tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-55924677593246158022024-03-05T04:25:24.934-08:00Mariposa's MusingsWriting, romance and other everyday magicMariposa Cruzhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05587429648895157229noreply@blogger.comBlogger207125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5592467759324615802.post-29093254756277026372019-03-09T05:00:00.000-08:002019-03-09T05:00:06.928-08:00Moving On<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh5T24n7mhjSdya8axEi2mEm5Ma9r5MUOXzRcY4fKjqrU-SHa7Y94OPtYHc33xlURqwvv5u2eMxIu5ySszdc1FuDHGFxYG8-6lQm7EIOtrjzJkMtc3SNxZnH_FKgP8U3WncPqF-K72VwKA/s1600/End+Bear.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="640" data-original-width="640" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh5T24n7mhjSdya8axEi2mEm5Ma9r5MUOXzRcY4fKjqrU-SHa7Y94OPtYHc33xlURqwvv5u2eMxIu5ySszdc1FuDHGFxYG8-6lQm7EIOtrjzJkMtc3SNxZnH_FKgP8U3WncPqF-K72VwKA/s320/End+Bear.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
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"All good things come to an end.</div>
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It's been fun for everyone.</div>
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Peace and hope are never gone.</div>
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Love you all and say 'So long'."</div>
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Verse from The End Bear's packaging</div>
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When I received the email notice from Google stating that
they were going to stop supporting certain blogging apps, I decided it might be
a good time to reconsider my social media set-up. I write romance as <a href="https://www.facebook.com/mariposa.cruz.180">Mariposa Cruz</a> and women's fiction as<a href="https://createontheside.wordpress.com/about/"> Susan Winters</a> with separate Facebook pages and blogs for each identity.<br />
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While I have thoroughly enjoyed having
two separate blogs with changing times it makes sense to consolidate to one
blog while exploring other platforms. </div>
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Mariposa’s Musings started in 2009 a few months prior to the
release of my first romance title, Howl. BTW I hope to re-release Howl later this year. Stay tuned. Ten years, seven titles and 214 posts
later here we are. I want to extend a heartfelt thanks to all the guests,
authors, followers and casual passersby who have been involved with Mariposa’s
Musings. While most authors are thrilled to reach "The End" of a manuscript, this final post has been a tough one for me to write.</div>
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The good news is that going forward I will continue writing as Mariposa Cruz and include my
Mariposa content to my Create on the Side blog.<a href="https://createontheside.wordpress.com/"> Create on the Side</a> is a celebration
of those like myself who balance creative pursuits with working full time featuring
interviews with <a href="https://createontheside.wordpress.com/2018/11/03/artist-interview-kelly-burr/">artists,</a> actors, musicians and authors.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>In fact, some of my guests have appeared on
both blogs.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I’m excited that fellow<a href="https://createontheside.wordpress.com/2019/02/09/everyone-wants-to-talk-to-the-governor/"> 20Books to 50K attendees</a>, <a href="https://nowastedink.com/">Wendy Van Camp</a> and <a href="http://donnakweaver.com/">Donna K.Weaver</a> will be visiting Create on the Side this
later month. Hope to see you there!</div>
<br />Mariposa Cruzhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05587429648895157229noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5592467759324615802.post-18234974873499093032019-02-06T22:29:00.000-08:002019-02-06T22:29:15.826-08:00Sharing the Love With Lovestruck Two Step<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">I'm thrilled to report that <a href="https://www.amazon.com/Lovestruck-Step-Rhythm-Romance-Book-ebook/dp/B07JYR2T9S/ref=sr_1_3?ie=UTF8&qid=1549520757&sr=8-3&keywords=mariposa+Cruz">Lovestruck Two Step</a> scored 💓💓💓 at <a href="https://www.superkambrook.com/2019/02/review-of-lovestruck-two-step-rhythm-romance-book-4-mariposa-cruz.html">Kam's Place.</a></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="background-color: white;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">"This story for me isn’t just about love and romance. It’s also about getting knocked down and finding the strength to get back up and try again." Kameron Brook</span></span><br />
<span style="background-color: white;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><br /></span></span>
<span style="background-color: white;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">Lovestruck Two Step</span></span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgNqfSlaMMOqnsimpp5_x6FcZvtqhLVKDaZRAKYTgvEmukdONG_5cDn1itWH6T61E56qW2T6Wrf0-Fba6nDPBvtqrv8SE8cPe5Jcbdvvs1PeEfXqHufeCM42Lg_Zy2bWTEkz8nvBdNXlzg/s1600/MC+Lovestruck+Two+Step+AMAZON.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1068" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgNqfSlaMMOqnsimpp5_x6FcZvtqhLVKDaZRAKYTgvEmukdONG_5cDn1itWH6T61E56qW2T6Wrf0-Fba6nDPBvtqrv8SE8cPe5Jcbdvvs1PeEfXqHufeCM42Lg_Zy2bWTEkz8nvBdNXlzg/s200/MC+Lovestruck+Two+Step+AMAZON.jpg" width="133" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">With her marriage and dance studio wiped out by divorce,
Becca Collins reluctantly agrees to teach Two Step lessons at a country bar.
Carson Quill isn’t thrilled about spending his Saturday nights playing guitar
in a local dive, but a certain dance instructor with long legs and dark curls
caught his eye. Does love have a shot in a bar called Last Chance? </span></div>
<span style="background-color: white; color: purple; font-family: Georgia, "Bitstream Charter", serif; font-size: 14px;"></span>Mariposa Cruzhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05587429648895157229noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5592467759324615802.post-43894122681915738752019-01-26T05:00:00.000-08:002019-01-26T05:00:05.791-08:00Author Interview Monique McDonnell<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjZYTPXSQCXdYWpYkgJ-0fk0QvEYuIIyL7vANxNo-p1-RyoPuMPRd0WXUjq8NiFvKZ_PR3_q311QaTCb8SlztwMdXExF6jPNGG3ufaRSy6UBjvdIrizpV0hqb8YheVxXd0iRlk9FOE60M4/s1600/No+time+for+temptation+cover.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="960" data-original-width="640" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjZYTPXSQCXdYWpYkgJ-0fk0QvEYuIIyL7vANxNo-p1-RyoPuMPRd0WXUjq8NiFvKZ_PR3_q311QaTCb8SlztwMdXExF6jPNGG3ufaRSy6UBjvdIrizpV0hqb8YheVxXd0iRlk9FOE60M4/s200/No+time+for+temptation+cover.jpg" width="133" /></a></div>
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">What inspired you to
become a writer?</b><br />
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I think I always wanted to be a writer. I used to write shorts
stories and poems all the time as a child and had my first poem published in
the paper when I was 11. I did a minor in Creative Writing at university, but i
mainly wrote literery fiction. After I had my daughter I started reading books
that made me laugh - romantic comedies and chicklit with happy endings and so I
decided to have a go at writing them and I haven’t looked back and now have
published over 20 books.<br />
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<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">Who are your favorite
romance characters (besides your own?)<o:p></o:p></b></div>
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That’s a tough question. I really like Jill Shalvis’s
characters as well as Susan Mallery’s and Marie Forces Gansett Island series.
More recently I’ve gotten into Lucy Score’s Blue Moon series. I’m a voracious
reader once I find an author I read everything they’ve written.<br />
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<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">Tell me what inspired
this story.<o:p></o:p></b></div>
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The No Brides Club series is about a group of women who made a
vow to each other to focus n their careers and not love. Georgie Price in No
Time for Temptation is a former child star who now has her own cooking show and
she was inspired by my love of cooking shows. There are in fact several former
child stars who do have cooking shows such as Hailey Duff and Tiffani Amber
Thiessen and I love those shows so they inspired Georgie. She wants people to
take her seriously as an adult and it takes her old friend Liam to prove to her
that people already do.<br />
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<a href="https://www.blogger.com/null" name="_gjdgxs"></a><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">What
is one of your favorite romantic locales?<o:p></o:p></b></div>
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<a href="https://www.blogger.com/null" name="_t0g9q6yazs85"></a>I’m a sucker for a romantic meal by
the beach, followed by a long walk. In real life I often make my husband go to
an art gallery or museum because we live at the beach and spend a lot of time
there so it’s nice to do something different from the everyday.<br />
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<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">Is there anything else
you’d like to share with our readers?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></b></div>
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<a href="https://www.amazon.com/Time-Temptation-Brides-Club-Book-ebook/dp/B07M6HW1Q4">No Time For Temptation </a><br />
When six friends make a pact not to let love get in the way of their careers,
the No Brides Club is born. But could meeting the right man at the wrong time
cause them to break their vows to each other?<br />
Georgie Price moved to New York after spending her teen years as America’s
Sweetheart Hoping to reinvent herself now that she’s all grown up, she starts a
cooking show that becomes an overnight success. Now with so much to focus on
career-wise, she as no time for distractions – no matter how tempting they
seem.<br />
Liam Stone has loved Georgie since their childhood growing up in a small, rural
town. While watching her reach new heights in Hollywood, h worked hard to be
someone worthy of her hand. Now a successful advertising executive himself,
he’s finally ready to share his feelings…<br />
But will Georgie want to hear them. Can she ever see him as more than the
little boy who grew up next door. And if so might their love story prove to be
her greatest accomplishment yet?</div>
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Get your copy here: <a href="http://getbook.at/NoTimeForTemptation"><span style="background: white; font-family: "arial" , "sans-serif"; font-size: 10.5pt; line-height: 115%;">getbook.at/NoTimeForTemptation<o:p></o:p></span></a></div>
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<o:p> </o:p><b><span style="font-size: 17.0pt; line-height: 115%;">About the author – Monique McDonell</span></b></div>
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I am an Australian author who writes contemporary women's
fiction including chick lit and romance.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgqgQ-4IO9Hqyudo-95UjbnYnJbQZRqNjrLI3_eYiGZWALRV45Qr7qs-sg7-hSK6SfGF71UL8iwfOfGbDgH0bxdTBwpzeO86FYfEcGWISmurY0VHXyD9Vrdvzfp24aFDQvxlVsAwsItg30/s1600/IMG_0457.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgqgQ-4IO9Hqyudo-95UjbnYnJbQZRqNjrLI3_eYiGZWALRV45Qr7qs-sg7-hSK6SfGF71UL8iwfOfGbDgH0bxdTBwpzeO86FYfEcGWISmurY0VHXyD9Vrdvzfp24aFDQvxlVsAwsItg30/s200/IMG_0457.JPG" width="150" /></a></div>
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I have written all my life especially as a child when I loved
to write short stories and poetry. At University I studied Creative Writing as
part of my Communication degree. Afterwards I was busy working in public
relations I didn't write for pleasure for quite a few years although I wrote
many media releases, brochures and newsletters. (And I still do in my day-job!)</div>
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When I began to write again I noticed a trend - writing dark
unhappy stories made me unhappy. So I made a decision to write a novel with a
happy ending and I have been writing happy stories ever since.</div>
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I am the author of five stand alone novels including<a href="https://www.amazon.com/Right-Other-Mongrels-Monique-McDonell-ebook/dp/B0086L8NBS/ref=sr_1_7?ie=UTF8&qid=1548389944&sr=8-7&keywords=monique+mcdonnell"> Mr. Right and Other Mongrels</a> and Hearts Afire and the <a href="https://www.amazon.com/Any-Way-You-Slice-Novella-ebook/dp/B00MXFOMD6/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1548389831&sr=8-1&keywords=monique+mcdonnell">Upper Crust</a>, Courtside and Jewel
Sisters Romance Series. Many of my novels focus on an Australian characters
meeting and visiting US characters. </div>
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I like to think I write men you’ll fall in love with and women
you’ll want to be friends with.</div>
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In 2015 had a piece on writing chicklit featured in the
successful Australian non-fiction book Copyfight.</div>
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I live on Sydney's Northern Beaches with my husband and
daughter.</div>
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To learn more about my writing, my caffeine obsession and my
upcoming books please visit <a href="http://www.moniquemcdonell.com.au/"><span style="color: windowtext; text-decoration: none; text-underline: none;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></span></a><a href="http://www.moniquemcdonell.com.au/"><span style="color: windowtext;">www.moniquemcdonell.com.au</span></a>.</div>
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<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">Links:<o:p></o:p></b></div>
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<a href="http://www.amazon.com/Monique-McDonell/e/B0086R9S2U/ref=ntt_athr_dp_pel_pop_1"><span style="color: windowtext;">Amazon author page<o:p></o:p></span></a></div>
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<a href="http://moniquemcdonell.weebly.com/"><span style="color: windowtext;">Website<o:p></o:p></span></a></div>
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<a href="https://www.facebook.com/MoniqueMcDonellAuthor"><span style="color: windowtext;">Facebook<o:p></o:p></span></a></div>
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<a href="https://twitter.com/MoniqueMcDonell"><span style="color: windowtext;">Twitter<o:p></o:p></span></a></div>
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<a href="http://moniquemcdonell.weebly.com/blog.html"><span style="color: windowtext;">Blog<o:p></o:p></span></a></div>
<br />Mariposa Cruzhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05587429648895157229noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5592467759324615802.post-29250239990885041122019-01-16T05:25:00.000-08:002019-01-16T05:25:11.871-08:00Dancing Down Under<br />
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<span style="background: white; color: #181818; font-family: "Georgia","serif"; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 115%;">“All that is important is
this one moment in movement. Make the moment important, vital, and worth
living. Do not let it slip away unnoticed and unused.” </span><span style="color: #181818; font-family: "Georgia","serif"; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><br />
<span style="background: white;">― </span></span><span class="authorortitle"><b><span style="background: white; color: #333333; font-family: "Helvetica","sans-serif"; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 115%;">Martha Graham<o:p></o:p></span></b></span></div>
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<span class="authorortitle"><b><span style="background: white; color: #333333; font-family: "Helvetica","sans-serif"; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><br /></span></b></span></div>
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<span class="authorortitle"><span style="background: white; color: #333333; font-family: "Garamond","serif"; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-family: Helvetica; mso-bidi-font-weight: bold;">As much as I love to
travel, the best thing about visiting other blogs is no packing is required.
