Totally Toned Arms by Rylan Duggan, CSCS

Totally Toned Arms by Rylan Duggan

Once Barack Obama joined the presidential race and attended events with wife at his side, the media, bloggers, and people everywhere started buzzing about Michelle's toned arms--and asking how on earth she does it. Even at the Presidential Inauguration, much of the talk was about Michelle's amazing arms. Media outlets from GMA to CNN to MSNBC have covered the story, inspiring women across the country to call their personal trainers and say, "I want Obama arms!"

Certified personal trainer Rylan Duggan, creator of the successful (and pricey, at $70 each!) e-book series Go Sleeveless!, constantly gets calls from clients and reporters asking for the training secrets behind Michelle's arms. Duggan is the expert quoted in much of this coverage, and in FIGHT ARM FLAB, he offers his 21-day program to get those sleek and sexy arms.

In this low-priced paperback, Duggan reveals the program (combining strength training and cardio) including a 7-day jumpstart maintenance plan, and essential diet secrets designed to shed fat and reveal toned muscle, plus 50-60 black and white photos throughout to illustrate. This is a simple program that anyone can do, no matter what their fitness level, at home and with little equipment. With this series of 25 easy exercises, anyone can have Obama arms--in a matter of weeks!

Visit RylanDuggan.com
Or check out GoSleevelessBlog.com
You can also follow @CoachRylan on Twitter.

My Thoughts:

I learned a lot reading this book. Especiall interesting to me was the information on spot reducing. That was a revelation! Another real gem contained in the pages of this book is the truth about reving up your metabolism to run 24/7. Those two points alone are worth the price of this paperback. For anyone interested in achieving desirable muscle tone, you'll find this information concise, well illustrated, and understandable.

Teaser Snippet:

"This program will have you working out far less and eating much more than any other fitness and nutrition program you have ever tried--all while delivering even better results."

This complimentary review copy was provided by the Hachette Book Group

GIVEAWAY:

The Hachette Book Group is allowing me to give away 5 copies of this book. Here are the rules

1. You must reside in the US or Canada / Books cannot be mailed to PO Boxes

2. You must be a blog follower

3. You must provide your email with your comment

4. You must leave a comment telling us how much time you spend/or would like to spend in exercising each week.

5. Deadline for entries is January 27, 2010

WINNERS: 
(Misusedinnocence, Benita, Kerri69, Sean, BreezinBy87)

One Library's solution to overdue book fines

I thought this was worth a read. Check it out.

GONEAWAY Into The Land by Jeffrey B. Allen

 GONE AWAY INTO THE LAND by Jeffrey B. Allen 
Hardcover: 510 pages 
Publisher: Strategic Book Publishing

This inspirational story is about 12-year old John Greber, who with his mother, Ellie, suffer abuse at the hands of John’s father, whom he calls “The Beast.” One day his father abandons his family, but he takes John’s six-year old sister, Marny, with him.

On a rescue mission to find his sister and confront his father, John and his mother find themselves entangled in a Civil War that could destroy the Land and the World. GoneAway Into the Land travels a totally different direction than expected. With its poignant theme of family abuse, the story proves that the strength of the human spirit can overcome all odds.

Jeffrey B. Allen
Review

Excerpt

About The Author

Jeffrey B. Allen's Articles

Angel Of Windword by Maggie Dove

ANGEL OF WINDWORD by Maggie Dove

Paperback: 246 Pages
Publisher: Eternal Press


Evil forces are at play surrounding Angelique Beauvisage, but she has no clue. Sensuous and suspense-filled, ANGEL OF WINDWORD, begins with a murder that takes place four years before and turns into a perilous cat and mouse game played by two reluctant lovers, who spin a web of deception that only their love can unravel.

Maggie Dove  
About the Author
Reviews

The Trouble With Tessa

THE TROUBLE WITH TESSA by Laniey Bancroft 
Paperback: 320 page
Publisher: The Wild Rose Press

At thirty-five, Erin Sanders has resigned herself to a single, childless lifestyle. Then dynamic Tanner walks into her office and proposes that she pretend to date him in order to assess the mental well-being of Tessa, his orphaned niece. Erin falls hard and fast for the man. As an added bonus, she and the delightful Tessa come to adore each other. But like all things too good to be true, she discovers her perfect stud may be a perfectly deceptive dud.

Lainey Bancroft
Humorous, Hot, From the Heart Romance!

About Lainey 
Lainey's Gallery

Beyond Blue by Therese Borchard

BEYOND BLUE by Therese Borchard

Therese Borchard may be one of the frankest, funniest people on the planet. That, combined with her keen writing abilities has made her Beliefnet blog, Beyond Blue, one of the most trafficked blogs on the site. ThereseBorchard.com

BEYOND BLUE, the book, is part memoir/part self-help. It describes Borchard's experience of living with manic depression as well as providing cutting-edge research and information on dealing with mood disorders. By exposing her vulnerability, she endears herself immediately to the reader and then reduces even the most depressed to laughter as she provides a companion on the journey to recovery and the knowledge that the reader is not alone.

Comprised of four sections and twenty-one chapters, BEYOND BLUE covers a wide range of topics from codependency to addiction, poor body image to postpartum depression, from alternative medicine to psychopharmacology, managing anxiety to applying lessons from therapy. Because of her laser wit and Erma Bombeck sense of humor, every chapter is entertaining as well as serious.

