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Sunday Salon is on vacation today.
How is everyone today? I know I am thrilled because of who my guest is today. Grab your coffee and get comfortable because it is truly a special day for me and I want to share with all of you!! If you follow my blog and know me, you know I get very excited about certain things and it usually comes through in my posts whereas I get very chatty and animated (you should see me in person, being Italian, I also talk with my hands lol). OK……enough about me but please indulge me with my fervent introduction.
Today’s guest is a very busy, multi talented, brilliant, a true gentleman, a person that I highly respect and have the honor to call him “friend”. Mr. Lou Aronica, publisher of The Story Plant, contacted me when I first came on the scene of this neighborhood of book blogging and reviewing, asking if I would read and review a book he was publishing by author Michael Baron, Crossing The Bridge. That was in December 2009. Since that time, I have read and reviewed many titles by the same author and other writers he publishes through The Story Plant- Spread The Word Initiative . And every single one of those authors have been added and gone on my “favorite authors TBR” list, except one that I haven’t read yet, and that is Lou Aronica himself. But I plan to rectify that problem. I plan on reading the book he is going to talk about today. So along with you, I now get to meet author, Lou Aronica. Please help me give him a warm welcome to the CMash blog!!
ABOUT LOU ARONICA
Lou Aronica is the author of the New York Times bestseller The Element(written with Ken Robinson), as well as the national bestsellers The Culture Code (with Clotaire Rapaille) and Blue along with several other works of fiction and nonfiction. Prior to focusing on writing, Aronica spent twenty years as a book publishing executive, serving as Deputy Publisher of Bantam Books, and Publisher of Berkley and Avon Books, as well as founding the Bantam Spectra imprint. He is currently President and Publisher of The Fiction Studio and Publisher of The Story Plant.
Lou Aronica lives with his wife and four children in Southern Connecticut.
You can visit Lou at The Story Plant, Fiction Studio Books and Facebook and Twitter.
ABOUT THE BOOK
I’d like to thank everyone who read, responded to, and recommended my novel Blue. The success of Blue has been a rewarding and encouraging experience for me and has spurred me to move in even more ambitious directions with my fiction in the future.
That future begins with Differential Equations, a novel I collaborated on with Julian Iragorri. Julian is a true Renaissance man. He’s a financial wizard, a film producer, and a visionary, among other things. He also has remarkable storytelling gifts, and those gifts are on strong display in this novel.
Differential Equations is the story of Alex Soberano, a contemporary man in crisis. A tremendously successful New York businessman, Alex finds it difficult to embrace joy and accept love. When his life threatens to boil over, he escapes for a brief respite on the West Coast. What waits for him there is something he never could have imagined.
Intertwined with Alex’s story are the stories of three people from different times and places whose lives affect him in surprising ways:
• A woman from the South American city of Anhelo in 1928 that everyone knows as “Vidente.” For decades, Vidente, has been one of Anhelo’s most celebrated citizens because she has the ability to read colors that speak of a person’s fate. However, during one such reading, she sees her own future – a future that includes her imminent death.
• A man named Khaled who left his home in Bethlehem in 1920 to seek fortune in the South American town of Joya de la Costa. He has barely begun to gain a foothold when he learns that the wife and three children he left behind have been murdered. When a magical woman enters his life, he believes that destiny has smiled on him. However, destiny has only just begun to deal with Khaled.
• A nineteen-year-old student named Dro who flies from the South American country of Legado to Boston in 1985 and immediately walks onto the campus of MIT expecting instant admission. Dro’s skills at mastering complex, ever-changing differential equations intrigues the associate admissions director. However, the person he intrigues the most is the celebrated US ambassador from his country, and his relationship with her will define his life.
How the stories of these four people merge is the central mystery of Differential Equations.
If you’ve read Blue, I think you’ll find many similar motifs here, including the intersection of reality and imagination, and the transformative power of the spirit. You’ll also find a strong concentration on characters and their relationships (frankly, I don’t think I could ever be involved with a novel that didn’t concentrate on these). One note: while Blue was a novel for readers of all ages, Differential Equations is definitely an adult novel. Some of the situations in it are decidely not for teens.
