-height: 120%; text-indent: .3in;">
<span style="font-family: "Garamond","serif"; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 120%;">This
house had been a small, two-bedroom without any particular distinguishing
characteristics. That was before she married this big gorgeous specimen. He had
doubled the size of her home by adding on a master bedroom wing that elled
around the back of the house and looked out onto the elaborate deck he had also
built. Now he was talking about ripping out her tiny kitchen and bumping it out
to include a family room. <i>Whatever you
want to do is fine with me. You have better taste than I do anyway.<o:p></o:p></i></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle" style="line-height: 120%; text-indent: .3in;">
<span style="font-family: "Garamond","serif"; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 120%;">“Do
you want me to pick up a tree when I’m out tomorrow?” he called over her
shoulder.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle" style="line-height: 120%; text-indent: .3in;">
<span style="font-family: "Garamond","serif"; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 120%;">“Oh,
we have a tree,” she said. “It’s in the garage.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle" style="line-height: 120%; text-indent: .3in;">
<span style="font-family: "Garamond","serif"; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 120%;">He
stood and stuck his hands in the pockets of his camo pants, no doubt left over
from his soldiering days. “Um…no we don’t.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle" style="line-height: 120%; text-indent: .3in;">
<span style="font-family: "Garamond","serif"; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 120%;">“What?”
She sat up, jostling Bridget in doing so. “Where could it have gone? I know
exactly where I put it last year.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle" style="line-height: 120%; text-indent: .3in;">
<span style="font-family: "Garamond","serif"; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 120%;">“I…uh,
I tossed it out. Seriously, babe, it was gross. How long have you had that
ratty old thing anyway?”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle" style="text-indent: 0.3in;">
<span style="font-family: Garamond, serif; font-size: medium;"><span style="line-height: 120%;">“You
threw it out?” The breath in her lungs seemed to be frozen. </span></span><i><span style="font-family: Garamond, serif; font-size: medium;"><span style="line-height: 120%;">How could you? </span></span><span style="font-family: Garamond, serif;"><span style="font-size: 19px; line-height: 22px;">I've</span></span><span style="font-family: Garamond, serif; font-size: medium;"><span style="line-height: 120%;"> had that tree since</span></span></i><span style="font-family: Garamond, serif; font-size: medium;"><span style="line-height: 120%;">…
She heaved a sigh. “You’re right. It was getting to be pretty ratty.”<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle" style="line-height: 120%; text-indent: .3in;">
<span style="font-family: "Garamond","serif"; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 120%;">“We
can get a new one. And maybe some new ornaments too.” He sounded confident, but
he sent her a questioning glance. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle" style="line-height: 120%; text-indent: .3in;">
<span style="font-family: "Garamond","serif"; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 120%;">“Yeah,
whatever.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle" style="line-height: 120%; text-indent: .3in;">
<span style="font-family: "Garamond","serif"; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 120%;">He
flashed a boyish grin. “I’ll take Kip and Tad. They can help me pick out the
perfect tree. You and baby girl stay here out of the wind. It’s pretty brisk
out there.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle" style="line-height: 120%; text-indent: .3in;">
<span style="font-family: "Garamond","serif"; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 120%;">He had
fallen into the habit of calling his unborn daughter Baby Girl Burke before she
made her appearance. Now, although he had agreed on naming her after St.
Bridget, the first female saint in <st1:country-region w:st="on"><st1:place w:st="on">Ireland</st1:place></st1:country-region> and a favorite of the
entire Bailey clan, she would probably always be baby girl to her doting daddy.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle" style="text-indent: 0.3in;">
<span style="font-family: Garamond, serif; font-size: medium;"><span style="line-height: 120%;">“Mike, </span></span><span style="font-family: Garamond, serif;"><span style="font-size: 19px; line-height: 22px;">I've</span></span><span style="font-family: Garamond, serif; font-size: medium;"><span style="line-height: 120%;"> lived here all my life. I managed to get the boys this far without killing
them off with a gust of wind from the bay. I do know to cover her up when we’re
outside.”<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle" style="line-height: 120%; text-indent: .3in;">
<span style="font-family: "Garamond","serif"; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 120%;">“Yes,
your Snarkiness.” He grinned at her. “Just be careful. Don’t take any chances.”
He came to stand beside her and placed one of his big, paw-like hands on her
head, stroking it over her hair with remarkable gentleness. “I’m in love with
you and with baby girl. I can’t help but be a little protective.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle" style="line-height: 120%; text-indent: .3in;">
<span style="font-family: "Garamond","serif"; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 120%;">She
gazed up into his eyes. Her daughter’s eyes set into a rugged manly face. <i>I’m powerless to resist. </i>“I know. Sorry.
I’m not a very patient person.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle" style="line-height: 120%; text-indent: .3in;">
<span style="font-family: "Garamond","serif"; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 120%;">He
mimicked a stricken expression. “No!”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle" style="line-height: 120%; text-indent: .3in;">
<span style="font-family: "Garamond","serif"; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 120%;">“Shut
up, smart mouth.” She grinned. “I’m trying to chill out and be a mom for a
while, but it’s not easy.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle" style="text-indent: 0.3in;">
<span style="font-family: Garamond, serif; font-size: medium;"><span style="line-height: 120%;">“</span></span><span style="font-family: Garamond, serif;"><span style="font-size: 19px; line-height: 22px;">I've</span></span><span style="font-family: Garamond, serif; font-size: medium;"><span style="line-height: 120%;"> noticed. I want to protect you and you want to go out and shoot people.”<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle" style="line-height: 120%; text-indent: .3in;">
<span style="font-family: "Garamond","serif"; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 120%;">“I do
not! I just miss the day-to-day action. I miss the team.” She broke off,
realizing that he, having given up his career as a federal agent, must miss the
same things. “I’m sorry, Mike. I know you gave up so much to marry me…to marry
us. You’re doing such a great job of being a husband and you’re an awesome dad.
I’ll try to be a better wife.” She grabbed his hand and laid her cheek against
it. “I love you.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle" style="line-height: 120%; text-indent: .3in;">
<span style="font-family: "Garamond","serif"; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 120%;">He
squatted down beside her. “Don’t worry, Darla. We’ll get this right.” He
planted a kiss against her temple and went back to his fire-building. “This is
our first Christmas as a family and I want everything to be perfect.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle" style="line-height: 120%; text-indent: .3in;">
<span style="font-family: "Garamond","serif"; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 120%;">She
chortled and adjusted Bridget on her shoulder. “Well, take a number. You’re a
Bailey by marriage and mom has the market cornered on making a big production
number out of Christmas. We will be allowed to celebrate Christmas eve here in
our own home, but Christmas day will be spent at the Bailey patriarchal
household where we will be showered with presents and stuffed with every kind
of goodie you can imagine.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle" style="line-height: 120%; text-indent: .3in;">
<span style="font-family: "Garamond","serif"; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 120%;">He
kept his gaze averted. “Sounds great.” His voice sounded strained.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle" style="line-height: 120%; text-indent: .3in;">
<span style="font-family: "Garamond","serif"; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 120%;">A stab
of pain seared through her chest when she grasped that Mike had never enjoyed
the kind of family events she had always taken for granted. His mother had
abandoned him at a very young age and he had grown up with his grandfather, a
carpenter who taught Mike his skills. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle" style="line-height: 120%; text-indent: .3in;">
<span style="font-family: "Garamond","serif"; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 120%;">She
cleared her throat. “I mean, I want us to have a chance to make our own
Christmas traditions. I’m not going back to work for a while, so I want to make
our first year very special.” <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle" style="line-height: 120%; text-indent: .3in;">
<span style="font-family: "Garamond","serif"; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 120%;">He
raised his head to glance her way. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle" style="line-height: 120%; text-indent: .3in;">
<span style="font-family: "Garamond","serif"; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 120%;">Encouraged,
she went on. “This is Bridget’s first Christmas, and it’s our first Christmas
as husband and wife.” <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle" style="line-height: 120%; text-indent: .3in;">
<span style="font-family: "Garamond","serif"; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 120%;">He
flashed a grin, signaling his return to good humor. “And it’s the first year
for me to be a dad to the boys. I want it to be special for them too.” <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle" style="line-height: 120%; text-indent: .3in;">
<span style="font-family: "Garamond","serif"; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 120%;">“Oh,
Mike.” She blinked back tears. “You do so much every day to make my life
better. The best thing is the way you treat my boys. They needed you as much as
I did.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle" style="line-height: 120%; text-indent: .3in;">
<span style="font-family: "Garamond","serif"; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 120%;">He
smiled and came back over to her. Squatting down close to her, he cupped her
cheek in his hand and placed a tender kiss on her lips. “That’s about the
nicest thing anyone has ever said to me.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div align="center" class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle" style="line-height: 120%; text-align: center; text-indent: .3in;">
<span style="font-family: "Garamond","serif"; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 120%;">~*~<o:p></o:p></span></div>
J.D., Tara, Carolhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10340968197946101390noreply@blogger.com54tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2999393674638669311.post-87066167615422111022012-11-08T21:01:00.000-08:002012-11-08T21:02:08.417-08:00A Writer's Harvest<br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="background: #E7E7E7; color: #333333; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 10.0pt; line-height: 115%;">Since I'm a country girl
and we raised crops, cattle, pigs and chickens, I've always known that the
harvest is the culmination of your hard work. The reaping of the rewards, which
for a farm family meant a full larder and a freezer filled with meat. The
summer veggies and fruit had been canned and safely stored in the root/storm
cellar. </span><span style="color: #333333; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 10.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><br />
<span style="background: #E7E7E7;">For a<span class="apple-converted-space"> </span><strong>writer</strong>, the harvest is a little different. Instead of
seeing shelves of shining glass jars filled with pickles, jams and produce, I
can look on any of my distributor's (Amazon, B&N etc) author pages and see
a row of covers with my name on them. And while it is rather satisfying to see
them, it also spurs me to write another book. </span></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiNrEtSYnp_wX73ElPLlcBySrKn1WFKxDewb58il5WYLRp-1D6eNDSxn4pJP5vorUsJPc0QtWy8qt-K-4QJUs_LLM1NulhbiND9aExJBc4kGcYTh3ptnP4kpCBMw9utBhcrQ9JuQWHaMZI/s1600/Bad+Vibes+ReDo+5.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiNrEtSYnp_wX73ElPLlcBySrKn1WFKxDewb58il5WYLRp-1D6eNDSxn4pJP5vorUsJPc0QtWy8qt-K-4QJUs_LLM1NulhbiND9aExJBc4kGcYTh3ptnP4kpCBMw9utBhcrQ9JuQWHaMZI/s320/Bad+Vibes+ReDo+5.jpg" width="213" /></a></div>
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<span style="color: #333333; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 10.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="background: #E7E7E7;"><br /></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="color: #333333; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 10.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="background: #E7E7E7;">My latest novel,<span class="apple-converted-space"> </span></span></span><a href="http://www.amazon.com/BAD-VIBES-Romantic-Thriller-ebook/dp/B009LYM3ZQ/ref=la_B0050KEWMM_1_4?ie=UTF8&qid=1352143006&sr=1-4" style="text-decoration: initial;" title=""><span style="background: #E7E7E7; color: #82449b; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 10.0pt; line-height: 115%;">BAD VIBES</span></a><span style="background: #E7E7E7; color: #333333; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 10.0pt; line-height: 115%;">, is the third in my hot romantic thriller series
set in the lower Rio Grande Valley on the Texas coast. The order of the series
is<span class="apple-converted-space"> </span></span><a href="http://www.amazon.com/Bad-Medicine-Texas~Bk-Romantic-ebook/dp/B007H5IUQ2/ref=pd_sim_kstore_1" style="text-decoration: initial;" title=""><span style="background: #E7E7E7; color: #82449b; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 10.0pt; line-height: 115%;">BAD MEDICINE</span></a><span style="background: #E7E7E7; color: #333333; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 10.0pt; line-height: 115%;">,<span class="apple-converted-space"> </span></span><a href="http://www.amazon.com/Bad-Karma-Texas-Bk-Romantic-ebook/dp/B0081SGPZW/ref=pd_sim_kstore_2" style="text-decoration: initial;" title=""><span style="background: #E7E7E7; color: #82449b; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 10.0pt; line-height: 115%;">BAD KARMA</span></a><span class="apple-converted-space"><span style="background: #E7E7E7; color: #333333; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 10.0pt; line-height: 115%;"> </span><span style="background: #E7E7E7; color: #333333; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 10.0pt; line-height: 115%;">and now,<span class="apple-converted-space"> </span></span></span><a href="http://www.amazon.com/BAD-VIBES-Romantic-Thriller-ebook/dp/B009LYM3ZQ/ref=la_B0050KEWMM_1_4?ie=UTF8&qid=1352143006&sr=1-4" style="text-decoration: initial;" title=""><span style="background: #E7E7E7; color: #82449b; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 10.0pt; line-height: 115%;">BAD VIBES. </span></a><span style="background: #E7E7E7; color: #333333; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 10.0pt; line-height: 115%;">To enter my November contest, please comment below
with your email or drop me a line on the contact page. The winner will receive
a free download plus a Bad Girls Need Love Too...tee shirt in
their size from small to XL. Hope that
autumn finds you well and reaping the harvest of your labors. </span><span style="color: #333333; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 10.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><br />
<span style="background: #E7E7E7;">*hugs* </span><br />
<span style="background: #E7E7E7;">~J.D. </span></span><o:p></o:p></div>
J.D., Tara, Carolhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10340968197946101390noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2999393674638669311.post-43465678218320952262012-10-22T15:47:00.000-07:002012-10-22T15:47:24.069-07:00Who's the Boss?<!--[if gte mso 9]><xml>
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<br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
Sometimes I have to seriously stop and ask myself that
question. Who’s the boss? Me or Lydia?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I
can see all of you already owned by furry four-footed housemates smirking.
