In Search Of....

Hello, gentle readers!

Do you remember the show “In Search Of…”? Leonard Nimoy hosted this exploration into unsolved mysteries and things that defied explanation….like the disappearance of the Mayans or the Bermuda Triangle.

Well, I have recently felt like I’ve been part of that show, except I wasn’t searching for the Lost City of Atlantis or the secrets of life. What was I searching for, you ask? Crushed tomatoes. Now, you might think this would be an easy search and it should be, but…

Let me back up a little.

Memorial Day weekend is coming up rather quickly here and, as you may know from reading my posts, I traditionally make a big batch of spaghetti sauce (complete with Italian hot sausage and meatballs). I’m very particular about my sauce and the ingredients that go in it…hence the search for crushed tomatoes. And not just any brand of crushed tomatoes but Angela Mia, in the big #10 size can (which is about 102 ounces….pretty big). The brand is important because of the taste. The size of the can is important too. I use four #10 cans (like I said, it’s a big batch and it's so much more cost effective to use this size can).

The last batch I made, I had difficulty finding Angela Mia crushed tomatoes in the big can. Costco and Sam’s used to carry it, but no longer. I tried Smart & Final, but they only carried stewed tomatoes in the big can. I tried Walmart, but no luck and I was running out of time. I ended up using another brand in the smaller can (28 ounces, which turned out to be about 14 cans). 

And you know what? The sauce didn’t come out the way it should have. The taste was a little off (not everyone noticed, but I sure did). The consistency was off too…and I was not happy, as you can imagine.

So, I started my search a little earlier this time around and did all the usual places where I used to be able to get it before (Costco, Sam’s, etc). I tried online (I thought I could order it from Walmart and have it delivered to one of my local stores or Amazon and have it delivered to the house…and I probably could have, but I ran into roadblocks….such as the price (I saw prices for six cans anywhere from 50 bucks to over 100 bucks…for crushed tomatoes!?!?) or the lovely message “Not available in your area”. Really? I’ve never seen a message like that so it was back to the drawing board…or rather, the internet.

And I found them. At a restaurant supply house that is open to the public….except the place was a little out of the way of my usual driving comfort zone. Still, I pulled up my big girl panties and took that drive (I will admit, I got a little lost…one would think that after living in Phoenix for over 35 years, one would know where one was going…apparently not…at least not for me…road construction did not help with my direction impairment, either!)

I am happy now…I can make my sauce over the Memorial Day weekend. Tradition has not been broken. Whew!

Until next time, remember to spread kindness wherever you go.

Marie

Last month I attended the Wisconsin RWA Write Touch conference. The keynote speaker was Maya Rodale, and her topic was wrapped around the heart of her book the Dangerous Books for Girls. It was a powerful speech about how throughout history women have been looked down on for many things, including reading. Because reading might give us thoughts. It might send our feeble minds into a tizzy. Rodale was insightful and witty and she made us look at our craft with new eyes and a fresh perspective. I highly recommend reading the The Dangerous Books for Girls and see for yourself how romance novels helped forge paths in history.

Dangerous Books for Girls: The Bad Reputation of Romance Novels, Explained

Long before clinch covers and bodice rippers, romance novels had a bad reputation as the lowbrow lit of desperate housewives and hopeless spinsters. But why were these books—the escape and entertainment of choice for millions of women—singled out for scorn and shame? Dangerous Books for Girls examines the secret history of the genre’s bad reputation—from the “damned mob of scribbling women” in the nineteenth century to the sexy mass-market paperbacks of the twentieth century—and shows how romance novels have inspired and empowered generations of women to dream big, refuse to settle, and believe they’re worth it. For every woman who has ever hidden the cover of a romance—and every woman who has been curious about those “Fabio books”—Dangerous Books For Girls shows why there’s no room for guilt when reading for pleasure.

Find your copy of the Dangerous Books For Girls

Next month I will reveal my new release! See you then! 

