Wordy Wednesday The Marvelous Margaret Ethridge

The last guest blog of the month comes from the 1st author to ever do a give away with me! Margaret Ethridge! Enjoy!

Who inspires me to write? These ladies:

Meet some of the super-coolest friends an author could hope to have. These ladies have been my cheerleaders, counselors, confidantes and consigliores throughout this adventure. The prologue from the first novel I ever wrote (Contentment) was written as a birthday present for Michelle. Julie has been my critique partner (in crime) from the get-go. Laurie, Kathrin, Kirsteen, and Michele have all been beta readers for me. At one time or another, each and every one of them has acted as my pimp. I wouldn’t have had the courage to try if it weren’t for them. I couldn’t weather the ups and downs of this crazy roller coaster ride without them by my side.

 

Though we call Germany, Australia, Canada and the U.S. home, once a year we all gather together in one little corner of the world for a weekend of love and laughter. My friendship with these ladies has been my best, most enduring long distance love affair.

Shh. Don’t tell my husband.

How about you? Do you have a long distance love (platonic or otherwise)? Want to read about one? Check out my latest release: Long Distance Love

http://www.amazon.com/Long-Distance-Love-ebook/dp/B00ETYSF7S/ref=sr_1_1?s=digital-text&ie=UTF8&qid=1381865511&sr=1-1&keywords=long+distance+love

Sometimes the distance between two hearts can be measured in frequent flier miles.

A Christmas Eve snowstorm leaves newly-single Ellie Nichols trapped in an airport terminal with only hunky FBI Agent Jack Rudolph for company.

Lucky Ellie.

For Jack, the passing of a long winter’s night turns into a New Year filled with possibility. State lines and hundreds of miles separate them, but the spark that flares each time they meet cannot be denied.

Can two ambitious, career-driven people find a way to make a long distance relationship work when matters of the heart bring them up-close and personal?

Wordy Wednesday: The Extraordinary Robyn Bachar

A Personal Note:
This Blog is very well timed Especially since NaNoWriMo kicks off November 1st, but Robyn is going to talk more about that in her post and I will post more about it in a couple weeks! :)

Now, on to the blog!!!

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Thanks for having me here today!

As an author I’ve been fortunate to have the encouragement of my family, my BFF Diana, and my local RWA chapter. I’m extremely grateful for their support, and the support of my readers. I have many stories of how they’ve all influenced my writing, but because November is approaching, today I’d like to talk about how I’ve been inspired by National Novel Writing Month.

I discovered NaNoWriMo in 2006, and that NaNo novel evolved into my first Bad Witch book, Blood, Smoke and Mirrors. Since then I’ve published two more NaNos, Bewitched, Blooded and Bewildered and Poison in the Blood. I’m hoping that this year’s project will become my fourth published NaNo. Fingers crossed! ;)

The rules of NaNoWriMo are simple: you have 30 days to write 50,000 words. NaNoWriMo trained me to write every day in search of hitting a daily word count, and how to suppress my inner editor until the first draft is complete. It’s very easy to give into the demands of my inner editor—she can spend hours obsessing over commas, or despairing over choosing just the right verb to express the action. But if I give her those hours, I’ll never finish the book, and I certainly won’t earn myself an awesome NaNoWriMo “winner!” T-shirt.

There’s something inspiring about going to a write-in and meeting other NaNoers feverishly chasing that 50k word goal. Writing is usually a solitary thing—just you and your keyboard (and possibly a cat or two who wants to sit on your keyboard). During NaNoWriMo, you’re not alone, because there are thousands of other writers struggling to get their words on the page.

So if you’ve got a story you’ve been wanting to write, you’re welcome to join us this November. :)

Wordy Wednesday: 12 Years

This post is hard for me to write. Every year I wonder how another year has passed and I don't understand why he still isn't here. That's because death is still forever and suicide is permanent.

I still remember when I was seven and I was sitting at my father's house reading his copy of The Complete Works of William Shakespeare and he asked me if I knew what Romeo & Juliet was about and I told him "Daddy, it's about love."

I also remember the first time I gave him something I wrote to read and I started crying when he began to edit it.