Lydia of course. </div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
One niece says that Lydia is my sidekick. It’s more than
that. I think she wants to stick close to make sure this servant does what she’s
supposed to, when she’s supposed to. And somehow, our time schedules seldom
mesh. </div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
This is way past open the door, close the door, open the door….This
entails arguments. Usually about food.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I
heard that small dogs tended to be picky eaters.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Ha! No one shared that with Lydia, my 65
pound Boxer. Dry dog food is the stuff that goes into a cube she can knock
around for entertainment. She does eat what flies out. Why this tastes better
than when it’s put on her dish I have no idea. Certain brands she refuses to
touch. Dry or wet.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>My brother’s dog has
been the happy recipient of many of Lydia’s dislikes. She does like people food
– mostly. But there are some things she won’t eat there, either. Once, she
seemed to have an upset tummy and wasn’t interested in any food, dog or people.
Then I started cooking taco filling. That, she was interested in. Put a little
on her plate and she lapped it up. Weird dog. </div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Also a weird vocabulary for a dog. Hungry, she understands.
That’s not so strange. What drives me insane is that she understands cooking is
related to food and is related to hungry. Seriously. If I tell her I have to
cook she sits in her one particular waiting for food spot and waits for it.
If<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>it’s taking longer than she thinks it
should, she comes to investigate. Wants to make sure I’m staying on task.
If<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I take something from the oven, and
she wants it, she sits in the middle of the kitchen floor and waits for it. The
other day it was cornbread. I gave her a corner of a piece of my cornbread. She
loved it. I was done eating and went back to the family room. I heard barking
in the kitchen. Sure enough, there was Lydia, standing in front of the stove
where I had placed the pan of corn bread. She wanted more. </div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
These furry companions are a lot of fun, but they sure are
bossy things.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I always wondered why
there were pictures of people, with their dogs at their feet. Now I get it. It’s
like looking at the toddler when they’re clean and tucked in bed and could not
have possibly wreaked havoc around the house, even if they did. That is moment
they look adorable. Animals too. When they’re laying so nicely you don’t
remember that they have been places where they shouldn’t be or have driven you
crazy playing doorman, or personal chef. Every once in a while, I pretend I’m
the boss, but I know how this really goes.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>Who’s boss in your house?</div>
J.D., Tara, Carolhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10340968197946101390noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2999393674638669311.post-73238269336608871232012-10-12T00:25:00.000-07:002012-10-12T00:25:52.579-07:00A WRITER'S INSPIRATIONPeople sometime ask where a writer gets their ideas. I just released <a href="http://www.amazon.com/BAD-VIBES-Romantic-Thriller-ebook/dp/B009LYM3ZQ/ref=la_B0050KEWMM_1_4?ie=UTF8&qid=1350025263&sr=1-4" target="_blank">BAD VIBES</a>, the third novel in my romantic thriller series: THE EDGE OF TEXAS. This series was inspired by the beautiful south Texas coast, close to the border with Mexico. I used to enjoy sailing catamarans and raced on a circuit for 7 years. One of the most enjoyable places to race was off the South Padre Island beach. South Padre is a semi-tropical resort built on a strip of sand separated from the mainland by a 2.5 mile causeway over the Intracoastal Waterway. This channel was dredged and is maintained by the Army Corps of Engineers and it runs from the tip of Texas all the way to Florida. It is part of the coastal defense system built to protect our shores from enemy submarines during WWII. This was a favorite place to sail and my family enjoyed the many weekends we spent there. However, the mind of a writer (and perhaps even more so, the mind of a mystery/suspense writer) can find evil anywhere, so I have corrupted this paradise and my heroes and heroines get into all kinds of trouble there. <br />
<br />
Here is the description for BAD VIBES:<br />
<span style="background-color: white; font-family: verdana, arial, helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;">When government agent Mike “The Iceman” Burke invades her South Padre Island turf, Deputy Darla Calhoun is assigned as liaison officer to his team. Her skills as a sniper come in handy when a gang of human traffickers strikes close to home, kidnapping local women including her best friend. Darla is recovering from her husband’s suicide and trying to be a good parent to her twin sons. The ICE assignment takes her out of her misery and plunges her into a dangerous mission and a steamy affair. Mike and Darla tear up and down the Intracoastal Waterway in search of the kidnappers and the captive women while Rafael and Javier conduct their own investigation. Will they rescue the captive women or will the kidnappers slaughter them as they have done in the past? Two teams race to find the answers before it's too late.</span><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjhTUQGgyNYFQMLcp6C-RGbb-xzEoyBZfMbJHnaoa9a9thiY6llAV8oq1XdUT7faJEACUD3plEh_bAMv2Nn4g_ktlrEeYdLM-yFDaumrmnEG4gkhvcSz4wkycT0Pps7wyb8fmhECEiXKk8/s1600/Bad+Vibes+ReDo+6.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjhTUQGgyNYFQMLcp6C-RGbb-xzEoyBZfMbJHnaoa9a9thiY6llAV8oq1XdUT7faJEACUD3plEh_bAMv2Nn4g_ktlrEeYdLM-yFDaumrmnEG4gkhvcSz4wkycT0Pps7wyb8fmhECEiXKk8/s320/Bad+Vibes+ReDo+6.jpg" width="213" /></a></div>
<span style="background-color: white; font-family: verdana, arial, helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;"><br /></span>
<span style="background-color: white; font-family: verdana, arial, helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;">When government agent Mike “The Iceman” Burke invades her South Padre Island turf, Deputy Darla Calhoun is assigned as liaison officer to his team. Her skills as a sniper come in handy when a gang of human traffickers strikes close to home, kidnapping local women including her best friend. Darla is recovering from her husband’s suicide and trying to be a good parent to her twin sons. The ICE assignment takes her out of her misery and plunges her into a dangerous mission and a steamy affair. Mike and Darla tear up and down the Intracoastal Waterway in search of the kidnappers and the captive women while Rafael and Javier conduct their own investigation. Will they rescue the captive women or will the kidnappers slaughter them as they have done in the past? Two teams race to find the answers before it's too late.</span><br />
<br />
The following excerpt takes place when Mike has gone ashore to pick up the sheriff's liaison officer assigned to work with his team. He isn't especially happy about working with local law enforcement, thinking that they are too territorial. He was blown away when he finds out that the sheriff's "man" is the petite, female deputy who arrested him. This scene opens on the boat transporting them back to the <i>Long Shot</i>, the agent's boat.<br />
<br />
<u>EXCERPT</u>:<br />
<br />
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: -9.0pt; margin-right: -16.7pt; margin-top: 0in; text-indent: .3in;">
</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: .3in;">
Mike Burke shouldered the two green duffle bags and hoisted them into the
rubber rigid hull boat that was to return him to the cabin cruiser with the
sheriff’s “man.”<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: .3in;">
Another tall, Hispanic deputy, beefier than the Sheriff, manned the
craft. He seemed to hold Darla in high regard, chatting affably with her during
the short trip. <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: .3in;">
The air was damp to begin with and droplets of water hit Mike’s face as
the boat thudded over the water. In a short time, the rigid hull bumped against
the side of the larger craft and the deputy handed Darla on board. <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: .3in;">
“You be careful now, Darla. You hear me?”<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: .3in;">
She leaned down to grab his shoulder and gave it a squeeze. “If I don’t
come back, I’m willing my kids to you, Adriano.”<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: .3in;">
He grinned, patting her hand. “My wife thinks we’ve got something going
on anyway.” Adriano tossed the duffle bags aboard and turned to Mike, a Jekyll
and Hyde transformation coming over him. <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: .3in;">
He jammed a finger into Mike’s chest. “If Darla doesn’t come back in
mint condition, I will fucking kill you. Got that, Iceman?” He glared at Mike,
his teeth gritted together in a threatening grimace.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: .3in;">
Mike maintained his cool gaze, thinking that this big bull of a deputy
could do some damage, even to a man of his own size. “You just threatened a
Federal Agent.”<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: .3in;">
Adriano gave him a mirthless smile. “Good. You did get my message.”<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: .3in;">
Mike nodded. As he climbed aboard, he wondered what was so special about
Darla Calhoun, other than her pretty face and fine body. He’d noticed that she
was no longer wearing her wedding band. He figured that she’d taken it off for
the assignment. It was probably on her nightstand at home. But still, he had to
wonder.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: .3in;">
Freddy’s eyes lit up when he saw Darla and he grinned from ear-to-ear.