My Thoughts:

I, like most people, have been mildly depressed at times, and experienced some lingering blue moods. But reading Therese J. Borchard’s book, Beyond Blue Surviving Depression and Anxiety and Making the Most of Bad Genes, opened my eyes to a whole world of misery beyond my scope of understanding.

If it were not for Therese J. Borchard’s poignant humor, I would have cried through most of this book. The depth of emotional pain and loneliness she has suffered while fighting her problem is staggering. Her strength and determination coupled with pure grit and tenacity were inspiring.  

Does Perfectionism hurt? Can you be an addict and not know it? Is it true that most people ‘Just Don’t Get it’? Can a simple, commonsense 12-step program really help in the battle for mental and emotional stability?

Believe me when I say, it’s worth the time it takes to read this book. If you think your low emotional state goes Beyond Blue, reading this book may be one of the best time investments you make this year.

Teaser Snippet:

“If I collected a nickel for every uninformed statement I’ve heard about mental illness, I could afford my own psych ward—an entire wing of a hospital.”

Full Disclosure: A Complimentary review copy of this book was provided by Hachette Book Group

 GIVEAWAY: Hachette Book Group is kindly allowing me to giveaway 5 copies of Beyond Blue. You must live in the US or Canada and be a blog follower to win. Winners will be randomly chosen. You must be a blog follower to be eligible to win. Deadline is January 20th. Here's how this works.
1. Leave a comment telling one thing you've learned about coping with depression/anxiety in your lifetime.
2. Be sure to include your email so you can be contacted if you're chosen as one of our winners.

OUR WINNERS ARE:
Marilu
Misusedinnocence
Nancye

Drawn winners who did not leave an email, could not be contacted.

Who's Who - Christy Tillery French

1.    Who I am: Christy Tillery French, internationally published author and poet.

2.    What I like: Dogs, horses, and zany people.

3.    What I don't like: Narrow-minded people.

4.    Where is home: A mini-farm in Powell, TN.

5.    What is my passion: Dogs, especially rescue or shelter dogs. I work with a volunteer rescue group and am committed to helping these dogs, all of which have been neglected and/or abandoned, find their forever homes.

6.    If I could run a charity, it would be for: To donate funds to animal shelters so there would be no charge for adopting a pet (that's actually being done here in TN), helping families that might not have the fees, which can be costly, adopt a pet.

7.    If I could change one thing about the world I live in, it would be: Stricter laws against animal abusers.

8.    One of life's most nagging questions:  Why do some authors makes it to the bestseller lists when others, obviously more talented, never get close?

9.    Tag someone who you'd like to see in the Who's Who Spot. Laurel-Rain Snow.

http://christytilleryfrench.com/

http://damesofdialogue.wordpress.com/

http://www.authorsden.com/christytfrench

Some Things You Can't Explain by Linda Swift

Our Guest Blogger today is Author Linda Swift. If you're not familiar with Linda's blogs, you're in for a real treat. Settle in and enjoy...

About The Author: 

    Linda Swift is a native of Kentucky but calls many places home including Florida where she now lives with her husband, a power plant consultant and avid golfer. She is the sole member of a musical family--which includes her husband, son, daughter, and son-in-law--who neither sings nor plays. But she loves to dance!

    A late bloomer, she attended college for years between being a wife and mother, then became a counselor, psychometrist, and teacher of physically and mentally challenged students in public education.

     Linda began writing poetry at ten, has won numerous awards for poetry, articles, and short stories and has had a play produced on TV. Writing books has been her goal since completing a romance novel at sixteen. She is the author of two books by Kensington and has two e-books currently available from The Wild Rose Press, one of which is also available in print. Her current release is Single Status from Awe-Struck who will also publish her new holiday book in December and her first historical in early 2010. 

 Some Things You Can't Explain:

             It has been said "The better part of valor is silence" and I recall situations in my life where this was definitely true. Take the incident of the flapjack drum. For you who are not familiar with musical instruments, these drums are large steel rims with only a head and strapped on the drummer's body when marching in parades.

             One early morning as I was cleaning the den, I lifted my son's drum to vacuum under it and realized how heavy it was. The band boosters had raised money to buy these "lighter weight" drums for the school and I began to wonder if our efforts were wasted. I studied it for a moment, then on impulse, hoisted its straps to my shoulders being careful not to get them tangled in the large plastic rollers in my hair. Adjusting the straps took some time as I was still wearing a short batiste gown and housecoat. It was heavy and I was standing still. To get the full experience I would have to march. This wouldn't be easy to do in my large floppy houseshoes, but I grabbed the drumsticks with determination. It's hard to march without music so I began to sing When The Saints Go Marching in as I marched toward the back wall of the room which was about thirty feet long. I was really getting into the spirit when I turned to face the other direction where a full-length glass door opened onto the carport. And there stood a man with hand raised to knock. I froze, then quickly assessed the situation. Shuffling to the door and turning the flapjack sideways, I opened it and assumed my most dignified expression. "Yes?"