So many of my memories of my father revolve around books, reading, and writing. I still have that copy of The Complete Works, and it made me smile when on closer inspection, it said "Property of ____ Library." I guess if you are going to heist a book, this would be the one to be ballsy with.

I'm not a published author like my guest bloggers, I'm just a girl that likes books, and hears voices in her head when she tries to spell "a lot".

"You are in 5th grade!!!! How do you not know this is two words?"

The man that could quote The Raven from memory is probably one of my largest inspirations for my love of books and reading. I am going to be honest though, I would have loved to see his reaction to Twilight. He would have ripped it apart.

I am just rambling now, but I wanted to make sure on this day, even if he still isn't here, I want to make sure people know how much I love him and make sure as many people as possible are exposed to the magic that was Daniel Paul Lute.

I miss you dad and maybe year, it won't be as hard.

 

Daniel P. Lute

May 16 1956-October 16, 2001

Wordy Wednesday: The Great Catherine Peace

For this month, 3 of my favorite authors and I are going to talk about who inspired us to write.

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Catherine Peace is one of my best friends, and she has her first book out! You can read my post about it here: Monday Mentionables: This Time Next Year

And now, you can buy it at any of these places:

 

Decadent Publishing

Amazon

Barnes & Noble

All Romance Ebooks

 

Onto the blog:

 

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I’ve been writing for a long time. Over half my life, actually. *I’m 28 and have been writing since I was 8, so there you go.* And I have to say that in all those twenty years, no one has quite touched my life like my high school English teacher.

I know that this post is supposed to be about the people who inspired you to write, but #1, I don’t think the state of Kentucky deserves that much credit (thanks 4^th grade portfolio), and #2, Ms. Carroll is probably the reason I’m as good a writer as I am today, which means she’s almost directly responsible for me getting published.

Never in my life had I had a teacher as challenging as she was. Granted, it was my mistake to take her for AP English, after the hell that was freshman English with her, but man, those AP credits look fantastic on transcripts. Our small class of maybe 10 was at her mercy for the semester.

In addition to the mass amounts of reading we had to do, we also got to do tons of essay writing. Any time she assigned one, she’d give us a period of time (usually two days at the most) to come up with our thesis. And every time I presented my thesis to her, she’d suck on her front teeth (and make that tch sound), look at me with a somewhat bored expression on her face, and say, “You can do better than this.”

Keep in mind, I’d spent HOURS wracking my brain to come up with said newly-rejected thesis idea. HOURS. Given the outrageous amount of homework I already had, devoting hours to pounding my brain for one freaking thesis idea was the equivalent of a week of pure thought. And for it to be rejected? To be told I could do better after I’d already done the best I could? There were times I returned to my seat in tears, wondering how on earth I could possibly do better than that.

And then I would.

Again and again, Ms. Carroll and I would perform this cruel dance. I’d put all my thought and effort into a thesis only for it to be rejected. But then one day something magical happened—I started thinking like Ms. Carroll, telling myself I can do better before she had the chance. And the first time I handed over my thesis, with my tail tucked between my legs, and she grinned and nodded and sent me back to my seat? I may as well have won a gold medal.

In all honesty, she gave me the single greatest gift I could ever have gotten—the ability to go deeper, to pull from the depths of my brain, heart, and soul, and put that on paper. She helped me learn to kill my darlings. And in-so-doing, she helped me achieve my dreams.

 

Catherine Peace has been telling stories for as long as she could remember. She often blames two things for her forays into speculative fiction—Syfy (when it was SciFi) channel Sundays with her dad and The Island of Dr. Moreau by HG Wells. She graduated in 2008 from Northern Kentucky University with a degree in English and is still chasing the dream of being super rich and famous, mostly so she can sit around in her PJs all day and write stories. When not being a slave to the people in her head, she’s a slave to two adorable dogs. Facebook
Twitter
Blog:　Going from Nobody to Somebody
Blog:　The Pen Punks
Reviewer for　Indie Books R Us

Makeup Monday: Fake Awake Kit by Pixi!

Hey everyone! I am sure you are wondering where I have been. Life just got in the way :-(.

But never fear! I am back with my horrible camera and lighting and I am bringing you Makeup on Monday, Wordy Wednesday, and Get Fit Friday (Don't even ask how that is going!)

I hope you are here for the ride and like what I have to offer. Enjoy this week's Video!

