As the Collegium council's
top sheriff of the southeastern United States, Valeria
Banning doesn't just take her job seriously, she takes it
personally. So when a notorious traitor wanted by the
authorities suddenly risks his life to save hers, she has
to wonder why.
HE BREAKS EVERY ONE OF THEM
As a mage, Griffin is sworn to protect innocents from dark
magic, which is how he finds himself fighting side by side
with the beautiful Valeria Banning. But when the council
finds out the two have been working together, they're both
left running for their lives-from the law, the threat of a
ghoul takeover, and a possible Collegium mole.
Sadly our keeper books tend to have to live in the attic right now. They migrate down every now and then if my husband wants to read one of mine, say. We have too many new books coming in and not enough shelves. Currently working on renovating and when the extension room is finished boy, will that be a library... when the books come down from the attic that is when we will do the big pruning job! So many will now feel out-dated. But if we don't want books anymore I make sure they get passed on, to other readers, to secondhand book stores or charity shops. We never throw out a book. (Clare O'Beara 5:21am September 27, 2012)
Thanks for the chance to win. I prune my books when I HAVE to and it always makes me sad. I often think of them as high school buddies I haven't seen since. I also won't throw a book away, but pass them around. Even damaged books make me sad, muchless to throw one out. (Sally Hannoush 7:19am September 27, 2012)
I have the bad tendency to keep all of my books. I want the option to re-read them sometime in the future. (Karin Anderson 8:00am September 27, 2012)
I LOVE READING ALL KINDS OF BOOKS BUT I MY FAVORITES TO READ ARE PARANORMAL ROMANCE, ROMANCE SUSPENSE, HISTORICALS ROMANCE, AND ROMANCE MYSTERIES. THE BOOKS I LOVE I READ OVER AND OVER BECAUSE THEY ARE THE BEST. I NEVER THROW OUT BOOKS. WHEN I GET TIRED OF SOME OF THEM I GIVE THEM TO MY FRIENDS AND TO MY LIBRARY SO OTHER PEOPLE CAN READ THE BOOKS. I WOULD LOVE TO WIN THIS CONTEST. THIS BOOK SOUNDS REALLY INTERESTING. I CAN'T WAIT TO READ THIS BOOK. (Shelly Caggiano 9:27am September 27, 2012)
Since I read over 250 books a year (and have since 1973), there is no way I can keep them all. I have about 500 in boxes that I bought before I blogged - books that I bought based on back blurbs, basically. I started blogging in 2009 and quickly realized I needed to "remember" what I'd read, so now I keep track of everything and keep the newer books (about 400, based on my new favourite authors from the blogs, plus the books recommended in those blogs and on the author web sites) in vertical file cabinets in alphabetical order by author for easy access. Once read, I pass the books on to my girlfriends (two of whom pass them on to their moms' retirement residences). I keep track of which kinds of books each person enjoys so that I know to whom I should give the books. (Boy, that sentence is a mouthful in order to be grammatically correct!) I have saved all of Sandra Hyatt's books (although I am missing a few) because she is no longer with us and I really enjoy/enjoyed her way of writing, and the rest are out of here. As quickly as possible.... (Elaine Seymour 9:29am September 27, 2012)
Because of my love for reading I usually keep all my books and reread at some point. Twilight was one of my favorite series. I read all 4 books in 7 days! Drove my husband crazy! Now with ebooks it doesn't take up room on my bookshelf. Can't wait toi read Renegade. Thanks! (Teresa Sullivan 9:39am September 27, 2012)
I keep all my favorite authors and reread them often. This sounds like a great book and one that I will look forward to reading!!! (Bonnie Capuano 10:11am September 27, 2012)
I have had to thin out my keeper books over the years numerous times, they tend to get out of control. I almost caused our attic to collapse into our garage once. The ceiling was sagging and the nails were popping and my husband said "What have you been putting up there?" He climbed up there and I was about to call the police for a protection order. lol As a solution he he had the crawl space finished so I could store the books there... so that won't ever happen again. See he loves me. :) But I still have to keep the boxes to a managable number. That is my agreement. I have an excel spreadsheet and the books are in labeled boxes so I can get to whichever ones I want when I need them. Addictions are bad... I am glad I chose books and not drugs. (Patti Paonessa 10:40am September 27, 2012)
Claire, I'm so familiar with the not-enough-shelves issue. The first New Year's Eve the dh and I were married, he spent staining bookshelves he'd just finished building in our living room. I sat and talked to him as we rang in the new year. We figured those shelves would last us decades. But no...within three years, they were full. The same goes for a wall of bookshelves in an addition we built. They're now double- shelved, and I do dread pruning them. *sigh* I can't throw out books, either, but I know what you mean when you say they sometimes feel outdated. I try to find good homes for them or donate them to charity sales. (Nancy Northcott 11:05am September 27, 2012)
Sally, I also don't throw books away. I like crossword puzzles, so the dh gives me on every Christmas. Even when those are full, I ask him to do the throwing out. I just can't. Others, I try to find good homes for or donate to charity sales. (Nancy Northcott 11:06am September 27, 2012)
Karin, me too! I hate not having room to keep them all. I'm looking at the mystery shelves, and I know I should get rid of series that are ended and I liked but didn't love. I need the space. But it's just so tough! (Nancy Northcott 11:07am September 27, 2012)
Shelley, thank you. I hope you'll like Renegade. It has mages and strong fantasy elements (I hope) but is also romantic suspense. I find that my tastes are changing. Books I would've kept a few years ago, I didn't this time around. But that makes me afraid I may want them again a few years down the road. Ack! I really hate the whole pruning thing. Like you, I do read books over and over. Sometimes right after I finish them. And I want them to be there when I decide to read them again, even if it's years down the road. Too bad we don't have a really big house. Though I guess I'd fill that with books sooner or later. (Nancy Northcott 11:10am September 27, 2012)
Elaine, you are way more organized than I am! I need to start a list because there are so many books in the house now that I occasionally buy an unread one a second time and, really, I don't need to be doing that. I can give those as blog prizes, so it's not a total loss, but still! We have boxes, but, not being as organized as you are, I can't keep up with what's in them, so I try to rotate the books out for my sanity's sake. (Nancy Northcott 11:14am September 27, 2012)
