Monthly Archives: December 2012

Second Lisa by Veronica Knox

Posted on by
12

Second Lisa by Veronica Knox

 


Second Lisa by Veronica Knox is a novel in a class by itself. Many would say it is historical fiction, with contemporary and paranormal elements thrown in the mix. I would say that it is all of the above, but like the ‘Mona Lisa’, Second Lisa has some mysteries of its own! It is a very lyrical novel with some of the best descriptive passages that I have ever read. It is a book to be savored slowly or you will miss some remarkable bits of history and philosophy.

It is a story about two strong women. The first is Lisabetta Buti, Leonardo Da Vinci’s younger sister. She was a strong woman born into the wrong time period, fiercely loyal to her brother and just as talented. She is so full of passion and life. “I remained invisible even after my brother taught me his trade. He was the sun and I was always hard to see.”
She makes a promise to Leonardo that she would stay with him always, even after death. Lisabetta remains on earth after her death and her soul becomes a part of the famous ‘Mona Lisa’ portrait. “She envisioned herself as the center of attention, beset and acknowledged by admirers-the equal of her illustrious brother. A Principessa in her own right”.

The second woman is Veronica Lyons, the modern day woman who can possibly liberate Lisabetta from her prison between life and death. Veronica is a Dream Walker, she can revisit Lisabetta’s past memories and together they hope to figure out how to release Lisabetta from her existence in the portrait. Lisabetta adds that “a painting is as much a prison as a mental institution”.

The reader goes back and forth from the story of Leonardo and Lisabetta to the story of Veronica and her autistic son, Jupiter. There are many similarities between Jupiter and Leonardo da Vinci, leading us to believe that Leonardo had a form of autism. The plot is complex at times, but just go with the flow between the two worlds. I have never read such apt descriptions of the autistic world! “Artists require harmony, the autistic, require balance”.

Through Veronica’s dream travels, we learn more about the history of The ‘Mona Lisa’. The spirit of Lisabetta cannot leave the famous portrait. She learns to become adept at short term possession, but with Veronica it is different. She can leave the museum with any imprint of ‘Mona Lisa’. She must stay close to Veronica or she starts to find herself ‘thin’. Veronica is becoming overwhelmed with her dreams that she doesn’t understand at first.. Veronica knows that a book is in the making that will“A different me pushes my hand to write. I am in search of a link to Leonardo da Vinci. That is all that remains clear……” somehow serve Jupiter, and that she has been gifted the time to create it. Veronica can’t decide if she is losing her mind or finding it. Veronica writes the story of Leonardo da Vinci using his sister’s memories. During her dream travels, Veronica also falls in love with an artist that has been dead for hundreds of years!

The story continues with the history of both Lisabetta and Veronica’s families. Both families are intertwined with each other and share the same gifts. There is a possibility that they are related in some way. It’s heart wrenching to read the pain that each family has endured. Leonardo’s life history and accomplishments are fascinating, but I enjoyed reading about the two main women. I think women’s histories have been overlooked and I appreciated reading history from a female perspective. We are also told the story of the Real ‘Mona Lisa’. There is SO much information and various stories in this large novel, the only fault I might have is that at times it was overwhelming! I don’t mean that as a harsh criticism!   It was truly like standing in front of a Masterpiece and noticing all of the nuances that the artist painted into their work of art. I greatly enjoyed this interpretation of the life of Leonardo da Vinci and I appreciate all of the research Veronica Knox did in telling us this fascinating story. I won’t spoil the ending for any future readers, but I had to reread it several times. It was that good!  Enjoy!! 

 Copy was supplied by the author.

 Reviewed by Jules 

Share

An Interview with Nancy Jardine

Posted on by
11

An Interview with Nancy Jardine

The Reading Cafe is happy to welcome Nancy Jardine. Here is a short bio on Nancy.

Born and raised in Scotland, Nancy Jardine is an avid reader of many different genres. She now full-time writes in different genres which include: light-hearted contemporary romance, Celtic Britain historical romance, general women’s fiction, family saga, and time-travel fiction for children 9-12yrs. If, like Nancy, you are looking for a bit of escapism then you’ll find all that, and more, in her novels.

Let us begin our Interview with Nancy.

TRC: Nancy, we at the Reading Café would like to thank you for taking the time to answer our questions. Would you please tell us about yourself?

