tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-45235053208060212172024-03-15T18:10:16.934-07:00Bring On LemonsBring on Lemons is a lemons to lemonade success blog about losing focus and finding a dream! It's also where I share my thoughts, ideas, book reviews, and writerly things as well as product reviews (food & drink too) - ENJOY!!
iamagemcrystalhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14560123696348876908noreply@blogger.comBlogger853125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4523505320806021217.post-74065703727167510122024-03-15T10:18:00.000-07:002024-03-15T10:18:08.600-07:00WOW! WOMEN ON WRITING READER REVIEW TOUR OF "What Was Never There" BY Elizabeth Maria Naranjo<p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh7HH59GpI50U340l6PCEUZK4wC8-S72_hFb_5DSsrjOosHe6qIr7PEtXYm0B7Ixtg2upHwvXlOcZ-t3X8sqsxuqAsQbTmws3Zabo03JELcV46wDgWKYgu8P6TGQ91-EA9HRYzUCfi4YbbglX9A9BE64jVIbYBRC79mF1sizHdUM4AsYqV-l9Jm5sBDCU8L/s6720/headshot%202%20(1).jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="6720" data-original-width="4480" height="223" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh7HH59GpI50U340l6PCEUZK4wC8-S72_hFb_5DSsrjOosHe6qIr7PEtXYm0B7Ixtg2upHwvXlOcZ-t3X8sqsxuqAsQbTmws3Zabo03JELcV46wDgWKYgu8P6TGQ91-EA9HRYzUCfi4YbbglX9A9BE64jVIbYBRC79mF1sizHdUM4AsYqV-l9Jm5sBDCU8L/w149-h223/headshot%202%20(1).jpg" width="149" /></a></div><p align="center" style="margin: 0in; text-align: center;"><span style="color: black;">Elizabeth
Maria Naranjo’s<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p align="center" style="margin: 0in; text-align: center;"><span style="color: black;"><o:p> </o:p></span></p>
<p align="center" style="margin: 0in; text-align: center;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="color: black;">WOW! WOMEN ON WRITING <o:p></o:p></span></b></p>
<p align="center" style="margin: 0in; text-align: center;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="color: black;">READER REVIEW TOUR <o:p></o:p></span></b></p>
<p align="center" style="margin: 0in; text-align: center;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="color: black;"><o:p> </o:p></span></b></p>
<p align="center" style="margin: 0in; text-align: center;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="color: black;">OF<o:p></o:p></span></b></p>
<p align="center" style="margin: 0in; text-align: center;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="color: black;"><o:p> </o:p></span></b></p>
<p align="center" style="margin: 0in; text-align: center;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="color: black; font-size: 18.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">What Was Never There<o:p></o:p></span></i></b></p>
<p align="center" style="margin: 0in; text-align: center;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="color: black;"><o:p> </o:p></span></i></b></p>
<p align="center" style="margin: 0in; text-align: center;"><span style="color: black;">Tour
Begins May 3, 2024 <o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="background: white;"><o:p> </o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="background: white;"><o:p> <br /></o:p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi0BOKqy4fvVfvH5UTvZFCR9T1kSNBiRCye_zDtwANkGcDEvRIfD_ip476B_zOpymr2PB7llDOchi0ao0mpWmlvEM4qlXKdG7uW_EuTKq9i3HH7EDKTRsrh07YEInunrayXVJ5rbBwFZdE0wUBOeqWmXvwrHBpikiMlql8iFHpAxsmmeTc6tc3BMLkfPvvq/s1000/3d%20render%20book%20transparent.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1000" data-original-width="811" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi0BOKqy4fvVfvH5UTvZFCR9T1kSNBiRCye_zDtwANkGcDEvRIfD_ip476B_zOpymr2PB7llDOchi0ao0mpWmlvEM4qlXKdG7uW_EuTKq9i3HH7EDKTRsrh07YEInunrayXVJ5rbBwFZdE0wUBOeqWmXvwrHBpikiMlql8iFHpAxsmmeTc6tc3BMLkfPvvq/w520-h640/3d%20render%20book%20transparent.png" width="520" /></a></div><br /><p></p>
<p style="margin: 0in;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><u><span style="color: black;">Book Summary<o:p></o:p></span></u></b></p>
<p style="margin: 0in;"><br /></p>
<p style="background: white;"><span style="color: #202124; font-family: Roboto; font-size: 11.0pt;">A mother and daughter lost in the woods must overcome their
worst fears to find their way back. A father going through a divorce witnesses
a seemingly impossible motorcycle accident, which forces him to question the
truth of his own perceptions. A little boy with a terrible secret routinely
steals away at night to meet a girl beneath a willow tree—only to discover she
has a secret of her own.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p style="-webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; background: white; font-variant-caps: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; orphans: 2; text-align: start; text-decoration-color: initial; text-decoration-style: initial; text-decoration-thickness: initial; widows: 2; word-spacing: 0px;"><i><span style="color: #202124; font-family: Roboto; font-size: 11.0pt;">What Was Never There</span></i><span style="color: #202124; font-family: Roboto; font-size: 11.0pt;"> is a collection of short stories with
the common theme of memory, or rather, the way memory haunts us.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p style="-webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; background: white; font-variant-caps: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; orphans: 2; text-align: start; text-decoration-color: initial; text-decoration-style: initial; text-decoration-thickness: initial; widows: 2; word-spacing: 0px;"><span style="color: #202124; font-family: Roboto; font-size: 11.0pt;">Includes <i>Pushcart
Prize</i> nominated stories “We Never Get to Talk Anymore” and “The
Dinosaur Graveyard" and the award-winning "Windows," selected
for <i>Best Microfiction 2023</i>.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p style="-webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; background: white; font-variant-caps: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; orphans: 2; text-align: start; text-decoration-color: initial; text-decoration-style: initial; text-decoration-thickness: initial; widows: 2; word-spacing: 0px;"><b><u><span style="color: #202124; font-family: Roboto; font-size: 11.0pt;"> </span></u></b><span style="color: #202124; font-family: Roboto; font-size: 11.0pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></p>
<ul style="-webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; font-variant-caps: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; orphans: 2; text-align: start; text-decoration-color: initial; text-decoration-style: initial; text-decoration-thickness: initial; widows: 2; word-spacing: 0px;" type="disc">
<li class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; color: #202124; line-height: normal; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto; tab-stops: list .5in;"><b><span style="font-family: Roboto;">ASIN : </span></b><span style="font-family: Roboto;">B0CQSTX8WT<o:p></o:p></span></li>
<li class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; color: #202124; line-height: normal; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto; tab-stops: list .5in;"><b><span style="font-family: Roboto;">Publisher :
</span></b><span style="font-family: Roboto;">Independently published
(December 21, 2023)<o:p></o:p></span></li>
<li class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; color: #202124; line-height: normal; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto; tab-stops: list .5in;"><b><span style="font-family: Roboto;">Language : </span></b><span style="font-family: Roboto;">English<o:p></o:p></span></li>
<li class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; color: #202124; line-height: normal; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto; tab-stops: list .5in;"><b><span style="font-family: Roboto;">Paperback :
</span></b><span style="font-family: Roboto;">276 pages<o:p></o:p></span></li>
<li class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; color: #202124; line-height: normal; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto; tab-stops: list .5in;"><b><span style="font-family: Roboto;">ISBN-13 : </span></b><span style="font-family: Roboto;">979-8866571697<o:p></o:p></span></li>
</ul>
<p style="-webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; background: white; font-variant-caps: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; orphans: 2; text-align: start; text-decoration-color: initial; text-decoration-style: initial; text-decoration-thickness: initial; widows: 2; word-spacing: 0px;"><span style="color: #202124; font-family: Roboto; font-size: 11.0pt;"><br />
<b><i>What Was Never There </i>is now available to purchase in print and
as an e-book at <a href="https://www.amazon.com/What-Was-Never-There-Stories/dp/B0CQSTX8WT"><span style="color: #1155cc;">Amazon.com.</span></a> Add it to your <a href="https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/199240146-what-was-never-there"><span style="color: #1155cc;">GoodReads </span></a>reading listing as well.</b><o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p style="-webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; background: white; font-variant-caps: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; orphans: 2; text-align: start; text-decoration-color: initial; text-decoration-style: initial; text-decoration-thickness: initial; widows: 2; word-spacing: 0px;"><span style="color: #202124; font-family: Roboto; font-size: 11.0pt;"> <o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p style="-webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; background: white; font-variant-caps: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; orphans: 2; text-align: start; text-decoration-color: initial; text-decoration-style: initial; text-decoration-thickness: initial; widows: 2; word-spacing: 0px;"><b><span style="color: #202124; font-family: Roboto; font-size: 11.0pt;">About the Author Elizabeth Maria Naranjo</span></b><span style="color: #202124; font-family: Roboto; font-size: 11.0pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="background: white;"></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgC61wByx-oXuNpfygugzTK-Bd7n_Kfay14yaNSXvdJTf4oGswXxM8iQgHQ4Ts1_Ccx9Cw4OJpS-f1bGxTDpQ8q79srcBJ2e9kL6oIvGoEl4606ODqUgEDt55YdSPk8icttsWf0RxCw9-hoL1FtVuQ4uLvu41eSESxCBS19Mfm2FMF2s_cq1PDUgZHCEqcj/s2560/elizabeth91-scaled.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1707" data-original-width="2560" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgC61wByx-oXuNpfygugzTK-Bd7n_Kfay14yaNSXvdJTf4oGswXxM8iQgHQ4Ts1_Ccx9Cw4OJpS-f1bGxTDpQ8q79srcBJ2e9kL6oIvGoEl4606ODqUgEDt55YdSPk8icttsWf0RxCw9-hoL1FtVuQ4uLvu41eSESxCBS19Mfm2FMF2s_cq1PDUgZHCEqcj/s320/elizabeth91-scaled.jpeg" width="320" /></a></div><span style="color: #202124; font-family: Roboto;">Elizabeth Maria Naranjo is the author of <i>The Fourth Wall</i>, <i>The
House on Linden Way</i>, and <i>What Was Never There</i>. Her stories and
essays have been widely published and nominated for the <i>Pushcart Prize</i>, <i>Best
American Essays</i>, and <i>Best of the Net</i>, and her short story,
“Windows,” was selected for <i>Best Microfiction 2023</i>. She lives in
Tempe, Arizona, with her husband and two children.<o:p></o:p></span><p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="background: white;"><span style="color: #202124; font-family: Roboto;"><o:p> </o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="background: white;"><span style="color: #202124; font-family: Roboto;">Buy links:<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="background: white;"><span style="color: #202124; font-family: Roboto;"><o:p> </o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="background: white;"><span style="color: #202124; font-family: Roboto;">Amazon Kindle:<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="background: white;"><span style="color: #202124; font-family: Roboto;"><a href="https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B0CJWVFTDD/ref=x_gr_bb_amazon?ie=UTF8&tag=x_gr_bb_amazon-20&linkCode=as2&camp=1789&creative=9325&creativeASIN=B0CJWVFTDD&SubscriptionId=1MGPYB6YW3HWK55XCGG2"><span style="color: #1155cc;">https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B0CJWVFTDD/ref=x_gr_bb_amazon?ie=UTF8&tag=x_gr_bb_amazon-20&linkCode=as2&camp=1789&creative=9325&creativeASIN=B0CJWVFTDD&SubscriptionId=1MGPYB6YW3HWK55XCGG2</span></a><o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="background: white;"><span style="color: #202124; font-family: Roboto;"><o:p> </o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="background: white;"><span style="color: #202124; font-family: Roboto;">Amazon Paperback:<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="background: white;"><span style="color: #202124; font-family: Roboto;"><a href="https://www.amazon.com/What-Was-Never-There-Stories/dp/B0CQSTX8WT/ref=tmm_pap_swatch_0?_encoding=UTF8&qid=&sr="><span style="color: #1155cc;">https://www.amazon.com/What-Was-Never-There-Stories/dp/B0CQSTX8WT/ref=tmm_pap_swatch_0?_encoding=UTF8&qid=&sr=</span></a><o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="background: white;"><span style="color: #202124; font-family: Roboto;"><o:p> </o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="background: white;"><span style="color: #202124; font-family: Roboto;">Website: <a href="https://www.elizabethmarianaranjo.com/"><span style="color: #1155cc;">https://www.elizabethmarianaranjo.com</span></a><o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="background: white;"><span style="color: #202124; font-family: Roboto;">Twitter: <a href="https://twitter.com/emarianaranjo"><span style="color: #1155cc;">https://twitter.com/emarianaranjo</span></a><o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="background: white;"><span style="color: #202124; font-family: Roboto;">Goodreads: <a href="https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/199240146-what-was-never-there"><span style="color: #1155cc;">https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/199240146-what-was-never-there</span></a><o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p style="-webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; background: white; font-variant-caps: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; orphans: 2; text-align: start; text-decoration-color: initial; text-decoration-style: initial; text-decoration-thickness: initial; widows: 2; word-spacing: 0px;"><span style="color: #202124; font-family: Roboto; font-size: 11.0pt;">Hashtag:
#naranjowhatwasneverthere<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p style="-webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; background: white; font-variant-caps: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; orphans: 2; text-align: start; text-decoration-color: initial; text-decoration-style: initial; text-decoration-thickness: initial; widows: 2; word-spacing: 0px;"><span style="color: #202124; font-family: Roboto; font-size: 11.0pt;">Physical
copies available in the U.S. or PDF available for all!<br />
<br />
I'd love to have you for this Blog Tour!<br />
Questions? Send me an email: <a href="mailto:crystaljotto@gmail.com"><span style="color: #1155cc;">crystaljotto@gmail.com</span></a> or call/text:
920-645-7529<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p style="-webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; background: white; font-variant-caps: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; orphans: 2; text-align: start; text-decoration-color: initial; text-decoration-style: initial; text-decoration-thickness: initial; widows: 2; word-spacing: 0px;"><span style="color: #202124; font-family: Roboto; font-size: 11.0pt;"> <o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p style="-webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; background: white; font-variant-caps: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; orphans: 2; text-align: start; text-decoration-color: initial; text-decoration-style: initial; text-decoration-thickness: initial; widows: 2; word-spacing: 0px;"><span style="color: #202124; font-family: Roboto; font-size: 11.0pt;"> <o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p style="-webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; background: white; font-variant-caps: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; orphans: 2; text-align: start; text-decoration-color: initial; text-decoration-style: initial; text-decoration-thickness: initial; widows: 2; word-spacing: 0px;"><b><span style="color: #202124; font-family: Roboto; font-size: 11.0pt;">If you’ve never participated in this type of tour before –
here’s how it works:</span></b><span style="color: #202124; font-family: Roboto; font-size: 11.0pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p style="-webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; background: white; font-variant-caps: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; orphans: 2; text-align: start; text-decoration-color: initial; text-decoration-style: initial; text-decoration-thickness: initial; widows: 2; word-spacing: 0px;"><span style="color: #202124; font-family: Roboto; font-size: 11.0pt;">· <b>Read
the book</b><o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p style="-webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; background: white; font-variant-caps: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; orphans: 2; text-align: start; text-decoration-color: initial; text-decoration-style: initial; text-decoration-thickness: initial; widows: 2; word-spacing: 0px;"><span style="color: #202124; font-family: Roboto; font-size: 11.0pt;">· <b>Leave
a review on at least ONE promotional site (such as Amazon – preferred) and/or
Goodreads (required)</b><o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p style="-webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; background: white; font-variant-caps: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; orphans: 2; text-align: start; text-decoration-color: initial; text-decoration-style: initial; text-decoration-thickness: initial; widows: 2; word-spacing: 0px;"><span style="color: #202124; font-family: Roboto; font-size: 11.0pt;">· <b>Be
entered to win a $25 gift card</b><o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p style="-webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; background: white; font-variant-caps: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; orphans: 2; text-align: start; text-decoration-color: initial; text-decoration-style: initial; text-decoration-thickness: initial; widows: 2; word-spacing: 0px;"><b><span style="color: #202124; font-family: Roboto; font-size: 11.0pt;"> </span></b><span style="color: #202124; font-family: Roboto; font-size: 11.0pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p style="-webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; background: white; font-variant-caps: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; orphans: 2; text-align: start; text-decoration-color: initial; text-decoration-style: initial; text-decoration-thickness: initial; widows: 2; word-spacing: 0px;"><b><span style="color: #202124; font-family: Roboto; font-size: 11.0pt;">Reviews need to be posted by June 3, 2024 and the launch day is
May 3, 2024.</span></b><span style="color: #202124; font-family: Roboto; font-size: 11.0pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p style="-webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; background: white; font-variant-caps: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; orphans: 2; text-align: start; text-decoration-color: initial; text-decoration-style: initial; text-decoration-thickness: initial; widows: 2; word-spacing: 0px;"><b><span style="color: #202124; font-family: Roboto; font-size: 11.0pt;"> </span></b><span style="color: #202124; font-family: Roboto; font-size: 11.0pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p style="-webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; background: white; font-variant-caps: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; orphans: 2; text-align: start; text-decoration-color: initial; text-decoration-style: initial; text-decoration-thickness: initial; widows: 2; word-spacing: 0px;"><b><span style="color: #202124; font-family: Roboto; font-size: 11.0pt;">Thanks for joining us!</span></b><span style="color: #202124; font-family: Roboto; font-size: 11.0pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p style="-webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; background: white; font-variant-caps: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; orphans: 2; text-align: start; text-decoration-color: initial; text-decoration-style: initial; text-decoration-thickness: initial; widows: 2; word-spacing: 0px;"><span style="color: #202124; font-family: Roboto; font-size: 11.0pt;"> <o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p style="-webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; background: white; font-variant-caps: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; orphans: 2; text-align: start; text-decoration-color: initial; text-decoration-style: initial; text-decoration-thickness: initial; widows: 2; word-spacing: 0px;"><span style="color: #202124; font-family: Roboto; font-size: 11.0pt;"> <o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p style="-webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; background: white; font-variant-caps: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; orphans: 2; text-align: start; text-decoration-color: initial; text-decoration-style: initial; text-decoration-thickness: initial; widows: 2; word-spacing: 0px;"><span style="color: #202124; font-family: Roboto; font-size: 11.0pt;"> <o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p style="-webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; background: white; font-variant-caps: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; orphans: 2; text-align: start; text-decoration-color: initial; text-decoration-style: initial; text-decoration-thickness: initial; widows: 2; word-spacing: 0px;"><b><i><span style="color: #202124; font-family: Roboto; font-size: 11.0pt;">-- Launch Date</span></i></b><span style="color: #202124; font-family: Roboto; font-size: 11.0pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p style="-webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; background: white; font-variant-caps: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; orphans: 2; text-align: start; text-decoration-color: initial; text-decoration-style: initial; text-decoration-thickness: initial; widows: 2; word-spacing: 0px;"><span style="color: #202124; font-family: Roboto; font-size: 11.0pt;">May
3<b> @ The Muffin</b><o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p style="-webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; background: white; font-variant-caps: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; orphans: 2; text-align: start; text-decoration-color: initial; text-decoration-style: initial; text-decoration-thickness: initial; widows: 2; word-spacing: 0px;"><span style="color: #202124; font-family: Roboto; font-size: 11.0pt;">What
goes better in the morning than a muffin? Join us at the WOW blog to celebrate
the launch of author Elizabeth Maria Naranjo's “What Was Never There”.
You can read an interview with the author and enter to win a copy
of the book.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p style="-webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; background: white; font-variant-caps: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; orphans: 2; text-align: start; text-decoration-color: initial; text-decoration-style: initial; text-decoration-thickness: initial; widows: 2; word-spacing: 0px;"><span style="color: #202124; font-family: Roboto; font-size: 11.0pt;"><a href="https://muffin.wow-womenonwriting.com/"><span style="color: #1155cc;">https://muffin.wow-womenonwriting.com/</span></a><o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p style="margin: 0in;"><br /></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in;"><span class="MsoHyperlink"><b><span style="color: windowtext; font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 16.0pt; text-decoration: none; text-underline: none;">If you’re ready to
participate – here’s a link to the google form I need you to fill out:</span></b></span><span class="MsoHyperlink"><span style="color: windowtext; font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt;"> </span></span><span class="MsoHyperlink"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt;"><br style="mso-special-character: line-break;" />
<!--[if !supportLineBreakNewLine]--><br style="mso-special-character: line-break;" />
<!--[endif]--></span></span><u><span style="color: blue; font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></u></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in;"><u><span style="color: blue; font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt;"><o:p><span style="text-decoration: none;"> </span></o:p></span></u></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in;"><u><span style="color: blue; font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt;">https://forms.gle/NooFgfy6FSNvrNxw6<o:p></o:p></span></u></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in;"><u><span style="color: blue; font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt;"><o:p><span style="text-decoration: none;"> </span></o:p></span></u></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt;">Thanks in advance!<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt;"><o:p> </o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt;">Hugs,<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt;">~Crystal<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in;"><span style="color: #222222; font-family: "Verdana",sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-font-kerning: 0pt; mso-ligatures: none;"><o:p> </o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal">**OFFICIAL INSTRUCTIONS WILL BE SENT TO ALL PARTICIPANTS! <o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><o:p> </o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><o:p> </o:p></p><br /><p></p>
<iframe src="https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSeKVYThHV8SR3X7jD1GRzIzJzCQWNsuFI8rEcO63Ue5A8EDSg/viewform?embedded=true" width="640" height="5418" frameborder="0" marginheight="0" marginwidth="0">Loading…</iframe>iamagemcrystalhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14560123696348876908noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4523505320806021217.post-37981273284999451522024-03-14T13:00:00.000-07:002024-03-14T13:00:03.850-07:00WOW! WOMEN ON WRITING READER REVIEW TOUR OF "WE BURNED OUR BOATS" BY KAREN JONES GOWEN<p> </p><p align="center" style="margin: 0in; text-align: center;"><span style="color: black;">Karen
Jones Gowen’s<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p align="center" style="margin: 0in; text-align: center;"><span style="color: black;"><o:p> </o:p></span></p>
<p align="center" style="margin: 0in; text-align: center;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="color: black;">WOW! WOMEN ON WRITING <o:p></o:p></span></b></p>
<p align="center" style="margin: 0in; text-align: center;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="color: black;">READER REVIEW TOUR <o:p></o:p></span></b></p>
<p align="center" style="margin: 0in; text-align: center;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="color: black;"><o:p> </o:p></span></b></p>
<p align="center" style="margin: 0in; text-align: center;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="color: black;">OF<o:p></o:p></span></b></p>
<p align="center" style="margin: 0in; text-align: center;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="color: black;"><o:p> </o:p></span></b></p>
<p align="center" style="margin: 0in; text-align: center;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="color: black; font-size: 18.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">We Burned Our Boats<o:p></o:p></span></i></b></p>
<p align="center" style="margin: 0in; text-align: center;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="color: black;"><o:p> </o:p></span></i></b></p>
<p align="center" style="margin: 0in; text-align: center;"><span style="color: black;">Tour
Begins May 6, 2024 <o:p></o:p></span></p><p align="center" style="margin: 0in; text-align: center;"><span style="color: black;"><br /></span></p><p align="center" style="margin: 0in; text-align: center;"></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi0q4r3S7_nEQkXgdESjsNbH74jREKW-YbJpV6O0fEB7IBEPGXudp3Bc8q7MjX4YqlCC5CCa6bUenY6YwwtGb-6xlp1uM83zRq9qFPDZvVZSm6KzVDeTzcf94XwBMjdRJd7B9rA8K69VQZ-eFo4GD55ATlUzr3KuZktUx64a4abNIBC8KhfS5mesfjh9gEJ/s466/we%20burned%20our%20boats.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="466" data-original-width="311" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi0q4r3S7_nEQkXgdESjsNbH74jREKW-YbJpV6O0fEB7IBEPGXudp3Bc8q7MjX4YqlCC5CCa6bUenY6YwwtGb-6xlp1uM83zRq9qFPDZvVZSm6KzVDeTzcf94XwBMjdRJd7B9rA8K69VQZ-eFo4GD55ATlUzr3KuZktUx64a4abNIBC8KhfS5mesfjh9gEJ/w428-h640/we%20burned%20our%20boats.jpg" width="428" /></a></div><br /><span style="color: black;"><br /></span><p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="background: white;"><o:p> </o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="background: white;"><o:p> </o:p></p>
<p style="margin: 0in;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><u><span style="color: black;">Book Summary<o:p></o:p></span></u></b></p>
<p style="background: white; margin-bottom: 10.5pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><span style="color: #0f1111; font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; font-size: 10.5pt;">Bruce and Karen Gowen are facing a retirement that neither one
wants. Bruce can't imagine life without employment. Karen wants change,
adventure, a chance to spread her wings and fly away after thirty years of
raising their large family.</span><o:p></o:p></p>
<p style="-webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; background: white; box-sizing: border-box; font-variant-caps: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; margin-bottom: 10.5pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in; orphans: 2; text-align: start; text-decoration-color: initial; text-decoration-style: initial; text-decoration-thickness: initial; widows: 2; word-spacing: 0px;"><span style="box-sizing: border-box;"><span style="color: #0f1111; font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; font-size: 10.5pt;">Their opportunity comes in
a way they can both support: helping their daughter and son-in-law with a hotel
project in Panajachel, Guatemala.</span><o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p style="-webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; background: white; box-sizing: border-box; font-variant-caps: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; margin-bottom: 10.5pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in; orphans: 2; text-align: start; text-decoration-color: initial; text-decoration-style: initial; text-decoration-thickness: initial; widows: 2; word-spacing: 0px;"><span style="box-sizing: border-box;"><span style="color: #0f1111; font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; font-size: 10.5pt;">Never ones to do anything
half way, the Gowens sell everything, including one of their businesses. What
they can't sell, they give away. With their worldly possessions down to two
checked bags and two carry-ons each, they fly one way to Guatemala City. Then
on to Panajachel, a tourist town on scenic Lake Atitlan, in the southern
highlands of Guatemala.</span><o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p style="-webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; background: white; box-sizing: border-box; font-variant-caps: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; margin: 0in; orphans: 2; text-align: start; text-decoration-color: initial; text-decoration-style: initial; text-decoration-thickness: initial; widows: 2; word-spacing: 0px;"><span style="box-sizing: border-box;"><span style="color: #0f1111; font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; font-size: 10.5pt;">Here they begin their new
life, a time filled with incredible experiences, tough challenges, and
unexpected adventure in one of the most beautiful settings on earth. A place
where the Maya culture permeates the land. A land and people that will
transform anyone fortunate enough to encounter the magic of these hills in
Guatemala.</span><o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p style="margin: 0in;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><u><span style="color: black;"><o:p><span style="text-decoration: none;"> </span></o:p></span></u></b></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 4.15pt; margin-left: 49.5pt; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in; mso-list: l1 level1 lfo2; tab-stops: list .5in; text-indent: -.25in;"><!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="color: #0f1111; font-family: Symbol; font-size: 10.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Symbol; mso-bidi-font-size: 10.5pt; mso-fareast-font-family: Symbol; mso-font-kerning: 0pt; mso-ligatures: none;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">·<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";">
</span></span></span><!--[endif]--><b><span style="color: #0f1111; font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; font-size: 10.5pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-font-kerning: 0pt; mso-ligatures: none;">Publisher : </span></b><span style="color: #0f1111; font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; font-size: 10.5pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-font-kerning: 0pt; mso-ligatures: none;">WiDo
Publishing (January 18, 2024)<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 4.15pt; margin-left: 49.5pt; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in; mso-list: l1 level1 lfo2; tab-stops: list .5in; text-indent: -.25in;"><!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="color: #0f1111; font-family: Symbol; font-size: 10.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Symbol; mso-bidi-font-size: 10.5pt; mso-fareast-font-family: Symbol; mso-font-kerning: 0pt; mso-ligatures: none;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">·<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";">
</span></span></span><!--[endif]--><b><span style="color: #0f1111; font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; font-size: 10.5pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-font-kerning: 0pt; mso-ligatures: none;">Language : </span></b><span style="color: #0f1111; font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; font-size: 10.5pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-font-kerning: 0pt; mso-ligatures: none;">English<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 4.15pt; margin-left: 49.5pt; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in; mso-list: l1 level1 lfo2; tab-stops: list .5in; text-indent: -.25in;"><!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="color: #0f1111; font-family: Symbol; font-size: 10.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Symbol; mso-bidi-font-size: 10.5pt; mso-fareast-font-family: Symbol; mso-font-kerning: 0pt; mso-ligatures: none;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">·<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";">
</span></span></span><!--[endif]--><b><span style="color: #0f1111; font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; font-size: 10.5pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-font-kerning: 0pt; mso-ligatures: none;">Paperback : </span></b><span style="color: #0f1111; font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; font-size: 10.5pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-font-kerning: 0pt; mso-ligatures: none;">306
pages<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 4.15pt; margin-left: 49.5pt; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in; mso-list: l1 level1 lfo2; tab-stops: list .5in; text-indent: -.25in;"><!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="color: #0f1111; font-family: Symbol; font-size: 10.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Symbol; mso-bidi-font-size: 10.5pt; mso-fareast-font-family: Symbol; mso-font-kerning: 0pt; mso-ligatures: none;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">·<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";">
</span></span></span><!--[endif]--><b><span style="color: #0f1111; font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; font-size: 10.5pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-font-kerning: 0pt; mso-ligatures: none;">ISBN-10 : </span></b><span style="color: #0f1111; font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; font-size: 10.5pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-font-kerning: 0pt; mso-ligatures: none;">1947966685<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 4.15pt; margin-left: 49.5pt; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in; mso-list: l1 level1 lfo2; tab-stops: list .5in; text-indent: -.25in;"><!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="color: #0f1111; font-family: Symbol; font-size: 10.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Symbol; mso-bidi-font-size: 10.5pt; mso-fareast-font-family: Symbol; mso-font-kerning: 0pt; mso-ligatures: none;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">·<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";">
</span></span></span><!--[endif]--><b><span style="color: #0f1111; font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; font-size: 10.5pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-font-kerning: 0pt; mso-ligatures: none;">ISBN-13 : </span></b><span style="color: #0f1111; font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; font-size: 10.5pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-font-kerning: 0pt; mso-ligatures: none;">978-1947966680<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="color: black; font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;"><br />
<br />
<b><i>We Burned Our Boats </i>is now available to purchase in print and
as an e-book at </b></span><b><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;"><a href="https://www.amazon.com/We-Burned-Our-Boats-across/dp/1947966685">Amazon.com.
