Update

CMash September 23, 2011 Leave a Comment

Hi Everyone:

Yesterday afternoon at approximately 2:30pm, my Mom lost her battle to kidney failure and I lost my Mom. Unfortunately it was not the peaceful end that I had prayed for, but both her and I, were surrounded by our cousin, who is a Priest, and Ellen, the Chaplin at the Nursing Home who both prayed over her during her final hours and spoke such comforting words that made the transition from this world to the next just a bit easier.

The final hour of her life, is a vision that I will never forget but only hope that she knew that I was holding her and trying to offer her as much comfort as I could as she began her journey. As she took her last breath, even at my age, I had this overwhelming feeling of being lost, of being an orphan.

The next couple of days I have so much to do but am so numb that I don’t even know where to start. Arrangements need to be made today, flights checked so that we can fly my son in from out of state, paperwork, etc, but I just can’t seem to organize myself due to feelings of numbness and the visions I have from yesterday, something I don’t think I will every forget, even being a former nurse. My sister, who is handicapped and very religious, is doing so well. Matter of fact, better than me and I am so very proud of her.

To those that still have your Moms, take time today to spend some time with her, call her, go out to lunch, visit and hug her. To those that don’t, talk to her anyway, I believe our Moms will continue to watch over us.

Rest In Peace Mom, You are already missed and I Love You.

Winners

And the winner is……….

CMash September 22, 2011 Leave a Comment

……..of THE BAD ALWAYS DIE TWICE by Cheryl Crane

Random Integer Generator

Here are your random numbers:

Timestamp: 2011-09-22 11:31:13 UTC

Bingo said…I follow publicly on GFC 41

An email has been sent to the winner and she has 48 hours to respond with her mailing address or another winner will be chosen. Thank you to all that entered.

Guest Author

Guest Author Kathleen Kent

CMash September 21, 2011 Leave a Comment

We have treats here all the time but today is special! Anna, from The Hachette Book Group, hasn’t done a tour in quite a while, but she is doing one now and we are one of her stops. Today she is visiting and introducing us to author, Kathleen Kent. So I ask, to please help me in giving them a warm welcome to the CMash blog!!

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Kathleen Kent lives in Dallas with her husband and son. The Heretic’s Daughter is her first novel.
Most of the books that have influenced and touched me the most are historical fiction. When I was a child I read a lot of Dickens, Poe and H.H. Monroe. Some of my favorites from the past are The Quincunx, by Charles Palliser, Instance of the Fingerpost by Iain Pears, The Weight of Water by Anita Shreve, and The Source by James Mitchener. I also read everything by Annie Dillard, Cormac McCarthy and Larry McMurtry. Currently I’m re-reading a book called The Long Home by William Gay who is, to me, one of the best writers in American fiction today.
You can find Ms. Kent at website, FB

ABOUT THE BOOK

SYNOPSIS OF( from the publisher):

In the harsh wilderness of colonial Massachusetts, Martha Allen works as a servant in her cousin’s household, taking charge and locking wills with everyone. Thomas Carrier labors for the family and is known both for his immense strength and size and his mysterious past. The two begin a courtship that suits their independent natures, with Thomas slowly revealing the story of the role he played in the English Civil War. But in the rugged new world they inhabit, danger is ever present, whether it be from the assassins sent from London to kill the executioner of Charles I or the wolves-in many forms-who hunt for blood. At once a love story and a tale of courage, The Traitor’s Wife confirms Kathleen Kent’s ability to craft powerful stories from the dramatic background of America’s earliest days.

THANKS TO ANNA AND THE TERRIFIC PEOPLE

AT THE HACHETTE BOOK GROUP, I HAVE

THREE ( 3) COPIES OF THIS BOOK TO GIVE AWAY.

CLICK HERE TO BRING YOU TO

THE GIVEAWAY ENTRY PAGE.

DISCLAIMER

Giveaway copies are supplied and shipped to winners

via publisher, agent and/or author. This blog hosts

the giveaway on behalf of the above.

No items that I receive

are ever sold…they are kept by me,

or given to family and/or friends.