Nancy: I live in the village of Kintore, in the spectacular castle country of Aberdeenshire, north-east Scotland, where history of all kinds is a stones throw away. I’m an ex-primary teacher of mainly 11-12 year olds, but I gave up the chalk in 2011 to write full time. When not writing, or officially child-minding my 1 year old granddaughter two days a week, I tend my lovely weeds in my now neglected large garden. A few years ago I started to do serious ancestry research and find that absolutely fascinating. I’m glad my own handsome hero of a husband does the cooking, or these days I’d starve!

TRC: When and how did you first become interested in writing? 

Nancy: I always loved teaching creative writing in my classes, but my first ‘proper’ writing projects were 2 large non-fiction historical books which were published for school purposes.  A teacher resource book was written in 1999, and a comprehensive history book for Kintore School was written in 2005-my researches revealing that the village school amazingly dates back to the early 1500s. Those kick started my writing career.

TRC: What was your first book ever published?

Nancy: My first fiction novel-Monogamy Twist -was published by The Wild Rose Press in Aug 2011. This is my contemporary version of a weird Dickensian bequest of a slightly dilapidated estate in Yorkshire, England. This novel developed when I was watching a new B.B.C. series of Charles Dickens on TV, and concurrently doing the early ancestry research for my paternal family.

TRC: Have you always liked to write?  Please tell us your process in writing a novel.

Nancy: I always wanted to be a reader, but initially only wrote when necessary for teaching purposes. The urge to write for personal enjoyment only sneaked up on me after I had done the non-fiction work. I started off as a ‘pantser’ with my first novels, but then had to do a lot more planning for my ancestral mystery romances that have complex plots. I now initially tend to make a general timeline; a basic plot structure; I purchase inexpensive images for my characters from my favorite image sites (I use these for blog purposes and for my book trailer videos) and then I get started.

TRC:  You write contemporary romance and Historical novels.  Do you have a preference of the genre you like to write?  Is there any other genre you would like to try?

Nancy: I don’t really have a preference and I’m keen to try different genres and sub-genres. Though I loved creating my non-fiction works I’ve no plans to do any more non- fiction. To date I’ve written an action-packed adventure time-travel novel for children aged 10-12 years-Dabbling With Time-set locally in Kintore, where an intrepid trio travel back to the Roman invasion of the Emperor Severus in A.D. 210. I’ve started a second of this series. Two of my contemporary romances are what I call history/mysteries- Monogamy Twist and Topaz Eyes- where there’s a complex ancestral tree involved. The family members of the ‘tree’ have to be revealed to solve the central mystery. Take Me Now is a light-hearted contemporary romance-also with a mystery involved-where the heroine has to uncover a saboteur who is damaging the hero physically and also his businesses. My historical adventure, The Beltane Choice, is set in Celtic/Roman Britain of A.D.71 when the Romans invade the Brigantes territory. I’m presently writing a sequel to this. I’ve also started a family saga, beginning in the 1850s in Scotland, that’s loosely based on some of my ancestry research.

TRC:  How did you come up with the idea for The Beltane Choice?  Can you please tell us the premise of this story?

Nancy: In 2002-2004, there was an intensive archaeological dig undertaken on the land that was used to build a brand new school in my village of Kintore. The archaeologists discovered that the previous estimate of around 4000 Roman soldiers, encamped in a marching camp approximately A.D. 83, was probably inaccurate. New evidence showed that the area had been used 3 times by Roman Armies, and there had perhaps been 10000 men camped there. That dig was right across from my own garden, so I hope you can imagine how excited that made me! From that point on I was desperate to write a novel involving an invading Roman Army and the local Celtic population. I think you may have guessed I’ve always loved teaching Celtic/Roman history to my classes so it was a natural progression to move on to writing a romance set in those times.

To be totally different from my kid’s novel The Beltane Choice is located in what we’d now call the border areas between Scotland and England, in A.D.71-a critical time for the Celts of northern England. The Selgovae tribe’s territory was north of the border, and the Brigante lands to the south. A Brigante prince-Lorcan of Garrigill-captures a Selgovae princess-Nara of Tarras– and takes her back to his Celtic Settlement. Nara is used as a bargaining tool to ensure a stronger bond between the usually warring Celtic tribes when the might of the Roman Empire marches northwards in Brigante lands. The bargaining does not quite work out as simply as Lorcan plans and thwarts the development of their relationship. Nara has her own personal reasons for choosing her mate before the Beltane festival and finds herself in a real dilemma. Bloody war with the Romans causes untold grief and suffering- Lorcan is lost to her-but Nara’s determination and courage makes sure that situation changes!

TRC:  How much background research was required to write your novel?

