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DISCLAIMER:

I do not read every book/author I spotlight or book tour I host!
Readers, Please research and use wisdom before buying

Saturday, November 28, 2015

#SaturdaySpotlight: Niki Turner & Santiago Sol

Good Morning!

I pray your Thanksgiving was blessed and happy and, you survived any shopping you did yesterday LOL!

Back in October I introduced you to a brand new (to PBG) author Niki Turner and a sneak peek into her book, Santiago Sol. We gave away a copy of the book then. Well, today you'll get even more of Santiago Sol and we're giving away another copy!

So....enjoy....

When a beloved elderly friend in hospice care makes one final request, Tansy Chastain can't refuse, even though returning an heirloom to the patriarch of a powerful Chilean family will take her halfway around the globe. When she's robbed at the airport, a handsome Santiago businessman comes to her rescue. Sebastian Sandoval decides escorting a lovely American for a few days is a perfect distraction from his grandfather's growing pressure to find a lost family treasure. But even as Tansy breathes new life into Sebastian’s jaded perspective, the secrets they are keeping put them in the path of a dangerous, and desperate enemy.  Revealing the truth to each other now will destroy their growing relationship, but if they don’t, those secrets may destroy their lives.


Excerpt:  
Sebastian’s mouth tightened. He’d seen her hands shake, noticed the way she tensed every time the plane shuddered or groaned or bumped through turbulence. It was part of the reason he’d engaged her in conversation. In his experience, distracting the poor souls he encountered who were afraid of flying was often the only way to ease their constant tension. Now he wondered if her trip would end in a greater disaster. For the most part, Chile was a safe nation in terms of violent crime, but he doubted this young woman would make it from the baggage carousel to a taxi with all her belongings intact.
¿Hablas español?
She faced him, and he acknowledged with surprise the sudden, low hum of attraction. He’d already appreciated the swing of her hair—a rich, buttery shade of caramel with golden highlights—and the delicate shape of her profile, but he hadn’t paid much attention otherwise. Sebastian had dated Brazilian models, Argentinian heiresses, and a few Mexican television stars, but he’d never been drawn to any American women, due, he surmised, to a lifetime of negative references to his American-born mother.
This woman was pretty in a quiet sort of way. Not the sultry beauty he was usually attracted to. The wide eyes she turned on him were a bright, quirky hazel, the kind that reflected everything from her feelings to her fashion choices. They were set in a pixie face with small features and smooth, pale skin. Her cheeks were flushed—because she was nervous, or too warm, he didn’t know—but the effect ratcheted the hum into a buzz at the base of his skull.
“I don’t,” she replied. “I took two years in high school, but it didn’t stick with me. I think you have to be around a language all the time to really become fluent in it.”
He had to blink twice to remember what he’d asked her.
“I’m sure it will be all right. America tends to be the only country where its populace speaks one language,” she continued.
The flight attendant returned, this time to present options for the main course.
Sebastian chose the beef, with a glass of Chilean Merlot. He’d been raised on a vineyard. Not having wine with dinner was tantamount to blasphemy.
She selected the beef entrée and a soda, and when the flight attendant moved down the aisle she faced him and grinned. “You’re a miracle worker! I think I’ve found my appetite. I hate to fly, and you distracted me. Thank you,” she said.
De nada. You’ve made an otherwise boring flight more enjoyable.”
The flush on her cheeks deepened to a dark rose, and she fiddled with her napkin. “What about you? Are you headed home?”
Home. The word slammed into his gut like a cannonball. His quest had been an abject failure. Of his grandfather’s two qualifications for claiming his inheritance, Sebastian was stymied on both counts. The walking stick was still missing, and Sebastian was still unmarried. He’d hoped that finding the walking stick would make up for his lack of a wife. Now, he had neither.
When the main course arrived, the woman beside him prayed over her food, which prompted him to bow his own head. He thought of the conversation he needed to have with his grandfather and felt deflated. He glanced at the woman beside him. Perhaps it was time for an uncharted detour. If he could protect a naïve young woman from harm in the process, all the better.
“I’m at loose ends for a few days. Would you allow me the honor of introducing you to my country?”
Her eyes widened. “I... I don’t know. I mean, I don’t even know your name.
“Sebastian. Sebastian MacKenna.” The name was out of his mouth before he could reconsider.
“MacKenna? Is that a Scottish name?”
“Irish. My great-great-grandfather emigrated to Chile in the 1800s,” he replied. “You haven’t answered my question, or told me your name.”
She smiled. “Tansy Chastain.”
Mucho gusto, Tansy Chastain. Pleased to meet you.” He lifted her hand and brushed his lips across her knuckles in the European fashion.
“Please don’t take this the wrong way, Sebastian,” she said, “But I’m not sure I feel comfortable keeping company with someone I just met.”
Sebastian leaned back. “No offense taken.” He raised his almost untouched glass of wine. “I hope you will find Chile a hospitable nation. But please take care.”