</a><span style="color: black;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Add it
to </span>your <a href="https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/203123046-we-burned-our-boats">GoodReads </a><span style="color: black;">reading listing as well.</span></span></b><span style="color: black; font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;"><o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p style="margin: 0in;"><o:p> </o:p></p>
<p class="separator" style="margin: 0in;"><b><span style="color: black; mso-bidi-font-size: 13.5pt;">About the Author Karen Jones Gowen<o:p></o:p></span></b></p><p class="separator" style="margin: 0in;"><b><span style="color: black; mso-bidi-font-size: 13.5pt;"><br /></span></b></p><p class="separator" style="margin: 0in;"><b></b></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><b><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj1kLFbL3a9f71UWy7Wbgcc7oCiA4jUCeLWTBrti2Bi4HHAkRnGbDMy8zrcgpo4ZdGryLqEd-n4bR4FBpkGoGVcfypIQMP5ngmvvVOKQ2T_fpgKKVwzbllImexG9K_bSl-m3OoNMc1Pu-HwAVTfk2rTfTrwiKG6cpP0rmEa5o58RqYaM3kTfYl5pQcr0bPm/s450/Karen%20Jones%20Gowen.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="450" data-original-width="450" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj1kLFbL3a9f71UWy7Wbgcc7oCiA4jUCeLWTBrti2Bi4HHAkRnGbDMy8zrcgpo4ZdGryLqEd-n4bR4FBpkGoGVcfypIQMP5ngmvvVOKQ2T_fpgKKVwzbllImexG9K_bSl-m3OoNMc1Pu-HwAVTfk2rTfTrwiKG6cpP0rmEa5o58RqYaM3kTfYl5pQcr0bPm/s320/Karen%20Jones%20Gowen.jpg" width="320" /></a></b></div><b><br /><span style="color: black; mso-bidi-font-size: 13.5pt;"><br /></span></b><p></p>
<p class="separator" style="margin: 0in;"><b><span style="color: black; mso-bidi-font-size: 13.5pt;"><o:p> </o:p></span></b></p>
<p style="background: white; margin-bottom: 10.5pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><span style="color: #0f1111; font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; font-size: 10.5pt;">Born and raised in central Illinois, Karen Jones Gowen attended
Northern Illinois University in DeKalb and the University of Illinois in
Champaign-Urbana. She transferred to Brigham Young University, where she met
her husband Bruce, and there graduated with a degree in English and American
Literature.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p style="-webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; background: white; box-sizing: border-box; font-variant-caps: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; margin: 0in; orphans: 2; text-align: start; text-decoration-color: initial; text-decoration-style: initial; text-decoration-thickness: initial; widows: 2; word-spacing: 0px;"><span style="color: #0f1111; font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; font-size: 10.5pt;">Karen and Bruce have lived in Utah, Illinois, California and
Washington, currently residing in Panajachel, Guatemala. They are the parents
of ten children. Not surprisingly, family relationships are a recurring theme
in Gowen's writing.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p style="margin: 0in;"><o:p> </o:p></p>
<p style="margin: 0in;"><span style="color: black; mso-bidi-font-weight: bold;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p style="background: white;"><span style="color: black; mso-bidi-font-size: 13.5pt;">Hashtag:
<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></span><span style="background: white; color: #202124; font-family: Roboto; font-size: 11.0pt;">#gowenburnedboats</span><span style="color: black; mso-bidi-font-size: 13.5pt;"><br />
</span><span style="color: black; font-size: 13.5pt;"><br />
</span><b><i><span style="color: #202124; font-family: Roboto; font-size: 11.0pt;">Karen
Jones Gowen can be found online:<br style="mso-special-character: line-break;" />
<!--[if !supportLineBreakNewLine]--><br style="mso-special-character: line-break;" />
<!--[endif]--></span></i></b><span style="color: #202124; font-family: Roboto; font-size: 11.0pt;"></span><o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="background: white;"><span style="color: #202124; font-family: Roboto;"><a href="https://www.amazon.com/stores/Karen-Jones-Gowen/author/B007FQDG8A?ref=ap_rdr&isDramIntegrated=true&shoppingPortalEnabled=true">https://www.amazon.com/stores/Karen-Jones-Gowen/author/B007FQDG8A?ref=ap_rdr&isDramIntegrated=true&shoppingPortalEnabled=true</a><o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="background: white;"><span style="color: #202124; font-family: Roboto;"><o:p> </o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="background: white;"><span style="color: #202124; font-family: Roboto;"><a href="https://karenjonesgowen.com/">https://karenjonesgowen.com/</a><o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="background: white;"><span style="color: #202124; font-family: Roboto;"><o:p> </o:p></span></p>
<p style="margin: 0in;"><span style="background: white; color: #202124; font-family: Roboto; font-size: 11.0pt;"> </span><span style="color: #202124; font-family: Roboto; font-size: 11.0pt;"><br style="-webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; font-variant-caps: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; orphans: 2; text-align: start; text-decoration-color: initial; text-decoration-style: initial; text-decoration-thickness: initial; widows: 2; word-spacing: 0px;" />
<span style="background: white;"><span style="-webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; float: none; font-variant-caps: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; orphans: 2; text-align: start; text-decoration-color: initial; text-decoration-style: initial; text-decoration-thickness: initial; widows: 2; word-spacing: 0px;">Physical copies available in the U.S. or PDF
available for all!</span></span><br style="-webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; font-variant-caps: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; orphans: 2; text-align: start; text-decoration-color: initial; text-decoration-style: initial; text-decoration-thickness: initial; widows: 2; word-spacing: 0px;" />
<br style="-webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; font-variant-caps: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; orphans: 2; text-align: start; text-decoration-color: initial; text-decoration-style: initial; text-decoration-thickness: initial; widows: 2; word-spacing: 0px;" />
<span style="background: white;"><span style="-webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; float: none; font-variant-caps: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; orphans: 2; text-align: start; text-decoration-color: initial; text-decoration-style: initial; text-decoration-thickness: initial; widows: 2; word-spacing: 0px;">I'd love to have you for this Blog Tour!</span></span><br style="-webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; font-variant-caps: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; orphans: 2; text-align: start; text-decoration-color: initial; text-decoration-style: initial; text-decoration-thickness: initial; widows: 2; word-spacing: 0px;" />
<span style="background: white;"><span style="-webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; float: none; font-variant-caps: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; orphans: 2; text-align: start; text-decoration-color: initial; text-decoration-style: initial; text-decoration-thickness: initial; widows: 2; word-spacing: 0px;">Questions? Send me an email: </span></span></span><a href="mailto:crystaljotto@gmail.com" style="-webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; font-variant-caps: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; orphans: 2; text-align: start; widows: 2; word-spacing: 0px;"><span style="background: white; color: #1155cc; font-family: Roboto; font-size: 11.0pt;">crystaljotto@gmail.com</span></a><span style="background: white; color: #202124; font-family: Roboto; font-size: 11.0pt;"><span style="-webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; float: none; font-variant-caps: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; orphans: 2; text-align: start; text-decoration-color: initial; text-decoration-style: initial; text-decoration-thickness: initial; widows: 2; word-spacing: 0px;"> or call/text: 920-645-7529</span><o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p style="margin: 0in;"><span style="background: white; color: #202124; font-family: Roboto; font-size: 11.0pt;"><o:p> </o:p></span></p>
<p style="margin: 0in;"><span class="MsoHyperlink"><span style="font-size: 13.5pt;"><o:p><span style="text-decoration: none;"> </span></o:p></span></span></p>
<p style="margin: 0in;"><span class="MsoHyperlink"><b><span style="color: windowtext; font-size: 14.0pt; text-decoration: none; text-underline: none;">If you’ve never
participated in this type of tour before – here’s how it works:<o:p></o:p></span></b></span></p>
<p style="margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: .5in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -.25in;"><!--[if !supportLists]--><span class="MsoHyperlink"><span style="color: windowtext; font-family: Symbol; font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Symbol; mso-bidi-font-weight: bold; mso-fareast-font-family: Symbol; text-decoration: none; text-underline: none;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">·<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";">
</span></span></span></span><!--[endif]--><span class="MsoHyperlink"><b><span style="color: windowtext; font-size: 14.0pt; text-decoration: none; text-underline: none;">Read the book<o:p></o:p></span></b></span></p>
<p style="margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: .5in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -.25in;"><!--[if !supportLists]--><span class="MsoHyperlink"><span style="color: windowtext; font-family: Symbol; font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Symbol; mso-bidi-font-weight: bold; mso-fareast-font-family: Symbol; text-decoration: none; text-underline: none;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">·<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";">
</span></span></span></span><!--[endif]--><span class="MsoHyperlink"><b><span style="color: windowtext; font-size: 14.0pt; text-decoration: none; text-underline: none;">Leave a review on at least ONE promotional site (such as Amazon –
preferred) and/or Goodreads (required)<o:p></o:p></span></b></span></p>
<p style="margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: .5in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -.25in;"><!--[if !supportLists]--><span class="MsoHyperlink"><span style="color: windowtext; font-family: Symbol; font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Symbol; mso-bidi-font-weight: bold; mso-fareast-font-family: Symbol; text-decoration: none; text-underline: none;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">·<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";">
</span></span></span></span><!--[endif]--><span class="MsoHyperlink"><b><span style="color: windowtext; font-size: 14.0pt; text-decoration: none; text-underline: none;">Be entered to win a $25 gift card<o:p></o:p></span></b></span></p>
<p style="margin: 0in;"><span class="MsoHyperlink"><b><span style="color: windowtext; font-size: 14.0pt; text-decoration: none; text-underline: none;"><o:p> </o:p></span></b></span></p>
<p style="margin: 0in;"><span class="MsoHyperlink"><b><span style="color: windowtext; font-size: 14.0pt; text-decoration: none; text-underline: none;">Reviews need to be
posted by June 6, 2024 and the launch day is May 6, 2024. <o:p></o:p></span></b></span></p>
<p style="margin: 0in;"><span class="MsoHyperlink"><b><span style="color: windowtext; font-size: 14.0pt; text-decoration: none; text-underline: none;"><o:p> </o:p></span></b></span></p>
<p style="margin: 0in;"><span class="MsoHyperlink"><b><span style="color: windowtext; font-size: 14.0pt; text-decoration: none; text-underline: none;">Thanks for joining
us! <o:p></o:p></span></b></span></p>
<p style="margin: 0in;"><span class="MsoHyperlink"><span style="color: windowtext; font-size: 13.5pt; text-decoration: none; text-underline: none;"><o:p> </o:p></span></span></p>
<p style="margin: 0in;"><o:p> </o:p></p>
<p style="margin: 0in;"><o:p> </o:p></p>
<p style="margin: 0in;"><b><i>-- Launch Date</i></b><o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt;">May 6<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"> @ The Muffin<o:p></o:p></b></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt;">What goes better
in the morning than a muffin? Join us at the WOW blog to celebrate the launch
of author Karen Jones Gowen’s “We Burned Our Boats”. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>You can
read an interview with the author and enter to win a copy of the book.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in;"><a href="https://muffin.wow-womenonwriting.com/"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt;">https://muffin.wow-womenonwriting.com/</span></a><span class="MsoHyperlink"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in;"><span class="MsoHyperlink"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt;"><o:p><span style="text-decoration: none;"> </span></o:p></span></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in;"><span class="MsoHyperlink"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt;"><o:p><span style="text-decoration: none;"> </span></o:p></span></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in;"><span class="MsoHyperlink"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt;"><o:p><span style="text-decoration: none;"> </span></o:p></span></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in;"><span class="MsoHyperlink"><b><span style="color: windowtext; font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 16.0pt; text-decoration: none; text-underline: none;">If you’re ready to
participate – here’s a link to the google form I need you to fill out:</span></b></span><span class="MsoHyperlink"><span style="color: windowtext; font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt;"> </span></span><span class="MsoHyperlink"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt;"><br />
</span></span><u><span style="color: blue; font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt;">https://forms.gle/u3eZ5UBhWoj2eJWJ6<o:p></o:p></span></u></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in;"><u><span style="color: blue; font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt;"><o:p><span style="text-decoration: none;"> </span></o:p></span></u></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt;">Thanks in advance!<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt;"><o:p> </o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt;">Hugs,<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt;">~Crystal<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in;"><span style="color: #222222; font-family: "Verdana",sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-font-kerning: 0pt; mso-ligatures: none;"><o:p> </o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal">**OFFICIAL INSTRUCTIONS WILL BE SENT TO ALL PARTICIPANTS! <o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><o:p> </o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><o:p> </o:p></p>
<iframe src="https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSeT-2QrC-dQlnw2MUfpGuk1VV5p0BvqUF2dMPo7o8N0PsXSqw/viewform?embedded=true" width="640" height="1492" frameborder="0" marginheight="0" marginwidth="0">Loading…</iframe>iamagemcrystalhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14560123696348876908noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4523505320806021217.post-32556413574056534042024-03-14T11:34:00.000-07:002024-03-14T11:37:11.214-07:00Invitation to the WOW! Women on Writing Book Blog Tour for "Murder by Milkshake" by Elizabeth Maria Naranjo<p> </p><p align="center" style="margin: 0in; text-align: center;"><span style="color: black;">Elizabeth
Maria Naranjo’s<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p align="center" style="margin: 0in; text-align: center;"><span style="color: black;"><o:p> </o:p></span></p>
<p align="center" style="margin: 0in; text-align: center;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="color: black;">WOW! WOMEN ON WRITING TOUR <o:p></o:p></span></b></p>
<p align="center" style="margin: 0in; text-align: center;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="color: black;"><o:p> </o:p></span></b></p>
<p align="center" style="margin: 0in; text-align: center;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="color: black;">OF<o:p></o:p></span></b></p>
<p align="center" style="margin: 0in; text-align: center;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="color: black;"><o:p> </o:p></span></b></p>
<p align="center" style="margin: 0in; text-align: center;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="color: black; font-size: 18pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">Murder by Milkshake<o:p></o:p></span></i></b></p>
<p align="center" style="margin: 0in; text-align: center;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="color: black;"><o:p> </o:p></span></i></b></p>
<p align="center" style="margin: 0in; text-align: center;"><span style="color: black;">Tour
Begins September 9, 2024 <o:p></o:p></span></p><p align="center" style="margin: 0in; text-align: center;"><span style="color: black;"><br /></span></p><p align="center" style="margin: 0in; text-align: center;"></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjgAPtwy_5uodVE3OqVByHeaDJ1wDfrDPl87Up_Nt9Zp7ZHRmDfyPc8qKroHx4ihSaYb-Ib8CgXONdJTpjMkZ4fq3kqs__c6dOqcIVjZEEDyLHzJ7UZH-SMG_3tMCpE8XJ-Er5NUvgKPipMcoBVYogxWbo6zdS3KGms78_3N04m6c6fmC6epGxqinwXOZwD/s1000/3d%20render%20book%20transparent%20(1).png" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1000" data-original-width="811" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjgAPtwy_5uodVE3OqVByHeaDJ1wDfrDPl87Up_Nt9Zp7ZHRmDfyPc8qKroHx4ihSaYb-Ib8CgXONdJTpjMkZ4fq3kqs__c6dOqcIVjZEEDyLHzJ7UZH-SMG_3tMCpE8XJ-Er5NUvgKPipMcoBVYogxWbo6zdS3KGms78_3N04m6c6fmC6epGxqinwXOZwD/w520-h640/3d%20render%20book%20transparent%20(1).png" width="520" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><b style="text-align: left;"><u>Book Summary</u></b></div><p></p>
<p style="margin: 0in;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><u><span style="color: black;"><o:p><span style="text-decoration: none;"> </span></o:p></span></u></b></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in;"><span style="color: #202124; font-family: Roboto; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Life is sweet for high school senior and ice
cream slinger Genevieve Winterland. Her father owns Sweet Dreams Ice Cream
Parlour, the cutest confectionery shop in their little town of Pinewood,
Arizona. Genevieve loves her job, but when her father hires a broody newcomer
with a dark past to provide extra security on her closing shifts, Genevieve
bristles. Is this part of her father’s plan to send her away to college, when
all she wants is to stay in Pinewood and run the family business?<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in;"><span style="color: #202124; font-family: Roboto; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><o:p> </o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; line-height: normal; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto;"><span style="color: #202124; font-family: Roboto; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Meanwhile, everyone’s favorite new teacher at Pinewood High,
Miss Love, is receiving death threats, and then she goes missing. Genevieve
suspects the crabby substitute, Ms. Pierce, who seems murderous about being
passed over for the position. Or is the culprit Mr. Garcia, the longtime
instructor who Miss Love replaced after he was fired for assaulting a student?
Just when Genevieve thinks she knows the answer, she stumbles across the dead
body of another missing faculty member.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in;"><span style="color: #202124; font-family: Roboto; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><o:p> </o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; line-height: normal; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto;"><span style="color: #202124; font-family: Roboto; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Can Genevieve find the killer terrorizing the teachers in her
beloved hometown—before someone else gets iced?<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="background: white; color: #0f1111; font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 10.5pt; line-height: 107%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></span><span style="color: black; font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 107%;"><br />
<br />
Print Length: 195 “ish” Pages (ARC’s are available, but the final is not quite
complete)<br />
Genre: Cozy Mystery, Mystery, YA Mystery <br />
Publisher: <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="color: black; font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 107%;">ISBN: </span><span style="background: white; color: #0f1111; font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 10.5pt; line-height: 107%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></span><span style="color: black; font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 107%;"><br />
<br />
<b><i>Murder by Milkshake </i>will soon be available to purchase in print and
as an e-book at </b></span><b><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 107%;">Amazon.com. <span style="color: black;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Add it to </span>your
GoodReads <span style="color: black;">reading listing as well.</span></span></b><span style="color: black; font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 107%;"><o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p style="margin: 0in;"><o:p> </o:p></p>
<p class="separator" style="margin: 0in;"><b><span style="color: black; mso-bidi-font-size: 13.5pt;"><o:p> </o:p></span></b></p>
<p class="separator" style="margin: 0in;"><b><span style="color: black; mso-bidi-font-size: 13.5pt;"><o:p> </o:p></span></b></p>
<p class="separator" style="margin: 0in;"><b><span style="color: black; mso-bidi-font-size: 13.5pt;">About the Author Elizabeth Maria Naranjo<o:p></o:p></span></b></p>
<p class="separator" style="margin: 0in;"><b><span style="color: black; mso-bidi-font-size: 13.5pt;"><o:p> </o:p></span></b></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiObDWIPOpKVBPWpPVbKq1LhxxdyoNGdp8SLF1uWPHgOYHUQuhLnnjkAiaJkQZ8PQAIUL1lnD-qe5oaOEmA9KevSKnDy5zkClTYfbHiJxMIzYFGSjKODnH_m11tXzxA_lHQOe3Hq6HmbDbhUHr6FjYZD3kEt5t-EZS2tVMfIuS7NtrRnzvvaAnur0JJISAv/s2560/elizabeth91-scaled.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1707" data-original-width="2560" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiObDWIPOpKVBPWpPVbKq1LhxxdyoNGdp8SLF1uWPHgOYHUQuhLnnjkAiaJkQZ8PQAIUL1lnD-qe5oaOEmA9KevSKnDy5zkClTYfbHiJxMIzYFGSjKODnH_m11tXzxA_lHQOe3Hq6HmbDbhUHr6FjYZD3kEt5t-EZS2tVMfIuS7NtrRnzvvaAnur0JJISAv/s320/elizabeth91-scaled.jpeg" width="320" /></a></div><p></p>
<p class="separator" style="margin: 0in;"><span style="background: white; color: #202124; font-family: Roboto; font-size: 11pt;">Elizabeth Maria Naranjo is the author of </span><i><span style="-webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; font-variant-caps: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; orphans: 2; text-align: start; text-decoration-color: initial; text-decoration-style: initial; text-decoration-thickness: initial; widows: 2; word-spacing: 0px;">The Fourth Wall</span></i><span style="-webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; font-variant-caps: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; orphans: 2; text-align: start; text-decoration-color: initial; text-decoration-style: initial; text-decoration-thickness: initial; widows: 2; word-spacing: 0px;">, </span><i><span style="-webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; font-variant-caps: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; orphans: 2; text-align: start; text-decoration-color: initial; text-decoration-style: initial; text-decoration-thickness: initial; widows: 2; word-spacing: 0px;">The House on Linden Way</span></i><span style="-webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; font-variant-caps: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; orphans: 2; text-align: start; text-decoration-color: initial; text-decoration-style: initial; text-decoration-thickness: initial; widows: 2; word-spacing: 0px;">, and </span><i><span style="-webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; font-variant-caps: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; orphans: 2; text-align: start; text-decoration-color: initial; text-decoration-style: initial; text-decoration-thickness: initial; widows: 2; word-spacing: 0px;">What Was Never There</span></i><span style="-webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; font-variant-caps: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; orphans: 2; text-align: start; text-decoration-color: initial; text-decoration-style: initial; text-decoration-thickness: initial; widows: 2; word-spacing: 0px;">. Her stories and essays have been widely published and
nominated for the </span><i><span style="-webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; font-variant-caps: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; orphans: 2; text-align: start; text-decoration-color: initial; text-decoration-style: initial; text-decoration-thickness: initial; widows: 2; word-spacing: 0px;">Pushcart Prize</span></i><span style="-webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; font-variant-caps: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; orphans: 2; text-align: start; text-decoration-color: initial; text-decoration-style: initial; text-decoration-thickness: initial; widows: 2; word-spacing: 0px;">, </span><i><span style="-webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; font-variant-caps: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; orphans: 2; text-align: start; text-decoration-color: initial; text-decoration-style: initial; text-decoration-thickness: initial; widows: 2; word-spacing: 0px;">Best American Essays</span></i><span style="-webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; font-variant-caps: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; orphans: 2; text-align: start; text-decoration-color: initial; text-decoration-style: initial; text-decoration-thickness: initial; widows: 2; word-spacing: 0px;">, and </span><i><span style="-webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; font-variant-caps: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; orphans: 2; text-align: start; text-decoration-color: initial; text-decoration-style: initial; text-decoration-thickness: initial; widows: 2; word-spacing: 0px;">Best of the Net</span></i><span style="-webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; font-variant-caps: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; orphans: 2; text-align: start; text-decoration-color: initial; text-decoration-style: initial; text-decoration-thickness: initial; widows: 2; word-spacing: 0px;">, and her short story, “Windows,” was selected for </span><i><span style="-webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; font-variant-caps: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; orphans: 2; text-align: start; text-decoration-color: initial; text-decoration-style: initial; text-decoration-thickness: initial; widows: 2; word-spacing: 0px;">Best Microfiction 2023</span></i><span style="-webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; font-variant-caps: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; orphans: 2; text-align: start; text-decoration-color: initial; text-decoration-style: initial; text-decoration-thickness: initial; widows: 2; word-spacing: 0px;">. She lives in Tempe, Arizona, with her husband and two
children.</span><span style="color: black; mso-bidi-font-size: 13.5pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p style="margin: 0in;"><o:p> </o:p></p>
<p style="margin: 0in;"><span style="color: black; mso-bidi-font-weight: bold;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p style="background: white;"><span style="color: black; mso-bidi-font-size: 13.5pt;">Hashtag:
<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></span><span style="background: white; color: #202124; font-family: Roboto; font-size: 11pt;">#murderbymilkshakenaranjo</span><span style="color: black; mso-bidi-font-size: 13.5pt;"><br />
</span><span style="color: black; font-size: 13.5pt;"><br />
</span><b><i><span style="color: #202124; font-family: Roboto; font-size: 11pt;">Elizabeth
and Murder by Milkshake can be found online:<br style="mso-special-character: line-break;" />
<!--[if !supportLineBreakNewLine]--><br style="mso-special-character: line-break;" />
<!--[endif]--></span></i></b><span style="color: #202124; font-family: Roboto; font-size: 11pt;"></span><o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="background: white;"><span style="color: #202124; font-family: Roboto;"><a href="https://www.elizabethmarianaranjo.com/"><span style="color: #1155cc;">https://www.elizabethmarianaranjo.com</span></a><o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="background: white;"><span style="color: #202124; font-family: Roboto;"><a href="https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/8124819.Elizabeth_Maria_Naranjo"><span style="color: #1155cc;">https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/8124819.Elizabeth_Maria_Naranjo</span></a><o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="background: white;"><span style="color: #202124; font-family: Roboto;"><a href="https://twitter.com/emarianaranjo"><span style="color: #1155cc;">https://twitter.com/emarianaranjo</span></a><o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p style="margin: 0in;"><span style="color: black; font-size: 13.5pt;"><br />
<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></span><span class="MsoHyperlink"><span style="font-size: 13.5pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></span></p>
<p style="margin: 0in;"><span style="background: white; color: #202124; font-family: Roboto; font-size: 11pt;">The Blog Tour will begin on September 9,
2024 and last into mid October! You can participate by reviewing the
book, spotlighting the book, choosing a guest post written by the author,
or interviewing the author.</span><span style="color: #202124; font-family: Roboto; font-size: 11pt;"><br style="-webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; font-variant-caps: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; orphans: 2; text-align: start; text-decoration-color: initial; text-decoration-style: initial; text-decoration-thickness: initial; widows: 2; word-spacing: 0px;" />
<br style="-webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; font-variant-caps: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; orphans: 2; text-align: start; text-decoration-color: initial; text-decoration-style: initial; text-decoration-thickness: initial; widows: 2; word-spacing: 0px;" />
<span style="background: white;"><span style="-webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; float: none; font-variant-caps: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; orphans: 2; text-align: start; text-decoration-color: initial; text-decoration-style: initial; text-decoration-thickness: initial; widows: 2; word-spacing: 0px;"> </span></span><br style="-webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; font-variant-caps: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; orphans: 2; text-align: start; text-decoration-color: initial; text-decoration-style: initial; text-decoration-thickness: initial; widows: 2; word-spacing: 0px;" />
<span style="background: white;"><span style="-webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; float: none; font-variant-caps: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; orphans: 2; text-align: start; text-decoration-color: initial; text-decoration-style: initial; text-decoration-thickness: initial; widows: 2; word-spacing: 0px;">Physical copies available in the U.S. or PDF
available for all!</span></span><br style="-webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; font-variant-caps: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; orphans: 2; text-align: start; text-decoration-color: initial; text-decoration-style: initial; text-decoration-thickness: initial; widows: 2; word-spacing: 0px;" />
<br style="-webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; font-variant-caps: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; orphans: 2; text-align: start; text-decoration-color: initial; text-decoration-style: initial; text-decoration-thickness: initial; widows: 2; word-spacing: 0px;" />
<span style="background: white;"><span style="-webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; float: none; font-variant-caps: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; orphans: 2; text-align: start; text-decoration-color: initial; text-decoration-style: initial; text-decoration-thickness: initial; widows: 2; word-spacing: 0px;">I'd love to have you for this Blog Tour!</span></span><br style="-webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; font-variant-caps: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; orphans: 2; text-align: start; text-decoration-color: initial; text-decoration-style: initial; text-decoration-thickness: initial; widows: 2; word-spacing: 0px;" />
<span style="background: white;"><span style="-webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; float: none; font-variant-caps: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; orphans: 2; text-align: start; text-decoration-color: initial; text-decoration-style: initial; text-decoration-thickness: initial; widows: 2; word-spacing: 0px;">Questions? Send me an email: </span></span></span><a href="mailto:crystaljotto@gmail.com" style="-webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; font-variant-caps: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; orphans: 2; text-align: start; widows: 2; word-spacing: 0px;"><span style="background: white; color: #1155cc; font-family: Roboto; font-size: 11pt;">crystaljotto@gmail.com</span></a><span style="background: white; color: #202124; font-family: Roboto; font-size: 11pt;"><span style="-webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; float: none; font-variant-caps: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; orphans: 2; text-align: start; text-decoration-color: initial; text-decoration-style: initial; text-decoration-thickness: initial; widows: 2; word-spacing: 0px;"> or call/text: 920-645-7529</span><o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p style="margin: 0in;"><span style="background: white; color: #202124; font-family: Roboto; font-size: 11pt;"><o:p> </o:p></span></p>
<p style="margin: 0in;"><span class="MsoHyperlink"><span style="font-size: 13.5pt;"><o:p><span style="text-decoration: none;"> </span></o:p></span></span></p>
<p style="margin: 0in;"><span class="MsoHyperlink"><b><span color="windowtext" style="font-size: 14pt; text-decoration: none; text-underline: none;">If you’ve never
participated in a tour before – here are a few options:<o:p></o:p></span></b></span></p>
<p style="margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: .5in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in; margin: 0in 0in 0in 0.5in; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -0.25in;"><!--[if !supportLists]--><span class="MsoHyperlink"><span color="windowtext" style="font-family: Symbol; font-size: 13.5pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Symbol; mso-fareast-font-family: Symbol; text-decoration: none; text-underline: none;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">·<span style="font: 7pt "Times New Roman";">
</span></span></span></span><!--[endif]--><span class="MsoHyperlink"><span color="windowtext" style="font-size: 13.5pt; text-decoration: none; text-underline: none;">If you don’t have your own blog, you can read the book and we will find a
blog where you can post your review (you’ll also be asked to post the review to
Amazon and Goodreads if you are able)<o:p></o:p></span></span></p>
<p style="margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: .5in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in; margin: 0in 0in 0in 0.5in; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -0.25in;"><!--[if !supportLists]--><span class="MsoHyperlink"><span color="windowtext" style="font-family: Symbol; font-size: 13.5pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Symbol; mso-fareast-font-family: Symbol; text-decoration: none; text-underline: none;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">·<span style="font: 7pt "Times New Roman";">
</span></span></span></span><!--[endif]--><span class="MsoHyperlink"><span color="windowtext" style="font-size: 13.5pt; text-decoration: none; text-underline: none;">If you have your own blog or website, you can read the book and post your
review on your blog (or website) and you’ll also be asked to post the review to
Amazon and Goodreads if you are able<o:p></o:p></span></span></p>
<p style="margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: .5in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in; margin: 0in 0in 0in 0.5in; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -0.25in;"><!--[if !supportLists]--><span class="MsoHyperlink"><span color="windowtext" style="font-family: Symbol; font-size: 13.5pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Symbol; mso-fareast-font-family: Symbol; text-decoration: none; text-underline: none;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">·<span style="font: 7pt "Times New Roman";">
</span></span></span></span><!--[endif]--><span class="MsoHyperlink"><span color="windowtext" style="font-size: 13.5pt; text-decoration: none; text-underline: none;">If you have a blog or website and you don’t have time to read the book,
you can participate in the tour by hosting a guest post by the author. There
are several guest post topics you can choose from if you open the google form
found as a link at the end of this document/email<o:p></o:p></span></span></p>
<p style="margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: .5in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in; margin: 0in 0in 0in 0.5in; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -0.25in;"><!--[if !supportLists]--><span class="MsoHyperlink"><span color="windowtext" style="font-family: Symbol; font-size: 13.5pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Symbol; mso-fareast-font-family: Symbol; text-decoration: none; text-underline: none;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">·<span style="font: 7pt "Times New Roman";">
</span></span></span></span><!--[endif]--><span class="MsoHyperlink"><span color="windowtext" style="font-size: 13.5pt; text-decoration: none; text-underline: none;">If you have a blog or website and you don’t have time to read the book,
you can participate in the tour by hosting an interview with the author<o:p></o:p></span></span></p>
<p style="margin: 0in;"><span class="MsoHyperlink"><span color="windowtext" style="font-size: 13.5pt; text-decoration: none; text-underline: none;"><o:p> </o:p></span></span></p>
<p style="margin: 0in;"><span class="MsoHyperlink"><span color="windowtext" style="font-size: 13.5pt; text-decoration: none; text-underline: none;">**some of our hosts
choose to do an interview AND a review – don’t limit yourself!<o:p></o:p></span></span></p>
<p style="margin: 0in;"><span class="MsoHyperlink"><span color="windowtext" style="font-size: 13.5pt; text-decoration: none; text-underline: none;"><o:p> </o:p></span></span></p>
<p style="margin: 0in;"><o:p> </o:p></p>
<p style="margin: 0in;"><o:p> </o:p></p>
<p style="margin: 0in;"><b><i>-- Blog Tour Dates</i></b><o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt;">September 9<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"> @ The Muffin<o:p></o:p></b></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt;">What goes better
in the morning than a muffin? Join us at the WOW blog to celebrate the launch
of author Elizabeth Maria Naranjo’s cozy mystery “Murder by Milkshake”. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>You can
read an interview with the author and enter to win a copy of the book.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in;"><a href="https://muffin.wow-womenonwriting.com/"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt;">https://muffin.wow-womenonwriting.com/</span></a><span class="MsoHyperlink"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in;"><span class="MsoHyperlink"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt;"><o:p><span style="text-decoration: none;"> </span></o:p></span></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in;"><span class="MsoHyperlink"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt;"><o:p><span style="text-decoration: none;"> </span></o:p></span></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in;"><span class="MsoHyperlink"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt;"><o:p><span style="text-decoration: none;"> </span></o:p></span></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in;"><span class="MsoHyperlink"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt;"><o:p><span style="text-decoration: none;"> </span></o:p></span></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in;"><span class="MsoHyperlink"><b><span color="windowtext" style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 16pt; text-decoration: none; text-underline: none;">If you’re ready to
participate – here’s a link to the google form I need you to fill out:</span></b></span><span class="MsoHyperlink"><span color="windowtext" style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt;"> </span></span><span class="MsoHyperlink"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt;"><br />
</span></span><u><span style="color: blue; font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt;"><a href="https://forms.gle/aF292ieAb3TR62tc7">https://forms.gle/aF292ieAb3TR62tc7</a><o:p></o:p></span></u></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in;"><u><br /></u></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in;"><u><br /></u></p>
