Jenny Beckinsale was devastated when her fiancée was killed
nine months ago. For three years Jenny and Steven owned
and operated Blue Sky Air, a seaplane charter business, and
they had a superb pilot, Zeke. The business is nearing
foreclosure, and very few clients are booking charters
these days Read more...
Emergency Room charge nurse Nora Halloran makes a heinous
discovery walking from the employee parking lot to the
hospital -- the mutilated body of Karen Chisholm, a fellow
nurse, who is barely alive. Nora is quite shaken about
the way Karen is defaced because Nora was attacked two
years ago, and Read more...
Taking up where the author left off in THE HOUSE ON TRADD
STREET, Realtor Melanie Middleton is renovating her
historic house that was bequeathed to her by Nevin
Vanderhorst. Her relationship with handsome author Jack
Trenholm is definitely on the off switch since he arranged
a meeting between Melanie and Read more...
When she was a teenager, singer Dakota Dunn was America's
Pop Princess. Now, in her mid-twenties Dakota needs an
adult persona or will be just another "whatever happened
to - - -?" She has not been getting any inspiration in
LaLa Land for new songs and/or personality and decides to Read more...
Greylen and Grace Sutter-MacKeage believe their daughter
Camry is hard at work as an astrophysicist for NASA until a
complete stranger tells them differently. Camry had been
carrying on a spirited scientific debate by e-mail with
Luke Pascal, but about a year ago she ended the
communications with Read more...
The Barrett sisters -- Dahlia, Iris, Violet, and Rose -- are
adults with grown children of their own. These ladies may
share the same DNA, but that is about all they have in
common. Dahlia lives in the upscale Buckhead neighborhood
of Atlanta and is truly struggling to save her home. Her Read more...
Harry Wong is the victim of identity theft. The bank has
foreclosed on his dojo, he owes hundreds of thousands of
dollars on credit cards, and his bank account is empty.
His dojo has been confiscated and has yellow caution tape
across it. Harry was warned he would go to Read more...
When a seedy looking private investigator from Atlanta
comes into TenHuis Chocolade looking for a woman named
Christina Meachum, Lee Woodyard can honestly say that no
one by that name works there, or has ever applied for a job
at the chocolate store. However, Lee recognizes the
picture she is Read more...
Lana Biel's has one goal in her life, and that is to see
the world. One thing after another has kept her in
Vermont, but she has a plan now, and can see the end of the
tunnel. She helps her sister, Karin, at the Wildflower
Barn, a nursery Read more...
Ellie Engleman is a professional dog walker with a rare
talent -- she can read the minds of her clients, and have
conversations with them. This ability came about when she
adopted her Yorkiepoo, Rudy, from an animal shelter.
Ellie and Rudy had made friends with Gary, a homeless man
who Read more...
Wealthy Las Vegas attorney Cosmo Cricket gets a walk-in
client just at quitting time, and takes her case. She
gives her "name du jour" as Lily Flowers, and tells him of
other names she has gone by. She relates that although
she isn't in trouble at the moment Read more...
Eve Wilson is a graduate student doing her thesis on the
addictive controls of virtual reality games on the
internet. Eve has at least six test subjects that she
considers "red line" -- they are spending more and more time
in "Shadowland" than is considered healthy. Eve is not
supposed to Read more...
Teresa "Toots" Loudenberry has recently been widowed for
the eighth time, and gets richer with each husband's
passing. Her last marriage was to a total jerk and after
mourning him for ten days Toots is ready to get on with her
life. This lady is sixty-five, lives in Read more...
Jamie Monroe owns the "Chocolate Bar," a chocolate shop on
a no-name street in Heart Lake, Washington. "Sweet
Somethings Bakery," owned by Jamie's aunt, Sarah Goodwin, is
in the same area as is "Emma's Quilt Corner," which is
owned by Jamie's best friend, Emma Swanson. Each Read more...