Nancy: A lot of Celtic/Roman research was done generally during my teaching of the era, and I’ve accumulated lots of books. I’ve also visited many Celtic/ Roman visitor centers in Scotland and England and absorbed knowledge from that. I had to delve into specific Brigante and Selgovae research for The Beltane Choice, though there is actually almost no evidence written down about those tribes. Much of what is available was written by roman historians-like Tacitus- and has to be used with a ‘pinch of salt’.  A lot is then left to the imagination as to how the Celts actually lived. In The Beltane Choice I’ve used historical facts where suitable, but it’s mainly my interpretation of what I envisage as their lifestyle.

TRC: What are you currently working on?

Nancy: I’m currently working on a sequel to The Beltane Choice. My initial idea was to take on a particular character and tell that story. About 8k words into it I realized the time sequence would not work well enough. I abandoned that first draft, and started all over again with a different character from The Beltane Choice.

When I hit a road block with the above I pick up my saga and add more to that.

TRC:  Many writers discuss book ideas and information with a family member, a friend or another writer.  Who inspires you?  Do you have a muse?

Nancy: Unfortunately I have no-one who fits that category. One drawback of living in the countryside is that there are no writers groups nearby. I’ve largely done everything on my own till the editing stage of my books. I’m actively seeking either beta readers or a critique partner, since I appreciate their value to other writers I’ve come to know in Crooked{Cat}Publishing and The Wild Rose Press.

LIGHTNING ROUND:

FAVORITE FOOD: Spaghetti Bolognese

FAVORITE DESSERT: Scottish tablet

FAVORITE AUTHOR: Don’t have one. I like far too many, of many different genres.

FAVORITE BOOK: Pride and Prejudice

FAVORITE CHARACTER (NOT YOUR OWN): Jack Sparrow (and almost anything done by Johnny Depp)

LAST MOVIE YOU SAW: Fantastic Four with Ioan Gruffudd (a re-run on TV when I took a break from writing!)

Thank you, Nancy for answering our questions. The Reading Café wishes you the best of luck with The Beltane Choice. 

 

Share

The Beltane Choice by Nancy Jardine – a Review

Posted on by
17

The Beltane Choice by Nancy Jardine – a Review

 

The brief synopsis of The Beltane Choice by Nancy Jardine on Amazon intrigued me:  War in Celtic Britain (hey, I’ll learn something new!) and your basic love story (essential for me in ANY genre I read).  What I received at its conclusion was not only an amazing history lesson, but an ancient love story to rival Romeo and Juliet’s.  This is 1st century lore – I had to get into a different mindset; put on my “thinking cap”, if you will. 😉  As tragic events occurred throughout the book, it was the love story that captured me…as well as Nara…you’ll see how.

Lorcan, second son of Tully of Garrigill, and a prince of the Brigantes, unknowingly captures Nara of Tarras, but he has no idea she’s royalty.  She’s actually up a tree when he meets her, having run from a charging boar.  Lorcan offers assistance to kill the beast if she promises not to harm him upon gaining her safety. 

“Woman?  You tarry.  Agree, or I leave.” 

Heavy-handed much?  Without a doubt (wait till you meet Tully!).  As the principal envoy of his clanhold, Lorcan’s peaceful negotiation allows them to talk…more like walk…as Lorcan decides, so taken by Nara’s presence, to “keep” her.  Nara picks and chooses her battles along the way; Lorcan has his work cut out for him.  As a warrior herself, Nara maintains tight-lipped so as not to endanger her land of Selgovae.  Just wait till Lorcan gets a hold of those lips, though!

The vocabulary was an education in and of itself.  It was almost too much of a distraction (thank you, Kindle, for your indispensable knowledge of Old English terminology).  Can you believe I wasn’t sure I’d read a scene of intimacy; so swept up was I by her narrative!  One minute I suspected ministrations were underway (you can’t misinterpret Lorcan’s hand under Nara’s tunic), but then I was sure I misread it.  The next few lines had Lorcan squeezing Nara’s naked body along the length of his!  I re-read it, chided myself for misreading the scene, as it was central to how affected Nara was by Lorcan; he had her (US) swooning before she could even identify the feeling.  A testament, I believe, to Ms. Jardine’s writing skill – her careful selection of words enhanced the imagery and scenery of the setting.  Through her descriptions, I could nearly feel the thin braids at Lorcan’s temples, hear Tully’s obstinacy and absorb the Celtic pride gathering to fend off the marauding Roman forces.  Just magical!

