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Blog Tour Sign Up: The Bloody Mary Club by Debbie Dyke
CLP Blog Tours

Blog Tour Sign Up: The Bloody Mary Club by Debbie …

Stock market meltdown. United States housing bubble. Global financial crisis. Chief executives cooking the books. Who can you trust for financial advice? Gina Van Story, a savvy 40ish investment advisor to the rescue. She can spot a trend on the market and jump on it like a cat. She dreams of grabbing the bull by the horns and is on the hunt for one final big score. Gina and her three best friends form the Bloody Mary Investment Club and come face-to-face with corruption in a David and Goliath struggle when their stock portfolio turns deadly…literally.

Over made-to-order Bloody Mary cocktails at historic Gadsby’s Tavern, Gina takes her friends under her wing and teaches them the ins and outs of the stock market. Trouble begins when, following Gina’s bullish advice, they become majority owners in the local bank and then stubbornly turn down a lucrative buyout offer. Not only will money and greed challenge their friendship, they will have to get smart fast and figure out how to turn the tables on the charmingly seductive, yet evil, banker who wants control of their stock by any means necessary – including murder!

Debbie Dyke is a writer, former stockbroker and business woman. A proud Army brat, she’s lived in Turkey, France, Germany, Italy, Holland and Albania. She settled down in Alexandria, Virginia with her husband and two children. Visit her website at www.DebbieDyke.com

August 7, 2012
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The Silent Touch of Shadows by Christina Courtenay
Chick Lit Review

The Silent Touch of Shadows by Christina Courtenay

The Silent Touch of Shadows by Christina Courtenay is two stories in one. We meet Melissa Grantham first, a professional genealogist who is a single mother trying to get by. She is a history lover and once she receives an invitation to visit her family’s ancestral home, she can’t refuse. But, she starts having visions and vivid dreams upon her arrival about a medieval young woman and a forbidden love, and she is determined to solve the mystery. Jake Precy, owner of a nearby cottage, has always had similar dreams, and upon meeting Melissa, there is an instant connection and he begins to wonder why. We soon learn the real truth and that these two are already entwined … and maybe have been for the past few hundred years.

I was pleasantly surprised as I flipped through pages of The Silent Touch of Shadows. Upon reading the synopsis, I wasn’t quite sure what to expect, and even more so curious upon learning that there is a ghostly presence in the story … but it isn’t at all what you think once you dive in. This book is a love story unlike any that I’ve read before and I found it fantastically written. I loved the historical pieces the most and thought they added a very authentic feel to the story. I also loved the mysterious presence that was always present around the story. Overall, a really unique read.

[Rating: 4/4]

August 7, 2012
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Novel Spotlight: The Way by Kristen Wolf
Updates

Novel Spotlight: The Way by Kristen Wolf

Anna is a fiery tomboy living in ancient Palestine whose androgynous appearance provokes ridicule from the people around her and doubt within her own heart. When tragedy strikes her family, and Anna’s father—disguising her as a boy—sells her to a band of shepherds, she is captured by a mystical and secret society of women hiding in the desert. At first Anna is tempted to escape, but she soon finds that the sisterhood’s teachings and healing abilities, wrapped in an ancient philosophy they call “The Way,” have unleashed an unexpected power within her.

When danger befalls the caves in which the sisters have made their home, Anna embarks on a hazardous mission to preserve the wisdom of her mentors by proclaiming it among ordinary people. Her daring quest and newfound destiny reveal, at last, the full truth of her identity—a shocking revelation that will spark as much controversy as it does celebration.

Anna’s story is one of transformation, betrayal, love, loss, deception, and above all, redemption. Readers will cheer for this unforgettable protagonist—and for debut novelist Kristen Wolf, whose beautifully written book both provokes and inspires. A compelling mix of history, myth, and fantasy, The Way is a fascinating exploration of the foundations and possibilities of human spirituality.

August 6, 2012
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Q&A with Victoria Connelly
For Writers

Q&A with Victoria Connelly

1. What is your story about?

My new e-book is called It’s Magic and it’s a collection of 3 novels which were originally published in Germany: Flights of Angels, Unmasking Elena Montella and Three Graces. They’re all romantic comedies with a touch of magic so expect to meet five naughty guardian angels, a magical Venetian mask and an opinionated eighteenth-century ghost!