It was a swift and bumpy ride from the penthouse to the
outhouse for Tracy Deloche. One day she is married to a
wealthy land broker and enjoying daily spas, designer
clothes, jewels, etc. It seems the next day she is
married to a convicted criminal who is now in Read more...
Mace and her Mama, Rosalee Stinson Bauer Cummings Burton
Devraux, are "bonding" on the week-long Florida Cracker
Trail Ride. Mace has been in the dumps since her break-up
with Miami Police Detective Carlos Martinez, who was
working in Himmarshee and met when he put her mother in
jail Read more...
Red Cullen has been on her own since her mother threw her
out when she was sixteen and pregnant. She kept the baby
girl, and their first night out of the maternity ward, they
slept under a bridge in San Antonio. Her daughter,
Bridge, is now grown, divorced, has two Read more...
Madeline "Maddy" Cartwright had no idea that the elderly
gentleman she had come to think of as a surrogate
grandfather was a multimillionaire! Maddy is a chef, has
been living in an apartment in Walter Stoddard's home, and
she takes care of his so-ugly-he's-cute little Read more...
The four Seaside Knitters of Sea Harbor, Massachusetts are
a closely knit group of friends -- Izzy Chambers, Nell
Endicott, Birdie Favazza and Cass Halloran. They gather
each Thursday night at Izzy's Seaside Knitting Studio and
make caps for cancer patients, socks and scarves for the
homeless, and eat heartily Read more...
School psychologist Skye Denison didn't realize how cut
throat parents, especially mothers, can be when it comes to
running school projects. Their line of thinking is that
the more they do for the school, the more popular their
daughters will be. It looked like it was going to be Read more...
Betty Cox
I've always been a reader, but the
first half of my life was spent
reading all the best selling
mainstream books, and never, ever
a "trashy romance." So, I'd like to
unequivocally say that I wasted a lot
of good years by being a literary
snob! However, I've more than made
up for this error in judgment and feel
like I've acquitted myself.
I'm a native west Texan, but
transferred around the South for
several years following my husband's
job. Never made it past the Mason-
Dixon line, and the coldest place I've
ever lived was Atlanta, and the
hottest, most humid place I've ever
lived was Atlanta, and since we also
lived in Houston and New Orleans that
threw me for a loop. Now that
we've "retired" we're back in the Lone
Star State near San Antonio, and happy
as we can be to be back home.
I've been reviewing for about 10
years, starting with the AOL Romance
boards. I thought I'd died and gone
to heaven when I started
getting "free" books and an outlet for
my opinion. I've never wanted to
write a book, and I have tremendous
respect for the time, talent, and
perseverance of authors. I
was "fired" from a review site several
years ago because I wouldn't be more
critical in my reviews, but I am not a
critic, I'm a dedicated reader. I
spent many years in the work force,
but guess my favorite job was making
minimum wage at a bookstore, but
getting a nice discount. Don't think
I ever broke even on that job, but I
got to talk up romance authors to a
disbelieving group of people who
always came back and wanted me to
recommend another book for them.
When I'm not reading, I enjoy golf,
duplicate bridge, entertaining, my
family, and the beauty of my
surroundings.
This is a really great thing that Avon is doing for cats. Wouldn't this be a lovely world if all the feral animals were neutered, and they all found good, loving homes? Thank you Liz Carlyle, and many thanks to Avon.
Ms. Emilie -- I have read all of your books, and especially loved the last two. Your characters, especially Wanda, were so vivid I feel like I should send them Christmas cards. You are so very gifted and have given me hours of pleasure. Loved Tracy's slide from the "penthouse to the outhouse" -- laughed so much, but then there were some "tissue moments" also.
Just keep up the good work and please let us know who is going to move into that vacant apartment!