             He tried to keep a straight face but the corners of his mouth kept twitching as he explained that he was one of the builders working on the new house next door and asked permission to hook his hose to our outside faucet. When I nodded graciously, he quickly turned away and I could see his shoulders shaking as he crossed the yard. It didn't take a psychic to know what the builders' conversation at their morning coffee break would be about.

             Later that year, my son and I were Christmas shopping. We had a Boston Terrier who loved to gnaw on things. This was in the days before dogs had tooth brushes and their own toy departments. At least, no dogs at our income level. We had saved Mitzy's presents for last and headed to Finkel's Fair Trade Store where bargains were to be had. We asked a nice clerk to direct us to heavy cotton sox and he led the way to a table filled with an assortment of them. "What size do you need?" he asked.

             "It doesn't matter, they're for our dog." I said in a distracted tone as I was already riffling through the sox, looking for the heaviest ones.  "Here, these will do."

             I gave him a pair and he hesitated.  "Won't you need two pairs?"

             "No." I shook my head and asked where to find children's leather shoes.

             As we examined a rack of small shoes, my son and I discussed the merits of them and checked the price tags. Finally, I shook my head.  "I just can't justify paying this for a pair of shoes for a dog when there are children who have none."

             My son reluctantly agreed and asked the clerk if they sold tennis balls. "For your dog?" he asked. We both answered yes. He shook his head and recommended a sporting goods store across the street. So we paid for the sox and left with our small purchase.

             As we waited for the traffic to clear, I glanced back at the store we'd left and saw that the clerk had followed us to the door and was looking at us with a puzzled frown. I imagine he was trying to visualize our dog who walked upright wearing sox and shoes and sometimes played tennis. I considered going back and explaining but the traffic light changed and we had lots more shopping to do. Anyway, I reasoned that perhaps he needed something to relieve the boredom of his job that day.

             In our town, February 22  meant the best sales of the season. My husband and son were in need of new sweaters and Marshall's Men & Boys Store always had the nicest at half price on Truth Day. (This was the late 70s before everything was on sale all the time and a sale really meant something) I had worked that day, even though there was snow and ice on the streets and I rushed downtown after school. That was also the days when teachers dressed like professionals and I was wearing a skirt and three inch heels.  The sidewalk was icy but I was hurrying because I was afraid the best buys were already taken this late in the day. There was an alley about thirty feet wide in the middle of the block and the sidewalk slanted at that spot. Heedless of the slope, I hit the ice and went sprawling. When I pulled myself up, I saw that the knees of my pantyhose were torn and one knee was bleeding. I hesitated only briefly, then cautiously stepped on the sloping walk again, only to go down a second time.

             I looked toward the store on the corner and debated my options. There was only one Truth Day sale each year.  My husband and son needed new sweaters. And a thirty foot alley entrance was all that stood between me and that sale. Then I did was any self respecting shopaholic would do.  I raised myself to my hands and knees and crawled across that alleyway and on to the sale. A few cars passed on the street as I made my way across, driving very slowly due to the weather conditions. I turned my head away from the street, praying no one would recognize me. And that was when I realized I had just passed the Red Fox Saloon. I imagined what anyone seeing this disheveled woman on all fours crossing the alleyway would surmise. But I suppose my identity was not discovered as I was never brought before the School Board on charges of immoral behavior. And I'm happy to report that Marshall's had plenty of beautiful sweaters left at bargain prices and the trip was worth the effort. And crawling back toward my car was no obstacle at all because I was savoring my sweet success.  

Author Website  

Be Cool, Follow Earth's Rule by Penelope Ann Kysiak

Be Cool, Follow Earth's Rule
by Penelope Ann Kysiak
Though designed to entertain, Be Cool, Follow Earth’s Rule teaches even the youngest reader the importance of respecting the planet. The tale follows a little girl and her environmentally conscious family as she learns how to take better care of our earth.
Curious about the plants in their garden, the girl discovers the use for garlic flowers and why her family plants their own potatoes. She also becomes aware of the need to conserve water and energy.
Using charming rhymes to convey an important message, Penelope Ann Kysiak teaches us it’s never too early to learn how to “be green.”
About the Author Living abroad for twenty-one years and traveling extensively made Penelope very environmentally aware of the world around her and inspired her to pass that appreciation on to children with this book. She currently resides in Texas, where she teaches high school Spanish. She is married to Joseph, and they have two children, Tyler and Carolina. Penelope is involved with the PTA, and her other interests include cross-country running, swimming, gardening, and knitting. 
My Thoughts: Be Cool, Follow Earths Rule by Penelope Ann Kysiak is a little gem of a book that I can imagine delighting any child. The illustrations, looking exactly like the drawings my granddaughters used to color for me, are beautiful in their child-like simplicity, making it easy for a child to relate and learn from them.

Parents will love the uncomplicated environmental lessons taught through a fun narrative. Why we feel drawn to living things and why we so enjoy watching things grow in our gardens, whether they be vegetable or flower gardens. Why conservation of earth’s resources is a vital part of a child’s responsibility, and how they can apply that knowledge. Don’t be fooled by the limited numbers of pages, they carry a big environmental punch.

Teaser Snippets:

"The message I say is not meant to be mean. This world is here for us to share, and sometimes people make it unfair."

 I received a complimentary copy of Be Cool, Follow Earth's rule as a member of the    Dorrance Publishing Book Review Team.  Visit dorrancebookstore.com to learn how you can become a member of the Book Review Team.