He took the hand she offered in both of his. Mike wondered if Freddy was going
to slobber all over it, but his partner managed to control his drooling. <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: .3in;">
Mike did a mental eye roll. <i>This is going to be a nightmare.</i><o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: .3in;">
“Where am I going to sleep?” she asked.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: .3in;">
Mike bit back the answer that sprang to mind. “There are two bunks below
deck. You can sleep in which ever one is empty at the time.”<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: .3in;">
She gave him a look that was somewhere between a smile and a smirk. “No,
you will show me which bunk is mine, and which bunk is to remain mine for the
duration of this assignment. I don’t care where you sleep.”<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: .3in;">
Freddy was about to wet himself, he was trying so hard to keep from
laughing. “I’ll show you the bunks, Darla,” he said. “You can take your pick.
Mike and I can share the other. One of us will be on watch at all times
anyway.”<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: .3in;">
Darla nodded and followed Freddy below deck.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: .3in;">
Mike swallowed something that felt like a boulder at the back of his
throat. He stood, gripping the railing, sorry now that he’d given up
cigarettes.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: .3in;">
In a short time, Freddy returned topside, a big grin on his face.
“Sweet!”<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: .3in;">
“Shut up!” Mike snarled.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: .3in;">
“Our girlfriend is getting settled in. I may have to brush my teeth.”<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: .3in;">
“We’ve got a job to do,” Mike bit out.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: .3in;">
“Right and it just got sweeter.” Freddy leaned closer. “Do you know what
she’s got in those bags?”<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: .3in;">
Mike snorted and gave him a look intended to denote disinterest. “Her
lace teddies and her collection of Victoria’s Secret catalogues?”<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: .3in;">
“She’s got her clothes all rolled up in one and the other--” He thumped
Mike on the shoulder. “It’s full of weapons and ammo. She is so my kind of
girl.”<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: .3in;">
When Darla came on deck, she was wearing shorts and a cotton shirt tied
at the waist. She looked the part of a tourist on a rented fishing boat.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: .3in;">
A giant fist slammed into Mike’s gut, He lifted one side of his mouth as
a form of reluctant approval. “So, are you going to fish?”<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: .3in;">
“If need be,” she said. “Don’t worry. I can bait my own hook.”<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: .3in;">
Mike digested this, wondering briefly what she was going to use for
bait.<o:p></o:p></div>
<br />
<div style="text-align: center; text-indent: 28.799999237060547px;">
~*~</div>
<br />
<br />
<div class="MsoNormalCxSpFirst">
The order of this series
is <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle">
(1) <a href="http://www.amazon.com/Bad-Medicine-Texas~Bk-Romantic-ebook/dp/B007H5IUQ2/ref=la_B0050KEWMM_1_6?ie=UTF8&qid=1349664478&sr=1-6">BAD
MEDICINE</a><span class="MsoHyperlink"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle">
(2) <a href="http://www.amazon.com/Bad-Karma-Texas-Bk-Romantic-ebook/dp/B0081SGPZW/ref=la_B0050KEWMM_1_4?ie=UTF8&qid=1349664636&sr=1-4">BAD
KARMA</a> <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle">
(3) <a href="http://www.amazon.com/BAD-VIBES-Romantic-Thriller-ebook/dp/B009LYM3ZQ/ref=la_B0050KEWMM_1_10?ie=UTF8&qid=1349660765&sr=1-10">BAD
VIBES</a>
<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle">
(4) <u>BAD DREAMS</u> <Under
Construction><o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle">
Visit J.D. Faver’s
website: <a href="http://www.jdfaver.com/">http://www.jdfaver.com/</a> </div>
<div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle">
follow
on <a href="https://twitter.com/JDFaverauthor">Twitter</a> & <a href="https://www.facebook.com/pages/JD-Faver-Author/117164385030100?ref=hl">Facebook</a><o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle">
<br /></div>
<br />
<br />
<div class="MsoNormalCxSpFirst">
I hope everyone has a
chance to visit South Padre Island and the Lower Rio Grande Valley. In the
meantime, you can visit through my series and keep up with the happenings. My
goal is to entertain…and keep you up nights. ;-)<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle">
*hugs*<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle">
~J.D.<o:p></o:p></div>
J.D., Tara, Carolhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10340968197946101390noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2999393674638669311.post-70489224295459877512012-09-17T15:53:00.001-07:002012-09-17T15:53:35.505-07:00Sink Your Teeth Into This...<!--[if gte mso 9]><xml>
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<br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
I’m surfacing. Finally. Please excuse the flour dust and my
apron.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Because I’m a little left of insane at times, I decided I
needed a change from my normal writing routine. As June keeps harping I am such
a foodie that I should be writing a cookbook. Since I was spinning my wheels in
other areas, I took up the challenge and joined her and Stephanie Berg in
assembling a cookbook. The first one is different from the others I have
planned. More on that in a moment.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>This
one is <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">A Vampire Cooks: 40 Recipes to
Sink Your Teeth Into</i>. <a href="http://www.amazon.com/A-Vampire-Cooks-ebook/dp/B009C0PC66/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1347918184&sr=8-1&keywords=A+Vampire+Cooks+Tara+Manderino">http://www.amazon.com/A-Vampire-Cooks-ebook/dp/B009C0PC66/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1347918184&sr=8-1&keywords=A+Vampire+Cooks+Tara+Manderino</a>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
I love writing about vampires. Since vampires have problems
eating, I had to think about what they would like to <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">serve </i>their mortal friends. The recipes are light on a variety of
colors: red predominates. </div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
But why write a cookbook at all? Because I am not just a
foodie. I grew up in a family of foodies. A little background: I’m of Italian
descent. My father’s family was from Calabria and Abruzzi. My mother’s family
is Sicilian. With that kind of background there were always a lot of family
events growing up – holidays, birthdays, religious milestones – and they all involved
food. Lots of food. This doesn’t count the spur of the moment visits by family
and friends (most who were Italian), which entailed more food. This scenario is
not so different from what a lot of people experience. Now these larger events
often meant both sides of the family would be together in the same house at the
same time. No problem. Where some families would talk about current events<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>my family talked about – food. Not just how
to prepare it or where to buy it, but about the food business.</div>
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<br /></div>
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My father had a pretty exclusive restaurant.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I grew up there. By the time I was 9 I knew
how to devein shrimp, write menus and make French Onion soup. In quantity. When
I was older, he had changed venues (long story about the building) and now had
an Italian take out and pizza shop. I could toss pizza with the best of them.
My father had one sister and two brothers. The sister married and had a family
and cooked a lot. One brother who lived nearby decided to open his own pizza
shop. His sons pretty much run them now and he oversees things.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The other brother had a restaurant in New
York City. On my mother’s side, her mother had a pizza shop (think we had a monopoly
here?) and my mom’s sister also worked there. Since my grandmother would occasionally
keep an eye on the grandchildren, we all grew up assembling pizza boxes, making
sausage, making pizza sauce and leaning how to sweep out the pizza ovens. As
soon as we were tall enough to see in the ovens, we would get the peel and
check for doneness and yell to an adult to remove the pizza.</div>
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<br /></div>
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Current events at the dinner table?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Not here. It was about pizza ovens, recipes,
the competition and exchanging trade secrets. The Abruzzi/Calabrese side vs the
Sicilian. It was never dull. </div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
I plan on talking more about my family, and food in the
future cookbooks I have planned. How could I not? The next two deal with
biscotti, and Christmas Eve. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>For now, since
I’m in the mood for soup, I’ll leave you with one of the recipes from <a href="http://www.amazon.com/A-Vampire-Cooks-ebook/dp/B009C0PC66/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1347918184&sr=8-1&keywords=A+Vampire+Cooks+Tara+Manderino" target="_blank"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">A Vampire Cooks</i></a>.</div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 25.0pt; mso-line-height-rule: exactly;">
<span style="font-size: 14.0pt;">Manhattan Clam Chowder. </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Very different from its heavier New England cousin, this
soup has a red and flavorful broth.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">Ingredients:</i></div>
<ul style="margin-top: 0in;" type="disc">
<li class="MsoNormal" style="color: windowtext; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1;"><span style="mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">3 (6.5 ounce each) cans minced clams</span></li>
<li class="MsoNormal" style="color: windowtext; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1;"><span style="mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">1-1/2 cups water</span></li>
<li class="MsoNormal" style="color: windowtext; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1;"><span style="mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">1 (16 ounce) can diced tomatoes,
undrained</span></li>
<li class="MsoNormal" style="color: windowtext; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1;"><span style="mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">1 cup chopped onion</span></li>
<li class="MsoNormal" style="color: windowtext; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1;"><span style="mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">2 potatoes, peeled and chopped</span></li>
<li class="MsoNormal" style="color: windowtext; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1;"><span style="mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">1/2 cup finely chopped carrots</span></li>
<li class="MsoNormal" style="color: windowtext; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1;"><span style="mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">1/2 cup finely chopped celery</span></li>
<li class="MsoNormal" style="color: windowtext; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1;"><span style="mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">1 teaspoon salt</span></li>
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<br /></div>
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<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">Directions:</i></div>
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<li class="MsoNormal" style="mso-list: l1 level1 lfo2;">Drain clams and reserve
liquid. Set clams aside.</li>
<li class="MsoNormal" style="mso-list: l1 level1 lfo2;">Add enough water to
reserved liquid to equal 3 cups.</li>
<li class="MsoNormal" style="mso-list: l1 level1 lfo2;">In a large saucepan, pour
clam juice and water mixture, tomatoes and their liquid, onion, potatoes,
celery and carrots and spices. Cover and simmer for 35 minutes.</li>
<li class="MsoNormal" style="mso-list: l1 level1 lfo2;">Reduce heat. Add clams.
