It’s Monday! What are You reading?

It’s time once again for Kathryn’s weekly meme, “It’s Monday! What are You Reading?” hosted at Book Date, where we share what we’re reading and have read over the past week.

It has been a few weeks since I last posted my reading week – not since Feb. 6. On the 9th, I went to the doctor with chest pains and high blood pressure. She sent me to emerg and I ended up staying until the 18th! I had so many tests done and so much blood taken, yet the end result was that my heart was okay.No explanation for the pain spasms. So go home and we’ll set you up with more tests and specialists.

I’m still having the spasms, but not as frequently or as bad as when I was in hospital. I scared my hubby and kids and family. But I am ok .At least I got a few books read! Hopefully the other tests will happen soon.

I’m posing the books I read over the past few weeks – just without all the photos. (I’ll include the one of the favourite of the week.)

Week of Feb 6

The Choice by Nora Roberts. Loved id! (and the series)

Sweep with Me by Ilona Andres. enjoyed this as well

Running Wild by K. A Tucker. Another great one from the series.

The Nantucket Inn and Nantucket White Christmas by Pamela Kelley. both quick, enjoyable reads

Week of Feb. 13

The Bookshop of Secrets by Mollie Rushmeyer. So enjoyed this one.

Glass Houses by Louise Penny. Another wonderful book in her mystery series.

Marriage on Madison Avenue by Lauren Layne. An enjoyable romance.

Week of Feb. 20

Kiss Cam by Anie Michaels. A new author and a fu, enjoyable read.

The Ultimate Brag Book by Marla Albertie . For a book review – a journal of questions., which I am working through and enjoying.

Family Gatherings at Promise Lodge by Charlotte Hubbard. An Amish novel and quite enjoyable. A review book as well. I’ve gone back to the beginning to read the whole series now.

Firelight by Kristen Callihan. An historical paranormal and really enjoyable.

What I’m Reading Now 

Moonglow by Kristen Callihan

What I am Reading Next

Letters Across the Sea by Genevieve Graham

Goddess Fish Tour for “Family Gatherings at Promise Lodge” by Charlotte Hubbard

I am honoured to be part of the Goddess Fish Blog Tour for Charlotte Hubbard’s Christian romance Family Gatherings at Promise Lodge , which I read and am now reviewing.

(Please note: I received a free copy in exchange for my honest review.)

My Review:

This is the first book I have read by Charlotte Hubbard and I will definitely be reading more. I was intrigued by the glimpses of the Amish community and the twists and turns of the novel.

I was drawn quickly into the story and found it hard to put down. I enjoyed the interactions of the characters and the closeness of the Promise Lodge community.

What a dilemma for Lester. At times it was comical in the way the two woman, so opposite in appearance, tried to outdo each other to gain Lester’s love. But, it was sad a s well, that they couldn’t see how inappropriate and ridiculous their behaviour was.

Faith and forgiveness, love and friendship were all threaded throughout the story. We learn much about the Amish community as well and with that, many instances where wise words are shared, especially by the religious leaders. Yet, it was not a heavy-handed portrayal of this faith.

As Lester and Marlene’s friendship develops, we see the strength of both characters and the struggles they have had to overcome.

I highly recommend this novel. This was the sixth in the series and I am eager to read the rest of them. (5/5 *)

About the Novel

In the year since he lost his wife in a tragic accident, Lester Lehman has found healing and purpose—helping construct Dale Kraybill’s new bulk store, enjoying the Kuhn sisters’ hearty meals, and settling in a tiny, built-for-one lakeside house. Falling in love again is surely not on Lester’s mind. Yet despite his firm “no,” two available ladies have set their kapps on the handsome widower—in a boisterous rivalry that weaves mayhem among Gloria’s wedding festivities.

A welcome escape comes from a fresh-faced newcomer. Marlene Fisher disarms Lester with her witty quips on his romantic predicament, while her sparkling eyes inspire surprising thoughts of a shared future. But the heartbreak that brought Marlene to Promise Lodge runs deep, and the pretty maidel believes she’s not meant to marry. In a season of vows to love and honor, scripture holds the key to building their happiness together: love is kind, and above all patient.

Buy Links
Amazon | Barnes & Noble | Kobo | Apple Books | Google Play
Kensington Books | Book Depository
Amazon UK | Amazon CA | Amazon AU
Apple Books UK | Apple Books CA | Apple Books AU | Apple Books NZ

Get the audiobook narrated by Susan Boyce
Barnes & Noble | Kobo | Apple Books

About the Author

In 1983, Charlotte Hubbard sold her first story to True Story. She wrote around 70 of those confession stories, and she’s sold more than 50 books to traditional or online publishers. A longtime resident of Missouri, she’s currently writing Amish romances set in imaginary Missouri towns for Kensington. She now lives in Omaha, NE with her husband and their Border collie, Vera.

Website
Facebook

Read an Excerpt

Out-of-town families would start arriving today to attend his niece Gloria’s wedding on Wednesday as well as Laura Hershberger’s wedding on Thursday, when they married the Helmuth brothers, Cyrus and Jonathan—but for now, Lester could revel in the hush of a solitary sunny afternoon. Living alone in his tidy house all winter had taught him a sense of self-reliance that had cleared his soul—had given him an unencumbered sense of freedom he’d never expected. His bobbing dock rocked him like a cradle. He felt far, far removed from the grief and despair that had followed the loss of his wife, his son, and his brother last spring, and as Lester eased into a state of semi-sleep, he knew the true meaning of inner peace.

At long last, all was well with his life. With the help of his family and friends here at Promise Lodge, he was moving forward . . . floating on the fluffy clouds of a nap . . .

