* CAROL KILGORE'S "SECRETS OF HONOR" *

 

I'm happy to take part in the book cover reveal party for Carol Kilgore's new novel,

Secrets of Honor

 

Many of you already know Carol because of her awesome blog, Under the Tiki Hut. I always enjoy her Friday's Top Ten, and she's also the Hostess with the Mostest for guest bloggers. (I've been her guest and had a blast sipping exotic drinks one of her cabana boys would bring with just a simple, "Oh, cabana boy! I'd like a cool drink with a tiny umbrella in it, please!)



 

BLURB for SECRETS OF HONOR

By the end of a long evening working as a special set of eyes for the presidential security detail, all Kat Marengo wants is to kick off her shoes and stash two not-really-stolen rings in a secure spot. Plus, maybe sleep with Dave Krizak. No, make that definitely sleep with Dave Krizak. The next morning, she wishes her new top priorities were so simple.

As an operative for a covert agency buried in the depths of the Department of Homeland Security, Kat is asked to participate in a matter of life or death—locate a kidnapped girl believed to be held in Corpus Christi, Texas. Since the person doing the asking is the wife of the president and the girl is the daughter of the first lady’s dearest friend, it’s hard to say no.

Kat and Dave quickly learn the real stakes are higher than they or the first lady believed and will require more than any of them bargained for.

The kicker? They have twenty-four hours to find the girl—or the matter of life or death will become more than a possibility.

~~~

BIO

Carol writes grocery lists, texts to her family, new lyrics to old songs for her dogs, love notes to her husband, and novels for herself. And for you. In between, she blogs weekly at Under the Tiki Hut and is active on Facebook and Twitter.

She sees mystery and subterfuge everywhere. And she’s a sucker for a good love story—especially ones with humor and mystery. Crime Fiction with a Kiss gives her the latitude to mix and match throughout the broad mystery and romance genres. Having flexibility makes her heart happy.

~~~

 

You can connect with Carol and her books here:

Under the Tiki Hut blog:  http://www.underthetikihut.blogspot.com

Website with Monthly Contest: http://www.carolkilgore.net

Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/carol.kilgore1

Twitter: http://twitter.com/carol_kilgore

Goodreads: http://www.goodreads.com/author/show/6094110.Carol_Kilgore

Amazon: http://www.amazon.com/Carol-Kilgore/e/B008FRCXQY

 ~~~

TAG LINES for SECRETS OF HONOR:

Once upon a time, there was a jewel thief. Her name was Katia. She worked for The Government. Yes, that government. But one day, Kat took something she shouldn’t have. She really shouldn't have done that.

Once upon a time, there was a jewel thief—for The Government. Yes, that government. But one day, she took something she shouldn’t have. And then she met the Wicked Witch.

He's hot.
And she's a doozy.
They've known each other for years.
But on this one particular night. . . .

Sometimes, a woman has to do what a woman has to do . . . even when she knows she shouldn't.

Life was so simple—until she had to save one.

She knows how to take things, but now she must find a person.

~~~

* Carol is a very talented and giving person. She encourages authors of all genres and at all stages of their careers. I'm happy to be one of her hosts. *

* If other writers would like to be highlighted on my blog, please leave a comment or e-mail me at Writergal 53 (at) Gmail (dot) com. AND, if you've already contacted me and I haven't responded, you have my sincere apologies. Please e-mail me again! *

* LIVING THE WRITER'S LIFE *

For the past couple of weeks I've mentioned that I have lots of writerly info to share, and now I just hope I can remember a good percentage of it all. REMINDER TO SELF: keep better track of all the info I want to blog about!

For one thing, I've been spending a lot of time online, searching for all the different ways to market my memoir. The websites and blogs are endless and overwhelming, but I've gotten to the point where I get "a feel" right away as to whether I think one has noteworthy information or not. And still, I firmly believe the best way for a book to really take off, is by word of mouth. If enough people love a book and shout it from the rooftops, then it will soar to the top of the bestselling lists. (my dream and my goal)

Because my book is a memoir which women would particularly enjoy, I put on my old
thinking cap to come up with unique places to call on about selling it in their stores. For instance, there's a quaint shop near my home in Old St. Charles, called Thistle & Clover. They specialize in Welsh, Scottish, and Irish gifts, jewelry, clothing, etc...and a few books.