<iframe frameborder="0" height="2132" marginheight="0" marginwidth="0" src="https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSdjvXTcdbi4JkZW2CEiUSRfDvvT9ZRDY7SNvLeFTghQM4rr1g/viewform?embedded=true" width="640">Loading…</iframe>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in;"><u><span style="color: blue; font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt;"><o:p><span style="text-decoration: none;"> </span></o:p></span></u></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt;">Thanks in advance!<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt;"><o:p> </o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt;">Hugs,<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt;">~Crystal<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt;"><o:p> </o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; line-height: 15pt;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="color: black; font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; mso-color-alt: windowtext;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></span></b><u><span style="background: white; color: #3c4043; font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; letter-spacing: 0.15pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></u></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; line-height: 15pt;"><u><span style="background: white; color: #3c4043; font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; letter-spacing: 0.15pt;"><o:p><span style="text-decoration: none;"> </span></o:p></span></u></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in;"><u><span style="background: white; color: #3c4043; font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; letter-spacing: 0.15pt;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></span></u><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 12pt;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><o:p> </o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in;"><b><span face=""Arial",sans-serif" style="color: black; font-size: 12pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></span></b><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; line-height: 15pt;"><span style="color: black; font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; letter-spacing: 0.15pt;"><o:p> </o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt;"><o:p> </o:p></span></p>iamagemcrystalhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14560123696348876908noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4523505320806021217.post-27687609066068314762024-02-26T09:27:00.000-08:002024-02-26T09:27:04.661-08:005 Stars for Alexandria Pall's "B.O.A.T" - Review by Crystal J. Casavant-Otto<b><u><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgd0I1ffXokgWfhJXELzTdzRf1YhgWcvz_goldzFtBM6fLbe6mBl2ihhxlXtAFVvhYNiA5wEsFaOxbtWElmV_dxvHZbjls2XmjCSGJllS9rRQvvkcTwOwLcpyAI69UvBKniNl2ONORx5mAwJZrHrLF87Lg_5GfAYTVi2tI9RMC5iGBe3WandjGLIlsqyR2H/s500/Boat.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="500" data-original-width="314" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgd0I1ffXokgWfhJXELzTdzRf1YhgWcvz_goldzFtBM6fLbe6mBl2ihhxlXtAFVvhYNiA5wEsFaOxbtWElmV_dxvHZbjls2XmjCSGJllS9rRQvvkcTwOwLcpyAI69UvBKniNl2ONORx5mAwJZrHrLF87Lg_5GfAYTVi2tI9RMC5iGBe3WandjGLIlsqyR2H/s320/Boat.jpg" width="201" /></a></div><br />About the Book:
</u></b>
Seventeen-year-old April has spent her childhood in therapy, learning to dismiss her imaginary friends as just that: imaginary. Now, as a college freshman, she hopes to leave behind the whispers and cruel rumors that have plagued her for years. <div><br /></div><div>When April begins to embrace her newfound independence, her world is turned upside down when she crosses paths with Tommy and Bobby, two figures her therapist insisted were figments of her imagination.</div><div><br /></div><div>Nineteen-year-old Tommy has spent his life waiting for a mission that has haunted him. April’s reappearance shatters his reality, prompting him, April and Bobby to uncover a hidden truth that will change everything. </div><div><br /></div><div>The trio must unite to fulfill their destiny. But an ominous force is closing in on them, one that will stop at nothing to prevent them from completing their mission. The stakes grow darker, threatening not only their lives but the wellbeing of future generations. </div><div><br /></div><div>With time running out and the world’s fate hanging in the balance, fitting in will be the least of April’s concerns. She will need to confront the demons of her past and present, fighting for what she cherishes most.</div><div><br /></div><div><b><u>Alexandria's Website: https://www.alexandriapall.com/</u></b><br /><p><b><u> Review:</u></b></p> This is such a fantastic read - engaging is probably the best word to describe the experience. I enjoyed the characters and storyline as well as Pall's writing style. I would be interested in other books by this author and felt "B.O.A.T" was a relaxing reading experience!</div>iamagemcrystalhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14560123696348876908noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4523505320806021217.post-47291833363909263832024-02-21T15:29:00.000-08:002024-02-21T15:29:10.219-08:00Staycation - the Post You're All Waiting For! Manitowoc County Wisconsin in the Spotlight!<p> We recently had the opportunity to staycay in our very own town; this is an experience I highly recommend! We had a fabulous time exploring. Whether you live in or near Manitowoc County, Wisconsin or have never been here, this post has something for you!</p><p><br /></p><p>Here's our list of things you won't want to miss:</p><p><br /></p><p><b><u>Where to Stay/Eat/Play: </u></b><a href="https://www.lhinn.com/" target="_blank">The Lighthouse Inn</a> 1515 Memorial Drive Two Rivers, WI 54241</p><p>Star Rating: 4.75</p><p>Additional Notes: The rooms were clean and spacious. We had a gorgeous view of Lake Michigan and this is a very affordable place to stay. This is an older hotel but very well maintained - the swimming pool and hot tub were a hit with the entire family! There was a wedding one of the nights we stayed at the facility was beautifully decorated - this is definitely somewhere I would recommend for a wedding or anniversary gathering! We ate at the bar/restaurant several times. Each meal was delicious and the service was outstanding! Laura, Bryce, Scott, and Jim are some of our favorite people from the Lighthouse Inn staff. We even had an opportunity to hear Happy Birthday played on the violin for some dining guests celebrating their special day! The children loved breakfast the most and it's served all day! The Mule at the bar was a favorite for me - and the cedar planked salmon was divine! My youngest son as well as my husband also give 5 stars to the bbq ribs! </p><p><br /></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiorQnGbFjDjYDr2T8lS9D7bJH0Rep2DPY4xDVaqI6K990KF0ajPTVPk5MpB7OS3KXnYecoPhYJs7_UsJthP3jrR2V9VgKY8qiyaFy25Cdru5TB-ISngHN1vMAkS2xGv75FqIDTHouRa2kIT1KyeAjhZX2fO3KN_GkQlv-ejh5aTAc6slgxtgptf2ccg56s/s206/Lighthouse%20Inn%202.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="206" data-original-width="155" height="206" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiorQnGbFjDjYDr2T8lS9D7bJH0Rep2DPY4xDVaqI6K990KF0ajPTVPk5MpB7OS3KXnYecoPhYJs7_UsJthP3jrR2V9VgKY8qiyaFy25Cdru5TB-ISngHN1vMAkS2xGv75FqIDTHouRa2kIT1KyeAjhZX2fO3KN_GkQlv-ejh5aTAc6slgxtgptf2ccg56s/s1600/Lighthouse%20Inn%202.jpg" width="155" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgze1pwR7VS_3f7W7auwSd_NK7VBiVl3u3HBb6iinBBXrO1cEbqW1mO6DDhFMjUmW6ulOqV-Pykz7WcItQFRe5skls0Vq9RN8_QCQeOfNKmAitzbey6PTxm-jVpsYpNIUmF-DA9QRcwgZZSb6yYCqmG-0TDXmRGVl8kEzYZqHcj2ilPjrHNPHjnM0XcM91t/s206/Lighthouse%20Inn%203.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="206" data-original-width="155" height="206" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgze1pwR7VS_3f7W7auwSd_NK7VBiVl3u3HBb6iinBBXrO1cEbqW1mO6DDhFMjUmW6ulOqV-Pykz7WcItQFRe5skls0Vq9RN8_QCQeOfNKmAitzbey6PTxm-jVpsYpNIUmF-DA9QRcwgZZSb6yYCqmG-0TDXmRGVl8kEzYZqHcj2ilPjrHNPHjnM0XcM91t/s1600/Lighthouse%20Inn%203.jpg" width="155" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiAyBh3bGXQrfvUZRpa6UUnDJJAYvWcYahPNLoGygmzH0bwI7GmzbYHdYR_H6Cz2Oo95cO15XGfkBy__67UzVTj_k00GFKhwIE0iwxLOEG3JuYvhm4XVvncG6i8RLOMBoHkKQPeDvVvhSbjRONBVXfbNZuvLYWuu9Toyhod0LrJhji25LYDWRPKKM7T4pGw/s206/Lighthouse%20Inn%204.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="206" data-original-width="155" height="206" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiAyBh3bGXQrfvUZRpa6UUnDJJAYvWcYahPNLoGygmzH0bwI7GmzbYHdYR_H6Cz2Oo95cO15XGfkBy__67UzVTj_k00GFKhwIE0iwxLOEG3JuYvhm4XVvncG6i8RLOMBoHkKQPeDvVvhSbjRONBVXfbNZuvLYWuu9Toyhod0LrJhji25LYDWRPKKM7T4pGw/s1600/Lighthouse%20Inn%204.jpg" width="155" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhfZBeNHym-MutJY_VGTcj26ZDZNfLlfWxvkj3beHjIg0hU3DmaJ8ri9xOhiUMhp5glFdoag9Zh_JHzGviZDhAkVM1bN8Ov6SoEu8HS9GXmDyEuzbHp5IMPzc4wcPE00_4oDR6FleLIgDQh5XFwVt5khChI_P_qJrw5FJdHlFcbh3kMIMGfOXZzrt3rWZnP/s206/Lighthouse%20Inn%205.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="206" data-original-width="155" height="206" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhfZBeNHym-MutJY_VGTcj26ZDZNfLlfWxvkj3beHjIg0hU3DmaJ8ri9xOhiUMhp5glFdoag9Zh_JHzGviZDhAkVM1bN8Ov6SoEu8HS9GXmDyEuzbHp5IMPzc4wcPE00_4oDR6FleLIgDQh5XFwVt5khChI_P_qJrw5FJdHlFcbh3kMIMGfOXZzrt3rWZnP/s1600/Lighthouse%20Inn%205.jpg" width="155" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjetiVYkXtNx6PZyUgnZzBXcxedKurmX63UUB7EdO_gQtb0P0ulCHsErcKAwzx9UhGGeTkLUWIGzROQuPs6Fg-8cuSbUbx29YVXXi9z7U0uF7yS0QHZpdouFw_GJb87Ko7SU5SLA6s8e0Fcn43CcQzaDK6HkzA-RcMdxPQ11iLOIAL_1Tp5m5iOrw4IErB9/s275/Lighthouse%20Inn.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="206" data-original-width="275" height="206" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjetiVYkXtNx6PZyUgnZzBXcxedKurmX63UUB7EdO_gQtb0P0ulCHsErcKAwzx9UhGGeTkLUWIGzROQuPs6Fg-8cuSbUbx29YVXXi9z7U0uF7yS0QHZpdouFw_GJb87Ko7SU5SLA6s8e0Fcn43CcQzaDK6HkzA-RcMdxPQ11iLOIAL_1Tp5m5iOrw4IErB9/s1600/Lighthouse%20Inn.jpg" width="275" /></a></div><br /><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><b><u>Where to Eat:</u></b> <a href="https://waverlyinnpubandpizzeria.com/" target="_blank">The Waverly </a>1402 16th Street Two Rivers, WI 54241</p><p>Star Rating: 4.75</p><p>Additional Notes: The Waverly offers a wide variety of foods - everything from pizza and apps for the kids, drinks for the adults, salads and fish plates for the adults, and there's a recent addition of dessert! If you don't like the dessert offering, there's some delicious drinks that might interest you. I know I really enjoy a little something sweet after a nice meal. The salad with salmon is delicious but I also recommend the bbq chicken pizza! We've never had a bad meal at the Waverly. It can be loud depending how full the facility is - but it's a great place for the entire family! </p><p><br /></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEguPoZxC4LSu_oYRo5KjdjBC6mHx-OYWw2-pRt2Ag1eN2Xil-B4QT382HphHJsI2bx_eBqkHEHNlTWA36Mxh5CIYht4RBSh4O_AjxcL66Bcsv7fa1W9NG87hY9vlNRSGukoHwVASNmnNbSDd7TG768MqmzgQpRMYotObDnObN5mdiN5AreWo_pM6lTj1C7L/s206/Waverly.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="206" data-original-width="155" height="206" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEguPoZxC4LSu_oYRo5KjdjBC6mHx-OYWw2-pRt2Ag1eN2Xil-B4QT382HphHJsI2bx_eBqkHEHNlTWA36Mxh5CIYht4RBSh4O_AjxcL66Bcsv7fa1W9NG87hY9vlNRSGukoHwVASNmnNbSDd7TG768MqmzgQpRMYotObDnObN5mdiN5AreWo_pM6lTj1C7L/s1600/Waverly.jpg" width="155" /></a></div><br /><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><b><u>Where to get your Nails done:</u></b> <a href="https://www.facebook.com/SydneyandDong/" target="_blank">CT Nail Salon</a> 1607 Washington Street Two Rivers, WI 54241</p><p>Star Rating: 4.25</p><p>Additional Notes: CT Nail Salon does a nice job but sometimes there can be quite a wait (even with an appointment). The technicians are sweet and they offer a lot of options. The chairs are incredibly comfortable although the salon can often feel a bit overcrowded. They do NOT have special chairs for children, but they are very accommodating for the younger guests.</p><p><br /></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhaF2iKDfRBherIb5YBGJFZ_2EINpg3dtzS91d9CendyXwqtHjKAqD7UDCiw_ojT471rBxXvbii4v2_74miDGNyWz__5p7fPD4KO09o0OTjkHxdlj2fwnbB9SbaGgmG_Mx4wjYcZefMjEGr3BWthnefkUGz7yMT8him2QprKcTwEEcN_TmLAwY4Moh-0ZWa/s206/Nail%20Salon.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="206" data-original-width="155" height="206" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhaF2iKDfRBherIb5YBGJFZ_2EINpg3dtzS91d9CendyXwqtHjKAqD7UDCiw_ojT471rBxXvbii4v2_74miDGNyWz__5p7fPD4KO09o0OTjkHxdlj2fwnbB9SbaGgmG_Mx4wjYcZefMjEGr3BWthnefkUGz7yMT8him2QprKcTwEEcN_TmLAwY4Moh-0ZWa/s1600/Nail%20Salon.jpg" width="155" /></a></div><br /><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><b><u>Where to get a Massage or Unique Gift: </u></b><a href="https://www.facebook.com/Rebelmassageandenergywork/" target="_blank">Rebel Massage and Energy </a>1613 Washington Street Two Rivers Wisconsin</p><p>Star Rating: 5.00</p><p>Additional Notes: I absolutely love love love going to see Jessica for a hot stone massage. She's got a great mix of personality and tranquility and I always leave feeling renewed and rejuvenated. Her prices are reasonable and the retail side of things is always a special treat! </p><p><br /></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEibGeOlBeMhFicZngM0l4IlLUdGKARgiYOcuj9AIyh7HDGd49CQG8sth0dJxPx3YMUGyltOOewnmanxJXOSwQCP2aVx9vwdBPt2Y-v42MevtSOQFxm2hmTdBmziRHI8hxHPVwn7Ph1_4RKFCtwyfWLVj48ekivRStd82RAm1KynUsokfjVr45YZzE7eZkEo/s206/Rebel%202.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="206" data-original-width="155" height="206" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEibGeOlBeMhFicZngM0l4IlLUdGKARgiYOcuj9AIyh7HDGd49CQG8sth0dJxPx3YMUGyltOOewnmanxJXOSwQCP2aVx9vwdBPt2Y-v42MevtSOQFxm2hmTdBmziRHI8hxHPVwn7Ph1_4RKFCtwyfWLVj48ekivRStd82RAm1KynUsokfjVr45YZzE7eZkEo/s1600/Rebel%202.jpg" width="155" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgBfc8qO-hPqt6z9U5Qpr7URxKFH-HN9VCuQK7cD6g8M-tFyNG-BViN6_MuTP8PkZj-Fp-f76Uf2Q19l2eTQGFYpZxeDbkjMKSX8wrzDRAhlu0EKEjk07qVEbxpWCe6MgUt2QpwhZVfIMe8F46ti-m7A4QZ_q4Ycvp8RVBs6o2TT-4hHvgfWyd7tcEGAziK/s206/Rebel%203.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="206" data-original-width="155" height="206" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgBfc8qO-hPqt6z9U5Qpr7URxKFH-HN9VCuQK7cD6g8M-tFyNG-BViN6_MuTP8PkZj-Fp-f76Uf2Q19l2eTQGFYpZxeDbkjMKSX8wrzDRAhlu0EKEjk07qVEbxpWCe6MgUt2QpwhZVfIMe8F46ti-m7A4QZ_q4Ycvp8RVBs6o2TT-4hHvgfWyd7tcEGAziK/s1600/Rebel%203.jpg" width="155" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEinyvh9OJNusnuHt-ulvbiLdMY5bGAsbFc9i0bYFmXdY2Pk7t0R-Q5wUHz1R3L4eYAdVzM3qMbMlA0-Lt6mBIKCk16vm0xiIXuEadTNddbnXtzwOC4_GhRJAIm2p10GX2ktWpHFGxADnHc6UEypYuV6LsiWZK6xDpJLIjhuGjP_LcBUR9HBrl4u96A2fCVj/s206/Rebel%201.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="206" data-original-width="155" height="206" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEinyvh9OJNusnuHt-ulvbiLdMY5bGAsbFc9i0bYFmXdY2Pk7t0R-Q5wUHz1R3L4eYAdVzM3qMbMlA0-Lt6mBIKCk16vm0xiIXuEadTNddbnXtzwOC4_GhRJAIm2p10GX2ktWpHFGxADnHc6UEypYuV6LsiWZK6xDpJLIjhuGjP_LcBUR9HBrl4u96A2fCVj/s1600/Rebel%201.jpg" width="155" /></a></div><br /><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><b><u>Where to purchase Books: </u></b><a href="https://www.facebook.com/papercranebookstore/" target="_blank">Paper Crane Bookstore </a>1610 Washington Street Two Rivers Wisconsin OR <a href="https://www.facebook.com/LaDeDaBooks1/" target="_blank">La De Da Books</a> 1624 New York Avenue Manitowoc Wisconsin</p><p>Paper Crane Star Rating: 4.75</p><p>La De Da Star Rating: 5.00</p><p>Additional Notes: We absolutely love the atmosphere of both book stores. Both are family friendly with great customer service. La De Da offers a piano and a few more options with a bit more space, so we recommend checking out both as they are each unique and very special! </p><p><br /></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj9qYwmXzKebFKqQo6i2Bvk7pCd2McEjqdG9SPy-EryovjB1BKZ2RoUfG6zHR_012Mkhy5NEhZCOMKvHx7Ks4eyPorTKrztc72jqPotWM9BvxVV3fG_s6OLzquHm7w-Lz3ZlJH7vIVqH7mnR0PDjuhk1xYa-XIxkuSLPpjMtNRF5tI-Lijp3cKyS6i6Qpf2/s206/Paper%20Crane%202.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="206" data-original-width="155" height="206" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj9qYwmXzKebFKqQo6i2Bvk7pCd2McEjqdG9SPy-EryovjB1BKZ2RoUfG6zHR_012Mkhy5NEhZCOMKvHx7Ks4eyPorTKrztc72jqPotWM9BvxVV3fG_s6OLzquHm7w-Lz3ZlJH7vIVqH7mnR0PDjuhk1xYa-XIxkuSLPpjMtNRF5tI-Lijp3cKyS6i6Qpf2/s1600/Paper%20Crane%202.jpg" width="155" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg9KQAXd9fQJdd_rqH-iULGePS6v_Ct3cpSwy3-iBGCTgvwTGRSrBiq0xoTFfDpBWa88MvkxJkV-lGoTHC4VyQgreHRxb6JXZ2XweSbnIiDOiiDqU_3HqaDVjEY6W7f_bMyuVB2IUg1wVAbsjZVjOVbDY9M5LPC9O75ODajYAuwQdBV75iXkfceM43vhJg9/s206/Paper%20Crane.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="206" data-original-width="155" height="206" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg9KQAXd9fQJdd_rqH-iULGePS6v_Ct3cpSwy3-iBGCTgvwTGRSrBiq0xoTFfDpBWa88MvkxJkV-lGoTHC4VyQgreHRxb6JXZ2XweSbnIiDOiiDqU_3HqaDVjEY6W7f_bMyuVB2IUg1wVAbsjZVjOVbDY9M5LPC9O75ODajYAuwQdBV75iXkfceM43vhJg9/s1600/Paper%20Crane.jpg" width="155" /></a></div><br /><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><b><u>Where to grab a Coffee: </u></b><a href="https://www.facebook.com/p/Retro-Eighth-Coffee-A%C3%A7a%C3%AD-100088646192524/" target="_blank">Retro Eighth Coffee & Acai </a>801 North 8th Street Manitowoc Wisconsin OR <a href="https://www.facebook.com/thehighlift/" target="_blank">The High Lift </a>1207 Madison Street Two Rivers Wisconsin</p><p>Retro Eighth Star Rating: 5.0</p><p>The High Lift Star Rating: 5.0</p><p>Additional Notes: Each coffee shop is different and both provide great options and exceptional customer service. There are more food options at Retro but Hight Lift offers the convenience of a drive through. They're also in different towns - and as you know you can never have too much coffee - so check both of them out while you're in town (and if you need a friend to join you just let me know!)</p><p><br /></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhGV93FY5lBTP1tVEhBisY8w69dgsS7kPjiL3XSDhyphenhyphennt1PiOILN7q-tHrQlDQ_sK4-VDjFQUSZiT67vGnZvOKwhmQXQfdcvxmt6T9xEB36FPML8-sYAADCpbkDqqC0UeomLv-APFJpo3fAhEicRkO2d-a_fvo4TbOs6qIskCrFQi8fz90jwPU5P5RRea9aZ/s275/retro.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="206" data-original-width="275" height="206" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhGV93FY5lBTP1tVEhBisY8w69dgsS7kPjiL3XSDhyphenhyphennt1PiOILN7q-tHrQlDQ_sK4-VDjFQUSZiT67vGnZvOKwhmQXQfdcvxmt6T9xEB36FPML8-sYAADCpbkDqqC0UeomLv-APFJpo3fAhEicRkO2d-a_fvo4TbOs6qIskCrFQi8fz90jwPU5P5RRea9aZ/s1600/retro.jpg" width="275" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjF6nCIqiXa7Umf7WN_6sE6kc-Da3QzLxEPsImHo0C22jEus_mrDeIeeAgPggNH1kMXHbZt04rgx6VWybLA-mMx-CrBIRTummGwTPH9eFCjb9NN1wRpiX9FZzzTXgrnysWBCu63cuVoEzmWrgO5O8XigXec7KRj7zP2rJ72MZea_fSJ7ndq77z-FlwVFYA6/s275/retro%202.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="206" data-original-width="275" height="206" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjF6nCIqiXa7Umf7WN_6sE6kc-Da3QzLxEPsImHo0C22jEus_mrDeIeeAgPggNH1kMXHbZt04rgx6VWybLA-mMx-CrBIRTummGwTPH9eFCjb9NN1wRpiX9FZzzTXgrnysWBCu63cuVoEzmWrgO5O8XigXec7KRj7zP2rJ72MZea_fSJ7ndq77z-FlwVFYA6/s1600/retro%202.jpg" width="275" /></a></div><br /><p><br /></p><p><b><u>Where to Shop: </u></b><a href="https://www.schroederstore.com/" target="_blank">Schroeder's Department Store </a>1623 Washington Street Two Rivers Wisconsin</p><p>Star Rating: 4.5</p><p>Additional Notes: Whether you're looking for a thong to hide the panty lines under your sleekest slacks, or a bath robe for gramma - Schroeder's has you covered! Hats to sandals and everything in between! You can also find a nice selection of gifts, decor, men's dress clothes, hiking apparel, coffee drinks, and so much more! </p><p><br /></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjjvWnmOi_FJw4Q7YCN7dyNgZVOBIPneSUyg6oSQRcn3djNKjd6HU1M9jD6B03Zv-p00hOrdPyzFJeeQtQ0WSCigEFL-vOp2xoFE2zrIhLI_CDaB6-KjKOExEfjov7V0wVXKoMu6xb64Tw7gxvmUXhF1A8udUIglFY2McGOANeXWecBiPRTuQUsiNOof1_3/s206/Schroeder's.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="206" data-original-width="155" height="206" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjjvWnmOi_FJw4Q7YCN7dyNgZVOBIPneSUyg6oSQRcn3djNKjd6HU1M9jD6B03Zv-p00hOrdPyzFJeeQtQ0WSCigEFL-vOp2xoFE2zrIhLI_CDaB6-KjKOExEfjov7V0wVXKoMu6xb64Tw7gxvmUXhF1A8udUIglFY2McGOANeXWecBiPRTuQUsiNOof1_3/s1600/Schroeder's.jpg" width="155" /></a></div><br /><p><br /></p><p><b><u>Where to find Fine Dining: </u></b><a href="https://www.waterfrontwinebar.com/" target="_blank">The Waterfront Wine Bar </a> 2 North 8th Street Manitowoc Wisconsin</p><p>Star Rating: 5.0</p><p>Additional Notes: We absolutely love the food options at the Waterfront Wine Bar and the atmosphere is exquisite! We've never had a bad experience and highly recommend the prime rib. Some of our favorite friends are Bree, Stacy, Rachel, Megean, and James but the most amazing staff can be found right by this gem on the water! </p><p><br /></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjfibkFb05RBeohMNBmxqt372EWXu65WkbjV4RCRTcA_80aKXTroDwQ-YZ9d7lbocZZkJB1l0svV7rPUI-_o7eMvn4cWIDKwTGQeJteDiJb5W7zlIBSoKanOoW6zPA5lF3_ENHm19bb9lIYxEKEIitg-_XTGcxIpbHkG-s7MoFf0dM5-_MmDzNkAJISlt0E/s206/waterfront.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="206" data-original-width="155" height="206" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjfibkFb05RBeohMNBmxqt372EWXu65WkbjV4RCRTcA_80aKXTroDwQ-YZ9d7lbocZZkJB1l0svV7rPUI-_o7eMvn4cWIDKwTGQeJteDiJb5W7zlIBSoKanOoW6zPA5lF3_ENHm19bb9lIYxEKEIitg-_XTGcxIpbHkG-s7MoFf0dM5-_MmDzNkAJISlt0E/s1600/waterfront.jpg" width="155" /></a></div><br /><p><br /></p><p><b><u>Other Unique Opportunities: </u></b>Ice Skating in the Middle of Town, Visit the Beach - she's a beauty year round! Stop at Woodland Dunes Nature Center!</p><p>Additional Notes: Two Rivers and Manitowoc have so very much to offer - there's biking and hiking, skating, reading, and playing. Did you know Manitowoc has a Symphony? The options are endless regardless of what you enjoy! </p><p><br /></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjFb0FpyKy4BtJvbNJoAhNmNOlbwVBc5oji5ci3KokrYC8-0z75ROhjppO10LKal-R7MDbWj3ofJTHpHX8PAC0TzUJ1_d23q4742UwnB3bJiygIUM6caQ-mpC9MDoZTZHnIrP9UJ96n4vKfFsIND7ffB9evBzwwDDIoQZwi0eWn_0o_WMGqNG5FGzUkvX9h/s206/ice%20skating.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="206" data-original-width="155" height="206" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjFb0FpyKy4BtJvbNJoAhNmNOlbwVBc5oji5ci3KokrYC8-0z75ROhjppO10LKal-R7MDbWj3ofJTHpHX8PAC0TzUJ1_d23q4742UwnB3bJiygIUM6caQ-mpC9MDoZTZHnIrP9UJ96n4vKfFsIND7ffB9evBzwwDDIoQZwi0eWn_0o_WMGqNG5FGzUkvX9h/s1600/ice%20skating.jpg" width="155" /></a></div><br /><p><br /></p>iamagemcrystalhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14560123696348876908noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4523505320806021217.post-61687429214000487352024-02-15T09:18:00.000-08:002024-02-15T09:18:02.259-08:00Rolling with the Punches - Plan D and a Granola Bar<p> </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhSFc8olcIbWJQFsQjoYcQOr7Gas3cg_DkG8A-Av_UDOdjN0Cb4xZ2Wxv4b7F5oviDAIHneQurln68TBoZgICA20k_yeH_p8sobLWRyCvZjF8npIxmXzGzQZhtQmkJnL9zuu6d8KoXna7HDejJq_WXXKZgFksOmRtFO7AdW8Uq14aMfgfN-h_m5cxlDhnIm/s640/IMG_7784.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="640" data-original-width="480" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhSFc8olcIbWJQFsQjoYcQOr7Gas3cg_DkG8A-Av_UDOdjN0Cb4xZ2Wxv4b7F5oviDAIHneQurln68TBoZgICA20k_yeH_p8sobLWRyCvZjF8npIxmXzGzQZhtQmkJnL9zuu6d8KoXna7HDejJq_WXXKZgFksOmRtFO7AdW8Uq14aMfgfN-h_m5cxlDhnIm/s320/IMG_7784.jpg" width="240" /></a>I couldn't find a good pic for "rolling with the punches" because my hands are dry and my nails look awful (I did take some really crappy punching pictures - I'm also having a bad hair day) so this is what you get. I don't even remember why we took this funny photo, but it seems a bit appropriate for how our faces may look when our day falls apart! It's not even noon on a Thursday and plans A through C have already failed. I'm onto Plan D and a Granola Bar. I'm sure you can relate. We make a list, we set our goals, we do the preparation, and ... we wake up late, the car doesn't start, the roads aren't plowed, the crock pot won't heat up, someone calls and needs something, and the list goes out the window, the goals seem unattainable, and no matter how well prepared we were, we find ourselves eating a partial granola bar one of the kids left under the seat of the mom mobile. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">I'm not complaining by any means. I make time for the things that matter as I'm sure you do too. My nails are a mess, but my kids had the right treats and their Valentine's yesterday were spot on! I forgot my fresh veggies in the fridge at home, but the permission slips are signed, the clothes are washed, and we woke up with giggles, cuddles, and laughter (except the teens - but they've got gas $, cheese crackers, and energy drinks...if you have teens, you understand). My hubby woke up to a clean house and a fresh pot of coffee. My mother will soon have her fresh from the oven pasties. The people that matter are well cared for and it doesn't really matter that I didn't get the filing done. There's also that closet I've been meaning to organize for...well...forever...</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Let's talk about that. We make time for the things that matter. The people that matter. Right?</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">You're nodding your head in agreement aren't you? We make time to call and check in on our friends. We make time to care for our families. We make time to volunteer. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">What's missing in this article so far?</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">It's the same thing that I'm missing in my life. Maybe you have the same problem I do. I'm saying this for both of us:</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">I MATTER TOO!</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">I know that and you do too - but yet we put ourselves at the end of the list. For me, I haven't exercised in 3 days. It brings me joy and yet I push it to the end of the list. I wish I had a solution for us. Keep putting things that bring you joy on your daily list. Keep reminding yourself that you matter. Try to remember that if you're on a plane and the oxygen masks drop down, you should put the mask on yourself first and then tend to the children. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">I'll be over here trying to fill my cup so I can pour it out...</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Feel free to comment with your thoughts, ideas, struggles, and triumphs. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Remember I love you!</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">xoxox</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">~Crystal</div><br /><p></p>iamagemcrystalhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14560123696348876908noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4523505320806021217.post-61300879463139271962024-02-14T09:23:00.000-08:002024-02-14T09:23:57.834-08:00Even in the Darkness<p> </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhwH2Ez6DA5zWqBDNemSXrK8b9Zda3hT7RU1SAy_upqYmtiCtMfBlUEiXa_hpnciZ-pWHMbyzXeoQwtw8NxxvV17K5TdkVC-MjdPiWuELF-b3R65Fu4pSwdbL-UF9ESJOts5fmuhsu90_Fkbv-gRS4D2I00r0WElT0HWo6k4XgzomoC8NHU1SuZPxXBe-7v/s512/20240212_204134.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="512" data-original-width="384" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhwH2Ez6DA5zWqBDNemSXrK8b9Zda3hT7RU1SAy_upqYmtiCtMfBlUEiXa_hpnciZ-pWHMbyzXeoQwtw8NxxvV17K5TdkVC-MjdPiWuELF-b3R65Fu4pSwdbL-UF9ESJOts5fmuhsu90_Fkbv-gRS4D2I00r0WElT0HWo6k4XgzomoC8NHU1SuZPxXBe-7v/s320/20240212_204134.jpg" width="240" /></a>Even in the darkness there is light. Think about that. There's always a small glimmer - from a phone, streetlight, tiny twinkling star, or maybe it's not even something you can see. Maybe it's a tiny light inside of you. A small ember just waiting for a breath of fresh air to spark them into a raging fire of light! Regardless of where your light is coming from - if you nurture it, it will grow. If you focus on the light, the darkness seems less dark. Less lonely. Less intimidating. All of use have a different light and a different energy. Some of us thrive in a group setting, yet others wither and feel themselves fading when they are with others. Some of us have spent a lifetime pleasing others and have no idea what fuels their light and energy. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">I'm going to give you a moment to let that sink in. Have you spent a lifetime pleasing others, fitting yourself into someone else's box, and now you find yourself questioning everything. Your light and energy have faded and you aren't quite sure how to kindle your flame? Are you asking yourself "where did it all go wrong?" or "when did my fire die down?"? The first thing I want you to know is you are not alone. The second thing I need you to know is with a little bit of digging and working, you'll be headed in the right direction. Like a Wisconsin garden in the spring, all you need is a little time and love and soon you'll be in full bloom. Your fire will be raging once again! </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Don't feel like you need to do this alone. Reach out to friends and family, a counselor, a pastor, or a stranger at a coffee shop. You may find your purpose in art, volunteering, helping others, baking, cooking, reading, exercise, or a variety of other things. Each of us has a different spark of light and those individual sparks are going to grow with something uniquely yours. I'm a list maker. I have a list of things that bring me joy and next to each of those "things" is a list of feelings that come from them. For example, riding horses makes me feel strong and young, reminds me of my childhood and my father. Leaves me feeling energized and renewed. Sitting at the beach makes me think about calm summer days and I feel clear headed and relaxes. Depending on what is causing my inner darkness, I can find the appropriate light source to get me where I need to be. Each day is different - AND THAT IS PERFECTLY OKAY. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">It's okay to need people one day and want to take a solo walk in the woods the next day. It's okay to spend 3 months painting and filling canvases and then leave your brushes untouched for a year. Feeding your internal fire and filling your darkness with light is fluid. The night sky is unique every evening and changes depending where you are and when you view it - and just like that night sky is ever changing, so are you. You bring a unique light to a unique darkness - don't be afraid to be your very own unique light. Even in the Darkness - bring it!</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Love and Hugs,</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">xoxox</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Crystal</div><br /><p></p>iamagemcrystalhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14560123696348876908noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4523505320806021217.post-7104715276043805512024-02-12T22:30:00.000-08:002024-02-12T22:30:00.127-08:00Failing Forward<p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiEfdZiJ3gKCQ46OcT-N5LzmWJwEivmtiVbLZJrks5BxFGK1FWjhhAWUo4hDiClAUttJyRqO5p_OHZBEX2N8QJWLKaS6XQVLi3f8zslda9EmuauKuphGgCKnxOGGBFmShRWF3hvWwv6Sc6vLOpawIxc8JFwTmhjUcWX2tMRnpdu2KnC6MMtlWmR033AQ3rZ/s1544/IMG_7995.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1544" data-original-width="1158" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiEfdZiJ3gKCQ46OcT-N5LzmWJwEivmtiVbLZJrks5BxFGK1FWjhhAWUo4hDiClAUttJyRqO5p_OHZBEX2N8QJWLKaS6XQVLi3f8zslda9EmuauKuphGgCKnxOGGBFmShRWF3hvWwv6Sc6vLOpawIxc8JFwTmhjUcWX2tMRnpdu2KnC6MMtlWmR033AQ3rZ/s320/IMG_7995.jpg" width="240" /></a></div><br /> Here I am again...you didn't hear from me for a long time and now two posts in two days? Let me tell you a little about that. Have you ever thought to yourself, 'I'd really like to call ________ but it's been so long, they're going to think it's crappy of me. I don't know why I waited so long, but I just can't call outta the blue.'? <p></p><p>Of course you've had that internal dialogue - we ALL have. So often times we just put down the phone and hope they're doing well. Sometimes we make the call - and honestly has anyone ever chastised you? I mean okay - sometimes our moms or aunties can be a little harsh - but has a friend ever said "wow, it's been a really long time, you're an asshole, bye" of course not! The friend says how happy they are to hear from you and you chat as if no time has gone by at all.</p><p>I have a similar relationship with my writing and my health. I enjoy eating healthy and exercise and I enjoy writing, but life so often times gets in the way and I find myself making goals and then falling flat. One day of eating yucky turns into weeks. One skipped run turns into a months worth of skipped runs. My writing notebook has a few amazing pages and a layer of dust on top of it. As I pass the treadmill, throw away the spinach, and wipe the dust off my notebook I give into the negative self talk. I hear my own voice trying to knock me down - telling me I'm lazy, unmotivated, getting fat, never going to accomplish my goals, etc...</p><p>And you know what - I'm telling that voice to shut up ( my mom reads my blog so I'll leave it at that for now ) but basically this shirt is the voice I want to hear: NOPE, NOT TODAY! Today I'm not going to fall into the stinking thinking. Today I'm not going to stay away from the things that bring me joy. Today is not the day I'm going to give up. I'm going to write, run, eat the avocado, and I'm going to tell myself how amazing I am! How I'm stronger mentally, emotionally, physically, and spiritually than I was a day/week/month ago and how I may have failed but how that failure is now my motivation to move forward!</p><p>I'm failing forward - why not join me? Grab the list of things you enjoy and the names and numbers of people you've lost touch with and fail forward by taking one step at a time. Admit you've made some mistakes and conjure up the energy to move forward. </p><p>What is it that you want to move forward with? What is something you're proud of? Leave a comment - we love to hear from you!</p><p><br /></p><p>All my love,</p><p>xoxox</p><p>~Crystal</p>iamagemcrystalhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14560123696348876908noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4523505320806021217.post-77382471684235156542024-02-12T11:08:00.000-08:002024-02-12T11:08:47.926-08:00Contrast<p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgKqwMkghAyFYQNOWZtLtstKuB3Z-aCxeDpHfn47wFeJaR6BKCBo_3sr6P_CM9EyZOvyEewagGi52PHB577QhHcDdMr0ShjClV9v4dXQqAzP0oBM8vjoYcW6LPpQFfHDhLCRS76CsbLyvIuPg2kliQ4AIgYvNla2cvt1laMsjGTWtVJGZ4-nK1MHzwHo9st/s640/IMG_8143.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="640" data-original-width="480" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgKqwMkghAyFYQNOWZtLtstKuB3Z-aCxeDpHfn47wFeJaR6BKCBo_3sr6P_CM9EyZOvyEewagGi52PHB577QhHcDdMr0ShjClV9v4dXQqAzP0oBM8vjoYcW6LPpQFfHDhLCRS76CsbLyvIuPg2kliQ4AIgYvNla2cvt1laMsjGTWtVJGZ4-nK1MHzwHo9st/s320/IMG_8143.jpg" width="240" /></a>Let's talk about contrast for a moment. My initial thought was I should write an article about light and darkness and in reality I'm still writing the same article - just a bit of a better spin on it. Contrast is of course the state of one thing being different from another - which makes it the perfect word to use when speaking on the subject of light and darkness. As an artist though - I'd like to talk about contrast which is the coming together of two opposite elements. Look at this picture for example - the restaurant looks dark only because the light is shining in the window and the photograph was taken with me facing the light and the camera facing the dark. The opposing elements cause the contrast. I ask myself, would the warmth of Wisconsin summer seem less warm without the cold of a Wisconsin winter? Would our joyful life experiences seem less joyful if not for the pain of our anxiety filled struggles? </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">I initially wanted to write an uplifting article about how the light always breaks through the darkness and I still want you to remember that. I remind myself daily and the sunrise also reminds me. Write now though, our family is struggling and even though I have knowledge of brighter days ahead and I know the sun is shining and some days it's just hidden from me - I need to be honest with myself (and with you dear reader) and say that sometimes it's not enough. Some days I can pull myself out of the funk of darkness by concentrating on the promise of sunshine and brighter days ahead. Some days I would be just as happy to crawl back under the covers and bask in the darkness of sleep.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Am I depressed? Maybe. Is life hard? Definitely. Do I have a lot of friends pulling for me? Absolutely. Am I hesitant to ask for help? Of course. Is it easier for me to be the helper than to admit I'm a puddle on the floor? Yup - that's me! Do I wish someone would pick me up and carry me until I have the strength to stand? Yup - also me!</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">What's the point of this post? Well... I'm here to tell you it's okay if you aren't the bubbly ray of sunshine folks are accustomed to. It's okay if your chipper smile at the barista in the drive through line is fake for now. It's okay if the only thing getting you out of bed is your obligation to parent tiny humans. It's okay if the only reason you showered this week is because you couldn't go another moment smelling yourself. It's okay to hide behind a fake smile and make up. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">BUT...</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">You should only hide for a while. Find someone to talk to. Find yourself someone who is willing to sit on the bathroom floor with you. Someone who is willing to help you up and who is brave enough to tell you how awful you smell. Someone who says "I'll wait in the kitchen while you shower and then, let's go for coffee". Someone who helps you find a professional who can help you. Someone who helps you fill out the paperwork for your appointment with the professional. Someone who helps you arrange your thoughts and asks how your appointment went. Someone who asks when your next appointment is and calls you that day to remind you to go. Someone who checks on you and checks in daily until you have regained your strength of body and mind.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">You may be accustomed to being the helper - but you have been driven to your knees and there is no way to get up without help. Allowing your anxious thoughts to consume you will ruin you and there is no shame in professional help and/or medication if necessary. I'm here to tell you that contrast in art is beautiful and someday you'll be so thankful for your own dark days because they'll make you appreciate the light! Keep chasing the light and find a tribe to chase it with you!</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">All my love!</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">xoxoxo</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Crystal</div><br /> <p></p>iamagemcrystalhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14560123696348876908noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4523505320806021217.post-24013464802666908342023-12-14T11:52:00.000-08:002023-12-14T11:52:32.593-08:005 Star Review of Homecoming Chaos by D. W. Brooks<p> Thank you for allowing Bring on Lemons to be part of:</p><p><br /></p><p align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;"><span lang="EN-CA" style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">D.W. Brooks’<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span lang="EN-CA" style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">WOW! WOMEN
ON WRITING TOUR <o:p></o:p></span></b></p>
<p align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span lang="EN-CA" style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">of <o:p></o:p></span></b></p>
<p align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span lang="EN-CA" style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Homecoming Chaos<o:p></o:p></span></i></b></p>
<p align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Times New Roman, serif;"> </span></p>
<p align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;"><span lang="EN-CA" style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><o:p></o:p></span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhXZWXV4bUwmRSbU4Hk9A8pha61urR0sprX9lzoks4vBnWdTQbgshjY6f5JtFp9T456qnVsL2Ibw1C1EO_aXsn-MFUs_eMKLyQ1nazSdXhLbEY075jaG06AubzIb_hHRj8rd0fqXFYg048xReJFLjB7fbdC03SCpvRwdcNRJTTDj_h0urH978DAIna9PD5F/s2560/homecoming_chaos_v2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2560" data-original-width="1600" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhXZWXV4bUwmRSbU4Hk9A8pha61urR0sprX9lzoks4vBnWdTQbgshjY6f5JtFp9T456qnVsL2Ibw1C1EO_aXsn-MFUs_eMKLyQ1nazSdXhLbEY075jaG06AubzIb_hHRj8rd0fqXFYg048xReJFLjB7fbdC03SCpvRwdcNRJTTDj_h0urH978DAIna9PD5F/w250-h400/homecoming_chaos_v2.jpg" width="250" /></a></div><br /> <p></p>
<h2><span lang="EN-CA" style="font-size: 11.0pt; font-weight: normal; line-height: 107%; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-latin;">I am so excited to be part of the blog tour for <i>Homecoming Chaos</i>! This
romantic suspense by D.W. Brooks is perfect for readers who enjoy some witty
dialogue and family issues mixed with a little romance and mystery. <o:p></o:p></span></h2>
<h2><span lang="EN-CA" style="font-size: 11.0pt; font-weight: normal; line-height: 107%; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-latin;">The blog tour started November 20th and lasts through
December 17th. I got a little behind with my review - not because the book wasn't phenomenal, but because my kiddos keep breaking things (wrists, ankles, etc...) and this throws off my schedule. I hope D.W. will forgive me!</span></h2><h2><span style="font-size: 14.6667px; font-weight: 400;"> </span>5 Star Review by Crystal J. Casavant-Otto</h2><div>I absolutely loved <b><i>Homecoming Chaos </i></b>- it has a little bit of everything and flows really well! If you're looking for something light with a bit of romance and mystery - this is a fast read and is just the book for you! Jamie Scott is a delightful character you can't help but adore. With the holidays quickly approaching and so many people traveling, this is a fantastic book to pick up while riding in a car/plane or even a sweet way to end the day while relaxing. 5 out of 5 for sure! </div><div><br /></div><div>Now... find out more:</div>
<h2><span lang="EN-CA">About the Book<o:p></o:p></span></h2>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in;"><b><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; mso-ansi-language: EN-US;">A dead body
in the parking lot of her family’s business, a killer on the loose, and a
handsome detective asking a lot of questions…<o:p></o:p></span></b></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; mso-ansi-language: EN-US;"><o:p> </o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; mso-ansi-language: EN-US;">Jamie
Scott’s life fell apart four years ago when she broke off her engagement,
turned down a dream job, and went overseas to run away from her life. Now she’s
back, but the reunion is not without problems. She arrives home just in time to
attend the soiree her mother planned, but she’s not prepared for what she
finds—a dead employee in the parking lot.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; mso-ansi-language: EN-US;"><o:p> </o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; mso-ansi-language: EN-US;">Detective
Nick Marshall is assigned to the murder case at the forensics lab owned by
Jamie’s family. He meets the headstrong Jamie, but he has a job to do. And his
attraction to her… well, he’s a professional.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; mso-ansi-language: EN-US;"><o:p> </o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; mso-ansi-language: EN-US;">Jamie knows
the stakes are high. She has to face the past and save her parents’ business
while dealing with her family drama and an uncertain future. She also has to
deal with Nick, who wants her out of the way of his investigation. But fate
keeps throwing them in one another’s paths… and into chaos that they both want
to avoid, but neither can seem to escape.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; mso-ansi-language: EN-US;"><o:p> </o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; mso-ansi-language: EN-US;">Publisher:
