tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-79485734293303606552015-10-24T00:02:17.993-06:00Rachel HarlinAuthor of Sweet Romance Novels
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What flavor is your kiss?Rachel Harlinhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09385214272967762830noreply@blogger.comBlogger230125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7948573429330360655.post-26994372695250607592013-10-14T11:23:00.003-06:002013-10-14T11:23:58.739-06:00Love is Vulnerable<br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-yvVq6Oh1G5Q/UlwoaXFxyWI/AAAAAAAACpw/UO1ES1aF4TI/s1600/Love+all.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-yvVq6Oh1G5Q/UlwoaXFxyWI/AAAAAAAACpw/UO1ES1aF4TI/s1600/Love+all.jpg" /></a></div>Rachel Harlinhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09385214272967762830noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7948573429330360655.post-66642170951676146242012-06-20T06:00:00.000-06:002012-06-20T06:00:03.273-06:00A Clip-it<br /><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%; text-indent: 37.05pt;"><i>For the past couple months, we have been fixing up our new house, moving, and fixing it up more. In fact we have a long way to go. But I have been trying to write when I get a free moment. However, as a result, I am not blogging or networking much. There's just not enough time in my day. But I have been working on things. So I thought you might like to hear from me and get a sample of something I'm working on. I hope you enjoy it!</i></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%; text-indent: 37.05pt;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%; text-indent: 37.05pt;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%; text-indent: 37.05pt;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%; text-indent: 37.05pt;">Morgyn placed a glass of something in front of her, causing her to lift her head from the table. Steam rose form it like smoke, producing a combined smell of cinnamon and garlic. Her nose scrunched and her eyes watered.</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%; text-indent: 37.05pt;">“No, thank you.” She turned her head and laid it back on her arms.</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%; text-indent: 37.05pt;">“Drink. It will help you feel better.” He pushed the offensive drink in her face again.</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%; text-indent: 37.05pt;">She sat up. “I’m not drinking that.”</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%; text-indent: 37.05pt;">“It’s not as bad as it smells.”</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%; text-indent: 37.05pt;">She quirked a delicate eyebrow up in a daring fashion, and he had the decency to duck his head.</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%; text-indent: 37.05pt;">“It will help you feel better,” he mumbled, and turned to rummage through the glass bottles on his bookshelf. “Just plug your nose and down it.”</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%; text-indent: 37.05pt;">She contemplated the glass, like a may grow arms and attack her. Shaking herself of such a ridiculous thought, she threw her shoulders back and slowly extended her hand until it clasped around the cup. If felt surprisingly light for a full glass of something so vial.</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%; text-indent: 37.05pt;">Before the offensive odor could affect her, she plugged her nose with her free hand and swiftly drank the contents. The liquid slid over her throat like warm silk. When she placed the glass back on the table, gasping, she released her nose with surprise as only the lingering taste of cinnamon remained in her mouth.</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%; text-indent: 37.05pt;">Slowly, her body relaxed enough that she could analyze the situation.</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%; text-indent: 37.05pt;">“Why was Rettick killed?” Though she spoke the question out loud, she didn’t expect an answer. “He has always been so dominating in fights. I never thought anything could bring him down.”</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%; text-indent: 37.05pt;">“Did the Commander give any indication that Rettick had been ill?”</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%; text-indent: 37.05pt;">She shook her head. “He must have been surprised when he opened the carriage door.”</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%; text-indent: 37.05pt;">“But if he opened the door, surely the conveyance would have been stopped. And if they were in the forest, he would have been suspicious and opened the door with great care. He would not have been surprised if a bandit stood waiting for him on the other side.”</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%; text-indent: 37.05pt;">“You’re right. He would have put up a fight.”</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%; text-indent: 37.05pt;">“Rettick may have been attacked, but I doubt he was attacked in the manner the Commander stated.”</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%; text-indent: 37.05pt;">“But Cornelius said he was rendered unconscious.”</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%; text-indent: 37.05pt;">“But he also said he saw his son attacked.”</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%; text-indent: 37.05pt;">In an instant, something Cornelius said while she listened outside the door to his office struck her. “Something I overheard him tell Vidal was that someone would be fine and learn his own insignificance. Could they have been speaking of Rettick?”</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%; text-indent: 37.05pt;">Morgyn shrugged, a strange twinkle in his eye.</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%; text-indent: 37.05pt;">“I’m going to look for him.”</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%; text-indent: 37.05pt;">“Who? Rettick?”</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%; text-indent: 37.05pt;">“He may still be alive.” She marched to the door.</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%; text-indent: 37.05pt;">Morgyn stopped her. “He won’t be where they were attacked. His body, dead or alive, will have been moved.”</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%; text-indent: 37.05pt;">“Yes, but there will be tracks to follow. I will find him. I have to find him. I am the only one who knows he’s still alive.”</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%; text-indent: 37.05pt;">Morgan lifted an eyebrow, much as she had earlier. “Besides the Commander and his brother.”</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%; text-indent: 37.05pt;">She threw him a silencing glare. “I am his only ally.”</div>Rachel Harlinhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09385214272967762830noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7948573429330360655.post-90884679065614779912012-05-08T22:51:00.000-06:002012-05-08T22:51:00.186-06:00An Interview with Samantha Chandler<br /><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%;">Samantha Chandler has a Bachelor’s in Architecture from the <st1:place w:st="on"><st1:placetype w:st="on">University</st1:placetype> of <st1:placename w:st="on">Miami</st1:placename></st1:place>. She is the Design Director for an architectural firm in <st1:place w:st="on"><st1:city w:st="on">Miami</st1:city></st1:place>therefore, she writes her first romance novel...of course.<o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-xkgIBN7Rp14/T6NfTg_ceOI/AAAAAAAACXY/0PgoSXI1u8k/s1600/samantha.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-xkgIBN7Rp14/T6NfTg_ceOI/AAAAAAAACXY/0PgoSXI1u8k/s1600/samantha.jpg" /></a><b>Rachel:</b> Did you enjoy reading as a child?<o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%;"><i><b>Samantha:</b><span class="apple-converted-space"> </span>I have always read, and if I wasn’t reading I was drawing as a child. When I grew, my favorite class was English, and my favorite place to be was my design studio in school. I read everything from Shakespeare to Existentialism. I had amazing teachers that made us read out loud in class and discuss the passages. How I hated to be called on to read! All in all though, these stories in school were my first book-cations.</i><o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%;"><b>Rachel:</b> When did you first start to think of yourself as a writer?<o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%;"><i><b>Samantha:</b><span class="apple-converted-space"> </span>I started thinking about writing when I read all of Judith McNaught’s novels and felt...okay...now what? I fell in love with every one of her characters. I decided that I would write my own story because I had to wait for her next book and sometimes.... I have a problem with waiting.</i><o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%;"><b>Rachel:</b> I have problems, too! What surprised you about being a writer?<o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%;"><i><b>Samantha:</b><span class="apple-converted-space"> </span>I surprised myself when my writing was instinctive. It has never been a task, and it has never stressed me out</i><o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%;"><b>Rachel:</b> What inspires you to write?<o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%;"><i><b>Samantha: </b>What inspires me is reading. When you read a truly good romance novel, there is a moment that you get that “falling in love” feeling; it is well worth your investment of time. I wish I could bottle the feeling and sell it.... I would make millions. So my quest is to make the reader fall in love with a character, a place, a gesture. If I can make you sigh...I’m happy.</i><o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%;"><b>Rachel: </b>Do you try to write daily, and if so, do you set a goal of a certain number of words?<o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%;"><i><b>Samantha:</b><span class="apple-converted-space"> </span>Oh dear. I sit at the computer and write, and I never look at the word count. It’s like seeing a movie that’s playing in my mind. It’s time to get up when my back starts to bother me or when I feel like I need inspiration. The term “freshen up” was really meant for writers.</i><o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%;"><b>Rachel:</b> So true. What gets in your way of writing?<o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%;"><i><b>Samantha:</b><span class="apple-converted-space"> </span>Life, composed of but not limited to: a man named Lester, two sons; 16 and 20 years old, an American bull dog, work, and of course laundry and groceries…. I won’t continue because you know where this is going...like I’ve told my friends the extra day of the week after Sunday is Someday.</i><o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%;"><b>Rachel:</b> How do you get past it?<o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%;"><i><b>Samantha:</b><span class="apple-converted-space"> </span>I think best and write my best in the morning when everyone is asleep, even the dog.</i><o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%;"><b>Rachel:</b> What makes you CRAZY about writing?<o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%;">S<i>amantha:<span class="apple-converted-space"> </span>Conceptually what drives me CRAZY is the fact that<span class="apple-converted-space"> </span>I would love the story to be an original...an angle left unexplored. This is difficult....I’m still on that quest. When I am actually writing, what drives me CRAZY are the quotation marks and the He said/She said. Uh!!</i><o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%;"><b>Rachel: </b>How long does it take you to complete a book?<o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%;"><i><b>Samantha:</b><span class="apple-converted-space"> </span>DUTY was a few years because I never really thought I would publish it, and I would come back to it every now and then. I kept the heroine on her way to <st1:city w:st="on"><st1:place w:st="on">London</st1:place></st1:city> for at least 4 month one time. I will keep better time on Remind Me Forever my next romance.</i><o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%;"><b>Rachel:</b> Where do you get your ideas for your books?<o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%;"><i><b>Samantha: </b>I love the settings, fashion, architecture - anything that involves design. I also like strong women that can hold their own but still realize that love is not a weakness.<span class="apple-converted-space"> </span>I marvel at how poorly we communicate with each other and how the truth can be interpreted in many shades of gray when it is truly black or white. Somewhere in that gray, there is a story.</i><o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%;"><b>Rachel:</b> Yes. I often find it fascinating that the exact same situation can be interpreted many different ways. It’s very intriguing to me. What is your favorite writing food?