I apologize for the way my blog looks today.  I upload all of my images to photobucket and they were supposedly doing maintenance today and be up and running late this afternoon.

I was scheduled to have a special author showcased today, however, I do not think it is fair to him to not have all the images related to his book not be presented in the way they so rightly deserve to be shown.  I am hoping that by tomorrow, that photobucket will fix this problem and we can get on with blogging.

A huge apology to the author and his publisher.!!!!!

According to Marcia, “Mailbox Monday is the gathering place for readers to share the books that came into their house last week. Warning: Mailbox Monday can lead to envy, toppling TBR piles and humongous wish lists.”
                                 Buddy Book Blogger Swap                             Kindle Download

According to Marcia, “Mailbox Monday is the gathering place for readers to share the books that came into their house last week. Warning: Mailbox Monday can lead to envy, toppling TBR piles and humongous wish lists.”
                                 Buddy Book Blogger Swap                             Kindle Download

I would like to explain how this came to fruition. Hubby and I were having a discussion about the old days, (for the young’ens reading this..a little history lesson) but before the dark age. When Sundays were special and had traditions and rituals. Sunday mornings Church, come home to a big gravy (sauce) cooking on the stove, a big Sunday dinner, then either off to visit relatives/friends or wait for relatives/friends to drop by. We would spend the afternoon sitting around the table, talking, catching up, having coffee, pizza, calzones, etc etc, dessert. And now, how sad, all those traditions are gone. And then I got to thinking, why not have something similar here on my blog. This past year, I have met so many amazing and wonderful people (some I now call friends) through blogging, and how I am in awe of what they do and accomplish. How much respect I have for them, for their honesty, integrity, credibility and so enjoy when a bit of their personality shines through. So every Sunday, here at my place, the coffee will be on, the dessert is on the table and friends will be stopping by. And I will be rolling out the red carpet for my Sunday Shining Star Blogger guest.

I was told when I first found this community of book blogging that “book bloggers were the nicest bloggers there are” and I have never forgotten those words. And over the past year, I have truly met the nicest people. I also believe, even though we live behind a screen, a bit of our personality shines through. That is one of the reasons I am having so much fun with this weekly event, and hoping you are too, because we are getting to know those “nicest bloggers” around and about bloggyland a little bit better.

We are back in the states today, since Lori’s (aka Dollycas’s Thoughts) hubby Jeff asked for this week off because he was complaining that we packed too much from our trip last, our luggage was too heavy, and he needed to rest for our trip next week……Men!!!!!

But I have another very special guest that I am sure a lot of you know.  I stumbled upon her blog when I was a newbie and fell in love with her blog and her cute and plump friends.  It was such a professional, adorable, themed blog that I became an instant follower.  And the more I visited, the more I got to know this blogger, but more on that later…..So today’s guest and Sunday’s Shining Star is KAYE from PUDGY PENGUIN PERUSALS

*When and why did you start blogging?
Oct 2008 – not sure exactly why blogging – it just intrigued me that people would talk about books and loved them as much as I did.

*How and what made you decide on the name of your blog?
I collect penguins and wanted to somehow incorporate that into my reading blog plus I like alliteration and no one has seen a skinny penguin so pudgy just seemed appropriate. Voila – Pudgy Penguin Perusals!

*What would you say is the main content of your blog?
Books with an occasional personal thing thrown in.

*If books, what genres do you mostly read?
I’m a big cozy and mystery/thriller fan but I do like contemporary fiction also. Some genres I don’t read are erotica, self help (although I probably need a lot of self help), sci-fi, dystopian and most paranormal.

*How often do you post?

*What are some of the things that you love about blogging?
One of the best things is being able to share some book love with people around the world – that just amazes me. Another wonderful aspect of blogging is the feeling of community and the terrific people I have “met”. I feel like they are real friends. Like you, Tootsie. I just know if we met IRL, we’d be friends.