Santiago Sol can be purchased at Pelican Book Group and Amazon.

About the Author....

Niki Turner is a novelist, journalist, blogger, and the production manager for the Rio Blanco Herald Times weekly newspaper, one of the oldest continuously operating newspapers in Colorado. Her first completed manuscript earned second place in the Touched By Love 2009 contemporary category romance contest. She also blogs at www.nikiturner.net and is a co-blogger at www.inkwellinspirations.com.

Niki is a Colorado native who grew up in Glenwood Springs—home of the world’s largest hot springs pool. She married her high school sweetheart 25 years ago. They have four children, four grandchildren, and two West Highland White Terriers.

In 2014, she published “Sadie’s Gift” as one of the Christmas Traditions novella collection with eight other authors.  The Skiing Suitor, one of the Love’s Sporting Chance series published by Forget-Me-Not Romances, released in August 2015. 

Connect with Nikki on Facebook, Twitter: @NikiTurner716, Pinterest and Linked In.


Hope you enjoyed today's spotlight! Remember to leave a comment with your email address so you can be entered in the drawing for a copy of the book.

Come back often for more Tuesday Treasures, Thursday Thoughts and Saturday Spotlights!

PamT



Thursday, November 26, 2015

#ThursdayThoughts: #HolidayRomanceAndRecipes!

Good Morning and Happy Thanksgiving!

A group of authors and I are doing a Holiday Romance and Recipe blog exchange so I thought what better way to start than with a recipe that includes cranberry shared by Linda McLaughlin/Lyndi Lamont....

Photo by belchonock from depositphotos.com

The holidays are almost upon us, which means lots of opportunities to overeat! Holiday potlucks are a staple of the season, and if you’re looking for an easy recipe, I have one to share. Like me, it’s a little sweet and a little tart, fairly low-calorie, dairy free, nut free and gluten free. (Unless you doctor it up, that is.)

Lyndi's Cranberry-Blueberry Delight

Ingredients:
1 14 oz. can of Whole Berry Cranberry Sauce
1 package of fresh small blueberries (about 4 oz.)
1 cup of golden raisins

Mix, chill and serve. That's it!

The recipe serves 8-10 ladies. (The attached photo doesn't reflect the full recipe. It's what is left over after a couple of days of snacking on it.) I’ve also spread it on turkey sandwiches in lieu of regular cranberry sauce.

Since it's so simple, it's easy to experiment. Add nuts for crunch or sweeten to taste, if it's too tart. I'm thinking about adding some of those little marshmallows next time for color and sweetness.


And if you’re looking for a bargain boxed set for holiday reading, may I suggest Hearts and Heroes?
**Linda/Lyndi normally writes erotic or "hot" romance so check the heat rating before you buy.**

What do a cowboy, a biker, a pilot, a P.I. and a race-car driver have in common? They are the heroes of the new Hearts and Heroes Boxed Set of Five Contemporary Romances.

Books included:

THE COLTON CREEK COWBOY by Patricia Thayer
On the run… and right into a cowboy’s arms.
Stalked by an ex-boyfriend, Tori Slater escapes to the family’s homestead cabin in Wyoming where she meets the property’s caretaker. An ex-cop, Logan McNely wants a solitary life so he can forget his past, but finds he’s now protecting this intriguing woman. To save Tori, he has to save himself first before they can have a future together.

THE BAD BOY NEXT DOOR by Mindy Neff
She's thirty, single and on a husband hunt and her bad boy neighbor is definitely not on her list!

Hallie Fortune wanted to marry a safe, boy-next-door type of man. Her real neighbor, bad boy, ex-Marine, single-parent, Cody Brock, would never do. But suddenly, every time she had a date, Cody was there--at her house, at the restaurant, even at the grocery store! If Hallie didn't know better, she'd think Cody was sabotaging her husband hunt. And bringing his baby daughter along as an accomplice.