Heat thoroughly.</li>
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<br /></div>
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Serves 6</div>
J.D., Tara, Carolhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10340968197946101390noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2999393674638669311.post-69049692746532203032012-09-14T20:09:00.000-07:002012-09-14T20:09:12.890-07:00From Deep in the Heart of Texas<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">by J.D. Faver</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">A few years back, I wrote a cookbook. This idea was born when my son married a gorgeous girl from New York and he moved up there from Texas with all his worldly possessions in his pick up. My daughter-in-law is a lovely young woman and when she called me one day to ask if my son was pulling her leg about chicken fried steak, I wasn't sure how to answer. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">"I mean, you don't actually put batter and gravy on a perfectly good steak do you?" she insisted.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">This gave me pause for thought. </span><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">There are so many things we take for granted, and certainly the foods we grow up with are a part of our comfort zone. So I set about chronicling our lives in food. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">The oldest recipe in my </span><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">possession</span><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"> had been an old recipe when I was a little girl. My grandmother had a box of index-size cards and papers folded to fit. One such paper had yellowed with age and was hand written in loopy cursive. My grandmother informed me that this recipe had come over on the boat from Ireland when one of our <b>foremothers</b> (yes, that's my word and I'm sticking with it) immigrated during the potato famine. My grandmother frequently prepared this version of Irish Potato Soup, especially when someone was feeling under the weather. I know from experience that this soup will fix you right up, no matter the ailment. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">In our family this is known as "Irish Penicillin."</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">I wrote down every recipe I could think of that I had ever fed my son. Now he grew to be a great big 6'4" strapping, Texan who ate everything that wasn't nailed down when he was growing up. I swear I never knew what leftovers were until he left home.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Then I expanded my recipe collection as I went along. When my mother was alive, I asked her for some of the recipes she had made and I wrote them down as she dictated. I also contacted my mother's youngest sister and she contributed some of her favorites. My collection ended up being quite a large tome. I printed it out and bound it as a cookbook for both my daughter and daughter-in-law one Christmas. I also made a CD for them in case they wanted to add their own recipes.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Recently, my friends and fellow authors, Tara Manderino and Stephanie Bancroft Berg were chatting with me about our recipe collections. The upshot is that we decided to publish our individual recipe collections. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">I am going to put out four seasonal cookbooks from my own perspective here in Texas. Tara, a Pennsylvanian of Italian descent cooks and bakes all the time for her family. Stephanie is of German/French ancestry and lives in Michigan. So we are all working hard to share our love of cooking with the world at large. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Next week, I will be sharing a peek with from the first to be published: A TEXAN IN THE KITCHEN~Autumn Recipes. I sincerely hope you like this because it comes from deep in my heart...</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">*hugs*</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">~J.D. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span>J.D., Tara, Carolhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10340968197946101390noreply@blogger.com11tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2999393674638669311.post-80185564317817549002012-09-06T19:46:00.001-07:002012-09-06T20:02:38.537-07:00The Hole in my Heart<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: 'lucida grande', tahoma, verdana, arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18px;">by J.D. Faver</span></div>
<span style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: 'lucida grande', tahoma, verdana, arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18px;">Having a quiet, sad, reflective few days after spending a week comforting my old dying cat. She wasn't in pain and spent most of that week in my lap or on my bed. I tried to rub her ears off and she rewarded me with lots of purring. Em</span><br />
<div class="text_exposed_show" style="background-color: white; color: #333333; display: inline; font-family: 'lucida grande', tahoma, verdana, arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18px;">
ily has been my loyal companion for 17 years, which was amazing since she had an enlarged heart and a vet told me she shouldn't have lived more than a few years. I can agree that she was a kitty with a big heart and a big attitude. My wonderful son-in-law came over (they all did) to make sure she got a proper burial. Glad I have a family that understands the importance of the furry family members. So, I have a hole in my heart, but Daisy, my other cat is trying to make up for my loss by becoming a cat-version of Velcro. Life goes on...</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi09CYY0WsJE9jaOi8eOG8HeEtguLO2iayXK65oPMCORhJkuY6kNgTIcTb111tRamQMbJITxaHBRsAj7NR_gAnnsN3S2DImCMCjxSVnnMBDNNaA7zs9JR9EfO8JZYv62E_4Zdf9_-uKnJg/s1600/Emily+2.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi09CYY0WsJE9jaOi8eOG8HeEtguLO2iayXK65oPMCORhJkuY6kNgTIcTb111tRamQMbJITxaHBRsAj7NR_gAnnsN3S2DImCMCjxSVnnMBDNNaA7zs9JR9EfO8JZYv62E_4Zdf9_-uKnJg/s320/Emily+2.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
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This is Emily, the small, bossy Manx that was my long time companion. What she lacked in tail she made up in attitude. She was able to express her wishes quite eloquently. </div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjmixYyPyUfR6QNOseBY0bdZE8BDq2buXvtBW5bETuJ7dLLrFTfXUNBz2ALl7WJrSsHRPDXcdvJyyESqoX4WFPrXSOL0SYBCloSPmxvrBh0VOvB2kA_3VIg_9AlzeocAqKEhUHMCtXvubw/s1600/Emily.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjmixYyPyUfR6QNOseBY0bdZE8BDq2buXvtBW5bETuJ7dLLrFTfXUNBz2ALl7WJrSsHRPDXcdvJyyESqoX4WFPrXSOL0SYBCloSPmxvrBh0VOvB2kA_3VIg_9AlzeocAqKEhUHMCtXvubw/s320/Emily.JPG" width="228" /></a></div>
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Emily was the official greeter. Anyone who entered our house would immediately have an opportunity to pay homage to the cat...the whole cat...and nothing but the cat. Since she was gray and white, you were always outfitted with cat hair to coordinate with any outfit. She had white socks with one little striped paw on her left forepaw which you can see in this picture. Yes, I miss my kitty. I keep expecting to see her on my bed or in her favorite window spot. As I write this, Daisy (my 25-lb white cat) is plastered against my thigh, delivering a massage and purring. I'm sure we both need the comfort. ~J.D. Faver</div>
J.D., Tara, Carolhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10340968197946101390noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2999393674638669311.post-73683100386613406382012-08-22T12:58:00.000-07:002012-08-22T12:58:24.964-07:00Thank You Lord for Time<span style="color: #666666; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 9pt; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-language: EN-US; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-latin;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt; mso-bidi-font-weight: bold;"><span style="color: black;">The other day I went through a drive-thru, where
when I don't forget, I order a senior coffee. :) I'm allowed. Ha.<o:p></o:p></span></span></span><br />
<span style="color: black; font-family: Times New Roman; font-size: small;">
</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt; mso-bidi-font-weight: bold;"><span style="color: black;">When the cashier handed the cup over, she said,
"Enjoy, Sweetie."<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<span style="color: black; font-family: Times New Roman; font-size: small;">
</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt; mso-bidi-font-weight: bold;"><span style="color: black;">Okay.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<span style="color: black; font-family: Times New Roman; font-size: small;">
</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt; mso-bidi-font-weight: bold;"><span style="color: black;">I thought, Oh Lord. Now I've really reached the
senior level. Then I remembered all the times I'd also called a lady,
"Sweetie." I felt bad. Bad that I had possibly caused some tic in a
perfectly nice person's day. <o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<span style="color: black; font-family: Times New Roman; font-size: small;">
</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt; mso-bidi-font-weight: bold;"><span style="color: black;">Anyway, I completely understood the cashier's
comment. Here I sat, no make-up and a gray streak running through the front of
my hair. At a younger age, I'd have never, never even gone to the mailbox
without make-up. Boy how times have changed! Once back at home, I took a good
look in the mirror. I barely recognized myself. You know, it's that memory we
have locked inside our heads that we're still as fresh and great looking as we
were at an earlier age. Twenty-something or just topping thirty. Well, that
lady didn't stare back at me. I was older, not getting any younger.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<span style="color: black; font-family: Times New Roman; font-size: small;">
</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt; mso-bidi-font-weight: bold;"><span style="color: black;">I went about my humdrum day and started the next
thing in my day. I stopped and considered what would happen if I didn't do
"that next thing." Nothing. Nothing would happen. "That thing,"
would be there the next day staring me in the face. So I didn't do it. Sure
enough, the next day I had to add it back into my chores. No matter, I got it
done without a hitch.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<span style="color: black; font-family: Times New Roman; font-size: small;">
</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt; mso-bidi-font-weight: bold;"><span style="color: black;">The following day I had an appointment with the
dermatologist. Hubby had gone the previous week for a mole removal. I was tense
about the mole, as it looked strangely like some of the cancerous moles I'd
researched on the internet. So the nurse called me in and when the doc came in,
I proceeded to show him the reason I was there. He checked out different areas,
and was about to begin the procedure. All of a sudden, he pulled back my collar
and said, "What about this?" <o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<span style="color: black; font-family: Times New Roman; font-size: small;">
</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt; mso-bidi-font-weight: bold;"><span style="color: black;">"Oh," I said. "I forgot to show you
that one." I smiled, and thanked him for finding the spot. I'd wondered
about it for a couple of months, but didn't really think much about it being
serious. I'd actually forgotten about it.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<span style="color: black; font-family: Times New Roman; font-size: small;">
</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt; mso-bidi-font-weight: bold;"><span style="color: black;">"What you have there is skin cancer."<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<span style="color: black; font-family: Times New Roman; font-size: small;">
</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt; mso-bidi-font-weight: bold;"><span style="color: black;">A light breath would have knocked me over. <o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<span style="color: black; font-family: Times New Roman; font-size: small;">
</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt; mso-bidi-font-weight: bold;"><span style="color: black;">"No problem. I'll burn it off and if it comes
back, make an appointment and we'll get it taken care of again."<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<span style="color: black; font-family: Times New Roman; font-size: small;">
</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt; mso-bidi-font-weight: bold;"><span style="color: black;">Okay. All was well with the world again, I'd simply watch and wait. I could do that. For such and unexpected diagnosis, I was perfectly
calm after I left the office.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<span style="color: black; font-family: Times New Roman; font-size: small;">
</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt; mso-bidi-font-weight: bold;"><span style="color: black;">About two hours later, the phone rang and it was the
same doctor's office calling for my hubby. They wouldn't give me a message
other than for hubby to call them. Well, my heart jumped in my throat. Could
hubby have cancer too? If so, it would probably be worse than mine, because of
the shape and size of the mole and the fact that another doctor had suggested he have it checked out.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<span style="color: black; font-family: Times New Roman; font-size: small;">
</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt; mso-bidi-font-weight: bold;"><span style="color: black;">Hubby called me back with great news. No cancer. <o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<span style="color: black; font-family: Times New Roman; font-size: small;">
</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt; mso-bidi-font-weight: bold;"><span style="color: black;">I was thrilled. I thought about how ironic it was
that I was so concerned about hubby, yet I was the one with bad news. Except
the bad news had a positive prognosis. I was thankful. I have too many books to
write. No time for that old nasty cancer.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<span style="color: black; font-family: Times New Roman; font-size: small;">
</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt; mso-bidi-font-weight: bold;"><span style="color: black;">The rest of the day, I didn't concern myself with
the removal of a cancer. I looked forward to doing my chores, my errands, everything
that crops up to take up my time.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<span style="color: black; font-family: Times New Roman; font-size: small;">
</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt; mso-bidi-font-weight: bold;"><span style="color: black;">Now, my time is used for positive. I won't let the
negative mar what I have to do, what I want to do. If cashiers want to call me
"Sweetie," so be it. I won't even let it register.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<span style="color: black; font-family: Times New Roman; font-size: small;">
</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt; mso-bidi-font-weight: bold;"><span style="color: black;">I have time on my side.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<span style="color: black; font-family: Times New Roman; font-size: small;">
</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt; mso-bidi-font-weight: bold;"><span style="color: black;">Enjoy your time and make the best of each day.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<span style="color: black; font-family: Times New Roman; font-size: small;">
</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt; mso-bidi-font-weight: bold;"><span style="color: black;">Carol DeVaney<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<span style="color: black; font-family: Times New Roman; font-size: small;">
</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt; mso-bidi-font-weight: bold;"><span style="color: black;">If you'd like to check out my books, you can find
them listed on my <a href="http://caroldevaney.weebly.com/" target="_blank">website</a>.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<span style="color: black; font-family: Times New Roman; font-size: small;">
</span>J.D., Tara, Carolhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10340968197946101390noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2999393674638669311.post-89000613567975208932012-08-15T07:35:00.000-07:002012-08-15T07:35:18.240-07:00Peanut Butter and Imagination
<br />
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<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt; mso-bidi-font-weight: bold;">Yesterday, I saw a commercial where this little boy
grabbed a jar of peanut butter, reached inside the jar and brought out a huge
fist full. With his other hand, he did the same with a jar of jelly. He looked
at his hands for a second, then jammed his hands together and took a bite. No
bread. Isn't that just like kids? If they have no utensils, their hands serve
them well. I laughed so hard at the boys reasoning.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
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<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt; mso-bidi-font-weight: bold;">I suppose we as adults do the same, except not
peanut butter and jelly, and our hands. Hopefully.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> <strong><span style="color: red;"> </span></strong></span><strong><span style="color: red;">:)<o:p></o:p></span></strong></span></div>
<br />
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<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt; mso-bidi-font-weight: bold;">A couple of weeks ago the day had gotten away from
me and I needed something quick to eat. The lunch meat tray was empty, I had
soup, but no time to heat and eat. The only bread in the house was a couple of
wheat hot dog buns. I grabbed one of the buns, and spread both sides with peanut
butter. Peeled a banana and slid it inside the bun. Easy peasy. No slicing or
dicing. Talk about good! I'd eaten banana sandwiches all my life, with peanut
butter or mayo, but on regular bread. Either one is okay with me.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
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<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt; mso-bidi-font-weight: bold;">Writing is kind of that way. Imagination is a
wonderful thing and we all have one. We, as writers, make do with what we have.
