I’m excited today to welcome award-winning cookbook author Judith Fertig to Thoughts in Progress to talk about her first foray into fiction with her recent release of THE CAKE THERAPIST.
THE CAKE THERAPIST combines Judith's expertise in baking with her passion for storytelling, resulting in a tale that shows where food and healing intersect. Thanks to Judith and the lovely Meg at Tandem Literary, I have a joint giveaway of both THE CAKE THERAPIST and Judith's brand new cookbook BAKE HAPPY to offer. Please see the end of the post for more details.
Here’s what others are already saying about THE CAKE THERAPIST:
"A delicious treat for readers... Like a master chef, Judith Fertig takes the tale of a gifted baker starting all over in her old Midwestern hometown and layers it together with an intriguing mystery buried deep in the community's Depression-era past."-- New York Times bestselling author Beatriz Williams
"In a small town where secrets run deep and over generations, Fertig shows friendship, family, and food can bring people together and heal old wounds. A novel that is a true treat for the senses."-- New York Times bestselling author Jill Shalvis
"A dash of complex romance stirs up a cast of characters linked through time by a precious bauble in a delicious setting. This sweet charmer of a story made me hungry for more."-- Jeanne Ambrose, award-winning Taste of Home Magazine editor
"In this gem of a book, Fertig serves up a multi-layered story of family and love, lost and found...A touch of magical realism gives the book an additional intriguing facet."-- RT Book Reviews (4 stars)
ABOUT THE BOOK:
A fiction debut that will leave you wanting seconds, from an award-winning cookbook author.
Claire "Neely" O'Neil is a pastry chef of extraordinary talent. Every great chef can taste shimmering, elusive flavors that most of us miss, but Neely can "taste" feelings-cinnamon makes you remember; plum is pleased with itself; orange is a wake-up call. When flavor and feeling give Neely a glimpse of someone's inner self, she can customize her creations to help that person celebrate love, overcome fear, even mourn a devastating loss.
Maybe that's why she feels the need to go home to Millcreek Valley at a time when her life seems about to fall apart. The bakery she opens in her hometown is perfect, intimate, just what she's always dreamed of-and yet, as she meets her new customers, Neely has a sense of secrets, some dark, some perhaps with tempting possibilities. A recurring flavor of alarming intensity signals to her perfect palate a long-ago story that must be told.
Neely has always been able to help everyone else. Getting to the end of this story may be just what she needs to help herself.
Please join me in giving a warm welcome to Judith and she joins us to talk about ‘The Art of Cake Therapy.’ Welcome, Judith.
Marie Antoinette, whose first language was actually German, either mis-spoke, was poorly translated, or never actually said of the starving peasants, "Qu'ils mangent de la brioche" (“Let them eat brioche,” often translated as “Let them eat cake.”)
But that was the least of her troubles.
We may not have the French Revolution, nor the shadow of the guillotine, like she did.
But we do have job insecurity, fiscal cliffs, a shrinking middle class, a melting polar ice cap, romantic interests who can’t commit, people we’d like to commit, thankless domestic tasks, and the age-old question of “paper or plastic?”
We’re stressed by things large and small.
So when I was writing my debut novel The Cake Therapist, I had an “aha” moment early on. What if my heroine could help people solve their thorny life issues—with cake and flavor?
What if Claire O’Neil Davis, who goes by “Neely,” could help her bakery customers and wedding cake clients take charge with chocolate and coffee as the new year begins. Get in the mood with blood orange and raspberry? Lessen their grief with a little spice? Or recognize their longing for home with pomegranate?
As Neely says in The Cake Therapist, “there was a flavor that explained you—even to yourself. A flavor whose truth you recognized when you tasted it. A flavor that answered the question you didn’t know you had.”
What if cake flavors could help those who are doubtful, stuck in a rut, ending a relationship, or starting over?
I thought that would be great. So I created Neely, a talented pastry chef who reads people as flavors. When she focuses on a wedding cake client, for instance, then lets her intuition kick in, she senses a flavor. Every flavor is the hyperlink to a feeling. And every feeling is the heart of someone’s story. Once she has the story, she knows the flavors that will increase their well-being.
So, how can you do a little cake therapy on yourself? Let flavor tell you what you’re yearning for.
Flavor ………. What You’re Yearning For:
Banana ….. An everyday adventure, a break in routine.
Blueberry ….. Blue-skied mornings. Wholesomeness. Simplicity.
Caramel ….. Luxury. Ease.
Chocolate ….. Risk-taking, mystery, a strong shoulder to lean on, wicked indulgence.
Coconut ….. Being whisked away to an exotic locale without the hassle.
Lemon ….. Greater clarity. Witty conversation.
Orange ….. A brand new day, a fresh start.
Pumpkin ….. A homecoming.
Raspberry ….. Sophistication. A sexy, little black dress and the life to go with one.