THAT WILDER MAN by Gillian Doyle
Max is back to save his hometown from a flood, only to be confronted by his past and the woman who betrayed him.

As teenagers, Max "Wildman" Wilder and his girlfriend Liza Jane had raised their share of hell--in town and in bed. Then Liza Jane betrayed him. Now richer and wiser, Max has come home. But he had no intention of giving Liza Jane another chance to break his heart.

THE RELUCTANT NERD by Sandra Paul
Going undercover can change a man in unexpected ways...
Concerned about nerdy Simon Primes' total lack of confidence, scientist Ernestine St. Bennett is determined to enhance his masculinity--and thus his social ease--by applying the principles used in her studies of fish. Little does Ernie know Simon is really Sam Pierce in disguise...and that no enhancement is needed!

WORTH THE RISK by Lyn O'Farrell
A publicity-shy librarian falls for a sexy single dad with a scandalous past, but is love Worth the Risk?

Children's librarian Amanda Lloyd values privacy above all else… until she meets a sexy single dad with a scandalous past.

Ex-racer Mitch Delaney’s life has been plastered across the tabloids more than once. But he believes that anything worth doing is worth a risk, and he wants Amanda in his life. Can he convince her to take a chance on love?
Buy links:



About The Author:

Lyn O'Farrell is the writing team of Anne Farrell and Linda McLaughlin. Their romance novel, WORTH THE RISK, was a finalist in RWA's prestigious Golden Heart contest and was first published in paperback under the title PRIVATE AFFAIR by Kensington Precious Gems. Anne and Linda live in sunny Southern California, the inspiration for the fictional town of Santa Elena.

Connect with them online:


Linda’s website: http://lindalyndi.com

Anne’s website: http://annefarrellwriter.com



Wow..if you enjoy spicy (ie: hot, erotic) romance then this set is for you!

Hope you enjoyed the recipe and I pray your Thanksgiving Day is blessed and happy.

Until next time...take care, God bless and remember....An attitude of gratitude will get you farther in life than one of anger and strife!

Something to think about....
Inspirational with an Edge! ™

Tuesday, November 24, 2015

#TuesdayTreasure: Guest Post by Jacqueline Seewald

Good Morning and Welcome to Tuesday Treasure!

This is the time of year when we pause and give thanks for all we hold dear and I just want to take a moment to THANK each and every one of YOU who follow my blog. I pray your week is blessed and your Thanksgiving celebration the best it's ever been!

Today's guest is a friend and fellow Five Star author who shares with us something she treasures...

Time for Thanksgiving by Jacqueline Seewald

Pam has asked me to write about something I treasure. As we approach our national Thanksgiving holiday, this seems particularly appropriate.

First and foremost, I treasure my husband, my children and my grandchildren. I treasure good health. I also treasure the fact that I am now able to be a full-time writer.

In novels, I write romantic mysteries and romances with a touch of mystery. I’ll talk a bit about my most recent novels.

DARK MOON RISING, an adult paranormal romance from Luminosity, is available in All e-book formats and print. Check out reviews on Amazon: http://www.amazon.com/dp/B00Z7824A4/

“This novel delves into the world of the paranormal with incredible suspense and romantic intrigue.” Patricia Gligor

“Dark Moon Rising is an intriguing story that combines supernatural mystery, suspense and romance in an exciting brew.” K.G. McCullough

“Seewald’s well-written novel keeps readers guessing to the very end.”
 Susan Coryell

“Dark Moon Rising is a gripping story that will have you turning pages until the surprising outcome.” Nancy J. Cohen

“…a suspenseful, bang-up denouement that will keep readers breathing hard even more than with the steamy sex scenes.” Nancy Means Wright

It is also available through the publisher Luminosity:


itunes:


B&N Online:


and


*****

Young adult novel STACY’S SONG has been released in a digital edition by Clean Reads Press which published THE DEVIL AND DANNA WEBSTER. Some excellent editorial reviews on Amazon for this novel as well:

"Young readers will embrace Stacy...STACY'S SONG is a well written story about those awkward teen years, when the ugly duckling turns into a swan, and the rocky roads that teenagers traverse. This is an enjoyable, fun read, and I recommend it for young adults."
Deborah C Jackson, Romance Reviews Today
***** 
"This is a fun and speedy read, with a lead character you can't help liking...You don't have to be a teen to get a hoot out of this. Recommended." 
Snapdragon, Long and Short Reviews
 *****
"This is a wonderful young adult novel! Full of honest emotion, problems, conflict and a cast of fascinating characters, STACY'S SONG is a heartwarming story of a girl growing up and learning how to make thoughtful decisions that will affect her life today and in the future."
Alice Duncan, multiple award-winning author
*****

