When Alison, from Claire McKinney PR, contacted me with a synopsis of today’s showcased book, I wanted to know more.  So I ask for help in welcoming Ms. Nicole Lundrigan to CMash Reads!

NICOLE LUNDRIGAN

Nicole Lundrigan is the author of three critically acclaimed novels: Unraveling Arva, Thaw, and The Seary Line.  She grew up in Newfoundland and now lives in Ontario with her family.
Visit Nicole at her website here.

GUEST POST

I never dreamed about being a writer. When I was little, I had a children’s biography of Louis Pasteur, and I dreamed of being a scientist. I imagined my grown-up self in a lab somewhere making discoveries that would help people.

During school, I enjoyed my English classes, but Science still held me. I was always curious to understand why things worked the way they did. How did that happen? While at university, my gears shifted slightly, and I became interested in forensic science – particularly forensic anthropology, with its crime scene analysis and study of skeletal material. After some floundering, testing out different areas of study, I had finally found my path.

As I was working through graduate school, I assumed I would continue my education and earn a PhD. But life had other plans for me. I gave birth to my first child just months after graduation, and I quickly I realized the immensity of that responsibility. I made the decision to stay at home and care for her.

While that was a joyful time, I can’t deny it was also a period of intense isolation. I missed university. I missed talking to people who were studying the same subjects as I was. I missed having to puzzle over something until my head became woozy. I missed simply walking the halls of those old buildings and breathing in that air. I’ve often wondered just why I started writing, and part of me knows it was to assuage that loneliness. I’ve never actually admitted that before, but I know it’s true.

Some days I still think about my Louis Pasteur biography and my childhood declaration of being a scientist. Do I feel I’ve lost something by leaving science behind and jumping headlong into motherhood with a side order of writing? Not really. In many ways, science and writing overlap. Both involve observation and precise steps towards understanding. Both are infinitely complicated. And if we watch and listen carefully, both can lead to exciting and meaningful discoveries. About the world. Or about ourselves.

ABOUT THE BOOK 

 “Deftly walks the line between light and dark, hope and fear, with dazzling honesty and truth.”~Ami McKay, author of The Birth House

Secrets and denial can exist in tandem.  Families are fond of hiding things about their loved ones hoping that the future will bring brighter days devoid of any ill effects from the past.  The problem is, the tendency to hide those things that are dark or shameful can produce an explosion down the road, where everything is exposed whether one likes it or not.   In her new novel GLASS BOYS (Douglas & McIntyre; September 1, 2012; $18.95) Nicole Lundrigan explores these themes in a small town in Newfoundland where two families find out how deadly hiding the past can be.

Garrett Glass has a secret.  He has a pickle jar filled with some illicit pictures of a boy he once knew.  When his stepfather discovers this treasure and confronts Garrett another young man, Roy Fagan is accidentally killed.  Lewis Fagan the surviving brother of Roy, becomes a local cop in their town, and keeps his eye on the family that murdered his kin.  For his part, Garrett’s stepfather never told anyone about Garrett’s special pictures.  He did not realize that this was a deviant sign that would eventually cause many more problems.

Lewis Fagan went on with his life, met a girl, and had a family, but his wife was a troubled soul.  Wilda was abused by her mother and as a teenager she ran away from home to find a life on the streets.  A kind man and owner of an antique shop gave her a home and a job, but her feelings about her past seedy behavior never went away.  Even the adoration held for her by her oldest son Melvin, was no comfort. When the storm finally comes to these two families, they will find that one cannot escape the past or ignore evil when it offers a glimpse of bad things to come.

GLASS BOYS is a dark story with lessons to be learned, but there is hope that even in its worst moments, life can indeed go on.

DISCLAIMER
No items that I receive
are ever sold…they are kept by me,
or given to family and/or friends.

Hosted by Marce from Tea Time With Marce

 Hosted by An Island Life

From An Island Life:
In Hawaii, Aloha Friday is the day that we take it easy and look forward to the weekend. So I thought that on Fridays I would take it easy on posting, too. Therefore, I’ll ask a simple question for you to answer. Nothing that requires a lengthy response.
If you’d like to participate, visit An Island Life answer the question and then post your own question on your blog and leave your link below. Don’t forget to visit the other participants! It’s a great way to make new bloggy friends!

What are your plans for this last day of August?

Have a seat, grab your coffee because we have guests to welcome!!  Jennifer, from Forever, The Hachette Book Group is visiting CMash Reads for the first time and she has brought with her, author, Christie Craig.  And I know you are going to love hearing about her book.  So please help me in giving a warm welcome today’s guests, Jennifer and author Christie Craig!!!