<o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%;"><i><b>Samantha:</b><span class="apple-converted-space"> </span>Anything that crunches or Starbucks coffee...Bold, a little half/half and splenda</i><o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%;"><b>Rachel: </b>Who do you hope reads your work?<o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%;"><i><b>Samantha:</b> Everyone. Women that love romance and men that need to understand that women love romance!</i><o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%;"><b>Rachel:</b> What is the best complement you have ever received from a fan?<o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%;"><i>Samantha:<span class="apple-converted-space"> </span>One lady wrote me and said that I had allowed her to escape. That was great because every now and then all of us need to escape.</i><o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%;"><b>Rachel:</b> What are you working on now?<o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%;"><i><b>Samantha:</b><span class="apple-converted-space"> </span>Remind Me Forever, the story of Pierce and Laura. In this novel I want to introduce the OMG Society and establish an origin to Facebook...lol My first observation of the OMG Society: “A man always has a perfect plan, a woman’s plan is to make every man perfect.” Actually that pretty much sums it up, I think.</i><o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%;">Thanks for stopping by, Samantha. If you’d like to know more about Samantha Chandler, visit her <a href="http://www.samanthachandlerbooks.com/index.html" target="_blank">website</a>.<span style="color: #dd2067;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>Rachel Harlinhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09385214272967762830noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7948573429330360655.post-39735160914512852612012-05-04T06:00:00.000-06:002012-05-04T06:00:05.199-06:00Dedicated Undeniably to You<br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-JY1yoaW5z_0/T6Njt7EGIyI/AAAAAAAACXk/PLTxhuWdLAY/s1600/dedicated.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-JY1yoaW5z_0/T6Njt7EGIyI/AAAAAAAACXk/PLTxhuWdLAY/s320/dedicated.jpg" width="188" /></a></div><div class="MsoNormal"><b>Today's review is Dedicated Undeniably to You by Samantha Chandler.</b></div><div class="MsoNormal"><b><br /></b></div><div class="MsoNormal"><b>Back Cover:</b></div><div class="MsoNormal"><i>Fate has plans for Lord Christopher Jared, the future Duke of Darenth. Although he proclaims that the notions of love and marriage are truly lost on him, the time is drawing near when his resolve will be put to the test. He will soon learn that the contractual obligation to marry as established by his father will not be what changes his life. What will alter his world will be the force of his own heart that has willingly underestimated the power of falling in love happily ever after.</i></div><div class="MsoNormal"><i><br /></i></div><div class="MsoNormal"><b>My Take:</b></div><div class="MsoNormal"><i>This was a fun story. I enjoyed the journey the characters took in this story. Of course, I love a good romance, and this was nice and clean. The characters were fun to follow and this is one that had me thinking about it after I turned the last page.</i></div><div class="MsoNormal"><i><br /></i></div><div class="MsoNormal">Join me again for an interview with Samantha.</div>Rachel Harlinhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09385214272967762830noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7948573429330360655.post-84611118718634355982012-04-26T06:00:00.000-06:002012-04-26T06:00:25.119-06:00A Royal Elf of Abalon by Anna Del C Dye<div class="MsoNormal"></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: 'Lucida Grande';"><b>About the book</b>:</span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: 'Lucida Grande';">A Royal Elf of Abalon is the latest by author Anna Del C Dye. It is the story of a young girl, Amaria, raised by her mother, the cruel queen Amathis. Amathis jealously hordes her daughters love and attention. When the kingdom is attacked by orks, Amaria is sent to safety. While there, she begins to discover the depth of her mother's cruelty. Upon returning to the kingdom, she meets one of the elves who came to protect the kingdom, Kurzan. Kurzan and Amaria quickly fall in love, though it is a forbidden love.<o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-ixNAzQobk0o/T5JFtmRQImI/AAAAAAAACXI/b1tIh8J0x0s/s1600/FrontCover.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-ixNAzQobk0o/T5JFtmRQImI/AAAAAAAACXI/b1tIh8J0x0s/s320/FrontCover.jpg" width="194" /></a><span style="font-family: 'Lucida Grande';">The story follows Amaria's journey from innocent young princess to wise and loving queen. Amaria quickly becomes a strong, admirable woman who must prove her worthiness to rule. Amaria learns who she can trust, and whose advice to take to heart as she learns to rule. As time goes on, and Amaria tries to discover a way to be with her love, secrets are revealed which may throw Amaria's kingdom into an uproar.<o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: 'Lucida Grande';">A Royal Elf of Abalon is a wonderful, epic fantasy with a strong heroine who has much to be admired about her. The story sweeps you in, and every time you think you know what is going to happen, Dye takes the story in a new direction to keep you guessing. Amaria and Kurzan's story is heartbreaking and wonderful all at the same time. There are many secondary characters who are equally enthralling. You'll find yourself caught up in their stories as much as Amaria's. Dye's great story is full of all the things that make a book great: forbidden love, intrigue, secrets, wars, elves, orks . . . there is more than enough to grab any readers interest and hold it until the end.</span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: 'Lucida Grande';">~Cindy Bennett author of the “Geek Girl”</span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><br /><div class="MsoNormal"><b><span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">I haven't gotten to read this one yet, so I won't give you my take on it! However, I did have the privilege of interviewing Anna!</span></b></div><div class="MsoNormal"><b><span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><br /></span></b></div><div class="MsoNormal"><b><span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">Rachel:</span></b><span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"> Hi Anna! Thanks for being in my blog this week. <o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><b><span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">Anna:</span></b><span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"> It is my pleasure to be here. I love to meet new people. <o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><b><span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">Rachel:</span></b><span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"> So, tell us what’s happening with you? <o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><b><span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">Anna:</span></b><span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"> My life has been quite busy lately. I am getting ready for the “Renaissance Faire & Fantasy Festival” which will take three of my weekends in May. I take my books and have fun being a princess for three weeks. I really love it.<o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><b><span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">Rachel:</span></b><span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"> That does sound fun. Tell us about your upcoming release. <o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><b><span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">Anna:</span></b><span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"> After the great success of “The Curse of the Elfs,” I’ll release: “A Royal Elf in Abalon” this May. <o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><b><span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">Rachel:</span></b><span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"> That’s great news! Where can we find this book?<o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><b><span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">Anna:</span></b><span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"> Amazon, B&N, and my website will all have the links to buy it. <o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><b><span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">Rachel: </span></b><span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">What inspired you to write this book?<o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><b><span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">Anna:</span></b><span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"> Amathis, the queen in the story. She is a selfish, demanding, and cruel woman. She forced me to write it.<o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><b><span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">Rachel:</span></b><span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"> The mean ol’ thing! (secretly smiling) </span><span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">What fantasy bug bit you and got you started writing these mystical tales?<o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><b><span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">Anna:</span></b><span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"> It was a great masterful bug and it bit me hard a few years ago—The name of the bug J. R. R. Tolkien. I love Lord of the Rings and that is my inspiration for my Elf Series.<o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><b><span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"> Rachel: </span></b><span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">Intriguing. I have recently become very interested in fantasy books! Especially ones with a little romance! So tell us what is this book about?<o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><b><span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">Anna: </span></b><span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">A princess of a mankind kingdom, who is so sheltered by her mother that she makes some unsafe choices growing up. They will change her life and that of her kingdom as she faces challenges that she isn’t prepared for. It also tells of a young Elf who feels an unsafe fascination about the nearby mankind kingdom. Against his elders’ wishes, he ventures there, finding heartaches, betrayal, and murder.<b><o:p></o:p></b></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><b><span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">Rachel</span></b><b><span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">:</span></b><span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"> Now I want to read this tale! Tell us what’s the first rule in building a fantasy world?<o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><b><span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">Anna:</span></b><span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"> To stay true to the rules. If you say beings in that world don’t do something, don’t have them doing it later without explaining what changed so that now they can do what you said they couldn’t. <o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><b><span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">Rachel</span></b><b><span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">:</span></b><span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"> That’s sometimes really hard to do. Have you ever wanted to write your book in one direction but your characters wanted to go in another direction? What did you do in such a situation?<o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><b><span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">Anna:</span></b><span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"> Your characters are the most important parts of your book. So, if they want to go left you go left, even if you wanted to go right. If you don’t, it will be quite hard to make them change and your tale will feel forced. I want my tales to go smoothly, so I don’t fight the characters, they know better than me. <o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><b><span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">Rachel</span></b><b><span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">:</span></b><span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">Sometimes people envision an author’s life as being really glamorous. Tell us what’s the most <i>un</i>glamorous thing you’ve done in the past week?<o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><b><span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">Anna:</span></b><span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"> Change dirty diapers and keep my little Alexis happy. She didn’t feel to good. I love taking care of her though.