Nicolette Pierce

Entangled Publishing contracts A POCKET IN TIME (Time Weavers, Inc., Book 2) by Lexi Post

A Pocket in Time 

(Time Weavers, Inc. Book 2)

by Lexi Post

A Pocket in Time, the second in the Time Weavers, Inc. series has been contracted by Lydia Sharp of Entangled Publishing.

A Pocket in Time, which is inspired by Charles Dickens' "Oliver Twist," sends Katz Almira back to Regency London where she must infiltrate a band of pickpockets. Government conspiracies and unexpected romance complicate her simple mission.

The first book in the series, On Highland Time, is also published

by Entangled. This story follows Diana Montgomery back to Medieval Scotland where she must insure Laird MacPherson dies as he originally did in history before the Disrupters changed the timeline and the world. Unfortunately, no matter how much she fights it, she falls in love with the big-hearted and big-bodied man.

On Highland Time Buy Links:
Amazon         Barnes & Noble      
iBooks           Kobo
Amazon UK   Amazon AU    
Amazon CA  

The Kremlin Conspiracy by Joel Rosenberg

Oleg Kraskin impresses the Russian president and is honored to be given the right to marry his daughter.

Oleg didn’t know there’s a price to pay when marrying into the oligarchy at the highest level.  Can he keep his marriage filled with love alive? Will his thoughts and actions as he realizes the intent of the president separate or kill the marriage?  Especially for what Oleg feels he needs to do for the love of his country.

Marcus Ryker already met the end of his marriage in a shooting that shattered his life.  In the U.S., being a secret service agent never leaves the blood even after Marcus took a hiatus for four years.  A close friend requested Marcus to return to action on a simple detail, protecting a senator traveling to Russia.  He’d try it just this once.

In Russia, Oleg sat next to the Russian president.  Oleg approached Marcus, on the side of the senator, and congratulated him for his many honors.

That was the start of Oleg’s precarious activity in contrast to his loyalty to his president.  And Marcus’ biggest test to protect his country.

Oleg And Marcus have a treacherous goal that may cost them lives and love, or strengthen both.

Well written and spellbinding.  Each scene heightens the possibility of growth or destruction in nation and in personal love.

Happy reading,

Dawn

Veronica Reviews: GARRETT'S GHOST by Pamela Ackerson

Garrett’s Ghost

by 

Pamela Ackerson

4 Stars

“With you, I can see forever.  Tomorrow is on the way and the possibilities are endless.”

Garrett Houston is a Texas Ranger, but not just the average run of the mill Texas Ranger, he’s part of a time traveling convention that investigate cold case crimes.  While meeting up with some of his fellow companions, Garrett suddenly finds himself harassed by a spirit that demands he travel back and bring her killer to justice. 

Margarite has finally found someone that can hear her, and becomes emphatic that he help her escape the darkness.  She is only nearly dead and time is of an essence if she is to survive the horror of her attack.  As the clues of Margarite’s disappearance are brought to light, Garrett finds himself investigating not only her attempted murder, but also the deaths of several other women.

 

 As Margarite begins to adjust and heal from her trauma, she finds strength and love in the arms of her rescuer.  She also discovers that“Sometimes the things we need to change end up changing us.”

Garrett’s Ghost is a cozy romantic mystery with hints of time travel and paranormal.  It is this reader’s hope that some of the subplots and characters that were introduced are given their own story.  A very enjoyable read that I’d recommend!

Sharing what I love, 

Veronica

Seen Any Good Movies?

Hello, gentle readers!

So, the last time I posted, I wrote about the weather and how it was starting to get hot….well, the weather made a liar out of me. You all know that I write on Sundays so my post is ready on Wednesday….and wouldn’t you know it, our temperature dipped to the high 70s the day after….so…I won’t be talking about the weather for a while.