Teresa, thank you. :-) I also will blitz through a series if I really like it. It helps, of course, if all the books are already published. S. M. Stirling's post- apocalyptic Emberverse I trilogy (Dies the Fire, The Protector's War, A Meeting at Corvallis) did that to me. I got the third book because I forgot to send back the "no, thanks" card to the SF Book Club. It looked interesting, so I bought the first one, got totally sucked in, and read them all. Same with Lois McMaster Bujold's Vorkosigans (I'm eager to read the forthcoming Captain Vorpatril's Alliance), Sabrina Jeffries' Royal Brotherhood. Of course, it's also kind of fun to anticipate the next book when I love a series. Yes, ebooks are great for making the TBR pile more manageable! (Nancy Northcott 11:18am September 27, 2012)
Bonnie, thank you. I also love re-reading old favorites. (Nancy Northcott 11:18am September 27, 2012)
Patti wrote: "He climbed up there and I was about to call the police for a protection order." LOL! I love that. We also started to get nail pop and had a structural engineer tell us the books had to come out of the upstairs. Apparently a fully loaded bookshelf puts four times the stress on a square foot of floor space that it's designed to handle. Who knew? You also sound very organized about your books. (Nancy Northcott 11:20am September 27, 2012)
I'm horrible at culling the herd of books. But I do pass them along to family members to get rid of them temporarily. (Pam Howell 11:33am September 27, 2012)
Don't remind me! Or rather, do. I had four boxes of books I was going to bring to work today to sell off, and then forgot them because I'm rather the zombie in the mornings and don't wake up until I get to work. (Don't tell the Highway Patrol!) It's hard to get rid of non-keepers because darn it, those things cost MONEY, but also hard because I tend to forget which books I've read. For example: Jenny Crusie's "The Cinderella Deal." I recently bought this and on the bottom of the first page I realized I'd read it already. It's a heartwarming bit of fluff, so it's not only a keeper but a sell. (Sell the extra copy, that is.) Speaking of Crusie, it's interesting that so many of her books will leave my shelves only when my hands are cold and dead, yet there are quite a few I'm content to live without. It's rare that I find an author whose work appeals to me across the line. Why, even Julia Quinn had an off-book! (gasp!) However, she's taking up far too much shelf space and it sometimes bugs me. When will the cost of ebooks come down so I can clear out her shelves? I have Wonder Woman figurines that need to be displayed properly. (Carol Strickland 12:12pm September 27, 2012)
Hi After reading a book I put it on a shelf and when I can no longer shove a book in the overstuff bookshelf I go through them to give away or keep. Now that I have ebooks - it is much easier to keep all the books I read. However I am terrible about re-reading books, there are just so many on my TBR list that I want to read!
Thanks for the chance - this book looks great. (Pam Brewer 12:13pm September 27, 2012)
Pam, I'm horrible at it, too. When I finally get around to it, I have to do it all at once, or it doesn't get done. I do love being able to give books I enjoyed to other people I think will like them and maybe discover the author as a result of the book being passed along. (Nancy Northcott 12:25pm September 27, 2012)
Carol, you wrote: "I'm rather the zombie in the mornings and don't wake up until I get to work. (Don't tell the Highway Patrol!)" LOL! I also sometimes forget I've read a book--but that's usually a sign I should pass it on. I think every author is going to have an "off" book now and again. Or at least one that doesn't resonate as much with me. I loved the late Dick Francis's mysteries, but there are some I could let go, as well as some I'll keep forever. (Nancy Northcott 12:28pm September 27, 2012)
Pam B., you sound like you're much better than I am at keeping your shelves current. One thing I love about ebooks is that they add absolutely zero to the book clutter in our house! I've even bought some favorites I own in print so I can have copies to travel with me, and they don't take up any room on the shelf. *g* Thanks for the kind words. I hope you'll like Renegade. (Nancy Northcott 12:30pm September 27, 2012)
No I like to keep my keepers and am running out of shelves and room... the up side is that I have been increasing my e-book collecting... (Colleen Conklin 1:32pm September 27, 2012)
Hi Nancy!
*waves madly*
Great to see you here at Fresh Fiction. Your cover is absolutely beautiful!
To anyone wondering about this book, it's a great read. Nancy write fantastic action, and heart-twisting emotion. You'll love her writing.
As to the question...pruning the shelves is one of the hardest things I have to do. And I need to do it again. They've spilled over into the floor. I've recently given away some books I've bought but never read. I have so little reading time now. I know I'll never get to them, and that makes me sad. (Cassondra M 1:38pm September 27, 2012)
Colleen, the boon of ebooks for conserving space is a common theme today. Our house is at capacity for books--passed it some time ago, actually--so I completely understand. (Nancy Northcott 1:42pm September 27, 2012)
Cassondra, thank you so much! I'm glad you liked Renegade, and it's nice of you to come say so.
You know, I think I'm going to have to give away some unread books. There's a bin I haven't looked into in a long time. I think I need to weed it, and I hate that because every single book in it interested me when I bought it. (Nancy Northcott 1:47pm September 27, 2012)
Yes, I have to weed out books which I give to friends and donate to a retirement home. (Sharon Berger 2:16pm September 27, 2012)
Sharon, I find letting go of a book easier if I know it will find a good home. (Nancy Northcott 2:41pm September 27, 2012)
I have always loved to read. it is one of my pastimes when i am doing work. It is one of the best hobbies to me. I mostly read paranormal romance or romance. I have read a lot of books and i still continue to do so. i always keep all my books. (Anthonia Sharp 3:11pm September 27, 2012)
Hi, Anthonia--I can't remember a time I didn't love reading. At different times and with different books,it's an escape and an education and a simple pleasure. I'm glad you're able to keep all your books. (Nancy Northcott 3:26pm September 27, 2012)
I don't prune my keeper shelf very often and when I do I don't get rid of much. Most of them I've had for years and they are out of print books that I re-read every so often. (Sandy Giden 4:35pm September 27, 2012)
Sandy, that's the thing about popular fiction. So many of the books go out of print that if I get rid of them, I have to figure they're gone for good. It's tough! (Nancy Northcott 4:47pm September 27, 2012)
i would really love to take a read of your work and cover look great too (Kimberly Hoefs 4:55pm September 27, 2012)
I love the Sherlock Holmes stories, too, and I'm mainly a mystery reader but I also read Jane Austen sequels. I swap on PaperBackSwap and BookMooch so that's how I get rid of books. I've also swapped on Title Trader. I have books in the garage, garage attic, living room, and bedroom. I do keep most of my books and there are tons that I haven't read because I'm always accumulating more! I don't do e-books because I don't have an e-reader or computer.