“Yoo-hoo! Lester, honey! Thanks to Delores, I’ve found you!”

Lester jerked awake. Whose voice was that? And why had she implied that his dear, deceased wife had led her here? 

When he opened one eye, he saw a pudgy little woman starting across the expanse of grass that surrounded Rainbow Lake. Her brown cape dress fluttered around her thick legs as she hurried toward him. Clutching her kapp with one hand to keep it from flying off her head, Lester’s uninvited guest appeared so excited—and in such a state of overexertion—that he feared she might be bringing on a heart attack. He remained absolutely still, hoping she’d believe he was asleep.

“My stars, here you are at long last!” she blurted out, huffing between phrases. “I’ve ridden all the way from Sugarcreek—for Gloria’s wedding—because with my Harvey gone—Delores has been telling me—for quite some time now—that she wants me to take care of you, Lester! So here I am! Because I know better than to—to ignore heavenly guidance.”

Lester sighed. Agnes Plank, his wife’s best friend, had never known the meaning of silence. She barely drew a breath at the end of one sentence before she shot headlong into her next burst of words. There would be no ignoring her now that she’d almost reached his dock, so Lester reluctantly raised the back of his chaise. All hope for a nap was gone. He felt a headache prickling around his temples.

Be sure to check here to visit all the stops along the tour.

WOW Blog Tour for “The Ultimate Brag Book About Yourself” by Marla J. Albertie

I am honoured to be part of the WOW! Women of Writing Blog Tour for Marla J. Albertie’s book The Ultimate Brag Book About Yourself,, which I read and am now reviewing.

(Please note: I received a free copy in exchange for my honest review.)

My Review:

I have always enjoyed making lists and journaling. Marla J. Albertie’s book is chockful of wonderful suggestions (100!) to create lists about yourself. Lists that prove just how wonderful you are.

If you have never tried to journal, this is a fun and easy way to start.

This is not a book you complete in one setting. Rather, it is one to spend time with it over days, even weeks, as you explore all the questions/suggestions. Keep it handy and dip into it when you have time to ponder the questions. Some are easy – favourite holidays, singers, restaurants for example.

But, some are challenging. Two of the hardest for me were:

10 Things I Love About Myself

25 Values I Live By.

It was not so much the question – it was the number. 10? 25 I could manage 5 fairly easily. But Marla had stated that she wanted us to “stretch our thinking”, to really look deeply into ourselves.

I look forward to continuing to push myself to list my good qualities and my likes. This book is a valuable tool to understand and truly appreciate yourself.
I highly recommend this book.

Book Summary

Can you imagine all the things you like, love, and adore in one book? 

Let’s be honest. We tend to forget how amazing we really are. It is easy to see it in others, but when it comes to seeing ourselves, we tend to have bad vision.

This is why I wrote this book! All your favorites are captured at one time with space to write more. How often do we brag about ourselves, take time to think about what makes us happy, or do the things we like? If I had to guess, not as often as you would like. You deserve to brag about yourself, so why not? Not only is this a bragging book, but it is a book of ideas you can use to start your next project, business, career move, or anything your heart desires.

In this book, you will learn: 

• How to vision board your next big career move
• How to inspire yourself by seeing you
• That you are worthy

This book is for everyone who wants to see themselves as the person they are. You deserve to be your own cheerleader. Grab this book today and start bragging on yourself!

ISBN-13 (paperback) 979-8887592923

ISBN-13 (e-book) 979-8887592930

Print Length: 218 Pages

Purchase a copy of The Ultimate Brag Book About Yourself on Amazon or get a signed copy on the author’s website. You can also add this to your GoodReads reading list.

About the Author

Marla J. Albertie has lived on board a United States carrier therefore, she feels she is unstoppable. As a native of Jacksonville, Florida she loves to read, travel, and shop. Many of her travels have been on cruises as she has taken 16 thus far. Marla believes life is a journey and we all can create the life we want so why not; you only live this life once. She has a passion to see growth in peoples’ lives and wants others to pay it forward.

As an energetic visionary, she is the owner and founder of the TruthSpeaksGroup LLC, a multi-media company that creates strategies and solutions for work-life integration/harmony (WLI/H). She is also the founder of MJA Notary Services LLC., MJA Publishing LLC., and JEMA Holdings LLC. and Being the founder of I/O for Teens Inc. is her greatest work yet! 

Marla doesn’t believe in work-life balance as she believes all areas of our lives can be integrated and we can create harmony in our lives by means of I/O Psychology and Positive Psychology methodologies. 

However, harmony cannot happen if we are not in tune with who we are, therefore “The Ultimate Brag Book” was born. 

Marla’s mantra is to #TeachTrainEducate working woman who desire to understand their truth and live a life of success defined on their own terms. 

Marla’s one word philosophy is #Learn. 

Marla is a certified professional career, executive, and life coach, trainer APTD (Associate Professional in Training and Development), Certified Chief Happiness Officer, Certified Positive Psychology Practitioner, Director of HR, Instructor, of Psychology, Amazon Best Selling author, and has over 25 years of business, coaching, and training experience.

Marla holds a Master of Education in Adult Education, Bachelor of Applied Science in Supervision and Management, and an Associates of Science in Financial Services. She is currently pursuing her PhD in Industrial and Organizational Psychology.

Marla loves speaking, teaching, and writing. Among the many ventures she is involved in here are just a few: The founder of the Motivational Movement K.I.M. (Keep it Moving), Truth Speaks Academy, an annual Women’s Empowerment Conference. I.M.A.G.IN.E. (I’M Awesome Growing IN Excellence), YouTube Channel featuring the talk show Creating Your Career with Marla J. Albertie which has 36 episodes, and blog TheWorkingWoman.co. She has also published two books and co-authored a third.