2. Did you draw inspiration from your personal life?

I did! Flights of Angels was inspired by when my husband was sent to a war zone just six weeks after our wedding. I panicked and truly believed I was going to become a widow and, in the split second that the thought crossed my mind, the writer in me kicked in and I thought, wouldn’t that be a great idea for a book? So, once my husband was safely home, I started writing a book about a young widow who has her own group of tiny guardian angels to take care of her.

Unmasking Elena Montella started with my love for Venice – we were staying there and I really fell in love with the city and became fascinated by the world of mask making and began to wonder if the masks were magical …

Three Graces was inspired by my love of old country houses and I couldn’t stop wondering what it would be like to live in one – a haunted one!

3. When did you know writing was for you?

I’ve always wanted to be a writer and I started my first novel when I was fourteen. I used to take it to school and pass it under the table for my friends to read during Maths lessons which used to get me into trouble with the teacher but I was well and truly hooked by that age.

4. How would you describe your books?

I say that I write ‘romantic comedies’ rather than chick lit as that term has been around a lot longer and it’s the romantic comedy films of Doris Day, Deanna Durbin, Gene Kelly and Marilyn Monroe that inspired me to write.

Don’t look for designer labels, references to popular celebrities or high heels and handbags in my books. They’re usually set in the country and they’re often inhabited by characters who wear Wellies and the occasional mad dog!

5. What is the hardest part of the writing process for you?

The waiting! Everything takes an absolute age from when you wait for feedback from your agent or editor to the length of time publication takes. I also find the physical aspect of writing quite hard as I suffer from RSI and often have to use voice recognition software and dictate my novels onto the computer which is really frustrating as I’m a touch typist and find that a lot quicker.

6. What are your favorite genres to read?

Romantic comedies of course! I love writers like Sophie Kinsella but I adore books from yesteryear too and some of my favourite authors include HE Bates, Miss Read and John Hadfield (who wrote one perfect novel – Love on a Branchline).

I do like the occasional thriller too – something dark and edgy like Scott Mariani’s Ben Hope books or adventures by Douglas Preston and Lincoln Child.

7. What do you want readers to take away from your story?

I hope that my stories make people happy. I don’t attempt to write stories with life-changing messages or stories that will win literary prizes. I just hope I can raise a smile or two and make somebody happy and allow them to escape into another world for a few hours.

8. What is the one thing that you want readers to know about you as an author?

That I absolutely love writing and that it’s a real privilege to be able to connect with other people through my stories. I love hearing what readers think of my stories and I will always respond to messages from them.

9. How important do you think social media is for authors these days?

It’s very important to have a presence online and I have to say that I’m a bit of a fan of Facebook and Twitter. You can find me on both (@VictoriaDarcy on Twitter). These forums are a wonderful to connect with readers and it’s great to give them a shout when your new books come out. Publishers are very happy to encourage this!

10. What would be your advice to aspiring writers?

Never give up! My book, Flights of Angels, had hundreds of rejections from agents and publisher from all over the world and took years to get published but it was then printed in four different editions and made into a film. If I’d given up at any stage, I’d never have had that amazing experience!

Also, love what you do. Really love it! Choose a genre you’re passionate about. Read lots and write lots and LOTS. Learn your craft and be patient. If you are willing to work hard and truly love writing, you can make it happen!

August 6, 2012
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Twenty-Nine and a Half Reasons by Denise Grover Swank
Chick Lit Review