Giveaway

GIVEAWAY ENTRY PAGE "THE TRAITOR’S WIFE" ENDED

CMash September 21, 2011 Leave a Comment

SEPTEMBER 21st to OCTOBER 5TH, 2011

THE TRAITOR’S WIFE

by KATHLEEN KENT

SYNOPSIS:

In the harsh wilderness of colonial Massachusetts, Martha Allen works as a servant in her cousin’s household, taking charge and locking wills with everyone. Thomas Carrier labors for the family and is known both for his immense strength and size and his mysterious past. The two begin a courtship that suits their independent natures, with Thomas slowly revealing the story of the role he played in the English Civil War. But in the rugged new world they inhabit, danger is ever present, whether it be from the assassins sent from London to kill the executioner of Charles I or the wolves-in many forms-who hunt for blood. At once a love story and a tale of courage, The Traitor’s Wife confirms Kathleen Kent’s ability to craft powerful stories from the dramatic background of America’s earliest days.

THANKS TO ANNA AND THE TERRIFIC

PEOPLE FROM THE HACHETTE BOOK GROUP

I HAVE THREE ( 3) COPIES OF THIS BOOK TO GIVE AWAY.

1ST PLACE WINNER WILL ALSO RECEIVE THE HERETIC’S DAUGHTER.

HERE IS WHAT YOU NEED TO DO TO WIN.

*ALL COMMENTS TO BE SEPARATE*

AND INCLUDE YOUR EMAIL ADDRESS

SO THAT I CAN CONTACT YOU IF YOU WIN

*LEAVE COMMENT: DO YOU THINK, IF HAD THE CHANCE,

COULD YOU LIVE IN THAT ERA FOR A YEAR?*

*EXTRA ENTRIES*

*LEAVE SEPARATE COMMENT IF YOU PUBLICLY FOLLOW THIS

BLOG (IF NOT, GOOGLE FRIEND CONNECT ON RIGHT SIDE).

*LEAVE SEPARATE COMMENT IF YOU FOLLOW ME ON FACEBOOK.

*LEAVE SEPARATE COMMENT IF YOU FOLLOW ME ON TWITTER.

.*REMEMBER TO INCLUDE EMAIL ADDRESS FOR ALL ENTRIES.

*U.S. AND CANADA RESIDENTS ONLY*

*NO P.O. BOXES*

**PER PUBLISHER**

ONE WINNING BOOK PER HOUSEHOLD

PLEASE NOTIFY ME IF YOU HAVE

WON THIS BOOK FROM ANOTHER

SITE, SO THAT SOMEONE ELSE MAY

HAVE THE CHANCE TO WIN

AND READ THIS BOOK.

THANK YOU.

*GIVEAWAY ENDS OCTOBER 5th AT 6PM EST*

WINNER WILL BE CHOSEN BY RANDOM.ORG AND NOTIFIED

VIA EMAIL AND WILL HAVE 48 HOURS TO RESPOND

OR ANOTHER NAME WILL BE CHOSEN

DISCLAIMER / RULES

Giveaway copies are supplied and shipped to winners via publisher,

agent and/or author. This blog hosts the giveaway on behalf of the

above. I received a copy of this book, at no charge to me, in

exchange for my honest review. No items that I receive are

ever sold…they are kept by me, or given to family and/or friends.

I am not responsible for lost or damaged books that are shipped

from agents. I reserve the right to disqualify/delete any entries

if rules of giveaway are not followed

Winners

And the winners are…….

CMash September 21, 2011 1 Comment

……….of IN THE SEA THERE ARE CROCODILES by Fabio Geda

Random Integer Generator

Here are your random numbers:

22	51

Timestamp: 2011-09-21 10:40:58 UTC

Vicki said…I follow on Facebook 22

Jim said…i tweeted 51

An email has been sent to the winners and they have 48 hours to respond with their mailing address or another winner will be chosen. Thank you to those who entered.

