Monthly Archives: September 2011

Weekend Conferences

Barbara Vey -- September 30th, 2011

This morning I’m off to Columbus, Ohio to attend the Columbus Ohio Fiction Writers (COFW) Conference. Hopefully it’s warmer and dryer than here in Wisconsin. Tomorrow I’ll be answering questions during my session, but I’ve got a few surprises to spring on the attendees.

While I’m in Columbus, Joysann will be in Akron, Ohio with all those sexy male models attending Ellora’s Cave’s Romanticon. She’ll be doing Cub Reporting of the event for next week’s blog. We’ll be so close, yet hours away.

Meanwhile, down in Atlanta, the Moonlight and Magnolias Conference is taking place. I’ve attended a couple of times and always had an amazing time. I’m hoping that I receive a report from them about what’s going on.

Any other conferences I’m missing this weekend? What are you doing that’s fun?

Bottom Line: Today is “Ask a Stupid Question Day”…I’m in heaven.

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American Christian Fiction Writers Conference

Barbara Vey -- September 29th, 2011

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Seekerville bloggers (L to R) Debby Giusti, Sandra Leesmith, Julie Lessman, Mary Connealy, Cara Lynn James, Myra Johnson, Ruth Logan Herne, Audra Harders, and Janet Dean.

Cub Reporter Debby Giusti’s second book in her Military Investigations series, THE CAPTAIN’S MISSION, will be released in October. The third book, THE COLONEL’S DAUGHTER, will be out in 2012. Visit Debby online and blog with her at Seekerville.

Ten years ago a small group of inspirational authors formed an organization originally called American Christian Romance Writers. To embrace the growing membership and expanding
spectrum of Christian genres, the organization’s name eventually changed to American Christian Fiction Writers. Today, 2500 members strong, ACFW is known as the voice of Christian fiction and attracts writers in all genres whose stories are told from a Christian world view.

Last week, 680 writers gathered in St. Louis, Missouri, for the tenth annual ACFW conference. This year’s theme, “Building a Strong Foundation,” laid the groundwork for a variety of
workshops that targeted five levels of expertise, ranging from beginning writer to multi-published author.

Carol Awards Coordinator Mindy Obenhaus and ACFW President Margaret Daley

ACFW president and multi-published author Margaret Daley welcomed the writers and explained the organization’s numerous programs that provide a firm foundation on which to build a writing career. She also announced a new ACFW writing magazine, free to members, slated to begin publication in 2012.

Keynote speaker Tracie Peterson, winner of the Romantic Times Career Achievement Award for 2007 Inspirational Fiction and author of 95 books, encouraged attendees to put God first. She talked about the importance of staying connected to the industry through organizations such as ACFW and challenged the audience to determine their own motivation for writing.

Janet Dean, Myra Johnson and Debby Giusti chat with Stan Williams

Stan Williams, Ph.D., author of The Moral Premise, Harnessing Virtue and Vice for Box Office Success, taught the early bird session, “Secrets of Successful Story Writing,” to a packed house
on Thursday. Stan shared the techniques he employs when working with Hollywood screenwriters and producers to create blockbuster movies. Pulling examples from movie clips, he explained how writers can use the conflict of virtue and vice to develop riveting stories that hook editors and keep readers turning the page.

Love Inspired Senior Editor Melissa Endlich chats with Love Inspired authors Linda Goodnight, Irene Hannon, winner of this year's Carol Award in Short Contemporary, and Ruth Logan Herne.

Eager to find new voices in Christian fiction, 25 editors and 19 agents accepted pitches during scheduled appointment times as well as at specially designated tables they hosted at lunch. In addition, “Spotlight On” programs provided guidelines and writing tips for those interested in submitting.

The gala awards ceremony on Saturday night was a fitting climax to a wonderful weekend and provided a dream-come-true experience for the winners of the Genesis Award in the unpublished category and the Carol Award for published authors. Check out the Genesis Award Winners here and the Carol Award Winners here.

After a Sunday worship service led by author Rachel Hauck, the writers packed their bags and said goodbye, their lives enriched not only by the information shared but by the friendships formed throughout the weekend. The next conference will be held in Dallas, Texas, on Sept 20 – 23, 2012. Plan now to attend.

Bottom Line: I have been invited to the conference next year and am looking forward to meeting these amazing writers…plus I’m excited to go to Dallas.