Twenty-Nine and a Half Reasons by Denise Grover Swank

I adored Denise Grover Swank’s debut novel Twenty-Eight and a Half Wishes and being introduced to Rose Gardner. Fabulous book, fabulous author. I was really looking forward to the sequel, Twenty-Nine and a Half Reasons, and there was no disappointment here! It was great to pick up right back into Rose’s life – her new and improved life at that! After the murder of her mom in the first book, Rose now has more independence – and a hot boyfriend in the state detective Joe. Two things are still the same – her crappy job at the DMV, and her history for getting involved in murders. Now being summoned for jury duty has put Rose front in center of the latest mystery case – one where she has a vision of who the murderer is. And it’s definitely not the man on the stand being accused of the crime. Rose knows she can’t come forward with her vision as evidence, so she takes it upon herself to clear the accuser’s name, find the real murderer, and somehow keep her relationship with Joe intact, find a way to make her happy with her relationship choices, and not get fired from her job. Figuring out her priorities is a must – and Rose knows just who tops that list.
Again – great fun catching up with Rose, and seeing how she had grown so much from the first book. She was a shy, timid girl completely under her mother’s spell, and now she was more of a woman, making decisions and living a grown-up life with Joe. I enjoyed the difficult love quandary she got involved in as well – deciding how to continue her relationship with Joe, the interactions with the assistant DA Mason Deveraux, and the blind date her sister puts her up to. I was also thrilled to see there will be a third installment, and I cannot wait for that to get here! The Rose Gardner series and Denise Grover Swank are both musts for you to check out!
[Rating: 4.5]

August 6, 2012
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My First 5K: Week Eight: Busy!
Chick Lit Plus

My First 5K: Week Eight: Busy!

Well, this week has been a bit crazy. Newly engaged, traveling to see family and venue spaces…what a whirlwind! I’m writing my 5K post at 10pm instead of my usual afternoon slot – which was booked today with, you guessed it, looking at venues for my 2013 wedding. So this one will be short and sweet. I’m happy to say that even with being busy, I still made time to get all my training done this week. And with the 5K sneaking up way too fast (um, is it seriously August?!) the runs are only getting longer and more tiring! But just like I tell aspiring writers – if you really want this, you will put pen to paper or finger to key every day – I live that motto for being healthy as well. I was going to have this post be a bit more about health and why I work hard on completing workouts and watching my diet, but I’m a bit tired from our 9+ hours of driving we’ve done between Friday night and this afternoon, so I’ll just leave you with my workout schedule and a promise to do better next week!
Monday: Run 5 minutes, walk 1 x3, 30 min Jillian Michael Yoga Melt DVD
Tuesday: Walk 15 minutes, 50 sit-ups, 10 minute cardio DVD – abs, 30 minute run interval – treadmill
Wednesday: Run 6 minutes, walk 1 x 4, 60 minute elliptical
Thursday: Walk 15 minutes, 50 sit-ups, 60 minute treadmill – incline walk, 30 minute run interval – treadmill
Friday: Run 6 minutes, walk 1 x 6, 30 minute treadmill – incline walk
Saturday & Sunday: Day Off

August 5, 2012
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In My Mailbox: Week of August 5
Chick Lit Plus

In My Mailbox: Week of August 5

In Samantha’s Mailbox:

Title: Bond Girl

Author: Erin Duffy

Received: From William Morrow

Synopsis: When other little girls were dreaming about becoming doctors or lawyers, Alex Garrett set her sights on conquering the high-powered world of Wall Street. And though she’s prepared to fight her way into an elitist boys’ club, or duck the occasional errant football, she quickly realizes she’s in over her head when she’s relegated to a kiddie-size folding chair with her new moniker—Girlie—inscribed in Wite-Out across the back.

No matter. She’s determined to make it in bond sales at Cromwell Pierce, one of the Street’s most esteemed brokerage firms. Keeping her eyes on the prize, the low Girlie on the totem pole will endure whatever comes her way—whether trekking to the Bronx for a $1,000 wheel of Parmesan cheese; discovering a secretary’s secret Friday night slumber/dance party in the conference room; fielding a constant barrage of “friendly” practical jokes; learning the ropes from Chick, her unpredictable, slightly scary, loyalty-demanding boss; babysitting a colleague while he consumes the contents of a vending machine on a $28,000 bet; or eluding the advances of a corporate stalker who’s also one of the firm’s biggest clients.

Ignoring her friends’ pleas to quit, Alex excels (while learning how to roll with the punches and laugh at herself) and soon advances from lowly analyst to slightly-less-lowly associate. Suddenly, she’s addressed by her real name, and the impenetrable boys’ club has transformed into forty older brothers and one possible boyfriend. Then the apocalypse hits, and Alex is forced to choose between sticking with Cromwell Pierce as it teeters on the brink of disaster or kicking off her Jimmy Choos and running for higher ground.