Spice ….. A return to the past. The comfort of nostalgia, or lingering emotion.
Strawberry ….. Youth. Summer.
Vanilla ….. Pillow-y comfort.
White Chocolate ….. A desire to get along with everyone, be unobtrusive.
It can be that simple.
Like an amazing strawberry cake with the flavor of a sunny summer’s day, which unlocks the past for two characters in the book.
Yes, good, made-from-scratch cake with wonderful flavor can do all of that.
Just ask The Cake Therapist. Or try the recipe and taste for yourself.
Judith, thanks so much for dropping by today and sharing this insight into flavors. It’s fun to learn about the different flavors. I look forward to trying the strawberry cake recipe your link leads to.
ABOUT THE AUTHOR:
Cookbook author Judith Fertig grew up in the Midwest, went to La Varenne Ecole de Cuisine in Paris and The Iowa Writers' Workshop, and now lives in Kansas City. Described by Saveur Magazine as a “heartland cookbook icon,” Fertig writes cookbooks that reflect her love of bread, baking, barbecue, and the fabulous foods of the Heartland.
Judith’s food and lifestyle writing has appeared in more than a dozen publications, including Bon Appetit, Saveur and The New York Times. You can read some of her cookbooks like novels--the fabulously photographed Heartland, the award-winning and James Beard Awards-nominated Prairie Home Cooking (a "tour de force," says Saveur), the encylopedic All-American Desserts, and Prairie Home Breads. Her IACP Cookbook Award-winning The Back in the Swing Cookbook (with Barbara C. Unell) takes you on a delicious daily journey to get you back in the swing after breast cancer.
The Cake Therapist is her fiction debut.
For more on Judith and her writing, visit her website and connect with her on Facebook, Twitter, and Pinterest.
GIVEAWAY DETAILS:
This giveaway is for both THE CAKE THERAPIST and Judith's brand new cookbook BAKE HAPPY. The giveaway is open to residents of the U.S. only and the deadline to enter is 12 a.m. on Tuesday, July 21.
To enter, just click on the Rafflecopter widget below and following the instructions. The widget may take a few seconds to load, so please be patient. The winner from this giveaway will have 72 hours to respond after being contacted or another winner will be selected. The email will have ‘Thoughts in Progress: The Cake Therapist” in the subject line, just so you know what to watch for (in case it goes into your spam folder).
Thanks so much for stopping by today during Judith’s visit. Did you know flavors could tell you what you were yearning for? What’s your favorite favor and does the chart above fit with how it makes you feel?
*This post contains an affiliate link.
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When I first saw THE RULES mentioned as a teen thriller, I almost didn’t read it. Boy, would that have been a huge mistake.
Turns out THE RULES is one of the best psychological thrillers I’ve ever read. Doesn’t matter it’s listed in the YA genre, it’s a fascinating read for all ages. It will keep you glued to your seat from beginning to end and even then it’ll leave you gasping.
The tension begins fast, holds you spellbound and throws you for a loop or two as the adrenaline rush accelerates. The alternating narratives will keep you in suspense as the good guys begin to look bad and the bad guys seem innocent.
When junior Robin Brisset has the opportunity to attend one of Callabrese High’s most exclusive parties, she knows it will be a memorable night. What she doesn’t realize is that the stakes will turn deadly during the party’s traditional scavenger hunt. Bending and breaking rules will become necessary for the partygoers to survive, that is if they can determine who to trust as they look for clues and a way out.
Authors Nancy Holder and Debbie Virguié have created unique characters that will defy your expectations. The dialogue moves from teen to teen in a fast pace, action-fueled transition. Each unexpected twist will shine new light on the characters and their motives.
This dark thriller is a must-read for those who enjoy spine-tingling tales with mysterious settings and captivating characters.
Author Nancy Holder’s website is NancyHolder.com and author Debbie Virguié’s website is DebbieVirguié.com
The Rules by Nancy Holder and Debbie Virguié, Delacorte Press Books, @2015, ISBN: 978-0385741002, Hardcover, 352 Pages
FTC Full Disclosure – A copy of this book was sent to me by the publisher in hopes I would review it. However, receiving the complimentary copy did not influence my review. The thoughts are completely my own and given honestly and freely.
Thanks for stopping by today. Do you sometimes overlook a good book because it’s listed under a genre you don’t read? Would you not read a book just because it was listed YA?
*This post contains affiliate links.
(NOTICE: The winner of this giveaway is Meredith M. Congratulations to Meredith and thanks to everyone who entered the giveaway.)
It’s a pleasure to welcome author J. Frank James to Thoughts in Progress today to share an excerpt from his new mystery thriller, DEAD MONEY RUN, the first installment in the Lou Malloy Crime Series.
Thanks to the author and the lovely Kelsey at Book Publicity Services, I have a copy of this intriguing crime fiction novel to give away. Please see the end of the post for more details.