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WW Ladies Book Club Blurbs

Barbara Vey -- September 28th, 2011

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Friday I leave for the Central Ohio Fiction Writers (COFW) Conference. This will be a new conference for me and I’m excited to see that the amazing Brenda Novak will be the keynote speaker. I’m scheduled for a Saturday afternoon Q&A. These sessions scare me because if no one has any questions, it can seem like a very long session. Just in case, I’ll be prepared to talk about what the WW Ladies have been reading.

joysann

Alterant by Sherrilyn Kenyon and Dianna Love

Read by joysann

Evalle Kincaid is trying to locate three of her fellow Alterants to make a case before the Tribunal that they are a legitimate species, not just people who morph into mindless killer beasts that should be killed on sight even before they change. But they’re in hiding, and even with the help of the exciting new man in her life, a shifter named Storm, she’s not going meet the deadline set by the gods.

In their complex urban fantasy, these two dynamic authors have pulled out all stops in creating imaginative, original creatures and characters whom I find most intriguing. The story line is intricate, puzzling and suspenseful, and the action is nonstop. With Alterant as the second book in the Belador series, I’m looking forward with anticipation to the exciting adventures ahead.

Sophie

Don’t Mess With Texas by Christie Craig

Read by Sophie

Nikki Hunt, pretty, blonde, divorced, and lacking in her sense of self-worth, defines the term “starving artist,” and Dallas O’Connor is the strong, handsome, also divorced ex-cop, now PI who recently got out of prison, where he’d spent time with his buddies and coworkers Tyler and Austin for a crime they didn’t commit. So when Nikki finds her ex-husband’s dead body in her trunk, Dallas is able to look past the fact that she is the perfect suspect and believe her when she says she’s innocent. Proving her innocent becomes the top thing on his to-do list, but she herself is a close second—a fact that scares Dallas to no end. Dallas and Nikki hit many rough spots, or as Nikki’s hilarious Nana calls them, potholes along the way, but the humor alone isn’t going to get them through the night alive…

This book was a joy from the start! Sexy, fun, and obviously well-planned, Don’t Mess With Texas was impossible for me to put down. Craig’s skill is exemplified by this book, and I’ve already got a waiting list of friends who are excited to read it!

Paula

The Glassblower of Murano by Marina Fiorato

Read by Paula

Venice, and the glassmaking inextricably associated with it, is in Nora Manin’s blood; Venice was where her existence was conceived, and where her destiny lay. Following the heart-wrenching dissolution of her marriage, Nora impulsively, perhaps instinctively, dispensed with the trappings of her former life in London, and set course for her future in Venice, hoping to connect with, and perhaps unlock, the mysteries of her past. Guided by only by a glass heart crafted by her ancient ancestor and a desire to find herself, Nora embarks on journey that will not only connect her with her rich and remarkable family history, but will propel her toward a future that dreams are made of.

v
Having recently visited Venice, and the island of Murano, where exquisite art glass is crafted today as it has been for centuries, the images evoked in this lush story were striking and fresh for me. Marina Fiorato has superbly captured the beauty and lush history of this ancient center of art and culture, while weaving a story with layers of history, intrigue, and romance that is as absorbing and magical as Venice itself.

Shelby

A Lot Like Love by Julie James

Read by Shelby

The FBI wants to Xander Eckhart in the act of laundering money for the mob and their only opportunity will be this Valentine’s Day at his exclusive wine tasting. So they enlist the help of Jordan Rhodes, a billionaire heiress, to get into the party with Nick McCall as her date/undercover FBI agent. When Xander sends a Private Investigator to tail the new “couple,” the two are forced to continue their “relationship.” Eventually it becomes a real relationship, but something more sinister lurks…

I absolutely adored this book! The suspense, the secrets, and the ever present danger make you not want to let it out of your sight. The classic relationship of dislike leading to more with a delicious twist attached. This is a definite keeper, mark my words!
.

Heidi

Deep Trouble by Mary Connealy

Read by Heidi

Shannon Dysart is on a mission to clear her father’s name, by going to the Wild West from Saint Louis, to find the city of gold. Shannon gets in over her head, when her companions turn on her and leave her for dead. Gabriel Lasley is the cowboy hero who has western smarts and faith to follow. Their adventure turns tricky with every step, and they hope to survive it all and get to the golden end.