<o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><b><span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">Rachel</span></b><b><span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">:</span></b><span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"> What's your favorite music?<o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><b><span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">Anna:</span></b><span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">Romantic, hands down. The Platters, The Stylistics, Nat King Cole, Johnny Mathis. Soft rock. Lots of oldies. More recent artists: Il Divo, Julio Iglesias, Celine Dion, etc. <o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><b><span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">Rachel: </span></b><span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">What other fantasy tale are you weaving for us?<o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><b><span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">Anna:</span></b><span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"> I am ready to finished The Flying Elf, which will be my Elf book for next year. <o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><b><span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">Rachel</span></b><b><span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">:</span></b><span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"> Thanks so much for sharing with us, Anna.<o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><b><span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">Anna:</span></b><span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"> Thank you for inviting me to come. I had a wonderful time visiting with you.<o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><b><span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">Rachel</span></b><b><span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">:</span></b><span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"> If you’d like to find out more about Anna please visit: http://www.annadelc.com, and to read reviews of Anna’s books visit her <a href="http://ning.it/dIqC6n" target="_blank">online</a> or at <a href="http://ning.it/evrfne" target="_blank">Barnes & Noble</a>. <o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div>Rachel Harlinhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09385214272967762830noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7948573429330360655.post-23649590248368165752012-04-25T06:00:00.000-06:002012-04-25T06:00:13.992-06:00Wednesday RomanceI watched <u>The Proposal </u>again the other night! I had forgotten how funny it is! If you haven't seen it and love Sandra Bullock or Ryan Reynalds, they are a great match for this movie! Gotta love it!<br /><br /><iframe allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="315" src="http://www.youtube.com/embed/V3JpKPZkC2w" width="560"></iframe><br /><br />In case you are curious, I'm hoping to have another Wednesday Romance coming up in a week or two!Rachel Harlinhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09385214272967762830noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7948573429330360655.post-85267511817658127732012-04-23T20:32:00.001-06:002012-04-23T20:33:51.700-06:00Secondhand Charm, by Julie Berry<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-HGxEtMaV8Ew/T5YOTTn0IZI/AAAAAAAACXQ/W4mnQTh50sw/s1600/charm.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-HGxEtMaV8Ew/T5YOTTn0IZI/AAAAAAAACXQ/W4mnQTh50sw/s320/charm.jpg" width="209" /></a></div><span style="background-color: white; color: #181818; font-family: georgia, serif; line-height: 19px; text-align: left;">Today's review is <u>Secondhand Charm</u> by Julie Berry.</span><br /><span style="background-color: white; color: #181818; font-family: georgia, serif; line-height: 19px; text-align: left;"><br /></span><br /><span style="background-color: white; color: #181818; font-family: georgia, serif; line-height: 19px; text-align: left;"><b><u>Brief Summary:</u></b></span><br /><span style="background-color: white; color: #181818; font-family: georgia, serif; line-height: 19px; text-align: left;"><i>In a secluded village, magic sparkles on the edges of the forest. There, a young girl named Evie possesses unusually strong powers as a healer. A gypsy's charms--no more than trinkets when worn by others--are remarkably potent when Evie ties them around her neck. Her talents, and charms, have not escaped the notice of the shy stonemason's apprentice. But Evie wants more than a quiet village and the boy next-door. When the young king's carriage arrives one day, and his footman has fallen ill, Evie might just get her chance after all...</i></span><br /><span style="background-color: white; color: #181818; font-family: georgia, serif; line-height: 19px; text-align: left;"><br /></span><br /><span style="background-color: white; color: #181818; font-family: georgia, serif; line-height: 19px; text-align: left;"><b><u>My Take:</u></b></span><br /><span style="background-color: white; color: #181818; font-family: georgia, serif; line-height: 19px; text-align: left;"><i>I don't always like YA books, maybe because I'm starting to feel old since my oldest daughter is nearing her teen years. Anyway, I remembered enjoying <u>The Amaranth Enchantment</u> by Julie Berry, so I thought I'd give this a try.</i></span><br /><span style="background-color: white; color: #181818; font-family: georgia, serif; line-height: 19px; text-align: left;"><i><br /></i></span><br /><span style="background-color: white; color: #181818; font-family: georgia, serif; line-height: 19px; text-align: left;"><i>I am thrilled to report that I loved <u>Secondhand Charm</u>! I'm not sure why. I don't like snakes at all, but I was drawn into the book from the first page. (I'm working on figuring out how to do that with my own writing as well, so this was good for me to recognize.)</i></span><br /><span style="background-color: white; color: #181818; font-family: georgia, serif; line-height: 19px; text-align: left;"><i><br /></i></span><br /><span style="background-color: white; color: #181818; font-family: georgia, serif; line-height: 19px; text-align: left;"><i>Evie is a young girl who wants to learn about being a doctor. Due to the kindness of the king, she travels to the capital to attend the university. On her way, she discovers that the things she'd always believed about herself are not true. Everything changes in the time it takes for the ship she's traveling on to sink. She puts her education on hold in order to learn more about her background. Through everything, there is a certain boy who keeps coming to her aide. Though he has his own struggles, the romance that blossoms between them is sweet and intense. As together they save the kingdom, they must both decide what they truly want.</i></span><br /><span style="background-color: white; color: #181818; font-family: georgia, serif; line-height: 19px; text-align: left;"><i><br /></i></span><br /><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="color: #181818; font-family: georgia, serif;"><span style="line-height: 19px;"><i>Since I love romances, (not that this is considered a romance, but there is a nice little bit of it in here,) I have been trying to dissect the romance in this novel. It is simple and sweet, yet the book is not focused on it. Still, I think it is the not knowing what will happen is part of what spurred me on.</i></span></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="color: #181818; font-family: georgia, serif;"><span style="line-height: 19px;"><i><br /></i></span></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="color: #181818; font-family: georgia, serif;"><span style="line-height: 19px;"><i>If you are looking for a fun, fast read, you will surely enjoy this book!</i></span></span></div>Rachel Harlinhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09385214272967762830noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7948573429330360655.post-68888757347430630272012-04-04T06:00:00.000-06:002012-04-04T06:00:19.277-06:00Much Ado in the Moolight<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-qgy3N7VIAfA/T3owcNGSWuI/AAAAAAAACW8/70845fFDbL4/s1600/much-ado-in-the-moonlight-lg.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-qgy3N7VIAfA/T3owcNGSWuI/AAAAAAAACW8/70845fFDbL4/s1600/much-ado-in-the-moonlight-lg.jpg" /></a></div><span style="background-color: white; font-family: verdana, arial, helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;"><div><span style="background-color: white; font-family: verdana, arial, helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;"><b><u>Back Cover:</u></b></span></div><div><span style="background-color: white; font-family: verdana, arial, helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;"><b><u><br /></u></b></span></div><i>When Victoria McKinnon’s brother offers to finance her production of Hamlet, she leaps at the chance. She can’t imagine anything better than staging Shakespeare’s masterpiece in an honest-to-goodness English castle. There’s just one problem: the place is haunted by a grumpy, gorgeous Highland warrior who’s furious that anyone dares to invade his home.Connor MacDougal has no intention of relinquishing his authority over Thorpewold castle to anyone, let alone a McKinnon. But when he catches a glimpse of the beautiful intruder, suddenly he can’t help but wonder why it’s taken eight hundred years into his afterlife to find the love of a lifetime…</i></span><div><span style="background-color: white; font-family: verdana, arial, helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;"><i><br /></i></span></div><div><span style="font-family: verdana, arial, helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;"><b><u>My Take:</u></b></span></div><div><span style="font-family: verdana, arial, helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;"><b><u><br /></u></b></span></div><div><span style="font-family: verdana, arial, helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;">I have to say that of all of Lynn Kurland's books, this is one of my favorites!! I don't know if I could just relate to Victoria or if I just fell in love with Conner. Either way, I LOVED the adventure these two shared!! </span></div><div><span style="font-family: verdana, arial, helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;">Victoria is the director of a theater company and they relocate to Scotland to do a production of Hamlet at her brother's castle. Conner is the lord of the castle with the mind that no one will take it away from him. EVER! When he discovers his laird-ship is threatened, he immediately riles his forces. However when Victoria walks through the door for the first time, he falls to his knees! (How fun!!) At that moment he is lost, even though he has no idea!</span></div><div><span style="font-family: verdana, arial, helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;">Fun and sassy, Victoria is a strong heroine who takes control of her otherwise suddenly out of control situation. She's a strong lead and Conner is so sinfully scrumptious I almost wish I had a ghost of my own!</span></div><div><span style="font-family: verdana, arial, helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;">If you are looking for a feel-good, fall-in-love-all-over-again kind of book, this is it!</span></div>Rachel Harlinhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09385214272967762830noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7948573429330360655.post-51405669939034080032012-04-02T17:00:00.001-06:002012-04-02T17:00:31.072-06:00Let There Be...Light!<br /><div class="MsoNormal" style="background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0.917969); color: #222222; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px;">Years ago in college, I was in a theater production called Children of Eden. It was a play that goes through the stories in the Bible from Adam to Noah. Now, I'm not going to get into particulars because I don't think this is the place to do that, either in favor or against. I am a romance writer with stranger quirks, not a religious teacher. Anyway, it was a fun show but not necessarily the most accurate according to the King James version of the Bible. Still, there was a line in one of the songs as God created the earth that said, "Let there be...light." So now, any time I think of that phrase or light in that regard, I can hear that line of the song. And often I will say (or sing) that line and no one gets it. So I had to explain myself. Thanks for humoring me!</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0.917969); color: #222222; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0.917969); color: #222222; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px;">Have you ever taken the time to stop and consider the part that electricity plays in your every day life? Kind of a silly thought. I know. But today, I showed up at work (I work at a bank) and noticed several bazaar things. Now at a bank, you always expect things to be the same. You rely on that because it means things are working well and in an organized manner. And nothing gives you comfort quite like the thought that everything is running smoothly at the organization that is holding your money.