CHRISTIE CRAIG

Photojournalist, Author and Speaker

Christie Craig, an Alabama native, is an award-winning, multi-published writer, multi-published photo journalist, motivational speaker, and writing teacher.. Her non-fiction articles and photography have appeared in almost three thousand national magazines. A Golden Heart finalist, and a finalist in more than fifty RWA-sponsored contests, she has gained a well-deserved reputation for writing romance fiction that has both witty humor and a suspenseful, sexy tone. Published by Silhouette in the 90s, she recently broke back into fiction in a big way, making four book sales in one day. Her seventh humorous single title romance novel, published by Dorchester, will hit the stands in June 2010. Her non-fiction book, co-authored by Faye Hughes, released September 08, is The Everything Guide To Writing A Romance Novel and their second non-fiction book, a humorous self-help relationship book, Wild, Wicked and Wanton: 101 Ways to Love Like You Are in a Romance Novel is scheduled to be released December 2010. Craig’s latest writing adventure is the sale of a young adult paranormal romance series, Shadow Falls Camp, that will be published by St. Martins Press in the near future.

Click here to see a video of Christie on the Houston Chronicle.com about her overcoming the difficulties of being dyslexic.
Christie would love to hear from you!
Visit the contact page to send an email or join her mailing list.

Ten Things You Will Learn from Blame it on Texas.

 1. Guys don’t like to play dress up; but when one willingly dresses as a clown for their six-year-old niece’s birthday party—because the real clown canceled—he’s one special uncle. And could possibly make a special hero for some lucky lady.

2. Sometimes, fear itself can do much more damage to us than the thing we’re actually afraid of.

3. Any man who doesn’t cuss up a blue streak when you dump a plate of hot grits on him can’t be all bad. (In fact, he might just be The One.)

4. It’s important to remember the lessons of the past so we can use them when making decisions for the future. But those lessons should never keep us from having the future we deserve.

5. Before accusing the sexy guy who pounced, knocked you down, and crawled on top of you of being foreplay impaired; check to see if someone is shooting at you.

6. The southern delicacy of a banana and mayonnaise sandwich may be an acquired taste, especially when a hungry hero chomps down on the delicacy and is expecting ham and cheese.

7. If you think getting caught screaming and dancing on top of a mattress—all while attempting to rescue your cat from an overzealous dog—can be slightly embarrassing, try doing it while you’re wet from the shower, and as naked as a jay bird. Oh, and just to make it even more fun, make sure you’re caught by your possible love interest who hasn’t seen you naked yet, and . . . (yes it can get worse) his two best friends.

8. It’s downright amazing how playing a few rounds of Strip Scrabble can spice up an evening.

9. A family doesn’t always have to be the people who share your bloodline; sometimes, the best families are those we make when we gather together all the people we love.

10. Learning to trust yourself is usually a lot harder than trusting another person. But both are generally required before finding true love.

ABOUT THE BOOK

 Zoe Adams has always been content with her quiet nights at home, watching TV alone-until her life turns into a real-life episode of Unsolved Mystery Hunters. The story of a kidnapped girl triggers unexplained memories, and Zoe is dead-set on figuring out why. Her search leads her to one of the Lone Star State’s richest families-and to sexy PI Tyler Lopez.

Tyler has sworn off women, especially redheads with killer curves who poke their noses into his clients’ private lives. Still, he can’t deny the attraction any more than he can deny that some of Zoe’s crazy story makes sense. But when she becomes a hit man’s target, this cold case starts heating up. Suddenly, Tyler will do anything to protect Zoe-even risk his heart.

THANKS TO JENNIFER, FROM FOREVER BOOKS, I HAVE
THREE (3) COPIES TO GIVE AWAY. U.S. RESIDENTS ONLY

CLICK HERE TO BRING YOU TO
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Leaves by Michael Baron
Published by The Story Plant
Publication Date: Sept. 12, 2012
ISBN-10: 0984190546
ISBN-13: 978-0984190546
Pages: 352
Review Copy from: The Story Plant
Edition: ARC Kindle TPB
My Rating: 5

Synopsis (borrowed from Amazon):
Welcome to Oldham, CT, a small town rich in Colonial heritage while being utterly contemporary. Situated along the Connecticut River Valley, Oldham bursts with color every fall, as the leaves on its trees evolve into an unmatched palette of scarlet, orange, purple, yellow, and bronze. For more than three decades, the Gold family has been a central part of Oldham in the fall, its Sugar Maple Inn a destination for “leaf-peepers” from all over the country, and its annual Halloween party a stirring way to punctuate the town’s most active month.

But this year, more than just the leaves are changing. With the death of their parents, the Gold siblings, Maria, Maxwell, Deborah, Corrina, and Tyler, have decided to sell the Sugar Maple Inn, and this year’s Halloween party will be the last. As October begins, the Golds contend with the finality that faces them, and the implications it has for a family that has always been so close. For some, it means embracing new challenges and new love. For others, it means taking on unimagined roles. And for others, it means considering the inconceivable. Complicating it all is a series of “hauntings” that touch each of the Gold siblings, a series of benign interventions that will remain a mystery until October draws to a close.

Filled with romance, tension, and unforgettable family drama, Leaves is the first in a series of novels about a world and a family that readers will want to make their own.