First, here’s a brief synopsis of DEAD MONEY RUN followed by some early praise for the book.
Lou Malloy learns of his sister's death right before he is released from prison, having served 15 years for the theft of $15 million from an Indian casino. He wants two things: to keep the $15 million, which no one has been able to find, and to track down and punish whoever killed his sister.
Lou Malloy teams up with Hilary Kelly, a private investigator. In no time, Lou has found the hidden $15 million, recovered guns and ammunition hidden with the money, and murdered two low-level mobsters and fed them to the crocodiles.
As the body count rises, the story grows more complex and his sister's death becomes more mysterious.
Praise for Dead Money Run:
"Dead Money Run is a hard-boiled thriller. It is a book of short chapters and almost unrelenting excitement as Lou and Hillary Kelly avoid cops, kill mobsters, and try to unravel the mystery of who killed Lou's sister and why.” - Reviewed by Wally Wood at BookPleasures.com
“Fans of James Ellroy and Elmore Leonard are going to love James’ ingenious capers, devious characters and wry humor. The entire book goes down like a strong yet smooth shot of bourbon.” - Reviewed by BestThrillers.com
"Dead Money Run by J. Frank James is a pure adrenalin rush from the very beginning. Yes, it is very violent with some strong language, but filled with excitement that keeps the reader wanting to know what comes next." - Reviewed by Paul Johnson for Readers' Favorite
“J. Frank James did a very nice job constructing a fast moving plot for Dead Money Run. It is intriguing and thrilling. However, the reader should be prepared for a bit of gruesome violence. Yet, the violence doesn’t override the mystery and suspense within the story. Hold on to whatever it is that you’re sitting on as you read this story, because James is about to take you on a wild ride.” – Reviewed by Red City Review
Now for your reading pleasure and to tempt your reading taste buds, here’s an excerpt from DEAD MONEY RUN.
CHAPTER 1
The warden was a small man, but dressed neatly. Everything about him was neat-from his hair to his shoes. He was almost too neat.
“So what are your plans, Lou?”
When I walked into the room, the warden turned over a little hour-glass full of sand. We both watched it for a few seconds and then looked at each other. This was the first time I ever met the man. What did he care about me now? Since he never cared before, I figured the man was just looking for information. Perhaps he wanted to give me a warning. I didn’t say anything.
“Do you ever think about time, Lou?”
“After fifteen years, what do you think?” I said.
He smiled and said, “Most valuable thing we have and no one seems to mourn its passing until it’s too late.”
I had nothing to say to that. Conversations with a prison warden came with a lot of maybes. While in prison I trained myself to watch a man’s hands. If he rubbed his hands in a washing motion, he was lying. If he messed with his fingernails, he wasn’t interested in the conversation. The warden was rubbing his hands as if he had touched something distasteful.
“I haven’t given it a lot of thought, Warden Edwards.”
“Call me John, Lou. We’re friends now,” Edwards said while rubbing his hands in a determined kind of way.
So now we were friends. I wanted to tell him he was a liar, but my better judgment stopped me. Probably a good way to delay my release-things get lost, papers go unsigned. Things happen.
“Okay, John,” I said.
“You know, we never found the fifteen million,” he said.
“I didn’t know you were looking for it.”
I watched his eyes flicker briefly. I seemed to hit a sweet spot.
“No, Lou. You misunderstand,” he said as he caught himself. “There is a reward for the recovery of the money. Did you know that?”
Edwards said it more as a statement than a question. I said nothing and waited. Edwards shifted in his chair and started to rub his hands again.
“It would be in your best interest to tell them what you know.”
“Who’s the ‘them’ John?” I asked.
“They’re the people looking for the money.”
I thought about that for a few moments. The statement covered a lot of ground.
“Since I didn’t take the money in the first place, I don’t have anything to tell them. They need to ask the people that took it,” I said.
Edwards was smiling now and he stopped rubbing his hands.
“There are some people that think you do.”
“I can’t help what people think.”
“Ten percent,” he said.
“Ten percent of what,” I said.
“The money, Lou. Ten percent of fifteen million is a lot of money.”
“I hadn’t heard about that,” I said.
“Yeah, it seems the Indian casino had insurance. The insurance company that paid off on the claim put up a ten percent reward for the return of the money. A million five is a lot of money.”
“I hope they find it,” I said.
Edwards blinked his eyes signaling he was moving on to something else.
“Sorry to hear about your sister,” he said. “I understand they are doing all they can to find her killer.”
Edwards was a real card and running out of things to say. On any other day, in any other place, he would be dead or wishing he was.
“Thanks, John. Your words are real comforting,” I said and returned my gaze to the little hourglass and the sand as it accumulated on the bottom.