<u></u><u></u></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0.917969); color: #222222; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0.917969); color: #222222; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px;">Anyway, when I first walked in the doors, I noticed the gates had not lifted on the second floor. Strange. It is always open at 9. Also, the escalators going to the second floor were not working. Hmmm. But the elevator was.<u></u><u></u></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0.917969); color: #222222; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px;">I asked the gal at the front desk and she said they hadn’t had power all morning and that it had just barely turned on and the bank wasn’t supposed to be officially open until noon. (This was just before 11.) Naturally, everyone was still working, catching up on things, but by the time I got there, no one had anything to do and wished they had been allowed to go home and get a few things done. Of course, I was no different, but since the power was on, there was no reason for me not to stay.<u></u><u></u></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0.917969); color: #222222; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0.917969); color: #222222; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px;">But it is in situations like this that I think about how my life would function every day without the luxuries of electricity. I wouldn’t have my nice car with seat heaters, that’s for sure! I would have no bed lamp to read with at night. I would have no cell phone to play games on when the battery went dead, or call my husband, or check my email. Shoot, I wouldn’t have my computer for email or for writing. I’d be writing everything by hand. No wonder there weren’t many authors a hundred years ago!</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0.917969); color: #222222; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0.917969); color: #222222; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px;">So, while it may be a strange thought and something we often take for granted in our daily lives, today, I am profoundly grateful for the invention of electricity!</div>Rachel Harlinhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09385214272967762830noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7948573429330360655.post-57665564783924578272012-03-30T06:00:00.000-06:002012-03-30T06:00:09.250-06:00Interview with Joyce DiPastena<i>Today, I am pleased to welcome Joyce DiPastena to my blog! Joyce is the author of <u>Loyalty's Web</u>, <u>Illuminations of the Heart</u>, and D<u>angerous Favor</u>. Joyce has been an inspiration to me for years and it is my pleasure to have her with us today.</i><br /><b><i><br /></i></b><br /><b><i>Rachel: Thanks for doing this interview. When did you first know you wanted to be an author?</i></b><br /><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-r1c9GGtttgU/T21C30MSW7I/AAAAAAAACWk/KtAqjMw0Ajk/s1600/joyce_profile-RenFest+2011.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-r1c9GGtttgU/T21C30MSW7I/AAAAAAAACWk/KtAqjMw0Ajk/s1600/joyce_profile-RenFest+2011.jpg" /></a><br />Joyce: I enjoyed writing all through high school, but it wasn't until I graduated from college that I confessed to myself I wanted to try to publish something, too.<br /><br /><i><b>Rachel: What is your writing and educational background?</b></i><br /><br />Joyce: I have a bachelor's degree in history and a master's degree in library science (which is so outdated now as to be totally useless). I haven't taken any professional writing classes. Most of what I've learned about writing has been from books, magazines (like Writers Digest), writers conference, and most importantly, writing, writing, writing.<br /><br /><i><b>Rachel: I knew you enjoyed history, and it is fascinating to read your work because of the history. What makes you passionate about writing?</b></i><br /><br />Joyce: My characters. I love seeing where they take me and how they're going to surprise me along the way. It's like living an adventure with them every day.<br /><br /><b><i>Rachel: What was the pathway like for you to get your third book, <u>Dangerous Favor,</u> published?</i></b><br /><br />Joyce: My pathway was eased considerably by the fact that I had two previous books published with Walnut Springs press. Happily for me, they also liked <u>Dangerous Favor</u> and decided to publish it, too.<br /><br /><i><b>Rachel: Your writing always flows so easily and your stories are so detailed. Were you ever discouraged along the way? If so, how did you deal with it?</b></i><br /><br />Joyce: Oh, my, I have been discouraged more times than I can begin to tell you about. Sometimes I deal with it by climbing in bed and pulling the covers over my head. Sometimes I resort to avoidance. (Almost anything feels easier than writing, even scrubbing floors!) But the most effective way I've found to deal with it is to keep writing. And when that feels simply overwhelming, then I have a new tactic I've recently learned. It's called "100 words for 100 days." All I have to do is write 100 words a day, but I have to do it for 100 days. Somehow 100 words becomes doable, no matter how discouraged I may feel. And often I find that once I've written 100 words, then I'm back in the swing of my story and can write many more words than that. But on those days when 100 words is all I can cope with, then that's all I have to do. It eases my guilt factor, because you feel better about yourself just because you wrote something, even if it's small. And even if it's bad. But 100 words means I did something towards my goal, and when you're discouraged, that can feel wonderful at the end of the day. (By the way, I haven't actually made 100 days yet. I have to keep starting over, but the 100 words principle is still a good way to psych yourself into writing.)<br /><br /><i><b>Rachel: That's a wonderful idea! I may have to implement that! Now, I know this is not your full time job. I recently started working and struggle to find time to write. So tell me what is your writing schedule?</b></i><br /><br />Joyce: My schedule has been different with every book I've written, dependent on other things going on in my life at that time. What works for me right now is writing a couple of hours a night. I set a timer and write for an hour, then take a break, then reset my timer and write some more. If I can't do an hour, I shoot for the minimum 100 words I mentioned above. Often the hardest part is getting started when you're tired or depressed or whatever. The 100 words gives you an out if you can't do any more, but often it's all that you need to get you into the swing of a longer writing session.<br /><br /><b><i>Rachel: Where do your ideas come from? How do you know the idea is good enough to write a book about it?</i></b><br /><br />Joyce: I don't. I just try to go with characters I care about so much that I want to write them a story. If I love the characters enough, I trust them to carry me through to the end, then I hope that others will love them, too.<br /><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-059I9vGRAyk/T21CxOkKvfI/AAAAAAAACWU/IGTxs7YDkBA/s1600/Dangerous_Favor_product.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-059I9vGRAyk/T21CxOkKvfI/AAAAAAAACWU/IGTxs7YDkBA/s1600/Dangerous_Favor_product.jpg" /></a><br /><i><b>Rachel: Can you tell us a little about <u>Dangerous Favor</u>?</b></i><br /><br />Joyce: Here's the back cover blurb: Mathilde de Riavelle needs a champion. Her father has been accused of stealing from the king, an allegation that has reduced her family to poverty. She has one chance to find and marry a man who can help her prove her father's innocence. Lord Therri, heir to a rich barony, has the wealth and connections Mathilde needs to delve into the mysteries of her father's past. Furthermore, Therri embodies all her romantic dreams. Etienne, the younger son of a disgraced family, has neither wealth nor connections, but is smitten with Mathilde at a glance. She finds the knight intriguing, but believes he is only out to seduce her. While she seeks for a way to win Therri's attention, Etienne tricks her into granting him her favor, an embroidered white ribbon, for a tournament, setting in motion a dangerous chain reaction of events. Can Etienne save Mathilde from a nightmare from her past and prove himself the true hero of her dreams?<br /><br /><b><i>Rachel: You now have three published books. <u>Loyalty’s Web</u>, <u>Illuminations of the Heart</u>, and now <u>Dangerous Favor</u>. What do you hope readers will get from your books?</i></b><br /><br />Joyce: What I want most of all is simply to give readers a good, clean romance to read. No bad language, no sex scenes, no graphic violence, just a little adventure, a good romance, and a happy ending. I know how grateful I am when I find those things in a book. That's what I want to give to my readers.<br /><br /><i><b>Rachel: And they are great clean romances! What is your process of brainstorming a story? Do you just sit down and write, waiting to see what happens next? Or do you outline first?</b></i><br /><br />Joyce: I don't outline my stories, but I do play with my characters before I start, mostly working out their family trees. Don't ask me why, but I'm fascinated with family relationships, so I like to put my characters into families before I start. Most of that never makes it into my books, but it's helpful to me to get me started. When I start, I also start with at least one scene in mind that I want to write towards. It may be a climax scene that I envision, or an emotional turning point for one of my characters. So basically, when I start, my goal is to write towards that scene. That scene may change in the course of actually writing the story, but it's my starting point for beginning.<br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-kRCbUsKcgLQ/T21C7r1NONI/AAAAAAAACWs/PXdC1lo4eI8/s1600/loyaltyswebFINALCOVER.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-kRCbUsKcgLQ/T21C7r1NONI/AAAAAAAACWs/PXdC1lo4eI8/s320/loyaltyswebFINALCOVER.jpg" width="213" /></a></div><br /><b><i>Rachel: Do you ever experience a snag in a story, a form of writer's block? If so, how do you deal with it?</i></b><br /><br />Joyce: I pace around a lot. I lie in bed, racking my brain for how to fix the snag. But I find the most helpful thing is if I'll take the time to play the "what if" game. I ask myself, "What if I try this? What if I try that?" I just throw out lots of ideas until something clicks.<br /><br /><b><i>Rachel: Do you need absolute quiet to write? Do you listen to music when you are writing?</i></b><br /><br />Joyce: Silence, please. I can't write to music or the TV. I need absolute quiet to make my writing brain work.<br /><br /><b><i>Rachel: That's how I am too. What kinds of inspiration do you use during your story creation periods?</i></b><br /><br />Joyce: Reading other books will sometimes give me ideas. Reading research books can sometimes give me a fun historical incident or fact that I decide I'd like to play with. I can't listen to music when I write, but when I'm not writing I like to play the piano and sing, so sometimes the words of a song will fire my emotions and imagination.<br /><br /><b><i>Rachel: What’s your secret to making the character’s in your books come to life?</i></b><br /><br />Joyce: That's a tough question, because I'm not a very analytically writer, so it's hard to explain to people "how" I write. I don't really understand "how" I write myself. I see the characters very vividly in my head, I feel them in my heart, and then I try to write them. Of course, learning good writing techniques, like "showing" vs "telling", is essential, too.<br /><br /><b><i>Rachel: What is your favorite snack to have while you are writing?</i></b><br /><br />Joyce: I don't usually snack when I'm writing, but I'll make an occasional exception for a few Hershey Kisses, or if I'm trying to be good, a cheese stick.<br /><br /><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-apqkbPUPKhM/T21C0EK8ZcI/AAAAAAAACWc/EZ7gnvPmIbs/s1600/Illuminations,+final+cover.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-apqkbPUPKhM/T21C0EK8ZcI/AAAAAAAACWc/EZ7gnvPmIbs/s320/Illuminations,+final+cover.jpg" width="219" /></a><b><i>Rachel: I wish I had your restraint! It's hard to write and eat at the same time. I am always snacking during the edits! Besides writing what other talents or hobbies do you have?</i></b><br /><br />Joyce: I enjoy playing the piano, and sometimes I like to sing while I play. I have what I call a "nice little choir voice", nothing spectacular or that I'd want to show off, but I can carry a tune and I like to sing. And of course I like to read. And I spend much, much too much on the internet!<br /><br /><b><i>Rachel: What words of advice do you have for other writers who desire to have their manuscripts become books in print?