I keep a list of books that I've read. Can't imagine reading 250 a year like one of the commenters. I've finished 28 this year. I do start lots of books and don't get back to them. (Michelle Fidler 5:09pm September 27, 2012)
Kimberly, thank you. I love the cover, too. (Nancy Northcott 5:31pm September 27, 2012)
Michelle, I'm always have books waiting to be read, too. I need to keep a list, too, but starting one seems daunting at this point. (Nancy Northcott 5:32pm September 27, 2012)
I really got into reading over 35 years ago when my oldest son was only two. When we built our first house, we didn't have central-air conditioning (an oversight by us and the builder). So during the hot, humid summer months, I would go to our basement guest bedroom (where is was cool) and lay down on the big bed with him to read a book, while he took his afternoon nap. He always went right to sleep, and I enjoyed my quiet, relaxing time reading. When we moved out of state and built another house, we made sure we had central-air and plenty of bookcases built-in along each side of our fireplace across the entire wall of our family room that go to the ceiling. I had very few books starting out to grace the many shelves. In the next five years, they started filling up. They are all full now and then some, because I ran out of shelves, so I resorted to storing the overflow in boxes (ones I haven't read). I, too, have even mistakenly purchased books I already have. Nancy, you've got me wanting to go through my books now and start doing some "pruning" (weeding them out)! I know it will be a big project to let go, but it's time! I have a few favorite authors that I have most all their books. I do have a couple of Kathleen Woodiwiss's including SHANNA. Thanks for your great blog today, and I'm enjoying reading everyone else's (knowing I'm not alone in my addiction)!! (Linda Luinstra 5:51pm September 27, 2012)
Linda, I'm glad you enjoyed it. What a great story about reading during your little boy's naps. There's something about sitting next to a sleeping baby that's just so heartwarming.
It's nice to meet another Shanna fan. I just love that book.
Your family room bookcases sound wonderful. The dh's parents have a wall that's entirely a bookshelf, and I envy it every time I see it. Plus the image of books next to a fireplace is very cozy. I'd say you're definitely not alone in your addiction! :-) (Nancy Northcott 6:07pm September 27, 2012)
I bit the bullet and boxed all mine up, then took them to the book store.Quite a bit of money i received in trade value also..Still have a lot left over to use up.. So hard to go in that store, I never leave with out a "couple" of books.
This looks like a good one to read as well.. Thank you for the opportunity... (Holly Vanderhule 6:10pm September 27, 2012)
Holly, thanks. I have trouble leaving a bookstore without books, too. There are just so many that look appealing! (Nancy Northcott 6:22pm September 27, 2012)
Oh,I HAVE to prune, but the clippings are packed away. :) Fun blog today, Nancy and congratulations on your debut book RENEGADE. (tip to everyone - I've read it and loved it). (Dianna Love 7:18pm September 27, 2012)
I prune my keeper shelves on when forced to do so---I just love books. (Sue Farrell 7:32pm September 27, 2012)
Thank you, Dianna. :-) (Nancy Northcott 7:34pm September 27, 2012)
Sue, I wouldn't do it, either, if I couldn't avoid it. I love books, too. (Nancy Northcott 7:35pm September 27, 2012)
I have a big old house, so I just hang on to them. One thing that's helping on space is ebooks. (Lisa Elwood 7:45pm September 27, 2012)
Lisa, ebooks are a definite boon when it comes to space! It's nice that you have room for all your books. (Nancy Northcott 7:57pm September 27, 2012)
I keep a list of the books I read, but I read too many to keep them. I pass them on to others or donate them to the library. (Wilma Frana 8:01pm September 27, 2012)
Wilma, several other people mentioned keeping lists. I wish I'd started one long ago. I also read too many to keep, obviously. I like to think the ones I give up find good homes. (Nancy Northcott 8:04pm September 27, 2012)
My family calls me the book hoarder, lol. I do reread my favorites, especially Pride and Prejudice, I am a hopeless romantic at heart. I do thin the herd,so to speak, every so often. I have a friend who loves it when I bring a "goodie bag" to work. (Ann Sheiring 8:41pm September 27, 2012)
omg!! i love the cover!!! cant wait to read!! (Jennifer Beck 8:45pm September 27, 2012)
Ann, I'm sure I have relatives who see me as a book hoarder, too. Lucky for me, the dh loves books, too. It sounds as though your books find a good home when you pass them along. (Nancy Northcott 8:49pm September 27, 2012)
Jennifer, thanks! I really love that cover. As we say in the Romance Bandits' Lair, the cover fairy was extremely generous. :-) I hope you'll enjoy Renegade. (Nancy Northcott 8:51pm September 27, 2012)
Oh I hate to prune the keeper shelf! Every book I've ever read is a keeper to me. I do however force myself to thin the shelves every once in a while or my husband threatens to do it for me!!! (Christine Mead 9:08pm September 27, 2012)
Hi, Christine--I always hope every book I read will be a keeper, but I know they can't be. I just don't have space. Getting rid of them certainly is tough, though. (Nancy Northcott 9:12pm September 27, 2012)
This is the way I look at it. When I put down hard earned money to buy a book, it hurts me deeply to part with it. I try to purchase the book in hard copy as opposed to paperback, so to throw one away would break my heart!! They're all my babies, and I have a special reason to purchase the book in the first place. Because I have my hobbies on top of reading, my reading collection is a bit larger than normal. Due to the fact that we lost our house 5 years ago after my Husband lost his job (long story), I wasn't about to give up my books, so I packed them away in boxes. My Husband did have a debate with me about them, so I did have to part with a few, but they were paperbacks, so even though it hurt deeply, I did get rid of some. Right now I have a few boxes that are still unpacked, and I'm waiting to get some spare change together to purchase a bookcase. It's extremely hard to do when you're on Social Security, since he's now retired, and the cost of living is so high. I don't even own an e-reader, but the thought of not owning one doesn't bother me. I prefer to hold the actual book in my hands anyway. Your book looks interesting, and I hope to be able to read it as well. (Peggy Roberson 9:51pm September 27, 2012)
Peggy, I find getting rid of hardbacks more difficult, maybe because, as you say, they cost more. I'm sorry about the loss of your house and your husband's job. It's hard to pack the books away.