Today, I’m visiting Australian author, <a href="http://www.moniquemcdonellauthor.com/blog">Monique McDonnell</a> chatting about
<a href="https://www.amazon.com/Lovestruck-Step-Rhythm-Romance-Book-ebook/dp/B07JYR2T9S/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1547644980&sr=8-1&keywords=mariposa+Cruz">Lovestruck Two Step</a> and the best writing advice I ever received.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></span></span></div>
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<span class="authorortitle"><span style="background: white; color: #333333; font-family: "Garamond","serif"; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-family: Helvetica; mso-bidi-font-weight: bold;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"><br /></span></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Garamond","serif"; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 115%;">And on January 26<sup>th</sup> you will have the
opportunity to get to know this former exchange student to America when Monique
is a guest on Mariposa’s Musings.<span class="authorortitle"><o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<br />Mariposa Cruzhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05587429648895157229noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5592467759324615802.post-9398973076101457022018-12-15T05:00:00.000-08:002018-12-15T05:00:16.518-08:00It's a Wonderful Life-More Behind the Scenes<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjtDCkAA3SShiwTGHykys5Xvci_WzqFWQ4mZFmqV0IHLurwBU7xLldJCYfDILyjw9ITDJprPu8fUJ-IplOTXs0uu61gg_WpUNO8hKL2CfBroecnh9h-pGBaC2ZQJtejFNiufgdjlM0b-ZU/s1600/Its_A_Wonderful_Life_Movie_Poster-e1324703028554.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="489" data-original-width="330" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjtDCkAA3SShiwTGHykys5Xvci_WzqFWQ4mZFmqV0IHLurwBU7xLldJCYfDILyjw9ITDJprPu8fUJ-IplOTXs0uu61gg_WpUNO8hKL2CfBroecnh9h-pGBaC2ZQJtejFNiufgdjlM0b-ZU/s320/Its_A_Wonderful_Life_Movie_Poster-e1324703028554.jpg" width="215" /></a></div>
I've posted about <a href="https://mariposacruz.blogspot.com/2015/12/how-greatest-gift-became-its-wonderful.html">how Philip Van Doren Stern's Greatest Gift became It's a Wonderful Life.</a> But there are so many interesting behind the scenes connections to this film, I can't resist sharing some of them.<br />
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Wartime Connections<br />
While our hero, George Bailey, was ineligible for service during WWII due to his damaged ear, his brother Harry became a Navy pilot and a war hero. <a href="https://www.military.com/veteran-jobs/career-advice/military-transition/famous-veteran-jimmy-stewart.html">Jimmy Stewart </a>was a pilot in the US Army Air Force and flew 20 combat missions during the war. He became one of the few Americans to rise from private to colonel in only four years during WWII.<br />
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A Civil War historian, novelist and editor in his own right, Philip Van Doren Stern served as general manager for <a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Armed_Services_Editions">Armed Services Editions</a> during WWII. Also known as ASE's, these inexpensive paperbacks were published from 1943-1947 and provided to servicemen on the front lines. Featured authors included William Faulkner, Zane Grey, John Steinbeck, Mark Twain and H.G. Wells. ASE's were immensely popular with more than 123 million distributed among the troops during the war. I can't help but what wonder what ASE titles Jimmy Stewart might have had with him while he served.<br />
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Wishing you a wonderful holiday season with your loved ones!Mariposa Cruzhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05587429648895157229noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5592467759324615802.post-5157264778631002112018-12-08T05:00:00.000-08:002018-12-08T05:00:04.674-08:00Lovestruck Two Step-Release Party<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgYT-WZBiuLS_BNvoBLLALNzoM4cAhpSN17JCLgPxsczqsloQYZPAPYVFGDIDDHS6IoDG97-xHVRksEsZHmupH_73JAyfunM58lZWsM7mdSbAM8XKuICqaLsq_VbgsP54JJzWYzcAOyOCA/s1600/MC+Lovestruck+Two+Step+AMAZON.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1068" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgYT-WZBiuLS_BNvoBLLALNzoM4cAhpSN17JCLgPxsczqsloQYZPAPYVFGDIDDHS6IoDG97-xHVRksEsZHmupH_73JAyfunM58lZWsM7mdSbAM8XKuICqaLsq_VbgsP54JJzWYzcAOyOCA/s320/MC+Lovestruck+Two+Step+AMAZON.jpg" width="212" /></a></div>
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<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">Since <a href="https://www.amazon.com/Lovestruck-Step-Rhythm-Romance-Book-ebook/dp/B07JYR2T9S/ref=sr_1_1?s=digital-text&ie=UTF8&qid=1542555659&sr=1-1&keywords=Maripo">Lovestruck Two Step</a> is all about a making dive bar a local favorite, I asked my production team to describe their favorite hangout.<o:p></o:p></b></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiS3TOl5wlLNDOjrwTpuRBsvoOF-XAwueUXauz6VVX_a_CHWzKHXqFIrnHr1EglpIlRbx59rZ1byEvdrZCtLHJGKsBzGfmxh3Z6uHm-7ia3VCokJheZVnX0VoiyEO9AQj__sn_PiWf42dg/s1600/HC+in+Sarah%2527s+Shadow.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1067" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiS3TOl5wlLNDOjrwTpuRBsvoOF-XAwueUXauz6VVX_a_CHWzKHXqFIrnHr1EglpIlRbx59rZ1byEvdrZCtLHJGKsBzGfmxh3Z6uHm-7ia3VCokJheZVnX0VoiyEO9AQj__sn_PiWf42dg/s200/HC+in+Sarah%2527s+Shadow.jpg" width="133" /></a></div>
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<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><a href="http://coversbyharris.weebly.com/">Harris Channing-Cover design</a><o:p></o:p></b></div>
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<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><b>Not only
has Harris designed all of the covers for <a href="https://www.amazon.com/Rhythm-Romance-4-Book-Series/dp/B07K378Q4N/ref=sr_1_5?ie=UTF8&qid=1542555744&sr=8-5&keywords=mariposa+Cruz">The Rhythm & Romance series</a> and
Hot Flash, she is also an <a href="https://www.amazon.com/Harris-Channing/e/B003WM5S64/">author</a>. And she did a cool job with Ever After, one
of Susan Winters’ titles.</b><o:p></o:p></i></div>
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<span style="color: #26282a;">What's
my favorite hangout? I am a homebody. My favorite part of the day
is when everyone is home safe and sound and we're just hanging out. I
love watching movies with my daughters. Sitting next to hubby and catching up
with how his day went. Home is my favorite hangout. May seem boring but
since I spend most of my time here, wouldn't it suck if I didn't just love it?<b><o:p></o:p></b></span></div>
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<b><span style="color: #26282a; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><a href="http://ravensgateediting.com/authors.html">Marian Kelly-Editing</a><o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
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<b><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="color: #26282a; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Marian could truly be called a
“Writer’s Editor” and she's worked with me on all four Rhythm &</span></i></b></div>
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<b><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjk6NNxP2za5qcFr1L33TnB7f86p-0vhWkh1RduVv2U76slZc0oL5n6GhIP79fTTdjxNb06I0qnC3nOyhqM7dC0aefIHMMcuitSH1XcPAF6DhILQmLUsCNeUxfZLFt1FoQsQx3CB5czWCE/s1600/WEB-Ladd-DukesDespair-FINAL.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="752" data-original-width="499" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjk6NNxP2za5qcFr1L33TnB7f86p-0vhWkh1RduVv2U76slZc0oL5n6GhIP79fTTdjxNb06I0qnC3nOyhqM7dC0aefIHMMcuitSH1XcPAF6DhILQmLUsCNeUxfZLFt1FoQsQx3CB5czWCE/s200/WEB-Ladd-DukesDespair-FINAL.jpg" width="132" /></a></i></b></div>
<b><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"> Romance titles. She also writes Regency romance as <a href="https://www.amazon.com/s/ref=nb_sb_noss_2?url=search-alias%3Daps&field-keywords=Colleen+Ladd">Colleen Ladd</a>.<o:p></o:p></i></b><br />
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<span style="color: #26282a; font-family: "helvetica" , "sans-serif"; font-size: 6.0pt;"><br />
</span><span style="background: white; color: #26282a;">My favorite hangout is a tiny restaurant called
The Wandering Moose. The owners happen to be friends of mine, but they treat
everyone who walks through the door like friends. The food is great, and if you
hang out there long enough, chances are, any friend you haven't seen for a
little while but are thinking of checking in with will walk through the door.