The historical western brought out the best adventure to my brain with awesome visual descriptions and the desire to find the treasure. I always find it a pleasure to read a book that has women characters that are independent, faith-focused and driven. I really got my wild western fix with this book.

Ashley

The Perfect Kiss by Melody Thomas

Read by Ashley
Christel stole the perfect kiss from the man of her dreams, too bad that English society’s rules made courtship and marriage impossible. She was the bastard daughter of an Earl and he was the Earl of Carrick, so Christel watches as he marries her favorite cousin. Nine years later the Earl is widowed and with a young daughter. Christel comes back to be the governess for the girl but neither has forgotten that secret kiss, and they still burn for desire for each other but secrets from each other’s past threaten to ruin their second chance at love.

v
The Perfect Kiss is the perfect love story, full of secrets and treasures, and love and lost. This book was a delightful read that kept me entertained from the first page to the last page!
,

Loretta

The Protector by Marliss Melton

Read by Loretta

To retaliate against General McClellan for his actions in Afghanistan, terrorists target his daughter, Eryn for death. Eryn is a school teacher in Washinton, DC. unaware that the FBI has put her out for bait to catch the jihadists and narrowly escapes the first attack. General McClellan has asked Ike Calhoun, a retired Navy Seal, to protect her.

I found The Protector by be beautifully written, exciting and captivating, keeping me glued to the pages until the unforseen and unforgettable ending. Ike’s abiilities and daring-do deeds will astound you as he maneuvers Erin’s and his safety, keeping you gasping at the twists and turns on each page. Amid all the chaos,- love also grows here!

Michelle

Before I go to Sleep by S. J. Watson

Read by Michelle

Christine Lucas wakes up every morning to a stranger in her bed and no recollection of the last 20 years of her life. Every morning her husband Ben has to show her the pictures of her life. Christine trying to piece together what has happened to her begins to keep a secret journal that begins with the words “Don’t trust Ben.” As her life unravels she unearths the frightening events that led to her amnesia.

This is a great read! Trying to imagine a life without knowing your own past just left me with goosebumps and a feeling of dread.

joysann

Kitty’s Greatest Hits: A Collection by Carrie Vaughn

Read by joysann

Kitty retains control and gains wisdom in Winnowing the Herd. Through blood and tears, young Cormac learns the family business of hunting creatures of the night in Looking After Family. In Conquistador de la Noche one of Coronado’s soldiers find darkness instead of Cities of Gold. And a cryptozoologist encounters serious danger in The Temptation of Robin Green.

Kitty Norville is the popular radio host of The Midnight Hour, a talk show dedicated to all things that go bump in the night, and her adventures have taken readers through a whole series of exciting books. Kitty got into this talk-show business because she is a werewolf, and where else can a supernatural turn for advice? I love these books, and the 14 stories in Kitty’s Greatest Hits enrich and give dimension to the fascinating characters Carrie Vaughn created.

Bottom Line: Maybe I’ll make a list of questions to ask the COFW…just to keep them on their toes.

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Killer Nashville

Barbara Vey -- September 26th, 2011

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Phyllis C. Johnson, Nancy Naigle and reader/aspiring novelist Joe Phillips of Nashville

Cub Reporter Nancy Naigle traveled with Phyllis Johnson to Killer Nashville. They co-wrote inkBLOT, the young adult novel just released in July under the pen name Johnson Naigle.

Cub reporter Nancy Naigle back on the job at Killer Nashville held in Nashville, TN with my writing partner Phyllis Johnson. While Hurricane Irene pounded my home back in Virginia the weekend of August 28th. Founded by film producer, Clay Stafford, Killer Nashville is growing in popularity and attendance. From forensics experts, advice from debut authors, to a track especially for readers, there was much to be learned and a lot of networking going on for both writers and readers.

The Hutton Hotel was the host to Killer Nashville this year. It’s a beautiful hotel and Thursday evening Phyllis and I attended the kick-off event – a wine tasting. This southern girl just didn’t have the palette for the fancy wines we tasted, but it sure was fun.

Donald Bain

Keynote speakers were Donald Bain and Robert Dugoni. Donald Bain is as funny as he is prolific. (He’s written over 100 books!). If you don’t recognize the name, you’ll definitely recognize his work. Donald Bain has written thirty-seven Murder She Wrote books over the past twenty-four years. He’s under contract for three more and these days he collaborates with his sweet bride, Renée, on those books.