I'm glad you think Renegade looks interesting. It will be available as an ebook and as a print on demand paperback only, but I also hope you'll be able to read it. (Nancy Northcott 10:02pm September 27, 2012)
I go through my books regularly since I have limited space. I weed out the books that I don't see myself reading again. Although, it's really difficult to part with signed copies. Those are rare to me and I treasure them. Thanks for the giveaway. This sounds like a fabulous read. (Kristin Bingham 11:24pm September 27, 2012)
Kristin, thanks! I also find signed copies harder to part with. I stood in lines for some of those signatures! There are always a few books I know I'm unlikely to read again, but I naturally give the others the benefit of the doubt, and that makes them tough to let go. (Nancy Northcott 12:09pm September 28, 2012)
Wow, all these readers sound just like me! Thanks for coming back with your comments Nancy, this makes it feel like a conversation. (Clare O'Beara 8:43am September 28, 2012)
I never get rid of my keeper books. There are certain authors I will read again and again. (Rita Wray 10:39am September 28, 2012)
Ooh! Prune the keeper shelves?! I'm almost a hoarder when it comes to books...there are certain authors that I will NEVER get rid of their books - some I may even have to be buried with... ;) (Kelli Jo Calvert 12:04pm September 28, 2012)
Nancy, I'm like that in the morning. I'm on automatic mode which is basically get ready to go to work, drive to work and than get that java. I don't response to anyone until I take that first sip of coffee. What can I say...I'm not a morning person. (Kai Wong 12:54pm September 28, 2012)
I'm not really a pruner, but when I think a friend can use a book, I part with one that is suitable. (Alyson Widen 1:38pm September 29, 2012)
Most of my keepers are presently in storage. I can't even tear myself away from the books in my apartment. They are are mostly t-b-r. Both my brother and my landlord have warned me about leaving too-many-things-to-dispose-of. Books make up the largest part of that, along with a collection of fossils, minerals, travel slides, postcards, etc. which take the place of children. (Sigrun Schulz 3:33am September 30, 2012)
I absolutely hate giving away books. Some women collect shoes my husband understood I collected books. I kept them all until my husband's illness meant we had to downsize quickly. I gave the local library easily 3,000 books and my son will tell you I still moved with way too many books. We continue to have to downsize and it is still so difficult to pass my books on to the library. (Chris Roberts 1:07pm November 3, 2012)
My first date became my second. I was asked to go to a Rock & Roll show that was three weeks away. I was sooo excited. Then a week later the same boy called and asked me to the movies sooner. It seems he felt I would go to the music show for sure but the movie date was because he wanted me to be his girl once I agreed to his first offer. We dated for two years. My parents loved him. (Sandra Spilecki 9:55am November 6, 2012)
Hi, Sandra--What a cool story. There's a guy who knew what he wanted. (Nancy Northcott 10:07am November 6, 2012)
My first date was with my now husband & I was a wreck. We went to Bennigan's & I ordered simply - chicken sandwich. You would assume all would be well with a chicken sandwich, but oh no - I chewed each piece so much it became dry & almost gagged me with every swallow. No matter how hard I tried to stop, I chewed that chicken until it almost killed me each time.
....I ordered pasta on the 2nd date & that went much better. Of course, less nerves, which makes quite the difference.
Congrats on your novel & being published! It is indeed a dream come true! I look forward to reading your this story, as well as your others, in the future :) (Elizabeth Bailey 1:37pm November 6, 2012)
Hey Nancy! Congrats on your release today of RENEGADE! This is an AWESOME read and I adore Griff (the hero) and Val (the heroine).
As to first dates, I remember calling my friend after I had gone out with the DH. We had gone to dinner and sat for nearly 5 hours talking. But I wasn't sure he liked me. My friend said, "If a man will willing sit with a woman and actually talk TO her rather than AT her for hours, he likes her."
Ha!! (Jeanne Adams 1:38pm November 6, 2012)
Woohoo and congrats and congrats again on the release of RENEGADE!
I think life should be a series of "firsts." Don't you? New experiences all around. I met my husband thirty-nine years ago at a bar, so I guess my first "date" with him was when he traveled 300 miles to come to my house for a long weekend. He proposed that weekend - how's that for a first date LOL. Fortunately, I was smart enough to insist we get to know each other a little better first.
You may not believe this, Nancy, but I don't remember the release date of my first book all that clearly anymore. You'd be the same, I'm sure. This is the first of many, many Nancy Northcott books. Congratulations! (Donna MacMeans 1:52pm November 6, 2012)
Elizabeth, thanks for the good wishes. I hope you enjoy Renegade!
What a horrible first date! I'm glad the second one went so much better. (Nancy Northcott 2:00pm November 6, 2012)
Jeanne, thanks!
That's a cute story. I'm with your friend on that, and obviously, she was right. :-) (Nancy Northcott 2:01pm November 6, 2012)
Donna, I figure you don't remember because you've now released so many terrific books. :-) Thanks for the good wishes!