I have two dogs -- "Girl Friend" "rescued me." For nearly 4 years I've been going thru a traumatic time in my life. One day just out of the clear blue I visited the animal shelter and there was this pathetic looking golden lab -- she is about 3-4 years old and weighed 58 pouds (about 20 below what she should be). Her beautiful brown eyes were both infected but they said to my heart "I've been waiting for you, what took you so long?" That was 2 years ago and she is truly my "Girl Friend". Everyone thinks that is a strange name, but not me! Stella is my other love -- she is part husky and German shepherd. She also likes to eat. We just discovered she has a malignancy in her jawline, and it is killing us. Vet said at her age he wouldn't advise surgery and a splint to replace the jaw -- that she would let us know when she was ready to go.
Also have a 22 pound long haired solid black "alley" cat named Jess and a long haired solid grey one named Bo, who is 16.
I love all the series coming out about animal sitters. "Four Letter Word" was especially delightful. Will search out your new one.
Animals are such a part of my life and I don't know what I would do without them. Just wish they didn't shed so much!
My "surprise" book was MAGNOLIA WEDNESDAYS by Wendy Wax. Funny, poignant, yada yada, and would love a sequel. Then I would put all of Jacqueline Winspear's Masie Dobbs' books on required reading for just about everyone -- I thought her new one, THE MAPPING OF LOVE AND DEATH, was especially good. Also if anyone hasn't tried a Dorthea Benton Frank book, they are keepers also.
So far the rest of my reading is the hot/sexy/been-there-done-that storyline. Just change names of the innocent and locales and that's about it.
Here's hoping something wonderful hops into my tbr&r pile quickly!
Can't remember exactly what I was wearing, just that I had gotten a really bad sun-burn that day and lathered on Noxema or something. I only agreed to go on this blind date because my best friend got a call from the love of her life and invited us to go to a drive-inn (guess you know I'm no spring chicken by now...) Anyway, I remember we backed in instead of going thru the front, but let me tell you, that was a really fun time and my next date with Mr. Wonderful was just that -- wonderful. And, still is!
After many years of corporate moves to large cities, the peace and quiet and slow pace of small towns is a joy. No neighbor's house within five-feet next door to you is the best perk. Facts of life are going to be with us -- drugs, petty crimes, etc., but there is just a safer feeling when you actually know your neighbors and they keep an out for anything that seems out of the ordinary.
However, being within 20 miles of med centers and malls is also nice, but man -- the traffic getting there vs. a rush hour of maybe 20 cars in small thow. That's the best-of-the best!
Well, April flew by me in a drug induced blur. Remember doing my taxes, then got a big whiff of whatever triggers asthmatic bronchitis, and whew! Still having trouble breathing, but in between naps read some great books. Jean Brashear's GODDESS OF FRIED OKRA is wonderful. It's funny, poignant, just runs the emotional gamut up and down the scale while you're smiling. Great characters. SUMMER AT TIFFANY, a Memoir was great for the 60+ group who will remember the summer of 1945 VJ-Day as two young Iowa co-eds work in NYC and are the first females hired by Tiffany. Jennifer Ross THE ICING ON THE CUPCAKE -- tout sweet! Clever.
I love all of Laura Child's mysteries, especially her latest ones at the Crackleberry Club/Cafe. She's a super author. Have the latest Winspear and can't wait to get into it. Love the way that author writes.
Here's to everyone having a good week as this year barrels by at the speed of light!
Passions can change in the blink of an eye. I've got an "obsessive compulsive" personality and zero in on something very passionately like bridge, golf, reading. But 3 years ago my wonderful, active, and very healthy husband had a freak fall at home and in the blink of an eye he became a quadrapegic wtih a forgiving central cord syndrome. Now my passion is finding help to get this man back on his feet and to find out everything I can about stem cells, etc. So he went from playing golf 4-5 times a week, doing all the yard work, pool cleaning, etc. to someone that can watch tv and read on his Sony reader.
Please, everyone live each day to the fullest and appreciate all of God's goodness. I've met you Dianna at the first Fresh Fiction Readers 'n Ritas and am so impressed with you vitality, attitude, and thoughtfulness. May all you do be a big success!