By that statement, I mean if one thing doesn't work, we reach down inside and
try something new. That's part of a writers make-up. We don't give up. The what
ifs, the whats, the whys. Will this new thought, this new way of twisting the
story work? If it doesn't, then we delete and start all over. Sometimes we can
take the same plot and turn it around with planning and persistence. If we're
lucky, our characters will intervene and give us the next around the bend development.
Give characters a little peanut butter and jelly, they'll come through every time.
They go together, they mix well.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
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<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt; mso-bidi-font-weight: bold;">So, what's your
inspiration?<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
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<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt; mso-bidi-font-weight: bold; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Carol
DeVaney</span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
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<a href="http://www.caroldevaney.weebly.com/"><span style="color: blue; font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt; mso-bidi-font-weight: bold; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">www.caroldevaney.weebly.com</span></a><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
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<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt; mso-bidi-font-weight: bold; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">You can
find my books at Amazon, Barnes&Noble and other epub outlets.</span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt; mso-bidi-font-weight: bold; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">A Smoky
Mountain Christmas</span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><o:p></o:p></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt; mso-bidi-font-weight: bold; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Perfect
Match </span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><o:p></o:p></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt; mso-bidi-font-weight: bold; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">A Matter
of Taste (a short story)</span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt; mso-bidi-font-weight: bold;"> <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></span><br />
J.D., Tara, Carolhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10340968197946101390noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2999393674638669311.post-40867973808286953582012-08-09T22:17:00.000-07:002012-08-09T22:18:47.651-07:00NATIONAL SPOIL YOUR DOG DAY<br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Arial;">by J.D. Faver<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Arial;">Well, I've done my part to
celebrate this day. I have waited on my dog, Minx, to the point that she is
rotten. I am of the opinion that your pets should be considered part of your
family and should share your life completely. She has a fenced back yard and
she is the queen of all she surveys. When I let her out in the morning, she
polices the yard and makes sure no squirrels or birds have invaded her turf. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Arial;">Minx is also known as Heart
of Darkness because she is full of mischief and way too much dog for me. She is
half <st1:state w:st="on"><st1:place w:st="on">Chihuahua</st1:place></st1:state>
and half rat terrier; in other words pure mutt. She is black and looks more
like a very small rat terrier with bigish stand up ears and more energy than a
bushel of ferrets. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Arial;">Every morning, I accompany
her into the back yard armed with her toys. My job is to throw them as far as
my poor little arms can throw. Her job is to fetch the toys back to me. This is
her only trick. The only reason she has mastered this single trick is because <b>I do not fetch</b>. If she doesn't bring
the toy right back to me, I go inside. Now if she fails to bring the toy to me,
I can tell her to go get it and she does. She is probably very disappointed
that she can't train me to fetch. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Arial;">I get more distance when
slinging a Frisbee across the back yard than with one of the balls or the rope
toy. But when I had a regular size Frisbee she would grip it with her teeth and
step on the curved edge which would knock it out of her mouth. For this reason,
I went to the pet store and spent a whopping $9.99 on a mini Frisbee about the
size of a saucer. Now, she can actually pick it up and come racing back to me...Priceless!<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Arial;">I know she is convinced that
we are both dogs. We have to play together, go outside together, we must be in
the same part of the house together. If I step out into the garage, I have my
little black doggie escort. When I go out the mailbox by the front curb by
myself, this sets up some serious complaints. Did mention that my dog is a
yappy, talky dog? She has quite a vocabulary which ranges from a high-pitched
and continuous yipping to a very vocal wowowowow. I could swear she says,
"Wi wuv wu." But then again, I say that to her all the time, so it
makes sense that she would say it back. :-)<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Arial;">So spoil your dog today, and
everyday. If you don't have one, please go by a shelter and find your new best
friend. Your dog is waiting for you and needs you to give him/her a forever
home. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Arial;">Hugs from me and a warm,
sloppy kiss from Minx...<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Arial;">~J.D.<o:p></o:p></span></div>J.D., Tara, Carolhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10340968197946101390noreply@blogger.com14tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2999393674638669311.post-183683692786256492012-08-09T12:32:00.000-07:002012-08-09T12:32:37.887-07:00Living Without Regrets<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt; mso-bidi-font-weight: bold;">At ninety years old, Mom is still getting around
pretty good, but her legs are giving out. Always ready to go when someone drops
by or my sister asks her if she'd like to get out for a while, she pushes
herself to the limit. I can picture the smile on her face now, and know a lunch
of fried chicken and biscuits is in the back of her mind. <span style="color: blue;"><strong>:)</strong></span> <o:p></o:p></span>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin: 0in 0in 0pt; mso-pagination: none;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt; mso-bidi-font-weight: bold;">She's the one who guided me into adulthood, along
with a village of love. Yes, I'm aware it takes a village to raise a child, and
my mom had a large village full of loving family and friends who willingly took
over when she couldn't. So many times I think of everything she did within the adversities
of her unsettled life. But, she kicks back all the bad times and looks forward
to seeing her children, grandchildren, great and great-great grandchildren. She
doesn't get to see all of them often, but is<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>proud and loves each one.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
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<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt; mso-bidi-font-weight: bold;">I guess the one thing that sticks in my mind is Mom
was, and still is, all for the underdog. Material possessions weren't on her
list of importance, and I've known her to give her last dollar to the church.