"This is an entertaining young adult tale starring a likable high school age girl who goes from being the outside freak to the in-crowd. Stacy is stupendous as she struggles with two boys; one is charming while the other is demanding. Who will she choose particularly since her dad has already selected who he wants kicked to the curb." 
Harriet Klausner, The Merry Genre Go Round Reviews
*****
“Jacqueline Seewald expertly portrays the mindset of teenagers struggling for their place in the world and ultimate independence. Stacy is an endearing character, a young woman who loves her parents but wants the right to choose what to do with her life. Readers are drawn into Stacy's world as she struggles to make the right choices which will affect her future. This well-written coming-of-age novel is heartwarming and engaging and sure to be a popular addition to the young-adult genre.”   
Christy Tillery French, Midwest Book Review

Also available from:


I believe it’s the kind of novel that mothers will want to share with their daughters as it is an inspirational book and a perfect gift for the Christmas holidays. Here is a brief excerpt from the beginning of the book:

Chapter One

When I was in junior high school, the boys used to call me “Giraffe.” I hated it, but they were right. I towered over them. On top of that, I had this skinny, long neck. Things got better when I became a sophomore in high school. It seemed as though most of the boys in my class finally caught up with me and I didn’t feel so gawky anymore. But I’m still taller and skinnier than any of my friends.


Multiple award-winning author, Jacqueline Seewald, has taught creative, expository and technical writing at Rutgers University as well as high school English. She also worked as both an academic librarian and an educational media specialist. Fifteen of her books of fiction have been published to critical praise including books for adults, teens and children. Her short stories, poems, essays, reviews and articles have appeared in hundreds of diverse publications and numerous anthologies such as: THE WRITER, L.A. TIMES, READER’S DIGEST, PEDESTAL, SHERLOCK HOLMES MYSTERY MAGAZINE, OVER MY DEAD BODY!, GUMSHOE REVIEW, THE MYSTERY MEGAPACK, LIBRARY JOURNAL, and PUBLISHERS WEEKLY. One of her inspirational poems took first place in the Reader’s Digest 2015 Poetry Contest. She’s also an amateur landscape artist and loves blue grass music.

Her author’s blog can be found at: http://jacquelineseewald.blogspot.com


Wow...I find it amazing when authors write across so many genres. I certainly wish Jacquie the best of God's blessings with these and her other books.

I hope you enjoyed today's treasure and that you visit often.

Until later...take care and God Bless.
PamT


Saturday, November 21, 2015

#SaturdaySpotlight: Sharon Black & Going Against Type

Good Morning!

I'm a little late posting today but as they say, better late than never. Right?

Today's guest is new to our blog, so please welcome, Sharon Black!

SHARON Black grew up in Dublin. She studied history and politics at University College Dublin and did post-graduate in journalism. She has worked for national newspapers, including The Evening Herald and The Irish Examiner. Sharon has had short stories published in U Magazine and won the 2010 Dromineer Literary Festival short story competition.  

When not writing, she reads, walks and sees friends. She co-founded a local book club 14 years ago. She loves theatre, old Hollywood films, science fiction and good stand-up comedy. 

She lives in a Dublin coastal village, with her husband and their three children.

Find out more about Sharon by visiting her Blog and connecting with her on Facebook and Twitter!

Some would say Charlotte ‘Charlie’ Regan has it all. Beautiful, smart, athletic and a great job working as a journalist – in the almost exclusively male sports department. But Charlotte is not quite as sure as she seems. Recently split from her overbearing boyfriend, she escapes for weekends, surfing in the Atlantic, and spends her free nights watching sports, roaring at the TV.

Derry Cullinane is a fashion writer, gossip columnist and sophisticated man-about-town. The go-to guy for any woman seeking expert advice on what fabulous outfit to wear for any given occasion. He’s also tall, dark, good looking – and straight! So what’s the snag? He has a track record of dating glamorous, vain and shallow women.

Charlie gets an opportunity to write a new column under the pen name Side Swipe, but is soon drawn into a war of words and wit with a rival paper’s columnist The Squire – and their verbal fireworks get readers and editors talking. Yet neither Charlie nor Derry knows just whom the opponent is...