Thistle & Clover

 



I really had to talk myself into going inside that store and speaking to the owner about possibly selling my memoir there, on consignment. The owner, Karen, happened to be there the day I walked in. I showed her my book and explained how I thought it would be a great item to have in her store, since I'm part Welsh. She asked if there was anything in particular in my memoir about Wales or me being Welsh, other than my maiden name, and I hesitated for a split second and said "No!" And we both laughed. Long story short: I left a complimentary copy for her to read, stopped back a month later and she apologized for not having time to read any of it yet. I said, "Oh, I understand. No problem. I'll just check with you again in a few more weeks." I purchased a key ring that had my great-grandmother's maiden name on it: MacPherson. Yes, I'm also part Scottish! A day or two later, she e-mailed me saying she'd actually read a few pages, and that she must have my books in her store. I went to see her the next day, we talked and laughed for about an hour, and she bought six copies....full selling price! She didn't want to go the consignment way. She wanted me to have the money. Can you say New Best Friend?

 

We are definitely kindred spirits and will be meeting for dinner sometime soon. We need more time to talk!

 

That's all for this blog post. I'll be sharing much more information soon about * Living the Writer's Life. *

 

 

Welcome to my newest followers Keith Wynn at Musings of an Unapologetic Dreamer, Vickie Newman at Musing With My Tea, and Phyllis.  I hope you'll stop by often and always enjoy what you read and see! Thank you!

 

 

 

“Laugh at yourself, but don't ever aim your doubt at yourself. Be bold. When you embark for strange places, don't leave any of yourself safely on shore. Have the nerve to go into unexplored territory.” -- Alan Alda

* I JUST CAN'T BLOG TODAY *

I had planned to blog about other things today: writerly topics, humorous subjects, etc.

but my mind won't let me. I can't stop thinking about my cousin's daughter who

collapsed at her work yesterday and died. She was approximately 50 years old, or

younger.

*I just found out Hilary's birthday was in a couple of weeks.....she would have been only 42 years old.

An autopsy is being performed.....

She was a doctor and died right there at the hospital (I think) where she worked. They

all live on the East Coast.....Boston and New York. That's why I don't really know her

daughters , and I don't see my cousin very often, but we e-mail, etc. She and her

husband came to town to visit us about a year ago. Such a shock.....

~~~

 

I hope to be back tomorrow. Until then, stay safe, and tell your family and friends that you love them. Don't let another moment go by......



June is Busting Out All Over!

• It's the first week of June, 2014! Can you believe it??

 

• In yesterday's blog post, I announced that today my interview/book giveaway would be on Karen Lange's blog. Please stop by because Karen asked some great questions, and the giveaway has easy rules. It has a short deadline: Thursday, June 5th, midnight Eastern Time.

 

 

• Also, beginning tomorrow June 3rd, I have a guest post on Melissa Ann Goodwin's blog. Melissa will include her review of my memoir, which I anxiously await!

 

 

• As I mentioned in yesterday's post, I still have lots of additional writerly news to share in the next few days, so please come back for that, too: Contests, Calls for Submissions, Interesting News & Tidbits, etc. I hope to get those posted tomorrow or Wednesday.

 

• Have a beautiful, blissful week!

 

 

 

 

* NOSTALGIC SUNDAY *

It's time for another Nostalgic Sunday

 

Why is today a "Nostalgic Sunday?"  Hmm, where should I begin? 

• The Ronald and I met friends for breakfast this morning, which is something we hardly ever do. Having breakfast at a restaurant usually occurs when we're out of town on vacation. It's a real treat! And I'm feeling very nostalgic for.... vacations..... *sigh*

• Last Tuesday, I spoke to three each - 2nd Grade classes at a local elementary school. It was Career Day and I spoke about being a writer. In addition to my talk, I handed out decorative pencils, envelopes, lined paper, and a questionnaire/fact sheet I wrote. I was actually surprised to know they still use pencils that need to be sharpened! Also, I learned a generation-gap kind of lesson. The students responded excitedly about the pencils, but when I asked if they'd also like loose-leaf paper, they all stared at me in complete silence. I was so surprised and couldn't imagine why they wouldn't also want paper, when one of the teachers stood up and said, "Mrs. Povich means notebook paper." Ahh....more cheers!

• Tomorrow, I'm doing the same thing at another nearby school. I'll be speaking to one each - 2nd Grade class, and two each -5th Grade classes. I'm all ready to go and looking forward to it. I love speaking to students and adults of all ages.

              And why do these two speaking events make me feel nostalgic? There are quite a few reasons: it seems like yesterday when my two sons were in grade school and high school. And it doesn't seem that long ago since I was that young! Where did those years go?!