If she knew someone was down and out, she was the first to gather what she
could for the family. Her huge heart is full of compassion for others.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
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<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt; mso-bidi-font-weight: bold;">As I look at photos of Mom scattered around my house, I'm
filled with love, good memories and plenty of smiles. But...I get this sinking
feeling in my gut, that things could have been so much better for her. Do I
have regrets? You bet I do. Still, I know I've done so much that made her happy
and that alone helps relieve some of the regrets. We all have regrets, but I'm
trying each day to wipe out everything I can to avoid living with regrets.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
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<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt; mso-bidi-font-weight: bold;">As I write this, the sky is overcast, dark and the
thunder rolls overhead. I don't want my heart to feel this way when I can
brighten Mom's day.</span></div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin: 0in 0in 0pt; mso-pagination: none;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt; mso-bidi-font-weight: bold;">Speaking of bright, lightning is popping all around and the power has gone off three times. Time to shut down and maybe I'll call Mom just to say hello. After the lightning stops of course! </span></div>
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<br /></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt; mso-bidi-font-weight: bold;"><span style="color: #6fa8dc;"><strong>Here's an excerpt of my upcoming novel,</strong></span> <strong><span style="color: blue;">Not My Own</span></strong></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt; mso-bidi-font-weight: bold;">
</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 25pt; margin: 0in 0in 0pt; mso-layout-grid-align: auto; mso-line-height-rule: exactly; mso-pagination: widow-orphan; text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif";">The
sunlight’s warmth lay a spider-web across the gray marble floor, yet a chill
cut to Megan's bones. Death hung in the air. She smelled it. Felt it. Her
senses alive with its familiarity. Each click of her heels inched her closer to
a hissing respirator in room 407.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 25pt; margin: 0in 0in 0pt; mso-layout-grid-align: auto; mso-line-height-rule: exactly; mso-pagination: widow-orphan; text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif";"></span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif";">Accommodating the
Vail attorney’s request, providing closure to a chain of unhappy incidents in
her past, was not what she’d had in mind. Still she’d come.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 25pt; margin: 0in 0in 0pt; mso-line-height-rule: exactly; text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif";"></span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif";">Megan pressed
three fingers against her temples and moved into the room. Facing the man in
the slanted bed, would be the hardest thing she'd done since her husband and
son's death.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 25pt; margin: 0in 0in 0pt; mso-line-height-rule: exactly; text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif";"></span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif";">Uncertain of his
feelings, or if he was even aware she was there, Megan moved into the room and
stopped beside her father's bed. She was unprepared for the toll the terminal
illness had taken on his body.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif";"></span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif";">She wouldn’t give
him the satisfaction of seeing her tears. With a smile pasted on her face, she
braved seeing the man who no longer resembled her father.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif";"></span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif";">Her breath caught
at the blue eyes, that had once tormented her, staring back glazed in impending
death. Anger and resentment passed like a storm in the night over their seven
years of separation.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif";"></span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif";">He’d been a
virile, yet vain man. The salt and peppered hair that he’d taken such pride in,
had turned to alabaster. Thin, yellowed skin folded into crevices of his
skeletal form and stilled bony fingers, did little to satisfy her need for
revenge. Why <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>did it matter that he’d not
know she’d become successful in spite of him?</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 25pt; margin: 0in 0in 0pt; mso-line-height-rule: exactly; text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif";"></span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif";">Megan recalled her
mother’s words. ‘Time waits for no man. Savor every moment.’ There would be no
more moments for her and her father. No more time to ease the pain of
separation and the precious lifetime they’d spent apart.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 25pt; margin: 0in 0in 0pt; mso-line-height-rule: exactly; text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif";"></span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-US;">A lump rose in her throat, choking off her breath. A
kaleidoscope of beautiful memories rushed through the bad ones. They’d both
cheated themselves of time. Had being stubborn been worth what she knew now to
be the last days, maybe hours of her father’s life?</span></div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin: 0in 0in 0pt; mso-pagination: none;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt; mso-bidi-font-weight: bold;">Carol DeVaney</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt; mso-bidi-font-weight: bold;"><a href="http://www.caroldevaney.weebly.com/">www.caroldevaney.weebly.com</a></span></div>
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<br /></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt; mso-bidi-font-weight: bold;">You can find my books at Amazon, Barnes&Noble and other epub outlets.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt; mso-bidi-font-weight: bold;">A Smoky Mountain Christmas</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt; mso-bidi-font-weight: bold;">Perfect Match </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt; mso-bidi-font-weight: bold;">A Matter of Taste (a short story)</span></div>
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<br /></div>
J.D., Tara, Carolhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10340968197946101390noreply@blogger.com8tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2999393674638669311.post-60348029974385559082012-08-03T11:15:00.001-07:002012-08-03T11:21:27.136-07:00A Little Romance...<br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 14pt;">by J. D. Faver<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 14pt;"><br /></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 14pt;">Welcome to
August, National Romance Awareness Month. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 14pt;">While I'm pleased
that this very hot month has been dedicated to Romance Awareness, I'm also shaking
my head. Do you know how HOT it is?<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 14pt;">Romance equates
to warm embraces, skin contact and so much more that involves heat-producing
activities. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 14pt;">Whoever decided
that August was the month to be aware of romance was obviously not living in
southeast <st1:state w:st="on"><st1:place w:st="on">Texas</st1:place></st1:state>
where it's hot and sticky...and did I mention, HOT? The census bureau confirms that more babies
are born in August. (Ahem, both of mine were) That being said, I would think
that November, and cooler temperatures, would be more likely to spark a little
romance than this muggy, sultry summer heat. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 14pt;">If a hopeful
Lothario brings chocolate, you better stow it in the fridge because, even as he
walks from his air-conditioned car to your air-conditioned door, the chocolate
will become a little ooky. Same goes for flowers. Better get those long-stemmed
beauties in a vase quick before they faint. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 14pt;">Just went outside
with my dog. We were both ready to come inside in a matter of minutes...maybe
it was seconds. Gah! C'mon September.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 14pt;">Sending you a
cool excerpt from my romantic thriller, ON ICE. Hope you enjoy it.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 14pt;">~J.D.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 14pt;"> </span><span style="text-align: center; text-indent: 28.799999237060547px;">~*~</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: .3in;">
It snowed again that night. Rene
stared out the window at the powdery flakes falling to earth. The full moon
cast a silvery glow over the whiteness, contrasting against the dark of the
trees. She shivered, contemplating her aloneness. She thought about Brett’s
home, so snug and secure. What was he doing now? Was he staring out the window,
thinking of her? The lonely howl of a wolf broke the stillness of the night.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: .3in;">
She pulled on her jacket and boots
and stepped quietly onto the porch. The crisp, cold night air tingled against
her cheeks. The wolf howled again. Rene crunched out into the snow, taking in
great lungfuls of the chilled air. It only hurt a little now. Throwing her head
back, Rene answered the wolf, howling mournfully. The sound resonated, creating
a hollowness when it died away. The eerie silence was broken when the wolf
howled its reply.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: .3in;">
“Mom?” Seth held Sara’s mittened
hand as they watched her from the porch. They wore warm down-filled jackets,
their breath sending cartoon-like balloon shapes from their mouths. “Are you
okay?”</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: .3in;">
“I’m fine. I was just keeping the
wolf company.”</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: .3in;">
“The wolf?” he asked.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: .3in;">
As if on cue, the wolf’s howl cut
into the icy night.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: .3in;">
“The wolf.” Rene held her arms out
to the children. They ran to her, still holding hands. She embraced them, and
then holding their hands, danced them around in circles. As she danced, Rene
howled to the wolf. Sara threw back her head and let out a shrill, wolf-like
howl. Seth and the wolf joined in.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: .3in;">
“Let’s go in,” Rene said. “It’s
cold and we have to get up early tomorrow.”</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: .3in;">
Rene slept well, but dreamed a
strange jumble of dreams. She was dancing in the moonlight. First, she danced
with the children, then with Brett. Then it was Mark. She ran as Mark changed
into the wolf and chased her. She stopped and turned on her pursuer. Rene
became the bear. Rearing up on her haunches, she growled and slashed her
powerful claws at him. Waking suddenly, she lay in the dark listening to her
heart thudding against her ribs. She smiled in the darkness, feeling powerful
and secure.</div>
<div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center; text-indent: .3in;">
~*~</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 14pt;">ON ICE is
currently available on Amazon: <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<a href="http://www.amazon.com/Ice-Contemporary-Romantic-Thriller-ebook/dp/B00758KQ22/ref=la_B0050KEWMM_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1344013888&sr=1-1">http://www.amazon.com/Ice-Contemporary-Romantic-Thriller-ebook/dp/B00758KQ22/ref=la_B0050KEWMM_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1344013888&sr=1-1</a><span style="font-size: 14pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>J.D., Tara, Carolhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10340968197946101390noreply@blogger.com16tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2999393674638669311.post-54036470448202245272012-08-01T15:18:00.000-07:002012-08-01T15:18:16.417-07:00Changing Times<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt; mso-bidi-font-weight: bold;">I can't believe it's August already. This year
zoomed by. Some of our schools started back at the end of July. Unbelievable.
We didn't return to school until after Labor Day. Parents and children alike,
rush to get in quality time with each other. They barely have time<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>to turn around, then it's time to shop and
ready the kids for the next school year.<o:p></o:p></span><br />
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin: 0in 0in 0pt; mso-pagination: none;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt; mso-bidi-font-weight: bold;">My grandson has been to camp, spent a few days with
a friend, a few days and nights with us, here and there. He spent a week at the
lake with his other grandfather, a week in Florida, and has just returned from a
cruise with Mom and Dad, and friends. He has one week left before attending
school. He's growing up so fast.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
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<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt; mso-bidi-font-weight: bold;">When I think of everything I need to do before
year's end, it boggles my mind. Last year I barely made my (second) deadline of
addressing Christmas cards. I'm hoping to improve on the schedule this year.
The list has dropped from around two-hundred to under one-hundred. Some people
moved away, some passed away, others send online good wishes, still others have,
for one reason or another, stopped sending cards. Some were employees of
businesses no longer in business. Sad.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
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<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt; mso-bidi-font-weight: bold;">My card box is filled with beautiful cards I picked
up on sale in January. Buying in January reminds me of a sweet Jewish couple I
worked with for a while. If they were going to give birthday gifts, the after
Christmas sales found them busy choosing. Usually<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>a money card is what their family received, which
at one time I thought was something I'd never do. I love choosing a special gift
and watching the receiver's eyes light up. But, as the children have gotten
older, me too, I find money is the one thing children love the most. They can
buy whatever they want and not feel they have to smile and say thank you for something they
already have or have no use for.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin: 0in 0in 0pt; mso-pagination: none;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt; mso-bidi-font-weight: bold;">Gifts under the tree has grown smaller by the year,
but the kids always make a beeline for their stocking. Filled with fun things,
something small but special, and that one flat envelope they know will be
inserted. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin: 0in 0in 0pt; mso-pagination: none;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt; mso-bidi-font-weight: bold;">So, I guess you can tell I'm already planning ahead
for the holidays. I'm also looking forward to them.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
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<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt; mso-bidi-font-weight: bold;">What has changed in the way you plan holidays these
days?<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
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<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt; mso-bidi-font-weight: bold;"><o:p> </o:p></span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt; mso-bidi-font-weight: bold;">Carol DeVaney<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt; mso-bidi-font-weight: bold;"><a href="http://www.caroldevaney.weebly.com/">www.caroldevaney.weebly.com</a><o:p></o:p></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt; mso-bidi-font-weight: bold;"><strong><span style="color: blue;">Look for my next novel before Christmas<o:p></o:p></span></strong></span><br />
<br />
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<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt; mso-bidi-font-weight: bold;"><strong><span style="color: blue;">Not My Own</span></strong> blurb</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">After nine
years of being estranged from her father, Megan Phillips now faces the second
most difficult time in her life. The man who hurt her the most, has summoned
her back to Vail, Colorado, her childhood home. Even in death, her father dishes
out the last word. One thing she knows for sure is, she won't allow her father
to dictate her future from the grave.<o:p></o:p></span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Either
Megan procure responsibility for Adam, a seven-year-old brother she hadn’t
known existed, or she loses a vast inheritance. Megan wants nothing from her
father, and refuses the inheritance. But, her father's love child has nothing
to do with the rift between her and her father. She can't abandon the child,
but her search at finding a home for him, alters her in ways she never dreamed.<o:p></o:p></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Then, there’s
her father's lawyer, the hunky Bret Evans. A bachelor, all business, Bret is
married to his law practice. Love and a family of his own is far down the
ladder of achievements. Megan, the woman who catches his eye from the start, could
be the one who removes a few rungs in his ladder.<o:p></o:p></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-US;">Whatever will Megan do with a man who makes her
forget she never wanted children, a family? The man who takes her breath away.</span>J.D., Tara, Carolhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10340968197946101390noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2999393674638669311.post-28785197145864539502012-07-27T17:45:00.001-07:002012-07-28T08:43:35.653-07:00NATIONAL DAY OF THE COWBOYby J.D. Faver<br />
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Saturday, July 28, 2012 is the official National Day if the Cowboy.