Once Lorcan ascertained Nara’s rank of princess, he decided to take her home to Garrigill, with a secret plan yet undisclosed.  Terrified of being in enemy territory, Nara stays at his side (which only makes him deliriously pleased.  Men!  😀  Nara is seated at Tully’s privileged table (to everyone’s dismay as she was brought in a captive), she’s donned Tully’s late wife’s gown (at Tully’s request), Lorcan is serving her pieces of roasted meat he so delicately sliced (those hands, I tell you!) and bringing his own cup to her lips from which to quench her thirst!  Is it just me or is this a wedding banquet?!  He’s not an utter brute…WAIT!  Is Lorcan going to speak?

“This woman here will merely be the device, the excuse both tribes require to convene together.  Princess Nara has no husband.  This we shall use to our advantage.”

OUCH.  What a cad!  Lorcan had already demonstrated the ability to be gentle and empathetic.  Would it have killed him to spare Nara the technicalities of the arrangement (not to mention the condescending tone!)?  I’m sure Nara will be allowed some payback – forgive my colloquialism, Ms. Jardine!  And what punishment it is.  As a result of his brilliant plan, Tully then allows ALL the princes of Garrigill (and visiting chiefs) to become contenders for Nara’s hand in marriage!  Now who’s rankled beyond measure?!

I’m not sure if I took the “right” angle in this review because what I just described isn’t as flippant as I intended; it actually involves great loss.  But the love story made me swoon and I had to impart its effect on me.  As cliché as it sounds (my husband actually laughed at me!), the language of love transcends all time.  This coupling wasn’t resistant due to previous paramours or whims that we normally encounter in romance books, no.  Lorcan and Nara are ancient-century Romeo and Juliet come from rival clans who harbor enmity of unreal proportions.  I have but given you a simple sampling of what fate awaits Nara as she struggles between love and loyalty.

Will a charry choice make Nara happy?  HA…it means cautious!  I’ve signed up for Old English 101,

Reviewed by Carmen

 

Share

Marcie Marcie Marcie

Posted on by
13

Marcie Marcie Marcie

Tickle Your Fancy is one of our Themes. Since The Reading Cafe is a place we can all hang out, while we drink our coffee or sip our margaritas, the talk of everything books can lead to funny stuff when we are having fun. Since we have been enjoying this feature…It is time for another Marcie…

 

It’s The Most Wonderful Time of the Year!!

It’s that time of year again, my favourite time of the year actually, Christmas.  So not only am I busy getting ready for the holidays at home, but also at work and there I work with kids, the wee one’s.  So you can probably imagine what kind of chaos is ensuing for me as we inch closer and closer to Santa’s annual visit.  I enjoy all the hussle and bustle of getting ready for Christmas not only at home, but at work too.   The kids love the Christmas season in my room, I’m just like one of them when it comes to Christmas and all the fun.   I even have various Christmas hats I rotate between daily to entertain the kids and my co-workers.  One elf hat even sings.  My co-workers love that one. 😉

So when I pulled out my Christmas decorations it didn’t take long for my room to look like Santa’s Elves and his workshop had thrown up in my room.  Tinsel, red ribbons, stuffed reindeers and santas were everywhere.  Heck they were even decorating themselves. They were looking more like the Christmas tree then my tree was. They were having a good time, albeit it a messy one, but it’s Christmas.  Needless to say I was able to restore some order, get the room and tree decorated with their help.

Now decorating the room is only one step on having fun for Christmas with me and the kids. I love doing crafts with them. So we’ve started Christmas crafts and we’ve been making playdough ornaments this week.  Of course after you make and dry them it’s decorating time.  Glue, paint and sparkles were everywhere.  By the time Christmas is over I’ll be number 1 on the caretakers hit list. LOL!!!!  For anyone who’s ever dealt with sparkles and crafts you know what I mean. I’ll be finding sparkles in June at this rate. They just go everywhere and stick to everything. Not to mention for some reason kids love to paint and sparkle themselves too.  I swear I needed a tub yesterday to clean up just the kids.  LOL!!!!

Next on the Christmas  fun list; baking Gingerbread Men.  I can only imagine what will happen then.  If last weeks cookie making activity is any indication I’m in for a fun and messy time.  A couple of my kids thought the dough was like the playdough and decided to mush it and mold it and just play with it.  Then of course they decided to taste it and ate some of it.  I think they played and ate more of it then we made cookies.  But that’s kids for you, what fun is baking if you don’t taste any of the dough.  I know I always did, heck I still do.  😉  We did manage to make an even dozen cookies even though the recipe called for 16, so that wasn’t too bad.  Surprisingly they tasted good too.  Yes I’m a brave soul, I even tried the cookies we made after they had their grubby little hands all over the dough.  LOL!!!

