Just came home from the coast to spend a night at home. I'm due at the hospital for a check-up tomorrow, which is practical as we go afterwards to London.
It's a good time to do some administration. When you've been away for a couple of weeks, a lot of things need regulation. Bank affairs, credit card statements, etc. All need printing, and we don't have a printer in Heist. So I'm doing all this this afternoon and before we go to the hospital tomorrow. A bit boring, but it can't be helped!
I like to have everything in order, wherever I am. So I always arrange my check-ups to suit or way of travelling. The doctor knows it, and she is prepared to shift some dates to suit our needs. Quite like that doctor, she's a very good oncologist. When I first met her, she asked if she could speak her mind. So now we know everything she states to be correct. When there's bad news, I want to know. I can take that. When I first heard about my cancer, I made a list for my sister with all the things that need to be done when I'm not there anymore. She wouldn't know half of it. Two years have passed since then, but even now I sometimes add something. Chris knows where to find the list on my pc and also knows my entry code.
It's good to have everything in order, just in case. I hope to live for some years to come!!!
Hello everyone! I'm a writer of historical fiction next to being a pensioned teacher. I like to share my views on life and actuality, along with bringing you interviews with bestselling authors and guest blogs.
Wednesday, July 31, 2019
Monday, July 29, 2019
Upcoming trip to London
Around the midst of the summer vacation, we normally take a short trip to London. It's always fun to be there, because you never stop finding new places and unexepected treasures. We travel to London a couple of times a year and now we begin to get a feel for the city.
Eurostar made travelling to Great-Britain very easy. Before that you had to take either the plane or the ferry (later on hoovercraft) from Ostend. When you go by plane, you have to be at least one hour before at the airport, and then you arrive in Heathrow, from where it takes about an hour by tube to reach the center of London. By ferry/hoovercraft you arrived in Dover and then it was also a ride by train to London (more than an hour). Right now you just board the train in Brussels-South and two hours later you are in London St. Pancras. Beats everything! Another plus: when you buy the tickets way in advance, you get the lowest fare.
This time the trip won't cost us much, because we could exchange Hilton Honor points to pay for the room. And we got the low fare for the train as well. This means we'll only have to spend money on our food and drinks.
Of course we'll pick a musical when we're there. This time we have tickets for the new production of Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Coat, with Jason Donovan as the pharaoh.
Let's hope the weather plays nice!
Eurostar made travelling to Great-Britain very easy. Before that you had to take either the plane or the ferry (later on hoovercraft) from Ostend. When you go by plane, you have to be at least one hour before at the airport, and then you arrive in Heathrow, from where it takes about an hour by tube to reach the center of London. By ferry/hoovercraft you arrived in Dover and then it was also a ride by train to London (more than an hour). Right now you just board the train in Brussels-South and two hours later you are in London St. Pancras. Beats everything! Another plus: when you buy the tickets way in advance, you get the lowest fare.
This time the trip won't cost us much, because we could exchange Hilton Honor points to pay for the room. And we got the low fare for the train as well. This means we'll only have to spend money on our food and drinks.
Of course we'll pick a musical when we're there. This time we have tickets for the new production of Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Coat, with Jason Donovan as the pharaoh.
Let's hope the weather plays nice!
Saturday, July 27, 2019
We survived the hottest day ever
Last Thursday, July 25th, was the hottest day ever in Belgium. The maximum temperature reached over 40° Celsius, which is absolutely very hot! The past record dated back to 1947, when it became 36° - as kids, we often heard our parents and grandparents relate how warm the summer of '47 was. But apparently, the summer of 2019 was the hottest.
Already early in the morning, when we went to the supermarket to buy food for the day, it was almost unbearable warm. Since we have a rooftop flat, facing south, the sun burnt down relentlessly on it. We kept all the window closed and the shades down, but even then the temperature inside reached 32° - even today it's still 29°.
We kept quiet and tried not to move too much. Cooled our hands and face regurlarly with cold water. Only when the sun was gone, it was doable to go outside. We sat way past midnight on our terrace, trying to catch that little bit of wind which was blowing.
Several people died of the heat and lots of them got second-rate burn wounds from exposure. How foolish can you be to be taking the sun when it's so hot?
Belgium was not the only country to be affected by this big heat. Also Holland got these crazy temperatures.
How was it where you live?
Already early in the morning, when we went to the supermarket to buy food for the day, it was almost unbearable warm. Since we have a rooftop flat, facing south, the sun burnt down relentlessly on it. We kept all the window closed and the shades down, but even then the temperature inside reached 32° - even today it's still 29°.