Check out some of the events in celebration of the American Cowboy Heritage.</div>
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<a href="http://www.nationaldayofthecowboy.com/">http://www.nationaldayofthecowboy.com/</a></div>
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<br /></div>
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You might be surprised to find that there are cowboy artists
and cowboy poets and cowboy authors. All inspired by the culture that forged
this great land of ours. </div>
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I was born and grew up in <st1:place w:st="on">Oklahoma</st1:place>. Cowboys were a common sight. Not
the kind that I see around <st1:city w:st="on">Houston</st1:city>
during the Livestock Show and Rodeo, with big shiny buckles and expensive ostrich
boots, but real, working cowboys. I guess that's why I have to giggle when I
see the covers some of my fellow romance writers have on their "western
romances". I just want to say, Oh, yeah...cowboys always go to the gym to
get pumped up and then wear a leather vest with no shirt...Um hum...Standard
cowboy garb...NOT!!!</div>
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First of all, while a real live cowboy might have occasion
to remove his shirt from time to time, they do not have spray-on tans nor do
they shave their body hair. I have heard women make all kinds of swooney
comments about these cover boys, but come on now...really?</div>
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</div>
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When a real cowboy cleans up to go to town, they know what
the women like. Clean is first on the list. A starched western shirt is really
a must for sexy cowboys...Did you ever notice that those snaps pop right open.
<g></div>
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And haircuts? Scroll through the pix of real working
cowboys. They have neat haircuts and do not appear to be anything like the guys
who were modeling as street thugs in jeans the week before they got the call to
be 'cowboys'. Why? Because working on a real live ranch is hot and short hair
is a must. Hence the term, rednecks...sunburns on exposed necks. When they
drive their trucks into town for their regular haircuts (pronounced harcut)
they go to a real barber and not a stylist. Seriously, you want to put product in
his hair? What is product?</div>
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BTW...It's not ever a pick-up truck. It's a pick-up or a
truck. Please get this right.</div>
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And cowboys do love their horses. Their horse is their
friend and companion and probably understands them better than their
girlfriend. </div>
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I have to share with you that a really sweet romance author
from the east coast called me up and asked the question, "What do you say
to a horse to make it go?"</div>
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When I stopped laughing, I suggested that she might want to
write something she knew more about. But she persisted, and chose an
image of a cowboy in a leather vest with a smooth, bare chest for her cover.
No, I haven't read it. I don't want to know what she thinks you say to a horse
to make it go.</div>
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Finally, a male friend of mine pointed out that when a cowboy
gives his word, it means something. If a cowboy shakes on it, you can take it to
the bank.</div>
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<br /></div>
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I am in the process of producing a sequel to my novel,
BADLANDS, a romantic suspense set in the <st1:state w:st="on">Texas</st1:state>
panhandle. Yep, there are cowboys, horses, ranches and action. Here is the
Amazon link if you want to take a look at it Book I. </div>
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<a href="http://www.amazon.com/Badlands-Contemporary-Romantic-Suspense-ebook/dp/B005341WX2/ref=la_B0050KEWMM_1_7?ie=UTF8&qid=1343063380&sr=1-7">http://www.amazon.com/Badlands-Contemporary-Romantic-Suspense-ebook/dp/B005341WX2/ref=la_B0050KEWMM_1_7?ie=UTF8&qid=1343063380&sr=1-7</a></div>
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Here is an excerpt from the sequel. For those of you who
asked for it, I am giving you a second helping of <st1:place w:st="on">BADLANDS</st1:place>:
In this scene, Jenna, the local veterinarian, has had a run-in with E.J. the
reluctant Dallas-bred rancher. She goes to the Friday night dance at the
Eagle's hall and she's looking for a real cowboy, someone who shares her love
of the wide open spaces and ranching as a way of life.</div>
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<br /></div>
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<b><span style="font-size: 16pt; line-height: 150%;"> ~*~<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
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Jenna paid for her ticket at the
door and made a beeline for the bar. She ordered a longneck and turned to look
over the crowd. She saw a fine mix of all the usual suspects as well as some
people she figured had come from other towns to hear the band. She thought she
would just hang out at the bar and not sit with anyone yet. <i>Keep my options open</i>. She usually came
with friends, but the friends would keep her busy dancing and if there was
someone wonderful out there, he wouldn’t know that she was single…totally unattached…available…</div>
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She turned back to the bar and
sucked down a long swallow of beer. Her timing had been right. The band had
taken the stage and they were doing sound checks, so the music should start
soon. She wanted to see who took the floor with their dates and who were the
single men just itching to dance with her.</div>
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She had pulled on her starched and
ironed jeans and the boots she saved for special occasions, not stomping
through cattle pens. She wore a knit top that showed off her slim curves and
let her hair hang free. Somebody, somewhere ought to notice that she was a girl
tonight.</div>
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“Hey Jenna!” </div>
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She turned to see Frank one of the
hands who worked for Camryn Carmichael…Ryan now. She let out a huff of air.
“Hey, yourself.”</div>
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He paid for a beer and leaned on
the bar alongside her. “You’re lookin’ mighty hot tonight.”</div>
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“Thanks.” She had to grin at his
pronouncement. He was cute; maybe even handsome…a couple of years younger than she,
but cute nonetheless.</div>
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And he knew how to dress. Starched
and pressed Wranglers. Same for his shirt and he was wearing the right hat.
Resistol straw for summer. His boots were polished, but looked broken in and
comfortable. His Wranglers were just the right length where they stacked on top
of his boots and didn’t look like he was wearing high waters. <i>Honestly! Some of these so-called cowboys.
All hat. No cattle. <o:p></o:p></i></div>
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The band started off the night with
a two-step and Frank set his longneck on the bar. “Would you care to dance,
Jenna?” he asked. </div>
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“I don’t mind if I do.” She grinned
and put her hand in the one he offered to her. Frank swung her onto the dance
floor and they made a circle, dancing all around the room. She got a chance to
look over the crop of candidates and decided she had the pick of the litter.
And he could dance…wasn’t stepping all over her or jerking her around. <i>Smooth as maple syrup</i>.</div>
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The next dance was a fast polka and
Frank picked up the tempo, whirling her around in strong arms. She found
herself grinning, having a great time in spite of herself. Even if Frank wasn’t
the educated husband material she was looking for, he was there and he was
attentive. <i>That’ll do</i>.</div>
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He walked her back to the bar when
the song was over and retrieved his beer. He touched the brim of his hat and
walked away.</div>
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Jenna felt a little miffed. She hadn’t
figured that he would just leave. She saw him make a beeline to the table where
Milita Rios was sitting with some friends. He pulled up a chair across from her
and they appeared to be in rapt conversation. <i>Well, damn!</i></div>
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She turned back to her beer and jostled
the tall man standing beside her. He spilled his shot of whatever he was
drinking. “Oh, I’m sorry,” she said and reached for a stack of napkins. She
turned to the man and began mopping at his sleeve.</div>
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“Thanks a lot, Jenna. That’s a nice
thing to do for a jackass.”</div>
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She gazed up into the smirking face
of the biggest jackass in her entire frame of reference. E.J. Kincaid. Her
napkin-wielding hand froze in mid-air. “Sorry,” she muttered and wadded the wet
napkins into a ball. She lobbed it over the bar and into a trash can on the
opposite wall.</div>
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“Three points.” E.J. toasted her
with what was left of his drink and tossed it down. “You must have been a star
of the girl’s basketball team.”</div>
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She huffed out a disgruntled sound.
“As a matter of fact, I was.” She looked him over. <i>Too freakin’ perfect</i>. “I don’t suppose you dirtied your lily-white
hands to play sports, did you?”</div>
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He chortled and signaled the
bartender for another drink. “As a matter of fact, I did.”</div>
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“Okay, I’ll bite. Did you go out
for theater arts or floral design?”</div>
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“Soccer, rugby, <st1:place w:st="on">la crosse</st1:place>, field hockey, tennis, equestrian
and, yes…I did play basketball.”</div>
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“Well, consider me impressed.” She
didn’t tell him what she thought of all those fancy, private school so-called
sports. <i>Soccer?</i> Hadn’t he heard of
good old American football? “Let me pay for your drink, since I spilled it all
over you.”</div>
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“That would be nice, but I can’t
let you do that,” he said. “We jackasses always pay our own way.”</div>
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She sucked in a
breath and took another sip of her beer. He wasn’t going to let that one go
anytime soon. </div>
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The bartender
poured a shot of Patron in the empty glass and E.J. motioned for him to leave
the bottle. </div>
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“I must say, Jenna.
You look amazingly attractive tonight.”</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="tab-stops: 1.5in; text-indent: .3in;">
She arched an
eyebrow. “Amazingly?”</div>
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“I should say, I
have never seen you look as pretty as you do this evening.” He lifted the glass
and let the tequila roll down his throat.</div>
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“You’re not feeling
any pain, are you?”</div>
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He snorted. “You
think I’d have to be drunk to compliment you?”</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="tab-stops: 1.5in; text-indent: .3in;">
“Well, it sure
doesn’t hurt.”</div>
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“Nooo,” he drawled
out. “I always thought you were pretty. Just didn’t think you knew how to be a
woman.”</div>
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“Wha-a-a?” She drew
herself to her full height and stared up at him with her mouth open. “I’ll have
you know I’m more woman than you could ever handle.”</div>
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“You’re probably
right,” he grunted and finished off his drink. “Come on. Let’s dance. Then you
can say you’ve danced with a jackass.”</div>
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He grabbed her hand
and led her to the middle of the dance floor. Just as he twirled her into his
arms the band finished the fast song they had been playing and changed to a
slow one. </div>
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She found herself
staring up into impossibly blue eyes and pressed against a chest as hard as
concrete. She knew for a fact that this guy didn’t work at much of anything. <i>Maybe he got those pecs by lifting his
hairdryer.<o:p></o:p></i></div>
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He pulled her
closer and began moving to the music. He was easy to follow and led her around
the dance floor without running into anyone. That was a plus. And when the next
song started up, he slid right into a two-step without any hesitation. </div>
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<i>Okay, he can dance…and he’s got a great
body, I’ll give him that. And he’s gorgeous to look at, but he’s still an
arrogant jackass.<o:p></o:p></i></div>
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When the song was
over he tucked her hand in the crook of his arm and escorted her back to the
bar. “Do you want to sit down?” he asked.</div>
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“Yeah, I guess so.”