Details:

Pixi Beauty's Fake Awake Kit $28 at Target

Get Fit Friday: 79 for 7 of 9

Author's Note: This is a scary post for me to write, so please be gentle and just wish me well on my journey :)

Thanks!

 

Now, onto the blog post!

 

So, on Monday, this happened:

 

 

 

And that inspired the 79 for 7 of 9 challenge.

 

Between Sunday July 28,2013 and Saturday June 7th, 2014 (10ish months) I pledge here in public that I will be losing 79 pounds.

 

I will update every Friday with what I have been doing and how my progress is going.

 

I will also be taking a photo every month showing my progress (See the end of this post for the initial photo).

 

I am not quite sure how this is going to work yet, so I am going to start slow with exercising for 20 minutes 5 times a week and eating lots of fruit and veggies (Salad for the win!).

 

My first goal:

I have a really cheap scale and I am slightly over it's limit. My goal is to get to the point where I can actually see my current weight. I think that is a good first goal. :)

 

I think that is all for this week. I'll update you all next Friday! Wish me luck.

 

Anni

 

My starting pic:

Wednesday: What Did I Read, TBR list.

Hello all!

I know I haven't written a review in a couple weeks, and sadly, I am not going to be writing one today. I haven't had any time to read since I started a new job and am still organizing the new house.

Today though, I present to you the next three books in my TBR pile so you can know what is coming!

1) The Indigo Spell by Richelle Mead
2) Inkblot by Johnson Naigle
3) Cocked And Loaded by Desiree Holt

So, as you see, there is an interesting array here!

Wish me luck in keeping my heart pumping and my blood pressure normal.

Anni

P.S. See you Friday with a totally new subject for the blog and one that will round out my M-W-F posting schedule!

Makeup Monday!

Hey everyone! I know most people do a face of the day, but I am going to do a face of the week Every Monday with my favorite look I have created in the past week.

Today I have a face of the week that was created using only Pixi products!

On the face: Illuminating Tint & Conceal in Light Glow tinted moisturizer and concealer.
Week of Wake Up Makeup Monday Blush.
On the eyes: Week of Wake Up Make Up Monday eye shadow combo
On Lips: Succulent lip twin in opal orchid.


With as hot as today was, this was a nice refreshing look that stayed all day. I think next time though, I would keep a little powder on me for when it gets really hot and I need to mattify a little.


That's all I got, see you Wednesday with a new Weekly Wednesday segment!

Anni

Wednesday, What Did I Read? Fire in the Blood

Fire in the Blood

By: Robyn Bachar

 

 

I have to say, I love, love, love Robyn Bachar's Bad Witch series.

I met her 3 years ago and just fell in love with her work. She is so sweet and so kind and you can tell hoe much time and effort she puts into her writing.

Fire in the Blood is the 3^rd book in the bad with series, but is the 1^st to not center around Cat, the Titania and Lex the Oberon.

This book focuses on Patience Roberts who is a summoner.

When she is attacked by a centuries old demon, she must rely on her training and the help of her faerie lover to defeat him, even if it means sacrificing her own life.

The thing I love about this book is the fact that even though there is almost constant action, there is still time given to look at the “human” parts of the characters. They love, they mourn, they have families too. I think this is something that people can tend to forget when they are looking at characters from other species.

Overall Impressions:

As I said, I love this series and I love the fact there is a spin off series (The Emily Chronicles) that keeps me entertained in between releases in the Bad Witch series. I honestly think this is one of my favorite book series ever.

 

Who should read this?

People who like paranormal with a bit of a real life twist. It is also for people who, like me are so excited that this takes place in Chicago since the Blackhawks just won the Stanley Cup!!! WOOT!!!!

Who should avoid this?

Anyone who is only looking for very descriptive sex stories or anyone that is a Bruins fan. ;-).
 

Rating:

 

4.5/5

Onto the eye look:

 

Wednesday What Did I Read? White Chocolate

White Chocolate

By Lydia Michaels

 

 

 

 

In full disclosure, if I hadn't gotten a copy of this book for free, I probably would have never ventured out to read it.

And BOY! Would that have been a huge mistake!

I loved this book so much! Everything written seemed so real.