Life: The Reboot, LLC<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; mso-ansi-language: EN-US;">ISBN-13:
979-8218150501<br />
Print length: 449 pages<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; mso-ansi-language: EN-US;"><o:p> </o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; mso-ansi-language: EN-US;">Purchase a
copy of <i>Homecoming Chaos</i> by visiting </span><span lang="EN-CA"><a href="https://www.amazon.com/Homecoming-Chaos-D-W-Brooks/dp/B0CKXNZJ7H"><span lang="EN-US" style="mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Amazon</span></a></span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; mso-ansi-language: EN-US;">, </span><span lang="EN-CA"><a href="https://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/book/1144277742"><span lang="EN-US" style="mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Barnes
and Noble</span></a></span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; mso-ansi-language: EN-US;">, or </span><span lang="EN-CA"><a href="https://www.kobo.com/us/en/ebook/homecoming-chaos"><span lang="EN-US" style="mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Kobo</span></a></span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; mso-ansi-language: EN-US;">. Make sure
you also add <i>Homecoming Chaos</i> to your </span><span lang="EN-CA"><a href="https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/199499710-homecoming-chaos"><span lang="EN-US" style="mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Goodreads reading list</span></a></span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; mso-ansi-language: EN-US;">.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in;"><span style="color: black; font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 13.5pt; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><o:p> </o:p></span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhuSdxbqO79rx9m1m0WzAt6da_KdO5xV8f_Fm4ZUFIDjeVsmwSEgMsAWHnjATAKsuvg2zFiLjO5K1wLdKVe6aTBQUj8SpOSKypd60FNo5D6t1dI-53Oo_zgxKVnj1a4INw8ezx1xgKDrei6XY_h44D7_MDOzc9rNDkGFA0H3lLaX8RbXrUqZePFuM17mXRQ/s400/dominique2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="400" data-original-width="300" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhuSdxbqO79rx9m1m0WzAt6da_KdO5xV8f_Fm4ZUFIDjeVsmwSEgMsAWHnjATAKsuvg2zFiLjO5K1wLdKVe6aTBQUj8SpOSKypd60FNo5D6t1dI-53Oo_zgxKVnj1a4INw8ezx1xgKDrei6XY_h44D7_MDOzc9rNDkGFA0H3lLaX8RbXrUqZePFuM17mXRQ/s320/dominique2.jpg" width="240" /></a></div><br /><p></p>
<h2><span lang="EN-CA">About Author D.W. Brooks<o:p></o:p></span></h2>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; mso-ansi-language: EN-US;">D.W. Brooks lives in Texas with her husband and children. She enjoys
trying to stay in shape, sporadically cooking, reading (still), writing, and
working on her blog. She is eternally grateful to the woman who donated a
kidney to her over 5 years ago and continues to advocate for organ donation as
much as she can.<br style="mso-special-character: line-break;" />
<!--[if !supportLineBreakNewLine]--><br style="mso-special-character: line-break;" />
<!--[endif]--><o:p></o:p></span></p>
<h2><span style="font-size: 11.0pt; font-weight: normal; line-height: 107%; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-latin;">Learn more at </span><span lang="EN-CA"><a href="http://www.authordwbrooks.com/"><span lang="EN-US" style="color: #4472c4; font-size: 11.0pt; font-weight: normal; line-height: 107%; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-themecolor: accent1;">www.authordwbrooks.com</span></a></span><span style="font-size: 11.0pt; font-weight: normal; line-height: 107%; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-latin;"><o:p></o:p></span></h2>
<h2><span style="font-size: 11.0pt; font-weight: normal; line-height: 107%; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-latin;">Facebook: </span><span lang="EN-CA"><a href="https://www.facebook.com/authordwbrooks/"><span lang="EN-US" style="color: #4472c4; font-size: 11.0pt; font-weight: normal; line-height: 107%; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-themecolor: accent1;">https://www.facebook.com/authordwbrooks/</span></a></span><span style="color: #4472c4; font-size: 11.0pt; font-weight: normal; line-height: 107%; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-themecolor: accent1;">
</span><span style="font-size: 11.0pt; font-weight: normal; line-height: 107%; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-latin;"><o:p></o:p></span></h2>
<h2><span style="font-size: 11.0pt; font-weight: normal; line-height: 107%; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-latin;">Instagram: </span><span lang="EN-CA"><a href="https://www.instagram.com/authordwbrooks/"><span lang="EN-US" style="color: #4472c4; font-size: 11.0pt; font-weight: normal; line-height: 107%; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-themecolor: accent1;">https://www.instagram.com/authordwbrooks/</span></a></span><span style="font-size: 11.0pt; font-weight: normal; line-height: 107%; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-latin;"> <o:p></o:p></span></h2>
<h2><span style="font-size: 11.0pt; font-weight: normal; line-height: 107%; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-latin;">Twitter: </span><span lang="EN-CA"><a href="https://twitter.com/lifethereboot"><span lang="EN-US" style="color: #4472c4; font-size: 11.0pt; font-weight: normal; line-height: 107%; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-themecolor: accent1;">https://twitter.com/lifethereboot</span></a></span><u><span style="color: #4472c4; font-size: 11.0pt; font-weight: normal; line-height: 107%; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-themecolor: accent1;"><o:p></o:p></span></u></h2>
<h2><span lang="EN-CA">Remaining Blog Tour Calendar<o:p></o:p></span></h2>
<p class="MsoNormal"><b><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; mso-ansi-language: EN-US;">December 14th @ The Knotty Needle</span></b></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; mso-ansi-language: EN-US;">Stop by to read Judy's review of <i>Homecoming Chaos</i> by
D.W. Brooks<i>.</i><o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><b><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; mso-ansi-language: EN-US;"><a href="http://knottyneedle.blogspot.com/"><span style="font-family: "Calibri",sans-serif; font-weight: normal; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-font-weight: bold; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;">http://knottyneedle.blogspot.com</span><span style="font-family: "Calibri",sans-serif; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><o:p></o:p></span></a></span></b></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><b><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; mso-ansi-language: EN-US;"><o:p> </o:p></span></b></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><b><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; mso-ansi-language: EN-US;">December 15th @ Sue Edwards’s blog<o:p></o:p></span></b></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; mso-ansi-language: EN-US;">Stop by Sue’s blog to read a guest post by D.W. Brooks about literary
beginnings.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><b><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; mso-ansi-language: EN-US;"><a href="https://suebe.wordpress.com/"><span style="font-family: "Calibri",sans-serif; font-weight: normal; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-font-weight: bold; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;">https://suebe.wordpress.com/</span><span style="font-family: "Calibri",sans-serif; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><o:p></o:p></span></a></span></b></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><b><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; mso-ansi-language: EN-US;"><o:p> </o:p></span></b></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><b><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; mso-ansi-language: EN-US;">December 17th @ World of My Imagination<br />
</span></b><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; mso-ansi-language: EN-US;">Visit Nicole's blog to read her review of <i>Homecoming Chaos</i> by
D.W. Brooks.<b><br />
</b></span><span lang="EN-CA"><a href="https://worldofmyimagination.com/"><span lang="EN-US" style="mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-font-weight: bold;">https://worldofmyimagination.com</span></a></span><b><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; mso-ansi-language: EN-US;"><o:p></o:p></span></b></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-CA"><o:p> </o:p></span></p>iamagemcrystalhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14560123696348876908noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4523505320806021217.post-54554050707771446542023-11-24T12:32:00.000-08:002023-11-24T12:32:53.282-08:00Let Me Tell You About a Quick Engaging Time Travel Book: ""Come Back to Me" by Leslie Hachtel<p><b><u> Let's start with my 5 star review: </u></b></p> "Come Back to Me" by Leslie Hachtel is a quick read and if you love time travel and science fiction this is a nice light weekend book you'll enjoy. The characters are engaging and there's a cliff-hanger ending that will definitely leave you eager for the next book in the series!<div><br /></div><div><br /> <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://m.media-amazon.com/images/I/71-JwHaCN2L._SY466_.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="466" data-original-width="291" height="466" src="https://m.media-amazon.com/images/I/71-JwHaCN2L._SY466_.jpg" width="291" /></a></div><br />
<div><br /></div><div><b><u>Now....a little bit about the book:</u></b></div><div><br /></div><i>
What would you do if you could go back in time to find your soulmate? </i><div><br /></div><div>
For Skye Blaine, the answer is clear: she would do whatever it takes to be with the one she loves.
In "Come Back to Me," follow her as she travels through time in search of her heart's desire, finding that the path to true love is never easy, but always worth it. Will she find her happy ending? </div><div><br /></div><div>This page-turning story of love, sacrifice, and courage is sure to captivate and inspire. Don't miss out on this unforgettable journey through time!</div></div><div><br /></div><div><b><u><br /></u></b></div><div><b><u><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://m.media-amazon.com/images/S/amzn-author-media-prod/g8l2kg6at39sh7cuvr3tgk2t3u._SX300_CR0%2C0%2C0%2C0_.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="450" data-original-width="300" height="450" src="https://m.media-amazon.com/images/S/amzn-author-media-prod/g8l2kg6at39sh7cuvr3tgk2t3u._SX300_CR0%2C0%2C0%2C0_.jpg" width="300" /></a></div><br />And...who can forget - let's learn more about the talented author, Leslie Hachtel:</u></b></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div>
Leslie Hachtel was born Ohio and has lived all over the United States. She started writing years ago when she simply decided to sit down at a typewriter and she was transported to another world. <div><br /></div><div>She realized then a writer writes because there is no other choice. </div><div><br /></div><div> Her genres include historical, contemporary, romantic suspense and historical/paranormal since she loves them all. </div><div><br /></div><div> Leslie lives in Florida with her fabulously supportive husband, Bob. And of course, with Josie, the poodle mix. </div><div><br /></div><div> Find out more at: <a href="http://www.lesliehachtel.com">www.lesliehachtel.com</a></div>iamagemcrystalhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14560123696348876908noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4523505320806021217.post-29267917051449566852023-10-22T18:44:00.003-07:002023-10-22T18:44:46.239-07:005 Star Review for Alle C. Hall's "As Far As You Can Go Before You Have to Come Back" - review by Crystal J. Casavant-Otto<p> </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgXZsBD5EJB0choId59hycUeayRoN9uSP4VkWAPDBj8SEEBgWHahykQTw1ezFf2I6R_iKBamhVw_LptkyyMW-4iixM84K7Go27qCrjtKhirjFUDKk9JyEWYSpUdso6p85ljQ0fLSRmfPkvlr2CZ_jwQgEqzsI0-5eUmioezXmQSo2f7K6dnHqKRzA/s2500/As%20Far%20As%20You%20Can%20Go%20Cover.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img alt="As Far As You Can Go Before You Have to Come Back by Alle C. Hall" border="0" data-original-height="2500" data-original-width="1678" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgXZsBD5EJB0choId59hycUeayRoN9uSP4VkWAPDBj8SEEBgWHahykQTw1ezFf2I6R_iKBamhVw_LptkyyMW-4iixM84K7Go27qCrjtKhirjFUDKk9JyEWYSpUdso6p85ljQ0fLSRmfPkvlr2CZ_jwQgEqzsI0-5eUmioezXmQSo2f7K6dnHqKRzA/w269-h400/As%20Far%20As%20You%20Can%20Go%20Cover.jpg" width="269" /></a></div><p></p><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">I want to thank WOW! Women on Writing for inviting me to be part of the book blog tour for <i>As Far As You Can Go Before You Have to Come Back</i> by Alle C. Hall. This is an inspiring read and I can't wait to tell you more about it! </div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">xoxo</div><div style="text-align: left;">~Crystal </div><div style="text-align: left;"> </div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /><b>Before we get to my review, here's more information about her novel:</b></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br />Nominated for The Pacific Northwest Booksellers Book Award, Alle C. Hall’s debut literary novel, <i>As Far as You Can Go Before You Have to Come Back</i> is a-girl-and-her-backpack story with a #MeToo influence: </div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">Carlie is not merely traveling. A child sexual abuse survivor, as a teen she steals ten thousand dollars from her parents and runs away to Asia. There, the Lonely Planet path of hookups, heat, alcohol, and drugs takes on a terrifying reality. Landing in Tokyo in the late 1980s, Carlie falls in with an international crew of tai chi-practicing backpackers. With their help, Carlie has the chance at a journey she didn’t plan for: one to find the self-respect ripped from her as a child and the healthy sexuality she desires.</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">Publisher: Black Rose Writing</div><div style="text-align: left;">ISBN-10: 1685131476</div><div style="text-align: left;">ISBN-13: 978-1685131470</div><div style="text-align: left;">ASIN: B0BVW7YCYT</div><div style="text-align: left;">Print Length: 267 pages</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">Purchase a copy of the book on <a href="https://www.amazon.com/Far-Before-Have-Come-Back/dp/1685131476/?tag=wowwomenonwri-20" target="_blank">Amazon</a>, <a href="https://bookshop.org/a/13964/9781685131470">Bookshop.org</a>, or <a href="https://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/as-far-as-you-can-go-before-you-have-to-come-back-alle-c-hall/1143031125" target="_blank">Barnes and Noble</a>. Make sure you also add it to your <a href="https://www.goodreads.com/en/book/show/123164577" target="_blank">GoodReads reading list</a>.</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"><b>About the Author, Alle C. Hall</b></div><div style="text-align: left;"><b><br /></b></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><b style="background-color: white; color: #222222;">Nominated for The Pacific Northwest Booksellers Book Award</b><span style="background-color: white; color: #222222;"> and—tis just in—winner of The <span style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; color: black;">PenCraft Book Award for Fiction – Adventure,<i><u> </u></i></span>Alle C. Hall’s debut literary novel, <i><span style="color: black;">As Far as You Can Go Before You Have to Come Back</span></i><span style="color: black;"> was winning prizes before its publication, including the </span></span><span style="background: white;">National League of American Pen Women’s Mary Kennedy Eastham Prize</span><span style="background: white; color: #050505;">. Her</span><span style="background-color: white;"> short stories and essays appear in journals including Dale Peck’s <i>Evergreen Review,</i> <i>Tupelo Quarterly,</i> <i>New World Writing,</i> <i>Litro</i>, <i>Creative Nonfiction, </i>and <i>Another Chicago</i>. She has written for <i>The Seattle Times</i>, <i>Seattle Weekly</i>, and was a contributing writer at <i>The Stranger</i>. She is the former senior nonfiction editor at <i>jmww journal </i>and the former associate editor of <i>Vestal Review. </i>Hall lived in Asia, traveled there extensively, speaks what she calls “clunky” Japanese, and has a tai chi practice of 35 years running.</span></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">Find her online at:</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"><div>Website: <a href="https://allehall.wordpress.com">https://allehall.wordpress.com</a></div><div>Facebook: <a href="https://www.facebook.com/allechallwriter">https://www.facebook.com/allechallwriter</a></div><div>Instagram: <a href="https://www.instagram.com/allec.hall/">https://www.instagram.com/allec.hall/</a></div><div>Twitter: <a href="https://twitter.com/allechall1">https://twitter.com/allechall1</a></div><div>Substack: <a href="https://allechall.substack.com">https://allechall.substack.com</a></div><div>LinkedIn: <a href="https://www.linkedin.com/in/alle-c-hall-36a588159/">https://www.linkedin.com/in/alle-c-hall-36a588159/</a></div><div><br /></div><div><i>Review by Crystal J. Casavant-Otto</i></div><div><i><b><span style="font-size: large;">*****5 STAR RATING*****</span></b></i></div><div><div><span style="color: #dd9237;"><b> I absolutely enjoyed reading <i><span style="font-size: medium;">As Far As You Can Go Before You Have to Come Back </span></i>by Alle C. Hall. I do have to be honest though - this book may not be for everyone. That said, it's inspiring and very well written. There is a trigger warning for child sexual abuse, every addiction you can imagine, and suicide - and if that doesn't take you too far out of your comfort zone - you'll love this book! This book will break your heart at times - but in the end you'll be inspired as Carlie finds hope and possibilities along her journey! Such a beautifully written journey - thank you Alle C. Hall for your bravery in sharing your journey! </b></span></div><div><b><br /></b></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhJfgmDeF0fng1PDNmOiJAnuSJrAwG24E5k5ir3Va4W-9r24LPw4vn2jVdDGXUvubR0RYfxvcM62MLmFaPt8eGQrsFq66EAJjHLqCLuAqtMVWTPMD6CZs2tc77r_1qMjpwu4plgvxOf30Kk_TLtEeyzbGKLUM3QGBtqqwQG2Iiq7r3mOBmByz0qzQ/s1000/AsFarAsYouCanGoBeforeYouHavetoTurnBack-blogtour.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="As Far As You Can Go Before You Have to Come Back by Alle C. Hall Blog Tour" border="0" data-original-height="1000" data-original-width="1000" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhJfgmDeF0fng1PDNmOiJAnuSJrAwG24E5k5ir3Va4W-9r24LPw4vn2jVdDGXUvubR0RYfxvcM62MLmFaPt8eGQrsFq66EAJjHLqCLuAqtMVWTPMD6CZs2tc77r_1qMjpwu4plgvxOf30Kk_TLtEeyzbGKLUM3QGBtqqwQG2Iiq7r3mOBmByz0qzQ/w640-h640/AsFarAsYouCanGoBeforeYouHavetoTurnBack-blogtour.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><br /></div></div><div><i>-- Blog Tour Calendar</i></div><div><i><br /></i></div><div><b>October 2nd @ The Muffin</b></div><div>Join us as we celebrate the launch of Alle C. Hall's blog tour for <i>As Far As You Can Go Before You Have to Come Back</i>. Read an interview with the author and enter to win a copy of the book.</div><div><a href="https://muffin.wow-womenonwriting.com">https://muffin.wow-womenonwriting.com</a></div><div><br /></div><div><b>October 3rd @ Seaside Book Nook</b></div><div>Jill will be spotlighting the award-winning book <i>As Far As You Can Go Before You Have to Come Back </i>by Alle C. Hall.</div><div><a href="http://www.seasidebooknook.com" target="_blank">http://www.seasidebooknook.com</a></div><div><br /></div><div><div><b>October 3rd @ Felicia Guest Writes</b></div><div>Join Felicia as she features an excerpt of <i>As Far As You Can Go Before You Have to Come Back.</i></div><div><a href="https://feliciaguestwrites.com/" target="_blank">https://feliciaguestwrites.com/</a></div></div><div><br /></div><div><b>October 5th @ Fiona Ingram</b></div><div>Join Fiona for a guest post by Alle C. Hall about travel and travel writing.</div><div><a href="https://fionaingramauthor.blogspot.com/" target="_blank">https://fionaingramauthor.blogspot.com/</a></div><div><br /></div><div><b>October 7th @ Chapter Break</b></div><div>Julie will be spotlighting <i>As Far As You Can Go Before You Have to Come Back </i>on her blog today. She'll also be interviewing the author.</div><div><a href="https://chapterbreak.net/" target="_blank">https://chapterbreak.net/</a></div><div><br /></div><div><b>October 8th @ World of My Imagination</b></div><div>Visit Nicole's blog for her review of <i>As Far As You Can Go Before You Have to Come Back.</i></div><div><a href="https://worldofmyimagination.com" target="_blank">https://worldofmyimagination.com</a></div><div><br /></div><div><b>October 8th @ Just Katherine</b></div><div>Don't miss Katherine's feature of an excerpt from <i>As Far As You Can Go Before You Have to Come Back.</i></div><div><a href="https://justkatherineblog.wordpress.com">https://justkatherineblog.wordpress.com</a></div><div><br /></div><div><b>October 10th @ Just Katherine</b></div><div>Katherine shares a guest post by Alle C. Hall about the topic of joy.</div><div><a href="https://justkatherineblog.wordpress.com">https://justkatherineblog.wordpress.com</a></div><div><br /></div><div><b>October 12th @ Knotty Needle</b></div><div>Visit Judy's blog for her review of <i>As Far As You Can Go Before You Have to Come Back.</i></div><div><a href="http://knottyneedle.blogspot.com" target="_blank">http://knottyneedle.blogspot.com</a></div><div><br /></div><div><div><b>October 14th @ A Wonderful World of Books</b></div><div>Visit Joy's blog for a guest post by the author about surviving traumatic, unkind, or simply less-than-nurturing events.</div><div><a href="https://awonderfulworldofwordsa.blogspot.com/" target="_blank">https://awonderfulworldofwordsa.blogspot.com/</a></div></div><div><br /></div><div><b>October 16th @ Storeybook Reviews</b></div><div>Visit Leslie's blog for a guest post by Alle C. Hall about coping.</div><div><a href="https://www.storeybookreviews.com">https://www.storeybookreviews.com</a></div><div><br /></div><div><b>October 18th @ Finished Pages</b></div><div>Join Renee as she reviews <i>As Far As You Can Go Before You Have to Come Back.</i></div><div><a href="https://www.FinishedPages.com" target="_blank">https://www.FinishedPages.com</a></div><div><br /></div><div><b>October 19th @ Celticlady's Reviews</b></div><div>Kathleen shares a spotlight of <i>As Far As You Can Go Before You Have to Come Back.</i></div><div><a href="https://celticladysreviews.blogspot.com/" target="_blank">https://celticladysreviews.blogspot.com/</a></div><div><br /></div><div><b>October 20th @ A Storybook World</b></div><div>Join Deirdra for her spotlight of <i>As Far As You Can Go Before You Have to Come Back.</i></div><div><a href="https://www.astorybookworld.com/" target="_blank">https://www.astorybookworld.com/</a></div><div><br /></div><div><b>October 21st @ The Mommies Review</b></div><div>Don't miss Glenda's review of <i>As Far As You Can Go Before You Have to Come Back.</i></div><div><a href="http://www.themommiesreviews.com/" target="_blank">http://www.themommiesreviews.com/</a></div><div><br /></div><div><b>October 23rd @ Bring on Lemons</b></div><div>Join Crystal for her review of <i>As Far As You Can Go Before You Have to Come Back.</i></div><div><a href="https://bringonlemons.blogspot.com/">https://bringonlemons.blogspot.com/</a></div><div><br /></div><div><b>October 25th @ Mire Marke</b></div><div>Join Mire as she reviews <i>As Far As You Can Go Before You Have to Come Back.</i></div><div><a href="https://twitter.com/MireMarke">https://twitter.com/MireMarke</a></div><div><br /></div><div><b>October 26th @ Lisa Haselton's Reviews and Interviews</b></div><div><div>Visit Lisa's blog for her interview with author Alle C. Hall.</div><div><a href="https://lisahaselton.com/" target="_blank">https://lisahaselton.com/</a></div></div><div><br /></div><div><b>October 27th @ Freeing the Butterfly</b></div><div>Visit Michelle's blog for a guest post by Alle C. Hall about spirituality.</div><div><a href="https://www.freeingthebutterfly.com/blog" target="_blank">https://www.freeingthebutterfly.com/blog</a></div><div><br /></div><div><b>October 30th @ Jill Sheet's blog</b></div><div>Visit Jill's blog for her interview with author Alle C. Hall</div><div><a href="https://jillsheets.blogspot.com/" target="_blank">https://jillsheets.blogspot.com/</a></div><div><i><br /></i></div><div><b>November 1st @ Writer Advice</b></div><div>Visit B. Lynn Goodwin's blog for her review of <i>As Far As You Can Go Before You Have to Come Back.</i></div><div><a href="https://www.writeradvice.com" target="_blank">https://www.writeradvice.com</a></div><div><br /></div><div><b>November 2nd @ Writer Advice</b></div><div>Join B. Lynn Goodwin again when she interviews Alle C. Hall.</div><div><a href="https://www.writeradvice.com" target="_blank">https://www.writeradvice.com</a></div><div><br /></div><div><b>November 3rd @ Choices</b></div><div>Visit Madeline's blog for a guest post by Alle C. Hall about trauma and creativity.</div><div><a href="http://madelinesharples.com">http://madelinesharples.com</a></div><div><br /></div><div><b>November 3 @ Boys' Mom Reads</b></div><div>Join Karen for her review of Alle C. Hall's book <i>As Far As You Can Go Before You Have to Come Back.</i></div><div><a href="https://karensiddall.wordpress.com/" target="_blank">https://karensiddall.wordpress.com/</a></div><div><br /></div><div><b>November 4th @ Boots, Shoes, and Fashion</b></div><div>Visit Linda's blog for an in-depth interview with author Alle C. Hall about her book <i>As Far As You Can Go Before You Have to Come Back.</i></div><div><a href="https://bootsshoesandfashion.com/" target="_blank">https://bootsshoesandfashion.com/</a></div><div><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div><br /><br /></div></div><script src="https://widget-prime.rafflecopter.com/launch.js"></script>iamagemcrystalhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14560123696348876908noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4523505320806021217.post-21084059951003721522023-10-18T10:27:00.000-07:002023-10-18T10:27:08.512-07:005 Star Review of "The Writing on the Wall" by Marilyn Howard - Review by Crystal J. Casavant-OttoI am so exciting to be part of another WOW! Women on Writing book blog tour! Thank you for visiting Bring on Lemons Today for this 5 star review! First, take a moment to learn more about the book and it's author - and then you'll see the review right before the tour calendar - it is my hope you'll also visit some of the other stops and hear from other reviewers!<div><br /></div><div><br /><span id="docs-internal-guid-c3c897bc-7fff-6c78-a11b-ce66ff490dda"><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 12pt; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space-collapse: preserve;"> </span></p><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt; text-align: center;"></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhKh7DCOj_DGutK68k4Z4vfA3VPF4-ZXwumfwEVIqDVisWjf-BbaXK4t4CzL_RZ0hDVE_oXCzUU2XeTXRtcFjj1ow3z9uFhdINRLx0zAeG39YaqhNdY2baTT5sbfwWAJaqZCGC80TfX_HjyCwijq79oR67TlrbWxUOt6Hlqw1DbxiCr-W8pWLHrNeaG8ewZ/s2557/The%20Writing%20on%20the%20Wall%20Book%20Cover.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2557" data-original-width="1676" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhKh7DCOj_DGutK68k4Z4vfA3VPF4-ZXwumfwEVIqDVisWjf-BbaXK4t4CzL_RZ0hDVE_oXCzUU2XeTXRtcFjj1ow3z9uFhdINRLx0zAeG39YaqhNdY2baTT5sbfwWAJaqZCGC80TfX_HjyCwijq79oR67TlrbWxUOt6Hlqw1DbxiCr-W8pWLHrNeaG8ewZ/s320/The%20Writing%20on%20the%20Wall%20Book%20Cover.jpg" width="210" /></a></div><span style="font-family: Times New Roman, serif;"><span style="white-space-collapse: preserve;"><b> </b></span></span><p></p><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 12pt; font-style: italic; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-weight: 700; vertical-align: baseline; white-space-collapse: preserve;"> </span></p><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Times New Roman, serif;"><span style="white-space-collapse: preserve;"> </span></span></p><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 12pt; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space-collapse: preserve;"> </span></p><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 12pt; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-weight: 700; text-decoration-line: underline; text-decoration-skip-ink: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space-collapse: preserve;"> </span></p><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 12pt; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-weight: 700; text-decoration-line: underline; text-decoration-skip-ink: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space-collapse: preserve;">Book Summary</span></p><br /><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.2; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 12pt; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space-collapse: preserve;">An astounding true story of a young woman driven by her desire to escape chauvinism blazes a whirlwind path full of mystical encounters and unexpected adventures. From love to lawsuits, her business and personal life intertwine, bringing her to untold heights. Uncanny predictions at a chance encounter with a Fulbright Scholar from India follow her throughout life, as if written on the wall and fated to happen.</span></p><br /><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.2; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 12pt; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space-collapse: preserve;">Chauvinism from her youth make her determined to explore opportunities. She breaks through a glass ceiling of seventy men, enjoys traveling for a year, and returns to found an innovative startup in New York City. Whether skiing the powdery snow in Aspen, or waking up on a beach in Mexico to men with machine guns, each adventure brings challenges and insights to add to an ever-broadening awareness. A lucky break merges with swirling thoughts to ignite a new business. Running a successful startup attracts ADWEEK Magazine of New York. She places first on their list of "The Dynamic Dozen." It should have been smooth sailing, but sharks were circling. A court battle followed.</span></p><br /><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.2; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 12pt; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space-collapse: preserve;">Entertaining and inspirational stories are told from pivotal times in history. Readers gain skills about life and business. The narrative will make you laugh at humanity, provoke anger at infuriating situations and leave you inspired to reach goals. Stimulating questions are raised, which will generate a deeper introspection.</span></p><br /><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.2; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 12pt; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space-collapse: preserve;">Publisher: Hammond Publishing (August 2019)</span></p><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.2; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 12pt; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space-collapse: preserve;">ISBN-10: 1733319638</span></p><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.2; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 12pt; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space-collapse: preserve;">ISBN-13: 978-1733319638</span></p><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.2; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 12pt; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space-collapse: preserve;">ASIN: B07WXTKQ1H</span></p><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.2; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 12pt; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space-collapse: preserve;">Print Length: 293 pages</span></p><br /><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 12pt; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space-collapse: preserve;">Purchase a copy of </span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 12pt; font-style: italic; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space-collapse: preserve;">The Writing on the Wall</span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 12pt; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space-collapse: preserve;"> on </span><a href="https://www.amazon.com/Writing-Wall-Becoming-entrepreneur-unexpected-ebook/dp/B07WXTKQ1H/?tag=wowwomenonwri-20" style="text-decoration-line: none;"><span style="color: blue; font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 12pt; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; text-decoration-line: underline; text-decoration-skip-ink: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space-collapse: preserve;">Amazon</span></a><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 12pt; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space-collapse: preserve;">, </span><a href="https://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/the-writing-on-the-wall-howard-marilyn/1133510412" style="text-decoration-line: none;"><span style="color: blue; font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 12pt; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; text-decoration-line: underline; text-decoration-skip-ink: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space-collapse: preserve;">Barnes and Noble</span></a><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 12pt; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space-collapse: preserve;">, and </span><a href="https://bookshop.org/p/books/the-writing-on-the-wall-remarkable-story-of-a-woman-breaking-through-the-glass-ceiling-in-a-male-dominated-60s-and-70s-marilyn-howard/13570585?ean=9781733319638" style="text-decoration-line: none;"><span style="color: blue; font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 12pt; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; text-decoration-line: underline; text-decoration-skip-ink: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space-collapse: preserve;">Bookshop.org</span></a><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 12pt; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space-collapse: preserve;">. You can also add this to your </span><a href="https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/55818677-the-writing-on-the-wall?ac=1&from_search=true&qid=CudIVk0jqd&rank=1" style="text-decoration-line: none;"><span style="color: blue; font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 12pt; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; text-decoration-line: underline; text-decoration-skip-ink: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space-collapse: preserve;">GoodReads reading list</span></a><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 12pt; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space-collapse: preserve;">.</span></p><div><span><br /></span></div><div><span><br /></span></div><br /><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 12pt; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-weight: 700; vertical-align: baseline; white-space-collapse: preserve;">About the Author</span></p><br /><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 12pt; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space-collapse: preserve;"></span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 12pt; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space-collapse: preserve;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi2Y7ZAVQAv_aIs0Gqk47qpbMVM1e1bg8QP0k-p1D1HtFtESfZGHR-uxGOFqLIK97ysDWrF0e35j8IcUmVyltZpe83SKUtLfbo_IHNjhk1IUz1PTKrYlt81EDzbyMdPVztIMfWC5mGQtPJ1JS9ABI7gH1fgzCtcyg83WAoFt4p8-4egjDFOnOCmvOtp9eD1/s450/Marilyn%20Howard%20Author%20Photo.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="450" data-original-width="317" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi2Y7ZAVQAv_aIs0Gqk47qpbMVM1e1bg8QP0k-p1D1HtFtESfZGHR-uxGOFqLIK97ysDWrF0e35j8IcUmVyltZpe83SKUtLfbo_IHNjhk1IUz1PTKrYlt81EDzbyMdPVztIMfWC5mGQtPJ1JS9ABI7gH1fgzCtcyg83WAoFt4p8-4egjDFOnOCmvOtp9eD1/s320/Marilyn%20Howard%20Author%20Photo.jpg" width="225" /></a></span></div><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 12pt; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space-collapse: preserve;">Marilyn Howard broke through the glass ceiling at Grey Advertising of New York to become their first female art director while in her early twenties. In 1970, she founded an innovative startup. Creative Freelancers Inc. became the first agency to connect businesses with freelance artists and writers, and operated for over 25 years in the center of Manhattan. ADWEEK Magazine of New York featured her in “The Dynamic Dozen,” those women under forty they identified as most likely to succeed. In 1997, her company became the first agency on the Internet. The author holds a B.F.A. from Syracuse University.</span><p></p><br /><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 12pt; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space-collapse: preserve;">Visit her online at:</span></p><br /><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 12pt; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space-collapse: preserve;">Her website: </span><a href="http://www.thewritewall.com/" style="text-decoration-line: none;"><span style="color: blue; font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 12pt; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; text-decoration-line: underline; text-decoration-skip-ink: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space-collapse: preserve;">http://www.thewritewall.com/</span></a></p><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 12pt; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space-collapse: preserve;">Her Amazon author page: </span><a href="https://www.amazon.com/stores/Marilyn-Howard/author/B07XFPWDK2" style="text-decoration-line: none;"><span style="color: blue; font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 12pt; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; text-decoration-line: underline; text-decoration-skip-ink: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space-collapse: preserve;">https://www.amazon.com/stores/Marilyn-Howard/author/B07XFPWDK2</span></a></p><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 12pt; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space-collapse: preserve;">Facebook: </span><a href="https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100063965286663" style="text-decoration-line: none;"><span style="color: blue; font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 12pt; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; text-decoration-line: underline; text-decoration-skip-ink: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space-collapse: preserve;">https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100063965286663</span></a></p><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><br /></p><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><br /></p><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><br /></p><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><br /></p><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><b><span style="font-size: x-large;">*****</span></b></p><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 12pt; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-weight: 700; text-decoration-line: underline; text-decoration-skip-ink: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space-collapse: preserve;">5 Star Book Review by Crystal J. Casavant-Otto</span></p><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><br /></p><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.2; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 12pt; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space-collapse: preserve;">This is such a fast paced book full of inspiration and adventure! Just reading the book summary is enough to draw you in and leave you wanting more more more! Marilyn Howard is unstoppable and it's so much fun to be carried along her journey. <b><i>The Writing on the Wall </i></b>is anything but predictable and boring and readers of all ages will find their own take-away - but each will be inspired differently. This is a great book full of adventure that will leave you reflecting on your own life choices. I ordered a second copy to give to my daughter because I feel this is a fabulous book for a young woman who is coming of age. Thank you Marilyn Howard for sharing your story! Definitely a 5 star read! </span></p><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 12pt; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-weight: 700; vertical-align: baseline; white-space-collapse: preserve;"><br /></span></p><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 12pt; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-weight: 700; vertical-align: baseline; white-space-collapse: preserve;"><br /></span></p><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 12pt; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-weight: 700; vertical-align: baseline; white-space-collapse: preserve;"><br /></span></p><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 12pt; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-weight: 700; vertical-align: baseline; white-space-collapse: preserve;">Blog Tour Calendar</span></p><br /><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 12pt; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space-collapse: preserve;">October 9th @ The Muffin</span></p><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 12pt; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space-collapse: preserve;">Join WOW's blog at The Muffin as we celebrate the launch of Marilyn Howard's memoir </span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 12pt; font-style: italic; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space-collapse: preserve;">The Writing on the Wall</span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 12pt; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space-collapse: preserve;">. Read an interview with the author and enter to win a copy of the book.</span></p><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><a href="https://muffin.wow-womenonwriting.com" style="text-decoration-line: none;"><span style="color: blue; font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 12pt; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; text-decoration-line: underline; text-decoration-skip-ink: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space-collapse: preserve;">https://muffin.wow-womenonwriting.com</span></a></p><br /><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 12pt; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space-collapse: preserve;">October 11th @ Stranded in Chaos</span></p><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 12pt; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space-collapse: preserve;">Join Sara for her review of </span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 12pt; font-style: italic; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space-collapse: preserve;">The Writing on the Wall</span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 12pt; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space-collapse: preserve;">.