It's a cozy, friendly space, and when the chill of winter moves in, you're
guaranteed to find a fire licking away at logs in the large hearth, giving the
room a warm, cheery glow. A lovely place to spend a winter afternoon.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEho57UW6xfDtG7nnYykOF8ClV0j811BwXufzIzYrJICvEs8ripB3w-3ojbaMW4DhYPM3eUjB95RItdJ84SLSkjVt_6-KmvlnwFJ6oWs-2VWi3blcqVWBchoQGFH7_SqT5ASrxrcArasMfI/s1600/Vampire-Wedding_Kindle.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1068" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEho57UW6xfDtG7nnYykOF8ClV0j811BwXufzIzYrJICvEs8ripB3w-3ojbaMW4DhYPM3eUjB95RItdJ84SLSkjVt_6-KmvlnwFJ6oWs-2VWi3blcqVWBchoQGFH7_SqT5ASrxrcArasMfI/s200/Vampire-Wedding_Kindle.jpg" width="133" /></a></div>
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<span style="color: #26282a; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><b><a href="http://steviedeink.com/">Stevie DeInk-Formatting</a><o:p></o:p></b></span></div>
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<span style="color: #26282a; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><b><i>In
addition to formatting, Steve also does cover design. A copy of one of her covers is featured.</i></b><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="background: white; color: #26282a; font-family: "helvetica" , "sans-serif"; font-size: 5.5pt;"> </span><span style="background: white; color: #26282a;">My
favorite hangout isn't anything too exciting. Just sitting inside while it's
storming, raining or snowing, listening to it beat on the windows. I could be
reading a book or watching something or playing a game, and the ambient noises
of the storm make me feel secluded and safe.</span><span style="color: #26282a; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEixaNd4Wspgbb34kLr6Dr3qwE2Emy7wcpF3X2VZ0t3T76DwyX_Nd4RKmM4O9ubhkGkEPBcHjqv3EutYe3lgyZJDbIQ7pcHSLYV7UjVwzDFl04DR9B3Yw8hm-WNp5J9_6Zwv6bk9323QWao/s1600/MC+Lovestruck+Two+Step+AMAZON.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1068" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEixaNd4Wspgbb34kLr6Dr3qwE2Emy7wcpF3X2VZ0t3T76DwyX_Nd4RKmM4O9ubhkGkEPBcHjqv3EutYe3lgyZJDbIQ7pcHSLYV7UjVwzDFl04DR9B3Yw8hm-WNp5J9_6Zwv6bk9323QWao/s200/MC+Lovestruck+Two+Step+AMAZON.jpg" width="133" /></a></div>
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<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><a href="https://www.amazon.com/s/ref=nb_sb_noss_2?url=search-alias%3Daps&field-keywords=Mariposa+Cruz&rh=i%3Aaps%2Ck%3AMariposa+Cruz">Mariposa Cruz-Author</a></b></div>
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Two places are favorites of mine (that’s not cheating
because they’re neighbors) <a href="https://www.leaddogbrewing.com/">Lead Dog Brewing</a>/<a href="http://nevadasunsetwinery.com/">Nevada Sunset Winery</a>.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Actually three Nevada wineries call the 4<sup>th</sup>
Street location home, they share the heavy equipment and the tasting room. Both
the brewery and the winery have a relaxed atmosphere, perfect for hanging out
with friends or sampling a flight with that special someone.</div>
<br />Mariposa Cruzhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05587429648895157229noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5592467759324615802.post-18857814308020328762018-12-01T05:00:00.000-08:002018-12-01T05:00:08.709-08:00Read 'Em & Eat-Mesquite Turkey Quesadillas <br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhcEU1ZbwG5AS3Wq53FkPc9naKOgzySkYHG9XHHvm-kXCRrfkuNAQL8IgN4O8Z3-umb5MDtH5T2aKvTCOcl_x5fPJskyEgA4FtRGTrWN-R_MNJUQkLI87nI2DwfSDORHyirRsLeXhr4ta8/s1600/MC+Lovestruck+Two+Step+AMAZON.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1068" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhcEU1ZbwG5AS3Wq53FkPc9naKOgzySkYHG9XHHvm-kXCRrfkuNAQL8IgN4O8Z3-umb5MDtH5T2aKvTCOcl_x5fPJskyEgA4FtRGTrWN-R_MNJUQkLI87nI2DwfSDORHyirRsLeXhr4ta8/s320/MC+Lovestruck+Two+Step+AMAZON.jpg" width="213" /></a></div>
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Like most physical activities, dancing presents a challenge
when it comes to dinner.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>You don’t want
to feel weighted down by a heavy meal, but you don’t want to hit the dance
floor hungry either. Also any lengthy prep time in the kitchen takes away from primp time in front of the mirror.😉</div>
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Fortunately Mesquite Turkey Quesadillas are short on prep time and long on satisfying hunger. They are perfect to enjoy before a
night on the town or for a quiet evening reading a good book like <a href="https://www.amazon.com/Lovestruck-Step-Rhythm-Romance-Book-ebook/dp/B07JYR2T9S/ref=sr_1_2?ie=UTF8&qid=1543095830&sr=8-2&keywords=mariposa+Cruz">Lovestruck Two Step</a>.</div>
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Mesquite Turkey Quesadillas</div>
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1/4 to 1/2 pound-sliced Mesquite Turkey from your grocery deli counter.</div>
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Shredded cheddar cheese</div>
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1/2 white onion-chopped fine.</div>
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Several tablespoons Balsamic vinegar (I like to use Golden Balsamic vinegar for milder taste). </div>
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Marinade chopped onion in Balsamic vinegar for a few minutes.</div>
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Assemble chopped turkey, shredded cheese and marinaded onion into flour tortilla and heat in skillet on stove until cooked through. </div>
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Lovestruck Two Step</div>
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With her marriage and dance studio wiped out by divorce,
Becca Collins reluctantly agrees to teach Two Step lessons at a country bar.
Carson Quill isn’t thrilled about spending his Saturday nights playing guitar
in a local dive, but a certain dance instructor with long legs and dark curls
caught his eye. Does love have a shot in a bar called Last Chance? </div>
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<br />Mariposa Cruzhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05587429648895157229noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5592467759324615802.post-69717327829860208552018-11-24T05:00:00.000-08:002018-11-24T05:00:02.191-08:00The Story behind Lovestruck Two Step<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj72ox-oEFRUcVQ2Y9PBfVrjm4VxL9YB4RhosMVu1kJvD3jzo59Crq9dM6ff6kevI_06PyYoFASjawPdfJ5O5UnswgDp818saobzsVJjlqy0fvCgQeDx056rYIe7wGEC3Q5EOmnC7KPKpg/s1600/MC+Lovestruck+Two+Step+AMAZON.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1068" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj72ox-oEFRUcVQ2Y9PBfVrjm4VxL9YB4RhosMVu1kJvD3jzo59Crq9dM6ff6kevI_06PyYoFASjawPdfJ5O5UnswgDp818saobzsVJjlqy0fvCgQeDx056rYIe7wGEC3Q5EOmnC7KPKpg/s320/MC+Lovestruck+Two+Step+AMAZON.jpg" width="213" /></a></div>
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One of the more unusual assignments in my college literature
classes was to write a cocktail party scene involving the various characters
from the stories we had read during the semester. </div>
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I heard the murmur of collective dismay from
my classmates. </div>
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I could hardly wait to
start writing. All semester I endured
the harsh glare of reality as reflected by American literary icons, Theodore
Dreiser and Sinclair Lewis. Now it was time to have some fun. I don’t remember
the final grade on that paper only that my ruddy-faced professor with a
Hemingway complex noted positive comments in the margin instead of his usual
acerbic barbs</div>
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I intended to end the <a href="https://www.amazon.com/Rhythm-Romance-4-Book-Series/dp/B07K378Q4N/ref=sr_1_2?ie=UTF8&qid=1543037026&sr=8-2&keywords=mariposa+Cruz">Rhythm & Romance series</a> with
<a href="https://www.amazon.com/Wedding-Tango-Rhythm-Romance-Book-ebook/dp/B078SQ3WCW/ref=sr_1_4?ie=UTF8&qid=1543037026&sr=8-4&keywords=mariposa+Cruz">Wedding Tango</a>. After all, how do you top a whirlwind adventure in Buenos
Aires?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>One of my girlfriends who’s
strictly Ballroom mentioned that her group’s dance socials featured a live
band.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Hmmmm…a live band could be interesting.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I started Lovestruck Two Step with notions of
a two-man band in a dive bar, but once the music started, many of the
characters from the earlier stories just showed up. What can I say? </div>
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<a href="https://www.amazon.com/Lovestruck-Step-Rhythm-Romance-Book-ebook/dp/B07JYR2T9S/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1543037026&sr=8-1&keywords=mariposa+Cruz">Lovestruck Two Step</a> is available as a pre-order from Amazon.</div>
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With her marriage and dance studio wiped out by divorce,
Becca Collins reluctantly agrees to teach Two Step lessons at a country bar.