I had nothing else to say except make him happy. Make them all happy. Just one big happy group sitting around smiling at each other; happy, happy, now let’s just get the money and spread it all around and we can go on being happy. In the meantime my sister lies in a hole feeding worms. I had money on the worms being real happy. No word on how my sister felt.
Edwards looked disappointed when I didn’t add to our conversation.
“Lou, it might be a good idea for you to help them find the money. It could be a big windfall.”
Now we were getting somewhere. Just like all the rest of the treasure hunters, the miserable bastard was just in it for the money.
“Windfall for who, John? Me or you?”
As if tasting a lemon, Edwards twisted his face and, at the same time, waived his hands at an imaginary fly.
“I’m not sure what you mean, Lou. I’m just trying to give you a head start. If it was my decision, you would still be with us. Fifteen million dollars is a lot of money to lose.”
“It still is,” I said.
I sat and watched Edwards shift in his chair some more. We had nothing left to talk about. I could feel him working out in his mind how he was going to present his failure to get a lead out of me on the money.
“So, what are you going to do now?” Edwards said.
Finally, I had enough.
“Leave. Isn’t that what we all do?”
His smile vanished. He knew he was wasting his time on someone who had maxed out. He also knew he couldn’t hold me. There would be no parole violation with the threat to re-incarcerate me. No work release effort to rehabilitate me. Just a new suit made in the prison cut and sew area and a hundred bucks was the sum total of it. That probably hadn’t changed since the 30s. I wondered if Al Capone wore the suit they gave him when he got out.
We were both looking at the little hourglass of sand now. The sand had drained from the top of the glass to the bottom. Suddenly, as if being shot out of a cannon, we both stood up. Edwards stuck out his hand. I turned and left the room. I didn’t shake his hand. I didn’t want to touch him.
About the Author:
J. Frank James has a passion for writing, and he certainly has the knowledge and experience to write realistic crime thrillers, thanks to his extensive background in law. Jim attended law school, where he was a member of the law review. He even went on to pass the state bar and started his own law practice that specialized in complex litigation.
Jim's experience in law helps lend credibility to his crime fiction books. He has also traveled extensively and gains inspiration for his crime thrillers from his travels. From observing other cultures and gaining new experiences, Jim is able to infuse new life into his books and develop believable characters that readers can identify with.
Jim writes crime thriller novels that are gripping and suspenseful. He is the author of the Lou Malloy Crime Series and the Indigo Marsh Detective Series. He is also an artist and he creates all of his own book covers.
For more on Jim and his writing, visit his website and connect with him on Twitter, Goodreads, and Facebook.
GIVEAWAY DETAILS:
This giveaway is for one Kindle version of DEAD MONEY RUN. The deadline to enter the giveaway is 12 a.m. on Wednesday, July 15.
To enter, just send me an e-mail (mcbookshelf@gmail.com) with the subject line, “Dead Money Run Giveaway.” Your message should include your name and the email address you’d like the eBook sent to. The winner will be selected by random org. When notified, the winner will have 72 hours to acknowledge the win or another winner will be selected.
Thanks so much for dropping by today during Jim’s visit. Did the excerpt grabbed your attention? Do you enjoy reading excerpts of books before buying them?
It’s always a delight to welcome award-winning romantic suspense author Cate Beauman back to Thoughts in Progress. This time she returns with ANSWERS FOR JULIE, the ninth full-length novel in her Bodyguards of L.A. County series.
ANSWERS FOR JULIE is on sale now through Amazon, Barnes & Nobel, iTunes, Kobo, and more!
To celebrate the recent release of this intriguing story, Cate is offering a special giveaway just for those visiting Thoughts. Please see the end of the post for more details. Now here’s a brief synopsis of ANSWERS FOR JULIE:
Julie Keller relishes the simple things: hot chocolate on winter nights, good friends she calls her family, and her laid-back career as a massage therapist and yoga instructor. Julie is content with her life until Chase Rider returns to Bakersfield.
Bodyguard Chase Rider isn’t thrilled to be back in the town where he spent his childhood summers. His beloved grandmother passed away, leaving him a house in need of major repairs. With a three-week timetable and a lot to do, he doesn’t have time for distractions. Then he bumps into Julie, the one woman he hoped never to see again. Chase tries to pretend Julie doesn’t exist, but ten years hasn’t diminished his attraction to the hazel-eyed stunner.
When a stranger grabs Julie’s arm at the grocery store—a woman who insists Julie’s life isn’t what it seems, Chase can’t help but get involved. Julie and Chase dig into a twenty-five-year-old mystery, unearthing more questions than answers. But the past is closer than they realize, and the consequences of the truth have the potential to be deadly.
Please join me now in giving a warm welcome to Cate as she talks about the inspiration behind ANSWERS FOR JULIE and shares an excerpt. Welcome, Cate.
I often get my story ideas from watching crime documentaries, but the plot for Answers For Julie came together after I read some sobering FBI statistics in a magazine about the odds of a missing child coming home.