</span></p><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><a href="http://www.strandedinchaos.com/" style="text-decoration-line: none;"><span style="color: blue; font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 12pt; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; text-decoration-line: underline; text-decoration-skip-ink: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space-collapse: preserve;">http://www.strandedinchaos.com/</span></a></p><br /><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 12pt; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space-collapse: preserve;">October 13th @ World of My Imagination</span></p><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 12pt; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space-collapse: preserve;">Join Nicole for her review of </span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 12pt; font-style: italic; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space-collapse: preserve;">The Writing on the Wall</span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 12pt; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space-collapse: preserve;"> by Marilyn Howard.</span></p><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><a href="https://worldofmyimagination.com" style="text-decoration-line: none;"><span style="color: blue; font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 12pt; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; text-decoration-line: underline; text-decoration-skip-ink: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space-collapse: preserve;">https://worldofmyimagination.com</span></a></p><br /><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 12pt; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space-collapse: preserve;">October 15th @ Chapter Break</span></p><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 12pt; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space-collapse: preserve;">Visit Julie's blog for her interview with author Marilyn Howard about her book </span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 12pt; font-style: italic; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space-collapse: preserve;">The Writing on the Wall</span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 12pt; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space-collapse: preserve;">.</span></p><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><a href="https://chapterbreak.net/" style="text-decoration-line: none;"><span style="color: blue; font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 12pt; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; text-decoration-line: underline; text-decoration-skip-ink: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space-collapse: preserve;">https://chapterbreak.net/</span></a></p><br /><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 12pt; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space-collapse: preserve;">October 18th @ Bring on Lemons</span></p><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 12pt; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space-collapse: preserve;">Join Crystal for her review of </span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 12pt; font-style: italic; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space-collapse: preserve;">The Writing on the Wall</span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 12pt; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space-collapse: preserve;"> by Marilyn Howard.</span></p><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><a href="https://bringonlemons.blogspot.com/" style="text-decoration-line: none;"><span style="color: blue; font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 12pt; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; text-decoration-line: underline; text-decoration-skip-ink: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space-collapse: preserve;">https://bringonlemons.blogspot.com/</span></a></p><br /><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 12pt; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space-collapse: preserve;">October 19th @ Knotty Needle</span></p><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 12pt; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space-collapse: preserve;">Visit Judy's blog for her review of </span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 12pt; font-style: italic; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space-collapse: preserve;">The Writing on the Wall</span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 12pt; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space-collapse: preserve;"> by Marilyn Howard.</span></p><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><a href="http://knottyneedle.blogspot.com/" style="text-decoration-line: none;"><span style="color: blue; font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 12pt; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; text-decoration-line: underline; text-decoration-skip-ink: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space-collapse: preserve;">http://knottyneedle.blogspot.com/</span></a></p><br /><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 12pt; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space-collapse: preserve;">October 20th @ A Storybook World</span></p><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 12pt; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space-collapse: preserve;">Join Deirdra as she features a spotlight of </span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 12pt; font-style: italic; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space-collapse: preserve;">The Writing on the Wall</span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 12pt; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space-collapse: preserve;"> by Marilyn Howard.</span></p><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><a href="https://www.astorybookworld.com/" style="text-decoration-line: none;"><span style="color: blue; font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 12pt; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; text-decoration-line: underline; text-decoration-skip-ink: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space-collapse: preserve;">https://www.astorybookworld.com/</span></a></p><br /><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 12pt; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space-collapse: preserve;">October 21st @ A Wonderful World of Books</span></p><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 12pt; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space-collapse: preserve;">Visit Joy's blog for a guest post by Marilyn Howard about life skills and how not to trip and fall on the small stuff.</span></p><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><a href="https://awonderfulworldofwordsa.blogspot.com/" style="text-decoration-line: none;"><span style="color: blue; font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 12pt; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; text-decoration-line: underline; text-decoration-skip-ink: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space-collapse: preserve;">https://awonderfulworldofwordsa.blogspot.com/</span></a></p><br /><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 12pt; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space-collapse: preserve;">October 23rd @ Lisa Haselton's Reviews and Interviews</span></p><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 12pt; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space-collapse: preserve;">Join Lisa for her interview with author Marilyn Howard about her book </span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 12pt; font-style: italic; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space-collapse: preserve;">The Writing on the Wall</span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 12pt; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space-collapse: preserve;">.</span></p><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><a href="https://lisahaselton.com/" style="text-decoration-line: none;"><span style="color: blue; font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 12pt; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; text-decoration-line: underline; text-decoration-skip-ink: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space-collapse: preserve;">https://lisahaselton.com/</span></a></p><br /><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 12pt; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space-collapse: preserve;">October 24th @ School Librarian in Action</span></p><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 12pt; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space-collapse: preserve;">Join Zarah as she reviews </span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 12pt; font-style: italic; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space-collapse: preserve;">The Writing on the Wall</span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 12pt; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space-collapse: preserve;"> by Marilyn Howard.</span></p><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><a href="https://lovealibrarian.blogspot.com/" style="text-decoration-line: none;"><span style="color: blue; font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 12pt; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; text-decoration-line: underline; text-decoration-skip-ink: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space-collapse: preserve;">https://lovealibrarian.blogspot.com/</span></a></p><br /><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 12pt; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space-collapse: preserve;">October 25th @ Choices</span></p><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 12pt; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space-collapse: preserve;">Visit Madeline's blog for a guest post by author Marilyn Howard about palm reading and the science behind it.</span></p><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><a href="http://www.madelinesharples.com/" style="text-decoration-line: none;"><span style="color: blue; font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 12pt; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; text-decoration-line: underline; text-decoration-skip-ink: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space-collapse: preserve;">http://www.madelinesharples.com/</span></a></p><br /><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 12pt; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space-collapse: preserve;">October 27th @ The Faerie Review</span></p><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 12pt; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space-collapse: preserve;">Join Lily as she reviews </span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 12pt; font-style: italic; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space-collapse: preserve;">The Writing on the Wall</span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 12pt; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space-collapse: preserve;"> by Marilyn Howard.</span></p><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><a href="https://www.thefaeriereview.com" style="text-decoration-line: none;"><span style="color: blue; font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 12pt; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; text-decoration-line: underline; text-decoration-skip-ink: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space-collapse: preserve;">https://www.thefaeriereview.com</span></a></p><br /><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 12pt; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space-collapse: preserve;">November 1st @ Pick a Good Book</span></p><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 12pt; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space-collapse: preserve;">Join Debbie as she reviews </span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 12pt; font-style: italic; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space-collapse: preserve;">The Writing on the Wall</span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 12pt; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space-collapse: preserve;"> on her Instagram page. You'll also have a chance to win a copy of the book, too!</span></p><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><a href="https://instagram.com/pickagoodbook" style="text-decoration-line: none;"><span style="color: blue; font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 12pt; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; text-decoration-line: underline; text-decoration-skip-ink: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space-collapse: preserve;">https://instagram.com/pickagoodbook</span></a></p><br /><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 12pt; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space-collapse: preserve;">November 2nd @ Katherine Itacy's blog</span></p><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 12pt; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space-collapse: preserve;">Join Katherine for her review of </span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 12pt; font-style: italic; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space-collapse: preserve;">The Writing on the Wall</span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 12pt; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space-collapse: preserve;"> by Marilyn Howard.</span></p><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><a href="https://katherineitacy.com/" style="text-decoration-line: none;"><span style="color: blue; font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 12pt; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; text-decoration-line: underline; text-decoration-skip-ink: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space-collapse: preserve;">https://katherineitacy.com/</span></a></p><br /><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 12pt; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space-collapse: preserve;">November 3rd @ StoreyBook Reviews</span></p><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 12pt; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space-collapse: preserve;">Visit Leslie's blog for a guest post by Marilyn Howard about daydreams and keeping your eyes open to opportunities.</span></p><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><a href="https://www.storeybookreviews.com/" style="text-decoration-line: none;"><span style="color: blue; font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 12pt; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; text-decoration-line: underline; text-decoration-skip-ink: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space-collapse: preserve;">https://www.storeybookreviews.com/</span></a></p><br /><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 12pt; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space-collapse: preserve;">November 5th @ Pick a Good Book</span></p><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 12pt; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space-collapse: preserve;">Debbie shares a guest post by Marilyn Howard over at her blog today that talks about some good news regarding childhood disabilities.</span></p><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><a href="https://pickagoodbook.com/" style="text-decoration-line: none;"><span style="color: blue; font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 12pt; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; text-decoration-line: underline; text-decoration-skip-ink: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space-collapse: preserve;">https://pickagoodbook.com/</span></a></p><br /><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 12pt; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space-collapse: preserve;">November 8th @ The Mommies Reviews</span></p><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 12pt; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space-collapse: preserve;">Visit Glenda's blog for her review of </span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 12pt; font-style: italic; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space-collapse: preserve;">The Writing on the Wall</span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 12pt; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space-collapse: preserve;"> by Marilyn Howard.</span></p><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><a href="http://www.themommiesreviews.com/" style="text-decoration-line: none;"><span style="color: blue; font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 12pt; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; text-decoration-line: underline; text-decoration-skip-ink: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space-collapse: preserve;">http://www.themommiesreviews.com/</span></a></p><br /></span><br /><br /></div>iamagemcrystalhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14560123696348876908noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4523505320806021217.post-30103199586653188472023-10-01T14:24:00.002-07:002023-10-01T14:24:00.136-07:00Always Changing - Always Improving<p> Hey ya'all!</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEipBNnbZnfL2IuDhxSgzZxXzsqL7oAgaYQwrWfSTN-tbRxwq3RGUV71NJe33xoV6iOnYoH_yQ_j6esO32YmwqmfXnd1mtPNPLWlptWTxY6Xa5UEotlnPbclo-HIxwqQ-MSPmSyEfveLx-WnbrF5ksiQVjll1VXiCZzfLVu-ZTHHWNtUXGCuNeoRbqV92kX_/s320/IMG_6388.PNG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="320" data-original-width="320" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEipBNnbZnfL2IuDhxSgzZxXzsqL7oAgaYQwrWfSTN-tbRxwq3RGUV71NJe33xoV6iOnYoH_yQ_j6esO32YmwqmfXnd1mtPNPLWlptWTxY6Xa5UEotlnPbclo-HIxwqQ-MSPmSyEfveLx-WnbrF5ksiQVjll1VXiCZzfLVu-ZTHHWNtUXGCuNeoRbqV92kX_/s1600/IMG_6388.PNG" width="320" /></a></div><br /><p><br /></p><p>I have struggled with my weight my entire life. I remember in 4th grade someone made a comment about looking as big as my friend's pregnant mother. Let me tell you I never wore those stretchy stirrup pants again. My weight wasn't the problem. My mindset was the problem. I tried limiting what I was eating. I tried exercising. If it's out there, I've tried it. I even thought about bariatric surgery when I saw people having success with that. You know what though? Nothing worked for me long term because I wasn't changing the problem - I was only trying to change the outcome.</p><p><br /></p><p>Just like the rest of you - I really want to be the best version of myself. That's a moving target since life is always changing and evolving. I can't tell you what next year is going to look like, but I CAN tell you that in 2023 I committed to get healthy. I didn't commit to a diet. I committed to myself that I would get my spiritual walk in check, my head in check, my emotions in check, my exercise in check, my diet in check, and my attitude. I didn't like the aching joints, the bloated belly, the negative thoughts, the frustration...and the list goes on. </p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://scontent.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t1.15752-9/379664263_1473633633431276_5664454530859995761_n.jpg?stp=dst-jpg_p75x225&_nc_cat=106&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=aee45a&_nc_ohc=wXw5KuVeoYYAX8G1RBG&_nc_ad=z-m&_nc_cid=0&_nc_ht=scontent.xx&oh=03_AdSgjyfkPVuLq5NFmAzKnn5xxO5YD0gxv0fJvggtXkko-A&oe=654019EA" style="display: block; padding: 1em 0px; text-align: center;"><img alt="" border="0" data-original-height="225" data-original-width="150" height="320" src="https://scontent.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t1.15752-9/379664263_1473633633431276_5664454530859995761_n.jpg?stp=dst-jpg_p75x225&_nc_cat=106&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=aee45a&_nc_ohc=wXw5KuVeoYYAX8G1RBG&_nc_ad=z-m&_nc_cid=0&_nc_ht=scontent.xx&oh=03_AdSgjyfkPVuLq5NFmAzKnn5xxO5YD0gxv0fJvggtXkko-A&oe=654019EA" /></a></div>
Ya’all know how much I love sharing things I love. It’s time to talk about how I felt a year ago when I was too heavy to do the things I wanted. I wanted to ride horses on the beach in SC but the weight limit was 235 and I was tipping the scales at over 250. I was frustrated and felt trapped inside my own body.<div><br /></div><div>I had been following my pastor’s health journey, and decided it was time to start prioritizing me. I have lost over 60lbs since the start of 2023. I can proudly say, I now weigh less than 200lbs and though I’m not to my goal yet, I have more energy and I feel unstoppable! I KNOW I can reach my final goal.</div><div><br /></div><div>Being able to bungee jump with my kiddos last weekend was definitely one of those moments I’ll never forget! I’m so thankful I took control of my health- and I realized that I need to pay this forward. I’m a helper by nature-I want to help EVERYONE feel this good, and I’m now coaching others on the same program. Its so simple—no meal prepping, no thinking-and you get so much accountability and support! If you’re ready me on this journey, reach out-let’s do this together!</div><div><br /></div><div>By January 1 2024 I plan to be in transition </div>iamagemcrystalhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14560123696348876908noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4523505320806021217.post-71598995845944656312023-09-25T22:30:00.001-07:002023-09-25T22:30:00.145-07:005 Stars for Heather Redmond's "Death and the Sisters" <p> </p><div style="text-align: center;">
<h2><a href="https://partnersincrimetours.com/death-and-the-sisters-by-heather-redmond/" title="Death and the Sisters by Heather Redmond"><img alt="Death and the Sisters by Heather Redmond Banner" class="aligncenter size-full" height="338" src="https://partnersincrimetours.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/07/death-and-the-sisters-by-heather-redmond-banner-.png" width="600" /></a></h2>
</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<h2><br /></h2><h2 style="text-align: left;">5 Star Review by Crystal J. Casavant-Otto</h2><div style="text-align: left;">First and foremost I'd like to thank Partners in Crime for allowing me to be part of this book blog tour - it's such a blessing to receive a book by an author I hadn't previously known! I'm excited to tell you about this fantastic read (no spoilers) and once you've read my review, scroll down to find out more!</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">Believable dialogue, fascinating history, and captivating mystery drew me into <b><i>Death and the Sisters</i></b> and kept me engaged throughout the story. This book by Heather Redmond is well written and beautifully edited as well as having a fantastic cover. Everything about this made me smile. If you love history and mystery this is the book for you (and it's a great time of year for some Frankenstein style mystery with Halloween right around the corner)!</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">The details in <b><i>Death and the Sisters</i></b> are absolutely necessary and weave a beautiful tapestry of 19th Century England. I never found myself wondering why particular details were included and similarly I wasn't looking for more. The amount of details was perfect throughout and I absolutely appreciate that - no parts of the book felt slow or draggy. It was engaging throughout.</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">Chapter 21 provided such a fun quote I have actually used in conversation and feel compelled to share. "A blessed day, whether your creed is money, God, or the pleasures of the flesh." Isn't that fun? Such engaging characters and believable dialogue - this is a book I'll pass on to my daughter and likely read again as I enjoyed it immensely! 5 stars for sure! </div><h2><br /></h2><h2>Death and the Sisters </h2>
<h3>by Heather Redmond</h3>
<h4>September 25 - October 20, 2023 Virtual Book Tour</h4>
</div>
<!--wp:spacer /-->
<h2>Synopsis:</h2>
<div style="float: left; margin-right: 15px; width: 225px;"><img alt="Death and the Sisters by Heather Redmond" border="0" height="302" src="https://partnersincrimetours.com/wp-content/uploads/forminator/13997_115b15d08b2c7bb7da2712949e71a2f7/uploads/640a68df5b7c6-027E6EFB-1F8B-4DF5-AD44-049EE83AA288.jpeg" style="float: left; margin-bottom: 5px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 15px; margin-top: 5px; margin: 5px 15px 5px 0px;" width="200" /></div>
<!--wp:spacer /-->
<h4>The tangled relationships between <i>Frankenstein</i> author Mary Shelley, poet Percy Bysshe Shelley, and Mary’s stepsister Jane Clairmont form the backdrop for an intriguing historical mystery, set in London in 1814, that explores the complex dynamic between sisters and the birth of teenaged Mary’s creative genius.</h4>
<p><strong>London, 1814:</strong> Mary Godwin and her stepsister Jane Clairmont, both sixteen, possess quick minds bolstered by an unconventional upbringing, and have little regard for the rules that other young ladies follow. Mary, whose mother famously advocated for women’s rights, rejects the two paths that seem open to her—that of an assistant in her father’s bookshop, or an ordinary wife. Though quieter and more reserved than the boisterous Jane, Mary’s imagination is keen, and she longs for real-world adventures.</p>
<p>One evening, an opportunity arrives in the form of a dinner guest, Percy Bysshe Shelley. At twenty-one, Shelley is already a renowned poet and radical. Mary finds their visitor handsome and compelling, but it is later that evening, after the party has broken up, that events take a truly intriguing turn. When Mary comes downstairs in search of a book, she finds instead a man face down on the floor—with a knife in his back.</p>
<p>The dead man, it seems, was a former classmate of Shelley’s, and had lately become a personal and professional rival. What was he doing in the Godwins’ home? Mary, Jane, and Shelley are all drawn to learn the truth behind the tragedy, especially as each discovery seems to hint at a tangled web that includes many in Shelley’s closest circle. But as the attraction between Mary and the married poet intensifies, it sparks a rivalry between the sisters, even as it kindles the creative fire within . . .</p>
<!--wp:spacer /-->
<h3>Praise for <i>Death and the Sisters</i>:</h3>
<p>"<i>Death and the Sisters</i> is a terrific blend of gritty history with a mystery that will keep readers turning pages. Impeccably researched and imaginative, Redmond’s first Mary Shelley Mystery immerses readers in the drama of young Mary Godwin and her family, as well as her budding romance with Percy Shelley, as they work together to solve a wonderfully bookish murder. I thoroughly enjoyed this series kick-off and can’t wait for the next story!" <br /><span style="color: #c3ba2a; margin-left: 40px;">~ Susanna Craig, author of <em>The Lady Knows Best</em></span></p>
<p>"<i>Death and the Sisters</i> is a rip-roaring murder mystery with twists and turns that introduces teenaged Mary Godwin, not yet the author of the immortal work Frankenstein, as an amateur detective. Redmond's foray in the world of rational atheists in early 19th century London is a mesmerizing, forceful delight." <br /><span style="color: #c3ba2a; margin-left: 40px;">~ Eilis Flynn, author of <em>The Riddle of Rym</em></span></p>
<p>"Crafted with vivid historical detail, an artfully twisted plot, and engaging characters, <i>Death and the Sisters</i> is an excellent start to what I hope will be a long-running series." <br /><span style="color: #c3ba2a; margin-left: 40px;">~ Dianne Freeman, author of the award-winning <em>Countess of Harleigh Mysteries</em></span></p>
<p>"It might be the way London comes to life in all of its dark and gritty complexities, or the dynamics between Mary and her step-sister, Jane, as they set out to find the killer of the man who they discover dead in the bookshop. Everyone is a suspect—even Percy Shelley who has caught the eye of the women in the household. Propulsive and immersive, Heather Redmond is at the top of her game until the intense and satisfying end." <br /><span style="color: #c3ba2a; margin-left: 40px;">~ Mary Keliikoa, author of <em><a href="https://partnersincrimetours.com/hidden-pieces-by-mary-keliikoa/">Hidden Pieces</a></em></span></p>
<p>"An intrepid cast of characters, a stunningly atmospheric 19th-century London, and a riveting murder… Highly recommend." <br /><span style="color: #c3ba2a; margin-left: 40px;">~ Melissa Bourbon, bestselling author</span></p>
<!--wp:spacer /-->
<!--wp:spacer /-->
<blockquote class="details" style="margin: 20px; padding: 20px;">
<h3>Book Details:</h3>
<p><b>Genre:</b> Historical mystery<br />
<b>Published by:</b> Kensington <br />
<b>Publication Date:</b> September 2023<br />
<b>Number of Pages:</b> 320<br />
<b>ISBN:</b> 9781496737991 (ISBN10: 1496737997)<br />
<b>Series:</b> Mary Shelley Mystery, 1<br />
<b>Book Links:</b> <a href="https://amzn.to/3NQ1zyp" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">Amazon</a> | <a href="https://bit.ly/3Da35GV" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">Barnes & Noble</a> | <a href="https://bit.ly/3DcjwCj" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">BookShop.org</a> | <a href="https://bit.ly/3JZHq8a" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">Goodreads</a> | <a href="https://bit.ly/3PWKMN1" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">Kensington</a></p>
</blockquote>
<!--wp:spacer /-->
<h3>Read an excerpt:</h3>
<div class="excerpt" style="border-color: 800000; border-style: groove; border-width: 3px; height: 250px; overflow: auto;">
<p>“Come, Mary.” Jane flopped onto her bed. “Tell us a story about the prisoner ghosts wailing.”</p>
<p>“I’ll have to think it up,” Mary said and then began to quote. “‘This relation is Matter of Fact, and attended with such Circumstances as may induce any Reasonable Man to believe it.’”</p>
<p>“What’s that?” Jane asked. The floor creaked as she kicked off her slippers and knocked them to the floor.</p>
<p>“Defoe, I think,” Mary said, already considering the form of her story. If only Mother had written such fanciful tales, to give her ideas on how to construct them. “I’ll consult his works in the bookshop for further inspiration. It seems like quite a good start to a ghost story.”</p>
<p>Mary placed her slippers next to Jane’s and walked down in her stocking feet, hugging the wall so as not to set off the worst of the creaking stairs. If Mamma heard her, she’d be set to mending something. Her stepmother never thought about the cost of candles when she could make her daughters work themselves into exhaustion after dark.</p>
<p>The bookshop’s interior door hung open. Very odd, as Mamma was particular about making sure that the smells of domestic life, particularly cooking odors, did not damage the books.</p>
<p>Mary shrugged, glad she had come downstairs, because if Mamma had been the first to notice, she’d have no doubt blamed Mary. She lit the lantern kept in readiness for customers who wanted to browse in the dark corners.</p>
<p>While she knew exactly where Defoe was kept, she first went to a back corner of the shop and dropped to her knees, then pulled out a much-loved volume that Mamma kept in stock because she knew that it sold, even though it was anything but highbrow or philosophical. Ann Radcliffe’s <i>The Romance of the Forest</i>. Feeling a little breathless, like a Gothic heroine about to swoon, she opened the book to her favorite page. With the lantern held over the engraving, she examined the bare legs of the man removing a blindfolded girl from a house.</p>
<p>She bit her lip as she looked over the engraved musculature, feeling a familiar shiver dance up through her body. Did Shelley have legs so magnificent? He certainly possessed the broad shoulders and narrow waist of the figure on the page. She set down the lantern when it shook in her hand.</p>
<p>“Oh, to see a form like that,” she whispered to herself. None of her Scottish suitors had possessed a body she wanted to caress. As such, none of them had enticed so much as a kiss from her. After a last heated glance, she closed the book and tucked it away again.</p>
<p>The next shelves were in front of the bow windows. The Juvenile Library was shelved there, at the perfect height for children. Works of historical merit were on the other side. Mary rose.</p>
<p>Her foot twisted as she took the first step. She grabbed for the edge of the bookcase with one hand, the other gripping the lantern tightly. Her fingers were trembling by the time she righted herself. She reached down and swiped at her foot. Something sticky coated her fingers. What was on the floor?</p>
<p>“Honestly,” she muttered to herself. More cleaning. She set the lantern on the bookcase and walked past the windows. Slatted lines from the shutters were illuminated by the oil lamp that burned all night at the corner of the road.</p>
<p>Distracted by the sudden reflected light, she tripped again. “Blast,” she cried.</p>
<p>When she tried to take another step forward, her way was blocked by something solid. Confused, she prodded it with her foot. It felt warm, dry, and slightly yielding. She backed up to take the lantern in her hand again, then cupped the side of it with her hand to keep the illumination from the road. When she reached the mass again, she held the lantern out over the floor.</p>
<p>Her mouth dropped open when she saw what lay in front of her. A man, like something out of a painting of the French Revolution, was sprawled on the floor. Facedown. She swept the lantern over his body. Her hand shook as she saw first one knife, then another.</p>
<p>The first was impaled in his back. The other, in the mysterious recesses between his legs.</p>
<p>“Faith!” Wobbly, Mary blinked hard, then forced herself to kneel down beside the sprawled figure, to touch the man’s hand.</p>
<p>Still warm. She squeezed it, feeling that strange sensation of callused male flesh under hers, then dropped the hand. What was she doing? Molesting a corpse?</p>
<p>She scooted back, her eyes closed, then opened them again, feeling her lips tremble at the sight of the dark blue velvet coat, the dark stain around the knife gleaming wetly in the light. She knew that coat. Shelley! That fine figure of a man, ended so cruelly. They had just seen him leave not twenty minutes earlier. Had he been accosted in the street and dumped here?</p>
<p>“I could have loved such a being.” Tears sprang to her eyes, and she let them fall, keenly feeling her sensibility. Hadn’t he said he was a new father? And his poor young wife, not even twenty yet, a widow.</p>
<p>“Mary?”</p>
<p><i>Drat that Jane.</i> Could she not offer up a moment’s solitude to anyone?</p>
<p>Her stepsister’s footsteps came closer, along with the bobbing of a candle flame.</p>
<p>“Don’t come any closer,” Mary warned. She set the lantern down.</p>
<p>Ignoring her, Jane came down the space between the bookshelves and turned in the nook in front of the windows.</p>
<p>“What are you doing?” she asked.</p>
<p>Mary scrambled to her feet, hoping to block her sister’s view. The candle wavered as Jane took in the scene. She gasped loudly.</p>
<p>“What,” Jane asked, “is that?”</p>
<p>“Knives,” Mary said. “Murder has been done here.”</p>
<p>“What?” Jane repeated, some frantic power coming into her voice. “Papa?”</p>
<p>“No,” Mary said, grabbing the candleholder before the candle dropped. “Shelley.”</p>
<p>She saw what was going to happen and held up her other hand, hoping to forestall it. But she failed, and Jane, coming closer, screamed. Mary bent under the onslaught and grabbed her sister’s hand.</p>
<p>“Hush,” she begged, pulling her away. “We have to tell Papa before the watch comes.”</p>
<p>Though Jane resisted, Mary pulled her through the bookshop, then forced her to sit on the steps and hold the candle while she went back for the lantern. She set it on the table in the hall.</p>
<p>“Stay here,” she commanded.</p>
<p>“But,” Jane whispered. “But the body.”</p>
<p>“Papa will know what to do.”</p>
<p>“But the watch.”</p>
<p>“Papa should call them, not us. Do you want him surprised?”</p>
<p>“The bookshop,” Jane said next.</p>
<p>“Yes, it’s very bad,” Mary agreed.</p>
<p>“It isn’t S-Shelley,” Jane stuttered. “He just left.”</p>
<p>Mary pulled the handkerchief from her sleeve and tucked it into Jane’s unresisting hand. “It must be,” she said. “Who else? Cry quietly, please.” Hoping her sister obeyed, she picked up her skirts and ran up the steps to her father’s library.</p>
<p>***</p>
<p>Excerpt from <i>Death and the Sisters</i> by Heather Redmond. Copyright 2023 by Heather Redmond. Reproduced with permission from Heather Redmond. All rights reserved.</p>
</div>
<p> </p>
<!--wp:spacer /-->
<p> </p>
<h2>Author Bio:</h2>
<div style="float: right; margin-left: 15px; width: 230px;"><img align="left" alt="Heather Redmond" border="0" height="266" src="https://partnersincrimetours.com/wp-content/uploads/forminator/13997_115b15d08b2c7bb7da2712949e71a2f7/uploads/640a68e46ef1b-A636CAE8-9D9F-41EA-9414-BE09008B5B7E-scaled.jpeg" style="float: right; margin-bottom: 5px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 15px; margin-top: 5px; margin: 5px 15px 5px 0px;" width="200" /></div>
<p>Heather Redmond is an author of commercial fiction and also writes as Heather Hiestand. First published in mystery, she took a long detour through romance before returning. Though her last British ancestor departed London in the 1920s, she is a committed anglophile, Dickens devotee, and lover of all things nineteenth century.</p>
<p>She has lived in Illinois, California, and Texas, and now resides in a small town in Washington State with her husband and son. The author of many novels, novellas, and short stories, she has achieved best-seller status at Amazon, Barnes and Noble, and other retailers. Her 2018 Heather Redmond debut, <em>A Tale of Two Murders</em>, has received a coveted starred review from <i>Kirkus Reviews</i>.</p>
<h3>Catch Up With Heather Redmond:<br />
<a href="https://bit.ly/3NVcRBL" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">www.HeatherRedmond.com</a><br />
<a href="https://bit.ly/46IfvTX" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">Goodreads</a><br />
<a href="https://bit.ly/3PXJSQf" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">BookBub - @heatherredmond1</a><br />
<a href="https://bit.ly/43sc0hA" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">Instagram - @hiestandheather</a><br />
<a href="https://bit.ly/3rkzaJe" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">Twitter - @heatheraredmond</a><br />
<a href="https://bit.ly/3PkIWot" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">Heather Hiestand Redmond's Reader Group on Facebook</a></h3>
<p> </p>
<!--wp:spacer /-->
<p> </p>
<h2>Tour Participants:</h2>
<p>Visit these other great hosts on this tour for more great reviews, interviews, guest posts, and opportunities to WIN in the giveaway! <script src="https://www.linkytools.com/basic_linky_include.aspx?id=311402" type="text/javascript"></script></p>
<p> </p>
<!--start LinkyTools script-->
<br /><a href="http://www.linkytools.com/wordpress_list.aspx?id=311402&type=basic">Click here</a> to view Death and the Sisters by Heather Redmond Tour Hosts
<!--end LinkyTools script-->
<!--wp:spacer /-->
<!--wp:spacer /-->
<p> </p>
<h2>ENTER FOR A CHANCE TO WIN:</h2>
<h5>This is a giveaway hosted by Partners in Crime Tours for Heather Redmond. See the widget for entry terms and conditions. Void where prohibited.</h5>
<div data-url="https://kingsumo.com/g/uslsuc/death-and-the-sisters-by-heather-redmond-gift-card" id="kingsumo-embed"></div>
<p><script src="https://kingsumo.com/js/embed.js"></script></p>
<p> </p>
<!--wp:spacer /-->
<p> </p>
<h2><a href="https://partnersincrimetours.com/">Get More Great Reads at Partners In Crime Tours</a></h2>
<h3> </h3>
iamagemcrystalhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14560123696348876908noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4523505320806021217.post-2405979995058486022023-07-20T15:22:00.002-07:002023-07-20T15:24:01.629-07:00My Life with Ralph - Part I<p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://scontent-msp1-1.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.30808-6/361892905_10231478849584461_2152499946855481537_n.jpg?stp=c0.119.1440.1440a_dst-jpg_s851x315&_nc_cat=102&cb=99be929b-59f725be&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=da31f3&_nc_ohc=yCI-JLikjfsAX84x1bj&_nc_ht=scontent-msp1-1.xx&oh=00_AfB0XKI5sWiQGJyHp970X9IYk-Mb42APY1sG7uoLDT_PRA&oe=64BE9B67" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="315" data-original-width="315" height="315" src="https://scontent-msp1-1.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.30808-6/361892905_10231478849584461_2152499946855481537_n.jpg?stp=c0.119.1440.1440a_dst-jpg_s851x315&_nc_cat=102&cb=99be929b-59f725be&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=da31f3&_nc_ohc=yCI-JLikjfsAX84x1bj&_nc_ht=scontent-msp1-1.xx&oh=00_AfB0XKI5sWiQGJyHp970X9IYk-Mb42APY1sG7uoLDT_PRA&oe=64BE9B67" width="315" /></a></div><br />I looked at myself in the bathroom mirror and whispered "this may be the day that changes your life forever; or maybe not, but brace yourself beautiful". I stopped myself from putting on deodorant and quickly applied the hydrating eye cream that helped me feel less old. <p></p><p><br /></p><p>Every year since I turned 40 I've been going for a mammogram right before my birthday. It made sense to me - to associate something somewhat negative with something positive and therefore they'd even out. Kind of like having dental work done without numbing so I can get a fancy latte on the way home. Life is all about balance afterall, isn't it?</p><p><br /></p><p>I'm a bit of what most would call an awfulizer - but in all fairness, my daddy told me "prepare for the worse, hope for the best, and you'll always be ready for whatever comes your way". So, here we are, Monday, July 10th 2023. This was supposed to be an amazing year since 23 is one of my lucky numbers - and since 7 is also... you'd think this whole damn month should be filled with glitter, unicorns, and sunshine. It has not included as much of those things as I'd hoped.</p><p><br /></p><p>The mammogram went smoothly. I wore all the right clothes, and I was in and out in record time. I stopped at the office and got lots of things done since no one knew I was there - no interruptions and no children in tow meant I was a professional machine! Stopped and helped a friend and then on the way home, blocks from my old house, on a stretch of road I once walked with our now teenagers, I got the call. I assumed they were calling to tell me everything looked fabulous and they'd see me next year. </p><p><br /></p><p>After pulling over, I put the new appointment on my calendar... "we need to get you back here as soon as possible" they had said. I'd be going back on the 12th for another more in-depth mammogram and an ultrasound and a meeting with the specialist who would give me more information before I left the facility. I made sure I had hung up the phone and put the van in park. I dialed my Pastor and sobbed into the phone for what felt like an eternity before I could summon up the courage to tell him what was going on. </p><p>"I can't do this - not right now..."</p><p>sob</p><p>sniffle</p><p>sob</p><p>inhale</p><p>"how do I tell Mark that I might not be okay?"</p><p>sob </p><p>sniffle</p><p>sob</p><p>inhale</p><p>sob</p><p>"I breast fed all those babies - doesn't that count for anything?"</p><p><br /></p><p>Pastor talked me through things and reminded me that I can do hard things and I've done hard things and no matter what, Mark is the best husband and he is going to help me. </p><p><br /></p><p>I never did turn the radio back on.</p><p><br /></p><p>I drove around the block several times.</p><p><br /></p><p>I needed to tell Mark before I got home. The kids would know there was something wrong if I came home with a tear-stained face. It was too early to worry them.</p><p><br /></p><p>"Hey - can you meet me at the neighbors pole shed?"</p><p>"Sure"</p><p><br /></p><p>He met me and held me while I sobbed into his big strong chest. He held me while the tears flowed down my face into his cut-off shirt. </p><p><br /></p><p>I made it through the day and then we had a family meeting. By that time, I had washed dished, made dinner, vacuumed the house, and done the normal mom things and I was in control of my emotions. I could calmly and very matter of factly explain that:</p><p>"Mommy has a small - VERY small spot on her boob. It wasn't there last year, so it hasn't been there long. We are going for more testing after summer vacation. This is all going to be fine, a bit inconvenient, but fine. Ask questions and it's okay to talk about this."</p><p><br /></p><p>Questions ranged from "is it cancer?" to "are you going to die?" and my eldest son just gave me a squeeze which says a lot from a teenage boy.</p><p><br /></p><p><b><u>July 12th 2023</u></b></p><p>Mark came with me for the procedure(s). It was a lot of waiting for him and I felt very guilty for taking him away from the farm. Long story short - the initial reading was NOT wrong. I was in a much better mental place though... it's hard to explain, but I have 4 daughters and statistically, 1 in 5 women will get breast cancer and if I look at it that way, I'm incredibly thankful to have it. God knows I would die a thousand deaths to spare myself from having to bury a child. I am however incredibly angry. My mother refuses to have regular mammograms saying she doesn't care if she has issues or not. She thinks it's some kind of conspiracy between the medical doctors and pharmaceutical companies. Needless to say, we have NO family history. Not like, no one in our family has had breast cancer, but like no one (until my mom) has lived long enough to be tested ... I started going a few years ago because I want my daughters to have a medical history to go off. </p><p><br /></p><p>anyway - here we were - standing in a warm dark room listening to the specialist explain the next steps. We were assigned a breast health coordinator who provided a lot of great information. We named the tumor Ralph and I looked at my husband as we walked out and said "fuck Ralph". There's of course still a chance that Ralph is just a happy little benign tumor. There's also a chance he's not. The good news is he is 4mm and my left breast was always a bit of a slacker anyway ... </p><p><br /></p><p>The kids are being incredibly supportive and trying to look at the situation from a practical standpoint. It's not likely this will kill me, and I'm strong and healthy. I'm still eating the way I always have - and we sometimes laugh about how maybe I should have eaten more garbage and less salads... but in reality that's not how things work. </p><p><br /></p><p>For now, we are living our best lives and as soon as I get home from vacation I'll go in for the biopsy (with my husband by my side) and we'll see what lies in front of us. A few things I've decided:</p><p><br /></p><p>If I need chemo or radiation I'm shaving my own head instead of waiting for my hair to fall out</p><p>If anyone call pull off having just one boob, I can</p><p>I'm going to take lots of pictures of my boobs ... not to share, just for me. Because you don't realize how beautiful something is until you try to envision life without them</p><p><br /></p><p>Thanks for being here on this journey - it's scary, but I've done hard things before God's got me through thick and thin. </p><p><br /></p>iamagemcrystalhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14560123696348876908noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4523505320806021217.post-11081850324821714602023-06-10T10:49:00.001-07:002023-06-10T10:49:15.264-07:00Teenager, Carmen Otto, gives Hugh Fritz's Anomaly Aftermath 5 out of 5 Stars! <p> </p><div style="text-align: left;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjD7d6evNo-fKZmqtqotkrjuufBB_b7WSGtWjn2tE8ujwu27mw1con6ZI8R1grdLicS0rJWbSdffOi6ls3ofnEGp4E6Ma13UqK6RDoKoi4xs-l9BKce5bHLkoTfpTB9Ew3W0sUfbbNnizB4n9y3kxan3NI3vrWljLOjVXSSjcRMFVnqqXh3VX8/s500/Anomaly%20Aftermath%20Cover%202023_04_17.jpg" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Anomaly Aftermath by Hugh Fritz" border="0" data-original-height="500" data-original-width="323" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjD7d6evNo-fKZmqtqotkrjuufBB_b7WSGtWjn2tE8ujwu27mw1con6ZI8R1grdLicS0rJWbSdffOi6ls3ofnEGp4E6Ma13UqK6RDoKoi4xs-l9BKce5bHLkoTfpTB9Ew3W0sUfbbNnizB4n9y3kxan3NI3vrWljLOjVXSSjcRMFVnqqXh3VX8/w258-h400/Anomaly%20Aftermath%20Cover%202023_04_17.jpg" width="258" /></a></div>Thank you to WOW! Women on Writing for including Bring on Lemons in the blog tour for <i>Anomaly Aftermath</i> by author Hugh Fritz. This book is perfect for anyone who enjoys historical fiction, contemporary action, and/or near near-future science fiction. Wisconsin Teen, Carmen Otto, enjoyed the other two books in the series and couldn't wait to get her hands on Book 3!</div><div style="text-align: left;"> </div><div style="text-align: left;"><i>Anomaly Aftermath</i> is the third book in the Mystic Rampage Series. Even if you haven’t read the other books, you will still enjoy reading this one as a stand-alone, but warning… you may be running out to buy the others as well because the storyline is fascinating!</div><div style="text-align: left;"> </div><div style="text-align: left;"><b>Here's a bit more about <i>Anomaly Aftermath</i>:</b></div><div style="text-align: left;"> </div><div style="text-align: left;">Soleil is lost in time, launched through history at the hands of the Old Ticker. Now he is out of his element. He must adapt to his new home, hope it’s possible to return to his original time, and pray for a chance to correct some mistakes along the way.</div><div style="text-align: left;"> </div><div style="text-align: left;">Tyrell knows Flarence killed Darren. He wants revenge, though a mere human with limited resources has no chance of harming a Genie. But Roy’s body is failing to the point that not even Genie blood can sustain him. The cause of Roy’s slow death may give Tyrell the opportunity he needs to make Flarence suffer.</div><div style="text-align: left;"> </div><div style="text-align: left;">The Old Ticker’s designs have been leaked. Now they rest in deadlier hands and more mischievous minds. A pair of spell-casting revolvers were nothing compared with the new weapons being developed in secret. The Genies may have met their match when a scientist emerges armed with the most devastating firearm the world has ever known.</div><div style="text-align: left;"> </div><div style="text-align: left;">These three novellas are the culmination of the Mystic Rampage series—historical fiction, contemporary action, and near-future science fiction. Connecting them all is their shared theme of overcoming regrettable decisions to forge a brighter future.</div><div style="text-align: left;"> </div><div style="text-align: left;">ASIN: B0BNG99DKT</div><div style="text-align: left;">Publisher: Terra Nova Books (November 26, 2022)</div><div style="text-align: left;">Genre: Crime, Action, Action Fiction, Contemporary Action</div><div style="text-align: left;">Print length: 430 pages</div><div style="text-align: left;"> </div><div style="text-align: left;"><b><i>Anomaly Aftermath</i> is available in print and as an ebook at <a href="https://amzn.to/44aFX7m" target="_blank">Amazon</a>. You can add it to your <a href="https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/111158586-anomaly-aftermathst-with-two-hearts" target="_blank">GoodReads reading list</a> as well.</b></div><div style="text-align: left;"> </div><div style="text-align: left;"><b>About the Author, Hugh Fritz:</b></div><div style="text-align: left;"> </div><div style="text-align: left;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjNGB0sSQKsMad1AP8L2-5Awl9U8PS5OGTn8LVtZEq1IGBnwYlJVKt6aPTpHd1qbSkIRDZ5g4bZZVNesl3bnyzgFqY1SAHozxS2QoA6PITWe15_LiTSBa4m6oL1u5B35aa8FqqAaOcqYQbJMV44tugFKNihHqE6qTUOqbe6nQ__1RZF9JCFaQQ/s2192/Hugh%20Fritz%20Head%20Shot%202023_04_17.jpg" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2192" data-original-width="1644" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjNGB0sSQKsMad1AP8L2-5Awl9U8PS5OGTn8LVtZEq1IGBnwYlJVKt6aPTpHd1qbSkIRDZ5g4bZZVNesl3bnyzgFqY1SAHozxS2QoA6PITWe15_LiTSBa4m6oL1u5B35aa8FqqAaOcqYQbJMV44tugFKNihHqE6qTUOqbe6nQ__1RZF9JCFaQQ/s320/Hugh%20Fritz%20Head%20Shot%202023_04_17.jpg" width="240" /></a></div>Hugh Fritz is thrilled to have completed his Mystic Rampage trilogy, a project eight years in the making. While writing the series he has outlined and written rough drafts of other stories ranging from horror to romance. He is currently bouncing between his works in progress, deciding which one should get his full attention. Whatever comes next will assuredly be a step in a whole new direction.</div><div style="text-align: left;"> </div><div style="text-align: left;">Find Hugh Online:</div><div style="text-align: left;">Author website: <a href=" http://www.hughfritz.com/" target="_blank"> http://www.hughfritz.com/</a></div><div style="text-align: left;">Blog site: <a href="http://www.hughfritz.com/blog" target="_blank">http://www.hughfritz.com/blog</a></div><div style="text-align: left;">Facebook: <a href="https://www.facebook.com/people/Stories-by-Hugh-Fritz/100063563318857/" target="_blank">https://www.facebook.com/people/Stories-by-Hugh-Fritz/100063563318857/</a></div><div style="text-align: left;">Amazon: <a href="https://www.amazon.com/stores/Hugh-Fritz/author/B072BRDLDD" target="_blank">https://www.amazon.com/stores/Hugh-Fritz/author/B072BRDLDD</a></div><div style="text-align: left;"> </div><div style="text-align: left;"><i>-- 5 Star Review by Wisconsin Teenager, Carmen Otto</i></div><div style="text-align: left;"><i><br /></i></div><div style="text-align: left;">I absolutely love the way Hugh Fritz writes and I'm not sure if it's because I read and loved the first two books or if it's because I'm older now and have more life experience, but I feel that Book 3, <b><i>Anomaly Aftermath,</i></b> was the best of the books. Don't get me wrong, I enjoyed all of them immensely, but this one just really felt like it had a little more heart to it. Even though this book was a fantasy, there was so much I could relate to in real life - that's what really drew me in was the relationship I felt I had with the characters. I mean what teenager doesn't deal with feelings of dread about certain individuals and who doesn't contemplate revenge from time to time? </div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">I think anyone tween to adult would enjoy reading Hugh Fritz's books and if you only have time for one, it should be <b><i>Anomaly Aftermath </i></b>(although I strongly believe you should read all the books in most series - I'm kind of a series junkie)! 5 out of 5 stars for sure! </div><div style="text-align: left;"><i><br /></i></div><div style="text-align: left;"><i><br /></i></div><div style="text-align: left;"><i><br /></i></div><div style="text-align: left;"><b> Check out this hashtag to stay up to date with this tour, the book, and its author: #anomalyaftermathfritz </b></div><div style="text-align: left;"><b> </b></div><div style="text-align: left;"><b><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjFpDi830qLV0jRawxIaGPgNyjr7B38_Ahhj2wDsQfD4wABCfrUVKelUwZLgNziypdYBNAM2yeLkqfW5jI6zPwhSqdlV8ywLfRRJ_fUAPlpu1IKwxtD0as1cop82qZQcq5FwnAcWem8nbFGTTMpkSmJvUSanAGZ72aZ2wAJb5SgNFKzvDwWoOc/s1000/Anomaly-Aftermath-Blog-Tour.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Anomaly Aftermath by Hugh Fritz Blog Tour" border="0" data-original-height="1000" data-original-width="1000" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjFpDi830qLV0jRawxIaGPgNyjr7B38_Ahhj2wDsQfD4wABCfrUVKelUwZLgNziypdYBNAM2yeLkqfW5jI6zPwhSqdlV8ywLfRRJ_fUAPlpu1IKwxtD0as1cop82qZQcq5FwnAcWem8nbFGTTMpkSmJvUSanAGZ72aZ2wAJb5SgNFKzvDwWoOc/w640-h640/Anomaly-Aftermath-Blog-Tour.jpg" width="640" /></a></div></b></div><div style="text-align: left;"> </div><div style="text-align: left;"><i>--- Blog Tour Dates</i></div><div style="text-align: left;"> </div><div style="text-align: left;"><b>May 1st @ The Muffin</b></div><div style="text-align: left;">What goes better with coffee in the morning than a muffin and an author chat? Join us at the WOW blog to celebrate the launch of author Hugh Fritz’s <i>Anomaly Aftermath</i>. You can read an interview with the author and enter to win a copy of the book.</div><div style="text-align: left;"><a href="https://muffin.wow-womenonwriting.com/">https://muffin.wow-womenonwriting.com/</a></div><div style="text-align: left;"> </div><div style="text-align: left;"><b>May 5th @ Lisa Haselton</b></div><div style="text-align: left;">Lisa Haselton interviews author, Hugh Fritz about his recently released book, <i>Anomaly Aftermath</i>. You can read an interview with the author and learn more about the Mystic Rampage Series today on Lisa’s Blog! </div><div style="text-align: left;"><a href="https://lisahaselton.com/blog/" target="_blank">https://lisahaselton.com/blog/</a></div><div style="text-align: left;"> </div><div style="text-align: left;"><b>May 6th @ A Wonderful World of Words</b></div><div style="text-align: left;">You won’t want to miss Joy’s review of Hugh Fritz’s <i>Anomaly Aftermath</i>. Stop by A Wonderful World of Words today to learn more about this third book in the Mystic Rampage Series! </div><div style="text-align: left;"><a href="https://awonderfulworldofwordsa.blogspot.com/" target="_blank">https://awonderfulworldofwordsa.blogspot.com/</a></div><div style="text-align: left;"> </div><div style="text-align: left;"><b>May 14th @ Word Magic with Fiona Ingram</b></div><div style="text-align: left;">Author Hugh Fritz recently released the third and final book in the Mystic Rampage Series, <i>Anomaly Aftermath</i>. Stop by Word Magic with Fiona Ingram to hear from Fritz today as he speaks about “Advertising and Finding an Audience” and delves into developing a pitch as an author.</div><div style="text-align: left;"><a href="https://fionaingramauthor.blogspot.com/" target="_blank">https://fionaingramauthor.blogspot.com/</a></div><div style="text-align: left;"> </div><div style="text-align: left;"><b>May 20th @ Madeline Sharples, Choices</b></div><div style="text-align: left;">Author Hugh Fritz recently released the third and final book in the Mystic Rampage Series, <i>Anomaly Aftermath</i>. Stop by Choices with Madeline Sharples to hear from Fritz today as he speaks about “Developing a Pitch for a Book-to-Film Adaptation.”</div><div style="text-align: left;"><a href="http://www.madelinesharples.com/" target="_blank">http://www.madelinesharples.com/</a></div><div style="text-align: left;"> </div><div style="text-align: left;"><b>May 24th @ Author Anthony Avina</b></div><div style="text-align: left;">You won’t want to miss fellow author Anthony Avina’s review of Hugh Fritz’s <i>Anomaly Aftermath</i>. Stop by Author Anthony Avina’s blog today to learn more about this third book in the Mystic Rampage Series! </div><div style="text-align: left;"><a href="https://authoranthonyavinablog.com/" target="_blank">https://authoranthonyavinablog.com/</a></div><div style="text-align: left;"> </div><div style="text-align: left;"><b>May 26th @ Nikki’s Book Reviews</b></div><div style="text-align: left;">You won’t want to miss Nikki’s review of Hugh Fritz’s <i>Anomaly Aftermath</i>. Stop by Nikki’s Book Review blog today to learn more about this third book in the Mystic Rampage Series! </div><div style="text-align: left;"><a href="https://nikkitsbookreviews.wordpress.com/" target="_blank">https://nikkitsbookreviews.wordpress.com/</a></div><div style="text-align: left;"> </div><div style="text-align: left;"><b>June 8th @ Knotty Needle Creative</b></div><div style="text-align: left;">You won’t want to miss Judy’s review of Hugh Fritz’s <i>Anomaly Aftermat</i>h. Stop by Knotty Needle Creative today to learn more about this third book in the Mystic Rampage Series! </div><div style="text-align: left;"><a href="http://knottyneedle.blogspot.com/" target="_blank">http://knottyneedle.blogspot.com/</a></div><div style="text-align: left;"> </div><div style="text-align: left;"><b>TODAY! June 10th @ Bring on Lemons with Carmen Otto</b></div><div style="text-align: left;">Hear from a teenager about Hugh Fritz’s <i>Anomaly Aftermath</i>. Stop by Bring on Lemons today to hear from Carmen Otto as she reviews the book and you can learn more about this third book in the Mystic Rampage Series!</div><div style="text-align: left;"><a href="http://bringonlemons.blogspot.com/" target="_blank">http://bringonlemons.blogspot.com/</a></div><div style="text-align: left;"> </div><div style="text-align: left;"><b>June 12th @ World of My Imagination</b></div><div style="text-align: left;">Author Hugh Fritz recently released the third and final book in the Mystic Rampage Series, <i>Anomaly Aftermath</i>. Stop by World of My Imagination to hear from Fritz today as he speaks about “Returning to School to Seek an Advanced Degree.”</div><div style="text-align: left;"><a href="https://worldofmyimagination.com/" target="_blank">https://worldofmyimagination.com/</a></div><div style="text-align: left;"> </div><div style="text-align: left;"><b>June 13th @ Storey Book Reviews</b></div><div style="text-align: left;">Author Hugh Fritz recently released the third and final book in the Mystic Rampage Series, <i>Anomaly Aftermath</i>. Storey Book Reviews to hear from Fritz today as he speaks about “What to do When the Series is Over.”</div><div style="text-align: left;"><a href="https://storeybookreviews.com/" target="_blank">https://storeybookreviews.com/</a></div><div style="text-align: left;"> </div><div style="text-align: left;"><b>June 14th @ The Mommies Reviews with Glenda Cates</b></div><div style="text-align: left;">You won’t want to miss Glenda’s review of Hugh Fritz’s <i>Anomaly Aftermath</i>. Stop by The Mommies Reviews today to learn more about this third book in the Mystic Rampage Series! </div><div style="text-align: left;"><a href="http://www.themommiesreviews.com/" target="_blank">http://www.themommiesreviews.com/</a></div><div style="text-align: left;"> </div><div style="text-align: left;"><b>June 15th @ Lady Unemployed</b></div><div style="text-align: left;">You won’t want to miss Nicole Pyles’ review of Hugh Fritz’s <i>Anomaly Aftermath</i>. Stop by Lady Unemployed today to learn more about this third book in the Mystic Rampage Series! </div><div style="text-align: left;"><a href="https://ladyunemployed.com/" target="_blank">https://ladyunemployed.com/</a></div><div style="text-align: left;"> </div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="text-align: left;"><span style="color: #2b00fe; font-size: large;">About Today's Reviewer:</span></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="text-align: left;"><span style="color: #2b00fe; font-size: large;"><br /></span></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="text-align: left;">Carmen Otto is a busy teenager (who drives now) who works on her family's dairy farm. She enjoys milking cows (most days) and in her spare time finds fulfillment playing her french horn in the school band. Carmen was recently accepted to play in the FFA Honors Band and became an officer in the local FFA Chapter (FFA; Future Farmers of America). When she isn't chatting with friends or working, Carmen can be found with her a nose in a book! (Here she is pictured at the light parade with her instrument - making faces like teenagers do best!)</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="text-align: left;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjlds_o5HGLbXSSfC4chAjnM-1Q4onvWKugWph-74SAlSfARiFCnV_qxMEAcJgJ269F8e7OvHxXrXQjZU_4U8yCeAfxLfgYZwfTEK7_DHaWFXDvQ8IsMsSe5XKMIoKCXtr9uv8n4x2Cg92rAK9beVc9-l1ddnSRQ1bXEyLyQFC-qoyK2BImsmf-6a83HA/s3088/70805499975__C3AE22D9-53B2-4EB1-91C2-710AF062209E.HEIC" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3088" data-original-width="2316" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjlds_o5HGLbXSSfC4chAjnM-1Q4onvWKugWph-74SAlSfARiFCnV_qxMEAcJgJ269F8e7OvHxXrXQjZU_4U8yCeAfxLfgYZwfTEK7_DHaWFXDvQ8IsMsSe5XKMIoKCXtr9uv8n4x2Cg92rAK9beVc9-l1ddnSRQ1bXEyLyQFC-qoyK2BImsmf-6a83HA/s320/70805499975__C3AE22D9-53B2-4EB1-91C2-710AF062209E.HEIC" width="240" /></a></div><br /><span style="text-align: left;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="text-align: left;"><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #5ab7d7; font-size: large;"><b> </b></span> </div></span></div><script src="https://widget-prime.rafflecopter.com/launch.js"></script>iamagemcrystalhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14560123696348876908noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4523505320806021217.post-57285810320596952232023-05-23T11:17:00.001-07:002023-05-23T11:17:20.795-07:00A Lemon Goes a Paddling! <div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://scontent-msp1-1.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.30808-6/289957974_10228773690597177_1551130704373175240_n.jpg?_nc_cat=109&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=5cd70e&_nc_ohc=5V4RUODyvLYAX8FK68C&_nc_ht=scontent-msp1-1.xx&oh=00_AfCAQYM9RBOKRlQXD3NdmlR80PjpQ2nfNSnDuED0kUsrQQ&oe=6471B3E4" style="display: block; padding: 1em 0px; text-align: center;"><img alt="" border="0" data-original-height="600" data-original-width="800" src="https://scontent-msp1-1.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.30808-6/289957974_10228773690597177_1551130704373175240_n.jpg?_nc_cat=109&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=5cd70e&_nc_ohc=5V4RUODyvLYAX8FK68C&_nc_ht=scontent-msp1-1.xx&oh=00_AfCAQYM9RBOKRlQXD3NdmlR80PjpQ2nfNSnDuED0kUsrQQ&oe=6471B3E4" width="320" /></a></div><p> It's been a year since I first sat in a kayak. It's been about 11 months since I bought my first kayak. I'll try not to bore you with too many details, but here's what I've learned and the stories that go along with the lessons learned.</p><p><br /></p><p>I began by calling my friend who I knew owned kayaks:</p><p><br /></p><p>Me: "Hey Stef, do you think I'd like kayaking?"</p><p>Stef: "Of course, let's go!"</p><p>Me: "I don't have anything..."</p><p>Stef: "It's ok - just bring yourself and some snacks."</p><p><br /></p><p>My dear friend has two of everything. We loaded up two kayaks, two life vests, etc... and we spent the day kayaking on some inland lakes here in NorthEastern Wisconsin. We went to three small lakes that day and I was hooked. That afternoon, I went on FB Marketplace and purchased my first kayak (oddly enough the seller was my cousin and Godfather so the kayak came with a paddle, rolling cart, life jacket, hand pump, and all the amenities). My first kayak (shown above on my minivan) had rod holders and is still very much loved and used often. </p><p><br /></p><p>I enjoyed kayaking with friends, but the children quickly became interested. My eldest son picked up a small Pelican kayak a few weeks into my kayaking adventures. Turns out he's the one who fishes and he's stronger than I am - so he started using my larger kayak and I got real cozy with the lightweight kayak. Within a few weeks his younger siblings got the itch and we purchased a small child sized kayak from Fleet Farm. My farmer husband was getting a little concerned as by this point we were losing space int he garage. <a href="https://scontent-msp1-1.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.30808-6/341335330_683258016903079_2529899731398341843_n.jpg?_nc_cat=104&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=730e14&_nc_ohc=voWLO3g35E0AX_PjEZd&_nc_ht=scontent-msp1-1.xx&oh=00_AfCDi-tqHe22R-uLVEj4_K0o6PDNyvL4gv7wqQ7Tp5LTEw&oe=64719E64" style="display: block; padding: 1em 0px; text-align: center;"><img alt="" border="0" data-original-height="800" data-original-width="640" height="320" src="https://scontent-msp1-1.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.30808-6/341335330_683258016903079_2529899731398341843_n.jpg?_nc_cat=104&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=730e14&_nc_ohc=voWLO3g35E0AX_PjEZd&_nc_ht=scontent-msp1-1.xx&oh=00_AfCDi-tqHe22R-uLVEj4_K0o6PDNyvL4gv7wqQ7Tp5LTEw&oe=64719E64" /></a></p><p>Here's a quick pic of the Pelican and my favorite grown up beverage - Press Seltzer (above)</p><p><br /></p><p>Now back to the story - we had to find a way for all 5 kids to join in the fun on the water, but we were out of room on the roof of the minivan... and keep in mind, we couldn't put much more than the child sized kayak IN the minivan as we need room for 6 of us plus paddles, vests, etc... (and snacks)</p><p><br /></p><p>We purchased 2 inflatable stand up paddleboards (SUPs) and this was working beautifully - I could comfortably use my SUP with one or both of the youngest girls with me, the other kids could share the kayaks, we could trade off, and many afternoons were spent on the water as a family. For our wedding anniversary in August 2022 I even got my farmer to come with me and we explored Horseshoe Lake together then went for a lovely dinner. </p><p><br /></p><p>I felt confident kayaking alone, with the family, with friends, etc... but I had yet to explore any rivers (even though we live within a mile of two beautiful rivers). </p><p><br /></p><p>This past weekend I went on an adventure with 14 others as I FINALLY had a chance to explore a river kayak trip. Unfortunately my eldest son broke his arm and couldn't join me as we originally planned - but I was still pretty excited. We put the kayaks in at Hwy S on the Manitowoc River and our end point was on Mill Road. This trip took all of 5 hours because the water levels were a bit low and we had so many people. I was warned not to bring anything valuable and told my yak might get scratched. Since I was going without my son, I brought my folding stepstool and the lightest kayak we have - the orange Pelican (shown above). It felt like a good choice...</p><p><br /></p><p>Not sure if it was the size of the kayak or my inexperience, I nearly tipped right off in the trip (I could still see the launch) and I spent the first hour with a considerable amount of cold water in the kayak. Luckily my friends helped me and I emptied out (twice along the trip) but I was still really struggling with getting stuck in low areas, hitting rocks, taking on water, etc... this was a whole new experience for me. This wasn't relaxing. It was fun - but a different sort of fun than I've had before. </p><p><br /></p><p>Once of girls with us didn't seem to be having the same struggles I was - so I asked her some questions about her kayak as we were departing. I was cold, wet, tired, and felt pretty defeated - luckily a friend lifted my kayak onto my minivan because I wasn't sure I could... and here this girl who hadn't struggled the entire trip was already set to go. Her kayak had disappeared and she was holding a duffel bag. I was confused...</p><p><br /></p><p>Her kayak that handled the rapids so well fit into the trunk of her fuel efficient tiny car... I made a mental note to find out more as soon as possible. This is when I learned about PAKAYAK and now I must have one ... it's a kayak that can go anywhere and handle just about anything! Sadly there are no dealers around here for a demo - but check this out:<iframe allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share" allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/vjoS-HvZzHc" title="YouTube video player" width="560"></iframe></p>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://scontent-msp1-1.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.30808-6/341335330_683258016903079_2529899731398341843_n.jpg?_nc_cat=104&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=730e14&_nc_ohc=voWLO3g35E0AX_PjEZd&_nc_ht=scontent-msp1-1.xx&oh=00_AfCDi-tqHe22R-uLVEj4_K0o6PDNyvL4gv7wqQ7Tp5LTEw&oe=64719E64" style="display: block; padding: 1em 0px; text-align: center;"><br /></a>Now my birthday is coming up and all the colors are great - but the SURF color is absolutely amazing! If I get one, I'd love to show everyone how this is such a gamechanger. Imagine having your kayak with you all day every day - a stressful day at the office and you can sneak away at lunch and go kayaking; on the way home and a friend texts about an opportunity to explore - you're ready! This really is amazing.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">Now - nothing against the kayaks I already have - but I didn't know anything like this existed. I could have saved so much money - you don't need roof racks, you don't need to watch youtube videos about how to properly strap down your kayak (or how to safely put 2 on your roof), and I saw this kayak in action - and trust me when I say it's sturdy and water tight! I was emptying out my kayak and here this girl was dry as can be in her PakAYak! </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">I wish someone had told me about this option a year ago... and that's why I put together this blog post - I want to save the rest of you some time and money - I've easily spent $2,000 trying to make my other kayaks do what I could have done with a PakAYak...</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">Hopefully the Bluefin 142 will be the next member of our family!</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">Happy Paddling Friends! </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">xoxox</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">~Crystal </div>
iamagemcrystalhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14560123696348876908noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4523505320806021217.post-14498597247646509882023-03-19T22:00:00.003-07:002023-03-19T22:00:00.202-07:005 Star Book Review for Elizabeth Goddard's "Cold Light of Day" (book review by Crystal J. Casavant-Otto) <p> </p><div style="text-align: center;">
<h2>Cold Light of Day</h2>
<h3>by Elizabeth Goddard</h3>
<h4>February 20 - March 20, 2023 Virtual Book Tour</h4>
</div>
<!--wp:spacer /-->
<h2>Synopsis:</h2>
<div style="float: left; margin-right: 15px; width: 225px;"><img alt="Cold Light of Day by Elizabeth Goddard" border="0" height="309" src="https://partnersincrimetours.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/12/cold-light-of-day-by-elizabeth-goddard-cover.png" style="float: left; margin-bottom: 5px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 15px; margin-top: 5px; margin: 5px 15px 5px 0px;" width="200" /></div>
<!--wp:spacer /-->
<p>Police Chief Autumn Long is fighting to keep her job in the quiet Alaska town of Shadow Gap when an unexpected string of criminal activity leaves her with a wounded officer, unexplained murders, and even an attack on her own father. Despite her mistrust of outsiders, she turns to Grier Brenner, a newcomer who seems to have the skills and training Autumn needs to face this threat to her community.</p>
<p>Grier is in Alaska for the same reason so many others are--to disappear--when Chief Long enlists his help. He emerges from the shadows and proves his mettle, but his presence in her life could be a deadly trap for them both. If his secret is exposed, all will be lost. And he's not sure even Autumn could save him.</p>
<p>As the stakes rise and the dangers increase, Autumn and Grier must rely on each other to extinguish the deadly threats.</p>
<!--wp:spacer /-->
<h3>Praise for <i>Cold Light of Day</i>:</h3>
<p>"Thrilling!"</p>
<div style="text-align: right;">
<p><span style="color: #c3ba2a;">DiAnn Mills, author of <em><a href="https://partnersincrimetours.com/concrete-evidence-by-diann-mills/">Concrete Evidence</a></em></span></p>
</div>
<p>"An exhilarating, page-turning race to the finish!"</p>
<div style="text-align: right;">
<p><span style="color: #c3ba2a;">Carrie Stuart Parks, bestselling author of <em>Relative Silence</em></span></p>
</div>
<p>"Gripping and hard-hitting."</p>
<div style="text-align: right;">
<p><span style="color: #c3ba2a;">James R. Hannibal, award-winning author of <em>Elysium Tide</em></span></p>
</div>
<p>"Elizabeth Goddard has created a novel that immerses the reader in small-town Alaska. From the first page, it's a race to stay alive and solve a number of ever-spiraling mysteries. I highly recommend this novel."</p>
<div style="text-align: right;">
<p><span style="color: #c3ba2a;">Cara Putman, award-winning author of <em><a href="https://partnersincrimetours.com/flight-risk-by-cara-putman/">Flight Risk</a></em> and <em><a href="https://partnersincrimetours.com/lethal-intent-by-cara-putman/">Lethal Intent</a></em></span></p>
</div>
<p>"A simmering romantic suspense with an explosive ending. Once more Goddard proves she is a master storyteller and deserving of her place as one of the best Christian romantic suspense authors of our time."</p>
<div style="text-align: right;">
<p><span style="color: #c3ba2a;">Mary Alford, author of <em><a href="https://partnersincrimetours.com/among-the-innocent-by-mary-alford/">Among the Innocent</a></em></span></p>
</div>
<!--wp:spacer /-->
<blockquote class="details" style="margin: 20px; padding: 20px;">
<h3>Book Details:</h3>
<p><b>Genre:</b> Romantic Suspense<br />
<b>Published by:</b> Revell<br />
<b>Publication Date:</b> February 2023<br />
<b>Number of Pages:</b> 336<br />
<b>ISBN:</b> 9780800742041 (ISBN10: 0800742044)<br />
<b>Series:</b> Missing in Alaska, 1<br />
<b>Book Links:</b> <a href="https://amzn.to/3j9L9VZ" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">Amazon</a> | <a href="https://bit.ly/3HJMWLC" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">Barnes & Noble</a> | <a href="https://bit.ly/3jcDC91" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">BookShop.org</a> | <a href="https://bit.ly/3FJm3VM" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">Goodreads</a> | <a href="https://bit.ly/3W4xKgs" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">Baker Book House</a></p>
</blockquote>
<!--wp:spacer /-->
<p> </p>
<h2>Author Bio:</h2>
<div style="float: right; margin-left: 15px; width: 230px;"><img align="left" alt="Elizabeth Goddard" border="0" height="277" src="https://partnersincrimetours.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/02/cold-light-of-day-by-elizabeth-goddard-author-new.jpeg" style="float: right; margin-bottom: 5px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 15px; margin-top: 5px; margin: 5px 15px 5px 0px;" width="200" /></div>
<p><strong>Elizabeth Goddard</strong> is the <i>USA Today</i> bestselling and award-winning author of more than 50 novels, including <i>Cold Light of Day</i> and the Rocky Mountain Courage and Uncommon Justice series. Her books have sold nearly 1.5 million copies. She is a Carol Award and Reader's Choice Award winner and a Daphne du Maurier Award finalist. When she's not writing, she loves spending time with her family, traveling to find inspiration for her next book, and serving with her husband in ministry. For more information about her books, visit her website at <a href="https://bit.ly/3V4OIu0" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">www.ElizabethGoddard.com</a>.</p>
<h3>Catch Up With Elizabeth Goddard:<br />
<a href="https://bit.ly/3V4OIu0" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">ElizabethGoddard.com</a><br />
<a href="https://bit.ly/3HGmLpj" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">Goodreads</a><br />
<a href="https://bit.ly/3W8MBGT" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">BookBub - @ElizabethGoddard</a><br />
<a href="https://bit.ly/35Wwvre" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">Instagram - @elizabethgoddardauthor</a><br />
<a href="https://bit.ly/3VbvCSS" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">Twitter - @bethgoddard</a><br />
<a href="https://bit.ly/3WoGYEe" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">Facebook - @ElizabethGoddardAuthor</a></h3>
<p> </p>
<!--wp:spacer /-->
<p><b><span style="font-size: large;"> REVIEW BY CRYSTAL J CASAVANT-OTTO:</span></b></p><p><span style="font-size: medium;">I absolutely loved each and every page of “Cold Light of Day” by Elizabeth Goddard. This novel was unexpected in that it wasn’t your same old ordinary predictable romance with a hint of mystery or mystery with a hint of romance. I had no idea who should be trusted or who might have been around the next turn. This unpredictability made it oh so much fun to read! (as a side note, I took it with me everywhere I went one Saturday and even got the pages wet in the hot tub at the hotel we were staying at; I literally did not want to put this book down.) </span></p><p><span style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span></p><p><span style="font-size: medium;"> Grier is such a quiet hero and Autumn is likable and sweet. Their guy/girl next door qualities make them relatable and you feel as if you know them personally. I was incredibly thankful to find out “Cold Light of Day” was book 1 in a series, because you can’t help but want more of these delightful characters, quaint little town, and gorgeous Alaskan setting. I’m looking forward to reading more books by talented author Elizabeth Goddard.</span></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p>
<h2>Tour Participants:</h2>
<p>Visit these other great hosts on this tour for more great reviews, interviews, guest posts, and giveaway entries! <script src="https://www.linkytools.com/basic_linky_include.aspx?id=309560" type="text/javascript"></script></p>
<p> </p>
<!--wp:spacer /-->
<!--wp:spacer /-->
<p> </p>
<h2>JOIN IN FOR A CHANCE TO WIN:</h2>
<h5>This is a giveaway hosted by Partners in Crime Tours for Elizabeth Goddard. See the widget for entry terms and conditions. Void where prohibited.</h5>
<div data-url="https://kingsumo.com/g/7dgvg8/cold-light-of-day-by-elizabeth-goddard" id="kingsumo-embed"></div>
<p><script src="https://kingsumo.com/js/embed.js"></script></p>
<p> </p>
<div data-url="https://kingsumo.com/g/7dgvg8/cold-light-of-day-by-elizabeth-goddard" id="kingsumo-embed"></div>
<script src="https://kingsumo.com/js/embed.js"></script>
<!--wp:spacer /-->
<p> </p>
<h2><a href="https://partnersincrimetours.com/">Get More Great Reads at Partners In Crime Tours</a></h2>
<h3> </h3>
iamagemcrystalhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14560123696348876908noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4523505320806021217.post-78050733484548793072023-03-17T11:28:00.001-07:002023-03-17T11:28:14.434-07:005 Star Review for Michael French's "Ghost With Two Hearts" - A WOW! Women on Writing Book Blog Tour Stop<b><u>5 Star Review:</u></b><div><br /></div><div><b><i>Ghost with Two Hearts i</i></b>s such an interesting book. I didn't really know what to expect but I loved the dialogue and characters and really enjoyed leaving the country and experiencing something new through my travels in Japan with Adrian. Like all good books do, this one transported me along with it's characters to an unfamiliar place. Thank you Michael R. French for your delightful writing!</div><div><br /></div><div>I've read many of Michael French's books and they are all incredibly different, yet one important thing remains the same, the attention to detail. French does a fantastic job weaving a seamless story whether the topic is a ghost love story set in Japan (like <b><i>Ghost with Two Hearts</i></b>) or a murder in a small Texas town (like <i>Once Upon a Lie</i>), French builds his story with well written characters, just the right amount of details, and all of the plot twists required to keep the reader at the edge of their seat. I feel engaged from cover to cover when reading anything written by this particular author. </div><div><b><i><br /></i></b></div><div><b><i>Ghost with Two Hearts </i></b>is timeless and sure to be enjoyed by readers for years to come. 5 stars for sure! </div><div><br /></div><div>~Review by Crystal J. Casavant-Otto</div><div><br /></div><div><br />
<div style="text-align: left;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhocHQBjcwJ2fDeyQR9-Z22fmu3KkFCqoVrCd-GebCSI1M4yGvjXwYkX1MnezpZmWqOFAoiWUSQUsxo24DJiK9qbaYjN3t_8bMeOs68gnuySfhZrhMs4YBpxJmch1h7vvroG4xM1Ignx8jD8A2b4KlChm5Jg0t1CmW044ISaRLCv7WR5fHFo5s/s500/1090849380_orig.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Ghost with Two Hearts by Michael R. French" border="0" data-original-height="500" data-original-width="326" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhocHQBjcwJ2fDeyQR9-Z22fmu3KkFCqoVrCd-GebCSI1M4yGvjXwYkX1MnezpZmWqOFAoiWUSQUsxo24DJiK9qbaYjN3t_8bMeOs68gnuySfhZrhMs4YBpxJmch1h7vvroG4xM1Ignx8jD8A2b4KlChm5Jg0t1CmW044ISaRLCv7WR5fHFo5s/w261-h400/1090849380_orig.jpeg" width="261" /></a></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div>We're excited to be part of the WOW! Women on Writing book blog tour for <i>Ghost with Two Hearts </i>by Michael R. French. This book is perfect for readers who enjoy page-turning love stories set in Japan. </div><div style="text-align: left;"> </div><div style="text-align: left;">Here is a bit more about <i>Ghost with Two Hearts</i>:</div><div style="text-align: left;"> </div><div style="text-align: left;">Approaching 30, Adrian, a talented software engineer, takes stock of his wealth and accolades - and how unhappy he is. He doesn't make friends easily, dislikes social media, and was bloodied in a divorce. He finds no common purpose in a country defined by political vitriol, distrust, and inequality. Taking a leave of absence from his company, he travels to Japan with a samurai sword that his grandfather stole from a Japanese captain in World War Two. Adrian is determined to find its rightful heir. Doing the morally correct thing, he hopes, will make him feel better about his life.</div><div style="text-align: left;"> </div><div style="text-align: left;">Print length: 193 pages</div><div style="text-align: left;">Genre: Fiction, Cultural Heritage Fiction, Ghost Fiction</div><div style="text-align: left;">Published January 12, 2023</div><div style="text-align: left;">ISBN-13: 979-8370416842</div><div style="text-align: left;"> </div><div style="text-align: left;"><i>Ghost with Two Hearts</i> is available in print and as an ebook at <a href="https://amzn.to/3ZhJmhV" target="_blank">Amazon</a>. You can add it to your <a href="https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/102186660-ghost-with-two-hearts" target="_blank">GoodReads reading list</a> as well.</div><div style="text-align: left;"> </div><div style="text-align: left;"><b>About the Author Michael R. French</b></div><div style="text-align: left;"> </div><div style="text-align: left;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjXVvu0htt0aosYIsLlrscEZMbpQhBLxkMl1cHDNFPsKttnyDosvc5kSnR20CGfb4Jwv-FFwyqdYlbHXGwAkm9rEHaq6KRMubNy965T05TjFCPJ2P0Aku7367NvPLHjIxzgZT9VGt_O1U_2TZPc6fpsioVDwqpQGAel5y-c31VJVl-BYqT5WHI/s393/MichaelRFrench.jpg" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="393" data-original-width="264" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjXVvu0htt0aosYIsLlrscEZMbpQhBLxkMl1cHDNFPsKttnyDosvc5kSnR20CGfb4Jwv-FFwyqdYlbHXGwAkm9rEHaq6KRMubNy965T05TjFCPJ2P0Aku7367NvPLHjIxzgZT9VGt_O1U_2TZPc6fpsioVDwqpQGAel5y-c31VJVl-BYqT5WHI/s320/MichaelRFrench.jpg" width="215" /></a></div>Michael R. French graduated from Stanford University where he was an English major, focusing on creative writing, and studied under Wallace Stegner. He received a Master's degree in journalism from Northwestern University. He later served in the United States Army before marrying Patricia Goodkind, an educator and entrepreneur, and starting a family.