You can find out more about Differential Equations here. I hope you get a chance to read it, and I’m looking forward to your thoughts.
Purchase links:
Order from Amazon here; Barnes and Noble here; Apple here; and Chapters here.
Books by Lou Aronica:
Fiction:
The Forever Year (as Ronald Anthony)
Flash and Dazzle (as Ronald Anthony)
Blue
Until Again
Nonfiction:
A Million Thanks (as L.A. Stamford; with Shauna Fleming)
The Discipline Miracle (as L.A. Stamford; with Linda Pearson)
The Culture Code (with Clotaire Rapaille)
Riding the Blue Train (with Bart Sayle and Surinder Kumar)
The Secret Psychology of How We Fall in Love (as L.A. Stamford; with Paul Dobransky)
Miraculous Health (with Rick Levy)
The Power of Female Friendship (as L.A. Stamford; with Paul Dobransky)
The Element (with Ken Robinson)
Conscientious Equity (with Neal Asbury)
DISCLAIMER
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,
Barnes & Noble and/or any other retail/wholesale
outlets either online and/or elsewhere.
I am providing this link solely for visitors
that may be interested in purchasing this Book/EBook.
I do not receive any monetary compensation from any parties
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!
My Question:
Free plane ticket…where are you going?
Traces of Kara by Melissa Foster
Published by: World Literary Press
Publication Date: Feburary 21, 2013
ISBN-10: 0989050807
ISBN-13: 978-0989050807
Pages: 306
Review Copy from: Author
Edition: ARC Kindle
My Rating: 5
Synopsis (from book): Twenty-nine year old Kara Knight has her sights set on leaving the small town of Williamsport, Maryland, which holds bad memories of a recent separation and no chance for a future. Her hopes are shattered one evening when she’s mistaken for Roland Greer’s long-lost fraternal twin, and thrown into her obsessive captor’s delusional world. Kara struggles to make sense in the darkness that envelops her and plan her escape. The hours tick away as Roland Greer plays out his–to take them both into death at the exact moment of their birth, never to be separated again.
Kara’s mother, Mimi Stone, races against time to save the daughter she fears she will lose when her long-held secret, and sordid past, is revealed.
Traces of Kara is a psychological thriller that will make you question every memory.
My Thoughts and Opinion: I, first, want to thank author, Melissa Foster for her generous gift and honor of giving me the opportunity of reading the galley of her soon to be published novel. Melissa has been a frequent visitor on my blog and since her first visit we have kept in touch. She is a kind, sweet, caring, genuine person with a huge heart besides being a fantastic author. After reading her books, Megan’s Way and Come Back To Me, she was put on my “authors to read” list. In the latter part of 2011, when I was dealing with some difficult and emotional personal issues, Melissa would offer words of encouragement. I emailed her not to long ago, telling her that my husband and I were going on a much needed and well deserved vacation and asked if her next novel would be published prior to us leaving as I would love to read her next novel while we were away. She responded that her next book was still in the hands of her editor but sent me the galley version for me to enjoy. And enjoy, I did! Thank you Melissa!! And now, my thoughts and opinion of Traces of Kara.
Gripping!! Within the first few pages, I was pulled and transported into the story. I knew that this was going to be a white knuckle read!! The main plot takes place during a 24 hour time period, with glimpses and hints of the past. Ingenious!! The characters brought to life with her amazing writing style, so much so, that I actually felt the emotions that the characters experienced. The suspense heart pounding, whereas I found myself having to read faster as if I was watching a time bomb ticking away. Masterful!! The chapters alternated between characters and the tension increased with every turn of the page. The story line progresses with inklings and teasers of how and what the connections are between the characters until it all unfolds of the thrilling interwoven plot. Brilliant!! A definite can’t put down read!! Not only do I recommend this read, but her other works as well.
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.
Unspent Time Launch Party
Get free books and win a Kindle Fire or a Kindle Touch
Warning: reading this novel may make you more attractive and elevate your random luck by about 9.332%*
(* These statements have not been evaluated by any person of consequence!)
From the award winning author of ‘No Hope for Gomez!’ comes a collection of impossible tales. Permeating the cracks between the past and the present is the realm of Unspent Time; time that was allotted but never spent. This is where we find the stories that could have been true.