</i></b><br /><br />Joyce: Study and practice good writing techniques. Find a critique partner or a supportive writing group to help you, so you get quality feedback on your writing before you send it out anywhere. If you can attend a writing conference, do so. Then write write write, and write some more.<br /><br /><b><i>Rachel: What are you working on now?</i></b><br /><br /> Joyce: I'm playing around with a couple of projects right now. One is a romance for the character of Acelet, who appeared in <u>Illuminations of the Heart</u>. I'm also attempting a novella, or possibly something shorter than novella length, placed a generation before in the court of Queen Eleanor of Aquitaine. I'm ordinarily a very long winded writer, so we'll see if I can pull off the novella attempt or not. LOL!<br /><br /><b><i>Rachel: Sounds like fun! And I really enjoyed Acelet! I can't wait to hear his story! Where can our readers go to find your books and order them?</i></b><br /><br />Joyce: My books are available on <a href="http://www.amazon.com/Dangerous-Favor-Joyce-DiPastena/dp/159992806X" target="_blank">Amazon</a>, <a href="http://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/dangerous-favor-joyce-dipastena/1108534833?ean=9781599928067&itm=1&usri=dangerous+favor" target="_blank">Barnes & Noble</a>, and <a href="http://deseretbook.com/Dangerous-Favor-Joyce-DiPastena/i/5078362" target="_blank">Deseret Book</a>, or you can order them from your local bookstore.<br /><br />Rachel: Thanks for visiting with us today, Joyce! It was fun getting to know you better.<br /><br />You can visit Joyce on her<a href="http://www.joyce-dipastena.com/" target="_blank"> website</a>!Rachel Harlinhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09385214272967762830noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7948573429330360655.post-62692226322573697182012-03-28T06:00:00.001-06:002012-03-28T06:00:07.815-06:00Dangerous Favor<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-059I9vGRAyk/T21CxOkKvfI/AAAAAAAACWU/IGTxs7YDkBA/s1600/Dangerous_Favor_product.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-059I9vGRAyk/T21CxOkKvfI/AAAAAAAACWU/IGTxs7YDkBA/s1600/Dangerous_Favor_product.jpg" /></a></div><br /><span style="text-align: center;">Today's Review is </span><u style="text-align: center;">Dangerous Favor</u><span style="text-align: center;">, by Joyce DiPastena.</span><br /><br /><b>Back Cover:</b><br /><b><br /></b><br /><span class="Apple-style-span" style="background-color: white; color: #134f5c; font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: 15px; line-height: 20px;">Mathilde needs a champion!</span><br /><br /><span class="Apple-style-span" style="background-color: white; color: #134f5c; font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: 15px; line-height: 20px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 19px;">Her father has been accused of stealing from the king, an allegation that has reduced her family to poverty. She has one chance to find and marry a man who can help her prove her father's innocence. Lord Therri, heir to a rich barony, has the wealth and connections Mathilde needs to delve into the mysteries of her father's past. Furthermore, Therri embodies all her romantic dreams.</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 19px;"> </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 19px;"><br /></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 19px;"><br /></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 19px;">Etienne, the younger son of a disgraced family, has neither wealth nor connections, but is smitten with Mathilde at a glance. She finds the knight intriguing, but believes he is only out to seduce her. While she seeks for a way to win Therri's attention, Etienne tricks her into granting him her favor, an embroidered white ribbon, for a tournament, setting in motion a dangerous chain reaction of events. Can Etienne save Mathilde from a nightmare from her past and prove himself the true hero of her dreams?</span></span><br /><br /><b>My Take:</b><br /><b><br /></b><br />First off, I must say that I loved this book! I don't know what it is about the way Joyce writes her stories, but I am easily transported to another time and another place. I simply love becoming lost in her world!<br /><br />I have to say that Etienne is the sweetest thing I've encountered in a while. He's everything a hero should be. He's buff, he's hot, he's yummy, he will do anything for Mathilde, and he has no money! Mathilde is the epitome of the desperate heroine who wants to prove herself and restore her family's honor, but she also wants be happy. The struggle that ensues as these elements combine leaves the reader captivated.<br /><br />There is adventure and intrigue, love and hate, sorrow and deceit. I was absolutely astounded at the level of emotions Joyce can evoke from her readers. I would highly recommend this book for anyone who loves a good clean romance!<br /><br /><span class="Apple-style-span" style="background-color: white; color: #134f5c; font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: 15px; line-height: 20px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large; line-height: 19px;">Excerpt:</span></span><br /><br /><div class="MsoNormal" style="background-color: white; color: #3e3e3e; font-family: Georgia, Utopia, 'Palatino Linotype', Palatino, serif; font-size: 15px; line-height: 20px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #134f5c; font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman';">Mathilde’s violet eyes turned misty again. Etienne imagined she longed for some man to be thus stricken over her. No doubt it was of Therri she dreamed. What had she called him? The Vision? Etienne’s mouth quirked up in rare envy of his friend.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="background-color: white; font-size: 15px; line-height: 20px;"><span style="color: #3e3e3e; font-family: Georgia, Utopia, 'Palatino Linotype', Palatino, serif;"><br /></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="background-color: white; color: #3e3e3e; font-family: Georgia, Utopia, 'Palatino Linotype', Palatino, serif; font-size: 15px; line-height: 20px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #134f5c; font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman';">She sighed and forced her gaze—reluctantly, he thought—to refocus on his face.</span></span></div><br /><div class="MsoNormal" style="background-color: white; color: #134f5c; font-family: Georgia, Utopia, 'Palatino Linotype', Palatino, serif; font-size: 15px; line-height: 20px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman';">“Pray, sir, it is most unchivalrous of you to tease me this way. If you are a true knight, you will honor my request and give me back the ribbon.”<o:p></o:p></span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="background-color: white; font-size: 15px; line-height: 20px;"><span style="color: #3e3e3e; font-family: Georgia, Utopia, 'Palatino Linotype', Palatino, serif;"><br /></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="background-color: white; color: #134f5c; font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: 15px; line-height: 20px;"><span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman';">Etienne hesitated. He wanted to wear her favor, but he realized it was equally important to him that she should think well of him. If he continued to refuse her request, she would think him a churlish brute.<o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="background-color: white; color: #134f5c; font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: 15px; line-height: 20px;"><span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman';"> <o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="background-color: white; color: #134f5c; font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: 15px; line-height: 20px;"><span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman';">Before he could decide how to answer, Hermaline swept through her half-circle of mounted attendants, apparently tired of waiting for her would-be champion to return. She bore down upon Etienne and Mathilde with sparkling eyes, her veil fluttering in her hand like a banner of war. If he were to surrender Mathilde’s ribbon, he told himself, then he must at least arm himself with some other shield in its place.<o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="background-color: white; color: #134f5c; font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: 15px; line-height: 20px;"><span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman';"> <o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="background-color: white; color: #134f5c; font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: 15px; line-height: 20px;"><span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman';">“If I give it back to you,” he said quickly to Mathilde, “what will you give me in exchange?”<o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="background-color: white; color: #134f5c; font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: 15px; line-height: 20px;"><span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman';"> <o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="background-color: white; color: #134f5c; font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: 15px; line-height: 20px;"><span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman';">“In exchange?”<o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="background-color: white; color: #134f5c; font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: 15px; line-height: 20px;"><span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman';"> <o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="background-color: white; color: #134f5c; font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: 15px; line-height: 20px;"><span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman';">“You agreed last night to grant me your favor for the tournament today. If you insist that I behave as a ‘true knight’ and return the ribbon you gave me, then I demand you keep your word as a ‘lady’ and grant me some other favor in its stead.”<o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="background-color: white; color: #134f5c; font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: 15px; line-height: 20px;"><span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman';"> <o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="background-color: white; color: #134f5c; font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: 15px; line-height: 20px;"><span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman';">“But I told you last night that I have nothing else to give you.”<o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="background-color: white; color: #134f5c; font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: 15px; line-height: 20px;"><span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman';"> <o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="background-color: white; color: #134f5c; font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: 15px; line-height: 20px;"><span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman';">Hermaline was nearly upon them.</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="background-color: white; color: #134f5c; font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: 15px; line-height: 20px;"><span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman';"> </span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="background-color: white; color: #3e3e3e; font-size: 15px; line-height: 20px;"><div style="color: #134f5c; font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman';">“Then,” he murmured to Mathilde, “I hope you will forgive me, for I am about to behave most unchivalrously.”</span></div><div style="color: #134f5c;"><br /></div><div style="color: #134f5c;"><br /></div><div style="color: #134f5c;"><i>Tune in on Friday for an interview with Joyce DiPastena!</i></div></div>Rachel Harlinhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09385214272967762830noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7948573429330360655.post-26848648134233929752012-03-27T06:00:00.000-06:002012-03-27T06:00:06.074-06:00Show vs. TellI've been doing some reading on self-editing and revisions. The things I am reading aren't necessarily new to me, but great reminders. I'm kind of using this post as my notebook. I hope you don't mind.<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-qWyQCoGzRQ8/T21T5tQ-NFI/AAAAAAAACW0/0uE5II4xJqc/s1600/images+(1).jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-qWyQCoGzRQ8/T21T5tQ-NFI/AAAAAAAACW0/0uE5II4xJqc/s1600/images+(1).jpg" /></a></div>I started this reading segment because of a rejection I received recently. Asking some friends for a boost of my confidence, and letting them look through my manuscript, I decided that while it was good and polished, I still have many areas I need to improve.<br /><br />So today, I thought that maybe we could review the 'show vs. tell' part of writing. After reading some books, it's easy to see how important this is. We all know that it is important to show the reader what happens as it is happening. It is important to show the story rather than just tell the reader about them.