*What are some of the negatives?
Technical aspects of blogging as I’m sure you know I am so NOT tech savvy. Sometimes I just can’t get things to look right. Not being able to write a decent review. The feeling of reviewing being a chore if I over extend myself which I keep swearing that I will not do this year. Honestly, I’m not. Really, I mean it.

Pudgy Penguin Perusals

*Name 1-3 favorite items/postings that you have/do on your blog?
I love running contests for cozies – I get a kick out of doing that and then probably my penguin pics – I just love the little guys!

*Any advice you would give to new bloggers?
Don’t go crazy making all kinds of commitments because it can come back to bite you. Blogs should be fun and not a chore.

*What draws you to follow someone’s blog?
A novel (pun intended) perspective and a sense of humor. It astounds me how some bloggers can consistently come up with such creative posts or have such a humorous perspective on life. I envy those clever people. Of course, a good cozy contest will get me every time. ;).

*Do you have any “pet peeves” that other bloggers do?
Not really – it’s their blog and they can do what they want but it does kind of annoy me when someone leaves a comment with a link about their law practice or insurance products or something that has nothing at all to do with books or the discussion in the post.

*Would you please share 5-7 things about the person behind the screen so that we get to know the “real” you!!
I love my 2 daughters more than I can say and can’t believe they are in their early 40’s. It seems like yesterday they were babies. *Sniff* *Sigh*

This year will be our 45th wedding anniversary.

I’m sort of insecure and don’t feel I’m smart enough or creative enough to be blogging with others.

I’d never put my pic out there – too self conscious

If I had the choice between cake or ice cream – it would always be ice cream -peppermintstick if possible. In what universe did the powers that be decide that flavor should only be seasonal? Sheesh!!

I really respect young people with good manners and who show courtesy and kindness to others of all ages.

*Any other info you would like to share.
Cheryl, I’m so flattered that you wanted me to do this but I’m sure that’s probably enough boring stuff for anyone to slog through.

Kaye, thank you so much for accepting my invitation to be my guest today.  As I started saying, and Kaye eluded to, after becoming a follower of her blog and entering her giveaways, we started emailing each other and we “just clicked”.    I feel the same way, I know, if we ever had the chance to meet face to face, we would be doing lunch on a regular basis.  Her and her husband, who she refers to as the TBG (the big guy) have recently gone through some health issues but have dealt with them head on with faith and courage, and thankfully everything is now on the right path.  She, however, did scare me there for a while.  I think we both hit it off since we have so much in common, a few being our sense of humor regarding how computer challenged we are and have had some laughs about that, how our children live out of state, love for ice cream and the picture issue.  She has given me some great advice about blogging and accepting requests.  I think the trait I most admire about her is her honesty, she says it like she sees it. She really does call me “Tootsie” when she emails me and just recently has renamed my husband “Mr. Cheryl”  lol.  Between blogging since 2008, being married for 45 years along with everything else, I truly think I selected a great SHINING STAR!!!!

I would like to explain how this came to fruition. Hubby and I were having a discussion about the old days, (for the young’ens reading this..a little history lesson) but before the dark age. When Sundays were special and had traditions and rituals. Sunday mornings Church, come home to a big gravy (sauce) cooking on the stove, a big Sunday dinner, then either off to visit relatives/friends or wait for relatives/friends to drop by. We would spend the afternoon sitting around the table, talking, catching up, having coffee, pizza, calzones, etc etc, dessert. And now, how sad, all those traditions are gone. And then I got to thinking, why not have something similar here on my blog. This past year, I have met so many amazing and wonderful people (some I now call friends) through blogging, and how I am in awe of what they do and accomplish. How much respect I have for them, for their honesty, integrity, credibility and so enjoy when a bit of their personality shines through. So every Sunday, here at my place, the coffee will be on, the dessert is on the table and friends will be stopping by. And I will be rolling out the red carpet for my Sunday Shining Star Blogger guest.