I'm with Mary, but I relate to GS Moch, since I'm also a reviewer. Right now I have a review book that is so juvenile and dull that it is taking me forever to read, so I go on to better books in hopes I'll get so caught up I have no choice but to finish the problem child....
I love to read, and usually have several books going at once and never lose my train of thought when switching. There are just sooo many good ones coming out. I already have a couple that aren't out until July and August, but these are the ones I really want to do now! Temptation, get thee behind me.... On the few occasions it seems like work, I take a breather -- get out and go window shopping or something, but always ready to get back home and read some more.
I, too, have a wonderful husband who shops on Christmas Eve, forgets Valentine's unless my girls remind him, and before he retired was always traveling on our anniversary! I usually bought myself a box of Godiva (to punish both of us, I think) or something else I wanted on other occasions.
After 50+ years he is still my hero, and each day I love him more. He had an accident 3-1/2 years ago, and is now a quadraplegic, so he has a good excuse for no gifts but he is better at remembering the dates!
Happy Hearts day to everyone!
Love your books so much, We do a lot of reading around here, so hope to catch up on the new Hot series!
Thanks to Fresh Fiction I discovered J. A. Jance, and rushed out to find her backlist. Told my daughters who say they never know what to give me for Christmas, Mother's Day, etc., to help me find books where I've found a new author!
LMBO when I read my first of your Viking series, and with each book the laughing got mor raucous. I truly appreciate any author that can draw me into their story and make me laugh or cry. You, sweet lady, can do both!
I am totally techno disabled. I can't even put my cell phone on speaker! Think I've mastered the computer, so that is the extent of my abilities. I was sent an eCard to review a book I really wanted, and couldn't download it on my computer. Guess I'll have to go out and buy it next month.
Love your blog, and love your books (especially Love in Bloom).
When I was a newly wed umpteen years ago my best friend was a wonderful RN, but a scatterbrain everywhere else. She made an apple pie for our bridge group, dropped in when it came out of the oven, then got everything back into the pan and called it apple cobbler. Recycle is the word, right?
When my husband was transferred from Houston to New Orleans I recalled the saying "A nice place to visit, but...", so I went there kicking and screaming. Three years later when we were transferred someplace else, I went there kicking and screaming because I fell in love with N'awlins. There is no place like it, it's weird and wonderful and even tho that's been many years ago I still tear up when I hear the song "do you know what it means to miss New Orleans..."
My favorite place to eat was Court of Two Sisters -- you could make it an all day deal!
Saturday's were for the Farmers Market and Cafe Dumond..then maybe a few songs at Pat O'Briens.
Italian food at Tony Angelos where the "waiters" wear suits that sometimes have a bulge under the arms...
I left a part of my soul in NO and a lot of my heart, but my memories are with me all times.
I love anything by Burt Bacarach (spelling?, Simon and Garfunkle, Dusty Springfield,Elvis -- think I love everybody from that era. I have my XM radio on either 50's, 60's, 70's, Elvis Radio, or Sirusly Sinatra. Just call me a nostalgia person (who can't spell).
My favorite squash recipe is with tomatoes and onions steamed, then toss with olive oil and parmesan. Mmmm, good.
The weight loss is terrific! And, your books sounds fantastic!
Cheryl, I think I've heard the same thing about there being only 3 stories. A while back Mary Balogh and 3 other authors used the same plot -- it involved old lovers being reunited in inns. It wasn't the same inn, of course, but the same story told in different voices and honestly, if you didn't realize they were doing this, don't think you would have recognized the stories.
I thoroughly enjoyed Chase's new book -- thought it her best yet, but then I haven't read too many of hers lately.
Now, to settle down and spend the week-end on a good book or two. It's too hot to get out from under the a/c!
I have been a long-time fan of Mary Balogh and Mary Balogh's books. I am most anxious to get to Con's story as he is neither devil nor angel -- just a very interesting, enigmatic gentleman.
Thank you so much for all the many hours of pleasure you have give me with your wonderful stories...