When Charlotte and Derry meet at the Races, the attraction is instant. As their relationship develops, so much more proves at stake, than protecting their alter egos. But a blunder puts Charlotte’s job in jeopardy just as Derry’s past makes front page, and Charlotte begins to doubt her feelings. 

When Side Swipe and The Squire are finally forced to reveal themselves, will they revert to type – or confound everyone’s expectations?

Excerpt: 

In this excerpt, my heroine, Charlotte has been invited to a dinner party. Here, she’s introduced to Derry Cullinane – the man she briefly met at The Galway Races, when he tread heavily on her foot!

Charlotte smiled nervously as Fiona fussed around her. 
  ‘How many people are you having?’ she whispered.
  ‘Oh there’s ten of us altogether. You’ll love them. I’ve put you sitting next to a friend of Jack’s. Actually, you might know him, he’s a journalist but not a sports writer. Cone in and I’ll make the introductions.’
Great, she is matchmaking. Charlotte sighed inwardly as Fiona led her toa  tall, dark haired man who stood with his back to them, chatting to the three other women in the room. They seemed to be mesmerized. 
The man turned as he heard Fiona. Oh good grief, Charlotte thought. It’s Panama Hat Man. She found herself blushing as Fiona steered her into the man’s line of vision. 
A slow, amused smile of recognition spread across his face. Brown eyes locked hard with green. Okay Charlotte, play it cool. With a show of dignity, she looked away. 
  ‘Everyone, this is my old school friend, Charlotte Regan. Charlotte, this is Clare, Tina and Rosemary.’ 
Charlotte smiled and shook the other women’s hands, quickly memorizing their names, acutely aware of the man’s attention.
  ‘And Derry Cullinane,’ Fiona said. Almost reluctantly, Charlotte met his gaze again, forcing herself to breathe normally. She smiled politely and extended her hand. Derry held it a fraction longer than necessary. 
  ‘Tiny hands too,’ he murmured. Charlotte flushed.
  ‘How’s your foot?’ he asked, releasing her hand but holding her gaze. 
  ‘Oh, do you already know each other?’ Fiona asked, looking slightly puzzled. 
  ‘No,’ said Charlotte, quickly.
  ‘We met at the Galway Races,’ Derry said at the same time. An image of the peroxide blonde woman popped into Charlotte’s head. 
  ‘Can I leave you for a minute? I must check on things in the kitchen.’ Fiona briefly squeezed Charlotte’s hand and left. Charlotte glanced quickly about, hoping to engage with the other women but to her frustration she found that they’d drifted away. Leaving her with this egotistical…
  ‘So as an experiment, do you think we’ll work?’ Derry said, interrupting her thoughts.
  ‘Um, will what work?’
He shot her an arrogant smile. 
  ‘Fiona’s matchmaking attempt. Either Cupid will be on target or we’ll end up throwing bread rolls at each other.’
Charlotte gritted her teeth.
  ‘I’m a crack shot with a bread roll.’


Sounds like a good story! Get your copy today and find out.

Hope you enjoyed the spotlight! See you next week for more Tuesday Treasure, Thursday Thoughts and of course Saturday Spotlight.

Until later...take care and God bless!
PamT

Thursday, November 19, 2015

#ThursdayThoughts: Special Guest post by Marion Ueckermann!

Good Morning Friends,

Today my fellow PBG author, Marion Ueckermann visits with some thoughts about life and loved ones.....

I SEE YOU
Mommy, this morning, like every morning, I tuck the pink teddy I gave you years ago when you had your shoulder operation, and the brown one I got with my own shoulder op, against my pillows. I fold up the cream and beige blanket and place it at the bottom of my bed—your birthday gift this year from me—and I remember how much you loved sleeping under its soft covering. My thoughts turn to Dad’s crocodile tail lamp we’ll be fetching this weekend—a hunting trophy that through the art of taxidermy he turned into a light source that’s been in our family home for decades. I think of the framed ribbon embroidery landscape that hangs on my lounge wall—a gift from Hanlie, and of the hours of needlework done by her late mother to create it. These things now grace my home, and fill my life, because you all don’t.