I was told when I first found this community of book blogging that “book bloggers were the nicest bloggers there are” and I have never forgotten those words. And over the past year, I have truly met the nicest people. I also believe, even though we live behind a screen, a bit of our personality shines through. That is one of the reasons I am having so much fun with this weekly event, and hoping you are too, because we are getting to know those “nicest bloggers” around and about bloggyland a little bit better.

We are back in the states today, since Lori’s (aka Dollycas’s Thoughts) hubby Jeff asked for this week off because he was complaining that we packed too much from our trip last, our luggage was too heavy, and he needed to rest for our trip next week……Men!!!!!

But I have another very special guest that I am sure a lot of you know.  I stumbled upon her blog when I was a newbie and fell in love with her blog and her cute and plump friends.  It was such a professional, adorable, themed blog that I became an instant follower.  And the more I visited, the more I got to know this blogger, but more on that later…..So today’s guest and Sunday’s Shining Star is KAYE from PUDGY PENGUIN PERUSALS

*When and why did you start blogging?
Oct 2008 – not sure exactly why blogging – it just intrigued me that people would talk about books and loved them as much as I did.

*How and what made you decide on the name of your blog?
I collect penguins and wanted to somehow incorporate that into my reading blog plus I like alliteration and no one has seen a skinny penguin so pudgy just seemed appropriate. Voila – Pudgy Penguin Perusals!

*What would you say is the main content of your blog?
Books with an occasional personal thing thrown in.

*If books, what genres do you mostly read?
I’m a big cozy and mystery/thriller fan but I do like contemporary fiction also. Some genres I don’t read are erotica, self help (although I probably need a lot of self help), sci-fi, dystopian and most paranormal.

*How often do you post?

*What are some of the things that you love about blogging?
One of the best things is being able to share some book love with people around the world – that just amazes me. Another wonderful aspect of blogging is the feeling of community and the terrific people I have “met”. I feel like they are real friends. Like you, Tootsie. I just know if we met IRL, we’d be friends.

*What are some of the negatives?
Technical aspects of blogging as I’m sure you know I am so NOT tech savvy. Sometimes I just can’t get things to look right. Not being able to write a decent review. The feeling of reviewing being a chore if I over extend myself which I keep swearing that I will not do this year. Honestly, I’m not. Really, I mean it.

Pudgy Penguin Perusals

*Name 1-3 favorite items/postings that you have/do on your blog?
I love running contests for cozies – I get a kick out of doing that and then probably my penguin pics – I just love the little guys!

*Any advice you would give to new bloggers?
Don’t go crazy making all kinds of commitments because it can come back to bite you. Blogs should be fun and not a chore.

*What draws you to follow someone’s blog?
A novel (pun intended) perspective and a sense of humor. It astounds me how some bloggers can consistently come up with such creative posts or have such a humorous perspective on life. I envy those clever people. Of course, a good cozy contest will get me every time. ;).

*Do you have any “pet peeves” that other bloggers do?
Not really – it’s their blog and they can do what they want but it does kind of annoy me when someone leaves a comment with a link about their law practice or insurance products or something that has nothing at all to do with books or the discussion in the post.

*Would you please share 5-7 things about the person behind the screen so that we get to know the “real” you!!
I love my 2 daughters more than I can say and can’t believe they are in their early 40’s. It seems like yesterday they were babies. *Sniff* *Sigh*

This year will be our 45th wedding anniversary.

I’m sort of insecure and don’t feel I’m smart enough or creative enough to be blogging with others.

I’d never put my pic out there – too self conscious

If I had the choice between cake or ice cream – it would always be ice cream -peppermintstick if possible. In what universe did the powers that be decide that flavor should only be seasonal? Sheesh!!

I really respect young people with good manners and who show courtesy and kindness to others of all ages.

*Any other info you would like to share.
Cheryl, I’m so flattered that you wanted me to do this but I’m sure that’s probably enough boring stuff for anyone to slog through.