Carson Quill isn’t thrilled about spending his Saturday nights playing guitar
in a local dive, but a certain dance instructor with long legs and dark curls
caught his eye. Does love have a shot in a bar called Last Chance? </div>
<br />Mariposa Cruzhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05587429648895157229noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5592467759324615802.post-41299100636162823882018-11-17T05:09:00.000-08:002018-11-17T05:09:01.057-08:00Author Interview-Lynne M. Spreen<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgs1qpR5TJ3UYDz9CKP0Tt39PTBHX0fv-6NJpWC7-GTDq6AIkXi_4oXJc2iX8KAhY9cqhMWngCT-fmcI5N6CDxzAeWqERoQCXAbl8I3oihkd_iSBlc4vxLTXAgMq2XaFAOFEtxgGJzM0Sc/s1600/Lynne+Dakota+Blues-11-17.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="642" data-original-width="427" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgs1qpR5TJ3UYDz9CKP0Tt39PTBHX0fv-6NJpWC7-GTDq6AIkXi_4oXJc2iX8KAhY9cqhMWngCT-fmcI5N6CDxzAeWqERoQCXAbl8I3oihkd_iSBlc4vxLTXAgMq2XaFAOFEtxgGJzM0Sc/s200/Lynne+Dakota+Blues-11-17.jpg" width="132" /></a></div>
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<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="background: white; color: #333333; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;"><a href="https://www.amazon.com/dp/B008RCZGU2/ref=sxbs_sxwds-stvpv2_1?pf_rd_m=ATVPDKIKX0DER&pf_rd_p=6375e697-f226-4dbd-a63a-5ec697811ee1&pd_rd_wg=uKZbJ&pf_r">Dakota Blues</a>:<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
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<span style="background: white; color: #333333; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">In this award-winning debut
novel, workaholic Karen Grace is fired after attending her mother's funeral in
her Midwestern hometown. Now Karen is fifteen hundred miles from home, just one
more middle-aged worker out of a job in a tough economy. To make matters worse,
her husband recently left her for his pregnant girlfriend. At a crossroads,
Karen must find the courage to change. Needing time to think, she agrees to
take an elderly neighbor on one last road trip, but on a deserted highway in
Wyoming, Karen is forced to make a lethal and life-changing decision.</span><span style="mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjqgDTcbZwIs7P59pLusA_m97utFAhW4lRC5VaP1oSQWTUDayBSkeCDl-ueXWjuOOIWQm7b701Xmjm_UfhfGY2xE0Y3eNXTRKY-DdLqzVXe2T70Njrjywm-7H42t7dHb2QGxoDAr4gxkc0/s1600/Lynne+11-17.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1059" data-original-width="931" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjqgDTcbZwIs7P59pLusA_m97utFAhW4lRC5VaP1oSQWTUDayBSkeCDl-ueXWjuOOIWQm7b701Xmjm_UfhfGY2xE0Y3eNXTRKY-DdLqzVXe2T70Njrjywm-7H42t7dHb2QGxoDAr4gxkc0/s320/Lynne+11-17.jpg" width="281" /></a></div>
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<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">What
inspired you to become a writer?<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
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<span style="mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">I’m one of those kids who wanted to write from the time they
were old enough to hold a pencil. I kid you not: I invented a genealogy chart
for my plastic horses!<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">But even though I craved writing, I wasn’t able to publish
my first book until I was 58 years old. With work and parenting and life in general,
I just couldn’t do it, although I took classes and wrote bits and pieces all
through my life. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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My first novel, <a href="https://www.amazon.com/dp/B008RCZGU2/ref=sxbs_sxwds-stvpv2_1?pf_rd_m=ATVPDKIKX0DER&pf_rd_p=6375e697-f226-4dbd-a63a-5ec697811ee1&pd_rd_wg=uKZbJ&pf_r">Dakota Blues</a>, is women’s fiction with a
50-year-old main character. Dakota Blues won an award and has over 150 reviews
on Amazon. I followed that with <a href="https://www.amazon.com/Key-Largo-Blues-Sequel-Dakota-ebook/dp/B01MDSRI9W/ref=pd_sim_351_1?_encoding=UTF8&pd_rd_i=B01MDSRI9W&pd_rd_r=c08650bc-e030-11">Key Largo Blues</a> and <a href="https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B07B5WQHDX/ref=series_dp_rw_ca_3">Goodbye to the Blues</a>, and
just recently published <a href="https://www.amazon.com/California-Blues-Prequel-Dakota-Karen-ebook/dp/B07G66PD5Z/ref=sr_1_2?s=digital-text&ie=UTF8&qid=1541336262&sr=1-2">California Blues</a>, a novella that serves as a prequel to
the series. <o:p></o:p></div>
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<span style="mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">I write about older people because I’m fascinated by the
idea that we can start over at the halfway point in our lives. My series is
primarily women’s fiction with varying degrees of romance, but my new series
will be pure romance. I call it Silver Romance, because the characters are ages
45 and up.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">Who
are your favorite romance characters (besides your own?)</span></b><span style="mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;"> <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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I love the rodeo-themed stories and characters in <a href="https://www.amazon.com/Laura-Drake/e/B001K81L0E/ref=sr_tc_2_0?qid=1541336335&sr=1-2-ent">Laura Drake</a>’s books.<o:p></o:p></div>
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<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">Tell
me what inspired this story</span></b><span style="mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">To be honest, my difficult childhood set me on a course of rebellion.
I didn’t want to be trapped by a man, a job, or society’s rules. Well, that
program didn’t work out so well—I married badly twice, and stayed in the same
profession for thirty years! But in my head, I was free, and that’s what I
write about. Still do, actually.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">What
is one of your favorite romantic locales?</span></b><span style="mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;"> <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">Sedona, Arizona, which is why my new series is based there.
I hope to have the first couple books out by spring, 2019.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">Is
there anything else you’d like to share with our readers? <o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
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<span style="mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">I’d love for them to sign up for my reader group, and if
they do, they’ll get a free short story available nowhere else. For that, they
can click here: https://anyshinything.com/newsletter<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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My <a href="https://www.amazon.com/Lynne-Spreen/e/B008MYC9Z0">Amazon page </a>.<o:p></o:p></div>
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<span style="mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">And my website is here: https://AnyShinyThing.com/<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">Special treat: If you like stories with main characters who
are age forty and up, I created a list of more than fifty books by a ton of
different authors. Whether romance or thriller or memoir, all the main characters
are older and wiser<a href="https://www.blogger.com/null" name="_GoBack"></a>. To see my list, click here: </span><span style="mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;"><a href="http://bit.ly/MidlifeFictionTitles">http://bit.ly/MidlifeFictionTitles</a></span><span style="mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi-HfMs5Y8wNs3io-jKIpheRy2Jiawm1KJwHVuKjkyu6bd-iihFabgN-J1WPhjGGC0ScSSl98qEjq7oGYs0S0SMMflEBE7DxlTVrZK-JX4XJdWP_w-1sJExyUhB4_eYHjpdcGEBQCqiI-0/s1600/Lynne+Novels-11-17-18.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="246" data-original-width="640" height="243" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi-HfMs5Y8wNs3io-jKIpheRy2Jiawm1KJwHVuKjkyu6bd-iihFabgN-J1WPhjGGC0ScSSl98qEjq7oGYs0S0SMMflEBE7DxlTVrZK-JX4XJdWP_w-1sJExyUhB4_eYHjpdcGEBQCqiI-0/s640/Lynne+Novels-11-17-18.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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<br />Mariposa Cruzhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05587429648895157229noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5592467759324615802.post-37784508265417841952018-10-31T05:34:00.000-07:002018-10-31T05:34:22.603-07:00Lovestruck Two-Step-Available as a Pre-Order<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjPBBhWx_JIJOVnglFDj3Jvxj3ShzWhXMst__-lrXf5Ru4Xqm90eRO4RRRH5GQhP_V4I6F7t44XiCtOoezUbjLTJwz0x4c_v9MA4q3NRkSVQibs_2UK9bws2gmZkaG5QYOIMc7dT29t_K4/s1600/MC+Lovestruck+Two+Step+AMAZON.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1068" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjPBBhWx_JIJOVnglFDj3Jvxj3ShzWhXMst__-lrXf5Ru4Xqm90eRO4RRRH5GQhP_V4I6F7t44XiCtOoezUbjLTJwz0x4c_v9MA4q3NRkSVQibs_2UK9bws2gmZkaG5QYOIMc7dT29t_K4/s200/MC+Lovestruck+Two+Step+AMAZON.jpg" width="133" /></a></div>
"Why walk when you can dance." Ellen van Dam<br />
<br />
I'm thrilled to announce that <a href="https://www.amazon.com/Lovestruck-Step-Rhythm-Romance-Book-ebook/dp/B07JYR2T9S/ref=sr_1_2?ie=UTF8&qid=1540988537&sr=8-2&keywords=Mariposa+cruz">Lovestruck Two Step</a>, the final title in the <a href="https://www.amazon.com/Rhythm-Romance-3-Book-Series/dp/B079GCF6MM/ref=sr_1_5?ie=UTF8&qid=1540989055&sr=8-5&keywords=Mariposa+cruz">Rhythm & Romance</a> series is available as a pre-order.<br />
<br />
Lovestruck Two Step<br />
<br />
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With her marriage and dance studio wiped out by divorce,
Becca Collins reluctantly agrees to teach Two Step lessons at a country bar.