Fast-paced, funny, and thoroughly addictive, Bond Girl will leave you cheering for Alex: a feisty, ambitious woman with the spirit to stand up to the best (and worst) of the boys on the Street—and ultimately rise above them all.

Title: Second Time Around

Author: Erin Kaye

Received: Unsolicited, Avon Books

Synopsis: A heart-warming tale of love in the face of family and friendship, perfect for fans of Cathy Kelly and Maeve Binchy Divorcee Jennifer Irwin has it all – a successful interior design business and two loving children. But as her 45th birthday approaches and her children prepare to start their own lives, Jennifer is left feeling lonely in her empty nest. That’s when she meets Ben Crawford – a man 16 years her junior – as their attraction heightens, Jennifer realises what she’s been missing. But mindful that the small-town Ballyfergus residents would never approve, they conduct their affair in secret. But a secret is never a secret for long…As the affair surfaces, Jennifer encounters opposition from friends and family, especially her daughter Lucy. Enraged by her mother’s relationship, Lucy seeks comfort in the arms of charismatic but troubled, Oren. Jennifer knows that Oren is not the man he seems, but can she convince her daughter of that? And with everything going against them, can Jennifer and Ben’s love survive? Or will she risk losing her daughter to be with the man she loves?

Title: The Wedding Diaries

Author: Sam Binnie

Received: Unsolicited, Avon Books

Synopsis: The first in a brand new series introduces Kiki Carlow, a woman on a mission to create her perfect wedding.

Kiki Carlow is shocked but delighted when boyfriend Thom proposes. Planning a wedding is easy, right? That’s as long as you ignore:

1. The utterly bankrupting price of the only dress you’ll ever truly love.
2. Your suddenly pregnant sister – surprise!
3. The celebrity wedding you’re covering for work which is devouring your every waking thought.
4. The Mother of the Bride. Entirely.

Kiki soon discovers that planning the perfect wedding might just bring total chaos to the rest of her life. Can she stop being a Bridezilla in time to marry the man she loves?

Heart-warming and hilarious, The Wedding Diaries will make you laugh, cry, and want to watch Bridesmaids all over again…

In Sara’s Mailbox:

Title: Summer Nights

Author: Allie Spencer

Received: Philippa @Random House

Synopsis: Could getting dumped on her birthday and stranded in San Francisco actually be the best thing that could happen to Flora?

Flora Fielding has been dumped on her 30th birthday, and left stranded in San Francisco. With nowhere else to turn, she seeks out her cousin Bella who has been working as a nurse in the city for the past few years. But when she arrives at Bella’s apartment, Flora is shocked to find that her cousin’s in even more trouble than she is—because instead of leading the fast-paced life of an emergency room nurse that Flora has imagined, Bella is eking out a living as the lead singer in an Abba tribute band. But as Flora soon learns, although life in San Francisco with Bella may be uncertain, it’s never ever dull. What with the tense Battle of the Tribute Bands, the threat to the local area by an evil developer, and the attentions of a very persistent computer geek, Flora soon begins to wonder whether she wants to go home at all.

August 5, 2012
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Too Many Doubts by Francine Pascal
Chick Lit Review

Too Many Doubts by Francine Pascal

The hot new eSeries Sweet Valley Confidential just keeps getting juicer! In installment 3, Too Many Doubts, Elizabeth is still struggling with the allegations that her boyfriend Bruce Patman assaulted and attempted to rape a young woman at a bar. She even begins to help the alleged victim, knowing she is putting her relationship with Bruce in jeopardy. But she just has too many doubts that Bruce might not be telling the whole truth, and trusts her reporters intuition to help uncover the truth. Jessica is still struggling from her fallout with husband Todd when the were so close to finding a reconciliation, but she is still hanging on to a shred that they will find their back together – until a half naked female answers his door.
With more plot points and scandals (such as Lila Fowler faking a pregnancy for her new reality show!) these installments are so much fun to read! With this book I got the feeling of being rushed a few times, and didn’t like how things would wrap up so neat and tidy – sometimes just a bit too quick to seem real. In this one, for example, the kidnapping of Steven and Aaron’s daughter. I almost think that could have been deleted from the story all together. But as always, this one is ended in a cliffhanger, and I’m quite curious to see how Bruce’s story is going to play out. On to the next….
[Rating: 4]

August 4, 2012
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