Kaye, thank you so much for accepting my invitation to be my guest today.  As I started saying, and Kaye eluded to, after becoming a follower of her blog and entering her giveaways, we started emailing each other and we “just clicked”.    I feel the same way, I know, if we ever had the chance to meet face to face, we would be doing lunch on a regular basis.  Her and her husband, who she refers to as the TBG (the big guy) have recently gone through some health issues but have dealt with them head on with faith and courage, and thankfully everything is now on the right path.  She, however, did scare me there for a while.  I think we both hit it off since we have so much in common, a few being our sense of humor regarding how computer challenged we are and have had some laughs about that, how our children live out of state, love for ice cream and the picture issue.  She has given me some great advice about blogging and accepting requests.  I think the trait I most admire about her is her honesty, she says it like she sees it. She really does call me “Tootsie” when she emails me and just recently has renamed my husband “Mr. Cheryl”  lol.  Between blogging since 2008, being married for 45 years along with everything else, I truly think I selected a great SHINING STAR!!!!

Another exciting day here at the CMash blog!!  Today, stopping by, visiting and talking about her latest novel is The New York Times Bestselling Author of PNR, Larissa Ione !!  So help me in giving her a warm welcome as only the fantasic and fabulous visitors of this blog can do!!

Considering my fiction preferences, it came as no surprise to anyone that my first short stories were tales of horror, and my first novel, penned at the age of 12, was an Alaskan wilderness story with a wolf hero.

Eventually, my interests changed. Oh, I still enjoy a good Stephen King novel, and Jack London remains a favorite, but I discovered some new favorites while I was in college. Robert Jordan. Marion Zimmer Bradley. Mary Stewart. Oh yes, I’d found fantasy. I devoured every novel I could find, and in time I started writing my very own fantasy novel. That novel is still a work in progress, thirteen years later.

Eventually, after I’d read just about every fantasy novel published, I had to switch to something else. That something else was straight historical fiction. Again I exhausted my supply, but my longtime friend from my Air Force days, Karen, came to the rescue with something I never thought I’d read. Something I made fun of her for reading.

She made me read a historical romance.

Thus began a passion for, well, passion. I wanted to write romances, and I wanted to see them in print. To help fulfill that dream, I joined RWA, writers’ lists and critique groups. In order to build some writing credits, I worked on some military and National Weather Service technical manuals. As my writing improved, I began to sell my work to print magazines like The Canine Journal and Dog Fancy, and to online publications such as Writing-World.com.

Then, in February of 2006, while in the middle of recovering from hurricane Katrina (and after nearly giving up on writing,) I made my first sale to Red Sage Secrets. A couple of weeks later, that sale was followed by a sale to Bantam Dell with my collaboration partner, Stephanie Tyler. We write together under the pseudonym of Sydney Croft.

I also sold a series of dark paranormal romances to Warner, a sale that was extremely satisfying because I am finally able to combine my love of romance with the darkness that creeps into my voice, thanks to my youthful and still-present love of horror novels and dark fantasy. This sale also cemented my ability to write full time, a dream come true because of my husband’s Coast Guard career and frequent moves. I can take my job with me! And happily, in March of 2009, the second book in this series hit the USA Today Bestseller list, and in April, the third book, Passion Unleashed, hit both the USA Today AND New York Times bestseller lists.
Visit her at http://larissaione.com/blog/news/

His name is Ares, and the fate of mankind rests on his powerful shoulders. If he falls to the forces of evil, the world falls too. As one of the Four Horsemen of the Apocalypse, he is far stronger than any mortal, but even he cannot fight his destiny forever. Not when his own brother plots against him.

Yet there is one last hope. Gifted in a way other humans can’t-or won’t-understand, Cara Thornhart is the key to both this Horseman’s safety and his doom. But involving Cara will prove treacherous, even beyond the maddening, dangerous desire that seizes them the moment they meet. For staving off eternal darkness could have a staggering cost: Cara’s life.