Marla is an active member of the Junior League of Jacksonville, ATD, SIOP, SHRM, Blacks in I/O, APA, ICF, IPPA, and NAHSE. She is also a Well-being and Data Literacy champion at Mayo Clinic. 

When she is not trying to save the world, Marla loves a good story and frequents the movies to eat her favorite movie snack, nachos. She loves spending time with her family and friends cruising, shopping, and reading. 

Here is where you can find her online:

Main Site: truthspeaksgroup.com

Follow her as a writer on Medium

Subscribe to her blog: www.theworkingwoman.co

Take a course at Truth Speaks Academy

Subscribe to my talk show on YouTube: https://youtu.be/faUFIqU8pHs

Instagram: http://instagram.com/tspeaksgroup

Twitter: https://twitter.com/TSpeaksCoaching

LinkedIn https://www.linkedin.com/in/marlajalbertie/

Blog Tour Calendar

January 30th @ The Muffin

Join us over at WOW’s blog The Muffin where we interview author Marla J Albertie about her book The Ultimate Brag Book About Yourself. You can also win a copy of the book too!

https://muffin.wow-womenonwriting.com/

January 31st @ Karen Brown Tyson’s blog

Come by Karen’s blog for her review of Marla J. Albertie’s book The Ultimate Brag Book About Yourself.

February 1st @ One Writer’s Journey

Visit Sue’s blog for a guest post by Marla J. Albertie about creating your manifesto.

https://suebe.wordpress.com/

February 2nd @ Barbara Barth Art and Words

Barbara shares a guest post by Marla J. Albertie on writing.

https://barbarabarthartandwords.blogspot.com/

February 2nd @ The Mommies Reviews

Glenda shares her thoughts about Marla J. Albertie’s inspirational book The Ultimate Brag Book About Yourself.

https://themommiesreviews.com/

February 3rd @ The Mommies Reviews

Visit Glenda’s blog again for a guest post by Marla J. Albertie about business and entrepreneurship.

https://www.themommiesreviews.com/

February 5th @ Barbara Barth Art and Words

Join Barbara again as she reviews The Ultimate Brag Book About Yourself by Marla J. Albertie. 

https://barbarabarthartandwords.blogspot.com/

February 8th @ Create Write Now

Mari shares a guest post by Marla J. Albertie about business and entrepreneurship.

https://www.createwritenow.com/journal-writing-blog

February 9th @ One Writer’s Journey

Visit Sue’s blog again for her review of The Ultimate Brag Book About Yourself by Marla J. Albertie.

https://suebe.wordpress.com/

February 9th @ Lisa Haselton’s Reviews & Interviews

Lisa interviews author Marla J. Albertie about her book The Ultimate Brag Book About Yourself.

https://lisahaselton.com/blog/

February 10th @ Choices

Visit Madeline’s blog for her review of The Ultimate Brag Book About Yourself.

http://www.madelinesharples.com/

February 12th @ A Storybook World

Join Deirdra as she features a guest post by Marla J. Albertie about career development.

https://www.astorybookworld.com/

February 14th @ Lisa’s Reading

Visit Lisa’s blog for her review of The Ultimate Brag Book About Yourself.

https://lisasreading.com/

February 15th @ One Sister’s Journey

Visit Lisa’s blog for her review of The Ultimate Brag Book About Yourself. You also have the chance to win a copy of the book too!

https://www.lisambuske.com/

February 18th @ World of My Imagination

Join Nicole as she features Marla J. Albertie on her feature three things on a Saturday night. You’ll also have the chance to win a book copy too!

https://worldofmyimagination.com

February 20th @ Word Magic

Visit Fiona’s blog for a guest post by Marla J. Albertie about the law of attraction.

http://fionaingramauthor.blogspot.com/

February 22nd @ Beverley A. Baird’s blog

Join Beverley for a guest post by Marla J. Albertie on writing.

https://beverleyabaird.wordpress.com/

February 23rd @ Knotty Needle

Visit Judy’s blog to read her review of The Ultimate Brag Book About Yourself.

http://knottyneedle.blogspot.com/

February 24th @ Beverley A. Baird’s blog

Visit Beverley’s blog again for her review of The Ultimate Brag Book About Yourself by Marla J. Albertie.

https://beverleyabaird.wordpress.com/

February 25th @ The Faerie Review

Visit Lily’s blog for her review of The Ultimate Brag Book About Yourself.

https://www.thefaeriereview.com/

February 26th @ A Storybook World

Join Deirdra for her review of The Ultimate Brag Book About Yourself.

https://www.astorybookworld.com/

February 28th @ Liberate and Lather

Join Angela as she shares her review of The Ultimate Brag Book About Yourself.

https://liberateandlather.com/

March 1st @ Jill Sheets’ Blog

Visit Jill’s blog for an interview with author Marla J. Albertie.

http://jillsheets.blogspot.com/

April 1s @ Write Advice

B. Lynn Goodwin will be interviewing author Marla J. Albertie about her book The Ultimate Brag Book About Yourself. You also have the chance to win a book copy too!

https://writeradvice.com/

WOW Blog Tour for “The Ultimate Brag Book About Yourself” by Marla J. Albertie – Guest Post

 I am honoured to be part of the WOW! Women of Writing Blog Tour for  Marla J. Albertie’s book The Ultimate Brag Book About Yourself

Today Ms.Albertie is visiting my blog to share her thoughts on frequently mispronounced words.

Welcome !