I’d forgotten about my scheduled blog today on Thursday’s Thoughts. Fortunately I had written this blog one morning about a month ago. I forgot because life, if I can call it that, has gotten in the way. You see, at the end of last year, my mother fell ill. Heart failure the doctor said. For months we watched her steadily decline. We prayed for God to strengthen her and, dared we even hope, heal? Until the night before her death when we earnestly prayed the hardest prayer—“Your will be done. Lord, heal her quick, or take her fast.”  In the presence of my sister and two nieces—and without a doubt from the wonder in my mother’s eyes, Jesus and a myriad of angels—our prayers were answered as my dearest Mom stepped out of our lives and into an eternity with her Savior. That was life up until July 17 this year.
We gave Mom the most beautiful funeral, filled with hope and praise for her life, and the life that she now lives.

Dad couldn’t remember you had gone, Mommy. Altzheimers does that. But we could see how much he missed you, how empty his life was without you at his side, although we tried to fill it with our love and attention. He’d been so sick with flu the week you landed in hospital. The day you passed away, I had him at the doctor. Bronchial pneumonia they said, but he didn’t need hospitalization, just nebulizing and physio.

We gave Daddy the best nursing we could, but 17 days after you died, we rushed him to emergency. He lay in ICU for nine long days, struggling to get well again. And he seemed to be. But a week after the ICU trips began, he took a turn and we watched him regress. Once again we had to pray—“Your will be done. Heal him quick, Lord, or take him fast.” The awful mask that pressed tight against his face, breathing for him…his hands that were tied to the bed so he couldn’t remove the mask or pull out the feeding tubes—they were all too much to bear. For him, and for us.

Still, the call from the hospital the next morning was unexpected. We tried so hard to get there in time, but were too late. By minutes. Thirty-three days of separation from you were all Daddy could bear. A week later we stared into your open grave again as we laid Daddy to rest at the place he’s been for nearly 66 years—beside you.

We have come to learn to thank God you didn’t have to do life without each other. But it’s still hard for each of us who are left behind.

Eight days after we buried Daddy, we waved goodbye to Lenny and Hanlie. They immigrated to Scotland. Yet another sad goodbye, but at least we have Skype and WhatsApp—we can still chat to our brother and sister-in-law on a daily basis if we like. And we can visit them, too. If only heaven had Skype. If only I could send you an instant message, and you could send one back. If only heaven wasn’t a one-way destination.

But I thank God that I still see you here in life. I see you and Dad in peanut brittles, Nic-Naks chips, Turkish delight, and beetroot salad (the sweet and sour one) standing on Pick ‘n Pay shelves. I see you each time I make a potato salad. I see you in garlic plants with their delicate mauve blooms (how you loved that color), and in the red Christ Thorn blooms. I see you in the list of all your favorite foods that decorate Ryan’s kitchen wall. I see you in the jersey keeping Hanlie warm in Scotland, the one that hung in your cupboard since I was a little girl. And I hear you…in a joke I suddenly remember you enjoyed telling, in the choruses at church you loved to sing. And I see you, I hear you, in the faith and love of our family.

As I stare into my tear-filled eyes, the same shade of brown as yours, mirrored as I do my makeup this morning, I see you…for I am, and always will be, a part of you. You and Dad live on through each and every one of your children and grandchildren in so many ways. Every day.

In the Old Testament God commanded people at various times to build altars of stone to remind them of what He had done for them. The pink and brown teddies that lie side by side on my bed each day are my pile of stones, for every morning they remind me of you, of your lives, and of how incredibly blessed I was to have had such a wonderful mom and dad for so many years.

Every day, I see you. Every day, I hear you. Every day, I miss you.


What a lovely tribute....

We've all lost loved one's, but it is especially difficult when you lose them close together. I know, since last year my Mother in Law and Mother passed away within days of each other. 

The holidays are extremely difficult to enjoy when missing those who've passed on, so take extra care of yourself, Marion and Each and Every one of YOU dear Friends!

Oh and if you're looking for something to read over the Thanksgiving Holiday, check out Marion's newest release, Oslo Overtures or her debut PBG title, Helsinki Sunrise, both Passport to Romance titles!

MARION UECKERMANN's passion for writing was sparked when she moved to Ireland with her family. Her love of travel has influenced her contemporary inspirational romances set in novel places. She now lives in South Africa in an empty nest with her husband and their crazy black Scottie, Wally. http://www.marionueckermann.com


 Until next time...take care and God Bless!
PamT

Tuesday, November 17, 2015

#TuesdayTreasure: Guest Post by Jose Hood!

Good Morning Friends,

Last Tuesday I shared some memories from my vacation trip to SC, Savannah & Ocala, FL.

Well, today our guest, Jose Hood shares with us some great places to visit in Canada.....