The Lightkeeper's Daughter by Colleen Coble

The Lightkeeper's Daughter

A Mercy Falls Novel
By Colleen Coble

About The Book

At a lavish estate in Mercy Falls, California, Addie Sullivan finds danger—and quite possibly the love of her life. Growing up as the lightkeeper’s daughter on a remote island at the turn of the century, Addie Sullivan has lived a hardscrabble life. When a long-lost and wealthy relative finds her and enlists her to work as a governess at a lavish estate, she hopes to discover the truth of her heritage. But at Eaton Hall, nothing is as it seems. Not the idyllic family she hoped for, not the child she was hired to help, not even the aloof man she’s immediately attracted to. Soon she must turn for help to Lieutenant John North, a man who views her with suspicion. As Addie edges closer to the truth, danger threatens even as her romance with John blossoms and together they unravel a decades-old mystery. As Addie faces down her enemy, she discovers that faith in her one true Father is all she needs.

My Thoughts:

The Lightkeeper’s Daughter by Colleen Coble is a books that truly earns the title, A-Feel-Good-Read. It’s plot encompasses intrigue, adventure, history and romance, all in a gentle, smooth ride.

Colleen Coble’s characters are alive and as diverse as the worlds they inhabit. Set in Northern California in the early 1900’s, where a person’s value depends much on their heritage and social standing, Addie Sullivan is pulled from the realm of poverty to the privileges of wealth and family connections. This would appear to the reader, at first, to be a blessing well deserved. But, I would caution you,  not all facts in this story are as they at first seem. And isn’t that why we love to read? Why we appreciate an author who can deceive us, lead us down the primrose path, then give us an ending we never expected.

I thoroughly enjoyed this book. I recommend you read it on a lazy afternoon when you feel most self-indulgent. 

Teaser Snippet:

"To Whom It May Concern,

     If you are reading this, then I am dead. Or worse. I fear leaving all the evidence in one spot, so I’ve left it in three places. Sunshine, dust, and pigeons. If you find this, tell no one in this house. Trust no one. Remember me…"

Full Disclosure: A Complimentary copy of this book was provided for review by Thomas Nelson Book Reviews.

The Health Farm Murders by John Howard Reid

The Health Farm Murders by John Howard Reid. http://johnreid.exactpages.com

 Genre: Mystery

 Length: 230 pages

 Publisher:  Lulu Press. http://www.lulu.com/filmindex  

 About The Book:

"Merryll Manning: The Health Farm Murders" is the second in a series of highly acclaimed mystery suspense novels that began life overseas back in 1985. Manning is a police sergeant, which is certainly not an unusual occupation for the hero of a series of detective thrillers. Admittedly, he comes across as somewhat eccentric, but this again could be rated as a fairly conventional trait among the clue-hunting heroes of crime fiction. Furthermore, Manning usually works in Miami, Florida, a tried-and-true venue in numerous films and novels. What does set Manning slightly apart from the pack, however, is that his mother was an Australian whom his American father met and married in Sydney during WW2. In "The Health Farm Murders", Manning decides to take an Australian vacation at a health farm in the so-called "Blue Mountains", west of Sydney. A famous tourist attraction, these mountains more often glow red and pink rather than blue -- as the author's cover photo demonstrates. In fact, although slightly disguised, the area in which the action takes place, was firmly based on a real town, Blackheath. All the geographical details are truthfully described, although the characters, aside from Manning himself (who bears more than a passing resemblance to the author), remain totally fictitious. Some readers may find the health advice quoted in this book a little strange. Nonetheless, it accurately reflects the ideas of several highly respected nutritionists. Although it has been out of print for over 20 years, "The Health Farm Murders" was a best-seller in England and Australia. It was picked up by two publishers and went through three large hardcover editions. A French translation appeared in 1992. U.S./Canadian rights were sold for $5,000 but the book was not published, so this marks not only the novel's first appearance as a paperback, but also its debut in the U.S.A.

My Thoughts:

Merryll Manning just thinks he is getting to take a vacation from his stressful job at the Police department. He heads to Sister Susan's Health Farm but he does not find the restful place he has hoped for. Instead, he finds himself in the middle of trouble. Several visitors start dying at the farm and the Police Sergeant there in Happy Valley thinks he knows who is responsible. But Merryll is not convinced he knows the truth so he starts to investigate everyone. Merryll comes close to losing his life. In the end his discovery of the truth is very surprising.

You will want to follow this story to the end. Each character keeps you questioning who the true murderer could be. The author does a great job of describing the different places and people so that you get a feel for exactly how the story takes place. If you love mystery stories then you will want to read this surprise ending!

Teaser Snippet:

"I didn't know it at the time, but there was some-one standing outside, probably not more than a few yards away, some-one with  insanity in their heart and future blood on their hands!"

* A complimentary review copy was provided by the author.

Susan Palmquist Interviews Angela James (Carina Press - Harlequin's New Venture)

If there’s one thing that gets romance writers talking, it’s anything connected with Harlequin. So it wasn’t too surprising that the Internet was buzzing when news of Carina Press hit the web. Just in case you haven’t heard, Carina Press is a new digital only publisher. Their philosophy is simple ‘no great story should go untold’. They’re not only looking for romance novels, but other genres too and best of all they intend to publish previously released material too. Here, Angela James, executive editor, talks about Harlequin’s new venture.