That's an amazing first date. After 39 years, though, I think we can say he demonstrated great insight! (Nancy Northcott 2:02pm November 6, 2012)
I remember each man I ever dated, the first time I saw them, the way it felt to be asked, to get ready. I remember how each time my senses were heightened and how each time our eyes met across the table... I miss that intensity, the new, exhilaration, and adrenaline all pumping throughout - the pheremones. Love the newness. (Carla Carlson 2:21pm November 6, 2012)
Wow, Carla, I'm impressed. My memory isn't nearly as clear as yours. But I agree that the newness adds a certain intensity and edge. (Nancy Northcott 2:25pm November 6, 2012)
Great post, Nancy, and congratulations on your debut release.
First "date" or meet? Jane Eyre being run off the road by Rochester's horse has got to be one of the classics.
Every fall when I taught school I felt like starting a new semester was like a first date: you don't know the kids, they don't know you, and the "rules" might be a little muddy! (Jo Robertson 3:04pm November 6, 2012)
Oh, I remembered a first date that I really regret. I was asked to see a campus production of MacBeth, but was later asked to see Peter, Paul, and Mary LIVE by a really cool guy I had a crush on.
My mother taught me well. Although I could've lied, I missed the cool concert for MacBeth. Guess that's why I became an English teacher (Jo Robertson 3:07pm November 6, 2012)
Jo, thanks! That's so true about the start of each semester. Every class has it's own dynamic, and it takes a while to develop.
That's too bad about the concert. Interesting thought about the "why" of teaching English, though. Which did you regret more--missing the concert or missing the date with the cool guy? (Nancy Northcott 3:33pm November 6, 2012)
can't say I remember my first date (or kiss) but I do remember seeing my twin nieces for the 1st time shortly after they were born (see as I was just a teenager, it was pretty cool to be an aunt for the 1st time). Also remember the first visit & dinner at my house after the closing & knowing it was all mine (well, one corner was all mine & the rest the bank's but that was a mere technicallity I was willing to ignore) :) congrats on the release (d Kenney 7:46pm November 6, 2012)
Hi, d--What a wonderful moment with your nieces!
I'd ignore the technicality with the bank's part ownership, too. That dinner sounds very special.
Thanks for the congrats! (Nancy Northcott 9:16pm November 6, 2012)
I remember the first date with my Husband, before he knew that we were going to be married. Marriage was the furthest thing on his mind, and he thought that we were just going to be "friends." I had known him for years, and the first time I had laid eyes on him, I had the gut feeling that we were going to be married someday. We had gone our separate ways, and gotten back together years later through a mutual friend. We seemed to hit it off a little better than he thought we would, because it wasn't that long after we started to see each other that he proposed!! Now we've been married for almost 30 years!! I just wanted to add that I know what you mean about the TBR mountain, because I'm really behind with my reading, due to my Father becoming ill this year, and I've been desperately trying to find the time to get to my books, as well as a few other things!! I would love to add your book to my pile!! (Peggy Roberson 9:22pm November 6, 2012)
I also get the anxiety attack. My nerves would be running on the first date. The thing is that I really want the guy I'm going out with really, really to like me. After all, first impression is very thing. (Kai Wong 9:42pm November 6, 2012)
Peggy, what a great story! Congrats on the 30 years.
I know what you mean about a family illness changing the dynamic. I hope your father is better and you'll be able to read again. (Nancy Northcott 10:04pm November 6, 2012)
Kai, you're so right about first impressions, especially when we really want to make a good one! (Nancy Northcott 10:05pm November 6, 2012)
My first impression of someone - if it is positive or neutral, that may change later because some people put on a polite mask. But a negative first impression is a warning from my subconscious to me, and I don't change that one. (Clare O'Beara 7:42am November 7, 2012)
Georgette Heyer was my introduction to historical romance. First impressions stay with you a long time, so I feel like there's pressure to make them good. (Alyson Widen 6:07pm November 18, 2012)
We have several we go for at Christmas. They range from Home Alone to The Christmas Card. (Debra Guyette 12:29pm December 24, 2012)
Debra, we enjoy Home Alone, too. I'm not familiar with The Christmas Card, though. Can you tell me a little about it? (Nancy Northcott 12:49pm December 24, 2012)
I have several movies that I watch every Christmas including: The Santa Clause, I'll be Home by Christmas, & The Holiday, as well as several others. Merry Christmas! (Chelsea Knestrick 1:03pm December 24, 2012)
Chelsea, Merry Christmas to you, too! A friend of mine loves The Santa Clause. I'm not familiar with the other two, though, and would love to know more. Part of the fun of doing a blog like this is learning about books or movies other people enjoy. (Nancy Northcott 1:21pm December 24, 2012)
For movies I watch white Christmas to feel the holiday spirit and in books I read ms. Feehan's Christmas books along with polar express with my nieces. (Katherine Adamson 1:28pm December 24, 2012)
Katherine, our boy loved Polar Express. White Christmas is a classic, very popular with in the Romance Bandits' lair. (Nancy Northcott 1:44pm December 24, 2012)
I grew up Jewish but my husband is Christian so the kids got a little of both. I think my favorites are the Muppets & Fragglerock specials and maybe A Christmas Carol with Patrick Stewart. (Donna Antonio 1:58pm December 24, 2012)
Donna, a friend of mine swears by The Muppets Christmas Carol. We were all big on the muppets when the boy was small, and I still enjoy seeing them on TV. I love the Patrick Stewart A Christmas Carol. (Nancy Northcott 2:06pm December 24, 2012)
Even though my kids are growing and not so into the Christmas shows that we always watched, I still find myself watching Rudolph and Frosty, and Polar Express is a must see. Of course we can't get enough of A Christmas Story and Elf either. (Robin Christofaro 2:12pm December 24, 2012)
Robin, we enjoy all of those. The dh loves A Christmas Story and asked me last night what time the marathon starts. The boy loves Jingle All the Way with Sinbad and Arnold Schwarzenegger on a quest for the seaon's hot toy, a Turbo Man doll. (Nancy Northcott 2:21pm December 24, 2012)
I love to watch the Christmas Carol,plus I love to read my Christmas books. Thanks for a Chance to win. Happy Holidays. (Linda Hall 2:31pm December 24, 2012)
Hi Nancy! I still adore the clay animation of Rudolph the red nosed reindeer. The abominable snowman is the best. My little ones just laugh and laugh at how sweet he is after his teeth are pulled. It's such a great childhood memory and tradition I'm passing on MERRY CHRISTMAS :) (Jill Oswalt 2:51pm December 24, 2012)
LL, I think Home Alone is becoming a classic if it isn't already one. (Nancy Northcott 2:51pm December 24, 2012)
Linda, thanks for stopping by. We enjoy A Christmas Carol, and I'm reading holiday romances. Happy holidays to you, too! (Nancy Northcott 2:52pm December 24, 2012)
Hi, Jill! Seeing the boy get a kick out of things we enjoyed, like Rudolph, is a great boost. We love passing down traditions. Merry Christmas to you, too! (Nancy Northcott 2:53pm December 24, 2012)
a christmas story here. happy holidays to all. thanks for this chance too. (Debbi Shaw 3:05pm December 24, 2012)
Debbi, that's a great movie! Happy Holidays to you, too! (Nancy Northcott 3:13pm December 24, 2012)
Without a question, it is A Christmas Story. Happy Holidays! (Mary Smith 3:30pm December 24, 2012)
i like those christmas movies that are do-over till you get it right themes. Kind of like Ground Hog Day. (Lisa Fitzgibbons 3:49pm December 24, 2012)
I enjoy watching Elf and new movies on Hallmark. (Amanda Tonar 3:52pm December 24, 2012)
Hi Nancy!