Carson Quill isn’t thrilled about spending his Saturday nights playing guitar
in a local dive, but a certain dance instructor with long legs and dark curls
caught his eye. Does love have a shot in a bar called Last Chance? </div>
<br />Mariposa Cruzhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05587429648895157229noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5592467759324615802.post-70693856804355358452018-10-26T06:08:00.000-07:002018-10-26T06:08:31.840-07:00Review for Wedding Tango<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgDJCuRTT5liYENQ6ZF59q3JJoc9HRKaq4lJD4yg9j7js4UkoIUEcb3mftmlsioL3RqwwggscnnaWAjyBK3XfKs6MrcNYGB622I-udmgAOR4RXlEbKK6E4_EVvdofrDPhUkAQ-c4VNHjVk/s1600/MC+Wedding+Tango+KINDLE.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1068" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgDJCuRTT5liYENQ6ZF59q3JJoc9HRKaq4lJD4yg9j7js4UkoIUEcb3mftmlsioL3RqwwggscnnaWAjyBK3XfKs6MrcNYGB622I-udmgAOR4RXlEbKK6E4_EVvdofrDPhUkAQ-c4VNHjVk/s200/MC+Wedding+Tango+KINDLE.jpg" width="133" /></a></div>
"If you get tangled up, just tango on." Al Pacino<br />
<br />
Though I'm not tangled at the moment, I do feel like dancing and not just because it's Friday.<br />
<br />
<a href="https://www.superkambrook.com/">Kam's Place</a> gave <a href="https://www.amazon.com/Wedding-Tango-Rhythm-Romance-Book-ebook/dp/B078SQ3WCW/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1537416104&sr=8-1&keywords=mariposa+Cruz">Wedding Tango</a> 💓💓💓💓<br />
<br />
<span style="background-color: white; color: purple; font-family: Georgia, "Bitstream Charter", serif; font-size: 14px;">"There was plenty of drama unfolding in </span><em style="background-color: white; border: 0px; color: purple; font-family: Georgia, "Bitstream Charter", serif; font-size: 14px; margin: 0px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">Wedding Tango</em><span style="background-color: white; color: purple; font-family: Georgia, "Bitstream Charter", serif; font-size: 14px;">, but readers also experienced love (old and new) between several characters. ....Do I recommend this short story? Yes."</span>Mariposa Cruzhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05587429648895157229noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5592467759324615802.post-68411474491391510942018-10-25T05:45:00.001-07:002018-10-25T05:45:27.802-07:00Author Signing Event-Las Vegas<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhnWgBY1uqfBd7ZO3cOUt4Y1dgMUzsBlCO-J4rxuoBYpWeUBPWf3fd5QiAeiaXvPGcK6WzTHBodO0Y43BwVY5B6qPI605ws1pdqwIF4dBG1GvZ_IqpH75IRZ3kMs6igyM000Z25BIo5nLI/s1600/92292f60-af48-448f-bdfc-9293dea4b859.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="600" data-original-width="600" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhnWgBY1uqfBd7ZO3cOUt4Y1dgMUzsBlCO-J4rxuoBYpWeUBPWf3fd5QiAeiaXvPGcK6WzTHBodO0Y43BwVY5B6qPI605ws1pdqwIF4dBG1GvZ_IqpH75IRZ3kMs6igyM000Z25BIo5nLI/s200/92292f60-af48-448f-bdfc-9293dea4b859.jpg" width="200" /></a></div>
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Big news! I’m going to be at an author signing event in Las Vegas on November 8th. Over 100 authors in the same place, signing books and meeting readers. You’re welcome to either bring your own books or purchase some in person. Those that <a href="https://craigmartelle.wufoo.com/forms/zevt45n05k9pgn/">sign up </a>and pay the $2.50 entry fee will be entered into a drawing to win a Kindle Paperwhite!</div>
<div style="background-color: white; border: 0px; color: #373737; font-family: "Helvetica Neue", Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 15px; margin-bottom: 1.625em; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">
I’ll be at Sam's Town in Las Vegas from 3-5pm on November 8th, The address is: 5111 Boulder Hwy, Las Vegas, NV.</div>
<div style="background-color: white; border: 0px; color: #373737; font-family: "Helvetica Neue", Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 15px; margin-bottom: 1.625em; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">
I also write Women's fiction as <a href="https://createontheside.wordpress.com/">Susan Winters</a> and my table will be under that name. I hope to see you there!</div>
Mariposa Cruzhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05587429648895157229noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5592467759324615802.post-80014787133285963412018-10-18T05:32:00.000-07:002018-10-18T05:32:16.433-07:00Review for Ladies Man<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh_ZjgwsfNWX9ux1E7-bMQ1kuM0H84s_9KmNOFH6whvhpWDEbiurttCpOZqJAhv_FIKhchzluFEViluaQexYigDnY44cSqWZ6tAIyqK-EjZVKrIRKjK3wWE-5nIlEfscqULqkS94kOX3fg/s1600/MC+Ladies+Man--Kindle.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1068" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh_ZjgwsfNWX9ux1E7-bMQ1kuM0H84s_9KmNOFH6whvhpWDEbiurttCpOZqJAhv_FIKhchzluFEViluaQexYigDnY44cSqWZ6tAIyqK-EjZVKrIRKjK3wWE-5nIlEfscqULqkS94kOX3fg/s200/MC+Ladies+Man--Kindle.jpg" width="133" /></a></div>
"Who really wants to be themselves when they're teenagers?" Stephen Colbert<br />
<br />
<a href="https://www.superkambrook.com/">Kam's Place</a> gave <a href="https://www.amazon.com/Ladies-Man-Rhythm-Romance-Book-ebook/dp/B01LVWZIT4/ref=sr_1_3?ie=UTF8&qid=1473606804&sr=8-3&keywords=Mariposa+Cruz#n">Ladies Man</a> 💖💖💖 1/2<br />
<br />
<em style="background-color: white; border: 0px; color: #003366; font-family: Georgia, "Bitstream Charter", serif; font-size: 14px; margin: 0px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">"Ladies Man </em><span style="background-color: white; color: #003366; font-family: Georgia, "Bitstream Charter", serif; font-size: 14px;">is more than a love story. It touched upon real life scenarios parents face daily: teenagers blooming interest in boys and/or girls, underage drinking, and the aftereffects of divorce. We, parents/caregivers, know raising kids is a hard job. At times, our kids will get mad at us. They will yell, shed tears, and keep secrets. However, they also bring us much joy and laughter. "</span>Mariposa Cruzhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05587429648895157229noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5592467759324615802.post-45025544019159631752018-10-14T07:29:00.000-07:002018-10-14T07:29:07.724-07:00Review for Package Deal<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi1NpEoOg0CUQ2DakgJpxLGpCJgMCer9MADeKwutK54yzY4PXIYIg1HX5syeleiEhQTCBk0hi-d36tmDEd23pUJDC7HNvsmk3dLuJi43pr7Idi6iOyFOb9r-e7J77leuwuWKh7vL6G-BUk/s1600/MC+Package+Deal.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1067" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi1NpEoOg0CUQ2DakgJpxLGpCJgMCer9MADeKwutK54yzY4PXIYIg1HX5syeleiEhQTCBk0hi-d36tmDEd23pUJDC7HNvsmk3dLuJi43pr7Idi6iOyFOb9r-e7J77leuwuWKh7vL6G-BUk/s200/MC+Package+Deal.jpg" width="133" /></a></div>
<span style="font-size: large;">"Forget your troubles and dance" Bob Marley</span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-size: large;">For writers besides dancing, there's nothing like a positive review to chase away the blues.</span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-size: large;">"Mariposa wrote a charming story about a closed off woman who opened her heart again..." </span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;">Kameron Brook </span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-size: large;"> <a href="https://www.superkambrook.com/"> Kam's Place</a> gave <a href="https://www.amazon.com/Package-Deal-Rhythm-Romance-Book-ebook/dp/B00OVQ9AF0/ref=sr_1_8?s=books&ie=UTF8&qid=1414253603&sr=1-8&keywords=package+deal">Package Deal</a> 💖💖💖</span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span>
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Mariposa Cruzhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05587429648895157229noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5592467759324615802.post-79320387173185271732018-09-29T05:00:00.000-07:002018-09-29T05:00:06.791-07:00Author Interview-Thea Dawson<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgMGuzztWuSthviW17bq3GWlwLCgruK6xkymRnnVsFJ7nb_sV81XLgp3RmoZTpFWIJHLuRNj6DhJMa-02XeSLl0IogGXhk4zJxjpWJy0RpXoVbu1AJGnqP1y6f36fCQ9u7J7aGL1Gu9ZOU/s1600/Man+of+the+moment-9-29-18.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1000" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgMGuzztWuSthviW17bq3GWlwLCgruK6xkymRnnVsFJ7nb_sV81XLgp3RmoZTpFWIJHLuRNj6DhJMa-02XeSLl0IogGXhk4zJxjpWJy0RpXoVbu1AJGnqP1y6f36fCQ9u7J7aGL1Gu9ZOU/s320/Man+of+the+moment-9-29-18.jpg" width="200" /></a></div>
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<b><span style="background: white; color: #333333; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Need
a hot guy? Gentlemen, Inc. is here to serve.</span></b><span style="color: #333333; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><br />
<br />
<span style="background: white;">Tired of being the "cute one" in a
family of glamorous people, Annabelle Winter decides to hire a gorgeous man
from the Gentlemen, Inc. Agency to be her date at a big family event. Just
once, she wants to be the envy of every woman in the room.</span><br />
<br />
<span style="background: white;">And with Archer Carleson at her side, she is.</span><br />
<br />
<span style="background: white;">Archer, a struggling actor in Los Angeles,
doesn't mind making a wallflower like Annabelle look good for an evening-he's
getting paid, after all, and it's a chance to further hone his acting skills.
But when he realizes that Annabelle's family could hold the key to his career,
he decides to take their professional relationship to a personal level.</span><br />
<br />
<span style="background: white;">But his attempts to boost his career by charming
Annabelle backfire when he begins to fall for her. Archer will have to decide
which means more to him: Annabelle-or a shot at stardom.</span><br />
<a href="http://mybook.to/ManoftheMoment"><br />
</a><i><span style="background: white;"><a href="http://mybook.to/ManoftheMoment">Man of the Moment </a>is the first book in a new
contemporary romance series that revolves around Gentlemen, Inc., an exclusive
agency where exceptional men can be hired to staff bachelorette parties, red
carpet events, and product launches, and to serve as escorts for high-powered
women who need an attractive man on their arm at public events. To find out
more about these men and the women who hire them, keep reading!</span></i></span><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal;">
<span style="color: #333333; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><i><span style="background: white;"><br /></span></i></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal;">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif";">What inspired you to
become a writer?</span></b><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif";"><br />
<br />
I”ve always loved reading and writing and telling stories but I never thought of
myself as a “writer.” Then, about 6 years ago, I began working as a freelance
editor and I got to see the novel writing process from the inside—how authors
worked, what their stories looked like in raw form, what the publishing process
is like—and I thought, “I want to give this a shot!”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal;">
<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif";">Five
novels later, I’m hooked.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal;">
<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif";"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal;">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif";">Who are your favorite
romance characters (besides your own?) </span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal;">
<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif";">
I love pretty much all of <a href="https://susanelizabethphillips.com/">Susan Elizabeth Phillip’s</a> books and characters (I
almost hate starting one because I know I’ll be up until 3 am that night
reading). I’m fascinated by her heroes, who inevitably start out being
downright unlikeable, but grow more and more appealing as the story goes on. I
particularly love Georgie and Bram of <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">What
I Did for Love</i>; a pair of actors who play best friends on television but
loathe each other off-screen are trapped together in an accidental
marriage—very funny and very romantic.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal;">
<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif";"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal;">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif";">Tell me what inspired
this story.<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal;">
<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif";">The
idea for the Gentlemen, Inc series actually came from a real company,
ManServants, that staffs private parties and corporate events with very attractive,
highly vetted men. The story itself is kind of a twist on the classic
Cinderella story: the plain-Jane youngest of three sisters hires an actor to
help her shine for an evening. It plays to a pretty universal longing to shine
in the eyes of the people we love.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal;">
<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif";"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal;">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif";">What is one of your
favorite romantic locales?<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal;">
<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif";">I
think beaches are very romantic, especially tropical ones. I associate them
with fun, warmth and relaxation … and hunky men in swimming trunks. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal;">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif";">Is there anything else
you’d like to share with our readers?</span></b><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif";"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><span style="color: #365f91; mso-themecolor: accent1; mso-themeshade: 191;"><o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal;">
<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif";">You
can find me at<span style="color: #365f91; mso-themecolor: accent1; mso-themeshade: 191;"> </span></span><a href="http://www.theadawson.com/"><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif";">www.TheaDawson.com</span></a><span style="color: #365f91; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; mso-themecolor: accent1; mso-themeshade: 191;"> </span><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif";">and also catch up with me on </span><a href="http://www.fb.com/TheaDawsonAuthor"><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif";">Facebook</span></a><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif";">, </span><a href="file:///C:/Users/swinters65/Downloads/twitter.com/thea_dawson"><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif";">Twitter</span></a><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif";"> and </span><a href="http://www.instagram.com/theadawson_author/"><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif";">Instagram</span></a><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif";">.