Unfortunately, many children are lost forever. The wheels began spinning quickly after that, and a few weeks later, the story was well on its way.
I hope you enjoy Julie and Chase as much as I enjoyed writing them!
~ Cate
Read an excerpt from Answers For Julie:
“Good night.” She turned on her side as Becky left and snuggled into her covers, listening to the music from downstairs while she stared at the white lights twinkling on the baby Christmas tree she and mommy had decorated for her room. Noah’s excited voice carried from his room, and her eyes drooped in the warmth and comfort of her bed. Her mind drifted to the Grinch and Cindy Lou Who, and her eyes flew open when her bedroom door creaked shut. She didn’t like her door closed.
Sitting up, Alyson relaxed when she realized she wasn’t alone and looked at the woman dressed in a black coat and hat, Becky’s friend who liked to come and play with her and push her on the swings at the park.
“Hi, Ally,” she whispered, stepping farther in the room, looking over her shoulder.
“Hi.” She yawned. “Did you come to play with me?”
“Whisper,” the woman said, glancing over her shoulder again.
She smiled. “Okay.”
“Do you want to come with me? We could go to the park.”
Alyson glanced out the window at fat snowflakes falling in the dark, pushed off her covers, and stood. “I have to ask my mommy.”
“She said it’s okay, but we have to hurry and be very, very quiet.” The woman moved to the bed, grabbed two teddy bears and laid them down, pulling the blankets up and over the stuffed animals. “It’s a secret game.”
Becky and Noah’s voices were muffled through the wall, and Alyson pressed her hand to her mouth, suppressing a giggle. “I like secret games.”
“Me too. Come on.” The woman took something from her pocket with gloved hands and unfolded it, laying a piece of paper flat at the foot of the bed.
“What’s that?”
“A note so your mommy will remember I took you to the park.”
“I only want to play for a little while. I’m going to see Santa with mommy and Noah.”
“Just for a little bit,” the woman assured with a smile. “Let’s hurry.” She lifted Alyson and bundled her under the pink and purple blanket Grandma Porter made for her when she had been a teeny, tiny baby.
“I need my boots and coat.”
“I have some for you at my house.”
“Okay.”
The woman walked to the bedroom door and stopped, holding a finger to her lips. “Shh.”
Alyson grinned and said “Shh” back.
The woman stepped into the hallway and out the French doors that opened to the large balcony Alyson and Noah weren’t allowed to play on and hurried down the long sweep of stairs.
Alyson clung tight to the woman taking her to the park. She stared back at her huge brick and pillar house lit with hundreds of Christmas lights as Becky’s friend ran with her into the shadows of the street.
Did you enjoy the excerpt? You can read the first chapter on my website, www.catebeauman.com, or you can finish the whole book here!
The Unofficial Answers For Julie Soundtrack
Music still plays such a large part in my writing process. I listen to Pandora or YouTube and compile a collection of songs that I feel represent my characters or the situations they face as the novel unfolds. Here are a few of the songs that I had on “repeat” while I created Julie and Chase’s story! You can listen to all of them on my website www.catebeauman.com.
The soundtrack, of sorts, for Answers For Julie:
· Leaving Home by Cody Fry and Raquel Cole
· All The Stars by Ed Sheeran
· Rust Or Gold by Jill Andrews
· American Secrets by Parachute
· Thinking Of You by Katy Perry
· Battleship by Daughtry
· Find My Way Back by Cody Fry
· The Last Time by Taylor Swift featuring Gary Lightbody
· Running Back To You by Matt Wertz
· Ungodly Hour by The Fray
· I Need You by LeAnn Rimes
· Free Like You Make Me by The Cary
Cate, thanks so much for joining us today and sharing this behind-the-scenes look at ANSWERS FOR JULIE. For me, the soundtrack is an added bonus for the story. For those who aren’t familiar with Cate, here’s a bit of background for you.
Cate currently lives in North Carolina with her husband, their two boys, and St. Bernard’s, Bear and Jack. She is the author of the international bestselling and award winning romantic suspense series, Bodyguards of L.A. County. Before her career as an author, Cate worked in special education for 12 years.
“I’m a pretty lucky girl; one day I woke up and my entire life changed. I saw the light, so to speak, and decided I was going to be a writer. Now, five years later, I’m working on my tenth novel! I remain so very grateful for the support and success that I have had. Thank you!” - Cate
You can sign up for Cate’s newsletter HERE and will be notified of monthly giveaway offers and much more!
For more on Cate and her writing, visit her website and Amazon Author Page, as well as connect with her on Twitter, Facebook and Goodreads.
GIVEAWAY DETAILS:
This giveaway is for two e-Book copies of ANSWERS FOR JULIE.
To enter, just click on the Rafflecopter widget below and following the instructions. It may take the widget a few seconds to open, please be patient.