Places You Should Absolutely Visit In Canada
Being the second largest country in the world, it is only natural that Canada has so much to offer to those who want to spend their vacations there. It has unique sites and wonderful landscapes, but can also offer that unique feel of vibrant cities. The natural beauties are very inspiring and the cities are culturally rich, which means that Canada has something for each visitor.

1.      Make Vancouver one of your destinations
Among the famous Canada tourist attractions we will definitely find Vancouver. Vancouver is well-known for the possibilities that are offered to those who love sports and appreciate beautiful landscape. You can choose to go skiing on Grouse Mountain or surfing at the wonderful Wreck Beach. Those of you who long for a day in the park should not miss the treasure of Vancouver, the Stanley Park. It is immense, having 405 hectares and it is placed in the center of the city, being close to other touristic attractions from this place. The park offers impressive views of the mountains and the city and is surrounded by the ocean. Apart from this natural beauty, Vancouver has plenty museums and markets that can be visited.

2.      The much appreciated Niagara Falls
Every publication that presents the attractive places that should be visited in Canada mentions the Niagara Falls. It is one of the most famous tourist attractions and millions of people decide to visit it every year. It is the perfect place to visit with your family, being sure that you will provide them with a memory that they will never forget. The falls drop about 57 meters and the view is amazing.

3.      Whistler – the perfect winter and summer destination
Located near Vancouver, this small village is a good choice for your family vacation. In the past, it was visited especially during winter, as it was a well-known ski resort. However, at present it has a lot to offer as a summer destination too. You can choose to have fun there mountain biking or you can include golf in your program.  This place was home to the Winter Olympic Games in 2010 and therefore it gained international attention. Now it is visited by people who come from all around the world and as a result people who live there constantly try to improve their offers. A lot of recreational activities are organized and the hotels and restaurants are of the best possible quality.

4.      The newest tourist attraction: a museum for human rights
Yes, that is right. It was opened in 2014 and since then we have the unique opportunity of visiting a museum about people and their stories. It is called the Canadian Museum for Human Rights and it focuses on personal stories and perspectives. The themes that are presented here are diverse and it is impossible to leave this place without a few points to think about. Certainly, the first thing that will impress you is the geometry of the building and the colors that are gathered there to represent Canada and its landscape.


Wow...I'd love to visit Canada, especially the Calgary, High River area where Heartland is filmed!

Hope you enjoyed today's treasure!
Until later, take care and God Bless!
PamT

Saturday, November 14, 2015

#SaturdaySpotlight: Kathleen Friesen and Nila's Hope!

Good Morning Friends,

Today I'll be at Bayou Writer's Group's annual "Bridge to Publication" conference, so I probably won't be around to visit and respond to your comments.

That said, I pray you enjoy today's spotlight, a brand new to Pelcian Book Group author, Kathleen Friesen with her novel, Nila's Hope.


Just when her career as a carpenter and a relationship with handsome co-worker Will Jamison are within reach, Nila Black's abusive ex-boyfriend is released from prison. He's out of jail, out for revenge, and making promises she knows he'll keep. Nila will do whatever it takes to save her friends from the evil that will come their way if she doesn't put distance between them-even if it means abandoning her new-found faith. It will take a miracle and an angelic messenger to show Nila that God is her greatest protector. He has never left her side, and He wants only the best for her and for the man she loves.

Excerpt: Will parked in his mother’s garage, leaned back, and inhaled deeply. A flood of emotions washed over him: happiness for his mother and Daniel, relief that everything had gone well, a faint throb of grief for his father’s death, and a strange excitement mixed with longing. And confusion.

Nila had looked fantastic all gussied up like that. He’d hardly recognized her. And she’d surprised him when they’d danced. She’d felt as soft as little Jessica’s favorite stuffed kitty, but her supple muscles enticed him even more.

Pleasure tingled through him as he relived the sensation of Nila in his arms as they glided across the dance floor, their movements perfectly synchronized.

He felt his heart rate increase, and he shook his head to clear it.

He hoped that…whatever that was between them at the wedding… wouldn’t mess up their work relationship. Nila learned fast and seemed to have a real talent for design. But they both carried a lot of baggage. And what would happen when Nick got out of jail? She might even go back to him. And he wouldn’t be able to stop her.

Will grunted as he opened the truck door and climbed out.

He closed the door to the garage behind him, paused, and leaned against it.

He wasn’t sure if he was ready for a serious relationship, but for those few hours, everything felt perfect. The stuff of dreams.