~~~

 

 

Tomorrow I'm a guest on Karen Lange's blog! There's an interview and a giveaway, so please stop by!!


I have lots of additional writerly news to share in the next few days, so please come back for that, too: Contests, Calls for Submissions, etc.

 

 

 Welcome to my newest follower Patti of Magnolia Cottage!  I hope you'll stop by often and always enjoy what you read and see! Thank you!

 

 

“It shocks me how I wish for...what is lost and cannot come back.” -- Sue Monk Kidd, Traveling With Pomegranates: A Mother-Daughter Story

 

 

"There's a certain nostalgia and romance in a place you left." -- David Guterson

Rest in Peace Maya Angelou.

 

You made the world a better place.

 

~~~

 

“There is no greater agony than bearing an untold story inside you.”

 

 

"We may encounter many defeats but we must not be defeated.”

 

 

“I've learned that people will forget what you said, people will forget what you did, but people will never forget how you made them feel.” 

* MEMORIAL DAY - DECORATION DAY *

Every Memorial Day I take time to remember what this day is really about. Many years ago, it was known as Decoration Day. That's because it was the day families and friends laid wreaths and other patriotic decorations on the graves of loved ones....those who died in wars.

Some men come home from wars, but many others do not. I am alive today because of one man that did not come home....my mother's first husband. He was killed during WWII in the Battle of the Bulge, and that was heartbreaking for her and her two young daughters. A few years later she met and married my dad, and so when my brother Mike and I were born, we already had an instant family....one that consisted of two teenage sisters for us.
 
During our barbecues, picnics, and parties that celebrate the unofficial beginning of summer, let's remember that in spite of our country's problems, we are free, and we owe so much to all our veterans of wars....deceased or still living.



courtesy: Becky Sept 2011
 at our friends' lake house

 

 

"I dream of giving birth to a child who will ask, 'Mother, what was war?' " ~ Eve Merriam



* SIMPLE JOYS - HAPPINESS - LAUGHTER *

Today really felt like Saturday to me and I have no idea why. Maybe because I haven't been keeping my "usual routine!" (and if you believe that, you don't know me very well!)

And now....Sharing some simple joys......

 

 

 

Some of you will remember my small collection of statues with books.

I got this adorable little girl at Dollar Tree!

 

Ahh, yes life is good. (most of the time!)

 I love to take pictures of all kinds of things,
especially when sunlight is part of it.

Isn't it more fun to have homemade iced tea in a pretty,
 hand painted, glass pitcher?
This was a birthday gift many years ago,
 from my friend Kathy Y who shares my birth date!



One of my favorite walking trails from 2009

 

 

 This is a small (approx. 8" square) canvas print from (I think) Hobby Lobby

(the colors are actually more vibrant than this shows)

Mmm, making homemade bread the Old-Fashioned way,

 not in a bread machine, but in the oven!
(I must confess, I haven't done this in YEARS,
but just the thought of it brings wonderful memories
and the aroma of freshly baked bread.)

My beautiful, ceramic, much treasured chicken cookie jar -

I'm so glad I have this photo because a couple of years ago

 it stood proudly on the top shelf of my baker's shelf....until one day

when I was dusting everything....and her head fell off!

Can you envision it?? A chicken who lost her head?

I still have all the pieces because The Ronald said he can put

it back together....but I'm not sure....SO, at least I have this photo!

 

 

 This picture always cracks me up!

That's my son, Mark, and me "driving" some kind of
game at Chuckie Cheese's. I could fill a small photo book with
all the wacky faces I've made that have been captured on film!

 

 

 

(Guess which one of the 3 I am!)



Don't you wish you could do this

 with two of your girlfriends?!



I bought this little lady at Dollar Tree in 2010.

I wrote about her on my blog saying,

"Doesn't it look like she's scratching her butt??"

 

Ahh, I love candles but definitely not

 all of the fifty million scents that are available!



Coffee mugs that are unique, pretty, cute, and/or with sayings on them.

(Oh my gosh! Look at the spots on my table/desk! Or should I say, DON'T look!)

Last but not least, I can't possibly write about joy, happiness,

 and laughter without including a picture of our sweet, beloved Vern!

 

~~~

Welcome to my two newest followers Medeia Sharif and Sia Mckye. I hope you'll both stop by often and always enjoy what you read and see! Thank you!

~~~

Okay....So, these are just a few of the simple things in life that give me joy and/or make me laugh. What about you? What brings you joy?