Thanks so much for stopping by today during Cate’s visit. Do you enjoy listening to the same soundtrack the author listens to while they are writing? Does the music give you a bit more insight into the characters and their story?
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It’s a sheer delight to welcome a fellow Southerner and author Kristy Woodson Harvey to Thoughts in Progress today.
Kristy joins us to talk about her debut novel, DEAR CAROLINA. This a heartwarming story you won’t be able to resist. Here’s a brief synopsis of it:
One baby girl.
Two strong Southern women.
And the most difficult decision they’ll ever make.
Frances “Khaki” Mason has it all: a thriving interior design career, a
loving husband and son, homes in North Carolina and Manhattan—everything except the second child she has always wanted. Jodi, her husband’s nineteen-year-old cousin, is fresh out of rehab, pregnant, and alone. Although the two women couldn’t seem more different, they forge a lifelong connection as Khaki reaches out to Jodi, encouraging her to have her baby.
But as Jodi struggles to be the mother she knows her daughter deserves, she will ask Khaki the ultimate favor…
Written to baby Carolina, by both her birth mother and her adoptive one, this is a story that proves that life circumstances shape us but don’t define us—and that families aren’t born, they’re made…
Now please join me in giving Kristy a warm welcome as she talks about taking advice from one’s characters. Kristy, welcome.
I never thought I’d be taking advice from my own characters. But, sometimes, you end up writing what you need to hear the most. Recently, a friend of mine made me these amazing printable quotes from DEAR CAROLINA to share with readers. They were some of her favorite takeaways from the story.
One of those quotes is from Khaki, the adoptive mother in the story’s, Dad. He tells her, “The only thing to do in life is to be open. You have to keep saying yes.”
I’ve reminded myself of that more than a few times over the past several months. Because, you see, when this dream of getting to be a published author finally came true, I promised myself that I would give it my all. I thought that might involve getting out of my comfort zone a bit. But I was going to keep saying yes no matter what.
So, for example, when someone asked me, seven months ago, to speak to a crowd coming into town, it was easy to say, “Sure, I would love to.”
It was easy because it seemed so very far away. The day before the talk, on the other hand, it didn’t seem like quite as good of an idea. In fact, it seemed like a terrible one! The thoughts of having to stand up there in front of all those people and talk about anything—even this book that I loved so much—suddenly seemed terrifying.
But I thought of Daddy Mason. He would have said to do it anyway. He would have said to face the fear because that’s how we find out all the best things in life.
And so, I put on my bravest smile, swallowed hard, and got behind that podium.
And you know what? It wasn’t bad. In fact, after the first minute or two, it was kind of fun. They laughed in all the right places, smiled attentively. A minute or so after that I found that I wasn’t even using my notes any more.
And, when it was over, as relieved as I felt about the idea of getting down off of that stage, I felt even more relieved when they asked if I could please read them a little bit of the story too.
This wonderful group of people were so complimentary about my little talk, which, without a doubt, will make it exponentially easier to get up on that stage the next time and the next and the time after that. And almost every person in that group bought a copy of DEAR CAROLINA, which, of course, is the best compliment you could possibly pay a writer. The sight of all those copies of my brand new book in all of those hands filled me with pride. It was a moment I had dreamed of since I first thought of writing a book.
And I smiled to myself realizing that that moment made me think of another one of those quotes from the book. It’s a moment when Buddy looks at Jodi, the birth mother in the story, and says, “Sometimes, you can’t make a dream come true all by yourself.”
Kristy, thanks for dropping by today and sharing this look at Dear Carolina. I love the quotes that were pulled from the book. They say so much about life.
Now here’s what some others are saying about this intriguing novel.
“Kristy Woodson Harvey weaves a story around characters with rich, complicated lives we all identify with…beautifully shows how a family comes to be. Not only by blood, but also by choice.” -- New York Times Bestselling Author Jodi Thomas
"A story of motherhood told by two mothers of the same child, DEAR CAROLINA is Southern fiction at its best. Lovely and lyrical, with the strong voices of the two female narrators taking us deep into the heart of what being a mother is about. It shows us that love is not without sacrifice, and there’s little in life that doesn’t go down easier with a spoonful of jam. Beautifully written." -- New York Times Bestselling Author Eileen Goudge
Here’s a bit of background on Kristy.
Kristy Woodson Harvey is the author of Dear Carolina. She blogs at Design Chic about how creating a beautiful home can be the catalyst for creating a beautiful life and loves connecting with readers at kristywoodsonharvey.com.
She is a graduate of the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill's school of journalism and holds a Master's in English from East Carolina University. She is a regular contributor for The Salisbury Post, Domino magazine and Houzz.
She lives in North Carolina with her husband and three-year-old son.