We kept quiet and tried not to move too much. Cooled our hands and face regurlarly with cold water. Only when the sun was gone, it was doable to go outside. We sat way past midnight on our terrace, trying to catch that little bit of wind which was blowing.
Several people died of the heat and lots of them got second-rate burn wounds from exposure. How foolish can you be to be taking the sun when it's so hot?
Belgium was not the only country to be affected by this big heat. Also Holland got these crazy temperatures.
How was it where you live?
Thursday, July 25, 2019
Murder in a box
Jimmy Cowé, an ex-cop who worked for the federal police for years as co-ordinatior of cases and analyst, has created an online game that's really fascinating: the crimi box. For about 35 € you can order an online box that has all the components to lead a real police investigation. Like a Hello Fresh box which contains everything to make a yummie meal.
It's been a success from the start. At first Cowé worked on his own, now he has 3 men working for him. His customers amount gradually, and those who bought a first box gladby buy a second or a third. Up to now there were 4 new games per year, but now it's going up to 6 already. And Cowé is ready to conquer the US after his success in Europe.
I suppose we'll be ordering a box soon too. I love reading detectives and thrillers and I'm usually good in finding out who did it before I reach the end of the book.
It's been a success from the start. At first Cowé worked on his own, now he has 3 men working for him. His customers amount gradually, and those who bought a first box gladby buy a second or a third. Up to now there were 4 new games per year, but now it's going up to 6 already. And Cowé is ready to conquer the US after his success in Europe.
I suppose we'll be ordering a box soon too. I love reading detectives and thrillers and I'm usually good in finding out who did it before I reach the end of the book.
Tuesday, July 23, 2019
Preparing for the heat
As of today, the temperatures are rising quickly. Today it will be between 29° Celsius at the coast to 35° more land inward. Tomorrow it's going to be in the thirties all around and on Thursday the weather bureau expects the hottest day ever since they began their measurements. It will easily mount to 39°. In Holland they even expect temperatures around 40°. Sometimes you can believe you live in the south of France!
Of course, people need to be careful in this heat. Especially youngsters and the elderly have to pay attention. The KMI (weather bureau) advices to stay indoors as long as the sun is out. And to keep your house as cool as possible. In Dendermonde, this is relatively easy but here at the coast it's nigh impossible. We have a rooftop flat, fully exposed to the south. While this is a big advantage in winter, in the heat of summer it's not a blessing. The sun comes down relentlessly on the roof, and the only thing we can do is let down the blinds and not move too much. Learn to sleep in a bedroom that's a sauna (well, normally we manage). And drink enough water and eat normally. Just take a bit of care of what you eat. Dishes with a cheese sauce are not for these days! But a fish risotto Indian style is great now.
Around the weekend the weather should turn and it will become cooler. Not too much, I hope. We haven't had a lot of good weather this summer yet.
Sunday, July 21, 2019
21st July
Today is for the Belgians what 4th July is for the Americans or 14th July for the French - a day of national pride and unity. Although...
The problem is, most of the time we don't feel 'Belgian'. We are Flemish or Walloon. Belgium is a country that was made artificially. After the Napoleontic wars, some big numbers decided they'd make a new country, in which Leopold (related to Queen Victoria of England) could be king. So they just put together some pieces of land. Never mind that in one part Flemish people lived, and in the other French speaking. Two nationalities that don't agree a lot in most cases. Later on, after the World War, they even added a little part of Germany, with German speaking population. This is the reason why we have three official languages in Belgium: Dutch (or better named Flemish), French and German.
Each region has it own government (!) and there is also a federal government. Now, after the elections of last May, the differences between the regions stand even sharper. Flanders voted ultra right, while Wallony voted more to the left.
It'll be tough to form a new federal government, that's for sure. Our king, Filip, gave a speech yesterday in which he expressed his hope that a government would soon be formed. Of course he wishes this, because his job depends on it - he 'king of all the Belgians'. In Flanders there are ultra right parties which look for the independence of Flanders. The Walloons are very much afraid of this, because their main stream of tax money comes from us.
The only thing in which we are all Belgians is soccer. When the Red Devils play, there is a wave of national feeling.
Can Belgium survive? It remains to be seen...
The problem is, most of the time we don't feel 'Belgian'. We are Flemish or Walloon. Belgium is a country that was made artificially. After the Napoleontic wars, some big numbers decided they'd make a new country, in which Leopold (related to Queen Victoria of England) could be king. So they just put together some pieces of land. Never mind that in one part Flemish people lived, and in the other French speaking. Two nationalities that don't agree a lot in most cases. Later on, after the World War, they even added a little part of Germany, with German speaking population. This is the reason why we have three official languages in Belgium: Dutch (or better named Flemish), French and German.