Check out www.carinapress.com for submission guidelines.   

Susan Palmquist (SP)-Your first titles premiere in spring 2010. Can you give us preview of what to expect, what type of books we’ll see? Any well known authors or bestselling books being re-released?

Angela James (AJ)-We're just beginning to make our first acquisitions, so I don't have too many specific titles and authors to share. We haven't acquired any reissue titles yet, as we were concentrating on original material first. Now that acquisitions of original material are underway, we're going to begin looking at all of the emails we've gotten in regards to backlist titles/reissues. I can say that we'll be focusing on romance, but will have a nice mix of non-romance as well, including historical fiction, mysteries, thrillers and women's fiction. 

SP-When word got out about the creation of Carina Press the Internet was buzzing with excitement and little else was discussed on just about every writer’s group I belong to. Why did Harlequin (HQN) decide to create a separate entity from its parent company?

AJ-Harlequin has done an excellent job of staying ahead in the digital market and I think moving into the digital-only space was a natural extension of that. They've seen digital grow and realize there's a market of readers who are eager for more content, and different genres, and books that the traditional market may not be able to support. 

SP-I know lots of writers are wondering if they get published with Carina Press will it increase their odds of becoming a Harlequin author. Any truth to that?

AJ-I suppose anything can happen!

SP-You’re looking for all types of stories, anything from romance to sci fi. I’m guessing you’ll be seeing more romance submissions than anything else and not just because of your connection to HQN. Will there be a set number of books released in a specific genre each month? And if so, does that mean a writer stands a better chance by submitting say a mystery or sci fi manuscript?

AJ-No, there is no specific formula for the release schedule that we're going to follow. It will all depend on the submissions and what we get that's excellent.

SP-Speaking of romances, the guidelines mention you love to see cowboys, vampires, babies…Harlequin staples, anything new you’d like to see?

AJ-Harlequin staples or romance staples? Remember, we are going to focus on romance, so of course we want things that romance readers love, and those do include cowboys, vampires and babies. As for new things, how about aliens, ancient beings and mythological creatures? Really, as long as the story is good and the characters interesting, we want to see it!

SP-Carina Press Web site also says that digital publishing allows books to be brought to market faster, so if you see a new genre developing, readers can read them a lot quicker. You’re a veteran of the publishing business, any genres about to hit the big time, any hybrids you see on the horizon?

AJ-This question often makes me feel a bit like a magic eight ball, remember those? Also, I have great fear that someone is going to write down my prediction and come to me in a year or two and say "Nyah, nyah! You were wrong! You were so so wrong!" Ahh, the fears of an editor.

But, to answer your question, I've recently seen a resurgence of interest in romantic suspense, which was interesting to me. I don't know that it's going to "hit the big time" but it does seem to be circling back around. If you asked what I'd like to see, I'd love to see more action-adventure romances. Somewhat in the vein of the old Harlequin Bombshell line, but even more action- packed and sexy--like National Treasure meets Tomb Raider with some of the spicy bits shared. I've always loved those adventure-quest movies, there's something so transporting about them. 

I'm still always hoping for a fantastic space cowboy story (Firefly anyone?) but I've been asking for them for almost as long as I've been in publishing and I've yet to see one! And last, I love a great fantasy or futuristic romance and I think there is potential for those genres--and all the ones I've mentioned--in the digital space.

SP-Okay, you’re a writer who’s been rejected by Harlequin and your Web site says you have greater flexibility with the books you’ll accept. Lots of writers might take that as the rules are a lot less rigid. With there be more flexibility in what type of stories get published? And what will continue to earn instant rejections?

AJ-I'm not sure which rules we're talking about! The beauty of digital-only is that it allows for greater flexibility in things like what books you choose to publish and how many you publish, though there are still things to consider. For instance, we're not going to publish as "romance" a book where the heroine is killed at the end. That doesn't mean that we won't publish it, only that it won't be as romance. We'll still be respectful of readers in that regard. But perhaps Harlequin rejects a book, not because it isn't good but because it doesn't fit within the category parameters of a particular line. Then, sure, Carina would love to see it.

SP-Seems like there’s going to be a lot of collaboration between Carina Press and its authors. Plus, you’re going to help them with promote their work. What’s the advantage of being published with Carina?

AJ-I asked one of our first authors acquired, Shannon Stacey, for an assist with this question and here's what she said: "From an author's point of view, the advantage of being published with Carina Press is the opportunity to work with a team coming from a long and successful print program teamed up with Angela James, whose work in digital romance publishing is incomparable. It's a unique opportunity to be a part of a new and exciting venture, without the risk that comes from working with unknowns."

To that I'd add that the team behind Carina Press, not just myself, but the others working on all aspects of Carina, from editorial to acquisitions to marketing to formatting all have a wealth of experience in print and digital publishing, and we are dedicated to and have a plan for making Carina Press successful.

SP-For readers, what will set a Carina Press book apart from other digital titles? How will they differ from a HQN title?