<br /><br />It's important to use the setting for character information. Rather than tell the reader every detail of the room or park, drop your reader into the middle of the society and let them fend for themselves. Allow them to experience the details of the room as the characters chase each other around the chaise in the parlor, or pour a drink from the crystal decanter on by the stone cold hearth. It is also important to show this is real time. Don't take time out of the story to flash back or give back-story as it detracts from the pace of the story and can confuse the reader. Show the back-story or hint at it through actions or dialogue.<br /><br />An important thing we need to understand in order to fully grasp this concept is to know the difference between a summary and a scene. In one book it compared showing to watching a scene in a movie, whereas telling is like you're recounting the movie to a friend. (I don't know about you, but I suddenly saw things completely different after I read that.) Give the reader experiences!<br /><br />It's like saying:<br /><br /><i>Jimmy stomped into the room, slamming the door behind him. He thrust his coat onto a chair without looking to see if it slipped to the floor. His eyes flashed with unrestrained fire as he advanced on his prey.</i><br /><br />vs.<br /><br /><i>Jimmy was angry.</i><br /><br />A good rule to live by is the more intense a scene, the more showing you do. Remember that all scenes should advance the character or the story.<br /><br />What is the best way to do that?<br /><br />Right. Show it as it happens.<br /><br />While telling has it's place, too much telling is lazy writing. Telling, or narrative, is good for transitions between scenes. It helps the story move quickly. Just be careful not to have too much telling. On the same point, you can't have too much showing either. The reader does need to take a break from time to time, and the narrative part helps give the reader a bit of a break. Be careful not to use narrative to tell what was already shown in the dialogue or action.<br /><br />Another good tip is to use actions, metaphors, and dialogue to show a character's emotion.<br /><br /><span style="font-size: 12pt;"><i>Entering the street again, Ivy blinked against the blinding rays of the hot sun. Dancing across the cobbled street like she had two left feet, she narrowly escaped being trampled by a horse and carriage. “I’m so late,” she muttered, commanding her burning legs to move faster.</i></span><br /><span style="font-size: 12pt;"><br /></span><br />Obviously you don't have to use all three in a single paragraph to show a character's emotion, but you can. And you don't have to show everything. Allow the reader to draw their own conclusions about some things. That's half the fun of reading!<br /><br />So, now it's your turn!<br /><br />Here's a little scene for you to practice with. Take this simple narration and turn it into a scene. See what happens! Feel free to share it with me or just save it for yourself. Have fun!<br /><br /><i>Don walked into the cafe. The smell in the place was terrible, and reminded him how depressed he was. A small dog barked at him, startling him. So he kicked it.</i><br /><i><br /></i><br /><i>"How dare you!" a woman shouted. She was an imposing-looking woman, seated at a table holding the dog's leash.</i><br /><i><br /></i><br /><i>Don told her what she could do with her dog, and she called for the waitress. The waitress came over and asked Don to leave.</i>Rachel Harlinhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09385214272967762830noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7948573429330360655.post-65724086739556718362012-03-17T06:00:00.000-06:002012-03-17T06:00:01.022-06:00Handling RejectionDo you remember those days when you were still in high school or college and you really liked a guy? The hot one on the football team, or the one with the amazing singing voice? Do you remember those butterflies in your stomach each year as prom rolled around and you anxiously waited for him to ask you to go? Or did you ask him? I remember such a time. My friends told me he would ask me, and I waited and waited. I think I lived in more fear that someone else would ask me first and I wouldn't know what to say. Would I say 'no' in hopes that the guy I really liked would ask me? Or did I say 'yes' anyway because I really wanted to go, and just hope that I wouldn't have to tell my crush 'no'? I remember the huge rose I received when my crush did finally ask me. I was elated and giddy with joy. I had never seen such a large rose before! I was the envy of all my friends. I was truly on cloud '9'! Of course there was also that horrid year when someone asked me and I said 'yes' simply because I was a sophomore and didn't think anyone else would ask me. Of course, I didn't hardly know the guy and he was so tall, he intimidated the snot out of me. Now, this pains me to admit, but when I caught wind that this really hot senior was going to ask me to go, I battled with my emotions and feelings. I really wanted to go, but I wasn't certain the hot guy would ask me. After a couple days, I made my decision. I told the first guy I didn't really want to go with him. (I think he was really disappointed, the poor guy.) Then I waited for the hot guy to ask me. After a couple more days, he did, only to change his mind the next day and ask another senior. Of course, I only found out about it from a friend, and when I got the guts to ask him about it, he just shrugged me off. It serves me right! Anyway, the other day, I received a rejection on my manuscript from the publisher that I have really been hoping would take my ms. (Not quite the same as prom, but devastating in its own right.) Rejection is never an easy thing to handle. Of course I felt like dirt and that my writing was horrid. All I wanted to do all day was crawl under the blankets, have myself a good cry, and eat too much chocolate ice cream and read someone else's book! But alas, I had to go to work and tough it out. After stewing about it for a while, I realized that I'm not worthless. And though my writing isn't perfect and fabulous, it doesn't suck either. The editor actually sent me a pretty lengthy correspondence of notes, which tells me that she at least sees the value and potential of the story! (whew) Often, editors say, "sorry, but no," and that's it. So I'm grateful she gave me her thoughts. I think the best thing for me when I receive a rejection on my ms, is to wait a couple days and not even look at it! Then, take the time to look through the comments and focus on the good parts. Then, after that's bolstered my confidence, I look at the critiques and see how I can make it better. Because that's really what a critique is - advice on how to improve. I still find rejection hard, but I hope that with each rejection I receive, I can make my story better, tighter, and more enjoyable to read!Rachel Harlinhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09385214272967762830noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7948573429330360655.post-49154036708395769432012-03-12T06:00:00.000-06:002012-03-12T06:00:08.385-06:00Little Cars?Today I saw an old man driving a car that was much too little for any person – let alone a grown man – to be driving. It was one of those European looking cars that appears to have been put through a car press. Strangely enough, the man seemed to fit into the car, though he didn’t appear to be squeezed in with any sort of comfort. When I say he was old, I simply mean that he sported a full head of white hair, had lines on his face that could easily hide a couple days worth of dust in the dessert, and he hunched over in his seat, if only slightly (however, I suppose that may have been due to the size of the vehicle.).<br />My first thought as I saw him drive down the road was, “That’s a funny little car.” This was followed closely by, “He doesn’t even fit,” and, “I wonder who the shmuck was who conned him into buying such a ridiculous mode of transportation.”<br />Now before you regale me with concerns, please keep in mind that I live in Wyoming. We are a meat and potato kind of people. Very few of us know what brochette is let alone have ever tried it. Also, keep in mind that I live in the windiest part of the world imaginable. (Ask anyone who’s ever been here.) If the wind isn’t blowing at least 20 mph, you probably haven’t woken up from whatever drug enhanced sleep you’re in. And usually it’s blowing much harder!<br />Beside’s that major concern (and yes, I am concerned because it looked like he would either blow over at any moment, or that someone would squish him like a bug.) And he did look like a little bug on the road. He has this little bitty car and everyone else is driving half ton diesels or big SUV’s. If he were to be in an accident in that little thing, there’s no way he could walk away undamaged.<br />While I’m sure they are more environmentally friendly, I wonder what kind of sales tactics the salesman must have used on the man. Not only that, did the man know any better and the salesman simply took advantage of him? Either way, I’m kind of grumpy about it. This is not the sort of car that older men around here drive. I don’t care where they are from. Most of them like something reliable, comfortable, and durable. <br />So the question is still haunting me, why does this man have this little car?<br />Maybe he’s really a white-haired 20 year old.Rachel Harlinhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09385214272967762830noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7948573429330360655.post-68271957362255498962012-03-10T06:00:00.000-07:002012-03-10T06:00:04.120-07:00Court DuelToday's review is Court Duel by Sherwood Smith <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-mFhbVv-P3lg/T0pofizUTiI/AAAAAAAACV0/EZ8XTEjZT70/s1600/596308.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear:left; float:left;margin-right:1em; margin-bottom:1em"><img border="0" height="400" width="268" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-mFhbVv-P3lg/T0pofizUTiI/AAAAAAAACV0/EZ8XTEjZT70/s400/596308.jpg" /></a></div> Editorial Review: <i>The teenage Countess Meliara finds herself compelled for political reasons to leave her small castle in county Tlanth to stay at the royal palace Athanarel in the capital city, Remalna. She is completely unprepared for court life, preferring to run barefoot over the hills rather than learning how to hold her fan correctly, but luckily her brother's new fiancee takes Meliara under her wing and teaches her the nuances of court etiquette. Mel soon finds herself swept up in a dizzying whirl of flirtation and political intrigue, and she remains confused about both until a plot to take over the throne brings many secrets to light. Court Duel stands well on its own, although readers will immediately want to go back and read the first book. Mel is a likable heroine who is constantly chastising herself for her ignorance and quick temper, and the other characters are fully realized and fascinating in their own right. There isn't much action until the very end, but readers will enjoy immersing themselves in the subtleties of courtly life and love.</i> My Take: I liked this one lots more than the first one, probably because there's more romance in this one. And there is a secret romance in this that creates an emotional tension that is enthralling. On top of the intrigue and adventure, Mel is a strong character who makes real mistakes, and you can't help but relate to her. I would definately reccomend this book for anyone who wants a quick, enjoyable read.Rachel Harlinhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09385214272967762830noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7948573429330360655.post-39590817523544372132012-03-05T06:00:00.000-07:002012-03-05T06:00:11.612-07:00Goodies Control Traffic LightsWhy is it that whenever I seem to be running just a couple minutes late, I get all the lights red? You know those days when you try to squeeze just a couple more minutes out of an already action packed day? I’ve been having more and more of these lately.<br />The other day, after I dropped the girls off at school at 8:30 am, I went home and exercised. I took a shower, did my hair and make-up, made dinner, and barely had time to eat a bite before running out the door 2 minutes later than normal. Just TWO! I personally thought that was pretty good.<br />Then, of course on the drive into town, I happened to hit every single light just after it turned red. ANNOYING! If that wasn’t enough, everyone else in town seemed to be driving somewhere, too. Now I understand that I am the only person alive who has anywhere to be at 11 am, but come on!<br />On top of driving slow, everyone must have thought the roads were too slick or something. You’d think that living in a state that entertains winter for nine months out of the year would ensure that the people who lived here would know how to drive in less than prime conditions. Apparently not.