Each region has it own government (!) and there is also a federal government. Now, after the elections of last May, the differences between the regions stand even sharper. Flanders voted ultra right, while Wallony voted more to the left.
It'll be tough to form a new federal government, that's for sure. Our king, Filip, gave a speech yesterday in which he expressed his hope that a government would soon be formed. Of course he wishes this, because his job depends on it - he 'king of all the Belgians'. In Flanders there are ultra right parties which look for the independence of Flanders. The Walloons are very much afraid of this, because their main stream of tax money comes from us.
The only thing in which we are all Belgians is soccer. When the Red Devils play, there is a wave of national feeling.
Can Belgium survive? It remains to be seen...
Friday, July 19, 2019
Second heatwave coming...
And not before time! The past week it's been rather cold and windy here at our part of the coast. Even today grey skies dominate, while in the rest of the country the sun is shining.
That's something that happens often. Sometimes it's bad out here and fine inland, or just vice-versa. And it may rain in Blankenberge (a town a little bit further along the coast) while the sun is out in Heist and Knokke.
A few days of warmth and sunshine will be welcome. I do love warm temperatures and sun. This past week we've kept ourselves busy by going to the DIY store to fetch materials and make some new furniture for the flat. My sister is rather good at that, while I'm good at destruction!
Luckily we had our trip to Italy to have some sunshine already. Next winter we'll be in Egypt where the sun will also be shining. And then some weeks later to South Africa. The last years we look for destinations where you don't have to wear thick coats and bonnets. In 2020 there will also be trips to Barcelona and Morocco - perhaps also one to Israel.
Who loves the sun as well?
That's something that happens often. Sometimes it's bad out here and fine inland, or just vice-versa. And it may rain in Blankenberge (a town a little bit further along the coast) while the sun is out in Heist and Knokke.
A few days of warmth and sunshine will be welcome. I do love warm temperatures and sun. This past week we've kept ourselves busy by going to the DIY store to fetch materials and make some new furniture for the flat. My sister is rather good at that, while I'm good at destruction!
Luckily we had our trip to Italy to have some sunshine already. Next winter we'll be in Egypt where the sun will also be shining. And then some weeks later to South Africa. The last years we look for destinations where you don't have to wear thick coats and bonnets. In 2020 there will also be trips to Barcelona and Morocco - perhaps also one to Israel.
Who loves the sun as well?
Tuesday, July 16, 2019
Extinction of All Children
Today we welcome author L.J. Epps. The author is doing a virtual book blast tour for Extinction of All Children, a YA fantasy available now. The Book Blast Tour will
take place on July 15 - 19, 2019.
Blurb
Excerpt
Author bio and links
L.J. Epps
will be awarding a $20 Amazon or B/N GC to a randomly drawn winner via rafflecopter
during the tour. Please use the following link to place your comment:
Blurb
The
futuristic world of Craigluy has been divided into three territories and three
economic classes. A large wall separates the territories, so the poor cannot
mingle with the rich.
Since
President Esther, the ruler over all of Craigluy, believes the poor do not have
adequate means to take care of children, they are no longer allowed to
procreate. Pregnant mothers are imprisoned until their babies are born, then
the infants are taken away.
Emma
Whisperer is the last child to survive. She is the last child born in
lower-class Territory L before the law was instituted in the year 2080. She is
the last eighteen-year-old.
Emma
struggles to understand why she was spared while others weren’t. She doesn’t
like the laws and believes they should be repealed. Her family doesn’t agree
with her; they discourage her rebellious streak. Yet, she helps them to cover
up their own family rebellion. She helps them to hide a big secret, a secret
that could be both disastrous and deadly for members of their family.
As she
meets new people along the way, Emma learns who she can and cannot trust. And,
in the end, she makes a gut-wrenching decision that may be disastrous for everyone.
She
finds herself in danger for doing what she feels is right
Excerpt
“On your feet.”
I hear a loud voice. My heart jumps.
It sounds like Rich.
There are no windows here, but my
internal clock tells me it is bedtime. I was waiting for the lights off in ten
minutes call. Instead, I see him standing in front of my cell. He looks the
same yet scarier, and his green eyes peer at me. His hair looks as bright as a
ripe cherry. My hands shake.
“I’m not going to say it again.
You’ve been summoned to see the president.”
“But it’s almost time for lights
out.” My voice quivers.
“I don’t care what time it is. I gave you an
order.”
I stand and my knee twitches. The ice pack,
lying on my side, falls and crashes to the floor. My cell door opens with a
squeal, and Rich steps inside. He is dressed in his uniform, and he smells of
musk and liquor. I didn’t think guards could drink while on duty, but what do I
know.
“Let’s go,” he says, clutching my
arm.