Read how to enter below. Excerpt Sunday brunch; the table overflowing with food and drink, the fine china and silverware laid out, the clock ticking away painfully slow minutes before father finally speaks. “Well son,” he says, “isn’t it about time you got yourself a job?”John looks up from his plate. “Dad,” he says, “I havea job.”Father nods thoughtfully, chewing his medium rare steak. “I guess it’s about time you moved out then. Found a place of your own. Planted some roots.”John is baffled. “But dad, I moved out five years ago. In fact, this is the first time I’ve been back.” He looks over at mother, who shrugs and says, “You know dear, your brother has his own business. He set up an accountancy firm.”John rolls his eyes. “That’s me, mom. I set up an accountancy firm. John Williams and Associates.””That’s good to hear,” father says. “Always said you should run your own business. You have a keen business sense. You always had.”
Read how to enter below. Excerpt Sunday brunch; the table overflowing with food and drink, the fine china and silverware laid out, the clock ticking away painfully slow minutes before father finally speaks. “Well son,” he says, “isn’t it about time you got yourself a job?”John looks up from his plate. “Dad,” he says, “I havea job.”Father nods thoughtfully, chewing his medium rare steak. “I guess it’s about time you moved out then. Found a place of your own. Planted some roots.”John is baffled. “But dad, I moved out five years ago. In fact, this is the first time I’ve been back.” He looks over at mother, who shrugs and says, “You know dear, your brother has his own business. He set up an accountancy firm.”John rolls his eyes. “That’s me, mom. I set up an accountancy firm. John Williams and Associates.””That’s good to hear,” father says. “Always said you should run your own business. You have a keen business sense. You always had.”
“I just wish he’d find himself a girlfriend,” mother complains.
“What do you mean?” John smiles apologetically at Annabel. “I have a girlfriend, mother, she’s sitting next to you. She gave you flowers at the door, remember?” He points at the vase. “You put them in water.”
Mother waves it away with a warm smile. “Sorry dear, I meant a proper girlfriend.” She squeezes Annabel’s hand. “You know what I mean, don’t you dear?”
Annabel opens her mouth, but can’t think of anything to say.
“Didn’t you used to have dark hair,” father says suddenly, “and not quite so many arms?” He looks John over carefully. “Yes, yes,” he says, “you definitely look different. Did you get shorter?”
“That’s enough!” John gets up. He gestures at Annabel to do the same. “If you cannot behave like civilized human beings, then we’re going! I can’t believe you’d treat Annabel and myself this way. It’s appalling!”
Father throws down his napkin and stands as well. “Serves you right, young man,” he says. “Serves you right for not going home for five years and then ending up in the wrong house!”
… continued in Unspent Time
How to enter:
For the launch of the new novel I decided to discount it to $0.99 for today (PC and eBook), give away some exclusive content, and raffle off two Kindles. All entrants will get:
- An exclusive spin-off novelette (not available for purchase anywhere!)
- Making of Gomez: behind the scenes eBook
- Signature for their paperback or kindle edition
- Chance to win a Kindle Fire or a Kindle Touch
(Prizes can be traded for Amazon gift certificates if you already own them.)
Just email your receipt to nohopeforgomez@gmail.com to enter.
Each purchase counts, so stock up on birthday presents (for people you don’t like that much, for instance) The discount ends today, but be sure to send the receipts no later than June 1st.
(Or order the books from any bookstore.)
Coupon code for today: ZB77D
And then get 
by tweeting about your purchase:Tweet
Sound bites from Unspent Time:
“I’m looking into my past lives. I’m convinced some of them still owe me money.”
“I’m very polite by nature, even the voices in my head let each other finish their sentences.”
“I didn’t actually want to do it,” Kiala told the boy. “The universe just kind of conspired to force me to make a fool of myself. It does that quite a lot, actually.”
“Sadly, my socks are like snowflakes, no two are exactly alike.”