Guest Author

Guest Author Kathy Handley

CMash September 20, 2011 Leave a Comment

Robyn and Jodi, from WOW never cease to amaze me with the authors that they want to share with us. Today, I am in awe, absolute awe, of today’s guest author. She is stopping by to talk about her debut book. However, you may be asking yourself, we have had many debut authors stop by and visit, why is she so different. Well…..the difference is…..she is 71 years young!!! So please help me welcome Ms. Kathy Handley!!

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Her grandfather entertained his family with stories and dancing, her father quoted Shakespeare and her mother was known as “Mary the Poet” so naturally Kathryn would become a writer…eventually!

Now a published novelist at age 71, Kathy’s short fiction has appeared in many literary
magazines. She recently won Word Hustler’s Page-to-Screen Contest (2011) and currently serves as Prose Poetry Judge for the National League of American Pen Women Soul-Making Contest. A collection of her work will soon be released under the title A World of Love and Envy (short fiction, flash-fiction, and poetry).

You can visit her website here.

GUEST POST

Vacation Reading- Guilty Pleasure

There was a time when a reader had to set aside her time forreading. Now, it’s all about access. Wehave books to hold, Kindles, internet, books on tape, Facebook, Twitter,streaming, blackberry, Ipad, interviews, and blogs.

There’s no excuse not to read and sometimes bits at a timeor that long languid session with time to spare on vacation destination orcruise.

Vacation reading can be a guilty pleasure at home or away,but think of the benefits to friends and family. Reading expands our thinking,allows us to relax, dream, imagine and then, share our new ideas sky, and view the soft movement of the beachrose bushes and grasses, I ponder the joys of vacation reading. During cocktail hour last night in the midstof great cheeses and wines, I asked my fellow travelers about their readinghabits while away from home. Here’s whatthey are reading:

Maps, local tourist info booklets and local authors- CapeNoir stories, Jenna Blum’s latest book, Stormchasers, The Help, BonjourHappiness, and yes, one gal is reading my novel, Birds of Paradise.

When questioned if the genre changes when they pack forvacation reading, most said, “No.”

A history buff takes along historical nonfiction, one bringscurrent novel by Jodi- Picoult at the Indiana airport for full price andreturns it for 50 percent on the way back from family visits. Soduku andcrosswords were also popula. Past hobbies and interests provide a reading list.If you once were an avid sailor or skier, perhaps you take this free time toread and bring back memories for good conversation.

A good book will transport you to a new place or offer youanother take on a familiar spot. Curling up with a great book provides amini-vacation for busy moms, teachers, business men and women, and children.Enjoy!

ABOUT THE BOOK

SYNOPSIS:

When trucker Joe-Mack picks up a runaway in Vegas and drops him in Hollywood, he leaves him with a phone number—just in case. When the call comes, Joe becomes embroiled in Freddie’s life and the search for Starlet, the homeless girl who desires stardom. The three share a common search for love and for a place to belong.

With vivid imagery Handley tells a tale of dreams lost and found, of broken hearts and edgy situations. This is a story of life on the street. Handley’s characters meet life head on, taking risks and maintaining thin threads of dignity amidst troubling situations with surprising twists along the way.

Available as eBook for Kindle or soft cover.

THANKS TO THE AUTHOR KATHY HANDLEY

AND THE LADIES FROM WOW, I HAVE

ONE (1) COPY OF THIS GREAT BOOK TO GIVE AWAY.

CLICK HERE TO BRING YOU TO

THE GIVEAWAY ENTRY PAGE.

DISCLAIMER

I received a copy of this book, at no charge to me,

in exchange for my honest review.

No items that I receive

are ever sold…they are kept by me,

or given to family and/or friends.

ADDENDUM

I do not have any affiliation with Amazon.com.

I am providing this link solely for visitors

that may be interested in purchasing this EBook.

I do not receive any monetary compensation from any parties

Giveaway

GIVEAWAY ENTRY PAGE "BIRDS OF PARADISE" ENDED

CMash September 20, 2011 33 Comments

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SEPTEMBER 20th to OCTOBER 4th, 2011

BIRDS OF PARADISE

by KATHY HANDLEY

SYNOPSIS:

When trucker Joe-Mack picks up a runaway in Vegas and drops him in Hollywood, he leaves him with a phone number—just in case. When the call comes, Joe becomes embroiled in Freddie’s life and the search for Starlet, the homeless girl who desires stardom. The three share a common search for love and for a place to belong.