 

Kat D'Angelo is a single mom to 3 year old Mia. She has been abandoned by everyone she thought cared about her, Mia's father, her own parents, even most of her friends with the exception of Jade Schultz, who has become Mia's “Kiki”.

Kat has spent the last three years making do on her own and making sure EVERYONE knows that she doesn't need any help.

But when Tyson Adams moves in next door, Kat may have to reassess how independent she really has to be.

Overall Opinion:

I really liked this story. It progressed in a realistic fashion. There was one issue I had with the story though, The amount of time between the end of the story and the epilogue was such a huge gap and I felt the characters had changed too much to bring either a conclusion to this book or even lead into the next. I hope to read the next book in the series soon, but I just think there were too many loose ends in this one.

Who should read it?

Anyone who likes to be eased into Romance or anyone who is a single mom struggling to make it.

Who should avoid it:

Anyone that wants instant, continuous romantic action. This has sex, but it is in no way erotic.

Rating:

 

3.5/5

 

And now, onto the eyelook:

 

 

Wednesday: What Did I Read? The Start of Something Good

The Start of Something Good

By: Gracie Lee Rose

 

 

I love, love, loved this book. Jamie reminded me a lot of myself, even with a touch of hypoglycemia! I also used to work at a coffee shop. It didn't have a cool name like “I Like You A Latte” it just had something to do with the night sky and money ;-).

I also liked this book because they didn't go “Hi, I'm Jamie.” “Hi, I'm Joseph.” “Let's have sex.” It was a nice pace and they got to know one another.

Even though Jamie and Joseph seem good for each other, the one thing I didn't like about the relationship was the fact that Joseph had JUST broken up with his girlfriend when he and Jamie started getting together. That was the one part that seemed a little too fast paced for me.

Overall though, I really liked this book and I can't wait for the next book in the series to come out.

Who is this book good for? The readers that aren't ready for a total romantic commitment and want to ease into someone's relationship.

Who should avoid this book? Anyone that what the characters to get it on RIGHT THIS INSTANCE!!!

Read it, you'll like it. I can almost guarantee it.

Rating:

 

      4/5

And now, my eye look inspired my the book:
 

Monday Mentionables: This Time Next Year

Hey everyone! As most of you know, there are certain things in life that shouldn't be mentioned. Underwear, bodily functions, exes...

Thankfully, books aren't one of those things.

Every Monday, I am going to be telling you about books that are coming out, or authors you should keep a look out for.

Today, I want to tell you about Catherine Peace. She is one of my best friends that I have told you about before. I have some great news about her! She has a book coming out in Late June!

This Time Next Year!

And it is my pleasure to reveal all of it to you!

Here is the cover:

What is it about?

Ever since surviving the vampire attack that killed her parents, Moira Curran has dealt with the resulting nightmares and abandonment issues the only way she could—by throwing herself into her education and then her biochemistry career, preferring a life of hermitude in her lab.

Kiernan Shaw has never forgotten the night twenty years ago when his maker killed a six-year-old girl’s parents in front of her. He’s spent the better part of the last two decades searching for her in order to make amends.

Madame Eve has managed to bring the two together. When they finally meet, will Moira be able to give Kiernan what he needs? Will Kiernan put her fears to rest? Or will old fears and guilt keep them apart?

Want to read a little?

For a moment, he thought back to Madame Eve’s email. If she trusts you, she will tell you her name. He understood the power of names, and so did Madame Eve. Something insignificant to a mortal meant everything to a vampire, in whose world names were both salvation and control. Remind a vampire of his humanity, or steal it away by forcing him to do something horrific, like watching a little girl’s parents be eviscerated right in front of her.

"Kiernan Shaw." Swallowing hard, he found his way back onto the coffee table. "And yours?"

Would she tell him her name? Would she allow him that kind of power?

She took a deep breath, as though considering the same questions. "Moira Curran."

He rolled the name on his tongue and loved the way it felt. "Beautiful." He reached to stroke her cheek, but she flinched. "Moira, I won't hurt you. I could never hurt you."

"I'm sorry," she muttered. "Old habits, I guess."

He nodded, unable to speak at first. The cloying scent of her fear, like overripe peaches, almost strangled him. "Why did you ask me to stay?"

"I don't know."

