Thursday, June 29, 2006
Summer Mini-BreakI'm taking a few days off to go visit The Biltmore Estate in Asheville, NC and the Great Smoky Mountain National Park. I'm looking forward to relaxing with my family and friends - and catching up on my Summer Reading.
When Manhattanite CEO Noel Ford decides to adopt a letter addressed to Santa Claus, he never expects to end up escorting sexy single mother Maura Kelly around the city on Christmas Eve. Because of her son Kyle’s selfless wish for her to find love again after her husband’s death, Maura agrees to spend the day with the handsome stranger, against her better judgment.The spark between Noel and Maura is immediate, but the distance between Park Avenue and the New Jersey suburbs is immense. Are their two worlds too dissimilar to merge or will they be able to bridge the distance with love?
www.cassidykent.com
Can one woman find true love in tea leaves? Or is it a tempest in a teacup? Bryn Tuttle lost everything due to her bad taste in men. Now she's starting over fresh. In the misty bluegrass hills of Kentucky, she finds a new job, apartment and friends. When a co-worker invites her yard-sale shopping one weekend, she decides to tag along, never realizing fate has something else in store. They discover a rare item—a mysterious, antique, fortune-telling teacup. Bryn never suspects that a single sip from the Cup of Fate will change her life, that her future is actually linked to the tea leaves that cling inside. But when she drinks from the cup and next awakens, she soon comprehends that nothing will ever be the same.........www.cassandracurtis.com
Melanie goes to Hawaii on vacation with two major goals. To get a tan, and to have a fling. Then things take a twist--or at least her ankle does--and she finds herself in the care of a sexy doctor. One who's more than willing to show her his bedside manner.www.shellistevens.com
And for something just a wee bit darker...
From a new master of horror comes an apocalyptic showdown between the residents of a secluded, rural town and the deadly evil that confronts them wherever they turn . . .
Evil Doesn’t Die
The cozy little town of Pine Deep buried the horrors of its past a long time ago. Thirty years have gone by since the darkness descended and the Black Harvest began, a time when a serial killer sheared a bloody swath through the quiet Pennsylvania village. The evil that once coursed through Pine Deep has been replaced by cheerful tourists getting ready to enjoy the country’s largest Halloween celebration in what is now called “The Spookiest Town in America.”
It Just Grows Stronger
But then—a month before Halloween—it begins. Unspeakably desecrated bodies. Inexplicable insanity. And an ancient evil walking the streets, drawing in those who would fall to their own demons and seeking to shred the very soul of this rapidly fracturing community. Yes, the residents of Pine Deep have drawn together and faced a killer before. But this time, evil has many faces—and the lust and will to rule the earth. This struggle will be epic. www.jonathanmaberry.com
I'll announce my blog contest winners next week. So, if you haven't already done so, you still have time to blog about Aurora's Passion to be entered to win the fabulous basket of Scandinavian chocolates. Details here.
What are you doing this weekend?
Wednesday, June 28, 2006
Yahoo vs. GoogleAuthor and publicity guru, Lisa Renee Jones has suggested that I start a newsletter. I know, you might be thinking, So? But seriously, LRJ telling me to start a newsletter is like Nora Roberts telling me to write with a Bic pen. I'm gonna do it!
So, I formed a Yahoo group last night. The thing is, when I'm asked to join a Yahoo group, I am immediately turned off. I think, Another Yahoo group? Sheesh! Not to mention how Yahoo eats my posts! And I don't join.
I love all things Google. I got my gmail, my google spreadsheet, google chat. I could form a Google group. But not everyone is into Google like that. Maybe I should just go with the flow and sign up with Yahoo. Or should I stick with Google?
What do you think?
Monday, June 26, 2006
The Three Faces of BebeFrankly, I wasn't sure what to post today. Or even if I would post. It's not that I don't have anything to say, more like I have too much to say. I mean, there's three of me.
Fiction Writer Bebe says,"I've been promoting Aurora's Passion like crazy, but I am not sure I'm looking at every angle, so I'm taking a class this week on book promotions. When I'm not busy promoting, I've been researching Occupied Norway for the prequel to Aurora's Passion. And don't even get me started on my pitch for Red Sage or buying a new outfit for GH/Rita ceremony!"
Non-Fiction Writer Bebe says, "I'm completely in the weeds trying to get my research done for the non-fiction queries I sent out on last week!"
Wife & Mom Bebe says, "I have so much to do before we leave for North Carolina on Friday. I don't know how I'm going to do everything I need to, plus work full-time."
What's your week look like? How do you keep it all together?