With vivid imagery Handley tells a tale of dreams lost and found, of broken hearts and edgy situations. This is a story of life on the street. Handley’s characters meet life head on, taking risks and maintaining thin threads of dignity amidst troubling situations with surprising twists along the way.

THANKS TO AUTHOR, KATHY HANDLEY,

AND THE LOVELY LADIES AT WOW

I HAVE ONE ( 1 ) COPY OF THIS

BOOK TO GIVE AWAY.

HERE IS WHAT YOU NEED TO DO TO WIN.

*ALL COMMENTS TO BE SEPARATE*

AND INCLUDE YOUR EMAIL ADDRESS

SO THAT I CAN CONTACT YOU IF YOU WIN

*LEAVE COMMENT: FROM READING THE SYNOPSIS,

WHAT MAKES YOU WANT TO READ THIS BOOK?*

*EXTRA ENTRIES*

*LEAVE SEPARATE COMMENT IF YOU PUBLICLY FOLLOW THIS

BLOG (IF NOT, GOOGLE FRIEND CONNECT ON RIGHT SIDE).

*LEAVE SEPARATE COMMENT IF YOU FOLLOW ME ON FACEBOOK.

*LEAVE SEPARATE COMMENT IF YOU FOLLOW ME ON TWITTER.

*REMEMBER TO INCLUDE EMAIL ADDRESS FOR ALL ENTRIES.

*U.S. AND CANADA RESIDENTS ONLY*

*NO P.O. BOXES*

**HONOR SYSTEM**

ONE WINNING BOOK PER HOUSEHOLD

PLEASE NOTIFY ME IF YOU HAVE

WON THIS BOOK FROM ANOTHER

SITE, SO THAT SOMEONE ELSE MAY

HAVE THE CHANCE TO WIN

AND READ THIS BOOK.

THANK YOU.

*GIVEAWAY ENDS OCTOBER 4th AT 6PM EST*

WINNER WILL BE CHOSEN BY RANDOM.ORG AND NOTIFIED

VIA EMAIL AND WILL HAVE 48 HOURS TO RESPOND

OR ANOTHER NAME WILL BE CHOSEN

DISCLAIMER / RULES

Giveaway copies are supplied and shipped to winners via publisher,

agent and/or author. This blog hosts the giveaway on behalf of the

above. I received a copy of this book, at no charge to me, in

exchange for my honest review. No items that I receive are

ever sold…they are kept by me, or given to family and/or friends.

I am not responsible for lost or damaged books that are shipped

from agents. I reserve the right to disqualify/delete any entries

if rules of giveaway are not followed

Misc

CMash September 17, 2011 17 Comments

Hi Everyone.

As you may have noticed, I have not participated in any memes this week, except one, memes that I have so much fun doing, and one of the reasons, I went public with my blog. But I have been been at the Nursing Home from morning until late in the night, sitting by my Mom’s bedside holding her hand, trying to squeeze in every moment that I have left with her. Sitting there, reflecting, recalling memories and sharing them with Mom, hoping that she hears me. I only leave to come home, get a couple of hours of sleep and then publish posts that I had drafted in advance for commitments I had made. She is comfortable, another reason I don’t want to leave, because if I do see any discomfort on her face, I know which medication she is in need of and report it to the nurse. The staff has been phenomenal both to her and me. There are good people in this world. One aide, who my mother used to call “her angel” was on vacation this week, but one would never know. She has been in every night doing my Mom’s care. Another aide, came in on her day off just for my Mom. That’s caring and compassion. They have brought a recliner in the room for me to make me comfortable due to my back as I was sitting in a metal folding chair from 10am to 11pm. This week, my blog will also be on hiatus, posting only those that I have previously agreed to. I know my blog will be here when I return, right now, my Mom and our time together is my priority.