Please check out <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">Man of the Moment</i> on
your favorite platform:<span style="color: #365f91; mso-themecolor: accent1; mso-themeshade: 191;"><o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal;">
<span style="color: #1d2129; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif";"><a href="http://mybook.to/ManoftheMoment">Amazon:</a> </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal;">
<span style="color: #1d2129; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif";"><a href="http://itunes.apple.com/us/book/id1435404917">iBooks</a>: </span></div>
<div style="background: white; margin-bottom: 4.5pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;">
<span style="color: #1d2129; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 11.0pt;"><a href="http://bit.ly/KoboManoftheMoment">Kobo</a>:<br /><a href="http://bit.ly/BNManoftheMoment">Nook:</a> <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal;">
<span style="color: #1d2129; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif";">Add to your TBR - </span><a href="http://bit.ly/GR_ManoftheMoment"><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif";">http://bit.ly/GR_ManoftheMoment</span></a><span style="color: #365f91; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; mso-themecolor: accent1; mso-themeshade: 191;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />Mariposa Cruzhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05587429648895157229noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5592467759324615802.post-50162013270518792622018-09-28T17:16:00.000-07:002018-09-28T17:16:41.987-07:00Mariposa Interview-Coffee Time & Romance<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEieokyblL8jCJAZ1OgTe3pZCXx__TFIXcJVNnrPrTuLxVnbZQ7J_3C4qMe1Z7QX8HosESj2m5orQUxWK8juSboT4lrsIaX2Ey3-mlPS_AEtIXGibymL6KySUZ0H2pSjSncS0qgKhk_n_vc/s1600/MC+Wedding+Tango+KINDLE.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1068" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEieokyblL8jCJAZ1OgTe3pZCXx__TFIXcJVNnrPrTuLxVnbZQ7J_3C4qMe1Z7QX8HosESj2m5orQUxWK8juSboT4lrsIaX2Ey3-mlPS_AEtIXGibymL6KySUZ0H2pSjSncS0qgKhk_n_vc/s200/MC+Wedding+Tango+KINDLE.jpg" width="133" /></a></div>
"Above all, be the heroine of your own life, not the victim." <a href="https://www.britannica.com/biography/Nora-Ephron">Nora Ephron</a><br />
<br />
Asking an author to reveal a favorite character is like asking a parent to name a favorite child. At the risk of making my other literary children jealous, I'm over at <a href="https://coffeetimeromance.com/CoffeeThoughts/adsep2018-mariposa-cruz/">Coffee Time Romance & More</a> chatting about my favorite heroine from <a href="https://www.amazon.com/Wedding-Tango-Rhythm-Romance-Book-ebook/dp/B078SQ3WCW/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1538179910&sr=8-1&keywords=mariposa+Cruz">Wedding Tango</a>. Find out about the real heroines who inspired Moira Williams.Mariposa Cruzhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05587429648895157229noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5592467759324615802.post-19384308897989434992018-09-22T05:00:00.000-07:002018-09-22T05:00:05.137-07:00Author Interview-C.A. Phipps<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiedAbPvlkn1g6D650J3DxfbDaBmG03k_5OzXbgp9tqBXeuVLX2z3rUxvh37Mj3gZ-V5l9_ZJBWvw5wUv7wUgTFvFhZeXNhDB1gCwUGvqXXwplkgxWenVkCTRgp2u11sTu7oskyGuk1jO8/s1600/CA+Phipps-9-22.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1067" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiedAbPvlkn1g6D650J3DxfbDaBmG03k_5OzXbgp9tqBXeuVLX2z3rUxvh37Mj3gZ-V5l9_ZJBWvw5wUv7wUgTFvFhZeXNhDB1gCwUGvqXXwplkgxWenVkCTRgp2u11sTu7oskyGuk1jO8/s320/CA+Phipps-9-22.jpg" width="213" /></a></div>
<div class="yiv6949689375msonormal" style="background: white; margin-bottom: 12.0pt;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><span style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; font-size: 10pt;">Gillian
Shaw</span><span style="font-size: 10pt;"><br />
<span style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial;">Nearly thirty, over-endowed with curves, and
under-endowed with boyfriends, you could say that my life is not going to plan.
Still hopelessly in love with my childhood friend and neighbor who only sees me
as his best pal, it’s finally sinking in that if I want a happily ever after
I’m going to have to look further afield. Which means putting my feelings for
Jack behind me, no matter how much it hurts. </span><o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
</div>
<div class="yiv6949689375msonormal" style="background: white;">
<span style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; font-size: 10pt;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">Jack Larson </span></span><span style="font-size: 10pt;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><br />
<span style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial;">I love Gill. Who wouldn’t? She’s cute, kind,
funny and my side-kick since school. She’s suffered with me through my failed
marriage and has become a second mom to my six-year-old daughter, so I like to
make sure she’s okay. Only, life’s just started to get crazy. </span><br />
<span style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial;">I’m pretty darn good at getting my point across
in business, but how am I supposed to deal with Gill throwing herself away on
the nerdy bank manager? I’m worried that I’ll lose her friendship if I tell her
what I know, and worried that she’ll get hurt if I don’t. Then there’s this
other worry. What if I’m just jealous? And what the heck does that mean?</span></span><span style="font-family: Helvetica, sans-serif;"><o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="mso-outline-level: 1;">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="color: black; font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-themecolor: text1;"><br /></span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="mso-outline-level: 1;">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="color: black; font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-themecolor: text1;">What inspired you to become a writer?<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="color: black; font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-themecolor: text1;">Reading. Lots and
lots of reading! I loved writing at school and then I made up stories for my
children. It was a dream I didn’t think would come true, but meeting like-minded
women at a New Zealand conference was the push I needed to have the confidence
to <a href="https://www.blogger.com/null" name="_GoBack"></a>give it a shot.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="color: black; font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-themecolor: text1;">Who are your favorite romance characters
(besides your own?)<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="color: black; font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-themecolor: text1;">I have so many
favorites, but Louisa Clark in <i>Me Before You</i> by JoJo Moyes, Kate Forrester in
The <i>Lake House</i>, Elizabeth Bennett in <i>Pride and Prejudice</i> plus Jamie McKenzie in
<i>Outlander.</i> Sigh! And, of course Mr. Darcy in <i>Pride and Prejudice</i> has to be the
most infuriatingly wonderful character.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="color: black; font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-themecolor: text1;">Tell me what inspired this story.<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="color: black; font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-themecolor: text1;"><a href="http://amzn.to/2xPeQSd">Jack and Gill</a> is a
second chance story for both the hero and the heroine. In real life, sometimes
you’re headed in the wrong direction and it takes an awful lot to see that for
yourself and to admit it or be willing to make the change. Especially if the
odds don’t look in your favour.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="color: black; font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-themecolor: text1;">This was not only a
story I felt compelled to write, but it also features a hilarious scene that
was told to me by a friend and was used with her permission.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="mso-outline-level: 1;">
<span style="color: black; font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-themecolor: text1;"><b>What is one of your favorite romantic locales?</b><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="color: black; font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-themecolor: text1;">Last year I was
lucky enough to take a cruise in the Caribbean. I think New Zealand is
beautiful, but seriously, the colors on the water there are breathtaking! <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="color: black; font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-themecolor: text1;">Is there anything
else you’d like to share with our readers?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span><u><o:p></o:p></u></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 16.8pt; mso-outline-level: 1;">
<span lang="EN-NZ" style="color: black; font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-ansi-language: EN-NZ; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-themecolor: text1;">If you’d like to hear about new release dates, please
sign up my</span><span class="MsoHyperlink"><span lang="EN-NZ" style="color: black; font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-ansi-language: EN; mso-themecolor: text1;"> </span></span><a href="http://eepurl.com/dBGvJn"><span lang="EN" style="color: black; font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-ansi-language: EN; mso-themecolor: text1;">mailing list</span></a><span class="MsoHyperlink"><span lang="EN" style="color: black; font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-ansi-language: EN; mso-themecolor: text1;"><o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span lang="EN-NZ" style="color: black; font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-ansi-language: EN-NZ; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-themecolor: text1;">You can also follow me on Social Media.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-NZ" style="color: black; font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ansi-language: EN-NZ; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-themecolor: text1;">Website: </span><a href="http://caphipps.com/"><span style="color: black; font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-themecolor: text1;">http://caphipps.com</span></a><span style="color: black; font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-themecolor: text1;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="mso-outline-level: 1;">
<span lang="EN-NZ" style="color: black; font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ansi-language: EN-NZ; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-themecolor: text1;"><a href="https://twitter.com/CherylAPhipps">Twitter</a>: </span></div>
<span lang="EN-NZ" style="color: black; mso-themecolor: text1;"><a href="https://www.facebook.com/authorcaphipps">Facebook</a>:</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; mso-outline-level: 1;">
<span lang="EN-NZ" style="color: black; font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-ansi-language: EN-NZ; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-themecolor: text1;"><a href="https://www.instagram.com/cheryl.phipps6/">Instagram</a>: </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="color: black; font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-themecolor: text1;">I also write
romance as Cheryl Phipps and you can find me here: www.cherylphipps.com<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />Mariposa Cruzhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05587429648895157229noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5592467759324615802.post-78868945867686573062018-09-06T04:30:00.000-07:002018-09-06T04:30:07.501-07:00September 6th Read a Book Day<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEivIVaBh_jS1c7U-DZPaXXFQg8HjuZmhgOg3z2WX6HMSDlfQtZV-nG8TD8ryuEGn8htNbxrqpQaLQdgmYHcFitSa1Fc3sdBtC0AL4Lz1k2YcDMJggvikJP89U5LzDLaoaXIFIUFuRC56lI/s1600/Book+hearts.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="640" data-original-width="480" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEivIVaBh_jS1c7U-DZPaXXFQg8HjuZmhgOg3z2WX6HMSDlfQtZV-nG8TD8ryuEGn8htNbxrqpQaLQdgmYHcFitSa1Fc3sdBtC0AL4Lz1k2YcDMJggvikJP89U5LzDLaoaXIFIUFuRC56lI/s200/Book+hearts.JPG" width="150" /></a></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
“A reader lives a thousand lives before he dies…The man who
never reads lives only one.”</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><a href="https://ew.com/books/2018/06/28/george-rr-martin-summer-book-suggestions/">George R.R. Martin</a></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
September 6th is <a href="https://www.daysoftheyear.com/days/read-a-book-day/">Read a Book Day.</a> Besides being a time machine and an affordable vacation from
reality, a book can also improve memory, concentration and reduce stress. According to a 2009 study by Sussex
University researchers discovered reading may reduce stress by as much as 68%.