DEAR CAROLINA can be purchased at any of the following locations: BARNES AND NOBLE | INDIEBOUND | BOOKS A MILLION | AMAZON | POWELLS | TARGET | iTUNES | GOOGLE PLAY | KOBO
Thanks so much for stopping by during Kristy’s visit. Have you wrote letters to your children (whether or not they are adopted) telling about their birth or early years? What are your thoughts on this idea?
I hope everyone is enjoying a safe and Happy Fourth of July and the weekend gets even better. Those who aren’t celebrating the holiday, may your weekend be just as much fun.
A special thanks to all the men and women before, now and in the future that serve to keep us safe.
Have a great time with your family and friends. See you back here Monday.
(UPDATE: The winner of this giveaway is Deanna S. Congratulations to Deanna and thanks to all who entered the giveaway.)
It’s a pleasure today to welcome author Joshua Braff to Thoughts in Progress to talk about his latest release, THE DADDY DIARIES.
This is an intriguing book and thanks to Josh and the lovely Meg at Tandem Literary, I have a print copy to offer as a giveaway. Please see the end of the post for more details.
Josh's new novel, THE DADDY DIARIES, chronicles the very topical world of marital role reversal in which current day Mr. Mom, Jay, his wife, and their thirteen- and ten-year-old kids are suddenly plucked from their life in San Francisco and moved by the new company to Florida.
Leaving beloved friends and his Northern California sensibility, Jay struggles to keep his family happy through the learning curves. As Jay searches to steer the group straight, he quickly discovers that the tasks of child rearing grow even more complex as kids grow up.
Through a series of misadventures with his narcissistic older brother, his lunatic childhood friend, and his increasingly estranged but beloved son, Jay learns that he must tap his own vulnerabilities if he is to be the rock of stability his family so desperately needs.
With spot-on accuracy Josh tackles the issues that plague us as parents, sons, spouses, and friends as we move through life. The sense of isolation that comes from being transplanted into a new place, the pain of watching a son turn into a stranger as adolescence takes hold, and the raw and blinding love and sense of responsibility to one's family.
Through pathos and humor THE DADDY DIARIES captures the relatable, yet unpredictable dance of how families similarly, but uniquely ebb and flow.
The Thieves of Manhattan author Adam Langer has this to say about THE DADDY DIARIES: "Honest and heartfelt, Joshua Braff's novel about the perils of 21st century fatherhood contains more moments of truth than several hundred bestselling memoirs or self-help books. The wry humor and compulsive readability may remind readers of Jonathan Tropper or Nick Hornby, but the hard-won wisdom and disarming vulnerability in The Daddy Diaries is all Braff's own."
Please join me in giving a warm welcome to Josh as he discusses ‘Stay-at-Home Dads in Real Life vs. Popular Culture.’ Welcome, Josh.
As an artist I was a stay-at-home dad in 2000. At the time I was positive I was the only male to ever stay in his pajamas with a baby after his wife went to work. He’d nap and I’d run laundry, sponge the highchair down and flip the TV on to see women in commercials doing laundry and sponging off the highchair.
I was the only man at the playground. The only guy at Jomba Gym Jambori. It would take ten years before I started to see dads in Tide ads and on TV shows in Baby Bjorns. Now being a househusband is strangely ubiquitous and the country appears filled with young dads in this nurturing role.
I remember thinking it would be timely to write a book about the kind of dad I was fortunate to become. I met my wife in the 7th grade so it’s hard to say I married a woman for her ability to bring home the bacon. We fell into our roles as we discovered who we were as people and I feel so lucky that my path involved the inclusion of my children and their early growth in life.
I come from a generation that still defines marital roles the way it was written in the 50’s. You, Dad, go to the office, and you, Mom, stay home. But just in time for me to observe my children becoming independent humans, the country seems hyped by the prospect of adults raised by loving dads.
Josh, thanks for joining us today and sharing a look at stay-at-home dads. I’m from your generation as well and it’s good to see the roles reversing giving dads a chance to bond with their children.
Now here’s a bit of background on Josh.
Joshua Braff grew up in South Orange, New Jersey, and graduated from Columbia High School and NYU. He earned an MFA in creative writing/fiction from St. Mary's College of California.
Josh's first novel The Unthinkable Thoughts of Jacob Green (Algonquin Books, 2004), about a dysfunctional, Jewish family in late ‘70s was chosen as a Barnes & Noble Discover pick. Peep Show (Algonquin Books, 2010), his second book, was about a 17-year-old boy forced to choose between his Orthodox mother's life and his father's career in the porn industry. People Magazine raved, "Braff skillfully illuminates the failures and charms of a broken family. That teen longing for adults to act their age haunts long after the final page."
Josh lives in Northern California with his wife of almost 20 years and their two children. He is an avid baseball fan and an accomplished painter who plays guitar and drums. The Daddy Diaries is his third novel.
For more on Josh and his writing, visit his website and connect with him on Facebook and Twitter.