Here’s what reviewers had to say:
“A veritable page turner of nonstop laughs!” — Reader Views
“An unputdownable read. a Coens Brothers’ film in book form.” — BookReview.com
“Extremely witty and clever writing.” — California Chronicle
“A Party for your Brain!” — Warren Baxter
Bio:
Graham Parke is responsible for a number of technical publications and has recently patented a self-folding map. He has been described as both a humanitarian and a pathological liar. Convincing evidence to support either allegation has yet to be produced.
www.grahamparke.com
www.grahamparke.blogspot.com
GoodReads
Facebook
www.grahamparke.com
www.grahamparke.blogspot.com
GoodReads
DISCLAIMER
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,
Barnes & Noble and/or any other retail/wholesale
outlets either online and/or elsewhere.
I am providing this link solely for visitors
that may be interested in purchasing this Book/EBook.
I do not receive any monetary compensation from any parties
Hosted by Miz B at Should Be Reading
What are you currently reading?
(galley)
What did you recently finish reading?
What do you think you’ll read next?
Hosted by Miz B at Should Be Reading
Teaser Tuesdays is a weekly bookish meme, hosted by MizB of Should Be Reading. Anyone can play along! Just do the following:
*Grab your current read
*Open to a random page
*Share two (2) “teaser” sentences from somewhere on that page
*BE CAREFUL NOT TO INCLUDE SPOILERS! (make sure that what you share doesn’t give too much away! You don’t want to ruin the book for others!)
*Share the title & author, too, so that other TT participants can add the book to their TBR Lists if they like your teasers!
He had to bide his time, or his plan would fall apart. It had taken him eight years to track down Marissa, and eight months to develop his plan-a plan to keep them from ever being separated again.
Kindle 1% (galley)
APRIL 30th to MAY 14th, 2012
AN UNEXPECTED GUEST
by ANNE KORKEAKIVI
SYNOPSIS:
Clare Moorhouse, the American wife of a high-ranking diplomat in Paris, is arranging an official dinner crucial to her husband’s career. As she shops for fresh stalks of asparagus and works out the menu and seating arrangements, her day is complicated by the unexpected arrival of her son and a random encounter with a Turkish man, whom she discovers is a suspected terrorist. More unnerving is a recurring face in the crowd, one that belonged to another, darker era of her life. One she never expected to see again. But it can’t be him–he’s been dead for 20 years….
Like Virginia Woolf did in Mrs. Dalloway, Anne Korkeakivi brilliantly weaves the complexities of an age into an act as deceptively simple as hosting a dinner party.
Like Virginia Woolf did in Mrs. Dalloway, Anne Korkeakivi brilliantly weaves the complexities of an age into an act as deceptively simple as hosting a dinner party.
THANKS TO ANNA , AND THE WONDERFUL
PEOPLE AT THE HACHETTE BOOK GROUP
I HAVE THREE ( 3 ) COPIES OF THIS
BOOK TO GIVE AWAY.
HERE IS WHAT YOU NEED TO DO TO WIN.
BOOK TO GIVE AWAY.
HERE IS WHAT YOU NEED TO DO TO WIN.
*USE THE RAFFLECOPTER FORM BELOW
IN ORDER TO BE INCLUDED IN THE GIVEAWAY*
BE SURE TO INCLUDE YOUR EMAIL
IN ORDER TO BE INCLUDED IN THE GIVEAWAY*
BE SURE TO INCLUDE YOUR EMAIL
ADDRESS IN THE RAFFLECOPTER FORM
SO THAT I CAN CONTACT YOU IF YOU WIN
*LEAVE COMMENT: WHO DO YOU THINK
SO THAT I CAN CONTACT YOU IF YOU WIN
*LEAVE COMMENT: WHO DO YOU THINK
THE FACE IN THE CROWD BELONGS TO?*
*U.S. AND CANADA RESIDENTS ONLY*
*NO P.O. BOXES*
*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 MAY14th AT 6PM EST*
WINNER WILL BE CHOSEN BY RAFFLECOPTER AND NOTIFIED
VIA EMAIL AND WILL HAVE 48 HOURS TO RESPOND
OR ANOTHER NAME WILL BE CHOSEN
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,
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.
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
from agents. I reserve the right to disqualify/delete any entries
if rules of giveaway are not followed
YOUR JAVA SCRIPT MAY NEED TO BE UPDATED
IF YOU AR EXPERIENCING DIFFICULTY
USING THE RAFFLECOPTER ENTRY FORM