Among his successes is the 70’s mega-hit Coffee, Tea, or Me? In his words, “Fluff can be gold!” He’s done a lot of ghost writing and when asked how he dealt with not having his name on the cover of those books, he said, “I got over the ego of it by dedicating each of those books to myself.” Bain takes a “Say no to nothing” approach to writing. Now that doesn’t mean he says yes to everything, but he considers all offers with an open mind. A good lesson for us all no matter what path our lives have us on.

Oh and one other little tidbit about the wonderful Donald Bain…he’s one heck of a drummer. Don wowed the crowd as he played drums with the Killer Nashville Coffin Bangers band on Saturday night. You rock Don!

Robert Dugoni

Robert Dugoni is one of ten children (5 brothers and 4 sisters) and that must have kept him pretty humble because he is as handsome as all-get-out but he doesn’t seem to realize it. He’s so easygoing I feel like even I can call him Bob now! Even when they introduced him as being “the next John Grisham” he maintained that easygoing manner. It was fun to hear him tease about being one of ten, dipping his toes into the practicing lawyer role but always coming back to writing and the mis-steps along his journey. (After seeing him Electric Slide it’s hard to believe he would have any mis-steps…that boy can move!)

Anyone who knows me knows I’m a sucker for good dads. So it’s probably no surprise that I was endeared Bob’s stories about his own children and how his teen-age son keeps him grounded. We were treated to a special session on Sunday afternoon where Robert took us through a session on craft. I purchased the hard cover of Bob’s latest novel, MURDER ONE, and he autographed it for me. Squeee! Yes! I may have gone a little “fan-girl” on him. I started reading Murder One that night, and loved it. It’s definitely a page-turner to add to your list.

Dr. Bill Bass

If you ever get the chance to hear Dr. Bill Bass, forensics pathologist and founder of The Body Farm, don’t miss it. He gave a far from toxic talk on skulls and bones. At one point, holding a skull laced with a knitting needle, he described the source of bullet holes. Phyllis said it looked like a skull-kabob. Don’t you just love the things that go through writer’s minds?

There was a mock crime scene set up in the hotel parking garage that was so doggone realistic that it was a little creepy, but it was neat to try to wrap your head around the steps in an investigation to figure out what happened. Blood spatter and smear, beer bottle, cigarette butts, a pillow, and yes…even a body among the clues, made it a clever way to get our minds working.

Workshop panels covered such topics as POV, public speaking, marketing, promo, writing sex scenes (woo hoo) and cozy mysteries. The Mood and Atmosphere panel was enlightening. The panel, including author Tracy March (debuting her DC Thriller Girl Three in Jan 2012) gave examples on using setting to drive the mood in a scene. One important note I took away was: “The writer writes fifty percent and the reader fills in the other fifty percent.”

Bottom Line: See…we’re all in it together.

Monday Giveaways

From Romance University: Romance University has a full week of awesome Visiting Professors lined-up for you. And lots of GIVEAWAYS!

Mon, 9/26 – Every author out there needs a good editor. No matter who you are; no matter how many books you’ve published. DONNELL BELL tells us why. Donnell’s giving away an advanced reading copy of THE PAST CAME HUNTING to one lucky commenter. #giveaway

Tue, 9/27 – Like the old song from Journey, KARIN TABKE reminds us to “Don’t Stop Believing!” Karin’s giving away a book of her backlist to one lucky commenter. #giveaway

Wed, 9/28 – Thriller writer WENDY CORSI STAUB shares her delight at this summer’s Romance Writers of America’s booksigning event. Wendy’s giving away a copy of LIVE TO TELL and SCARED TO DEATH. #giveaway

Thu, 9/29 – In Point of View: Channeling Elvis, best selling author PEGGY WEBB tells how she handles multiple point of views, and why she uses the point of view of a dog in her South Cousins mystery series. Peggy’s giving away three copies of ELVIS AND THE MEMPHIS MAMBO MURDERS. #giveaway

Fri, 9/30 – Romantic thriller author JO ROBERTSON gives us the deets on her new release THE AVENGER and a lecture you won’t want to miss! Leave a comment for your chance to win a download of THE AVENGER and THE WATCHER. #giveaway

From Susan Hanniford Crowley: On Saturday, Oct. 1st, advertising expert and author of Market or Die, Jennifer Fusco will be on Nights of Passion blog for the book launch of Market or Die: Sensible Brand Building Advise for Writers (Second in her series). She will be giving away to one lucky commenter a book of her Market or Die (Vol. 2)

From Jillian Stone: GET LOST IN A STORY giveaways for the week of September 26-30

Tuesday September 27 Melanie Atkins – a back list ebook

Wednesday September 28 Adrienne Giordano – a copy of MAN LAW and a copy of A JUST DECEPTION

Thursday September 29 Theresa Ragan – SIX PACK DRAWING! Five e-books to five commenters and one print copy of RETURN OF THE ROSE.