</div><div style="text-align: left;"> </div><div style="text-align: left;">In addition to publishing over twenty titles, including award-winning young adult fiction, adult fiction, biographies and self-help books, he has written or co-written a half-dozen screenplays, including Intersection, which has won awards in over twenty film festivals. He has also had a long business career in real estate, living in Santa Fe, New Mexico. His passions include travel, collecting rare books, and hanging with friends and family. He describes his worst traits as impatience and saying "no" too quickly; his best are curiosity, taking risks, and learning from failure.</div><div style="text-align: left;"> </div><div style="text-align: left;">French’s work, which includes several best-sellers, has been warmly reviewed in the <i>New York Times</i> and been honored with a number of literary prizes.</div><div style="text-align: left;"> </div><div style="text-align: left;">Find Michael online at:</div><div style="text-align: left;"> </div><div style="text-align: left;">Author website: <a href="http://www.michaelrfrench.com">http://www.michaelrfrench.com</a></div><div style="text-align: left;">Blog site: <a href="http://www.michaelrfrench.com/blog">http://www.michaelrfrench.com/blog</a></div><div style="text-align: left;">Facebook: <a href="https://www.facebook.com/MichaelRFrenchAuthor/">https://www.facebook.com/MichaelRFrenchAuthor/</a></div><div style="text-align: left;">Instagram: <a href="https://www.instagram.com/mrfrenchbooks/">https://www.instagram.com/mrfrenchbooks/</a></div><div style="text-align: left;"> </div><div style="text-align: left;"> </div><div style="text-align: left;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj_x_uC2rLRD3moZ5MrCNAyM0ep3pAuu0vqyZcj7GYLTu4VTnAkICgGUJrIgA__nrAjjZohqI5MzBi3Ep1Y4wNTLFNTooEXNQw6sA0pMaN5voT9j1zYaGIAUlLg57rFGG8BvWpoKoKwaAiXIvaDQWB4gdnBk6JLNk_muWvU_bUTiHs-7nzobCY/s1000/Ghost-with-Two-Hearts-Blog-Tour.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Ghost with Two Hearts by Michael R. French Blog Tour" border="0" data-original-height="1000" data-original-width="1000" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj_x_uC2rLRD3moZ5MrCNAyM0ep3pAuu0vqyZcj7GYLTu4VTnAkICgGUJrIgA__nrAjjZohqI5MzBi3Ep1Y4wNTLFNTooEXNQw6sA0pMaN5voT9j1zYaGIAUlLg57rFGG8BvWpoKoKwaAiXIvaDQWB4gdnBk6JLNk_muWvU_bUTiHs-7nzobCY/w640-h640/Ghost-with-Two-Hearts-Blog-Tour.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"><i>--- Blog Tour Dates</i></div><div style="text-align: left;"> </div><div style="text-align: left;"><b>March 13th @ The Muffin</b></div><div style="text-align: left;">What goes better in the morning than a muffin? Join us at the WOW blog to celebrate the launch of author Michael R. French’s <i>Ghost with Two Hearts</i>. You can read an interview with the author and enter to win a copy of the book.</div><div style="text-align: left;"><a href="https://muffin.wow-womenonwriting.com/">https://muffin.wow-womenonwriting.com/</a></div><div style="text-align: left;"> </div><div style="text-align: left;"><b>March 14th @ A Storybook World</b></div><div style="text-align: left;">Hear from Michael R. French about "What Drives an Author" as he delights readers at A Storybook World. Find out more about his latest novel, <i>Ghost with Two Hearts</i> and learn more about this talented author!</div><div style="text-align: left;"><a href="http://www.astorybookworld.com/" target="_blank">http://www.astorybookworld.com/</a></div><div style="text-align: left;"> </div><div style="text-align: left;"><b>March 15th @ Madeline Sharples</b></div><div style="text-align: left;">"Helping or Hurting" is today's essay title at Madeline's blog as readers of Choices hear from Michael R. French about his latest novel, <i>Ghost with Two Hearts</i>.</div><div style="text-align: left;"><a href="http://madelinesharples.com" target="_blank">http://madelinesharples.com</a></div><div style="text-align: left;"> </div><div style="text-align: left;"><b>March 17th @ Author Anthony Avina</b></div><div style="text-align: left;">Author Anthony Avina reviews fellow author Michael R. French's latest work <i>Ghost with Two Heart</i>s. Find out how this novel measures up today!</div><div style="text-align: left;"><a href="http://www.authoranthonyavinablog.com" target="_blank">http://www.authoranthonyavinablog.com</a></div><div style="text-align: left;"> </div><div style="text-align: left;"><b>TODAY! March 18th @ Bring on Lemons with Crystal Otto</b></div><div style="text-align: left;">Crystal Otto reviews <i>Ghost with Two Hearts</i> by Michael R, French. Crystal has read many of French's books - find out how his latest novel measures up!</div><div style="text-align: left;"><a href="http://bringonlemons.blogspot.com/" target="_blank">http://bringonlemons.blogspot.com/</a></div><div style="text-align: left;"> </div><div style="text-align: left;"><b>March 19th @ Fiona Ingram</b></div><div style="text-align: left;">Is there a "Place for Older Authors"? Find out by stopping at Fiona Ingram's blog and reading the essay by Michael R. French today! This is a great chance to learn more about this successful author and his latest novel, <i>Ghost with Two Hearts</i>!</div><div style="text-align: left;"><a href="https://fionaingramauthor.blogspot.com" target="_blank">https://fionaingramauthor.blogspot.com</a></div><div style="text-align: left;"> </div><div style="text-align: left;"><b>March 23rd @ Book Santa Fe with Carmen Otto</b></div><div style="text-align: left;">Hear from a teenager as she reviews <i>Ghost with Two Hearts</i> by Michael R. French. How many stars will she give? Will this be the novel she refers to her friends? Find out today!</div><div style="text-align: left;"><a href="http://www.booksantafe.info/booksantafeblog" target="_blank">http://www.booksantafe.info/booksantafeblog</a></div><div style="text-align: left;"> </div><div style="text-align: left;"><b>March 30th @ The Mommies Reviews</b></div><div style="text-align: left;">Texas girl, Glenda offers her review of Michael R. French's latest novel, <i>Ghost with Two Hearts</i>! Stop by Glenda's blog to learn more today!</div><div style="text-align: left;"><a href="https://www.themommiesreviews.com" target="_blank">https://www.themommiesreviews.com</a></div><div style="text-align: left;"> </div><div style="text-align: left;"><b>April 14th @ Pages and Paws</b></div><div style="text-align: left;">Michael R. French shares his essay "The Tail or the Dog" for readers at Pages and Paws. Stop by to find out more about Michael and his latest novel, <i>Ghost with Two Hearts</i>.</div><div style="text-align: left;"><a href="https://pagesandpaws.com/" target="_blank">https://pagesandpaws.com/</a></div><div style="text-align: left;"> </div><div style="text-align: left;"><b>April 20th @ Knotty Needle Creative</b></div><div style="text-align: left;">Judy from the Knotty Needle offers her thoughts after reading the latest novel by Michael R. French. Find out what Judy has to say about <i>Ghost with Two Hearts</i> today!</div><div style="text-align: left;"><a href="http://knottyneedle.blogspot.com" target="_blank">http://knottyneedle.blogspot.com</a></div><div style="text-align: left;"> </div><div style="text-align: left;"><b>April 21st @ World of My Imagination</b></div><div style="text-align: left;">Nicole Pyles reviews <i>Ghost with Two Hearts</i> by Michael R. French. Read what she shares with readers at her World of My Imagination blog.</div><div style="text-align: left;"><a href="https://worldofmyimagination.com" target="_blank">https://worldofmyimagination.com</a></div><div style="text-align: left;"> </div><div style="text-align: left;"><b>April 28th @ Wildwood Reads</b></div><div style="text-align: left;">Megan offers her review of Michael R. French's <i>Ghost with Two Hearts</i> for readers at Wild Wood Reads; don't miss her valuable insight of Michael's latest novel!</div><div style="text-align: left;"><a href="https://wildwoodreads.com" target="_blank">https://wildwoodreads.com</a></div><div style="text-align: left;"> </div><div style="text-align: left;"><b>May 2nd @ Jill Sheets</b></div><div style="text-align: left;">Jill sheets interviews Michael R. French. Find out more about this talented author and his latest novel <i>Ghost with Two Hearts</i> by stopping by Jill's blog today!</div><div style="text-align: left;"><a href="http://jillsheets.blogspot.com" target="_blank">http://jillsheets.blogspot.com</a></div><div style="text-align: left;"> </div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="text-align: left;"><br /> </span></div><script src="https://widget-prime.rafflecopter.com/launch.js"></script></div>iamagemcrystalhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14560123696348876908noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4523505320806021217.post-6858528358664902032023-03-03T17:41:00.000-08:002023-03-03T17:41:06.251-08:00YOU are invited to TWO WOW! Women on Writing Book Blog Tours - Anomaly Aftermath by Hugh Fritz and The Dark Side of Grace by Ronald Chapman - SIGN UP TODAY! <p> <span face="Roboto, Arial, sans-serif" style="background-color: white; color: #202124; font-size: 14.6667px;">I am thrilled to invite you to one or both of these amazing book blog tours! </span></p><span style="font-size: large;"><div style="text-align: center;"><span face="Roboto, Arial, sans-serif" style="color: #202124;"><br /></span></div><span face="Roboto, Arial, sans-serif" style="background-color: white; color: #202124;"><div style="text-align: center;">May 1st</div></span><span face="Roboto, Arial, sans-serif" style="background-color: white; color: #202124;"><div style="text-align: center;">WOW! Women on Writing</div></span><span face="Roboto, Arial, sans-serif" style="background-color: white; color: #202124;"><div style="text-align: center;">Launches</div></span><span face="Roboto, Arial, sans-serif" style="background-color: white; color: #202124;"><div style="text-align: center;">An Amazing Book Blog Tour</div></span><span face="Roboto, Arial, sans-serif" style="background-color: white; color: #202124;"><div style="text-align: center;">for</div></span><span face="Roboto, Arial, sans-serif" style="background-color: white; color: #202124;"><div style="text-align: center;"><b>Anomaly Aftermath</b></div></span><span face="Roboto, Arial, sans-serif" style="background-color: white; color: #202124;"><div style="text-align: center;">by</div></span><span face="Roboto, Arial, sans-serif" style="background-color: white; color: #202124;"><div style="text-align: center;">Hugh Fritz</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhuGifj4Cchg1Bx_U0zkMrLkzN_Wm-hpnG-saJSTe56STXRbE9UaWeg1p--Hda9rSyQ_tHTgVL9VyaH-igvpqZU_9h5bWdAyx0rXj5Gjib1KX6TJgj4pCX_K8u-l0jFTQPfCuKebCj9bvL4a4ZR7XWh9ZDKI-Lfz2HiJBfqm7eEsd78mQkEQk69_q2vOg/s499/Anomaly%20Aftermath.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="499" data-original-width="324" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhuGifj4Cchg1Bx_U0zkMrLkzN_Wm-hpnG-saJSTe56STXRbE9UaWeg1p--Hda9rSyQ_tHTgVL9VyaH-igvpqZU_9h5bWdAyx0rXj5Gjib1KX6TJgj4pCX_K8u-l0jFTQPfCuKebCj9bvL4a4ZR7XWh9ZDKI-Lfz2HiJBfqm7eEsd78mQkEQk69_q2vOg/s320/Anomaly%20Aftermath.jpg" width="208" /></a></div><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div>
<iframe frameborder="0" height="3869" marginheight="0" marginwidth="0" src="https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLScWqL8Ac38l98fhZWDD3g_xeeqBi5X7zP5TvrKHrcdONDPjmA/viewform?embedded=true" width="640">Loading…</iframe>
<div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">June 5th</div><div style="text-align: center;">WOW! Women on Writing </div><div style="text-align: center;">Launches</div><div style="text-align: center;">An Amazing Book Blog Tour</div><div style="text-align: center;">for</div><div style="text-align: center;"><b>The Dark Side of Grace</b></div><div style="text-align: center;">by</div><div style="text-align: center;">Ronald Chapman</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjvwZUV-WJTvx2FWN9pb8huWGeMTd40_qH5z7brEgaX4aDVWNgXduxYdOFhbcnK4ZUaKiNLFnsJyrUyfYQ5dijEHTURCuI_7vkVJNMhc9yMczuQF4SfNiEljj_QT_0NuggMA3tRV5S90bUDNf1nhGd3NvNDQLzOXZFj1pZaYyZp1gU-1GrzyS0nDbKzcA/s400/The%20Dark%20Side%20of%20Grace.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="400" data-original-width="259" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjvwZUV-WJTvx2FWN9pb8huWGeMTd40_qH5z7brEgaX4aDVWNgXduxYdOFhbcnK4ZUaKiNLFnsJyrUyfYQ5dijEHTURCuI_7vkVJNMhc9yMczuQF4SfNiEljj_QT_0NuggMA3tRV5S90bUDNf1nhGd3NvNDQLzOXZFj1pZaYyZp1gU-1GrzyS0nDbKzcA/s320/The%20Dark%20Side%20of%20Grace.jpg" width="207" /></a></div><div><span style="font-size: large;"><span face="Roboto, Arial, sans-serif" style="background-color: white; color: #202124;"><br /></span></span></div><div><span style="font-size: large;"><span face="Roboto, Arial, sans-serif" style="background-color: white; color: #202124;"><br /></span></span></div><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div></span></span><div style="background-color: white; color: #202124; font-family: Roboto, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 14.6667px;"><div><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;"><br /></span></div></div>
<iframe src="https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLScN_ZcNCOwkDhnLnJwiWFnv-QRS1UKLs3KLLQOq_KQEfv8jyw/viewform?embedded=true" width="640" height="3158" frameborder="0" marginheight="0" marginwidth="0">Loading…</iframe>iamagemcrystalhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14560123696348876908noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4523505320806021217.post-89034826850734758062023-02-16T07:05:00.000-08:002023-02-16T07:05:02.302-08:00Hey Old Friend - It's Been Too Long!<p> </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://scontent.ffcm1-1.fna.fbcdn.net/v/t39.30808-6/331056836_1807957882922997_3995152327343640620_n.jpg?stp=dst-jpg_s960x960&_nc_cat=110&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=730e14&_nc_ohc=blwVs8gmIBkAX-TRvhy&tn=pOd49FgAhjEthmIj&_nc_ht=scontent.ffcm1-1.fna&oh=00_AfA1_EML8MmeJ4LT216a9tFqfyvFbLkk0GEQ35wLeha8PA&oe=63F23D4C" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="800" data-original-width="640" height="545" src="https://scontent.ffcm1-1.fna.fbcdn.net/v/t39.30808-6/331056836_1807957882922997_3995152327343640620_n.jpg?stp=dst-jpg_s960x960&_nc_cat=110&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=730e14&_nc_ohc=blwVs8gmIBkAX-TRvhy&tn=pOd49FgAhjEthmIj&_nc_ht=scontent.ffcm1-1.fna&oh=00_AfA1_EML8MmeJ4LT216a9tFqfyvFbLkk0GEQ35wLeha8PA&oe=63F23D4C" width="436" /></a></div><br />Dear Friend,<p></p><p>I've been missing you. Isn't it weird how when you let too much time pass, it makes it even harder to reach out? I've meant to call you so many times. Why didn't I? Well...why didn't you? You must be busy. You don't really want to listen to my "stuff" anyway. I'm not very interesting and I don't have much to share. Life is so busy with little kids and big kids and parents...you know the drill. What would we talk about anyway? Maybe I should just invite you to do something. What if you think I'm a bad mom because I want to go see that new band? I probably am a bad mom because I want a night away. I better just skip that phone call too. </p><p><br /></p><p>Remember when we would do something every Saturday afternoon? Maybe this... oh wait, swimming lessons. Never mind. I should probably figure out what to wear before I invite you for coffee - you'll certainly notice I've gained 11 pounds. Shoot - now I should clean my closet. I wonder if you want my hand me downs? Is that insulting? So much for doing anything, nothing fits. I should join a gym. Maybe we can do that together? Oh wait - is that offensive? I'm not saying you need to lose weight. I just want to hang out with you. Scratch that idea too.</p><p><br /></p><p>I know - I'll just invite you to the upcoming birthday party for one of the kids. Oh...bad call on that too - what if you think I am only inviting you because I want you to bring a gift? Shoot...another bad idea. Speaking of the party - I better order the cake today. Like I need more cake.</p><p><br /></p><p>^^^^^^</p><p>THIS</p><p>IS</p><p>WHY</p><p>YOU</p><p>HAVEN'T</p><p>HEARD </p><p>FROM </p><p>ME....</p><p><br /></p><p>It's not you and it's not that I don't want to see you. I miss you. I miss me. </p><p><br /></p><p>Why is this stage of life so hard? The teenagers wish I'd move away...and hire a maid and leave them with my debit card. The littles enjoy my time, but I feel like the time I have to offer is ridiculous. I just want to take a nap. What's self care? How do all these other moms seem to have everything so together? I can't even maintain a friendship much less my car - and the light is on again in there too...</p><p><br /></p><p>Love Always,</p><p>The Mom Friend </p>iamagemcrystalhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14560123696348876908noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4523505320806021217.post-79457604803979743452023-01-30T19:54:00.002-08:002023-01-30T19:54:59.515-08:005 Stars for "It Gets Easier!...And Other Lies We Tell New Mothers" by Claudine Wolk as part of her WOW! Women on Writing Audio Blog Tour<p> </p>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEigpNSLicqUWe8A5fVrcePlkLaJRfAvAFTe9hrMB4uFRQTmYDzeyDzGiHzKRQvQEakCwodoPIu-oVcKk3LJUY2bFvXovRRsn32L5qhFIn--uHqCS52kv7Me12avJPH2KA-0MrJHRqGbG4DB_b1m0vgkoM7D-GL_tEAoCgOUqk_RxNV1rJ1QUE0/s3000/It%20Gets%20Easier!%20And%20Other%20Lies%20We%20Tell%20New%20Mothers.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><br /><img border="0" data-original-height="3000" data-original-width="3000" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEigpNSLicqUWe8A5fVrcePlkLaJRfAvAFTe9hrMB4uFRQTmYDzeyDzGiHzKRQvQEakCwodoPIu-oVcKk3LJUY2bFvXovRRsn32L5qhFIn--uHqCS52kv7Me12avJPH2KA-0MrJHRqGbG4DB_b1m0vgkoM7D-GL_tEAoCgOUqk_RxNV1rJ1QUE0/s320/It%20Gets%20Easier!%20And%20Other%20Lies%20We%20Tell%20New%20Mothers.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">If you are a mom or know a mom, or have a mom, you will want to add Claudine Wolk's audiobook <i>It Gets Easier!...And Other Lies We Tell New Mothers</i> by Claudine Wolk to your reading list. I'm so excited to be part of this audiobook tour!</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />I'll tell you more in my 5 star review - But first, here's a bit about the book:</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Every new mom learns pretty quickly how difficult new motherhood is but also that nobody tells the truth about it. Author and narrator Claudine Wolk learned the same lesson after her son was born but decided to speak the truth about motherhood with humorous insight and reality-based suggestions. A few crucial tips can make motherhood a bit more controllable and a lot more enjoyable.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">Publisher: AMACOM</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">ISBN-10: 978-0840711151</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">ISBN-13: 0840711151</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">Length: 4 hrs and 56 mins</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><b>Purchase a copy of the audiobook on <a href="https://libro.fm/audiobooks/9780840711151">Libro.fm</a>, <a href="https://www.audible.com/pd/It-Gets-Easier-and-Other-Lies-We-Tell-New-Mothers-Audiobook/B0BBK6DF2X/?tag=wowwomenonwri-20" target="_blank">Audible</a> or <a href="https://www.audiobooks.com/audiobook/it-gets-easier-and-other-lies-we-tell-new-mothers-a-fun-practical-guide-to-becoming-a-mom/615566">Audiobooks.com</a>. You can also add the book to <a href="https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/2925981-it-gets-easier" target="_blank">your reading list on GoodReads.com</a>.</b></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><b>About the Author, Claudine Wolk</b></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><b><br /></b></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhlQZSUDEpcGk9iCaYAcddNM9NmCLX6_4EZvGQDKh8V5gV2CWti9ccpNpC1_8oAhjsCe6Cdu97ccv4LgkNblXnB2CETz7qD4_GnLGkvy7E-fiX9Mw1YvCVP0ttfwcKuauw4ERPVSOq7s_m3B_EDepBCTMHOSQ5ZrlTn2qJkgCYB0hIqaKUGDY8/s5504/WolkHeadshot.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="5504" data-original-width="3669" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhlQZSUDEpcGk9iCaYAcddNM9NmCLX6_4EZvGQDKh8V5gV2CWti9ccpNpC1_8oAhjsCe6Cdu97ccv4LgkNblXnB2CETz7qD4_GnLGkvy7E-fiX9Mw1YvCVP0ttfwcKuauw4ERPVSOq7s_m3B_EDepBCTMHOSQ5ZrlTn2qJkgCYB0hIqaKUGDY8/s320/WolkHeadshot.jpg" width="213" /></a></div></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">Claudine Wolk is a writer, radio talk show host, podcast host, and book marketing consultant. Her first book, <i><a href="https://amzn.to/3W9w5Wd" target="_blank">It Gets Easier and Other Lies We Tell New Mothers</a></i> has affectionately become “the perfect baby shower gift.” Claudine is working on her second non-fiction book aimed at helping writers who want to publish and market a book in the same fun, practical way as her first book. Claudine lives with her husband, Joe, in Bucks County, PA and has three grown children and a baby grandson. More at <a href="http://www.ClaudineWolk.com">www.ClaudineWolk.com</a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">Other places you can find the author online:</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">Substack: <a href="https://ClaudineWolk.Substack.com">https://ClaudineWolk.Substack.com</a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">Facebook: <a href="https://www.facebook.com/claudinewolk/">https://www.facebook.com/claudinewolk/</a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">Instagram: <a href="https://www.instagram.com/claudinewolk/">https://www.instagram.com/claudinewolk/</a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">Twitter Link: <a href="https://twitter.com/help4newmoms">https://twitter.com/help4newmoms</a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">Stories and Strategies for Woman Podcast: <a href="https://storiesandstrategiesforwomen.buzzsprout.com">https://storiesandstrategiesforwomen.buzzsprout.com</a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><i>---- Review by Crystal J. Casavant-Otto</i></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><i><br /></i></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><i>"It Gets Easier" is a fun, practical guide to becoming a Mom from the perspective of Claudine Wolk who is a columnist, blogger, speaker and mother of three. Her book is an easy read/listen with fun stories and examples from her own experiences and those of people she has interviewed. Wolk's charm and wit shine through and though the book is helpful, it doesn't feel preachy like a self help book. (there's a difference between helpful and self help if you ask me)</i></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><i><br /></i></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><i>Throughout the book, the reader is reminded that there is no single right way to raise a child. Mothers are empowered to choose their own path and yet but learning about other families and their experiences you get a sense of community. This isn't a crunchy mama guide to breastfeeding and cloth diapers, although it's not all about formula and disposable nappies either. All options are explained and the reader is empowered to do what works best for them. Whether you have children, are having children, wish you were having children, or know someone having children, there's something for you in "It Gets Easier". </i></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><i><br /></i></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><i>From the beginning of "It Gets Easier" by Claudine Wolk, all the way to the end, I felt at ease. This guide to becoming a mom felt much like having coffee with my friends at our local moms club. In both cases, our lives are different, our choices potentially opposite, and our stories nothing alike - yet we have a common goal of surviving motherhood with our sanity intact. A breastfeeding mama could sit next to a formula feeding mama and engage one another finding the similarities in our situations while also respecting the differences. The physical moms club meeting shared the same warm fuzzy feeling I felt with "It Gets Easier" - I love the idea sharing in both scenarios! </i></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><i><br /></i></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><i>This was a wonderful audio book and I can honestly say I also purchased the written copy looking forward to reading the stories again! Nicely done Claudine! and thank you to WOW! Women on Writing for including us in this audiobook blog tour! </i></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br /></div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><b><br /></b></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjS95cIWnUUv5WprCqsyISs3G7-ohXxJ54ED3JjWvgJI8VUyCB4MY3UKUItB-5vLvB9T0EVLnTyhW6-u7_MfSpu8LPS0V-eWZMXx0KCIFc0n8s-I6uF5Kkn2-qoqPzLlXOb0XWOU3KS4RvC7EtNmeT3TN-baI0F4K6eGpQJ5A-0VLR4vitTOno/s800/It-Gets-Easier-Audiobook-Blog-Tour.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="It Gets Easier! ... And Other Lies We Tell Mothers by Claudine Wolk - Audiobook Blog Tour" border="0" data-original-height="800" data-original-width="800" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjS95cIWnUUv5WprCqsyISs3G7-ohXxJ54ED3JjWvgJI8VUyCB4MY3UKUItB-5vLvB9T0EVLnTyhW6-u7_MfSpu8LPS0V-eWZMXx0KCIFc0n8s-I6uF5Kkn2-qoqPzLlXOb0XWOU3KS4RvC7EtNmeT3TN-baI0F4K6eGpQJ5A-0VLR4vitTOno/w640-h640/It-Gets-Easier-Audiobook-Blog-Tour.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><i>---- Blog Tour Calendar</i></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><b>January 16th @ The Muffin</b></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">Join us at WOW! as we celebrate the launch of Claudine Wolk's audiobook version of <i>It Gets Easier!...And Other Lies We Tell New Mothers.</i></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://muffin.wow-womenonwriting.com">https://muffin.wow-womenonwriting.com</a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><b>January 16th @ Just Katherine</b></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">Join Katherine as she reviews the audiobook version of <i>It Gets Easier!....And Other Lies We Tell New Mothers.</i></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://justkatherineblog.wordpress.com/">https://justkatherineblog.wordpress.com/</a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><b>January 17th @ Liberate and Lather</b></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">Join Angela as she reviews the audiobook version of <i>It Gets Easier!....And Other Lies We Tell New Mothers.</i></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://liberateandlather.com">https://liberateandlather.com</a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><b>January 19th @ Jill Sheets Blog</b></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">Join Jill as she interviews the author about her book <i>It Gets Easier!....And Other Lies We Tell New Mothers.</i></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://jillsheets.blogspot.com/">https://jillsheets.blogspot.com/</a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><b>January 20th @ The Mommies Review</b></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">Join Glenda as she reviews <i>It Gets Easier!....And Other Lies We Tell New Mothers. </i>You'll also have the chance to win a copy of the book too!</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://themommiesreviews.com/">https://themommiesreviews.com/</a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><b>January 20th @ Ellen Blogs</b></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">Visit Ellen's blog and read Claudine's guest post about going from self-published to traditionally published. It can be done!</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://ellenblogs.com/">https://ellenblogs.com/</a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><b>January 21st World of My Imagination</b></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">Nicole features Claudine Wolk on her weekly featured three things on a Saturday night. She also gives away a copy of the audiobook <i>It Gets Easier!....And Other Lies We Tell New Mothers.</i></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://worldofmyimagination.com">https://worldofmyimagination.com</a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><b>January 22nd @ Just Katherine</b></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">Join Katherine again as she shares a guest post by Claudine Wolk about the eight lies we tell new mothers.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://justkatherineblog.wordpress.com/">https://justkatherineblog.wordpress.com/</a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><b>January 25th @ Chapter Break</b></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">Join Julie's blog as she features a spotlight of the audiobook <i>It Gets Easier!....And Other Lies We Tell New Mothers. </i></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://chapterbreak.net/">https://chapterbreak.net/</a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><b>January 26th @ A Storybook world</b></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">Deirdra shares a guest post by Claudine Wolk about the five mom mantras that will keep you sane.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://www.astorybookworld.com/">https://www.astorybookworld.com/</a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><b>January 27th @ What Is That Book About</b></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">Join Michelle as she reviews the audiobook <i>It Gets Easier!....And Other Lies We Tell New Mothers. </i></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://www.whatisthatbookabout.com">https://www.whatisthatbookabout.com</a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><b>January 30th @ Michelle Cornish' blog</b></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">Join Michelle as she features a guest post by Claudine Wolk about message, hook, and audience: the starting point to successfully market your book.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://www.michellecornish.com/blog">https://www.michellecornish.com/blog</a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><b>January 31st @ Bring on Lemons</b></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">Crystal rewards us with her review of <i>It Gets Easier!....And Other Lies We Tell New Mothers.</i></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://bringonlemons.blogspot.com/">https://bringonlemons.blogspot.com/</a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><b>February 1st @ World of My Imagination</b></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">Nicole features Michelle's guest review of <i>It Gets Easier!...And Other Lies We Tell New Mothers.</i></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://worldofmyimagination.com">https://worldofmyimagination.com</a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><b>February 3rd @ Knotty Needle</b></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">Visit Judy's blog for her insights about <i>It Gets Easier!...And Other Lies We Tell New Mothers.</i></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="http://knottyneedle.blogspot.com/">http://knottyneedle.blogspot.com/</a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><b>February 3rd @ Lady Unemployed</b></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">Visit Nicole's blog and read Claudine's guest post about how to get started on a voice acting career.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://ladyunemployed.com">https://ladyunemployed.com</a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br /></div></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><b>February 5th @ Strength 4 Spouses</b></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">Join Wendi as she reviews <i>It Gets Easier!....And Other Lies We Tell New Mothers. </i>You also have the chance to win a copy of the audiobook!</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://strength4spouses.blog">https://strength4spouses.blog</a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><b>February 5th @ Celticlady's Reviews</b></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">Join Kathleen's blog as she spotlights <i>It Gets Easier!....And Other Lies We Tell New Mothers.</i></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://celticladysreviews.blogspot.com/">https://celticladysreviews.blogspot.com/</a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><b>February 6th @ Celticlady's Reviews</b></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">Visit Kathleen's blog again as she features a guest post by Claudine Wolk featuring uncensored advice for new mothers.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://celticladysreviews.blogspot.com/">https://celticladysreviews.blogspot.com/</a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><b>February 7th @ Strength 4 Spouses</b></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">Visit Wendi's blog again as features Claudine's guest post about power shifts in your relationship with your partner and how to get it back.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://strength4spouses.blog">https://strength4spouses.blog</a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><b>February 10th @ Lisa Haselton's Reviews and Interviews</b></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">Read an interview with Claudine Wolk at Lisa Haselton's blog.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://lisahaselton.com/blog/">https://lisahaselton.com/blog/</a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><b>February 11th @ Rockin Book Reviews</b></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">Join Lu Ann as she features a guest post by Claudine about reasonably cost-effective ways to promote your book. She'll also be giving away a copy of the audiobook as well!</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://rockinbookreviews.com/">https://rockinbookreviews.com/</a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><b>February 13th @ Bookshine and Readbows</b></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">Join Steph's blog for her insightful reviews of <i>It Gets Easier!...And Other Lies We Tell New Mothers.</i></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://bookshineandreadbows.wordpress.com/blog/">https://bookshineandreadbows.wordpress.com/blog/</a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><b>February 15th @ Word Magic</b></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">Fiona shares a guest post from Claudine about where to start with book marketing.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="http://fionaingramauthor.blogspot.com/">http://fionaingramauthor.blogspot.com/</a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><b>February 15th @ Amy's Booket List</b></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">Join Amy for her review of <i>It Gets Easier!...And Other Lies We Tell New Mothers. </i>You'll also have the chance to win a copy of the book too!</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://www.instagram.com/amysbooketlist/">https://www.instagram.com/amysbooketlist/</a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /><br /></div></div></div></div><script src="https://widget-prime.rafflecopter.com/launch.js"></script>iamagemcrystalhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14560123696348876908noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4523505320806021217.post-22013536912885996122022-12-13T10:52:00.002-08:002022-12-13T10:52:49.310-08:005 Stars for "A Wingman for Christmas" by Barbara Barth - a review by Crystal J. Casavant-Otto as part of the WOW! Women on Writing book blog tour<p> </p>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj5GTbHhFDSs0c9485BCawywN5i1xTNwo6tXfKiJhvLcjcJmzuEiDQkIQTtYV80FuDmrPgITYEKGqmkoRwncH_PASw9UeD0BCJMmUyDsB7xDooHM3ZiOvvYr9fXG89jrWkoQKdozsBQFa4avbd4qqWcK9TT4-y4aaIs33UPKhchPX3iv3nJm9c/s346/51FtUW-y3rL._SY346_.jpg" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="346" data-original-width="241" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj5GTbHhFDSs0c9485BCawywN5i1xTNwo6tXfKiJhvLcjcJmzuEiDQkIQTtYV80FuDmrPgITYEKGqmkoRwncH_PASw9UeD0BCJMmUyDsB7xDooHM3ZiOvvYr9fXG89jrWkoQKdozsBQFa4avbd4qqWcK9TT4-y4aaIs33UPKhchPX3iv3nJm9c/w279-h400/51FtUW-y3rL._SY346_.jpg" width="279" /></a></div><div style="text-align: left;">With the holiday season around the corner, a cozy Christmas read is just what we need to get into the spirit of the season! Author Barbara Barth has just released her novella <i>A Wingman for Christmas </i>and it's a must-read for Christmas!</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /><b>A bit about her novel:</b></div><div style="text-align: left;"><b><br /></b>The annual Sweet Water, Georgia, Christmas parade is nearing but relationships are fractured on Wild Rose Lane. Antique dealer Cheryl Calloway's holiday spirit has tanked. It's been a horrible year with her divorce, her ex marrying younger and perkier Miriam across the street, and Mama moving into Cheryl's Victorian cottage with her Amazon parrot right before Thanksgiving. A party girl in her eighties, Mama smokes up a storm, likes her nightly vodka, has a hankering for men, and now a wingman named Nigel. If that isn't enough, the Historical Society wants Cheryl to clean up all the projects on her porch waiting to go to Spivey's Antique Mall for their Christmas Open House. Her desire to work her booth is as dead as her marriage. Miriam, President of the Historical Society, chastises her, "If it ain't pretty don't put it on the porch." Then there's Alice, her strange neighbor with the six-foot fluorescent light bulb cross nailed to the huge Magnolia tree in the middle of her rose garden. Alice watches all the neighbors too closely. Just when Cheryl thinks things can't get worse, an incident shakes her to the core, and a mystery follows revealing family secrets long forgotten. Cheryl wants to believe in miracles and love again, and Dr. James may just be the man of her dreams as he helps her and Mama sort things out.