Yes I’m a big kid when it comes to Christmas and working with a group of wee one’s is the perfect place for me this time of year. I should sign off now and go surf the net for more fun Christmas ideas that me and the kids can do over the next few weeks before we break for the holidays.  Hmmm, maybe I should also look for a safety vest in case the caretaker comes looking for me.  LOL!!!

Merry  Christmas and Happy Holidays everyone.  See you in the New Year!

Marcie

Share

A Soul for Chaos by Crista McHugh – a Review

Posted on by
16

A Soul for Chaos by Crista McHugh – a Review

 

Description:
Life is dull without a little Chaos.

Trouble is more than just a nickname for Arden Soulbearer. It seems to follow her wherever she goes. And no one knows this better than her protector, Devarius Tel’Brien.

Dev thought that by moving Arden to Gravaria so she could learn how to control Loku, the chaos god whose soul inhabits her body, life would be simpler. Wrong. Not only is he continually torn between his duty and his growing feelings for the Soulbearer, but he also has to contend with the rival prince who wishes to claim her heart. Adding to his problems, a group of powerful mages have banded together to rid the world of the disembodied chaos god once and for all. Of course, that means they have to destroy Arden in the process.

 

Review:

A Soul for Chaos by Crista McHugh is her 2nd book in her Soulbearer Trilogy.

As we find out in A Soul for Trouble (Book 1 in the Soulbearer Trilogy), Arden, aptly nicknamed Trouble, was in the wrong place at the wrong time, and is now possessed by Loku, the God of Chaos.  Well, his soul anyway.  His body was destroyed long ago.  So, in order to carry on, his soul inhabits a mortal and ends up driving them insane in time.  And, if the “soulbearer” is killed, Loku must possess the body closed to him, or be lost forever.  But he has decided he likes Arden.  She is a witch untrained in how to use her powers and wants to keep her and will do all in his power, most of the time, to prevent her from being killed.

A Soul for Chaos begins with Arden needing to return to Gravaria with her protector, Dev, in order to begin her training.  Not only does she need to work on her powers, but also learn how to control Loku.  Prince Kell has fallen in love with Trouble and doesn’t want her to leave, but she knows she must.  Together the night before they are to leave for Gravaria, an earthquake occurs and, if not for her magic, she and the Prince would have both been killed.  Unfortunately, someone wants Arden and Loku dead and they’re pulling out all of the stops to see that come to fruition.

Arden, Dev and Prince Kell start a long voyage across the sea to Gravaria.  There is another attempt on Arden’s life during the voyage.  Thankfully Dev dives in and is able to save her.  If only he were brave enough to admit to himself, and to Arden, his true feelings for her.  But he has a duty to fulfill and as a Knight of Gravaria, he will continue to protect Arden, not matter the cost personally.

Gravaria is supposed to be the safest place for Arden.  She begins her training and everyone soon discovers that Gravaria isn’t as safe as first thought.  Thankfully, Arden’s powers are developing at a fast rate.  Because she’s going to need them.  There is a play for power amongst the Gods and Arden is caught in the middle.  There is also a play for Arden’s heart.  A prince or a knight?  Decisions, decisions………..

A Soul for Chaos is another great story by Crista McHugh.  I love the way she writes.  The story starts on page one and builds at a very readable pace.  Arden is surrounded by very well written characters that don’t get lost along the way.  There is a little humor and a little mystery.  And yes, a little heartbreak.  I look forward to the third and final book in this trilogy.  Crista McHugh is quickly turning out to be one of my must read authors.

Reviewed by Vickie  

Copy provided by Author

Share

The Truth about Dandelions by Hayley Linfield – a Review

Posted on by
11

The Truth about Dandelions by Hayley Linfield – a Review

 

Whoa…pretty intense beginning.  A used, discarded condom too close to your face after a night of getting too close to a stranger?  Sadly, it wasn’t an unfamiliar sight to Mara.  The Truth about Dandelions by Hayley Linfield was a dark yet enlightening journey into the life of a troubled soul.  I cringed several times, Mara’s impulse control was so volatile, but prying my eyes was impossible.  The path was set, I followed Mara’s lead and I never got lost.

Raised in the town of Nameless (a suburb of Toronto, Canada – MUST find out if this place is real!), Mara is the only daughter of a Presbyterian minister and her mother, the dutiful wife of a minister.  The spiritual element is so prevalent in Mara’s upbringing; it is the backbone of the story.  We’ve all heard the whispers to be wary of the children of religious leaders; the quiet ones are the most rebellious.  Mara not only epitomizes that stereotype, but she delves into her most personal reflections and memories, and Ms. Linfield gives us her heroine’s gritty truth.