I still love Twas the Night Before Christmas...that poem was, perhaps, the first bit of verse (other than itsy bitsy spider and its ilk) not set to music that I learned as a child. I still try, now and then, to quote the whole thing, and as we don't read it regularly, I sometimes miss bits of it.
Ours was in a book that was shaped like a fuzzy red Christmas stocking, and it had a green velvety ribbon tied through two holes in the cardboard front cover, and a silver glitter trail behind the sleigh. It was quite old by the time I came along (born late in life to my parents, who'd already brought up three kids to near adulthood), but I loved that book. Wish I still had it. (Cassondra M 4:10pm December 24, 2012)
Hi Nancy! Hi Fresh Fiction gals! And a very happy Christmas to all of you (it's the day in Australia - we get everything early!). Nancy, can't wait to read Renegade. Sadly, it didn't turn up before Christmas but I've had notification it's been sent by the Book Depository so it should be here next week, fingers crossed. Perhaps that will become my future Christmas reading of choice! ;-) Sounds fab! (Anna Campbell 4:10pm December 24, 2012)
The Christmas season is never complete in my household without a viewing or two of A Christmas Story and no matter how many time we watch it never fails to amuse. Good luck and happy writing! (Tracie Travis 4:13pm December 24, 2012)
Hi, Mary--I love that movie, too, but my dh is a fanatic for it. Happy Holidays to you, too! (Nancy Northcott 4:14pm December 24, 2012)
James, I like those, too. It's A Wonderful Life isn't quite the same thing, but it's in that vein. It's one of my favorites. (Nancy Northcott 4:16pm December 24, 2012)
Amanda, I keep missing the new movies on Hallmark. We don't TiVo, so I do miss things, but I hear they're great. Our boy likes Elf a lot. (Nancy Northcott 4:17pm December 24, 2012)
Hi, Cassondra--That sounds like a beautiful book. I love that story, too, but ours was in a Little Golden Book edition. I was able to find the same one for the boy's first Christmas. It's amazing what you can find online. I got a copy of Silver Chief (a picture book, not the chapter book) like the one my grandfather used to read to me. It was like regaining a piece of my childhood. (Nancy Northcott 4:19pm December 24, 2012)
Anna, Merry Christmas to you, too! Thanks again for ordering Renegade and for your enthusiasm. I wish it had arrived in time for the holiday, but shipping can be so tricky. when it does come, I hope you enjoy it. :-) (Nancy Northcott 4:20pm December 24, 2012)
Tracie, thanks! We always watch A Christmas Story all the way through at least once and have been known to sit down and watch a few minutes here and there during the marathon. As you say, it's always funny. (Nancy Northcott 4:21pm December 24, 2012)
My two favorite Christmas books are A Christmas Carol and How the Grinch Stole Christmas. Happy Holidays! (Bonnie H 4:29pm December 24, 2012)
The sound of music and Love Actually! (May Pau 4:39pm December 24, 2012)
I've always loved the "gift of the magi" & think it's about as perfect a holiday story as they come :) (d Kenney 4:46pm December 24, 2012)
I still love How the Grinch Stole Christmas - the cartoon, not the movie. Also, somehow I always end up watching A Christmas Story too, even though I've seen it a gazillion times. (Devon Gainer 4:48pm December 24, 2012)
Bonnie, those are perennial favorites at our house! Happy Holidays to you, too! (Nancy Northcott 4:55pm December 24, 2012)
Mary, would you believe I've never seen Love, Actually all the way through? We should rent it. Many people I know love it. (Nancy Northcott 4:56pm December 24, 2012)
d, you know I agree with you! *g* (Nancy Northcott 4:56pm December 24, 2012)
Devon, I'd always pick the cartoon Grinch over the live-action one. I think it and A Christmas Story speak to the kid in all of us. (Nancy Northcott 4:57pm December 24, 2012)
My mom always wanted us to watch the Charlie Brown Christmas special. (Wanda Craighead 5:09pm December 24, 2012)
LOVE YOUR BOOKS AND WOULD LOVE TO WIN THIS CONTEST.... (Shelly Caggiano 5:19pm December 24, 2012)
I always enjoy watching It's a Wonderful Life. Also, this year, I am watching just tons of the christmas movies on the Hallmark channel. (Christy Comstock 5:19pm December 24, 2012)
We don't have any Christmas books. For movies, the Home Alone series. One *story* that I miss the most is our annual Christmas play at church. There was a woman that wrote a unique play each year. Sort of a mix of traditional with a unique twist, like two children in PJs narrarating as they waited for Santa. The angels were positioned in the audience and the audience songs incorporated into the diologue. She did an amazing amount of work. (Lynda Smith 5:32pm December 24, 2012)
Wanda, I loved that show. The dh adores the music, so I got him the soundtrack album oneChristmas. (Nancy Northcott 5:42pm December 24, 2012)
Shelly, thanks. (Nancy Northcott 5:43pm December 24, 2012)
My Christmas memory is staying awake with my twin sister as long as I could until we both feel asleep. Great times, (Stacy Stewart 5:43pm December 24, 2012)
Christy, I also love It's A Wonderful Life. I prefer it not colorized, though. I've heard there are some great movies on the Hallmark Channel, but I keep missing them. (Nancy Northcott 5:43pm December 24, 2012)
Lynda, I think Home Alone is approaching classic status if it hasn't already attained it. Those pageants at your church sound wonderful. (Nancy Northcott 5:44pm December 24, 2012)
Stacy, I'll bet that was fun. :-) (Nancy Northcott 5:45pm December 24, 2012)