AJ-I think the biggest difference between Carina and other digital publishers is going to be the variety of genres available. And I believe readers still think of Harlequin and category books synonymously, despite the fact that they do publish single titles in a variety of genres. Carina will showcase single title books, in both romance and non-romance genres, without the category line restrictions but that are also able to be somewhat out of the box in regards to settings, time periods, and character details.

SP-Do you expect to see a loyal following of HQN readers buy Carina Press books?

AJ-One thing I have learned in publishing is that you can never expect anything! We hope that Harlequin readers will want to buy Carina Press books, certainly, and we will do our marketing best to convince them to do so.

SP-Will the decision to accept a manuscript be a team decision or down to just one editor?

AJ-Currently, the acquisitions process is a team process. An editor recommends a book for acquisition, another team member reads it and gives their recommendations to the team and then the team discusses it. Recently, we had a book that an editor recommended, and the second team member to read it didn't like it, so we had to have a third team member read it and be the "tie-breaker".

SP-I heard just today that you’ve already had so many submissions your server crashed. Do you anticipate closing the doors to submissions at any time or will you always be open to receiving manuscripts?

AJ-I don't know that our server crashed. Did it? I don't think so. But to answer your question, I can't predict what will occur in the future. Right now, we have 8 editors and 8 acquisition team members reading submissions and trying to keep up. I don't anticipate that we'll always have the same amount coming in as we did initially, so I foresee that slowing down. But it's impossible to say what might happen a year from now and if we need to take a break.

SP-Books will range from 50,000-100,000 words, any plans to go with shorter books or will they only offered at HQN with the Briefs, Undones and Bites lines?

AJ-Our word count is actually 15,000 words on up and it doesn't cut off at 100,000 words. We've had an interesting number of 100k+ submissions, actually! 

Susan Palmquist is a freelance writer and author. Her latest book, Sleeping With Fairies is released on December 21^st by Lyrical Press. If there is a publisher/editor or author you’d like to see featured in this spot in 2010, feel free to contact her at skpalmquist@gmail.com. Find out more about Susan at www.susanpalmquist.com 

As 2009 draws to a close, I’d like to say thank you to everyone who stops by each month to check out my blog. Hope you have as much fun reading it as I do putting it together. Happy Holidays to you all.

Corrigans' Pool by Dot Ryan

Dot Ryan, born and raised in Bee County in South Texas, makes her home in “the sparkling city by the sea,” Corpus Christi, Texas, with husband, Sam. Corrigans’ Pool is Dot’s first novel. She is busy writing her second and third works of fiction. You can visit her website at www.dotryanbooks.com.

About Corrigans’ Pool

Bitter with thoughts of the darkly handsome stranger who promised to marry her and then left town without a word, Ella Corrigan hastily weds a neighboring planter—a man whose cold indifference is merely a disguise for cunning insanity. His cruelty to his slaves horrifies her and, even though her family has owned slaves for generations, she questions the concept of human bondage for the first time while desperately missing her cherished Greenpoole plantation and Corrigan’s Pool … a beautiful phenomenon of nature that the slaves call “Conjuring Pool” for reasons they cannot explain when asked.

The South is embroiled in a bitter Civil War by the time Ella Corrigan discovers that Corrigans’ Pool is much more than the exquisitely beautiful pond she had thought it to be all her life. But by the time she learns its dangerous secret she is deeply entangled in a secret of her own … one that has made her a virtual prisoner, hopelessly trapped in a world dreadfully different from her previous existence as mistress of her gentle father’s palatial plantation home along the Savannah River. Stunned by what she sees, she must harden herself to her new surroundings or perish … along with the cowed and scarred Negroes who toil in her husband’s rice swamps and cotton fields. Always in the back of her mind, are memories of the man who loved her and left her, the man she has long blamed for her misery.

My Thoughts:

Corrigan’s Pool was a real treat for me. I thoroughly enjoyed this story. In the style of ‘Gone With The Wind’, Corrigan’s Pool by Dot Ryan gives us a glimpse into the tempestuous Civil War years of Savannah, Georgia, and one of its wealthy families, the Corrigan’s

We experience this story through the eyes and heart of Ella Corrigan, the oldest daughter, whose devotion to family prompts her to take on the responsibilities that should have been her ailing mother’s. 

Ella is a true southern woman in breeding and heart. Her strength carries her through heartbreak and the crushing cruelty of a demented husband. She fights to protect those she cares for with the small powers afforded women of her time. 

Would there ever be a future where misery and hopelessness didn’t haunt her every waking day? Could the stranger from Texas, Gentry Garland, who years earlier had given her so much to live for, be the key to her happiness? That my friends will be the question preoccupying you mind as you read Corrigan’s Pool.

Teaser Snippets:

~   Ella gasped. She had never seen a man bite a horse before. It was all she could do to retain her composure. “For Heaven’s sake, sir! What are you doing?”

~  “I dreamed of you every night.”  

   “I know,” she replied, just before they kissed. “I was there.”

 A complimentary review copy of this book was provided by the author.

Wind of the Spirit by J.M. Hochstetler

American Patriot Series, 
Book 3
By J. M. Hochstetler
Historical Fiction
ISBN 978-0-9797485-3-0
Trade paperback with maps, appendix, and discussion guide

ABOUT WIND OF THE SPIRIT: Elizabeth Howard’s assignment to gain crucial intelligence for General Washington leads her into the very maw of war at the Battle of Brooklyn Heights, where disaster threatens to end the American rebellion. Yet her heart is fixed on Jonathan Carleton, whose whereabouts remain unknown more than a year after he disappeared into the wilderness.