Once I’m out of my cell, he snaps
the handcuffs on. The coldness straddles my wrists. Like a dog on a leash, he
leads and I follow. My stomach is in knots. I don’t know what to expect once we
reach the president’s quarters. But, we don’t go to the fifth floor; the
elevator dings on the second floor. He pulls on my handcuffs and yanks me off
the elevator.
Author bio and links
L.J.
Epps is a lover of all things related to books: fiction and nonfiction novels,
as well as biographies and autobiographies. She has also been known to sit and
read comic books from cover to cover, several times over.
Over
the last few years, L.J. has written several manuscripts; her mission is to
publish all of them. She enjoys writing fiction in several genres, including
contemporary romance and women’s fiction, as well as young adult dystopian,
science fiction and fantasy. She loves to write because it immerses her into
another world that is not her own.
LINKS:
Monday, July 15, 2019
Groundwork for Murder
Please say hello to authors Marilyn Baron and Sharon Goldman today. They are doing a virtual book blast tour for Groundwork for Murder, a women's fiction with elements of romantic suspense available July 10th from The Wild Rose Press. This book blast tour will take place July 10 - 16.
The authors will be awarding a 16x20 signed matted print 'Flora Blanca" by author and Florida artist Sharon Goldman, to a randomly drawn winner via rafflecopter during the tour. Please use the following link to place your comment: http://www.rafflecopter.com/rafl/display/28e4345f3094/
Blurb
Excerpt
Author bio and links
The authors will be awarding a 16x20 signed matted print 'Flora Blanca" by author and Florida artist Sharon Goldman, to a randomly drawn winner via rafflecopter during the tour. Please use the following link to place your comment: http://www.rafflecopter.com/rafl/display/28e4345f3094/
Blurb
Landscape
artist Alexandra Newborn dreams of a one-woman show at the Diamond Gallery. But
the gallery owner dismisses her paintings as "old, tired, and dull.
Lacking excitement." Those words also describe Alex's unhappy marriage.
Alex's
shocking reunion with her college art professor, Dominick "Nick"
Anselmo—once a world-celebrated Italian artist, now a homeless lawn
man—reignites their passion and fuels a creative spark for both, helping Nick
recover from his wife's death.
With Nick's
provocative sketches, art imitates life, but Alex doesn't realize they reveal a
dangerous liaison between her husband and the gallery owner. Without Nick's
knowledge, Alex arranges an art opening that includes his drawings.
When the
torrid affair between Alex's husband and his mistress is exposed, the seeds are
sown for murder, mystery, and romance.
Excerpt
The subject matter was unexpected and
provocative. She’d thought that, in his new life as a
lawn man, Nick might just draw a
tree, or a garden, not a couple caught in a passionate embrace—her face against
his cheek, his face buried in her neck to hide their identities and keep the
world at bay.
He had captured them in a clinch
that seemed to portray more lust than love. The sketch spoke of
forbidden moments. The lines
revealed movement, as if the couple had had to love and leave. All that sexual
desire was combustible. And yet there was love there. Maybe not love between
this couple, but Nick had obviously transferred his own feelings of lost love
and longing onto the paper.
“Always leave something of yourself
in your work.” That’s what Professore Anselmo had taught his students in
college. And he had managed to do that brilliantly in this drawing. The passion
was raw, and it exposed everything that was missing in her relationship with
Mark. And everything that was missing in her art. Something vaguely familiar
about this couple tugged at her memory, but she quickly dismissed it.
Alex knew great art could have that
effect on your soul. It was similar to a writer who paints word pictures that
draw you into the story and elevate the everyday into the sublime—word pictures
that are often too close to home, too real to examine too closely.
Author bio and links
Marilyn
Baron and Sharon Goldman are sisters. Groundwork for Murder won first place in
the Suspense Romance category of the Ignite the Flame Contest, sponsored by the
Central Ohio Fiction Writers Chapter of RWA.
Marilyn Baron
Marilyn
Baron writes in a variety of genres, from women’s fiction to historical
romantic thrillers and romantic suspense to paranormal/fantasy. She and her
sister even wrote a musical called Memory Lane.
She’s
received writing awards in Single Title, Suspense Romance, Novel with Strong
Romantic Elements, and Paranormal/Fantasy Romance. She was also The Finalist in
the 2017 Georgia Author of the Year Awards (GAYA) in the Romance Category for
her novel Stumble Stones, and The Finalist for the 2018 GAYA Awards in the
Romance category for her novel The Alibi. Her novel The Siege was nominated for
the 2019 GAYA Awards in the Romance Category.
Groundwork
for Murder is her 24th work of fiction. A public relations consultant in
Atlanta, she is chair of the Roswell Reads Steering Committee.