10 Words You are Probably Pronouncing Wrong

I am sure we have all said these incorrectly

By Marla J. Albertie

I love words, and I love to read so I try to stay abreast on the proper pronunciation of words. As a writer this is key to writing. I even subscribe to Dictionary.com’s word of the day. I get a kick out of learning the new word of the day and its meaning, and, yes, I hit the speaker icon to hear how it is pronounced. From time to time, in my reading if there is a word I don’t know, I look it up.

Transparent moment: I had to look up a few words in Michelle Obama’s book Becoming.

Here are 10 words you are probably pronouncing wrong:

1. Acai [ah-sigh-EE]. I am guilty of this one.

2. Quinoa [KEEN-wah]. I am guilty of this one, too.

3. Gnocchi [NYAW-kee]. No it is not Go-no-chi! Go figure.

4. Et cetera [et SET-ER-UH]. The “et” is pronounced. We like to say “eck-set-er-uh. I knew this one J

5. Daylight Saving Time. There is no “s” on saving. Are you guilty of this one? I knew this one too.

6. Cache [cash]. Yes, we want to pronounce the “che,” but that is a no, no.

7. Irregardless [ri-GARD-lis]. Not a word. It is” regardless.”

8. Theater [THEE-uh-ter]. Not the-a-ter. I am guilty of this one.

9. Badminton [BAD-mint-en]. Not badmitten. Yep, I said that one wrong as well.

10. Lackadaisical [lack-uh-DAY-zi-cal]. Who would have thought?

Do you recognize any of these?

Check out the cool book “You’re saying it wrong,” by Ross and Kathryn Petras if you want to know more words you maybe saying wrong.

Thanks so much Marla for stopping by. We are now well armed to pronounce these challenging words.

Be sure to check all the stops along the way.

Blog Tour Calendar

January 30th @ The Muffin

Join us over at WOW’s blog The Muffin where we interview author Marla J Albertie about her book The Ultimate Brag Book About Yourself. You can also win a copy of the book too!

https://muffin.wow-womenonwriting.com/

January 31st @ Karen Brown Tyson’s blog

Come by Karen’s blog for her review of Marla J. Albertie’s book The Ultimate Brag Book About Yourself.

February 1st @ One Writer’s Journey

Visit Sue’s blog for a guest post by Marla J. Albertie about creating your manifesto.

https://suebe.wordpress.com/

February 2nd @ Barbara Barth Art and Words

Barbara shares a guest post by Marla J. Albertie on writing.

https://barbarabarthartandwords.blogspot.com/

February 2nd @ The Mommies Reviews

Glenda shares her thoughts about Marla J. Albertie’s inspirational book The Ultimate Brag Book About Yourself.

https://themommiesreviews.com/

February 3rd @ The Mommies Reviews

Visit Glenda’s blog again for a guest post by Marla J. Albertie about business and entrepreneurship.

https://www.themommiesreviews.com/

February 5th @ Barbara Barth Art and Words

Join Barbara again as she reviews The Ultimate Brag Book About Yourself by Marla J. Albertie.

https://barbarabarthartandwords.blogspot.com/

February 8th @ Create Write Now

Mari shares a guest post by Marla J. Albertie about business and entrepreneurship.

https://www.createwritenow.com/journal-writing-blog

February 9th @ One Writer’s Journey

Visit Sue’s blog again for her review of The Ultimate Brag Book About Yourself by Marla J. Albertie.

https://suebe.wordpress.com/

February 9th @ Lisa Haselton’s Reviews & Interviews

Lisa interviews author Marla J. Albertie about her book The Ultimate Brag Book About Yourself.

https://lisahaselton.com/blog/

February 10th @ Choices

Visit Madeline’s blog for her review of The Ultimate Brag Book About Yourself.

http://www.madelinesharples.com/

February 12th @ A Storybook World

Join Deirdra as she features a guest post by Marla J. Albertie about career development.

https://www.astorybookworld.com/

February 14th @ Lisa’s Reading

Visit Lisa’s blog for her review of The Ultimate Brag Book About Yourself.

https://lisasreading.com/

February 15th @ One Sister’s Journey

Visit Lisa’s blog for her review of The Ultimate Brag Book About Yourself. You also have the chance to win a copy of the book too!

https://www.lisambuske.com/

February 18th @ World of My Imagination

Join Nicole as she features Marla J. Albertie on her feature three things on a Saturday night. You’ll also have the chance to win a book copy too!

https://worldofmyimagination.com

February 20th @ Word Magic

Visit Fiona’s blog for a guest post by Marla J. Albertie about the law of attraction.

http://fionaingramauthor.blogspot.com/

February 22nd @ Beverley A. Baird’s blog

Join Beverley for a guest post by Marla J. Albertie on writing.

https://beverleyabaird.wordpress.com/

February 23rd @ Knotty Needle

Visit Judy’s blog to read her review of The Ultimate Brag Book About Yourself.

http://knottyneedle.blogspot.com/

February 24th @ Beverley A. Baird’s blog

Visit Beverley’s blog again for her review of The Ultimate Brag Book About Yourself by Marla J. Albertie.

https://beverleyabaird.wordpress.com/

February 25th @ The Faerie Review

Visit Lily’s blog for her review of The Ultimate Brag Book About Yourself.

https://www.thefaeriereview.com/

February 26th @ A Storybook World

Join Deirdra for her review of The Ultimate Brag Book About Yourself.

https://www.astorybookworld.com/

February 28th @ Liberate and Lather

Join Angela as she shares her review of The Ultimate Brag Book About Yourself.

https://liberateandlather.com/

March 1st @ Jill Sheets’ Blog

Visit Jill’s blog for an interview with author Marla J. Albertie.

http://jillsheets.blogspot.com/

April 1s @ Write Advice

B. Lynn Goodwin will be interviewing author Marla J. Albertie about her book The Ultimate Brag Book About Yourself. You also have the chance to win a book copy too!

https://writeradvice.com/

WOW Blog Tour for “Whispering Through Water” by Rebecca Wenrich Wheeler – Guest Post

I am honoured to be part of the WOW! Women of Writing Blog Tour for  Whispering Through Water by Rebecca Wenrich Wheeler.