Carleton, now the Shawnee war chief White Eagle, is caught in a bitter war of his own. As unseen forces gather to destroy him, he leads the fight against white settlers encroaching on Shawnee lands—while battling the longing for Elizabeth that will not give him peace. Can her love bridge the miles that separate them—and the savage bonds that threaten to tear him forever from her arms?

ABOUT THE AUTHOR: J. M. Hochstetler writes stories that always involve some element of the past and of finding home. Born in central Indiana, the daughter of Mennonite farmers, she graduated from Indiana University with a degree in Germanic languages. She was an editor with Abingdon Press for twelve years and has published four novels. Daughter of Liberty (2004), Native Son (2005), and Wind of the Spirit (March 2009), the first three books of the critically acclaimed American Patriot Series, are set during the American Revolution. One Holy Night, a retelling of the Christmas story set in modern times, is the 2009 Christian Small Publishers Fiction Book of the Year and a finalist for the 2009 American Christian Fiction Writers Long Contemporary Book of the Year.

Hochstetler is a member of American Christian Fiction Writers, Advanced Writers and Speakers Association, Christian Authors Network, Middle Tennessee Christian Writers, Nashville Christian Writers Association, and Historical Novels Society. She and her husband live near Nashville, Tennessee.

You can find Joan online  or at this book’s blog
Excerpt:

   MY THOUGHTS: Wind of the Spirit is the first book of the American Patriot Series that I’ve read and I enjoyed the story very much. Even though it was obvious that I was missing much of the beginning, this book read very well on its own. Of course, now I have to read the first two books because I’m hooked.

   Elizabeth Howard and Jonathan Carleton are intriguing characters. With multifaceted personalities, they give the story an emotional depth that is sometimes missing in Historical Fiction. 

   J. M. Hochstetler acquaints us with the American Revolution in a way that brings this part of Colonial history to life. And if that were not drama enough, she presents through the eyes of Jonathan Carleton, as the adopted Shawnee War Chief White Eagle, the struggle of America’s native tribes to retain their own lands and way of life.

   This story mixes history, adventure and romance into one powerful read. I'm sure no one who loves Historical Fiction will be disappointed with Wind of the Spirit. I'm looking forward to reading the first two books and eagerly await the fourth book in this series.

   My Favorite Snippets:

~  “The man you seek is not here,” he said, speaking now in English, his voice harsh. With a jerky movement of his head, he nodded toward the eastern edge of the forest. “He died far away a long time ago.”

~  Was it possible that Jonathan Carleton still existed somewhere in the soul of this enigmatic warrior? She prayed it was so.

  *A complimentary review copy of this book was provided by the Author

The Devil's Pawn by M. J. Macie

Title: The Devil’s Pawn

Author: M. J. Macie

ISBN – 978-1441462138

Length: 326 Pages

Genre: Suspense

Excerpt: http://m-j-macie.blogspot.com/

Website: www.mj-macie-mysterybooks

THE BOOK: THE DEVIL'S PAWN A Novelist discovers that a stranger who has learned her secret is stalking her. A journalist plans to destroy a man's life to find his own in danger. A coed waits in a seedy motel room fearing for her life, while a language professor fights to keep her sanity. What do these four people have in common? Each is a pawn in an egotistical killer's game. Robin Wilder struggles to heal from a tragedy that traumatized her life and compelled her to flee her hometown. She settles in the quaint town of Heritage, South Carolina, and spends the next four years living the pretense of an ordinary life as a novelist and creative writing instructor. However, Robin's facade unravels when someone murders her fiance then begins threatening her life. After a student's warning leads to the young woman's murder, Robin realizes she must confront her past and find the killer before she, or someone else she cares about, becomes the next victim.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR: Born and raised in Buffalo, New York, M.J. Macie resides in South Carolina with her husband and family. She began her writing career as a reporter for a local news publication and is currently working on her second novel while writing freelance articles. M.J. is a graduate of Charleston Southern University where she earned a bachelor's degree in English Literature. You can visit her on the web at: http://m.j.macie.googlepages.com

MY THOUGHTS: For all of those readers who love the Suspense genre, and for those who just dabble in it from time-to-time, you’re going to enjoy M. J. Macie’s new book, The Devil’s Pawn. I’m a hard reviewer when it comes to this genre because I feel that so many books fail to deliver the key element, sustainable suspense. You won’t find that to be the case with The Devil’s Pawn.

The author sets up the story with patience and skill, placing all the characters in just the right shadow or light to hinder the reader’s ability to figure out the plot before it develops. This is one who-done-it that you won’t be able to name the killer in the first 10 pages.

Anger, fear, panic, terror—you’ll live these escalating emotions along with the protagonist, Robin Wilder, as she falls deeper and deeper under the killer’s control. Be sure to read this one with all the lights on…

Favorite Quote:

“Then, when I realized I could use it to push you to the brink of insanity, I decided to find a way to do the same thing to Dixie.”

A complimentary review copy was provided by the Author.