So what are you waiting for?</div>
<br />Mariposa Cruzhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05587429648895157229noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5592467759324615802.post-14322475234604731572018-08-25T08:23:00.001-07:002018-08-25T08:23:38.765-07:00The Last Days of Summer-Kindle Unlimited Book Fair<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgMSjw3ua9hSZtlK_uO3V0XDZd4_RXTE1xftRZ7wFKzCnHFBRe2KE-nEB_-OkSAaGjda77gaAw8RCJCTHcd-8nQvx7bGChOAikf7rQKBBccChvD-bjvE_weyzDq8qfmEWFKfTLKym1k33Q/s1600/August+KU+Romance+%25281%2529.png" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="512" data-original-width="1024" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgMSjw3ua9hSZtlK_uO3V0XDZd4_RXTE1xftRZ7wFKzCnHFBRe2KE-nEB_-OkSAaGjda77gaAw8RCJCTHcd-8nQvx7bGChOAikf7rQKBBccChvD-bjvE_weyzDq8qfmEWFKfTLKym1k33Q/s400/August+KU+Romance+%25281%2529.png" width="400" /></a></div>
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<b><span style="color: #1d2129; font-family: "Georgia","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">“Deep
summer is when laziness finds respectability.” Sam Keen<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
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<span style="color: #1d2129; font-family: "Georgia","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Georgia; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Even with the
evenings growing cooler, there’s still time to grab some summer magic & check
out these amazing Romance Books!</span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="background: white; color: black; font-family: "Georgia","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Looking for a sweet romance, a
steamy love affair, or an out of this world encounter? Look no further</span><span style="color: black; font-family: "Georgia","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">.</span><span style="color: #1d2129; font-family: "Georgia","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"> With 28 books to choose from, all
available with a #kindleunlimited subscription, you’re sure to find your next
favorite read, or two. Stop by and find a bunch of new stories to enjoy! </span><a href="https://wp.me/p9hsEv-i1"><span style="color: #1155cc; font-family: "Georgia","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">https://wp.me/p9hsEv-i1</span></a></div>
<br />Mariposa Cruzhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05587429648895157229noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5592467759324615802.post-11793602928905455182018-08-11T05:00:00.000-07:002018-08-11T05:00:10.907-07:00Author Interview-Tracey Mayhew<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhW0L7laQGpco-Uuc4mblMPwafzD8AGmQFxTyu3nvdGiKAyfPdpDHaL0ZcLXUYbh3xrpFX_O7dvKsqrSHIotLoIzHFpkzE0BbcqLUYEwrg1w-hf_044Cc35NldUO9e-cLC3n_elJRsVq-Q/s1600/Tracey+Mayhew.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1000" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhW0L7laQGpco-Uuc4mblMPwafzD8AGmQFxTyu3nvdGiKAyfPdpDHaL0ZcLXUYbh3xrpFX_O7dvKsqrSHIotLoIzHFpkzE0BbcqLUYEwrg1w-hf_044Cc35NldUO9e-cLC3n_elJRsVq-Q/s320/Tracey+Mayhew.jpg" width="200" /></a></div>
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<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">What inspired you to
become a writer?<o:p></o:p></b></div>
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To be honest, I’ve always been a writer.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>One of my earliest stories (when I was about
11) was for a project for school – it was about a mouse called Gizmo who
rescued a cat from a house fire!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>Throughout that year, I revisited those characters again and again
writing many stories.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Since then, I’ve
been inspired by many authors and have enjoyed exploring new worlds and new
characters every time I begin a new story.</div>
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<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">Who are your favorite
romance characters (besides your own?)<o:p></o:p></b></div>
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I enjoy reading about any romantic couple that actually
challenge each other.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I found that
dynamic first in Jane Austen’s Pride and Prejudice with Darcy and
Elizabeth.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Since then I’ve discovered
many authors that create a similar dynamic between their couples, the most
recent being Kirsty Greenwood, and this is something I try to create with my
own characters.</div>
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<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">Tell me what inspired
this story.<o:p></o:p></b></div>
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The idea behind <a href="https://www.amazon.com/Happened-Vegas-contemporary-romantic-comedy-ebook/dp/B07DLB5ML2/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1533285137&sr=8-1&keywords=tracey+mayhew">‘What Happened In Vegas…’</a> is the basic
premise that people make mistakes – they find themselves doing something and
then can’t face the truth of the situation so their gut reaction is to run away
and try to ignore the fact it ever happened.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>I think we’ve all done something like this at some point in our lives so,
hopefully, it’s a feeling we can all relate to on some level.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></div>
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<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">What is one of your
favorite romantic locales?<o:p></o:p></b></div>
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For me, it has to be the Lake District, no question.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I love being in the countryside, surrounded
by mountains and lakes.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>My favourite
place is <a href="http://www.ullswater.co.uk/">Ullswater </a>– it’s so peaceful and beautiful up there.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>If I could live there, I would!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>In fact, I’m actually toying with the idea of
setting my next novel there – any excuse for a research trip!</div>
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Is there anything else you’d like to share with our readers?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><span style="color: #365f91; mso-themecolor: accent1; mso-themeshade: 191;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">What Happened In
Vegas… is currently available on <a href="https://www.amazon.com/Happened-Vegas-contemporary-romantic-comedy-ebook/dp/B07DLB5ML2/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1533285137&sr=8-1&keywords=tracey+mayhew">Amazon</a></b>: </div>
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<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">My first book, <a href="https://www.amazon.com/No-Strings-fun-flirty-rom-com-ebook/dp/B079S2J2H8/ref=sr_1_3?ie=UTF8&qid=1533285137&sr=8-3&keywords=tracey+mayhew">No Strings</a>, is also available on Amazon</b>: </div>
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You can join my mailing list (and get a free novella) at: <a href="http://www.traceymayhew.com/">www.traceymayhew.com</a> </div>
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Facebook: <a href="http://www.facebook.com/traceymayhewbooks/">www.facebook.com/traceymayhewbooks/</a></div>
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<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">What happens in
Vegas, stays in Vegas… <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">doesn’t it?</i><o:p></o:p></b></div>
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Alex Hughes has been eagerly awaiting her trip to Vegas for
weeks now: a chance to escape the reality of her life; to forget her ex is
getting married and to, finally, let her hair down and have some fun with the
girls.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The last thing on her mind is
another man.</div>
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That soon changes, though, when a case of mistaken identity
throws Dylan Carlisle into her path and he’s soon tagging along for the
ride.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Dylan’s everything she isn’t
looking for: gorgeous, charming, sexy and funny…<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Is it any wonder she gives into temptation?</div>
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However, in the cold light of day, she knows she’s made a
huge mistake and, in a moment of panic, does the only thing she can: she runs
back home, putting an entire ocean between them in the process.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>But Dylan isn’t able to let her go and, when
he finally tracks her down, Alex realises that not everything that happens in
Vegas actually stays there.</div>
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WHAT HAPPENED IN VEGAS… is a fast-paced romantic comedy,
perfect for fans of Kirsty Greenwood, Sophie Kinsella and Becky Monson; a
perfect blend of romance and humour for you to enjoy again and again!</div>
<br />Mariposa Cruzhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05587429648895157229noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5592467759324615802.post-50549233111226109612018-08-05T05:00:00.000-07:002018-08-05T05:00:00.774-07:00Unlimited Summer<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiMA-PsitWg7HovrUuTPy7L2zT_1e8D7de9ACUswp45aEwrkq5TiU98ZPhKCt_SHTIudZFb_xKF5kw9_-DL4Rj04A1INA9ycZDWKtipol3LdDhJC_nA5-UBC9zVsD_5E_QFHmdPZ-kFBTc/s1600/August+KU+Romance+%25281%2529.png" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="512" data-original-width="1024" height="160" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiMA-PsitWg7HovrUuTPy7L2zT_1e8D7de9ACUswp45aEwrkq5TiU98ZPhKCt_SHTIudZFb_xKF5kw9_-DL4Rj04A1INA9ycZDWKtipol3LdDhJC_nA5-UBC9zVsD_5E_QFHmdPZ-kFBTc/s320/August+KU+Romance+%25281%2529.png" width="320" /></a></div>
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<span style="color: #1d2129; font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">"My ideal summer day was reading on the porch." <a href="https://www.nobelprize.org/nobel_prizes/medicine/laureates/1989/varmus-bio.html">Harold E. Varmus</a></span></div>
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<span style="color: #1d2129; font-family: "Georgia","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Georgia; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Searching</span><span style="background: white; font-family: Georgia, serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"> for a sweet romance, a
steamy love affair, or an out of this world encounter? Look no further</span><span style="font-family: Georgia, serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">.</span><span style="color: #1d2129; font-family: Georgia, serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"> </span></div>
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<span style="color: #1d2129; font-family: Georgia, serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">With 28 books to choose from, all
available with a #kindleunlimited subscription, you’re sure to find your next
favorite read, or two. Stop by and find a bunch of new stories to enjoy! </span><a href="https://wp.me/p9hsEv-i1"><span style="color: #1155cc; font-family: "Georgia","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">https://wp.me/p9hsEv-i1</span></a></div>
<br />Mariposa Cruzhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05587429648895157229noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5592467759324615802.post-46163233071666518942018-08-03T04:30:00.000-07:002018-08-03T04:30:13.318-07:00Summer Thrills<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiQti2Uuo6PgPPsWCsGQPOLnIbJahCNv314MV1SigrFgocq_nYxHQOGsiU1tiAtrt8wZcqsWdckpbqukN4AvJ7BvaFqg7wOV91hSm8qK_OE2coutCyEyA-pKQGAaeX-VHRmxVGQYXpUdZI/s1600/August+99c+Romance-b.png" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="512" data-original-width="1024" height="160" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiQti2Uuo6PgPPsWCsGQPOLnIbJahCNv314MV1SigrFgocq_nYxHQOGsiU1tiAtrt8wZcqsWdckpbqukN4AvJ7BvaFqg7wOV91hSm8qK_OE2coutCyEyA-pKQGAaeX-VHRmxVGQYXpUdZI/s320/August+99c+Romance-b.png" width="320" /></a></div>
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<b><span style="color: #1d2129; font-family: "Georgia","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">“Summer’s
lease hath all too short a date.” William Shakespeare<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
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<span style="color: #1d2129; font-family: "Georgia","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-font-weight: bold; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Can you believe it? In my neighborhood the kids are
starting back to school next week. Even though August marks the close of
carefree summer days, there’s still plenty of time for a last fling with
summer. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="color: #1d2129; font-family: "MS Mincho"; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "MS Mincho";">❦➹☆</span><span style="color: #1d2129; font-family: "Georgia","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Georgia; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"> Check out these amazing books at the <a href="http://magicbookdeals.com/promo/august-romance/">Romance Book Fair</a>! </span><span style="color: #1d2129; font-family: "MS Mincho"; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "MS Mincho";">☆➹❦</span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="color: #1d2129; font-family: "Georgia","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Celebrate Love! With 25 romance books in
various sub-genres to choose from, all for the bargain price of 99c each, you’re
sure to find your next favorite read or two. Stop by and find a bunch of new
stories to enjoy! </span><a href="https://wp.me/p9hsEv-fg"><span style="color: #1155cc; font-family: "Georgia","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">https://wp.me/p9hsEv-fg</span></a></div>
<br />Mariposa Cruzhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05587429648895157229noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5592467759324615802.post-41226524793513606752018-07-13T05:00:00.000-07:002018-07-13T05:00:05.896-07:0013 Ghosts (1960)<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhMrDeA-IKTaqShERs1z7zCOJs4-YfaPjviKE_hhC9IJHCqDlK_jhedNttUs6eOMhvV-E5gWqHwY143hrbS2izLzddbF-x_I2C4x1QDTWS3DxjbNnllhtg6PUNbCLlrqZoGG8x_6CV1GDw/s1600/13ghostsposters.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="253" data-original-width="166" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhMrDeA-IKTaqShERs1z7zCOJs4-YfaPjviKE_hhC9IJHCqDlK_jhedNttUs6eOMhvV-E5gWqHwY143hrbS2izLzddbF-x_I2C4x1QDTWS3DxjbNnllhtg6PUNbCLlrqZoGG8x_6CV1GDw/s1600/13ghostsposters.jpg" /></a></div>
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I never suffered from <span style="background: white; color: black; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 10.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-themecolor: text1;">Triskaidekaphobia</span><span style="background: white; color: #666666; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 10.0pt; line-height: 115%;"> </span>as some people do. In fact my oldest was born on Friday 13<sup>th</sup>.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Besides what’s not to like about Fridays?