Friday, June 23, 2006
I'm Doing the Happy Friday Dance!Remember the other day, when I wrote about my Aurora's Passion prequel? Well... I signed the contract to write a category length novel! The Wedding Policy is set in occupied Norway during World War II, and it is the story of Kris Anderssen's grandparents.
I'm posting a brand-new excerpt from Aurora's Passion so you can get to know Bestemor.
Aurora's Passion Excerpt
Copyright © 2006 Bebe Thomas
“So, tell me about your new young man. Tim, is it?”
Oh, crap. Kris was afraid this would come up. Ashamed, she bit her lip and tried to blink back the tears. “Oh Bestemor!” Kris wiped her eyes. “I've made such a mess of it.”
Kris took a sip from her cup and took a deep breath. “Tim is married.”
Bestemor gasped. “Married?”
Kris knew her grandmother would be disappointed in her. Good Norwegian girls did not sleep with married men.
“Yes. But I didn't know it," she explained. "Then his wife found out about us, and I got fired!” Kris braced herself for her grandmother's reaction, but it felt good to get that out.
“Hvem er fantastisk!”
It wasn't exactly the reaction, Kris was expecting. But then again her Norwegian was shaky.
“Did you just say, ‘That's fantastic’?”
“Yes, it is a blessing, Kattunge. A blessing from Freya.” Bestemor was positively beaming.
“Freya?” Kris raised an eyebrow. What was her grandmother talking about?
“Freya, the goddess of love. She has brought you back to Aurora to find your soul mate.” Bestemor clapped her hands together twice and said, “Gud vaere med deg!”
Praise the lord? Kris shook her head. “Bestemor, what are you talking about?”
“Freya. Freya brought you back here so you can find your true love when the Northern Lights dance in the sky.”
“Freya did?” Kris thought maybe she should call her grandmother's doctor because she had clearly lost her mind.
“There's an old saying in Norway. You'll know you've found your true love when you make love under the magic sky.”
Kris rolled her eyes. “That's just an old wives’ tale. It would be nice if it was true, though.”
So, whaddya think?
And don't forget, you still have time to enter my June Blog contest, but not much. Only 7 days left.
Wednesday, June 21, 2006
Spa DayI frequent a little salon/day spa in the neighborhood. Usually, I pop in to get my nails done or maybe a pedicure if I'm really treating myself. For Mother's Day, my hubby went to the salon and got me a gift card which I cashed in today on a "Sea Escape Stone Facial & Body Therapy Massage."
Doesn't this sound wonderful? "During this 90-minute treatment, various sized stones are used as massage implements and are placed on key pressure points on your body to relieve tension, while layers of sea oils and masks rejuvenate, tone and firm the skin for dramatic and long term results. The sea stones are used in conjunction with reflexology and lymphatic drainage for complete face and body stress relief. A relaxing foot treatment and hand massage complete the treatment releasing tension and stress, and improving overall well-being."
Well, it was fabulous! And to add to the today's fabulousness, (is that a word? - LOL) I received a gift basket full of organic beauty products made by my friend, MotherHerb. Hmmm. Maybe I'll give away some Spa Goodies for my July contest. What do you think? Do you like girlie stuff as much as I do?
(But don't forget my June contest is still going on... scroll down for info.)
Tuesday, June 20, 2006
Meet Snowball| adopt your own virtual pet! |
Your Seduction Style: Siren / Rake |
 You possess an unbridled sensuality that appeals to many. The minute you meet anyone, you can make the crave you almost immediately. You give others the chance to lose control with you... spiraling into carnal bliss. A dangerous lover, you both fascinate and scare those you attract. |
Saturday, June 17, 2006
I've Got a SecretPsst... I'm going to let you in on my little secret.
The contract is not signed yet, but I got the go ahead for a sequel to Aurora's Passion. A prequel, actually, and probably category novel length. I don't want to give too much away, because I'm in the planning stages. But... I can tell you it will be about Kris Anderssen's Bestemor during World War 2 in occupied Norway.
I'll also be divulging Bestemor's Secret Skillingsboller recipe. But here's a sneak peek for you:
Shilling buns (Skillingsboller)from Thinkquest.org
Shillingbun is a variety of the ordinary wheat bun, and this bun-recipe is a traditional Bergen recipe. The Shilling-buns taste delicious, a bit like cinnamon mini-rolls. In the old days, a shilling bun cost a (Norwegian) shilling, and that name has been kept, though the price has changed.
24 buns
1/2 cup margarine
1 3/4 cups milk
2 oz yeast
1/2 cup sugar
1 tsp cardamom
3 1/2 cups of flour
Cinnamon
Sugar
Butter
Middle rack: 425°F, 10-12 minutes
1. Melt the margarine. Add the milk. Heat till body temerature (if it feels too warm, let it cool off a bit). Add the yeast and stir till it’s dissolved in the mixture.