<br />At any rate, besides the obnoxiously slow drivers on the not very slick roads, and the strangely absurd amount of people, as well as the poorly timed lights, I’d say the drive was quite pleasant. Of course, due to all these elements I clocked in LATE! And if you know me, that is NOT a cool thing. Ugh.<br />Days like that drive me batty. You’d think that traffic lights should be timed to your schedule and know when you are running behind so they can help you get to your destination on time. Wouldn’t that be nice? But then you’d be dealing with electronics that could gauge what people are thinking and feeling and you’d get the I Robot thing coming to life.<br />As it happened, the next day wasn’t a whole lot better. You’d think I’d learn my lesson. But no. It was laundry day, and I wanted to see just how many loads I could do BEFORE work.<br />It could be argued that I need to get up earlier and exercise so that I have more time in the mornings, but then you’d be cutting into my sleeping time. And I’m one of those people who really needs 8-9 hours of sleep (no matter how lazy my husband thinks it makes me.) I could also go to bed earlier, but when else would I have time to write, read, or visit with my husband, or make tasty treats to snack on and make me fat so that I continually battle against weight gain? See? Tasty treats make my posterior larger than life, my obesity results in the need to exercise, resulting in my getting stuck at red lights.<br />So, perhaps we can blame the slow traffic and red lights on my addiction to cooking.Rachel Harlinhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09385214272967762830noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7948573429330360655.post-65531937464557761502012-03-02T06:00:00.000-07:002012-03-02T06:00:17.990-07:00Crown DuelToday's review is of Crown Duel by Sherwood Smith. <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-QC_XbBkk17g/T0pnE1P7urI/AAAAAAAACVo/UbFGPKENL18/s1600/21060.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear:right; float:right; margin-left:1em; margin-bottom:1em"><img border="0" height="400" width="241" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-QC_XbBkk17g/T0pnE1P7urI/AAAAAAAACVo/UbFGPKENL18/s400/21060.jpg" /></a></div> Editorial Review: <i>A girl in Remalna traditionally spends her Flower Day being feted, dancing with friends, and celebrating her passage to womanhood. Countess Meliara spends hers on the front lines of a war. She and her brother promised their dying father to free Remalna from the oppressive rule of Greedy Galdran and to preserve the vital Covenant with Remalna's aloof, unhuman Hill People. Courageous, stubborn Meliara, honorable and sharp-tongued, is determined to win or die fighting, and her hardships, uneasy alliances, and fondness for daring (foolhardy) tactics make anxious, unstoppable reading. </i> My Take: This was a fun and interesting YA book. I enjoyed the adventure and the twists. Mel's brother, Bran, always says what's on his mind and is blatantly honest, which is fun. This is an easy read and very clean. I would willingly allow my daughters to read this book. There is no romance in it, but as it's only book one, you have to read it to discover the good stuff in book two!Rachel Harlinhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09385214272967762830noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7948573429330360655.post-10396510015315366142012-02-27T06:00:00.001-07:002012-02-27T06:00:08.399-07:00Who's Twin Do You Know?Do you ever have those days where you see someone and you know their twin. Okay, maybe not literally. Let me tell you what I’m talking about.<br />The other day, there was a gal at work who had a beef about something, and she came back ranting and raving. Okay, that may be a slight exaggeration, but I looked at her and was seriously terrified. Not because of what she was saying or doing, but because I have seen that behavior so many times before in someone else! Someone I know VERY well.<br />I’ve worked with this gal for quite a while and never thought she reminded me of anyone before. She’s a very easy going, lighthearted woman. (That’s not to say that I don’t know anyone else who is lighthearted and easy going. I’m just letting you know that I wouldn’t have guessed this behavior out of her.)<br />Her behavior wasn’t violent or even rude. It was mostly even workplace appropriate. It just reminded me so much of someone else that now I have a hard time looking at her and not seeing this other person. Maybe it was her hand motions, or the way her voice escalated and became short of breath, or the way her cheeks became splotchy. But that day, I was seriously traumatized.<br />So naturally, my head begins to spin with thoughts and conclusions as to why this is. And while my husband is the psychology major and has his master’s in counseling, I know only what I’ve observed from watching him, listening to him, and watching and analyzing other people.<br />So here is the unscientific, non-theory based, explanation of Rachel Rager.<br />Why was I so traumatized by this woman I work with simply because she reminded me of someone I know?<br />I think it may have been because I was tired so I relaxed my guard and she was able to penetrate my senses, triggering something in my brain that brought up old memories. And obviously those memories aren’t good. I think this probably happens more than we realize. Some of us may call it deja vu; although, that is sometimes considered something else entirely. And sometimes I think we get those feelings like something is familiar, or a positive or negative feeling regarding something and we simply can’t name it. But then there are those rare instances where we can.<br />Now I wonder which is worse….Rachel Harlinhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09385214272967762830noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7948573429330360655.post-845088366538021302012-02-17T06:00:00.000-07:002012-02-17T06:00:09.603-07:00Clockwork Angel - ReviewThis week's review is the first book in The Infernal Devices series by Cassandra Clare.<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-o7WZY2bbQo4/TyDXFHLsBnI/AAAAAAAACVM/3lSXB_w6qww/s1600/angel.gif"><img style="MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; WIDTH: 240px; FLOAT: left; HEIGHT: 364px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5701793611078436466" border="0" alt="" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-o7WZY2bbQo4/TyDXFHLsBnI/AAAAAAAACVM/3lSXB_w6qww/s400/angel.gif" /></a> <br /><div></div><br /><div>Back Cover:</div><br /><div><em>Magic is dangerous—but love is more dangerous still.<br />When sixteen-year-old Tessa Gray crosses the ocean to find her brother, her destination is England, the time is the reign of Queen Victoria, and something terrifying is waiting for her in London's Downworld, where vampires, warlocks and other supernatural folk stalk the gaslit streets. Only the Shadowhunters, warriors dedicated to ridding the world of demons, keep order amidst the chaos. </em></div><br /><div><br /><em>Kidnapped by the mysterious Dark Sisters, members of a secret organization called The Pandemonium Club, Tessa soon learns that she herself is a Downworlder with a rare ability: the power to transform, at will, into another person. What's more, the Magister, the shadowy figure who runs the Club, will stop at nothing to claim Tessa's power for his own. </em></div><br /><div><br /><em>Friendless and hunted, Tessa takes refuge with the Shadowhunters of the London Institute, who swear to find her brother if she will use her power to help them. She soon finds herself fascinated by—and torn between—two best friends: James, whose fragile beauty hides a deadly secret, and blue-eyed Will, whose caustic wit and volatile moods keep everyone in his life at arm's length...everyone, that is, but Tessa. As their search draws them deep into the heart of an arcane plot that threatens to destroy the Shadowhunters, Tessa realizes that she may need to choose between saving her brother and helping her new friends save the world...and that love may be the most dangerous magic of all. </em></div><br /><div></div><br /><div>My Take:</div><br /><div>I found this book much more terrifying than the Mortal Instruments series. I don't know if that's because I find human robots quite frightening or what. I thought this book was a lot darker than the others. Still, I liked it. A lot! I found it interesting that that the characters were the ancestors of the the characters in the other series.</div><br /><div>I loved Jem and I was certainly drawn to Will. I love the twists that Cassandra uses in her stories. I should be ready for them but I find myself continually surprised.</div><br /><div>There is plenty of action in this and lots of adventure. If you liked the Mortal Instruments series, you'll probably enjoy this one as well! I am excited and eager to read the others in both these series!</div>Rachel Harlinhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09385214272967762830noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7948573429330360655.post-57172193180557823892012-02-10T06:00:00.000-07:002012-02-10T06:00:05.010-07:00City of Glass - ReviewThis week's review is the third book in the Mortal Instrument's series City of Glass by Cassandra Clare.<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-jAu6gaIhPz4/TyDTDhpQJVI/AAAAAAAACVA/FsU6AktmJrU/s1600/city-of-glass.jpg"><img style="MARGIN: 0px 0px 10px 10px; WIDTH: 238px; FLOAT: right; HEIGHT: 339px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5701789185775510866" border="0" alt="" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-jAu6gaIhPz4/TyDTDhpQJVI/AAAAAAAACVA/FsU6AktmJrU/s400/city-of-glass.jpg" /></a> <br /><div></div><br /><div>Back Cover:</div><br /><div><em>To save her mother's life, Clary must travel to the City of Glass, the ancestral home of the Shadowhunters — never mind that entering the city without permission is against the Law, and breaking the Law could mean death. To make things worse, she learns that Jace does not want her there, and her best friend, Simon, has been thrown in prison by the Shadowhunters, who are deeply suspicious of a vampire who can withstand sunlight.</em></div><br /><div><em></em></div><br /><div><em>As Clary uncovers more about her family's past, she finds an ally in mysterious Shadowhunter Sebastian. With Valentine mustering the full force of his power to destroy all Shadowhunters forever, their only chance to defeat him is to fight alongside their eternal enemies. But can Downworlders and Shadowhunters put aside their hatred to work together? While Jace realizes exactly how much he's willing to risk for Clary, can she harness her newfound powers to help save the Glass City — whatever the cost?</em></div><br /><div><em></em></div><br /><div><em>Love is a mortal sin and the secrets of the past prove deadly as Clary and Jace face down Valentine in the final installment of the New York Times bestselling The Mortal Instruments.</em></div><br /><div><em></em></div><br /><div>My Take:</div><br /><div>This was my favorite of the three books!!! These are DEFINITELY best read all three together. There are three more after this (not all of them are out yet) but at least this third book is a good stopping spot.</div><br /><div>This book takes you to the capital of the Shadowhunter's world. A fascinating adventure! Clary has become more confident and sure of her Shadowhunter's abilities. She has become a very dominant heroine yet still quite vulnerable. Of course she has Simon and Jace to look after her and they are just so yummy!!</div><br /><div>Definitely a fun read! I'd recommend them! This one has a couple foul words in it, but for the most part is pretty clean. Either way, I LOVED this series!!</div>Rachel Harlinhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09385214272967762830noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7948573429330360655.post-40650907622480211392012-02-03T06:00:00.001-07:002012-02-03T06:00:12.806-07:00City of Ashes - ReviesToday's review is the second book in the Mortal Instruments series, <u>City of Ashes</u> by Cassandra Clare. <a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-a70Lb1dtZQw/TyDQdhoeiUI/AAAAAAAACU0/BL3rcMwDBlE/s1600/city-of-ashes.jpg"><img style="MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; WIDTH: 238px; FLOAT: left; HEIGHT: 339px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5701786333913975106" border="0" alt="" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-a70Lb1dtZQw/TyDQdhoeiUI/AAAAAAAACU0/BL3rcMwDBlE/s400/city-of-ashes.jpg" /></a> <br /><div>Back cover:</div><br /><div><em>Clary Fray just wishes that her life would go back to normal. But what's normal when you're a demon-slaying Shadowhunter, your mother is in a magically induced coma, and you can suddenly see Downworlders like werewolves, vampires, and faeries? If Clary left the world of the Shadowhunters behind, it would mean more time with her best friend, Simon, who's becoming more than a friend. But the Shadowhunting world isn't ready to let her go — especially her handsome, infuriating, newfound brother, Jace. And Clary's only chance to help her mother is to track down rogue Shadowhunter Valentine, who is probably insane, certainly evil — and also her father.