Friday September 30 Anne Maire Becker an e-book copy of ONLY FEAR

From Christine Merrill: Harlequin has made my first book The Inconvenient Duchess a free PDF download at Tryharlequin.com

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Sunday Matinée

Barbara Vey -- September 25th, 2011

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Fresh out of the oven, a new batch of Book Trailers!

Perfect by Ellen Hopkins

Haunting Embrace by Erin Quinn

You Choose Books

Hooked by Cat Johnson

Rock You Like a Hurricane by JoAnne Kenrick

If you have a book video you’d like considered, please send it to me at bvey@publishersweekly.com with Book Video in the subject line.

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PW Says “Bring on The Digital Galleys”

Barbara Vey -- September 21st, 2011

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In case you missed it, PW is now accepting digital galleys for review in the magazine. Of course, here on Beyond Her Book, we’ve been writing our WW Ladies blurbs that included e-books for over 4 years now, but kudos for the magazine who do full reviews for taking this on.

You can read all about it in Rose Fox’s Genreville blog here. While you’re at it, check out the terrific blog Rose did on Authors Say Agents Try to “Straighten” Gay Characters in YA.

Bottom Line: Congrats to all the authors now able to take advantage of this great opportunity.

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Signing a Used Book

Barbara Vey -- September 20th, 2011

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While I was doing a workshop for the San Diego RWA on Building Reader Loyalty, the subject came up about readers bringing used books to a booksigning. One author told the story of hearing other authors complain about people bringing books they already owned to booksignings instead of buying a new book. I was horrified…that the author complained!

Folks, I have a ton of books that are dear to me and I’m the kind of person who reads a book more than once. Some people have pets, I have books. They may be tattered and worn, but they are like friends to me.

I admit that I have gone to booksignings with books I already own. Many times if I’m a huge fan of the author I’ve already bought the book they are signing because I needed to read it when it first came out. Is the price of that signed book the cost of another of the same?

All Books Welcome

Now I understand that selling books is a business, but a business needs customers to stay in business. It’s the circle of life. Just because that person came with a copy of an older book doesn’t mean that (s)he doesn’t plan on buying future books. It only means that the book they are handling with care means enough to them to drag to your signing.

Personally, if I ever overheard an author complaining about that, they would be off my buying list. Let’s think this through. If they bought your book once and kept it, they most likely will buy future books and tell their friends what a great, wonderful, gracious person you are. Isn’t that worth a little of your time to build on your future?

Maybe you think I’m wrong and that’s ok. Everyone has the right to their opinion, but I know that I would be thrilled if anyone kept anything I wrote and came out especially to have it signed.

What do you think? Readers, have you taken your specially prized books to signings? What’s been your experience? Authors, do you get upset when someone asks you to sign a book they already paid for and own? Does a booksigning mean they can only sign new books?

Bottom Line: A book is a gift you can open again and again. ~ Garrison Keillor

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Visiting the San Diego RWA

Barbara Vey -- September 19th, 2011

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I thought I was being adventurous when I booked my flight to Los Angeles and was going to take a train to San Diego. The website makes it look like the train station is right there, but after flying from Florida to Atlanta to Los Angeles, I had to take a 45 minute bus ride to the train station. Not a pleasant experience when you have motion sickness. Luckily, moments before I really embarrassed myself, I was at the train station for the 3 hours train ride to San Diego (beautiful view of the ocean from the train). Then the next day I did it backwards to go home. But it was worth it to visit with the San Diego RWA writers.

Jeannie Lin

They brought me in for a one day workshop, but it really started Friday night with desserts at author Cori Owens-Mendez’s house. From the peach cobbler to brownies to the creme brulee pie, they made me feel at home and one of the group.