A
native of Miami, Florida, Marilyn graduated from the University of Florida in
Gainesville, Florida, with a B.S. in Journalism—a major in Public Relations and
a minor in English (Creative Writing). She met her husband at UF and both of
her daughters graduated from UF. Marilyn now lives in Roswell, Georgia, with
her husband.
Find
out more about Marilyn on her website:
Visit
her on facebook at:http://www.facebook.com/#!/pages/Marilyn-Baron/286807714666748
and follow her on Twitter @ MarilynBaron.
Sharon Goldman
Sharon
Goldman is an award-winning artist whose paintings are in private collections
and who has exhibited in numerous galleries throughout northeast Florida,
including the Haskell Gallery in the Jacksonville International Airport.
As
a native Floridian, Sharon strives to create work that captures the spirit of
Florida. Her colorful palette, unique cropping, and background as a designer
and art director help her envision her novel compositions, which she describes
as painterly realism.
Sharon
has taught art school in her home studio to more than 200 students in her
community. Sharon has also written and illustrated a children’s book.
Sharon
is on the Dean’s Leadership Council at the University of North Florida’s Thomas
G. Carpenter Library, where she gives monthly tours of one of the largest
permanent art collections of regional artists in the state.
A
graduate of the University of Florida in Fine Arts, Sharon had a long career in
the advertising business. After having three children (now college graduates),
she has more time to bring her ideas to light.
To
view Sharon’s art, visit her website at:
Sunday, July 14, 2019
Bittersweet Alliance
Please welcome author Kathleen Rowland today. Kathleen is doing a virtual blurb blitz tour for her romantic suspense, Bittersweet Alliance. This novel is published by Tirgearr Publishing and the tour will run July 8 - August 2.
The author will be awarding ten gift bags each containing a shell necklace, chocolates, and a flower pen to randomly drawn winners via rafflecopter during the tour (international giveaway). Please use the following link to place your comment: http://www.rafflecopter.com/rafl/display/28e4345f3088
Blurb
Will a snap decision change their lives forever? Bizarre kidnappings stun the Big Island of Hawaii, pulling Danker Donahue back into the game and forcing him to partner with Jolene Kualoha, the woman who left him seven years ago when his DNA showed up in paternity lawsuit. The prejudice-motivated hate crimes are the wildest anyone has ever seen. Victims are being poisoned then released once the ransoms are paid, many losing their lives. In the shadow of Jolene's success as a helicopter pilot, a troubled woman develops a fixation on Jolene and imitates her appearance. Matters turn dark when the copycat is shot dead. Was Jolene the target? Threats mount when she barely survives an accident after her brake cables are severed. When these crimes threaten her sanity, Jolene is forced to trust the one person she thought she’d lost forever, Danker. Instantly, sparks fly between them, and as much as she wants to rekindle their relationship, she must protect her heart. An old enemy, Seamus McGinn, breaks out of a maximum-security prison and invites Danker to a meet-up. Surprisingly, the kidnapper joins forces with McGinn along with his sick fans. McGinn trumpets his ‘murders by ice pick’, and it’s up to Danker to stop him. The whole island is on edge with a live feed from the maniac’s website. In a stolen moment, Jolene shows him hope, and he makes a snap decision that will change their lives forever. Will he make it back to show her?
Excerpt
Seven years since their breakup, Jolene Kualoha spotted Danker Donahue, ambling from the parking lot toward the store. She recognized him by his height and long gait. Wind from the north ruffled his hair and brought a bone-biting chill to her heart. Nuts, here he was, ducking his head to miss the bell overhead. It tinkled, and a strange twisting sensation hit her in the stomach.
This happened at the Kalua-Kona Food Emporium on a Sunday morning in July. She stared from where she stood near the avocados. His dangerous edge drew her in, but she turned her back to him. Her body reverberated like when her cellphone was on vibrate in her pocket. Stunned with minor electric shock, she froze. Maybe he wouldn’t see her. Wouldn’t recognize the back of her head or the once familiar shape of her ass.
Was someone waiting for him in the parking lot? Someone like Louella, the baby’s momma who’d summoned him for an immediate DNA test? For a split second, she craned her head around but didn’t see her with him.
She and Danker were a couple when the test confirmed his fatherhood. Her heart ached at the memory. Love hurt, but that wasn’t all. Loneliness hurt. Losing someone hurt. Decision-making hurt when you force yourself to do the right thing.
She’d pulled away, giving him space to work on his previous relationship for the sake of their child. The most shameful thing a woman can do is take parents away from a baby, and this began her year of stubborn steadfastness.
I did the breakup rituals. Got the dramatic haircut. Engraved a piece of jewelry he got me with a new message. Deleted the photos that made me cry.