“What a weak, human idea it is to try to indoctrinate a child without giving an explanation, without allowing questions.” 

Mara didn’t mean to follow blindly.  Her parents just didn’t think it was necessary to tell “whole” truths.  Problem with those pesky half-truths is facing those convictions.  Learning about infidelity from your once self-contained mother’s curses (and dish-breaking), about the father you idealized/idolized who is preaching about savior and redemption…well…it just doesn’t foster believability.

Unfortunately, because Mara is really quite an extraordinary woman with intriguing thoughts and a contemplative nature, her past and its influence of negativity, manifests itself into destructive behavior.  While Mara is able to discern 19th century English literature (working on her thesis no less), and is adept at philosophizing on monogamy and religion, she travels a downward spiral of promiscuity, alcohol abuse and detachment.  A highly-functioning sociopath, if you will.

“How silly of me to feel clever about something so unimportant.  How bizarre that we can be so smart in certain aspects of our lives and so stupid in other ways.  I instinctively know where North is in a strange city and I can analyze the hell out of novels written two hundred years ago, but I can’t manage to put my own insignificant life into any semblance of perspective.”     

Death is another theme running rampant in this book.  We can all relate on some level, but Mara’s experiences are of epic proportions.  Ms. Linfield delivers a sequence of events that leaves little doubt as to the chaos in Mara’s head.  No wonder she hides, no wonder she dwells, no wonder she’s a wreck.  A wreck I say?  Would you believe Mara is involved in a car wreck?  Oddly enough, this fateful wreck brings forth a “reboot” of sorts.  Jack, the driver of the vehicle that strikes Mara, becomes a catalyst for this new perception.  He’s unlike anyone she’s met before, but her obsessive personality is no easy match for his passivity.  When Jack (or practically any other person) showed Mara a modicum of respect or care, she elevated the act to unreal levels.  Mara said one person treated her like a queen, but to any one of us, he was just a decent guy who enjoyed talking to her.  Truth is each exchange was a first; every interaction was unrivaled because no one had ever shown her genuine affection before.  It was maddening to me to hear Mara’s fearful thoughts:  Why isn’t Jack coming on to me?  Why can’t Jack take me to bed?  Oh, there’s a reason, but I won’t spoil it for you.  Jack’s opinion of Mara really matters and you root for her to keep composure.  Don’t mess this up, Mara!!!

As disorderly as Mara may be with her poor judgment, lingering phobias and overanxious conduct, she is a product of her environment and that environment reeked.  I did not anticipate the life-altering consequence Mara faced (I literally covered my eyes like a child while I read a HUGE reveal because my heart feared the reaction) and that may have peeved me.  Was it a necessary evil?  I would have preferred permanent adjustments prior to major commitments.  Vague-speak enough?  There’s no way I’m ruining this for you!   

This is the hardest part about writing reviews:  How much do I disclose to pique the reader’s interest?  If I haven’t accomplished that by now, TRC may be in search of a new contributor.  JK!  Dandelions are considered weeds; the nuisance of any garden.  Mara loves them.  They remind her of a once-happy home, her mom playing Liszt on the piano, her father’s sermon winding down in his best diminuendo.  Best of all, they’re resilient.  It is not an easy read, lots of squirming and exasperation, but an honest and hopeful one simultaneously.    

“Have you been here a while?” I ask, nodding my head at his beer.

“No actually.  Less than ten minutes I’d say.”  He looks at his mostly empty beer bottle and laughs.  “I guess I’m thirsty.  Or maybe nervous.  I was watching for you,” he says, nodding at the view of George Street.  “Don’t know how I missed you.”

“Guess I slipped past you.”

“Yeah, I don’t want that to happen.”

“Me neither,” I say, meeting his eyes.

Awwww…..well done, Ms. Linfield!  I look forward to much more from you.