</em></div><br /><div><em></em></div><br /><div><em>To complicate matters, someone in New York City is murdering Downworlder children. Is Valentine behind the killings — and if he is, what is he trying to do? When the second of the Mortal Instruments, the Soul-Sword, is stolen, the terrifying Inquisitor arrives to investigate and zooms right in on Jace. How can Clary stop Valentine if Jace is willing to betray everything he believes in to help their father?</em></div><br /><div><em></em></div><br /><div><em>In this breathtaking sequel to City of Bones, Cassandra Clare lures her readers back into the dark grip of New York City's Downworld, where love is never safe and power becomes the deadliest temptation.</em></div><br /><div><em></em></div><br /><div>My Take:</div><br /><div>Okay, I liked this book, but the romantic friction and tension was VERY frustrating! Ach!! </div><br /><div>This was a classic second book that ties the first and third ones together well. However, unlike second books, this book was very essential in the trio. The first book focuses on finding the first mortal instrument. In this one we learn about the second. This book demonstrates how a series should build one on top of another and the end left me LONGING for the third one.</div><br /><div>I loved how this book carried me to other worlds within our own and kept me enthralled throughout! The twists were, of course, unexpected and fun! Who would have thought...?</div><br /><div>If you liked the first one, you'll like this one as well!</div><br /><div>Happy reading!</div>Rachel Harlinhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09385214272967762830noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7948573429330360655.post-7387301956718268232012-01-27T06:00:00.000-07:002012-01-27T06:00:08.074-07:00City of Bones - ReviewI've been doing lots of reading lately! I'm not sure where the extra time has come from. Oh, wait! I haven't been writing, only reading! Sorry.<br /><br />So the book review I have today is <u>City of Bones</u> by Cassandra Clare. <a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-a_7OQLnd_cU/TyDNhCuRGlI/AAAAAAAACUo/R_f53c2tlW8/s1600/city-of-bones.jpg"><img style="MARGIN: 0px 0px 10px 10px; WIDTH: 238px; FLOAT: right; HEIGHT: 339px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5701783095801354834" border="0" alt="" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-a_7OQLnd_cU/TyDNhCuRGlI/AAAAAAAACUo/R_f53c2tlW8/s400/city-of-bones.jpg" /></a><br /><br />Back Cover:<br /><em>When fifteen-year-old Clary Fray heads out to the Pandemonium Club in New York City, she hardly expects to witness a murder — much less a murder committed by three teenagers covered with strange tattoos and brandishing bizarre weapons. Clary knows she should call the police, but it's hard to explain a murder when the body disappears into thin air and the murderers are invisible to everyone but Clary.<br /><br />Equally startled by her ability to see them, the murderers explain themselves as Shadowhunters: a secret tribe of warriors dedicated to ridding the earth of demons. Within twenty-four hours, Clary's mother disappears and Clary herself is almost killed by a grotesque demon.<br /><br />But why would demons be interested in ordinary mundanes like Clary and her mother? And how did Clary suddenly get the Sight? The Shadowhunters would like to know.... </em><em><br /><br /></em><em></em>My Take:<br />Now this is not my typical romance! However, I really liked it. My first thought was, "Ugh! Another best seller series. This is going to be like a Harry Potter, Twilight thing." (Please don't get me wrong, I enjoy both those series, I just don't like reading things that try to copy what those two authors have done.)<br />But, my aunt had recommended this series to me, so I thought I'd give it a shot. I didn't have a hard time getting into it, but I had a hard time wanting to read it, just on principle. I don't really like reading series because I know I have to read the entire thing whether I really like it or not. Silly, I know. Anyway, by the time I was halfway through, I was, of course, in love with Jace and Simon and had to finish the book. And by the end, I was so frustrated by the little twist that I thought there was a mistake and immediately went out and got the next two books.<br />So, a long story short, I enjoyed the adventure and twists in this story. It was well written and had a good story line. It was easy to read and I really enjoyed it. My daughter even really liked it.<br />Was it a romance? Well..... I don't know that I can really answer that without giving EVERYTHING away. There was some romance in it, frustrating though it was. But it was more adventure driven than romance driven. Sad, I know. Still, I found it refreshing and I really enjoyed it. If you are looking for a fun read, look in the youth section of your library or order it online. Trust me, you won't regret it!<br />Happy reading!Rachel Harlinhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09385214272967762830noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7948573429330360655.post-79714506980726241412011-12-05T06:00:00.000-07:002011-12-05T06:00:17.333-07:00UpdatesI haven't been very good about blogging lately. Even my Wednesday Romances have been sporadic at best. I appreciate all of you who diligently seek me out anyway, despite my slacking ways.<br /><br />It has been a rough second half of the year for me. My husband and I moved my family back to Wyoming, which we have really enjoyed! We are living with my in-laws while we are building our house and will probably be here until May (since things didn't go so smoothly, and we haven't started yet.) It's stressful at times, but not horrid, and we are making it work.<br /><br />I also started working full time, which minimized my writing. Since then I got a part time position as a personal banker at a local bank. I have absolutely LOVED it!! I get to take my kids to school and pick them up and be home with them all evening! It's been great! I have been struggling to find time to fit in all my writing, but I'm slowly making it work.<br /><br />This last month I have started submitting <u>Sweet Ivy</u> again. It has gone through some massive rewrites and I'm hoping things will go well for it this time around!<br /><br />I am currently working on a couple fantasy stories, along with thinking about writing a sequel to <u>Sweet Ivy</u> and finishing the sequel to <u>The Tiger, Unleashed</u>. I've also been thinking about rewriting <u>A Cold Heart</u> and submitting it to publishers, but I'm still thinking about what to do there.<br /><br />Amid everything, I have been doing lots of reading. I find that reading something I enjoy really helps my writing and helps my imagination run wild. Sometimes if I am stuck in my writing, I read a good book, and I can usually get back up and writing. So, now since I've had a lengthy reading vacation, perhaps I can make everything work out in my stories too! At least I can hope!<br /><br />I hope everyone everyone is gearing up for the Christmas holiday! This is my favorite time of year!! I can't promise any new books between now and then, although I may have my new Wednesday Romance available for sale soon. I'll keep you posted on that. Before I can publish it, I really need to come up with a title! If you've been reading along, I'm open for suggestions.<br /><br />Happy reading!Rachel Harlinhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09385214272967762830noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7948573429330360655.post-26810169792441012912011-12-02T06:00:00.001-07:002011-12-02T06:00:14.877-07:00Princess of the Midnight Ball by Jessica Day George<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-zjqOS6NkQLo/TtK1GvxYSiI/AAAAAAAACUI/M0JvBv-_P_Y/s1600/books.jpg"><img style="MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; WIDTH: 147px; FLOAT: left; HEIGHT: 220px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5679801207575038498" border="0" alt="" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-zjqOS6NkQLo/TtK1GvxYSiI/AAAAAAAACUI/M0JvBv-_P_Y/s320/books.jpg" /></a>I just finished reading <a href="http://www.amazon.com/Princess-Midnight-Ball-Jessica-George/dp/1599903229">Princess of the Midnight Ball </a>by Jessica Day George. I really enjoy reading retellings of fairy tales, and this one was no exception. This is a retelling of <u>The Twelve Dancing Princesses</u>.<br /><br /><br /><div><strong><u>Blurb:</u></strong></div><br /><div><em>Rose is one of twelve princesses forced to dance through the night in an underground palace. The key to breaking the spell lies in magic knitting needles, an invisibility cloak, and—of course—true love. Inspired by "The Twelve Dancing Princesses,"this novel is as captivating as it is fresh. Enchanted readers are sure to clamor for the new companion, Princess of Glass, also publishing this season.</em></div><br /><div><em></em></div><br /><div><strong><u>My Take:</u></strong></div><br /><div>I can't tell you how fun this was to read. I haven't read anything like this in quite a while, so maybe that's why it was so much fun! It is very similar to other books I've read with the same story line, but I enjoyed this one more than most. The hero, Galen, is an ex-soldier working in the palace gardens when he meets the oldest princess, Rose. They don't encounter each other much and don't fall in love right away, but it's very sweet how he dotes on her and finds ways to give her gifts without the others realizing he's interested in her. This is a story about endurance and cleverness and love. This would be a great book to read on a winter's day with nothing to do. I highly recommend it!</div><br /><div></div><br /><div>Happy reading!</div>Rachel Harlinhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09385214272967762830noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7948573429330360655.post-59135768230469263752011-11-28T06:00:00.000-07:002011-11-28T06:00:10.094-07:00Bitter Blessings by Christine MehringI hope everyone had a WONDERFUL Thanksgiving!! One of my favorite things to have is lemon <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_0" class="blsp-spelling-corrected">meringue</span> pie. And my dad ALWAYS makes the best!! Now it's on to Christmas Candy! (Yesterday I made peanut brittle and raspberry swirl cheesecake.) But perhaps I'll write more about that another time.<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-dtNCfmJCdIk/TtKlm7mvtLI/AAAAAAAACT8/NYQMNQGw4T0/s1600/9781599555232_product.jpg"><img style="MARGIN: 0px 0px 10px 10px; WIDTH: 185px; FLOAT: right; HEIGHT: 278px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5679784168321430706" border="0" alt="" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-dtNCfmJCdIk/TtKlm7mvtLI/AAAAAAAACT8/NYQMNQGw4T0/s320/9781599555232_product.jpg" /></a><br /><br /><div></div><br /><div>I have also been reading a lot lately! I haven't even had much time to write because I've been reading. Here's a review for one of my recent readings.</div><br /><div></div><br /><div>I was thrilled to <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_1" class="blsp-spelling-corrected">receive</span> an advanced copy of <a href="http://www.amazon.com/Bitter-Blessings-Christine-Mehring/dp/1599555239/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1319502805&sr=8-1">Bitter Blessings </a>and read through it. Christine <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_2" class="blsp-spelling-error">Mehring</span> is a gifted author who has a good sense of writing well rounded characters. Here's the blurb for the book.</div><br /><div></div><br /><div><strong><u>Blurb:</u></strong></div><br /><div><em>Megan has the perfect life, but when her mother dies in an accident, everything spins out of control. With the rest of her family falling apart, Megan must confront her past to uncover the truths that will keep everyone together. Thought-provoking and heartfelt, this book shows that even in times of trial, you can often find blessings.<br /></em></div><br /><div><strong><u>My Take:</u></strong></div><br /><div>I was stunned at how real everything felt while I read this. I don't always enjoy this type of book because it feels too real to endure. But I was impressed with the emotions <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_3" class="blsp-spelling-error">Mehring</span> was able to provoke in me as I read this. It is a touching story of faith and courage. (You may need to keep a box of tissues nearby.) This story contained a bit of romance, heartache, and some soul searching. In the end, it was an enjoyable book illustrating the bonds of family.</div><br /><div></div><br /><div>If you would like to purchase a copy of <a href="http://www.amazon.com/Bitter-Blessings-Christine-Mehring/dp/1599555239/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1319502805&sr=8-1">Bitter Blessings</a> visit Christine <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_4" class="blsp-spelling-error">Mehring's</span> website.</div><br /><div></div><br /><div>Happy reading!!</div>Rachel Harlinhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09385214272967762830noreply@blogger.com0