Today Ms. Wheeler is visiting my blog to share her thoughts on Moving Forward: Growing up in a small town.

Welcome Rebecca!

Moving Forward: Growing up in a small town

I grew up in a small town in the Tidewater region of Virginia, about 45 minutes due east of Richmond. My hometown is a peninsula, with a population of approximately 3200 people living in 6.6 square miles. Surrounded by water on three sides, our town boasted two bridge exits and one land exit, and two stop lights. Despite being small, we were fortunate to live in a community that was invested in education and supported the well-being of our small public school (so small that my graduating class was 37 people strong!) I spent many hours at our local library, and I can stilI picture exactly where the Nancy Drew books were located on the shelves.

I didn’t fully comprehend the modest size of my hometown until I attended college in North Carolina, which although was considered a small university, still had a larger population than my town. My first year teaching high school, I’ll never forget the shock on students’ faces, when I told my Creative Writing class that if four more students were added to this room, you would have my entire graduating class.

Additionally, it wasn’t until I moved to Raleigh, NC did I encounter a large division of wealth. The majority of my hometown’s residents worked for the paper mill. As kids, what we considered a “mansion” would be an average-sized home in comparison to the wealthy suburbs around Raleigh. Growing up, I don’t remember being concerned about having the latest brand-names or gadgets, those things were luxuries beyond most families’ budgets, besides the fact shopping malls were 45 minutes away.

Although, growing up in a small town doesn’t reflect the idyllic portrait of a Hallmark movie, especially for an awkward teen like me. As a young child, I loved being able to ride my bike everywhere knowing I was safe and all of my classmates feeling like best friends.  As I moved into adolescence, however, finding my place proved more difficult. In a small high school there are only two groups, the popular crowd and the rest of us. I was the latter. Although I will say the rest of us have grown up to be fascinating adults, a group of artists, academics, therapists and educators. I am grateful to have not been among the popular crowd as it allowed me to define my own margins (at least I can say that now as an adult looking back!).

When the idea hit me for a coming-of-age novel, Whispering Through Water, my small town upbringing provided an excellent backdrop. Adding the water imagery to the novel came naturally, not only for aesthetics, but also as both a symbol of freedom and a barrier. My students who were raised in the city were able to visualize opportunities I never knew existed until I got to college. (Now, I’m a mental health clinician, and I never knew what psychology was until I took an introductory psychology class as a college sophomore!) For a young protagonist taking a leap faith, the jump seems much larger when the launching pad  is a small town. My novel ends before we know if the protagonist’s dreams of the big city and her future match her expectations. Although, I like to think she is realistically optimistic like me, taking every opportunity we can to learn, even if that means failing, because that’s the only thing moving us forward.

Whispering Through Water was released January 4, 2023 and can be purchased wherever books are sold.

Thank you Rebecca. What an interesting look at growing up in a small town.

Be sure to check all the stops along the way of this blog tour!

Goddess Fish Tour for “Phantom Hearts” by Minnette Meador

I am honoured to be part of the Goddess Fish Blog Tour for Minnette Meador’s paranormal romance, Phantom Hearts,  which I read and am now reviewing.

(Please note: I received a free copy in exchange for my honest review.)

My Review:

This paranormal romance by Minnette Meador is quite an imaginative tale. A lot happens in less than 200 pages – love, trips to hell, meeting demons, going up against the Prince of Hell.

There are interesting characters – Brianna and her dead grandma, Sgt. Thompson, Reggie and Charon to name a few. There are several encounters between good vs evil characters. And there was a fascinating look at tarot card reading.

Brianna doesn’t know her won power and has hidden away for most of her life. But with the help of her grandmother, ghosts and her new love Sgt. Thompson, she attempts to access that power and face Reggie, Prince of Hell.

That attempt had me reading to find out how they could escape hell. I did enjoy reading this paranormal romance.

AUTHOR BIO AND LINKS::

Somewhere between thirty and dust…red hair, blue eyes…six kids, one slightly used husband, and any number of pets from time to time… wanttabe hippy… wanttheirmoney yuppie… pro musician and actress for 20 Years… native Oregonian… lover of music, beauty, and all things green. Willing slave to the venerable muse. Minnette currently resides in Lincoln City, Oregon with her husband, having replaced the children with one dog and two cats. The dog, Milo, pretty much runs the show.

https://minnettemeador.blogspot.com/

https://www.facebook.com/meadorminnette

https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/1327624.Minnette_Meador

Her novels include:

Starsight, Volume I, II, epic fantasy, (Amazon)

The Centurion & The Queen, Book I in the Centurion Series, historical romance (Amazon)

The Edge of Honor, historical romance, Book II in the Centurion Series (Amazon)

The Gladiator Prince, historical romance, Book III in the Centurion Series (Amazon)

A Ghost of a Chance, paranormal romantic comedy, Book I in the Ghost Series (Amazon)

The Belle Stalker, urban fantasy thriller (Amazon)

Nogero, alternate universe fantasy (Amazon Kindle Villa)

Phantom Hearts, paranormal romantic comedy, a Ghost Series Book (Amazon Kindle

Villa)

Coming Soon:

The Pirate Prince, historical romance, Book IV (Amazon) 2023

Haunted Hearts, Book II in the Ghost Series, paranormal romantic comedy (Amazon) 2023