At their Saturday meetings, they do a full day program so I got to share the stage with the amazing Jeannie Lin who talked about the importance of the first 5 pages of a book. If you haven’t read Butterfly Swords yet, do yourself a favor and try it because Jeannie’s second book, The Dragon and the Pearl, comes out Tuesday (but she gave me a copy at the meeting that I can’t wait to dive into). BTW, in case you didn’t know, Jeannie is pregnant with twins!! Congratulations Jeannie!

back row: Bob Richard, Pam Moran and Suzanne Barris Front row: Melissa Cutler, Tami Vahalik, and Janet Tait

This large chapter has so many active members that awards were being given out like candy. They can earn a charm bracelet and charms for completing various tasks like sending in a manuscript, finaling in contest and signing a contract. These members were recognized for hitting the halfway mark on the chapter’s Writing Challenge to complete a new novel in 6 months. Of that group a few have already completed the book! They all received roses. There was also a booksigning and with such a large group, a lot of good books to choose from.

Due to popular demand...first close up of Jeannie Lin's baby bump

After a healthy (and delicious) shrimp salad lunch, I was up. While I like to think ahead about the subject I’ll be talking about, I pretty much just ad lib it. I know it’s a gift, but I must have been an actor in a past life. I’m such a strong believer in building reader loyalty, that I can pretty much just say how I feel as a reader. I also have talked with a lot of readers who share their thoughts about books and authors with me. One subject that always comes up is social media. What to do, how to do it and is it necessary. Sharing stories with the group and having them relate their experiences made for a lively discussion. I think I left feeling more energized than they did.

The chapter announced that they will be sponsoring their first conference in 2013 and have invited me back. Next time I’m flying in direct.

Bottom Line: My favorite compliment of the day: “I just loved your workshop. I usually get tired after lunch, but I stayed awake for your whole talk.”

Monday Giveaways

From authors Sherrilyn Kenyon and Dianna Love: To celebrate the release ALTERANT next week, they are giving away an exclusive Belador short story – FIRE BOUND. All you have to do to download the story is click here.

From Belle Bridge Books: Free on Kindle for 4 days starting Sept. 21:
THE MANICURIST, Phyllis Schieber
PRAISE JERUSALEM!, Augusta Trobaugh

From author Mia Marlow: Mia Marlowe is offering her novella A DUKE FOR ALL SEASONS as a free download at Smashwords. This story started as a serialized novella on her website in Jan 2010. It’s available FREE now at Smashwords.

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Sunday Matinée

Barbara Vey -- September 18th, 2011

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Now for a special Kids edition of the Sunday Matinée!

Animorphs by K A Applegate

The Last Martin by Jonathan Friesen

Piggies in the Kitchen by Michelle Meadows

Take the Reins by Jessica Burkhart

If you have a book video you’d like considered, please send it to me at bvey@publishersweekly.com with Book Video in the subject line.

Bottom Line:

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WW Ladies Book Club Blurbs

Barbara Vey -- September 16th, 2011

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I’m still in Florida, but leaving today for San Diego to do a workshop with the local RWA chapter. Can’t wait to meet them all. In the mean time, I’ve had to use the internet in the library, so Joysann is posting the blurbs for me. Thanks so much Joysann! I’ll be back on schedule next week when I get home to Wisconsin and before I leave for the Ohio Conference.

Loretta

Quinn by Iris Johansen

Read by Loretta

A child, Bonnie, is abducted. Her mother, Eve, is desperately trying to find her and prays there is hope that she is still alive. Officer Joe Quinn enters the scene to help solve this ugly crime and falls in love with Eve in the process.

Quinn is a completely intriguing and terribly sad story about the abduction of a child. The narrative envelopes you, but part way through I realized this book is the second of a trilogy and wished that I had read the book entitled “Eve” to help me untangle the evil cast of characters. I definitely must go back to read the first book, “Eve” and am certainly awaiting the third novel of this trilogy entitled “Bonnie“, so I can complete this heart-rending, bizarre and engrossing story by Iris Johansen.

Heidi

Claim of Innocence by Laura Caldwell

E-book read by Heidi

Izzy MacNeil returns to attorney duties, thanks to her friend Maggie Bristol who needs her assistance, defending Valerie Solara who is accused of murdering her best friend. While working on the trial, her ex-fiancée Sam drops a bomb in her lap, which makes her question her relationship with her current boyfriend. Izzy’s life goes into overdrive while secrets keep getting uncovered around every corner.