Well, almost. He frowned. Until Nila raised her glass. Then she looked like she’d seen a ghost. 

What was that about?
 ***********

Well, well, well...sounds like a great read to me! Now here's a little about Kathleen in her own words....

Once upon a time, there was a shy girl who loved to read. She found friends, adventure, and reasons to trust God in the pages of her favorite books. When she grew up, she carried a dream in her heart that someday she would join those authors long admired in the adventure of writing stories. Today Kathleen Friesen is writing and loving it. Her stories invite readers to risk faith, dare to love, and trust God with the consequences.

After thirty years on the Canadian prairies, Kathleen and her husband Ron now live in the beautiful Okanagan Valley of British Columbia, Canada. They enjoy travelling, long walks in nature, and time spent with family and friends. And wherever they go, Kathleen’s on the prowl for ideas for her next book.

Find out more about Kathleen by visiting her website, blog or connecting with her on Facebook!

Nila's Hope can be purchased at Pelican Book Group, Amazon ( Print & Kindle) and Barnes and Noble. 


Until later...take care and God bless!
PamT

Thursday, November 12, 2015

#ThursdayThoughts: Special Guest Post by JA Myhre!

Good Morning Friends,

I'm a little late getting this up this morning but I think you'll be blessed by our guest today....

A Chameleon, A Boy, and a Quest

As a doctor and a mom, I admit that I tend to think that “actions speak louder than words,” unconsciously valuing the tangible and practical.  When a baby is struggling to breathe or a toddler is burning with fever, I respect the importance of decisive efforts.  Hands on, listening, prodding, dosing, reviving.  And as a public-health practitioner in Africa for more than two decades, I am grateful for the very palpable service of dairy goats and corn-soy-mix, the cups and spoons, the antibiotics and the seeds.  Real help for real bodies. 

Thoughts, by contrast, can sound ethereal, on a Thursday or any other day.

But one thing I learned in my public health training was that all action proceeds from belief.  Thoughts determine who decides to bring their malnourished child for help.  Thoughts prompt one set of parents to send their daughter to nursing school, so there is someone to notice that the orange hair and scaling skin signal danger.  Thoughts went into the budget of an NGO to prioritize the purchase of a weighing scale or a bag of grain.  Thoughts, in other words, precede any of the concrete actions that spell rescue.

This means that choosing life requires a wrestling with thoughts first, a subtle shift in assumptions about what is possible and what is good.

Which brings us to the importance of narratives, reading, dreaming, imagination, and story.  Our earliest thoughts about how the world fits together begin to form and make sense around the stories we know and love.  For parents who have lost other children from inevitable hunger, or for young women who never dreamed of going to school, a story of something different or better might prompt them to seek a new way.  For donors in a country far removed from these realities, a story might generate generosity.  The best books enable us to see life through new eyes, to realize the narrowness of our experience and the wonder of the world. 

This month I had the fun of publishing my first young-adult novel, A Chameleon, A Boy, and A Quest.  This event celebrates thought on two levels.  First, in the book the protagonist is a young boy named Mu, without a lot of hope for change in a life that most of us would consider pretty dismal.  But a message delivered by a mysterious chameleon starts to challenge his thoughts about his identity, and slowly he grasps onto a bigger story that gives him hope.  Without a change in thoughts, he would not have sought a change in his difficult position.  Secondly, the first readers of the book were my own kids, who drank in a story that made some sense of their own world as they grew up in an African border town.  So the book works on the thoughts of readers as well, to build empathy and expand their horizons.

This Thursday, take note of what thoughts motivate your actions, and feed those thoughts with a good book!


What wonderful advice from Ms. Myhre....

A Chameleon, A Boy, and a Quest can be purchased at Amazon.

J.A. Myhre serves as a doctor with Serge in East Africa where she has worked alongside her husband, Dr. Scott Myhre, for more than two decades. She earned her medical degree from Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine and completed her pediatric training at Northwestern University’s Children’s Memorial Hospital. She also received a Master’s in Public Health degree from Johns Hopkins School of Public Health.


Myhre works in the AIC Kijabe Hospital, which provides healthcare in the name of Jesus to the vulnerable people of East Africa. She has given a special focus in her work to HIV prevention and nutrition and has invested heavily in training emerging indigenous leaders. Myhre is currently spending one year living and traveling in the U.S., telling others about her work in Africa. She and her husband have four children, all of whom attend university in the States.