She wondered what the regulars were thinking of her dancing with Eldon
Kincaid’s fancy-pants son, but when she looked around, no one was paying any
particular attention. </div>
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“Bartender, another
glass.” E.J. motioned to the bartender who brought him a second shot glass. He
picked up the bottle and both glasses and directed her to a table on the far
side of the dance floor. </div>
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She nodded and led
the way, conscious of every head that turned her way. <i>Well, now they’re checking us out. Great!</i> </div>
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E.J. set the bottle
down and pulled out a chair for her and then seated himself. <i>At least his manners are impeccable. Maybe
if he just doesn’t talk</i>.</div>
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He filled both
glasses and offered her one. </div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="tab-stops: 1.5in; text-indent: .3in;">
<i>Oh, what the heck!</i> She picked up the
glass and clinked it against his before throwing the fiery liquid down her
throat. She sucked in a breath of air and it seemed that her entire gullet and
esophagus were enflamed. </div>
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After the next
round of dancing, E.J. refilled her glass and it didn’t seem quite so scorching
this time. </div>
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She was surprised
that he could actually carry on an intelligent conversation. At least he could
make her laugh. Well, she was on her home turf. All her friends were here,
although they seemed to be keeping their distance. Probably intimidated by the
big, rich E.J. Kincaid. But she wasn’t afraid of him. What could happen?</div>
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<b><span style="font-size: 16pt;">~*~<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
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<br /></div>
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And if you're interested in kids and reading, check out this
event in which Barnes & Noble supports Read em Cowboy: </div>
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<br /></div>
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<a href="http://nationaldayofthecowboy.com/wordpress/?p=52">http://nationaldayofthecowboy.com/wordpress/?p=52</a></div>
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And if you like sexy country music, check out this Kenny Chesney video: <a href="http://kilt.cbslocal.com/music-videos/Kenny+Chesney/Come+Over/USBVA1200012/" style="background-color: white;">http://kilt.cbslocal.com/music-videos/Kenny+Chesney/Come+Over/USBVA1200012/</a></div>
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<br /></div>
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Have a great weekend...and get your cowboy on. :-)</div>
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<br /></div>
<br />J.D., Tara, Carolhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10340968197946101390noreply@blogger.com18tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2999393674638669311.post-35641897226426859572012-07-19T12:19:00.001-07:002012-07-19T12:20:17.707-07:00Okay. So I'm Southern.<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt; mso-bidi-font-weight: bold;">I admit being a Southerner and proud of it!</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt; mso-bidi-font-weight: bold;"></span> <br />
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt; mso-bidi-font-weight: bold;">One thing, besides Sweet Tea of course, is that we all know Southerners love biscuits. Beautiful golden, flaky, fresh out of the oven, melt in your mouth, biscuits. There isn't much you can't add inside a sliced biscuit that isn't tasty, or covered with milk gravy. Or sliced, buttered and toasted in an iron skillet. Too good!<o:p></o:p></span><br />
<br />
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<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt; mso-bidi-font-weight: bold;">Now that said, being a diabetic, the old fashioned biscuits are almost, notice I said almost, a thing of the past for me, because they spike my sugar. I still enjoy a delicious bacon biscuit from my favorite eatery once in a while though. :)</span></div>
<br />
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<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt; mso-bidi-font-weight: bold;">I happened upon a recipe for whole wheat biscuits a couple of months back from WebMD site. Here's the link if you're interested.</span><o:p></o:p></div>
<br />
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<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt; mso-bidi-font-weight: bold;"><a href="http://www.webmd.com/food-recipes/whole-wheat-buttermilk-biscuits">http://www.webmd.com/food-recipes/whole-wheat-buttermilk-biscuits</a></span></div>
<br />
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<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt; mso-bidi-font-weight: bold;">The process for these biscuits is a bit time consuming, but worth the effort. Gone are the days when I could mix up a batch of biscuits in a matter of minutes and pop them into the oven.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
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<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt; mso-bidi-font-weight: bold;">I wanted to post the recipe here, but didn't have time to get permission from the site. You can find many recipes that call for wheat flour if you, like me, can't eat a lot of <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>white flour.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
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<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt; mso-bidi-font-weight: bold;">I have a pasta maker, but haven't made any with it yet. Time to drag out the unit and get started!</span></div>
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<br /></div>
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-font-weight: bold; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-language: EN-US; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-latin;">Do you have a favorite recipe using wheat flour? If so, I'd love hearing from you.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-font-weight: bold; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-language: EN-US; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-latin;"></span> <br />
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-font-weight: bold; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-language: EN-US; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-latin;">Carol DeVaney</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-font-weight: bold; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-language: EN-US; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-latin;"><a href="http://www.caroldevaney.weebly.com/">www.caroldevaney.weebly.com</a></span>J.D., Tara, Carolhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10340968197946101390noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2999393674638669311.post-19494291235190962222012-07-12T22:12:00.002-07:002012-07-13T09:49:01.381-07:00Friday the 13th--It's Your Lucky Day!!!<br />
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Several theories have been proposed
about the origin of the Friday the 13th superstition. One theory states that it
is a modern amalgamation of two older superstitions: that thirteen is an unlucky number and that Friday is an unlucky day.</div>
In numerology, the number twelve is considered the number of completeness, as reflected in the
twelve months of the year, twelve hours of the clock, twelve gods of Olympus<span style="background-color: white; line-height: 14.25pt;">, twelve tribes of Israel, twelve Apostles of Jesus, the 12 successors of Muhammad in Shia Islam</span><span style="background-color: white; line-height: 14.25pt;">, etc., whereas the number
thirteen was considered irregular, transgressing this completeness. There is
also a superstition, thought by some to derive from the Last Supper </span><span style="background-color: white; line-height: 14.25pt;">or a Norse myth, </span><span style="background-color: white; line-height: 14.25pt;">that having thirteen people seated at a table will result in the death of one
of the diners.</span><br />
<span style="background-color: white; line-height: 14.25pt;">Friday </span><span style="background-color: white; line-height: 14.25pt;">has been considered an unlucky day at
least since the 14th century's <i>The Canterbury Tales</i></span><span style="background-color: white; line-height: 14.25pt;">,</span><span class="apple-converted-space" style="background-color: white; line-height: 14.25pt;"> </span><span style="background-color: white; line-height: 14.25pt;">and many other professions have
regarded Friday as an unlucky day to undertake journeys, begin new projects or
deploy releases in production. Black Friday </span><span style="background-color: white; line-height: 14.25pt;">has been associated with
stock market crashes and other disasters since the 1800s. </span><br />
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So, it's time to change all that bad luck and superstition. Today Tara and I
have a treat for you. Not one, but TWO free books, just in case you decide to
curl up with a good book and ward off all that bad luck waiting out there to
jump on you. <br />
Here is the link to download a free copy of my romantic thriller, BAD
KARMA <br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjV90pYeYbQWLvb_lPphkecXxJWkMVm0Tcg2dbUwZATyD5u1wygLxbxyExvRWIZAKH4VdhT8T5N0yARLf_ozefAdAQxcZXXm_8lf9VLbkVgK47XfePCGDYiNC_V6DMsg39unvvtVxL3U_o/s1600/The+Bad+Karma+Cover.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjV90pYeYbQWLvb_lPphkecXxJWkMVm0Tcg2dbUwZATyD5u1wygLxbxyExvRWIZAKH4VdhT8T5N0yARLf_ozefAdAQxcZXXm_8lf9VLbkVgK47XfePCGDYiNC_V6DMsg39unvvtVxL3U_o/s320/The+Bad+Karma+Cover.jpg" width="212" /></a></div>
<br />
<a href="http://www.amazon.com/Karma-Romantic-Thriller-Borderlands-ebook/dp/B0081SGPZW/ref=la_B0050KEWMM_1_8?ie=UTF8&qid=1342155219&sr=1-8">http://www.amazon.com/Karma-Romantic-Thriller-Borderlands-ebook/dp/B0081SGPZW/ref=la_B0050KEWMM_1_8?ie=UTF8&qid=1342155219&sr=1-8</a><br />
<br />
And here's the link to download <st1:place w:st="on">Tara</st1:place>'s historical romantic suspense:<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgXkXuOYQuFqFtnlPOsbq5LJhLlHnVFPilbTr9gtbxwEMsuVW3Tl-UhYAO07P8DHr2fICDNNy5LtKZLxWsKWQwKg35XhdyrnQl_PO2ZWMU7t3LBTGdFK7ylsHIvnTh1LhhXo9HBp6gzUsU/s1600/heart+quest+cover.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgXkXuOYQuFqFtnlPOsbq5LJhLlHnVFPilbTr9gtbxwEMsuVW3Tl-UhYAO07P8DHr2fICDNNy5LtKZLxWsKWQwKg35XhdyrnQl_PO2ZWMU7t3LBTGdFK7ylsHIvnTh1LhhXo9HBp6gzUsU/s320/heart+quest+cover.jpg" width="229" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
<a href="http://www.amazon.com/Historical-Romantic-Suspense-Presidents-ebook/dp/B006HLA80S/ref=sr_1_4?s=digital-text&ie=UTF8&qid=1342197899&sr=1-4&keywords=tara+manderino+books">http://www.amazon.com/Historical-Romantic-Suspense-Presidents-ebook/dp/B006HLA80S/ref=sr_1_4?s=digital-text&ie=UTF8&qid=1342197899&sr=1-4&keywords=tara+manderino+books</a>
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We hope you enjoy reading and wish you very good luck today. <br />
~J.D. FaverJ.D., Tara, Carolhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10340968197946101390noreply@blogger.com21tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2999393674638669311.post-38164811239212516322012-07-11T15:35:00.002-07:002012-07-11T15:38:28.356-07:00Hawaii and a few funnies<br />
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<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt; mso-bidi-font-weight: bold;"><o:p><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt; mso-bidi-font-weight: bold;">While looking for a selection of photos today, I ran across some photos my son took while we were in Hawaii a few years ago. We have deer and cattle crossings, Hawaii has Donkey crossings. Too cool!</span></o:p></span></div>
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</v:path></v:stroke></span></v:shapetype></span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt; mso-bidi-font-weight: bold;">We were in a shopping center and this was the stop sign we saw. My son couldn't
resist. He parked the car, jumped out and seized the picture! I love it!<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt; mso-bidi-font-weight: bold;">Our condo was on the desert side of the Big Island.
So beautiful. We made the best of our trip, but about killed ourselves trying
to get in as much as we could in a week. Every morning we found turkey's roamed
into our yard from the golf course.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt; mso-bidi-font-weight: bold;">We usually saw eight or more daily. My grandson, who
was six at the time, was amazed that the turkeys would gather so close to us. In
the photo below, he giggled the entire time. He couldn't get over the size of
the leaves in the background. Neither could I. Humongous plants! <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt; mso-bidi-font-weight: bold;">We shopped, ate, went on a submarine and helicopter ride,
enjoyed a Luau and whatever else was available, we did it. I felt sorry for my son, as he did all the
driving. But...he didn't complain. : )<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt; mso-bidi-font-weight: bold;">If you haven't been to Hawaii, I highly recommend a
trip. We'd love to go again, and hopefully will before too long.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt; mso-bidi-font-weight: bold;">What are some of your favorite photos?<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt; mso-bidi-font-weight: bold;">Carol Devaney<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt; mso-bidi-font-weight: bold;">www.caroldevaney.weebly.com<o:p></o:p></span></div>J.D., Tara, Carolhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10340968197946101390noreply@blogger.com0