Wy’east, urban fantasy thriller (TBD) 2023

Arpeggios in the Dark, sci-fi 2023

Wy’east, Book II, urban fantasy thriller 2024

Starsight, The God Wars (prequel), epic fantasy – 2024

Starsight, The Restless Seed (sequel), epic fantasy – 2025

BLURB:

Brianna’s house is filled with ghosts, the neighborhood association is trying to get her evicted,
and she just found out she’s pregnant with a demon child. Not even her tarot cards can help
her. To top everything off, officer Thompson, her new love, thinks he can make it go away, but
he’s just making it worse! When she winds up touring the 9 levels of Hell with her baby daddy,
only Thompson and her dead grandmother can help her. But they better do it quick… A Ghost
Series Book

Excerpt:

Bri watched the ghost cat climb the drapes and then vanish. The cat was a frequent visitor and was soon joined by a ragged clown with melting makeup who walked on the ceiling juggling four more cats, all on fire. She had named him The Bounce since that’s about all he did. It was amazing how easy it was to accept the bizarre as a matter of course. She was even getting used to the hundreds that roamed her home.

“… and like I told him,” the woman across the table prattled on, “… if I needed advice, I’d ask… anyone else.” She adjusted the fifties retro glasses and craned her neck to examine the card Bri had set down with the others. “What’s that one mean, hon?”

Bri stared at the miserable fellow lying on the ground with ten blades sticking out of his back, his blood soaking the surrounding earth. “The Ten of Swords,” she stated, watching Charles the Beggar’s translucent specter float over the woman’s beehive hairstyle, stopping only to pull down his zipper to piss on it. Bri suppressed a smile and push on. “It denotes pain, afflictions, sadness and desolation.”

The woman pulled the globe of fur from her lap to turn the little black nose toward her face. A pink tongue flicked out and licked her lips several times. “Oh, my poor little Tumbleweed,” she whined. “Desolation. Are you sure?”

Bri nodded once. “I’m afraid so.”

Minnette Meador will be awarding a $25 Amazon/BN GC to a randomly drawn winner via rafflecopter during the tour.

<a href=”http://www.rafflecopter.com/rafl/display/28e4345f4489″>Enter to win a $25 Amazon/BN GC – a Rafflecopter giveaway</a>

It’s Monday! What are You Reading?

It’s time once again for Kathryn’s weekly meme, “It’s Monday! What are You Reading?” hosted at Book Date, where we share what we’re reading and have read over the past week.

It was a good week, especially for reading, We went from -26 Friday night to 4C today!. Yesterday our hot water pipe in the basement was frozen all day, but it is now okay. All week we’ll have above 0C weather. What a strange winter.

I read 8 books (my most in a while – although one was a partner read and 2 were review books) – 3 romances, a paranormal, a fantasy, a magical realism, an historical fiction and a YA .

It Starts with Us by Colleen Hoover. Loved this – the sequel and so well done. I was so far down on the library wait list I just had to buy the book – couldn’t wait.

The Paris Library by Janet Skeslien Charles. This historical fiction was read with my writing partner over several weeks. So enjoyed this dual timeline story, focusing on the American Library in Paris during WWII.

Court of the Vampire Queen by Katee Robert, Robert’s books are extremely steamy – but enjoyed this one.

So Hard to Do by Sally Basmajian. This was a review book for Goddess Fish (my review here) which I enjoyed.

Love on Lexington Avenue by Lauren Layne. This was the second of the series and enjoyed this one as well.

One Italian Summer by Rebecca Serle. This book’s magical realism was fascinating and a great read.

Whispering Through Water by Rebecca Wenrich Wheeler. This was a review book through WOW (check my review here)

What I’m Reading Now 

Sweep with Me by Ilona Andrews

Running Wild by K.A. Tucker

What I am Reading Next

The Choice by Nora Roberts

Free Verse Friday #2 – Winter

Free Verse Friday is our year long poetry practice. On the first Friday of each month, Linda and I (and anyone else who joins in) will be writing a poem based on the theme of the month along with the photo taken relating to that theme or that inspired the poem..

I am choosing to write 30 word poems.

This month the theme is “Winter”. There are so many options.! And we are definitely getting the cold weather and snow that signals winter!.

I noticed this pile of snow after our last snowstorm last week and I was inspired to write this poem.

Snowman

A seated snowman

Sculpted by wind

Appearing overnight

Caged in the corner

A block head

Rounded by wind

Legs and feet disappearing

Blown by wind

Snowman!

What are you thinking?

Be sure to check out Linda’s poem here.

Be sure to check out poets who have joined in the creative fun!

Cheriee Weichel here

We’d love for you to participate as well. Add a link (or your poem) in the comments.

Our next poems are due Friday March 3rd.

Goddess Fish Blog Tour For “So Hard To Do” by Sally Basmajian

I am honoured to be part of the Goddess Fish Blog Tour for Sally Bamajian’s romantic comedy So Hard To Do,  which I read and am now reviewing.

(Please note: I received a free copy in exchange for my honest review.)

My Review:

Sally Basmajian’s romantic comedy, So Hard To Do, is a fascinating, enjoyable read.

Written through the viewpoints of Suze, a 58 year old unemployed single mother and her autistic daughter Jannie, we get a close look at how each responds to the twists and turns in the story.

Add in a tall dark, handsome neighbour, who is older than the daughter and 10 years younger than Suze and the resulting trianglee gives us a story full of twists and turs and misunderstandings.

There are plenty of laugh-out-loud moments, from Jannie trying to flirt with Aram (“What’s wrong?”) to Suze’s interactions with Lola, the transvestite.