To have been his woman was like living where the air flowered with jasmine, and the weather day after day was flawless, but the forecast was a hurricane.
Author bio and links
Book Buyers Best finalist Kathleen Rowland is devoted to giving her readers fast-paced, high-stakes suspense with a sizzling love story sure to melt their hearts. Kathleen used to write computer programs but now writes novels. She grew up in Iowa where she caught lightning bugs, ran barefoot, and raced her sailboat on Lake Okoboji. Now she wears flip-flops and sails with her husband, Gerry, on Newport Harbor but wishes there were lightning bugs in California.
Kathleen exists happily with her witty CPA husband, Gerry, in their 70’s poolside retreat in Southern California where she adores time spent with visiting grandchildren, dogs, one bunny, and noisy neighbors. While proud of their five children who’ve flown the coop, she appreciates the luxury of time to write! Kathleen is an in-house author at Tirgearr Publishing. Her Irish-American Donahue Cousins series includes Deadly Alliance, Unholy Alliance, and another, Bittersweet Alliance is in the works. One Night in Havana (in the City Nights series) has a release date of January 31, 2018.
What reviewers say about Kathleen Rowland:
Windward Whisperings--Kathleen Rowland spins a creative story with romance, passion and suspense making it an adventure hard to put down. The banter she creates between the two lovers is spine-tingling robust in this keeper of a read. http://theromancestudio.com/reviews/reviews/windwardwhisperingsrowland.htm
Deeds of Deceit-- Circled by the bloodthirsty and untrusting, you learn to appreciate the few allies you have. Deeds of Deceit is an excellent addition to any thriller assortment. http://www.midwestbookreview.com/sbw/mar_12.htm
A Key to all that Glitters is a mesmerizing love story that vibrates with love and suspense. http://longandshortreviews.blogspot.com/2009/05/key-to-all-that-glitters-by-kathleen.html
General links:
http://www.kathleenrowland.com
http://www.kathleenrowland.wordpress.com
https://www.facebook.com/kathleen.rowland.50
Amazon: https://www.amazon.com/Bittersweet-Alliance-Donahue-Cousins-3-ebook/dp/B07S8QYH7F/
The author will be awarding ten gift bags each containing a shell necklace, chocolates, and a flower pen to randomly drawn winners via rafflecopter during the tour (international giveaway). Please use the following link to place your comment: http://www.rafflecopter.com/rafl/display/28e4345f3088
Blurb
Will a snap decision change their lives forever? Bizarre kidnappings stun the Big Island of Hawaii, pulling Danker Donahue back into the game and forcing him to partner with Jolene Kualoha, the woman who left him seven years ago when his DNA showed up in paternity lawsuit. The prejudice-motivated hate crimes are the wildest anyone has ever seen. Victims are being poisoned then released once the ransoms are paid, many losing their lives. In the shadow of Jolene's success as a helicopter pilot, a troubled woman develops a fixation on Jolene and imitates her appearance. Matters turn dark when the copycat is shot dead. Was Jolene the target? Threats mount when she barely survives an accident after her brake cables are severed. When these crimes threaten her sanity, Jolene is forced to trust the one person she thought she’d lost forever, Danker. Instantly, sparks fly between them, and as much as she wants to rekindle their relationship, she must protect her heart. An old enemy, Seamus McGinn, breaks out of a maximum-security prison and invites Danker to a meet-up. Surprisingly, the kidnapper joins forces with McGinn along with his sick fans. McGinn trumpets his ‘murders by ice pick’, and it’s up to Danker to stop him. The whole island is on edge with a live feed from the maniac’s website. In a stolen moment, Jolene shows him hope, and he makes a snap decision that will change their lives forever. Will he make it back to show her?
Excerpt
Seven years since their breakup, Jolene Kualoha spotted Danker Donahue, ambling from the parking lot toward the store. She recognized him by his height and long gait. Wind from the north ruffled his hair and brought a bone-biting chill to her heart. Nuts, here he was, ducking his head to miss the bell overhead. It tinkled, and a strange twisting sensation hit her in the stomach.
This happened at the Kalua-Kona Food Emporium on a Sunday morning in July. She stared from where she stood near the avocados. His dangerous edge drew her in, but she turned her back to him. Her body reverberated like when her cellphone was on vibrate in her pocket. Stunned with minor electric shock, she froze. Maybe he wouldn’t see her. Wouldn’t recognize the back of her head or the once familiar shape of her ass.
Was someone waiting for him in the parking lot? Someone like Louella, the baby’s momma who’d summoned him for an immediate DNA test? For a split second, she craned her head around but didn’t see her with him.