</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">Filled with quirky characters, mystery, family secrets, and sweet love, all set in a hot Georgia small town.</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">Publisher: Gilbert Street Press<br />ISBN-10: 0983171599<br />ISBN-13: 978-0983171599<br />ASIN: B0BJ9CWHGT<br />Print length: 198 pages</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"><b>Purchase a copy of the b</b><b>ook on <a href="https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B0BJ9CWHGT/?tag=wowwomenonwri-20" target="_blank">Amazon</a>. You can also add it to your <a href="https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/63001459-a-wingman-for-christmas?ac=1&from_search=true&qid=vQtdWl6W6z&rank=1" target="_blank">GoodReads reading list</a>.</b></div><div style="text-align: left;"><b><br /></b></div><div style="text-align: left;"><b>About the Author, Barbara Barth</b></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEioXKtuLQv-h2r3NjZ_Ta49ZYyz4rrm4prUSI93YP9Rdn_qjFYB2MUsIsMos52i69u6jSR2Qv9Qy7oxKhr5H9R3ZtQ---P_UE8fdzjRquoJsAhhlMde1GtK6V7K-JhpOf4cElxudKJrH3fDQJmPzRy2p8NgDgfjumZss5FMmuEPSaTF86Smeb8/s458/310270624_10225278548969635_2437683547512539560_n.jpg" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="457" data-original-width="458" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEioXKtuLQv-h2r3NjZ_Ta49ZYyz4rrm4prUSI93YP9Rdn_qjFYB2MUsIsMos52i69u6jSR2Qv9Qy7oxKhr5H9R3ZtQ---P_UE8fdzjRquoJsAhhlMde1GtK6V7K-JhpOf4cElxudKJrH3fDQJmPzRy2p8NgDgfjumZss5FMmuEPSaTF86Smeb8/w200-h200/310270624_10225278548969635_2437683547512539560_n.jpg" width="200" /></a></div>Barbara Barth turned to writing and adopting dogs to heal after her husband died fourteen years ago. Known as ‘Writer With Dogs’, Barth currently lives with four Chihuahuas in a charming town forty miles outside of Atlanta. She is Literary Arts Chair at a small art center where she promotes writing activities, author events, book launches, and hosts an online group Walton Writers. Inspired by the wonderful artists around her, Barth started painting and has won several awards with her whimsical art. Her books are <a href="https://amzn.to/3i31hYK" target="_blank">available on Amazon</a>. Visit her Instagram page <a href="https://www.instagram.com/barbarabarthstudio/" target="_blank">Barbara Barth Studio</a>. You can also check out <a href="https://bb-bjd.wixsite.com/barbarabarthwriter/home" target="_blank">her website</a>.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><b>---- </b><i>Review by Crystal J. Casavant-Otto</i></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><i><br /></i></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Let me start by saying I would absolutely love <b><i>A Wingman for Christmas</i></b> anytime of year - although it's especially lovely at Christmas! This is such a busy time of year for all of us and I absolutely loved finding myself on Wild Rose Lane learning all about the many characters. I related to so many aspects of this book and since I live in chilly Wisconsin I sure appreciated the warmth of characters as well as the warm weather setting. Barth is a talented author and her fun, animal loving personality shines through page after page! I give <b><i>A Wingman for Christmas</i></b> 5 stars and will be gifting a copy to my mother and teenage daughter this Christmas! </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><i><br /></i></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span style="color: #6aa84f;"><b> </b></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgzpQrcmGYCctS7vImQ7jhmZPKJuxNM1OsfmYSNGxLP91qotbgLOz_TDiIZsKSqRF93rfCczNO4Lm_sSrOLhrlb6mc1AWcji2yzSdHwMy9lf8f4Cec6Fi2rL5pf-hcNjTo81kLLrw7qELtRSIAbvZSfUPEDajlMIciwvP7P4qhN-QHcE40U8Lc/s800/AWingmanforChristmas-BlogTour.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="800" data-original-width="800" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgzpQrcmGYCctS7vImQ7jhmZPKJuxNM1OsfmYSNGxLP91qotbgLOz_TDiIZsKSqRF93rfCczNO4Lm_sSrOLhrlb6mc1AWcji2yzSdHwMy9lf8f4Cec6Fi2rL5pf-hcNjTo81kLLrw7qELtRSIAbvZSfUPEDajlMIciwvP7P4qhN-QHcE40U8Lc/w640-h640/AWingmanforChristmas-BlogTour.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><b><br /></b></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><i><br /></i></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><i>---- Blog Tour Calendar</i></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><i><br /></i></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><b>November 28th @ WOW! Women on Writing</b></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Join us at our blog The Muffin to celebrate the launch of <i>A Wingman for Christmas. </i>We're interviewing the author and giving away a copy of her book to one lucky reader.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><a href="https://muffin.wow-womenonwriting.com">https://muffin.wow-womenonwriting.com</a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><b>November 30th @ Author Anthony Avina's Blog</b></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Join Anthony as he reviews <i>A Wingman for Christmas. </i>A perfect novella for the holiday season!</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><a href="http://www.authoranthonyavinablog.com">http://www.authoranthonyavinablog.com</a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><b>December 1st @ Deborah-Zenha Adams</b></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Visit Deborah's blog where she shares a guest post by author Barbara Barth about how many editors you really need.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><a href="http://www.deborah-adams.com/">http://www.deborah-adams.com/</a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><b>December 3rd @ Pages and Paws</b></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Kristine shares her review of the charming holiday novella <i>A Wingman for Christmas.</i></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://pagesandpaws.com/">https://pagesandpaws.com/</a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><b>December 5th @ One Writer's Journey</b></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">Join Sue as she reviews <i>A Wingman for Christmas</i> by Barbara Barth.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://suebe.wordpress.com/">https://suebe.wordpress.com/</a></div><div><br /></div></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><b>December 6th @ Michelle Cornish's Blog</b></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">Join Michelle as she reviews <i>A Wingman for Christmas. </i>A must-read novella for the holiday season!</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://www.michellecornishauthor.com/blog">https://www.michellecornishauthor.com/blog</a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><b>December 7th @ The Frugalista Mom</b></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">Rochie shares her review of <i>A Wingman for Christmas</i> and gives away a copy of the book to one lucky reader.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://thefrugalistamom.com">https://thefrugalistamom.com</a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><b>December 8th @ Knotty Needle</b></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">Visit Judy's blog as she features a guest post by Barbara Barth about starting a writing group.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="http://knottyneedle.blogspot.com">http://knottyneedle.blogspot.com</a></div><div><br /></div><div><b>December 9th @ A Storybook World</b></div><div>Visit Deirdra's blog for a spotlight on <i>A Wingman for Christmas </i>by Barbara Barth.</div><div><a href="http://www.astorybookworld.com/">http://www.astorybookworld.com/</a></div><div><br /></div></div></div></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><b>December 10th @ Michelle Cornish's Blog</b></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Visit Michelle's site as she features author Barbara Barth's guest post on encouraging others to write.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><a href="https://www.michellecornish.com/blog">https://www.michellecornish.com/blog</a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><b>December 12th @ Storeybook Review</b></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Leslie shares her thoughts about this fun novella <i>A Wingman for Christmas </i>by Barbara Barth.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><a href="https://storeybookreviews.com/">https://storeybookreviews.com/</a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><b>December 13th @ Bring on Lemons</b></div>Join Crystal as she shares this fun holiday novella <i>A Wingman for Christmas</i>.<br /><a href="https://bringonlemons.blogspot.com/">https://bringonlemons.blogspot.com/</a><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><b><br /></b></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><b>December 14th @ Beverley A. Baird's Blog</b></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Visit Beverley's blog as she reviews <i>A Wingman for Christmas</i> by Barbara Barth.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><a href="https://beverleyabaird.wordpress.com/">https://beverleyabaird.wordpress.com/</a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><b>December 14th @ Avonna Loves Genres</b></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Join Avonna as she reviews <i>A Wingman for Christmas </i>by Barbara Barth.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><a href="https://avonnalovesgenres.com/">https://avonnalovesgenres.com/</a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><b>December 15th @ One Writer' Journey</b></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Visit Sue's blog where she features a guest post by Barbara Barth about finding inspiration around you.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://suebe.wordpress.com/">https://suebe.wordpress.com/</a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><b>December 15th @ Knotty Needle</b></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">Visit Judy's blog again as she shares her thoughts about Barbara Barth's fun holiday read <i>A Wingman for Christmas.</i></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="http://knottyneedle.blogspot.com">http://knottyneedle.blogspot.com</a></div></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br /></div></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><b>December 16th @ Beverley A. Baird's Blog</b></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Join Beverley as she features a guest post by author Barbara Barth about writing fiction versus memoir.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://beverleyabaird.wordpress.com/">https://beverleyabaird.wordpress.com/</a></div></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><b>December 18th @ Life According to Jamie</b></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Jamie will be reviewing a fun novella for the holiday season: <i>A Wingman for Christmas. </i></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><a href="https://lifeaccordingtojamie.com/">https://lifeaccordingtojamie.com/</a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><b>December 19th @ Lisa Haselton's Reviews and Interviews</b></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Join Lisa as she interviews author Barbara Barth about her book <i>A Wingman for Christmas.</i></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><a href="https://lisahaselton.com/blog/">https://lisahaselton.com/blog/</a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><i><br /></i></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><b>December 20th @ Word Magic</b></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Visit Fiona's blog as she features a guest post by Barbara Barth about researching your topic as well as your time frame.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><a href="https://fionaingramauthor.blogspot.com/">https://fionaingramauthor.blogspot.com/</a></div><b><br /></b></div><div style="text-align: left;"><b>December 21st @ World of My Imagination</b></div><div style="text-align: left;">Visit Nicole's blog as she reviews <i>A Wingman for Christmas</i>.</div><div style="text-align: left;"><a href="https://worldofmyimagination.com/">https://worldofmyimagination.com/</a></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /><span style="color: #6aa84f; font-size: large;"><b> </b></span></div><script src="https://widget-prime.rafflecopter.com/launch.js"></script>iamagemcrystalhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14560123696348876908noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4523505320806021217.post-84105944737020703142022-11-09T06:48:00.003-08:002022-11-09T07:04:59.024-08:00Sign Up TODAY for "Ghost With Two Hearts" by Michael R. French - a WOW! Women on Writing Book Blog Tour launching December 12th 2022! <p> <span face="Roboto, Arial, sans-serif" style="background-color: white; color: #202124; font-size: 14.6667px;">I am thrilled to invite you to a Blog Tour with my dear friend and talented author Michael R. French! </span></p><span style="font-size: large;"><div style="text-align: center;"><span face="Roboto, Arial, sans-serif" style="color: #202124;"><br /></span></div><span face="Roboto, Arial, sans-serif" style="background-color: white; color: #202124;"><div style="text-align: center;">December 12th 2022</div></span><span face="Roboto, Arial, sans-serif" style="background-color: white; color: #202124;"><div style="text-align: center;">WOW! Women on Writing</div></span><span face="Roboto, Arial, sans-serif" style="background-color: white; color: #202124;"><div style="text-align: center;">Launches</div></span><span face="Roboto, Arial, sans-serif" style="background-color: white; color: #202124;"><div style="text-align: center;">An Amazing Book Blog Tour</div></span><span face="Roboto, Arial, sans-serif" style="background-color: white; color: #202124;"><div style="text-align: center;">for</div></span><span face="Roboto, Arial, sans-serif" style="background-color: white; color: #202124;"><div style="text-align: center;"><b>GHOST WITH TWO HEARTS</b></div></span><span face="Roboto, Arial, sans-serif" style="background-color: white; color: #202124;"><div style="text-align: center;">by</div></span><span face="Roboto, Arial, sans-serif" style="background-color: white; color: #202124;"><div style="text-align: center;">Michael R. French</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEggacwC8kRmfeABUEpiugnPi-pUFx1JOVjOdNKNw8hkN_tSaciEYo3BiN0fyRm225DhmV98-AqsdK8LZsJPlurTlshoztp1Sm40OPQ34ukypShqZXsDil__ezHI8eqe8DUYp7-jlUPIK3CI2e-cPOgUSsXotn5a-DVgmEc1ILyKlxFec9fcfQWKOxx62w/s743/IMG_2438.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="553" data-original-width="743" height="477" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEggacwC8kRmfeABUEpiugnPi-pUFx1JOVjOdNKNw8hkN_tSaciEYo3BiN0fyRm225DhmV98-AqsdK8LZsJPlurTlshoztp1Sm40OPQ34ukypShqZXsDil__ezHI8eqe8DUYp7-jlUPIK3CI2e-cPOgUSsXotn5a-DVgmEc1ILyKlxFec9fcfQWKOxx62w/w640-h477/IMG_2438.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div></span></span><br style="background-color: white; color: #202124; font-family: Roboto, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 14.6667px;" /><br /><div style="background-color: white; color: #202124; font-family: Roboto, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 14.6667px;"> <br /><br /><br /><br />Categories: Magic, Mystery, Suspense, Thriller, Love Story <br /><br /><br />Sign-Up Today using this google form: <iframe frameborder="0" height="3164" marginheight="0" marginwidth="0" src="https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSfLME_SA8dNE92_yk9vqKFebsesnxxh8GfmkCz5Eb6PxwExIQ/viewform?embedded=true" width="640">Loading…</iframe> <br /><br /><br /><b>About the Author, Michael R. French:</b></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjS5WYQIbd7MRXQqOJqsXcNQ11w0xjo9VUvGAHCiegcx6rz16KgAFffXd1z8tB7CYkCw2XGWc4Yv5Fx9jbmRajVqCOj2Lz576Tzdvkj0bhLl1Q-5u1rJVMGOL6QLfp-7VWwRoiHJz0RHSj8R2wf-7vxwg4zZK4PPvsJDP6fNPujHv78bGiIycwo7yxQHw/s320/Michael%20French%20Head%20Shot.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="320" data-original-width="213" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjS5WYQIbd7MRXQqOJqsXcNQ11w0xjo9VUvGAHCiegcx6rz16KgAFffXd1z8tB7CYkCw2XGWc4Yv5Fx9jbmRajVqCOj2Lz576Tzdvkj0bhLl1Q-5u1rJVMGOL6QLfp-7VWwRoiHJz0RHSj8R2wf-7vxwg4zZK4PPvsJDP6fNPujHv78bGiIycwo7yxQHw/s1600/Michael%20French%20Head%20Shot.jpg" width="213" /></a></div><br /><div style="background-color: white; color: #202124; font-family: Roboto, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 14.6667px;"><p>National best selling author Michael French is a graduate of Stanford University and Northwestern University. He is a businessman and author who divides his time between Santa Barbara, California, and Santa Fe, New Mexico. He is an avid mountain trekker, likes to visit developing countries, and with his wife, Patricia, started a 501(c) 3, Dollars4Schools, to support public school teachers in Santa Fe.</p><p>He has published twenty four books, including fiction, young adult fiction, biographies, and art criticism. His novel, Abingdon's, was a bestseller and a Literary Guild Alternate Selection. His young adult novel, Pursuit, was awarded the California Young Reader Medal.</p><p>The Reconstruction of Wilson Ryder was released January 2013.</p><p>Mountains beyond Mountains was released April 2013.</p><p>Once Upon A Lie was published on March 15, 2016.</p><p>The Beginner's Guide to Winning an Election, a YA/crossover novel, published in 2019</p><p><br /></p><p>and now...</p><p>"Ghost with Two Hearts"</p><br /> <br /><br />#ghostwithtwohearts<br /><br /><br />The Blog Tour will begin on December 12th and last until the end of January 2023 (how fitting that Ghost with Two Hearts spans two calendar years)! You can participate by reviewing the book, spotlighting the book, choosing a guest post written by the author, or interviewing the author.<br /><br /> <br />Physical copies available in the U.S. or PDF available for all! (digital copies available NOW, physical copies will become available after 12/1)<br /><br />I'd love to have you for this Blog Tour!<br />Questions? Send me an email: <a href="mailto:crystaljotto@gmail.com" style="color: #1155cc;">crystaljotto@gmail.com</a> or call/text: 920-645-7529</div><div style="background-color: white; color: #202124; font-family: Roboto, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 14.6667px;"><br /></div><div style="background-color: white; color: #202124; font-family: Roboto, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 14.6667px;"><br /></div><div style="background-color: white; color: #202124; font-family: Roboto, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 14.6667px;"><span id="docs-internal-guid-70a74b58-7fff-2caa-646c-88a711773fc3"><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.2; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 3.8527679443359375pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="background-color: transparent; color: #2a2a2a; font-family: Raleway, sans-serif; font-size: 11.52pt; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">, </span></p><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.2; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-right: 95.3656005859375pt; margin-top: 0.2362060546875pt; text-align: right;"><span style="background-color: transparent; color: #2a2a2a; font-family: Raleway, sans-serif; font-size: 11.52pt; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"> </span><span style="background-color: transparent; color: #2a2a2a; font-family: Cambria, serif; font-size: 12pt; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Summary of </span><span style="background-color: transparent; color: #2a2a2a; font-family: Cambria, serif; font-size: 12pt; font-style: italic; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Ghost With Two Hearts </span></p><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.2; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 2.5324783325195312pt; margin-top: 13.35595703125pt;"><span style="background-color: transparent; color: #2a2a2a; font-family: Cambria, serif; font-size: 12pt; font-style: italic; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"> </span></p><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.2; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-right: 0.01678466796875pt; margin-top: 0pt; padding: 0pt 0pt 0pt 0.35711669921875pt; text-align: justify; text-indent: -0.35711669921875pt;"><span style="background-color: transparent; color: #2a2a2a; font-family: Cambria, serif; font-size: 12pt; font-style: italic; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"> </span><span style="background-color: transparent; color: #090909; font-family: Cambria, serif; font-size: 11.52pt; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Approaching 30, Adrian, a talented software engineer, takes stock of his wealth and accolades—and also how unhappy he is. He doesn’t make friends easily, boycotts social media, and was recently bloodied in a divorce he didn’t want. He finds no common purpose in a country marred by political vitriol, distrust, and inequality. Taking a leave of absence from his company, he travels to Japan with a samurai katana that his grandfather lifted from a Japanese captain killed in World War Two. Adrian is determined to find the sword’s rightful heir. Doing the morally correct thing make him feel better about himself. </span></p><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.2; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0.472320556640625pt; margin-right: 0.02740478515625pt; margin-top: 0.28729248046875pt; text-indent: 36.207359313964844pt;"><span style="background-color: transparent; color: #090909; font-family: Cambria, serif; font-size: 11.52pt; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">He discovers Japanese society to be the antithesis of almost everything in the States. People honor authority, esteem education, follow laws and customs, and have a reverence for nature. Virtually crime-free, Japan has less than a dozen murders a year. In Shintoism, the galaxy of gods and demons are taken seriously. There are clean lines, sometimes absolute ones, between right and wrong, reward and punishment. </span></p><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.2; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-right: 0.02093505859375pt; margin-top: 0.27069091796875pt;"><span style="background-color: transparent; color: #090909; font-family: Cambria, serif; font-size: 11.52pt; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"> When Adrian visits his first Shinto temple in Kyoto, someone pickpockets his cell phone. By luck, he thinks, he finds it on an empty table in a café. He later realizes that his photos and messages have been tampered with. He rents a house on the Philosopher’s Path, which parallels a tranquil canal lined with gorgeous cherry trees. The landlord, a former Shinto priest, reveals </span><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Cambria, serif; font-size: 11.52pt; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">that a special ghost called a “kami” lives in the attic. Her name is Emiko and she showed up five years ago, he says. All kami are invisible but reputed to have human capabilities and emotions. Adrian has already read about these highly-esteemed spirits of the dead, millions of them, but a few are actually evil and being punished for eternity. Emiko’s erratic, prank-playing behavior is a sign that she is one of the damned, the priest says with sorrow. He doesn’t know why she ended up in his house. Happy renters write reviews about a frustrated, angry, yet </span></p><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.2; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0.12671661376953125pt; margin-right: 0.027099609375pt; margin-top: 0.276214599609375pt; text-indent: 0.4608001708984375pt;"><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Cambria, serif; font-size: 11.52pt; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">essentially harmless ghost. They are entertained. The priest never lacks for future business. One night, Adrian hears footsteps outside his bedroom. On several occasions, the shower turns on and off. It’s like he has a housemate, he thinks, convinced he is imagining everything. When his grandfather’s sword vanishes from his bedroom, however, he panics. He’s already located its rightful owner—the Japanese captain’s 80-yer-old daughter. He has promised to deliver it to her promptly. He has to keep his word or lose face. </span></p><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.2; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0.16127777099609375pt; margin-top: 0.280670166015625pt; text-indent: 36.518402099609375pt;"><span style="background-color: transparent; color: #090909; font-family: Cambria, serif; font-size: 11.52pt; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">He scours the house for the katana, but stops short of going into the attic. On a whim he writes the ghost a note, politely asking if she knows where his sword is. He’s stunned to get a note back. Emiko admits to taking the katana, but it’s only to protect Adrian. She insists the captain’s daughter will pray to the gods to punish Adrian. His grandfather’s theft on the battlefield was a moral crime and someone has to do penance. </span></p><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.2; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0.472320556640625pt; margin-right: 3.15631103515625pt; margin-top: 0.270660400390625pt; text-indent: 38.18687438964844pt;"><span style="background-color: transparent; color: #090909; font-family: Cambria, serif; font-size: 11.52pt; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Who, and what kind of penance? he wonders. Adrian pleads and nags until Emiko reluctantly returns the sword. </span></p><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.2; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0.44927978515625pt; margin-right: 2.480712890625pt; margin-top: 0.3206329345703125pt; text-align: justify; text-indent: 36.23040008544922pt;"><span style="background-color: transparent; color: #090909; font-family: Cambria, serif; font-size: 11.52pt; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">In the attic, she writes in her diary that Adrian is a naïve Westerner, hopelessly ignorant about the spiritual world, and needs to find a “teacher.” Otherwise, he’ll be a lost soul forever. Unlike tenants she’s put up with in the past, she finds Adrian sincere and likable. </span></p><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.2; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0.16127777099609375pt; margin-right: 0.02703857421875pt; margin-top: 0.2206878662109375pt; text-align: justify; text-indent: 36.207359313964844pt;"><span style="background-color: transparent; color: #090909; font-family: Cambria, serif; font-size: 11.52pt; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">The captain’s daughter, once she has the sword, asks a powerful Shinto goddess, Inari, to destroy Adrian. The dark side of Japanese culture seems like a complicated game to Adrian, but when Emiko hints at her own sad story, he takes her seriously. On her behalf, Adrian begins praying to Inari, the same goddess who has been solicited to take revenge on him. In a large shrine, he prostrates himself in front of a stern-looking effigy, praying for Inari to reverse Emiko’s fate. Worshippers give him strange looks but he doesn’t care. He never fits in anywhere.</span></p><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.2; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0.0345611572265625pt; margin-right: 0.01318359375pt; margin-top: 0pt; text-indent: 36.645118713378906pt;"><span style="background-color: transparent; color: #090909; font-family: Cambria, serif; font-size: 11.52pt; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Emiko is filled with gratitude for Adrian’s support, as she, too, prays constantly to Inari. When he admits he has feelings for her, even if she’s a ghost, she hints he’s wasting his time. They can never be together, as she has her own destiny, though she won’t explain what it is. She urges Adrian to leave Japan immediately, in case Inari turns against him. Instead, he hangs around the house, wanting Emiko to teach him how to be a better person. Despite her bleak, tormented existence, the ghost’s strength and purpose inspire him. </span></p><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.2; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0.0345611572265625pt; margin-right: 0.0223388671875pt; margin-top: 0.2806396484375pt; text-align: justify; text-indent: 36pt;"><span style="background-color: transparent; color: #090909; font-family: Cambria, serif; font-size: 11.52pt; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Adrian hears ambiguous rumors about the priest’s past. At the same time, a new kami enters his life. The ghost of the Army </span><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Cambria, serif; font-size: 11.52pt; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">captain lures him into a dark alley. Wielding the katana that Adrian had returned to his daughter, he attacks viciously, and would have killed Adrian but for a last-second intervention from Inari. Adrian becomes a true believer in Shinto gods because they ultimately do the right thing, both sparing an outsider like him and taking Emiko’s side. They finally see she is not an evil kami. The vengeful captain meets a bitter end. </span></p><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.2; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0.4147186279296875pt; margin-right: 0.0281982421875pt; margin-top: 0.2806396484375pt; text-align: justify; text-indent: 36.26496124267578pt;"><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Cambria, serif; font-size: 11.52pt; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Emiko disappears in the middle of the night, after leaving Adrian a good-bye letter. They should never see each other again because it’s too painful, she writes. Piecing together clues, he finds her at Japan’s most hallowed cemetery, under a full-moon, sitting by a small Jizo statue, the Buddhist god that protects children, including the unborn. Emiko finally reveals the priest invited her to live in his house when she was having trouble with her parents. He got her pregnant and forced her to have an abortion. In Japan, shame is a powerful motivator, as are right and wrong. Having brought dishonor on her parents, Emiko hanged herself. </span></p><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.2; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 36.67967987060547pt; margin-top: 0.287322998046875pt;"><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Cambria, serif; font-size: 11.52pt; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Redeemed by Inari, she can now join the spirit of her unborn child. </span></p><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.2; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0.20735931396484375pt; margin-right: 0.03094482421875pt; margin-top: 0.236175537109375pt; text-indent: 36.161277770996094pt;"><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Cambria, serif; font-size: 11.52pt; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Their good-bye in the cemetery is awkward, and overwhelming to Adrian. The rare and tender relationship he cultivated is about to turn into a teasing memory. I love you, always, he whisper to the ghost, after she vanishes into a star-glazed sky. He becomes furious with the priest as he returns to the house. It’s surrounded by police. The priest has hanged himself in the attic. </span></p><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.2; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0.16127777099609375pt; margin-right: 0.01580810546875pt; margin-top: 0.320648193359375pt; text-align: justify; text-indent: 35.87328338623047pt;"><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Cambria, serif; font-size: 11.52pt; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Adrian returns to the States, quits his job, and takes an apartment in a new city. He aimlessly plies the streets, searching for a new future. While reading on a park bench, an attractive young woman sits beside him. The stranger hints she knows Adrian well. Nervous, hopeful, he asks if she is Emiko in some incarnated form. The woman denies it, but admits she was sent here by Emiko. She challenges Adrian to figure out who she is. If he does, she promises to make room for him in her busy schedule. He knows what’s at stake, but before he can say anything, she disappears on him. </span></p><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.2; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-right: 0.0606689453125pt; margin-top: 0.527313232421875pt; padding: 0pt 0pt 0pt 0.5875167846679688pt; text-indent: -0.5875167846679688pt;"><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Cambria, serif; font-size: 11.52pt; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"> The next day, he finds her crossing the street. He’s overjoyed with this stroke of fate. “Teacher,” he shouts out. “I’m here.”</span></p><div><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Cambria, serif; font-size: 11.52pt; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><br /></span></div></span></div><div style="background-color: white; color: #202124; font-family: Roboto, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 14.6667px;"><br /></div><div style="background-color: white; color: #202124; font-family: Roboto, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 14.6667px;"><br /></div><div style="background-color: white; color: #202124; font-family: Roboto, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 14.6667px;"><p dir="ltr"><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">Also by Michael R. French….</span></p><br /><br /><p dir="ltr"><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">Adult fiction:</span></p><br /><p dir="ltr"><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">Club Caribe (1977)</span></p><p dir="ltr"><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">Abingdon’s (1979)</span></p><p dir="ltr"><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">Rhythms (1980)</span></p><p dir="ltr"><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">Texas Bred (1986)</span></p><p dir="ltr"><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">Family Money (1990)</span></p><p dir="ltr"><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">The Reconstruction of Wilson Ryder (2013)</span></p><p dir="ltr"><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">Once Upon a Lie (2016)</span></p><p dir="ltr"><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">Ghost With Two Hearts (2022)</span></p><br /><p dir="ltr"><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">Young adult fiction:</span></p><br /><p dir="ltr"><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">The Throwing Season (1980)</span></p><p dir="ltr"><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">Pursuit (1982)</span></p><p dir="ltr"><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">Lifeguards Only Beyond This Point (1984)</span></p><p dir="ltr"><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">Soldier Boy (1985)</span></p><p dir="ltr"><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">Us Against Them (1987)</span></p><p dir="ltr"><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">Circle of Revenge (1988)</span></p><p dir="ltr"><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">Split Image (1990)</span></p><p dir="ltr"><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">Cliffhanger (2020)</span></p><br /><p dir="ltr"><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">Young adult adaptations:</span></p><br /><p dir="ltr"><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">Basher Fifty-Two, with Scott O’Grady (1997)</span></p><p dir="ltr"><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">Born To Fly, with Shane Osborn (2000)</span></p><p dir="ltr"><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">Flags of Our Fathers, with James Brady (2001)</span></p><p dir="ltr"><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">Lang Lang: Playing with Flying Keys (2008)</span></p><p dir="ltr"><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">Mountains Beyond Mountains, with Tracy Kidder (2013)</span></p><br /><p dir="ltr"><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">Children’s book adaptations:</span></p><br /><p dir="ltr"><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">Flyers (1983)</span></p><p dir="ltr"><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">Indiana Jones and the Temple of Doom (1984)</span></p><br /><p dir="ltr"><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">Other books:</span></p><br /><p dir="ltr"><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">Speaking for Ourselves Too (1990)</span></p><p dir="ltr"><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">The Art of Frank Howell (1997)</span></p><p dir="ltr"><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">Why Men Fall Out of Love (2007)</span></p><div><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;"><br /></span></div></div>iamagemcrystalhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14560123696348876908noreply@blogger.com0