The secondary characters are diverse as well and provide an interesting blend of quirky and sympathetic.

I thoroughly enjoyed Basmajian’s novel. I found many insights to be gained about neurodiversity. I highly recommend this rom-com.

About the Novel:

BLURB:

Suze Foster has always been devoted to her daughter. As a child, Jannie required extra support
in school, but now-at age 29-she’s a rising executive. Suze, thrilled with Jannie’s success, is
finally free to follow her own dreams.

Without Suze’s dedicated attention, though, Jannie flounders. In a careless moment, she floods
her apartment. Enter our hero, Aram-her hot but significantly older neighbor. He saves the day,
and for Jannie, it’s love at first sight.

Not so much for Aram, though, who falls head over heels for Suze when they accidentally meet.
Unaware of Jannie’s feelings, Suze is equally smitten.

In this twisted triangle, can a happily-ever-after be achieved? Or will someone’s heart
break and the mother-daughter bond be severed forever?

AUTHOR Bio and Links:

After leaving the corporate world, Sally Basmajian discovered the joy of writing. Her fiction and
nonfiction stories have appeared in newspapers such as The Globe & Mail and in several
anthologies. In 2022 she won prizes for memoir pieces (Northwestern Ontario Writers
Workshop, Gulf Coast Writers Association), and was thrilled to have a poem selected by the
journal Antithesis. She expects to be busy in 2023, when her first two novels appear: in January,
a light-hearted romance, So Hard to Do (published by Creative James Media) and in October, a
much darker one, Fountain of Evil (Moonshine Cove Publishing, LLC).

Website: https://www.sallybasmajian.com

Book Link: https://books2read.com/u/mVAXE5

http://instagram.com/sallybasmajian
http://twitter.com/sallybasmajian
http://facebook.com/sallybasmajian
https://www.tiktok.com/@sallybasmajian

Buy link:
https://www.amazon.com/So-Hard-Do-Sally-Basmajian-ebook/dp/B0BK2Q12H9/

Excerpt:

He was the most good-looking man she’d ever seen. Luxuriant locks. She bet that’s how a
Harlequin Romance would describe his hair. And under the full beard, maybe even a cleft chin.
And most definitely, a sensuous lower lip. Ooh la la.
As she mused in an X-rated way about his mouth, Jannie remembered something from a book
she’d read where the heroine had a habit of biting her lower lip. It drove men mad.
So she tried it. Nibble, nibble.

Aram just looked at her. His breathing didn’t accelerate. His chest didn’t heave.
She tried again. Nibble, nibble. The prolonged silence was beginning to be uncomfortable.
“Are you all right, Jannie?” Aram finally asked. He studied her.
Well, that hadn’t gone so well. But she’d never tried to flirt with an older man before. Maybe they
needed something more obvious.
She attempted to look coyly up at Aram through her eyelashes. This wasn’t as easy as all those
romance authors made it sound. She felt her forehead contract, her nose wrinkle and her upper
lip pull away from her teeth in her effort to do the impossible.
“Jannie, are you having an allergic reaction? Shellfish, maybe? Isn’t that crab I smell coming
from your condo? Do you carry an EpiPen?”
She stamped her foot in frustration. It was supposed to look fierce and cute, but she could tell
from Aram’s face that he was way more startled than turned on.

Be sure to visit all the stops on the blog tour!

January 30: Lisa Haselton’s Reviews and Interviews
January 30: The Avid Reader
January 31: Literary Gold
January 31: Long and Short Reviews
February 1: All the Ups and Downs
February 2: Westveil Publishing
February 2: D. S. Dehel – review only
February 3: Joanne Guidoccio
February 3: Beverley A Baird – review only

And – enter the giveaway!

GIVEAWAY INFORMATION

Sally Basmajian will be awarding a $10 Amazon or Barnes and Noble GC to a randomly drawn
winner via rafflecopter<a href="http:// during the tour.

WOW Blog Tour for “Whispering Through Water” by Rebecca Wenrich Wheeler

I am honoured to be part of the WOW! Women of Writing Blog Tour for Rebecca Wenrich Wheeler’s YA novel Whispering Through Water,, which I read and am now reviewing.

(Please note: I received a free copy in exchange for my honest review.)

My Review:

Rebecca Wenrich Wheeler has written an engaging YA coming-of-age story that draws us back the the late 1990’s. It is set in a small town, full of interesting characters. Wheeler highlights a number of issues – family dynamics, parent-child relationships, secrets, love in its many forms.

We are quickly drawn into Gwyn’s life and her relationships with the aunt and uncle she lives with, and with her mother. She is an independent young woman, soon to be 18 and eager to head to Boston for college. But when her aunt cuts her funding, she is determined to find out why. This begins a search for Gwyn to uncover secrets – secrets that have been buried for decades.

Gwyn accepts responsibility for her mistakes and matures through the novel, especially with her interactions with her aunt and Isaac.

I enjoyed this YA novel and feel young people will as well. I recommend it as well.

Book Summary

The coming-of-age story follows Gwyn Madison, the summer after her high school graduation, as she grapples with her fast-approaching future. She’ll have to face more than she bargained for with her Aunt Delia, the family matriarch, who holds the purse strings and the final word.  In the meantime, Gwyn stumbles upon a tightly held family secret. Could a mysterious letter provide Gwyn the leverage she desires? Will it only bring more family division? Or, maybe, the past was never meant to stay buried after all. Whispering Through Water navigates family dynamics, young love, and female autonomy with a little 1990s nostalgia.