2. Find a large bowl. Add the milk/margarine/yeast and then add the sugar, cardamom and flour. Stir as much as you can, mixing all the ingredients. Knead the dough till it’s smooth. If the dough feels too wet, add more flour. If it’s too dry, add some water.
3. Cover the bowl with a cloth, place it in a fairly warm and let the dough rise for about 30 minutes.
4. Roll the dough out to an oblong shape. Butter it. Sprinkle with sugar and cinnamon.
5. Roll up. Divide the long, rolled-up dough into 20-30 pieces.
Place the buns on a cookie sheet like this:
Cover with a cloth and let the buns rise for a little while. Bake in the oven at 425°F for 10-12 minutes.
Don't forget if you blog about Aurora's Passion this month, you'll be entered in the Taste of Aurora's Passion Giveaway. Details here.
Friday, June 16, 2006
Have You Seen This Missing Child?
Author Marjorie Jones' daughter, Staci, has been missing for days. If you have any information, please contact Marjorie Jones.
Wednesday, June 14, 2006
Waking The Shadows by Elisabeth Drake
Another great read written by a friend of mine, Elisabeth Drake.
Arielle and Jackson are not your everyday couple. They are partners working for the FBI tracking demons and such, they are both commitment shy, and both can and will kick ass. Oh. And did mention, she's a witch and he's a vampire?
I really wasn't sure if Waking the Shadows would be my cuppa, you know. I mean, come on, I'm a contemporary romance kind of gal. Sure, I like my 'Splash of Enchantment', but just a splash, nothing over the top for me.
I've changed my mind. Elisabeth Drake blew me away. You've got to buy this book - it was smart and funny and realistic. Yes, realistic. It's just that good.
Waking the Shadows is available at Freya's Bower. And while you're there, check out my latest, Aurora's Passion.
And don't forget about my June Blog Contest. Scroll down for details.
Tuesday, June 13, 2006
Office Relations by Lia Sebastian
I had the pleasure of reading Office Relations by Lia Sebastian this weekend.
Sabrina Moore and Peter Merrill have been working on a special project together at the office. They are attracted to each other, but each is afraid of rejection. When they finally get together (on the conference table), the boss's secret agenda might tear them apart forever.
Lia Sebastian has captured the essence of modern romance in the workplace - complete with backroom politics. If you're in the mood for a sexy read, Office Relations will not disappoint. I'm looking forward to Ms. Sebastian's next offering.
For more information visit www.liasebastian.com.
And don't forget to scroll down to read about my June Blog Contest!
Friday, June 09, 2006
June Contests
To celebrate the release of Aurora's Passion, I'm giving away this Frankie & Johnnie Essentials handbag. All you need to do to enter the contest is send me an email or post a comment on the blog. The purse would be fabulous with jeans or capris. It comes with a change purse, a folding umbrella and a hard eyeglass case.
And don't forget- if you let me know you blogged about Aurora's Passion, you'll also be entered in the Taste of Aurora's Passion giveaway.
LOTS of yummy goodness: Norwegian and Swedish chocolate, Anna's Thin cookies, Raspberry Drops, Sparkling Cider. It's a sampling of the best Scandinavian treats!
Thanks and good luck!
Wednesday, June 07, 2006
Aurora's Passion Gets 4 Stars from Romance-Central.2.jpg)
My first review is up on the net. Yay! Aurora's Passion got 4 stars.
Rene at Romance-Central says "It seems rare for an erotic story to have such a sweet feel to it... A charming story, Aurora's Passion is a quick and pleasant read......Ms. Thomas is a true romantic at heart."
Can you tell I'm thrilled? Stop by Romance-Central to read the complete text.
Saturday, June 03, 2006
Aurora's Passion On Sale Now!.jpg)
I opened my email this morning and found out Aurora's Passion has hit the 'bookshelves'!
Blurb:
Kris Anderssen is having a bad week. She lost her dream job and her lover on the same day and is in danger of losing her swanky New York apartment. She's regrouping by spending the Thanksgiving holiday in Aurora, her hometown. It's anything but relaxing. Her grandmother won't stop talking about the Northern Lights, the goddess Freya, and Norwegian folklore. Plus, Kris is more conflicted than ever, finding herself caught in a love triangle between her hot former boyfriend and her sexy best friend. She has feelings for each man; how can she possibly choose between them?
Want to read more? Click here for a excerpt. Or here to buy the book. It will be the best $2.00 you spend all day!