Neither did he, but he wouldn't leave until she asked him to.

"I don’t want to be alone, Kiernan. Isn’t that pathetic?"

He warmed at the sound of his name on her lips. His mouth watered at the thought of kissing her, exploring her, making his name come out of that gorgeous mouth again and again. He tamped down his desire. Nothing good would happen if he moved too fast. "Not in the slightest." Willem had all but guaranteed him a life alone. Like he approached a scared animal, he moved next to her on the couch. She uncoiled, but didn't relax. "Talk, Moira. Please." The silence hurt his ears as much as any scream.

She shook her head. "It's too hard." Tears spilled but she didn't move to wipe them away.

Time to be bold, I guess. He brushed a hand against her cheek again. Instead of flinching, she eased into his touch. "I want to ease your hurt," he said. "Will you let me?"

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So, what do you think? Post your opinions here and be sure to visit Catherine here:

https://twitter.com/lexcade

Also, if you know a book or an author that should be mentioned, or if YOU want to be mentioned, let me know!

See you all Wednesday with another review!

Anni

Wednesday: What Did I Read?

 

Commitment

By: Margaret Ethridge

 



 

When I first read the description of Maggie, my reaction was one of confusion. Curly, frizzy, red hair? Pale skin? Jerk of a cat? Umm... I think I am the FMC in this book. Then when I read that Maggie wanted to have a baby, I thought that maybe my grandmother was writing under the name “Margaret Ethridge” to let me know she REALLY wants that grandbaby.

With the exception that Maggie is 10 years older than me, I got a bit of a wake up call when I read Commitment. It was kind of the story of my life. Single, never really finding the right guy, my father died when I was still a kid, and I even went to beauty school! (Granted, I dropped out, and Maggie started her own salon, but still!)

This book was so great. I didn't know how I felt about reading a book where the only objective was to try and get the FMC pregnant, but there is so much more to this book. It is about love, overcoming obstacles, and defeating stereotypes.

I think I was drawn in by the fact Maggie and Tom's situation is like so many other people's. Everyone has that one friend who's life is falling apart, and you are scared to share your happiness with them, but you know what you are doing one of the best things for you, and you have to realize that YOUR personal happiness is what matters. No one else's.

Overall, I think Commitment is a great book to curl up with in bed and read on cold, rainy nights with a cup of tea or coffee. Once you get started though, you won't want to put it down.

Who I think this is best for? Women in their Late 20's-Early 30's who think it might be too late for them.

Who should avoid this? Women who are of the mindset “Of course she gets a happy ending. It's fiction”.

My overall rating for this book:

 

4.5 out of 5 kisses

 

And to go along with my love of beauty, here is a makeup tutorial inspired by this book:

And if you read through this far, it is time for a giveaway!

****The give away has ended and the winner contacted!***

The first book I ever read my Margaret Ethridge, was Paramour:

 

 

It is what made me fall in love with her writing, and I am giving away a signed copy!

 

All you have to do is post what YOU would name a new baby if you had one today.

 

I'll even start: If I had a son, it would be Daniel Laurence, if I had a girl, it would be Matilda Kate.

 

Here are the details:

List the names you would name a kid.

Also include what name you want the book signed to.

You have until 6/4 at midnight centeral time to enter. The winner will be contacted 6/5 and the book will be signed the weekend of 6/6 at the Annual Reader Author Get Together.

 

Good luck everyone and I hope you enjoy the book!

 

 

Welcome, Welcome, Welcome!

Hi everyone!

As you see, circumstances kept me from my Valentine's Day opening, but I am here with an awesome announcement!

We are ready to roll!

I would like to introduce my self with a video I created for the Annual Reader Auther Get Together.

This will be my third year going and they are always so supportive of my goof. :)

My first review should be posted on 5/29 and there is even going to be a give away with it! So come one on back and try to win something fun!

For now though, enjoy the video!

Anni

P.S. Here is the the link to Lexcade's Twitter, tell her Anni sent you! https://twitter.com/lexcade

The video:

Coming Soon!

Hello all!

I am in the process of combining my two loves of reading and makeup into one blog. I hope to have everything up and planned out by Valentine's Day. I think that is a great day to pucker up!

So I will see you all soon!

Anni