I am more of a movie fan around the holidays. Some of my favorite movies are: The Bishop's Wife, Jingle All the Way, It's a Wonderful Life, A Christmas Carol, The Home Alone movies and Chevy Chase's Christmas Vacation. Merry Christmas! (April Harvey 6:04pm December 24, 2012)
I adore Muppets Christmas Carol and It's a Wonderful Life. I like both the black & white and colour versions. I'm not big on the Home Alone movies, the boy is a jerk. (Kelly Knapp 6:15pm December 24, 2012)
I always love watching Miracle on 34th Street at Christmas. I love reading holiday stories, but usually choose a new one rather than one I've already read. (Barbara Elness 6:59pm December 24, 2012)
I re-read A Christmas Memory by Truman Capote. I first read it in college and it has become an annual read for me ever since. (G. Bisbjerg 7:15pm December 24, 2012)
Hi again, another great holiday movie that I try to watch every year and am actually watching tonight is called "Snow" and has Tom Cavanagh in it. Its really cute. It also has a sequel called "Snow 2: Brain Freeze" but the sequel isn't as good as the original in my opinion. (Chelsea Knestrick 7:28pm December 24, 2012)
April, the boy loves Jingle All the Way. If we'd had time this holiday season, we would've watched that, the animated Grinch, and A Christmas Story. Someone recommended the Alastair Sim version of A Christmas Carol from the 1950s. It's black and white but really good. Merry Christmas to you, too! (Nancy Northcott 7:40pm December 24, 2012)
Kelly, I prefer the black and white version of It's a Wonderful Life. One of my fellow Romance Bandits swears by the Muppets Christmas Carol. (Nancy Northcott 7:40pm December 24, 2012)
Hi, Barbara--I also love Miracle on 34th Street, though I prefer it in black and white, which is rarely shown anymore. I also like new holiday stories and have been reading holiday fiction--Anna Campbell's A Winter Wife and Jo Robertson's The Hitman's Holiday (not a romance.) I also have the Word Wenches' anthology and Jo's The Perfect Gift, which she says is sentimental and has kis in it. I haven't read it yet, though. (Nancy Northcott 7:42pm December 24, 2012)
G., I haven't read A Christmas Memory. Is it really a memoir? (Nancy Northcott 7:43pm December 24, 2012)
Hi, Chelsea--I haven't seen Snow. What's it about? (Nancy Northcott 7:43pm December 24, 2012)
No cannot think of any books I especially reach for during Christmas (Shirley Younger 7:52pm December 24, 2012)
Every Christmas, I would watch all the cartoon from Rudolf the Red Nose Reindeer to all the new animations and all the Christmas movie from Home Alone to It's a Wonderful Life. Can't miss the Sound of Music either. (Kai Wong 7:56pm December 24, 2012)
Snow is a romantic comedy where one of Santa's reindeer wonders off the week before Christmas and then winds up in a zoo and the new Santa (Tom Cavanagh)has to come and get it but while trying to get his reindeer back he meets a woman and falls in love. (Chelsea Knestrick 8:18pm December 24, 2012)
Chelsea, the boy doesn't read any particular books, either, now that he's old enough to choose his own reading matter. (Nancy Northcott 8:48pm December 24, 2012)
Polar Express book was made into a mighty fine movie. I remeber my kids gathered around Mrs. Claus reading about a reindeer while the staff at that jewelry store beamed and covered counters with sheets and piled trays of homemade cookies to decorate and take home some goodies. (Alyson Widen 8:57pm December 24, 2012)
There are so many Christmas movies being shown on tv that are such good ones, and touch my heart, that I seem to watch them as they come on. As for books, we had to move a couple of years ago after losing our house. We are now in a small apartment, and after losing our belongings, I don't have a bookcase now, nor a place to put one. My Husband, who is an avid reader, goes to the library to quench his thirst for books. If I go with him, when feeling well enough, if I see a Christmas book that gets my attention, I'll take it out. The stories always lift your spirits, especially in cases like mine, when you can't be with your family. Have a wonderful Christmas and the best in the coming Year!! (Peggy Roberson 8:59pm December 24, 2012)
We always watch White Christmas, A Christmas Carol(Alastair Sim version) and Mr. Magoo's Christmas Carol. (Mary C 9:08pm December 24, 2012)
I always read Twas the Night Before Christmas to my children. (Janie McGaugh 9:13pm December 24, 2012)
Merry Christmas to you and your family (Shelly Itkin 9:19pm December 24, 2012)
It's not a holiday, but every Summer I read the entire Harry Potter series! ;). Christmas time isn't Christmas time without Rudolph the Red Nose Reindeer and How the Grinch Stole Christmas! And I like to read at least one Christmas romance. :) (Kelli Jo Calvert 9:23pm December 24, 2012)
I can't go past Dicken's A CHRISTMAS CAROL for holiday reading or viewing. (Mary Preston 9:32pm December 24, 2012)
great looking 1a contest. (Kent Cook 10:08pm December 24, 2012)
My favorite Christmas movie is "A Christmas Carol". I've loved this movies since I was a little kid. :) Other favorites are White Chiristmas & Holiday Inn. I like the Bell of St. Mary's but its a hard movies to find. ~Have a Merry Christmas~ (Gail Siuba 10:32pm December 24, 2012)
Alyson, that sounds like a fabulous memory! (Nancy Northcott 10:33pm December 24, 2012)
Peggy, I hope you have a wonderful Christmas and a terrific 2013, too. Our local library always has a stock of new releases, so I hope you find Christmas books you enjoy. (Nancy Northcott 10:34pm December 24, 2012)