Reviewed by Carmen

Copy provided by author

Share

Cover Reveals December 6, 2012

Posted on by
3

Cover Reveals December 6, 2012



TITLE: Bound

AUTHOR: Elisabeth Naughton

SERIES: Eternal Guardians

RELEASE DATE; N/A

HERO: Titus

 

 

 

 

 

 

TITLE: For Whom The Spell Tolls

AUTHOR: H.P. Mallory

SERIES: Dulcie O’Neill

RELEASE DATE: N/A

 

 

 

TITLE:  The Girl With the Iron Touch

AUTHOR:  Kady Cross

SERIES:  Steampunk Chronicles

RELEASE DATE:  May 2013

 

 

 

 

TITLE: Enemy Mine

AUTHOR: Katie Reus

SERIES: Shifters

RELEASE DATE: February 2013

 

 

 

 

TITLE: Love Irresistibly

AUTHOR: Julie James

SERIES: FBI/US Attorney #4

RELEASE DATE: April 2013

 

 

 

 

TITLE: Falling Blind

AUTHOR: Shannon K. Butcher

SERIES: The Sentinel Wars

RELEASE DATE: April 2013

 

 

 

 

TITLE: As Twilight Falls

AUTHOR: Amanda Ashley

SERIES: N/A

RELEASE DATE: May 2013

 

 

 

 

TITLE:  The Outcast Prince

AUTHOR:  Shona Husk

SERIES:  Annwyn

RELEASE DATE:  July 2013 

 

 

 

 

TITLE: Hungry Like a Wolf

AUTHOR: Christine Warren

SERIES: The Others

RELEASE DATE: June 2013

 

 

 

 

TITLE: Antigoddess

AUTHOR: Kendare Blake

SERIES: N/A

RELEASE DATE: September 2013

 

 

 

 

TITLE:  Dream Eyes

AUTHOR:  Jayne Ann Krentz

SERIES:  Dark Legacy

RELEASE DATE:  January 2013

 

 

 

 

 

TITLE: Nightblade

AUTHOR: JC Daniels (Shiloh Walker)

SERIES: Colbana Files #2

RELEASE DATE: March 2013

 

 

 

TITLE: Kiss of Temptation

AUTHOR: Sandra Hill

SERIES: Deadly Angels #3

RELEASE DATE: March 2013

 

 

 

 

TITLE: Fiery Edge of Steel

AUTHOR: Jill Archer

SERIES: Noon Onyx

RELEASE DATE: May 2013

Share

An Interview with Alyssa Day

Posted on by
15

An Interview with Alyssa Day

The Reading Cafe is thrilled to welcome the wonderful Alyssa Day as our guest today.

Alyssa has just released Heart of Atlantis, her final book in her The Warriors of Poseidon series. We posted our review of Heart of Atlantis yesterday.  As we noted in the review, we are hoping that Alyssa will continue in the future to give us more stories of the men and women we have come to love.

Let’s begin our interview with Alyssa.

Hi Alyssa.  Thank you for taking the time to answer some questions today. As you are one of our favorite authors, it is a pleasure to have you back again at The Reading Café.

Alyssa: Thank you! I love you, too!

TRC: For those who are new to you, would you like to tell us a little bit about yourself?

Alyssa: I’m a recovering trial lawyer who is now a full-time novelist. I rescue dogs, travel and live all over the world, and have an inexcusable fondness for cheesy horror and sci-fi movies.

TRC: You also write as Alesia Holliday.  Are you still writing as Alesia, and can you tell us what you like to write about under that name?

Alyssa:  I wrote my nonfiction, my mystery, and my romantic comedies as Alesia. I may write more mysteries!

TRC: What is your writing process?  Do you have a specific place or time of day you like to write?

Alyssa:  It changes daily. I have 2 kids and 2 dogs and am a Navy wife, so I have to work around being a single mom most of the time.

TRC:  We love your interaction with fans on Twitter and Facebook.  Do you think this has changed how authors promote their books, by allowing themselves to be more accessible?  Do you think there is a downside to this, with some authors receiving negative postings?

Alyssa:  I have had a few strange interactions – the other day, when I had a 104 degree fever (strep throat for a WEEK now!) and was live-tweeting a horribly bad movie called Congo (which I made very clear I was doing) about killer zombie gorillas, as far as I can tell, a woman tweeted me that it was horrible for me to make jokes about such beautiful creatures as gorillas, and the Republic of the Congo didn’t like it, either. I apologized to both gorillas and the Republic of the Congo, but made it clear, again, that I’d been talking about the terrible movie, not actual gorillas.

Also, a woman who claims to be Atlantean frequently emails me with Poseidon’s thoughts about what’s wrong with my books (Poseidon is her friend and hangs out in her living room.)  I appreciate the insights, but since I don’t personally know any gods, I have to continue to write fiction, not historical nonfiction, about Atlantis.

I adore talking to readers, especially on Twitter, which is like the water-cooler conversation I used to have as a trial lawyer.  Honestly, the only downside is that there are a few people who feel entitled to demand things from authors, since we’re so accessible, and that can be frustrating.  We’re doing the best we can to keep the books coming, everyone, but sometimes international moves to Japan, historic international disasters and evacuations, and family illnesses can get in the way of spending 24/7 writing that next book.