What shall we talk about? How about movies? In my neck of the woods, we had a free preview weekend for some of the cable premium channels. I love when this happens. I get to catch up on movies I haven’t seen yet (I do not subscribe to the premium channels like HBO or Showtime) but I love when I can get it for free. This past weekend was Starz and Epix so I saw Equalizer 2 (with Denzel Washington….I just love him) and the new Jumanji (with Dwayne Johnson AKA The Rock….love him too). Both were excellent! I loved the humor in Jumanji! Is it just me or are they getting better as they’re getting older?

And just for fun, I watched Romancing the Stone. I so love this movie. It’s a classic in my book. The writing is electric and runs the gamut from funny to heart-breaking. The chemistry between Kathleen Turner and Michael Douglas is phenomenal and boy, does it show in the interaction of their characters. My favorite scene? When they go down the side of the mountain in a rush of water and of course, the ending. I’m a sucker for those happy endings! Gotta have ‘em!

The weekend is over now as is the free preview so tomorrow morning, it’s back to Wife for Hire, my work in progress, and the day job. 

Until next time, remember to spread kindness wherever you go.

Marie

Win a Kindle Paperwhite and Fabulous Books in Shana Gray's Girls Weekend Away Contest!

Now’s your chance to win a Kindle Paperwhite loaded up with a whole bunch

of books by amazing authors!  See below for the entry form.

 

This giveaway is to celebrate and have one last hurrah as we close off the GIRLS WEEKEND AWAY series!! I’m thrilled that Bonni, Celia, Ava, and Fredi’s stories are now out in the wild. But I’m also sad that their stories have drawn to a close.

But that doesn’t mean the fun is over. No way! You have four books that will whisk you away and help you escape to exotic locations with a bunch fun girlfriends and their sexy men. Plus, the chance to win a cool prize at the end.

But I’m super thrilled today is release day for A MATCH MADE IN MONACO. It’s Fredi and Zayn’s story and I hope you all love it. The UK/World version is out today and the US/Canada version is out on the 15th. If you preorder it now, it will drop right into your TBR pile and you’ll be on track for a chance to win the Kindle.

When the cynic…

Fredi doesn’t believe in love. She might be a successful bridal gown designer but that’s just business. Sure, she’s watched her three best girlfriends fall head over heels with the men of their dreams but she’s certain that’s not in the cards for her. That doesn’t mean that she’s not interested in some fun with a handsome movie star––one who just happens to be her assigned date for her best friend’s wedding in Monaco.

Meets the movie star…

Zayn’s used to women falling at his feet so he’s utterly captivated by Fredi’s quick wit and her refusal to be impressed by him. Their chemistry is off the charts and their connection is something unexpected.

Sparks are about to fly…

With only a few days before Fredi disappears back to her life, Zayn is determined to convince her that she can trust him with the one thing she swore to never give anyone–her heart.

Each book in the Girls Weekend Away series is STANDALONE:

* What Happens in Vegas

* Meet Me In San Francisco

* The Nashville Bet

* A Match Made in Monaco

This contest will be fun and test your reading skills. I hope you enjoy it and good luck!!  Enter to win an All-New Kindle Paperwhite or an Amazon Gift Card, and an ecopy of Working Girl. Plus the winner will receive eBooks from these fabulous authors to load on their new Kindle!

Abigail Owen, Audrey Carlan, Avery Flynn, Cathy McDavid, Cecy Robson, Dani Collins, Geneva Lee, Heather Graham, Jamie K Schmidt, Jo Watson, JoAnn Sky, Karen Booth, Karri Thompson, Kelly Jamieson, Kenya Wright, Lexi Post, Lindsay Emory, Michelle McLean, NJ Walters, Radclyffe, Rasha Selim, Reese Ryan, Rhian Cahill, Rhyannon Byrd, Robin Covington, Samantha Towle, Sophia Henry, Stacey Kennedy, Susan Meier, Tammy Bailey, Victoria James and Vicki Lewis Thompson. 

How awesome is that?!?

Shana Gray

 

Enter Contest Here