Mary, I like the Alastair Sim version of A Christmas Carol, too. I haven't seen the Mr. Magoo one in a long time. (Nancy Northcott 10:34pm December 24, 2012)
Janie, I loved reading The Night Before Christmas to the boy when he was small. (Nancy Northcott 10:35pm December 24, 2012)
Shelly, thank you. Merry Christmas to you, too! (Nancy Northcott 10:35pm December 24, 2012)
Kelli Jo, I admire your stamina in reading the entire HP series every year. I love the book, but I could never manage that! I also love Ruldoph and the Grinch. I l like Christmas romances, too. I just finished Anna Campbell's novella, The Winter Wife, and enjoyed it hugely. Christmas is more of a backdrop than a main theme, but I loved it anyway. (Nancy Northcott 10:37pm December 24, 2012)
Mary, it's hard to beat A Christmas Carol! (Nancy Northcott 10:38pm December 24, 2012)
Thanks, Kent. (Nancy Northcott 10:38pm December 24, 2012)
Gail, for a while, it seemed as though The Bells of St. Mary's was on frequently. I haven't seen it lately, though. I liked it. (Nancy Northcott 10:39pm December 24, 2012)
Now I know why my wife enjoys reading (Craig Clarkson 11:08pm December 24, 2012)
Craig, glad we could help. :-) (Nancy Northcott 11:10pm December 24, 2012)
Merry Christmas and a very Happy New Years (Tammy Hilsabeck 11:30pm December 24, 2012)
Thank you, Tammy! Same to you. (Nancy Northcott 11:40pm December 24, 2012)
I just got through watching "It's A Wonderful Life", again getting misty eyed at the end. Always like to watch this movie once during the Christmas season. Also, have to see at least on live production of "A Christmas Carol". (Sheila True 12:01pm December 25, 2012)
I love A Charlie Brown Christmas. I remember reading the book so I would be ready to watch it as a kid. No video or DVDs back then. It was an event to see it on tv every year. (Ann Sheiring 12:04pm December 25, 2012)
Sheila, I love It's a Wonderful Life. We haven't seen a live production of A Christmas Carol in a long time, but we always enjoy it when we do. I hope the one you saw was good. (Nancy Northcott 1:02am December 25, 2012)
Ann, the dh loves the music from A Charlie Brown Christmas. We remember when it was on TV every year. (Nancy Northcott 1:02am December 25, 2012)
Happy Christmas! There are unread books in this house and each Christmas brings new books in, so we don't revisit many old friends. Though the best books are always kept. As for films, each year my husband gives me a DVD of films about horses or dogs, so while they don't necessarily get watched on the day I have them to look forward to. Recent years we've had Because of Winn-Dixie and Dreamer. (Clare O'Beara 8:46am December 25, 2012)
Clare, Happy Christmas to you too! We're in the same book situation, lots on hand and more regularly arriving, but we do keep favorites. I recently weeded the romance shelves, for the first time in more than a decade. It was painful but had ot be done.
Your DVDs sound great. Because of Winn-Dixie was very popular among my friends, but I'm not familiar with Dreamer. What's it about? (Nancy Northcott 11:51am December 25, 2012)
Books: A Chrismtas Carol (Dickens). Movies: It's a Wondelful life. And an Spanish one: La gran familia (The Big Family). (Roxana Perez 12:30pm December 25, 2012)
We like A Christmas Carol and Home Alone series. HAPPY HOLIDAYS. (Gayle Pace 3:10pm December 25, 2012)
When my kids were little we read A CHRISTMAS CAROL. I still do & watch various forms of the movies. WHITE CHRISTMAS, CHARLIE BROWN, A WONDERFUL LIFE, MEET ME IN ST. LOUIS, LOVE ACTUALLY, too any to mention. I need to get copies of all my faves and do a marathon or something. I have bought many Christmas themed mystery, suspense, romance etc. and end up retreading many of them during the season too. (Penny Mettert 6:03pm December 25, 2012)
There is really no specific books or movies I grab during the holidays but indefinitely if there is a good Christmas movie on that catches my eye I will watch it . (Danielle McDonald 6:21pm December 25, 2012)
I love watching It's a Wonderful Life so much that I named my dog Bailey! (Renee Pajda 9:54pm December 25, 2012)
Merry Christmas! Our family likes to watch Home Alone and Christmas Vacation. (Brenda Jann 10:20pm December 25, 2012)
I start reading Christmas romances in October and read them through December. I find they perk up my spirits and stimulate my thinking about decorations, gifts, relationships and new traditions. I love to surprise my family with new recipes (carefully because some don't like change) and new fun things to do. As this is family time for us and we are spread out and see each other less than we would wish we talk, sing, joke and catch-up. We tell each other what we hope to do in the new year and (if you listen carefully) you can discover favorite types of gifts and new wishes that help gift giving throughout the new year. (Sandra Spilecki 10:43am December 26, 2012)
I love watching all types of Christmas movies this time of year and especially enjoy Home Alone, A Christmas Story, Miracle on 34th Street and all the Hallmark Channel Christmas-themed movies. I also really love reading all types of Christmas romance books. I just finished Holly Lane by Toni Blake and really enjoyed it. We didn't have snow when I first started the book (which starts out with them snowed in and seemed so romantic), but we have plenty now on the ground and it's cold too, which gave us our white Christmas! (Linda Luinstra 4:57pm December 26, 2012)
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