TRC:  It is December, and Heart of Atlantis is here. Please tell us how you feel about closing the Arc of Warriors of the Poseidon?  How hard was it for you to close this series, and end with Quinn & Alaric?

Alyssa:  I actually cried several times writing the book.  It is exactly what I planned, nearly seven long years ago, when I dreamed up this series, and all of my warriors get their stories wrapped up beautifully, but there is a scene with Quinn and Jack that made me cry hard, hot tears, and there are several scenes with Alaric that made me cry.  Also, Conlan gives a speech near the end of the book that made me cry.  I’ve lived with them for nearly seven years. I will be writing a few novellas about some of the characters, so it wasn’t a complete goodbye, but it was still bittersweet.  Time to say goodbye, and time to move on to something new!

Heart of Atlantis Order Links: Amazon / Barnes & Noble / The Bookdepository

TRC:  The popularity of all your Warriors has been great, but perhaps since their story has been a long time coming, there has been a special bond for readers waiting for Alaric & Quinn’s story.  Why do you think this happened?

Alyssa:  They were the ultimate in forbidden love; the dark, tortured high priest, and the damaged rebel leader with secrets of her own.  You could feel the spark between them instantly—they started out with a conflagration!—and readers wanted to know their story.

TRC: At some point, you had mentioned this was the end of the first arc in Warriors of the Poseidon.  You have said that you plan on doing some novellas on Denal, Reissen & a Christmas story with the ladies.  Will we see novellas to allow us to visit our favorites again, or would you ever considering doing another arc?

Alyssa: Yes, definitely novellas.  Not sure about another arc.  Currently working on the League of the Black Swan, my new series, and I have 3 other new projects queued up and ready to work on in 2013!

TRC:  Since we follow you on Twitter and Facebook, we have heard that Jack will get his own series.  Is this true, and if so, what can you tell us about it?  Also, when can we expect this to start?

Alyssa:  I can’t give details yet. I learned my lesson on that one when I HORRIBLY underestimated the time it would take me to figure out the indie venture for Alejandro’s Sorceress.

TRC:  When you last visited us, you talked a bit about your new series, The League of the Black Swan.  Can you please tell us the latest on this new series?

Alyssa: The first book, THE CURSED, will be out 5/13, and it’s SO EXCITING!!  The series follows Luke and Rio and their continuing adventures in Bordertown, a secret part of  Manhattan that exists on an interdimensional fold between the human, Fae, and demon worlds.

A novella in the series, The Curse of the Black Swan, also releases in May, in the anthology ENTHRALLED, with Lora Leigh, Lucy Monroe, and Meljean Brook.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

TRC:  What are you currently working on?  Would you consider writing a different genre? Would you like to add anything else?

Alyssa:  I am putting final touches on the two League of the Black Swan books and FINALLY, FINALLY, figuring out how to post Alejandro’s Sorceress before my readers drive to my house and make me walk the plank.

I have SECRET NEWS about a new genre that I’ll be able to tell you in 2013!  Also, when I write Jack’s stories, those will be urban fantasy and not traditional romance.  Think if Harry Dresden and Sookie Stackhouse had a love child!


LIGHTNING ROUND 

Favorite Food: potatoes and pasta – I’m Irish and Italian!

Favorite Dessert: Pumpkin pie!

Favorite TV show: Too many to count but The Walking Dead is up there at the top!

Favorite Movie: Lord of the Rings – I can’t wait for the Hobbit!!!

Dark or Milk Chocolate: Dark, but I’d rather have nachos 🙂

Favorite Author: Too many to count!

Favorite Literary Character (male & female) not your own:  too many to count!


Thank you, Alyssa for answering our questions. We wish you the best of luck with Heart of Atlantis, and your new League of the Black Swan series.  We look forward to working with you again in the future. 

If you want to learn more about Alyssa, you can find her at the following links:

Website: http://www.alyssaday.com/
Blog:
Facebook:
Twitter:
Goodreads:
Alyssa has graciously offered to give two members of The Reading Café a chance to win two books in her Warriors of Poseidon series…“Atlantis Rising” and “Heart of Atlantis”.

1.  You must be a member at The Reading Cafe. If you are not a member, please register using the Log-In at the top of the page, or by using one of our social log-ins.

2.  If you are using a social log-in e.g. Twitter, please leave your email address along with your comment.

3.  Giveaway open to U.S. or Canada only

4.  Contest runs from December 6th – December 9th..

Share