I believe that THE WOLF AND THE DOVE by Woodiwiss will always be special to me. It was the first book of that time period I had ever read, and also one of the first romances...Those characters -- wow! PARADISE by Judith McNaught another knock-out. I didn't want that book to end. I look for good characterization and clever, intelligent dialogue. I also want to feel good when I turn that last page...
A keeper, to me, is a book that speaks to my heart be it a character, a place, or the storyline. And, it is one that I want to keep and share and read over and over again. Elizabeth Lowell's "The Keys to Daniel's House"; as above "Sarah's Child". Those early romances by these particular Silhouette authors were outstanding -- and mostly keepers!
Being a native west Texan, I'm not afraid of most insects, but I do have a healthy respect for them. Snakes are my nightmare. Just a few years ago during cold weather, I found a cotton mouth hibernating in my garage. I was total paralyzed, as he/she might be slow in cold weather, but they are still dangerous. I yelled for my husband, telling him there was a snake coiled in my garage, and he laughed -- until he came out. Thankfully, the incident ended with no casualties on either side, but I still have jitters when I go into the garage.
Love your books -- as you well know. Looking forward to reading the new ones.
Like Judy, I'm a little of both. When one of my favorite authors comes across my desk, I devor it first even if the publishing date is down the line and I have books that are due (or past due) ahead of it. But, I don't make lists about reading. Everyday things, yes, like call exterminator, make deposit, yada yada. If I had Linda Howards new one I'd be in hog-heaven.
Wow! I've been a fan of yours your entire career. As you say, emotion has always played a big part, but humor has also. Looking forward to reading these new books.
I'm not much of a PR or UF reader (other than Julie Kenner's soccer mom books). I just have a hard time thinking of have intimate relations with something from the canine species, or bats. Old dogs can't be taught new tricks or reading habits. So guess I can't answer the "question of the day"...
However, I do enjoy good writing no matter the genre, and if push came to shove, I would read PR's and UF's. Your comments on plots, etc. indicate you must be a very good storyteller.
I've quit defending my choice of the romance genre. In my mind, ALL genres have romance of some sort in them, (check the Bible...)and a majority of today's Harlequin authors will probably be A-List best sellers. Do the names Delinsky, Roberts, Howard, Evanovich, and on and on sound familiar? They all started with Harlequin/Silhouette/LoveSwept, etc. Fantastic talents one and all!
I definitely know I will love your new book, as I have loved everything else you have written! Never have thought I'd be a hockey fan, but lady, you have convinced me that it is the best game in town.
Am so glad you and your muse have come to a meeting of the minds!
Wow - Barbara Delinsky! I have read every book you have ever written, beginning with the Candlelight Ectasy under Bonnie Drake, and the Silhouettes as Billie Douglass (weren't those great stories??). Your single title books have touched my life (SHADES OF GRACE) and my heart. It takes a powerful business woman to be a success in all you do -- keep up the good, no great work!
And, thank you for all the pleasure you have given me with your wonderful stories.
It takes real talent to write a continuing series and have each book stand alone. Congratulations. I love to read about people I have already met, and how they are doing.
Well, I'm with you about needing lighthearted entertainment. Charlotte Hughes has few peers when it comes to "light hearted" craziness (of course, she and Evanovich are good friends and they were both writing goofy Love Swepts at the same time)and I just re-read Hughes' "What Looks Like Crazy", and have the follow-up "Nutcase" to be read soon. These were to counterbalance "Malice" by Lisa Jackson.
Have to say right here, that the best entertainment I have had in years was the stage production of "Menopause, the Musical". I laughed until tears were rolling down my cheeks. If you haven't seen it, and get the chance, please do -- don't think age will matter here.
Hope everyone has a blessed Easter with friends and family.
I have been reading yours and Lisa's books since your first Silhouette. Loved you then, and love you now. There has definitely been a change in voices for both of you!
Your granddaughter is beautiful. You're lucky that you can be with her so much.