Though I might feel differently if I lived in a house with <a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/13_Ghosts">13 Ghosts.</a></div>
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The film opens with the Zorba family having to leave yet
another house due to financial difficulties. When young Buck Zorba wishes for a
house with furniture when he blows out his birthday cake candles, he has no
idea what his family will be in for. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Shortly after Buck’s wish, Uncle Plato Zorba
dies leaving his ramshackle fully-furnished mansion to Buck’s family.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The house includes a mysterious housekeeper,
a hidden fortune and an assortment of ghosts. </div>
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By the way if the housekeeper looks familiar to you, she is none other than <a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Margaret_Hamilton_(actress)">Margaret Hamilton</a>, the actress best-known for her portrayal of the Wicked Witch of the West in Wizard of Oz.</div>
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Though apprehensive of residing in spook central, the Zorba
family remains in the house. According to the terms of the will, if they don’t
stay in the house it will be turned over to the state. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>As if dealing with the ghosts weren’t enough,
someone else is searching for Uncle Plato’s hidden fortune and is willing to
murder to get it.</div>
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Whether it was intended or not, the ghosts in this movie
come off more campy than creepy.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>To me,
Buck’s obsession with ghosts seems to be the most chilling point of the movie,
particularly his glee when the Ouija board predicts a murder will take place in
the house. Still for nostalgia fans<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> 13 Ghosts</span> may be worth a watch. </div>
<br />Mariposa Cruzhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05587429648895157229noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5592467759324615802.post-21129111295643999352018-06-30T05:00:00.000-07:002018-06-30T05:00:13.174-07:00Read Like a Local<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEibUS60jEM5JL6mWw6jGIEAhVVb6a-t97ZTJpNAFH-C8q9RzceqkCp3ODRgQZhNpjaDU03me_mbtyIQmz1WEBvsObfbUNjrW9QwKsdGciRTKqdHoA5dFt1BoXD5Ey4Bdt3k3y_z3JF_Hxk/s1600/HTR_Reno_readers_share_preview.png" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="220" data-original-width="440" height="160" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEibUS60jEM5JL6mWw6jGIEAhVVb6a-t97ZTJpNAFH-C8q9RzceqkCp3ODRgQZhNpjaDU03me_mbtyIQmz1WEBvsObfbUNjrW9QwKsdGciRTKqdHoA5dFt1BoXD5Ey4Bdt3k3y_z3JF_Hxk/s320/HTR_Reno_readers_share_preview.png" width="320" /></a></div>
An attorney couple I once knew decided to treat themselves
to a vacation in Turkey after passing the bar. Worn out by their intense legal
studies, neither bothered reading up on the country. So they wandered the
streets of Istanbul and stared at the buildings wondering what they were
seeing.</div>
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One of my favorite travel preparations is studying the local
guidebooks.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>While I might not know the
whole history of a place, I like to at least know a story or two.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Even better than studying the facts of a place
is to know its fiction. Though much of Cannery Row had changed since
Steinbeck’s time, his stories accompanied me as a wandered the streets.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgAtu_oVAGI-EP0ZpuD7P6PEAhjo9wktXJvweiRTIkfE-Ds_1hXw7ys_HR8nuIiHNhZvQ1LgkHkE4vQG521xO3NhPFqZCnxDGSdcOGGx6DkjjNuDPuIm2cj2soWAIWAzV8BPEqcheXZVDs/s1600/hometownreads_shirt_longsleeve_360x.png" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="340" data-original-width="340" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgAtu_oVAGI-EP0ZpuD7P6PEAhjo9wktXJvweiRTIkfE-Ds_1hXw7ys_HR8nuIiHNhZvQ1LgkHkE4vQG521xO3NhPFqZCnxDGSdcOGGx6DkjjNuDPuIm2cj2soWAIWAzV8BPEqcheXZVDs/s320/hometownreads_shirt_longsleeve_360x.png" width="320" /></a></div>
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Thanks to<a href="https://www.hometownreads.com/"> Hometown Reads</a> travelers can get to know the local writing talent.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> During</span> its two years of existence, Hometown Reads has garnered 100 locations from Anchorage, Alaska to Tampa Bay, Florida and over 4,000 books. The site is designed so you can
browse by genre or by city and provides resources for authors, readers and
libraries.</div>
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The Reno, NV page includes non-fiction authors, <a href="https://createontheside.wordpress.com/2012/11/18/writer-interview-kathleen-berry/">Kathleen Berry</a> and <a href="https://mariposacruz.blogspot.com/2015/12/author-interview-janice-oberding.html">Janice Oberding</a> as well as romance writers, <a href="https://mariposacruz.blogspot.com/2012/04/author-interview-lynda-bailey.html">Lynda Bailey</a>, <a href="https://mariposacruz.blogspot.com/2018/05/author-interview-mary-frame.html">Mary Frame</a>
as well as<a href="https://mariposacruz.blogspot.com/2018/02/off-to-writing-corner.html"> yours truly</a>.</div>
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If you truly want to know the heart of a place, read its
writers. Join the #ReadLocal movement.</div>
<br />Mariposa Cruzhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05587429648895157229noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5592467759324615802.post-45382767527914366582018-06-23T05:00:00.000-07:002018-06-23T05:00:02.638-07:00Author Interview-Amber Thielman<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhMMqmtkdxAHVX41omqLTcWQv2-10J6JbkIcUGPWJ2BYJyhYjYyb9seRYCNIuXLRnXf4vNwkEoA7eKAnWnt5Bqs_9nNMOrI0K-XVKIwQa8ABK1CUNl-C_zQt4tDq_LDOc2Unz48cLSC3-4/s1600/capture_me_ebook.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1067" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhMMqmtkdxAHVX41omqLTcWQv2-10J6JbkIcUGPWJ2BYJyhYjYyb9seRYCNIuXLRnXf4vNwkEoA7eKAnWnt5Bqs_9nNMOrI0K-XVKIwQa8ABK1CUNl-C_zQt4tDq_LDOc2Unz48cLSC3-4/s320/capture_me_ebook.jpg" width="213" /></a></div>
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<span style="background: white; color: #333333; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 10.5pt; line-height: 115%;">Engaged, abducted, and
falling for a man accused of murder.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="background: white; color: #333333; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 10.5pt; line-height: 115%;">From the outside, Kass has
it all. She’s on the fast track to medical school and newly engaged to the
perfect guy, at least when he's sober. Beaten down by his abuse, Kass turns to
cutting, her success hanging on a razor's edge.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="background: white; color: #333333; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 10.5pt; line-height: 115%;">She impulsively offers a
handsome hitchhiker a ride to the next town. Logan seems kind, charming and
sexy as hell until he pulls a weapon, forcing her to drive him across the
country. Logan has no intention of hurting anyone. Falsely accused of his
sister's murder, he's on the run and in a race to find the true culprit.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="background: white; color: #333333; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 10.5pt; line-height: 115%;">As law enforcement closes
in, Kass and Logan forge a deep connection, and Kass must choose between a past
she's not even sure she wants anymore or a future that may not outlast the
hour.</span></div>
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<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">What inspired you to
become a writer?<o:p></o:p></b></div>
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-I’ve been writing stories since the age of thirteen, and
even before that I’d sit with my school friends outside during recess telling
wild tales that were never true but were always fun anyway. </div>
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<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><br /></b></div>
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<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">Who are your favorite
romance characters (besides your own?)<o:p></o:p></b></div>
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-Oh, too many to count! I find something loveable in every
romance book I read. I believe all couples have their own quirks and struggles
that make them a favorite at the time.</div>
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<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">Tell me what inspired
this story.<o:p></o:p></b></div>
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-Most of my stories stem from a mere sentence, scene, or
thought. <a href="https://www.amazon.com/Capture-Me-Amber-Thielman-ebook/dp/B07CVDNV6Y/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1525632973&sr=8-1&keywords=amber+thielman">For Capture Me</a>, I think I had an image in my head of two people in a
car, a male and female, and they get stopped at a police road block. The police
are looking for someone, a missing girl, but the girl is in the car with the
guy. After years and years of revisions and overhauls, the book is totally
different now, but definitely in a good way.</div>
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<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">What is one of your
favorite romantic locales?<o:p></o:p></b></div>
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-Mmmm. That’s tough, because I think any locale can be
romantic if you want it to be. For me personally, probably a house on the
water, surrounded my falling snowflakes in the midst of winter while a fire
roars in the fireplace. Beautiful.</div>
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<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">Is there anything
else you’d like to share with our readers?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span><span style="color: #365f91; mso-themecolor: accent1; mso-themeshade: 191;"><o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
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<span style="color: #365f91; mso-themecolor: accent1; mso-themeshade: 191;">-This book, <a href="https://www.amazon.com/Capture-Me-Amber-Thielman-ebook/dp/B07CVDNV6Y/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1525632973&sr=8-1&keywords=amber+thielman">Capture Me</a>, is available to buy on Amazon, and
it’s also free on Kindle Unlimited: </span></div>
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<span style="color: #365f91; mso-themecolor: accent1; mso-themeshade: 191;">My second book, Covering the Quarterback, will be released
this month. If you’re interested in being alerted for the release date, please
sign up for my <a href="https://wordpress.us17.list-manage.com/subscribe?u=ad8bb97ef2c2ca1812052e356&id=ad93e440ab">mailing list</a>: </span></div>
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<span style="color: #365f91; mso-themecolor: accent1; mso-themeshade: 191;">You can also follow me on Social Media.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="color: #365f91; mso-themecolor: accent1; mso-themeshade: 191;"><a href="https://twitter.com/matchbox_girl">Twitter</a>:<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="color: #365f91; mso-themecolor: accent1; mso-themeshade: 191;"><a href="https://www.facebook.com/ThieAmbe/?ref=settings">Facebook</a>: <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="color: #365f91; mso-themecolor: accent1; mso-themeshade: 191;"><a href="https://www.instagram.com/thieambe/">Instagram</a>: <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="color: #365f91; mso-themecolor: accent1; mso-themeshade: 191;"><a href="https://amberthielman.com/">Website</a>: <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />Mariposa Cruzhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05587429648895157229noreply@blogger.com