She and Danker were a couple when the test confirmed his fatherhood. Her heart ached at the memory. Love hurt, but that wasn’t all. Loneliness hurt. Losing someone hurt. Decision-making hurt when you force yourself to do the right thing.
She’d pulled away, giving him space to work on his previous relationship for the sake of their child. The most shameful thing a woman can do is take parents away from a baby, and this began her year of stubborn steadfastness.
I did the breakup rituals. Got the dramatic haircut. Engraved a piece of jewelry he got me with a new message. Deleted the photos that made me cry.
To have been his woman was like living where the air flowered with jasmine, and the weather day after day was flawless, but the forecast was a hurricane.
Author bio and links
Book Buyers Best finalist Kathleen Rowland is devoted to giving her readers fast-paced, high-stakes suspense with a sizzling love story sure to melt their hearts. Kathleen used to write computer programs but now writes novels. She grew up in Iowa where she caught lightning bugs, ran barefoot, and raced her sailboat on Lake Okoboji. Now she wears flip-flops and sails with her husband, Gerry, on Newport Harbor but wishes there were lightning bugs in California.
Kathleen exists happily with her witty CPA husband, Gerry, in their 70’s poolside retreat in Southern California where she adores time spent with visiting grandchildren, dogs, one bunny, and noisy neighbors. While proud of their five children who’ve flown the coop, she appreciates the luxury of time to write! Kathleen is an in-house author at Tirgearr Publishing. Her Irish-American Donahue Cousins series includes Deadly Alliance, Unholy Alliance, and another, Bittersweet Alliance is in the works. One Night in Havana (in the City Nights series) has a release date of January 31, 2018.
What reviewers say about Kathleen Rowland:
Windward Whisperings--Kathleen Rowland spins a creative story with romance, passion and suspense making it an adventure hard to put down. The banter she creates between the two lovers is spine-tingling robust in this keeper of a read. http://theromancestudio.com/reviews/reviews/windwardwhisperingsrowland.htm
Deeds of Deceit-- Circled by the bloodthirsty and untrusting, you learn to appreciate the few allies you have. Deeds of Deceit is an excellent addition to any thriller assortment. http://www.midwestbookreview.com/sbw/mar_12.htm
A Key to all that Glitters is a mesmerizing love story that vibrates with love and suspense. http://longandshortreviews.blogspot.com/2009/05/key-to-all-that-glitters-by-kathleen.html
General links:
http://www.kathleenrowland.com
http://www.kathleenrowland.wordpress.com
https://www.facebook.com/kathleen.rowland.50
Amazon: https://www.amazon.com/Bittersweet-Alliance-Donahue-Cousins-3-ebook/dp/B07S8QYH7F/
Saturday, July 13, 2019
Computer problems
Since yesterday evening I've been experiencing problems with my pc. I don't know what's wrong with it. It's an old computer, but it worked fine until yesterday. Now I can just open up a browser but I can't switch off in the correct way, nor can I open up other files.
Worries, worries! I'm not computer savvy since wse never learnt how to work a computer at school. In my days, we didn't even have computers. I'm from 1956 so I saw a lot of change in my time. First we had typewriters (Remington) which turned into electrical ones some time later. Then came a sort of pc which only worked well for text writing - which was in those days a great plus because you could change freely in your text and only needed to print it out. In the 1990s came internet. First with a modem - tuut-tuut-tuut. Where are the days??? People born nowadays can't imagine how it was in earlier times. I could spend an hour relating all of this to my students when I was still working. They were fascinated by it.
Well, I hope that by some miracle I can sort out my problem here with the pc so it works as fine as it used to do.
Worries, worries! I'm not computer savvy since wse never learnt how to work a computer at school. In my days, we didn't even have computers. I'm from 1956 so I saw a lot of change in my time. First we had typewriters (Remington) which turned into electrical ones some time later. Then came a sort of pc which only worked well for text writing - which was in those days a great plus because you could change freely in your text and only needed to print it out. In the 1990s came internet. First with a modem - tuut-tuut-tuut. Where are the days??? People born nowadays can't imagine how it was in earlier times. I could spend an hour relating all of this to my students when I was still working. They were fascinated by it.
Well, I hope that by some miracle I can sort out my problem here with the pc so it works as fine as it used to do.
Thursday, July 11, 2019
Holiday at the coast
Since Monday we are staying at our flat in Knokke-Heist. It's our intention to go living there permanently when my sister takes her pension. Our flat is ideally located; entrance at the sea promenade, terrace facing south (takes the sun - when it shines - all day), top floor with a beautiful panorama. It's not very big, but you don't really need too much space when you're getting older. We have a fully equipped kitchen with dishwasher and washing machine, a nice bathroom and a bedroom big enough for a wall-to-wall dressing and space for two beds. What more do you need?