Publisher: Monarch Educational Services, L.L.C

ISBN-10: 1957656052

ISBN-13: 978-1957656052

ASIN: ‎B0BCCW8T54

Print length: 265 pages

Purchase a copy of Whispering Through Water on Amazon, Barnes and Noble, and Bookshop.org. You can also add this to your GoodReads reading list.

About the Author

Rebecca Wenrich Wheeler was raised in West Point, a small town in the Tidewater region of Virginia. From the moment she submitted her first short story to a young author’s contest in second grade, Rebecca knew she wanted to be a writer. Her love of writing led her to earn a BA in English and an MEd in English education. She spent several years as a high school teacher, during which she also developed a passion for mental health advocacy. Rebecca completed an MA in professional counseling and now works in the school-based mental health field and as a college adjunct psychology instructor. Rebecca also teaches yoga for the young and the young at heart, and she likes to infuse yoga and breathwork in her counseling practice wherever she can. 

She believes the most valuable use of her time is teaching youth how to love and care for each other and the world around them. Her stories share her focus on positive relationships and a love of nature. Rebecca now lives in Durham, North Carolina, with her husband, two children, and two spoiled Siamese cats.

Whispering Through Water is her first YA novel and second book. Her picture book When Daddy Shows Me the Sky was released November 2021. You can follow Rebecca on Instagram @rebeccawwheeler_author and www.rebeccawwheeler.com.

Be sure to check all the stops along the blog tour:

Blog Tour Calendar

January 9th @ The Muffin

Join us as we celebrate the launch of Whispering Through Water by Rebecca Wenrich Wheeler. We interview the author and give away a copy of the book to one lucky reader.

https://muffin.wow-womenonwriting.com

January 10th @ Mindy McGinnis’ blog

Visit Mindy’s blog to read Rebecca Wenrich Wheeler’s guest post about things she’s learned about the author and editor relationship.

https://www.mindymcginnis.com/blog

January 10th @ Rockin’ Book Reviews

Visit Lu Ann’s blog for her review of Whispering Through Water. You also have the chance to win a copy of the book!

January 11th @ Lisa Haselton’s Reviews and Interviews

Visit Lisa’s blog for an interview with author Rebecca Wenrich Wheeler.

https://lisahaselton.com/blog/

January 12th @ Author Anthony Avina’s Blog

Join Anthony as he shares his thoughts about Whispering Through Water.

January 13th @ A Storybook World

Deirdre features Whispering Through Water in a book spotlight.

https://www.astorybookworld.com/

January 14th @ Just Katherine

Katherine treats us to an excerpt of Whispering Through Water.

https://justkatherineblog.wordpress.com/

January 15th @ Reading is My Remedy

Join Chelsie for a review of Whispering Through Water.

https://readingismyremedy.wordpress.com/

January 16th @ One Writer’s Journey

Sue shares a guest post by Rebecca Wenrich Wheeler about how her graduate program in counseling helped her write fiction.

https://suebe.wordpress.com/

January 18th @ Word Magic

Fiona spotlights Whispering Through Water by Rebecca Wenrich Wheeler.

https://fionaingramauthor.blogspot.com/

January 19th @ Book Reviews From an Avid Reader

Visit Joan’s blog for her insights about Whispering Through Water.

https://bookwomanjoan.blogspot.com/

January 21st @ Life According to Jamie

Visit Jamie’s blog for her thoughts about Whispering Through Water by Rebecca Wenrich Wheeler.

https://lifeaccordingtojamie.com/

January 24th @ Author Anthony Avina’s blog

Join Anthony as he shares a guest post by Rebecca Wenrich Wheeler about her different processes when writing young adult versus picture books.

January 26th @ World of My Imagination

Nicole reviews the book Whispering Through Water.

https://worldofmyimagination.com

January 27th @ Storeybook Reviews

Come by Leslie’s blog and read her review of Whispering Through Water.

https://storeybookreviews.com/

January 28th @ Reading is My Remedy

Cheslie shares a guest post from Rebecca Wenrich Wheeler about gardening.

https://readingismyremedy.wordpress.com/

February 1st @ Beverley A. Baird

Join Beverley as she reviews Whispering Through Water.

https://beverleyabaird.wordpress.com/

February 2nd @ Celticlady’s Reviews

Check out a book spotlight of Whispering Through Water. A must-read book to add to your collection!

https://celticladysreviews.blogspot.com/

February 2nd @ Knotty Needle

Visit Judy’s blog and read her review of Whispering Through Water.

http://knottyneedle.blogspot.com/

February 3rd @ Beverley A. Baird

Visit Beverley’s blog again for a guest post by Rebecca Wenrich Wheeler about growing up in a small town.

https://beverleyabaird.wordpress.com/

February 5th @ The Mommies Reviews

Join Glenda as she reviews Whispering Through Water by Rebecca Wenrich Wheeler.

https://themommiesreviews.com/

February 6th @ One Writer’s Journey

Sue will be interviewing Rebecca Wenrich Wheeler. Learn more about this prolific writer!

https://suebe.wordpress.com/

February 7th @ Liberate and Lather

Join Angela as she reviews Whispering Through Water. She also shares a guest post by Rebecca Wenrich Wheeler about simple things to do at home to be more eco-friendly.

https://liberateandlather.com/

February 9th @ Chapter Break

Julie interviews author Rebecca Wenrich Wheeler about books, writing, life, and more. 

https://chapterbreak.net/

February 10th @ From the TBR Pile

Visit Kari’s blog for a review of Whispering Through Water.

https://fromthetbrpile.blogspot.com/

February 11th @ Boots, Shoes and Fashion

Visit Linda’s blog for an in-depth interview with author Rebecca Wenrich Wheeler and her book Whispering Through Water.

https://bootsshoesandfashion.com/