Let me tell you I definitely would take the world by its ears and live! When I had the energy to "run and play" I stayed inside and read good books. Now, I have neither the time nor energy to do much of anything but read, and it makes me kinda sad. But life is still good, and I'm waiting for it to get better!
I'm soo glad you are going back to straight historical romance since I'm not a reader of p/n or fantasy. Can't wait to have you back!! Thank you, thank you, thank you...
Thank heaven Gwen is all right, or as all right as someone can be when they've collided with all you mentioned.
As you know, my life underwent a drastic change with my husband's "freak" home accident 2-1/2 years ago. I would be lost without my books. They've always been my friends, but the last 2 years they are my best friends and sometimes the only contact I have with "outsiders" for days on in.
Romance does it best for me, but then those serial killers keep me enthralled. Let's face it, I like everything but paranormals and sci-fi.
Give Gwen a big hug from all of us FF "peoples"....
Sounds super. Like Sara, I thrive on the spense/thriller genre. Particularly enjoy Gayle Lynd's work. I'm looking forward to reading your debut novel...Lots and lots of luck!
Wow! Karen Robards a virgin. Trying to fathom this. (Big Grin). When I think of Karen Robards, I think of one of the sexiest books I've ever read -- "Tiger's Eye" -- and get all weak kneed...(another grin). I'm a long-time fan and really love your new books. I laughed myself silly in "To Trust A Stranger"...
Thank you for all the pleasure you have given this reader!
Oh, Kate, what you have gone through. You are so lucky now to have your health back.
I have read (and reviewed) many of your wonderful books. I love that fiesty Abby, her ditzy mom, her support staff, and most of all that yummy Marco. You are so talented and such a gift to us cozy readers. May your health and your imagination continue to flourish!
Hooray for women like Sandra Ramos and super accolades for the authors who bring these wonderful women to our attention! Loved the previous More Than Words, and know I will love this one also. I am a long, long time fan of Heather and Candace, and a relatively new fan of yours (the last 5 years).
The longer you have a true love, the stronger it gets. I still remember the first rush of youthful passion, but it can't hold a candle to the powerful feelings that many years with the same hero brings to my heart. I guess I can't understand why so many couples today are reluctant to commit (legally) to a relationship. I truly love the fact that we "belong to each other"....
Love the family dynamics you write so well, and the HEAs.
Wow Sara -- you've been busy. Take the book back to Cosco and ask for a replacement -- or a refund because the book is falling apart.
I've just finished Breakneck by Erica Spindler -- excellent as usual. Kill for Me by Karen Rose -- excellent and dark and scarey! Night of the Loving Dead by Casey Daniels is a new to me series and author -- witty paranormal.
The best book I've read in ages is an April Mira by Marcia Preston -- When the Wind Comes Sweeping. It literally took my breath away.
Finished off the week with the first two in the new Balogh series, and Debbie Macomber's May Blossom Street.
My house is a mess, my cupboard is bare, and I'm about cross-eyed -- but I'm a happy camper! Got lots more good stuff to read next week. And just maybe, I'll find the time to write up some reviews ---
The stories about online predators is timely, and I hope that some of it is reaching the teen audience. It is spooky-scary what is happening, and your book is really spooky-scary (hope I'm spelling that right...)
We're practically neighbors -- I live in the San Antonio area, and while Ike was dumping on you, he passed us by and we're in a critical drought condition -- 18 inches under annual rainfal for 2008.
I collect books also, and I think I would just crawl in bed with the cover over my head and never come out if something happened to "my best friends"...
LOve your new attitude and your books. Keep on truckin' gal.
Looking for backlists on new-to-me authors is something I let my daughters do when they ask what I want for my..birthday...mother's day...etc. I discovered J. A. Jance when I was sent a book by her for review on Fresh Fiction. Man, I fell in love with the hero in the series and started on the back list. Think I have all of them now, courtesy of my girls, including her new series.
Yes, when I discover a new author, and I connect with her/him, I definitely want the back list. Now, if I could just find the time to read them!
© 2003-2024