My Thoughts and Opinion:
Michael Baron has been compared to Nicholas Sparks, but since I have not read any of Mr. Sparks books I can’t compare, but what I do know is that when I first went public with my blog, Mr. Baron’s publisher contacted me to read the author’s book Crossing The Bridge and I instantly became a fan. However, I did recommended his books to another book blogger, Ann from  Ann’s Reading Corner who has read Mr. Sparks’ novels and she stated “personally I like Michael’s novel much better than Sparks novels” (you can see her review  here). Crossing The Bridge was a short read but written with such tenderness and emotion that it was hard to believe a male author had penned it. Since then I have read every book written by him and we have both grown. His books became full length novels, books that I would anxiously wait for and I am coming up on my 3rd blogiversary. His répertoire of books that I have read are The Journey Home, Anything, Spinning, When You Went Away, and A Winter Discovery. And now Leaves.

Leaves takes place over a period of less than a month’s time. Four siblings have decided that it is time to sell their parents Inn that they have helped with, even as children, since their parents have passed away. Their parents hosted a yearly event and would open the Inn’s door to the small and quaint town of Oldham with a big Halloween party. And this year will be bittersweet as it will be the last day before the new buyers take ownership the next day. In the days before the party, the reader is introduced to the siblings and also a look into their family dynamics.

Mr. Baron has the gift and ability to sweep you away from reality into the story like the winds of autumn sweeps the last leaves off the trees. The characters are so life like that they become one’s own family. The story felt like a real life event, whereas you are looking forward to see what happens as he counts down the days to the Halloween party but then on the other hand, you know that the story will end but don’t want it to be over. His manner of writing flows and is so realistic that it transports the reader right into the middle of the plot. This is the first time that I have read a book that every one of the senses was a vivid experience. Mr. Baron, has shared his music on Spotify to listen to and hear as you are reading, the details of Deborah’s cooking made my mouth water and could imagine the smells in the kitchen, I could create the imagery of seeing the settings, I was able to feel the emotions and tender touches of the characters. And as the days kept getting crossed off the calendar and getting close to the end, I didn’t know whether to read faster to see what happened or read slower so that I could savor this book and not have it end. The ending bittersweet, which I did not see coming (sorry but I will not include a spoiler). The ending is too special to even hint at what happens.

Knowing the style of Mr. Baron’s work, when I read the following from the prologue, I knew that this book, like his others, would tug at my heart strings, take me away and that I would have a difficult time putting it down.

For this October, certain threads would fray and certain binds would loosen. Unspoken words woud be uttered at last while things that needed to be said would be withheld. Tradition would be honored and the past would be rejected. One heart would beat for another’s for the first time, while one heart would stop beating forever. And a message would be delivered that was essential to all who heard it.

Mr. Baron’s, Leaves, is a poignant, compelling, moving, passionate, feel good read. Once the last word is read and the book closed, the characters live on in one’s heart and mind. An absolutely recommended read!!

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.

(2012 Challenges:  FreeReads, Where Are You, A-Z, 1st In A Series, 52 in 52, Outdo, 100+)

……of India’s Summer by Thérèse

51 Anita Yancey Be a Public Follower of ‘CMASH Loves to Read’

Thank you to all that entered!!!  The winner has been notified via email and has 48 hours to respond with a mailing address or another winner will be chosen.

I so enjoy when authors come back to visit.  It means that we are in for a treat to read and escape into their latest novel.  Ms. Alers visited us  back in January, so it has been a while since we had the pleasure of her company.  Grab a coffee, sit and please help me wecome Ms. Rochelle Alers back to CMash Reads!

ROCHELLE ALERS
Photo by Henry Stampel

With nearly two million copies of her novels in print, Rochelle Alers is a regular on national bestseller lists, and has been the recipient of numerous awards, including the Gold Pen Award, the Emma Award, Vivian Stephens Award for Excellence in Romance Writing, the Romantic Times Career Achievement Award and the Zora Neale Hurston Literary Award.

Bestselling author Rochelle Alers has long been known for her warm yet sensual writing style and intriguing plots set in small towns. Earlier this year she released Sanctuary Cove, the first book in her Cavanaugh Island series. Now Rochelle is poised to release ANGELS LANDING (Forever mass market; August 28, 2012; $7.99), the second book in the charming series.
You can visit Ms. Alers at her website, Facebook and Twitter.

ABOUT THE BOOK

Kara Newell has a big-city life that needs a major shake-up. Her dedication as a social worker is unwavering, yet her heart tells her that there is more to life than just work. Kara gets the push she needs when she shockingly inherits a large estate on an island off the South Carolinacoast. Now the quaint town of Angels Landingawaits her – along with a secret family she never knew she had.

After surviving war, loss, and heartbreak, ex-marine Jeffrey Hamilton takes his position as sheriff ofCavanaughIsland seriously. So he is the perfect person to watch over the beautiful, confident woman who has turned her new family’s expectations upside down-and stepped into the crosshairs of angry local residents.

Soon Kara becomes more than just a job to him, and he begins to need her in ways he never expected. As Kara and Jeffrey confront the town gossips together, they’ll learn to face their fears and forgive their pasts in order to find a future filled with happiness in Angels Landing.
Watch for my review in the near future.

THANKS TO JENNIFER, FROM GCP/FOREVER, I HAVE
THREE (3) COPIES OF THIS BOOK TO GIVE AWAY.
U.S RESIDENTS ONLY

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.
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.