GIVEAWAY: J. M. Macie is generously offering a free copy of her book to one of our readers. To qualify, you must be a blog follower, and you need to leave a comment telling us why you like to read Suspense. Be sure to include your email address so we can contact you if you're chosen as our winner. Deadline is December  23rd.
Giveaway is limited to residents of the US and Canada.

Ciao Italia Five-Ingredient Favorites by Mary Ann Esposito

Ciao Italia Five-Ingredient Favorites by Mary Ann Esposito

EXCERPT 
Hardcover: 160 pages
Publisher: St. Martin's Press
ISBN-13: 978-0312377694
BUY NOW

Mary Ann Esposito is the creator and host of the long-running PBS series Ciao Italia, celebrating its 20th anniversary in 2010. She is the author of eleven successful cookbooks, including Ciao Italia Slow and Easy and Ciao Italia Pronto! She lives in Durham, New Hampshire.

For more information, please visit www.CiaoItalia.com.

My Thoughts:

     Grilled Mortadella and Fontina Cheese Panini - This is just one of the simple and delicious sounding recipes tucked into this new adventure into Italian cooking by Mary Ann Esposito. The parsley butter spread was creative and started me to thinking about what other little gems I'd find thoughout this book.
     I'm not a great cook, but I do love to try new things and need to be less inhibited in the kitchen. The simple explanation as to the difference between stock and broth was a real eye-opener for me. The fact that each recipe is llimited to five simple ingredients convinced me that I could afford to shop for the ingredients, and that the preparation time would not require that I sacrafice precious time needed for other pursuits.
     Mary Ann Esposito champions the use of pasta in a healthy diet. Something I was glad to see since I really love pasta of every shape and size.
     The soft creamy page color, helpful tips, simple directions, and fabulous color photos, all come together in a cookbook that you'll want to add to your shelf of keepers. If I had one disappointment, it was that I would have like more photos of finished dishes. I always like to know what a particular dish is supposed to look like. If you saw some of my finished recipes, you'd understand the need for illustrations. *grin*
     Favorite Quote:
    'Stale cookies and cake crumbs become the perfect instant "crust" that can be made in minutes for a gelato pie.'

I received a complimentary review copy of Ciao Italia Five-Ingredient Favorites from FSB Associates.

Just Breeze by Beverly Stowe McClure - Virtual Book Tour

Join Beverly Stowe McClure, author of the teen/tween contemporary novel, Just Breeze (4Rv Publishing), as she virtually tours the blogosphere in December on her second virtual book tour with Pump Up Your Book Promotion!

ABOUT BEVERLY STOWE MCCLURE:

Beverly S. McClure started her writing career early—though she approached it kicking and screaming—when her eighth-grade teacher sent her poem “Stars” to a high school anthology and it was published in Young America Sings. She graduated from Midwestern State University and became a teacher. As soon as she discovered Dr. Seuss and other great children’s stories, she willingly put pen to paper and had stories and articles published in Ladybug, Focus on the Family Clubhouse Jr., U. S. Kids, Jack and Jill and other leading children’s magazines, including an article that was reprinted in a Scott Foresman Pre-K anthology and a breakout article that appeared in the June 2007 issue of Writer magazine.

A multi-published author, Beverly’s Listen to the Ghost, Secrets I Have Kept and Rebel in Blue Jeans are available in trade paperback. Her latest book is Just Breeze, and she has four more books under contract. A member of the National Society of Children’s Book Writers and Illustrators and their North Texas Chapter, Beverly is the mother of three grown boys and lives in the country with her husband, Jack, where an occasional deer, skunk, or armadillo come to visit.

Visit Beverly at http://beverlystowemcclure.wordpress.com

ABOUT JUST BREEZE:

Eighth grade starts out the same as every other year for Breeze Brannigan. She’s still the tallest student, boy or girl, in her class, wears shoes that would fit an elephant, and her smile reveals dazzling braces that blind everyone within ten feet. She also has to deal with the dented fender on her sister’s VW that they paint to cover up and the new girl in school, Allison, who likes to steal boyfriends. Breeze isn’t concerned. She’s everybody’s bud. No boy is interested in her.

Then there’s Cam, AKA Carlomango Christiano y Moises, who Breeze thinks must be from another planet because none of the boys At Whispering Springs Middle School are that polite. He also has a secret, a secret that could mean life or death for Cam and his mother, a secret Breeze must help him keep.

My Thoughts:

Breeze is entering into the eighth grade; and while starting a new school year is not always fun for everyone Breeze holds the right to complain more than anyone else in her grade. She is still the tallest person in school, her feet are awkwardly large, and she has very red hair. If this doesn't seem bad enough, just add braces, having your mom as a teacher, and add having a strange name to the list. The school year seemed hopeless until she caught a glimpse at Cam, a cute new boy she had never met before. When they meet, she is instantly curious about who he is and where he came from, but above all, she is thrilled that he seems to like her back, red hair and all.

As you read further you will watch as Breeze deals with life situations we are all familiar with, such as annoying siblings, dealing with parents, leaning on your best friend, and of course, falling in love. You will find it easy to relate to this story. Just Breeze is a great read for young people.

My Favorite Quote:

“My Life,” I said under my breath.“That’s easy. I could sum that up in one word—the pits. Oops. That’s two words.”
Reviewed by Chantal

I thank the author for providing a complimentary copy of her book for review