Oh Izzy, how I have missed you!! I had a fantastic ride into the Chicago legal system, all with a fantastic red-headed lawyer at the helm. Love, passion, turmoil and murder: a lethal combination and I am one happy girl to have taken the ride.

Sharon

Viscount Breckenridge to the Rescue by Stephanie Laurens

Read by Sharon

Heather Cynster can’t stand the boring life of the ton—she wants a hero, but gets more than she bargained for when she attends a racy soiree. She is rescued from scandal, but in turn kidnapped for a reason not readily determined. Viscount Breckenridge, the bain of her existence, saves her from scandal but by doing so inadvertently allows her to be kidnapped. Now he must rescue her, but she is unwilling to be rescued until they find out why any of the Cynster sisters would satisfy the kidnapper.

Stephanie Laurens stories keep you absorbed in the story wondering what the twists and turns are going to be even though you are pretty sure of the eventual outcome. Viscount Breckenridge to the Rescue doesn’t fail the reader. Suspense, danger and a stubbornly brave and strong heroine add to the appeal of this book.

Ashley

The Perfect Kiss by Melody Thomas

Read by Ashley

Christel stole the perfect kiss from the man of her dreams, too bad that English society’s rules made courtship and marriage impossible. She was the bastard daughter of an Earl and he was the Earl of Carrick, so Christel watches as he marries her favorite cousin. Nine years later the Earl is widowed and with a young daughter. Christel comes back to be the governess for the girl but neither has forgotten that secret kiss, and they still burn for desire for each other but secrets from each other’s past threaten to ruin their second chance at love.

The Perfect Kiss is the perfect love story, full of secrets and treasures, and love and lost. This book was a delightful read that kept me entertained from the first page to the last page.

Sophie

Demon Song by Cat Adams

Read by Sophie

Celia Graves, a part Siren, part vampire woman tainted by a demon that makes her living as a bodyguard and loves all manners of gadgets and doohickeys that might prove useful in her career. She’s attacked by an ex-co-worker and tossed into a series of supernatural events including fighting demons and vampires, searching for powerful seashells (not to mention the only two people on the Earth that can make them work), and doing everything she can to help close a demonic rift—a split in the fabric of our world that opens a pathway for all sorts of monsters and demons to escape. Along the way, complications such as lovers, ex-lovers, 12 year old clients, traumatized friends, and magical wine keep Celia on her toes to the point of exhaustion. All she can hope is that she’ll be able to solve all of these problems and save the world at the same time—but no big deal, right?

Cat Adams has modified the world we live in today to accommodate all sorts of supernatural fantasies that will keep the reader enthralled until the very end. Demon Song includes snippets of everything one would hope for a book to contain—love, hate, suspense, drama, you name it! Be prepared to spend large amounts of time reading—you won’t want to put Demon Song down!

Shelby

Wedding Magic by Patricia Coughlin

Read by Shelby

Sophie Bennet has always been behind the scenes, the one that gets overlooked, but she is thrown into the limelight to plan a wedding at the gorgeous mansion Ange de la Mer. Sophie has her work cut out for her planning a wedding, with both a handsome, broody writer, who happens to own Ange de la Mer, to deal with and a ghost bride hell bent on making sure the wedding, and Sophie, leave “her” house for good. Sophie and Owen must overcome many obstacles in life, love, and a ghost in order to make a bride’s day perfect whilst trying to deal with the growing chemistry between the two of them.

This book was a story of old and new love, one which has lasted throughout time with bitter memories and one trying to overcome memories to grow. It’s a riveting story of how love affects life and can survive above all. A story that kept me entranced and begging for the end, to know what happens, and at the same time never wanting it to end!

joysann

Hunt the Moon by Karen Chance

Read by joysann

Clairvoyant Cassie Palmer just knows her upcoming coronation as Pythia isn’t going to go smoothly, though it doesn’t take her special talent to tell her so. Both the vampires and the mages want control of her, and the disputes and squabbles are constant. But efforts to eliminate her have gone so far that her greatest enemies try to prevent her even being born, which takes her and vampire lover Mircea on a wild chase through space and time.

This is a really fun and imaginative series and I’m always excited when a new book is released. The determined heroine and the sexy, powerful heroes make for a story that’s thrilling and enthralling. And best of all, or worst, Karen Chance has left fans like me in absolute limbo breathlessly waiting for the next terrific adventure.

Bottom Line: Seriously thinking of permanently moving to Florida as winter draws near in Wisconsin.

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