GIVEAWAY DETAILS:
This giveaway is for one print copy of THE DADDY DIARIES. The giveaway is open to U.S. residents only and will end at 12 a.m. on Friday, July 10.
To enter, please send me an email at mcbookshelf@gmail.com with the subject title: The Daddy Diaries Giveaway. Be sure to include an email address through which I can reach you if you should win. A winner will be selected at random and notified by email to send their complete mailing information. The notified winner will have 72 hours to reply before another winner will be selected. Thanks in advance for entering and Good Luck!!
Thanks for stopping by today during Josh’s visit. What are your thoughts on stay-at-home dads?
When you hear the word Paris, what do you think of?
I’m sure there are any images that quickly come to mind, but do you ever think of bridges? Probably not, but I have a coffee table book to tell you about that will change that.
Bridges come alive through the camera lens of photographer Michael Saint James in his recent coffee table book release, BRIDGES OF PARIS.
This beautiful book begins with a two-page illustration map layout of Paris giving readers an overview of where all the featured bridges are located. The bridges are listed in four categories: Island Bridges, Palace Bridges, Downstream Bridges, and Upstream Bridges. There is also a Map of Paris index and a bibliography about the author/photographer.
This elegant hardcover book includes a history of bridges. The breathtaking aspect, however, are the amazing vivid, color photos of the 37 featured bridges. The photos show the bridges in daylight and at night, with people and without, as well as close-up shots of some of the unique architectural features of the bridges. The rich photos give the viewer the sense of being there in the moment James captured the image.
The book highlights the issue of love padlocks and how they began. It also explains the problems the locks cause as a single grate on a bridge can weigh an additional 330 pounds when the locks are added. It points out the Pont des Arts Bridge had a section of its fence to collapse in June of last year under the weight of love locks.
This gorgeous coffee table book is a perfect gift for anyone who loves France, bridges or just enjoys looking at beautiful photography. The hardcover is handsomely done making it an added bonus to leave on display for everyone to enjoy.
James captures the bridges, but also the lives of those who venture onto the structures. Through the photographer’s detailed photos, the BRIDGES OF PARIS envelopes the viewer into the magical world of France and its outstanding architecture.
BRIDGES OF PARIS is an amazing collection of bridge photographs that takes the viewer on a scenic tour of Paris unlike any you’ve ever seen.
Find out more about the book and author at http://www.bridgesofparis.com and www.parisianforayear.com
Bridges of Paris by Michael Saint James, Citron Bay Press, @2015, ISBN: 978-1928595502, Hardcover, 280 Pages
FTC Full Disclosure – A copy of this book was sent to me by the publisher in hopes I would review it. However, receiving the complimentary copy did not influence my review. The thoughts are completely my own and given honestly and freely.
Thanks so much for visiting today. Are you a collector of coffee table books? Have you been to Paris and if so, what was your favorite site to visit?
*This post contains affiliate links.
I’m back online after an over two-month absence without warning. I’m delighted to say HI to everyone.
I’m sorry I left without warning. I didn’t intend to but life sometimes has other plans for us. While those new plans are wonderful, there’s still an adjustment period. Thanks to those who emailed me to check on me. I so appreciate that. For those who dropped by from time to time to see if I was back, I also appreciate that.
I want to say I’m extremely sorry to all the authors and publishers I had scheduled to host, review books for and do giveaways. I didn’t like leaving you in the wind, but without internet and a very limited data on my phone I couldn’t follow up with everyone. If you’ve emailed me in the past two months and haven’t received a response, please send me another email.
I’m trying to play catch up and begin a new schedule of posting. I’m going to start off slow mainly planning on posting on Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays right now. From there I hope to soon be back to posting at least Monday through Friday. I have a lot of catching up to do.
Now I’m sure everyone is wondering what in the world happened to me. I won’t go into a lot of detail today (I’ll do that in another post later). I’ll just say – all is good, I made a major change in my life and in the process also moved to Alabama from Georgia. From my back porch I can throw a rock into a major lake and have been out in the sun more than I have in too many years to count.
Life is unpredictable and amazing. We should learn to embrace each day and savor what it has to offer. Never give up on finding a lost love or taking a chance on life. Revisiting your past can sometimes lead to a wonderful new beginning.
Thanks for stopping by today and I hope you’ll return again and again. Please forgive my sidebars, I'll be changing those in the next few days as well. I plan to get back on track with reviews, spotlights, guest posts and giveaways. I also plan to share some new things with you from time to time.
I hope to be by and visit with all my favorite blogs again in the coming weeks. I’ve missed all of y’all so very much. Thanks again for hanging in there and not giving up on me.
Make today your day ---- Mason!
This giveaway is for both THE CAKE THERAPIST and Judith's brand new cookbook BAKE HAPPY. The giveaway is open to residents of the U.S. only and the deadline to enter is 12 a.m. on Tuesday, July 21.