We also have nice neighbors next to us. When the sun is shining, we are all on the terrace having an animated conversation and enjoying the good life.
Heist (the less expensive part of Knokke-Heist) is not very big, so everything you need is close-by. Just take the underground passage to cross the road and you're at the (big) supermarket. Doctors and dentists, banks and other shops are at a 5 minutes walk. The hospital is ten minutes by bike, just like in Dendermonde.
So we like it here very much. It is also our home and we know more people around than we do in Dendermonde. Perhaps this is because we've been coming here since we were little kids and we went horseback riding in our teens and twenties. All the shopkeepers know us by name. Of course, you'll never be 'someone from Heist' even if you live there your entire span of life. You'll always remain an outlander.
An added plus is you don'r pay city taxes in Knokke-Heist. That will save some money later on. In Dendermonde you pay about 12% on the amount you're taxed for. With our combined two pensions and the house in Dendermonde sold, we'll be able to live without any monetary worries here, as a lot of the costs of right now will fall away. Like now I pay for two internet-tv-phone deals. Later on I'll only pay for one. Also I have some insurances on the house and what's in it.
I'm looking forward to being here permanently!
We also have nice neighbors next to us. When the sun is shining, we are all on the terrace having an animated conversation and enjoying the good life.
Heist (the less expensive part of Knokke-Heist) is not very big, so everything you need is close-by. Just take the underground passage to cross the road and you're at the (big) supermarket. Doctors and dentists, banks and other shops are at a 5 minutes walk. The hospital is ten minutes by bike, just like in Dendermonde.
So we like it here very much. It is also our home and we know more people around than we do in Dendermonde. Perhaps this is because we've been coming here since we were little kids and we went horseback riding in our teens and twenties. All the shopkeepers know us by name. Of course, you'll never be 'someone from Heist' even if you live there your entire span of life. You'll always remain an outlander.
An added plus is you don'r pay city taxes in Knokke-Heist. That will save some money later on. In Dendermonde you pay about 12% on the amount you're taxed for. With our combined two pensions and the house in Dendermonde sold, we'll be able to live without any monetary worries here, as a lot of the costs of right now will fall away. Like now I pay for two internet-tv-phone deals. Later on I'll only pay for one. Also I have some insurances on the house and what's in it.
I'm looking forward to being here permanently!
Monday, July 8, 2019
Dragon's Revenge
Please welcome author C.J. Shane today. The author is doing a virtual book blast tour for Dragon's Revenge, a Letty Valdez mystery/suspense available now from Rope's End Publishing. This tour will run July 8-12.
C.J. Shane will be awarding an original artwork by C.J. Shane - an ink drawing of ocotillo on handmade paper in a wooden frame ready to hang with hooks and wire. Size of frame: 6 1/2" by 8 1/2" (U.S. ONLY), via rafflecopter during the tour. Please use the following link to place your comment: http://www.rafflecopter.com/rafl/display/28e4345f3077/
Blurb
Excerpt
Author bio and links
C.J. Shane will be awarding an original artwork by C.J. Shane - an ink drawing of ocotillo on handmade paper in a wooden frame ready to hang with hooks and wire. Size of frame: 6 1/2" by 8 1/2" (U.S. ONLY), via rafflecopter during the tour. Please use the following link to place your comment: http://www.rafflecopter.com/rafl/display/28e4345f3077/
Blurb
When Tucson
private detective and Iraq War vet Letty Valdez is hired to investigate a
murder, she immediately finds herself targeted by a violent criminal. To find
the killer, Letty turns to an old memoir of life in late 19th century Tucson.
Clues in in the memoir, with its tale of love between two immigrants - one, an
Italian widow, and the other, an exiled Chinese revolutionary - launch Letty on
a suspense-filled struggle to find answers, to stop the murderer – and to stay
alive!
Excerpt
By mid-morning, Letty was sleepy
again. She called the dogs in from the backyard and took them with her to her
bedroom.
Less than an hour later, Letty was
startled awake. She sat up in bed.
Both Millie and Teddy were up,
alert, and facing her bedroom door. The fur on their necks and along the ridge
of their backbones was standing up erect. Both dogs were very tense and staring
at the bedroom door with full attention.
Letty’s heart began to pound. She
couldn’t hear anything but she knew there had to be an intruder.
Millie growled.
Teddy growled, too, a low rumbling
growl from deep in his chest. Teddy’s lips curled up sharply, exposing his
teeth. His pink tongue flicked in and out of his mouth. Teddy looked ready to
attack and to tear someone apart with those fangs. He growled again.
Millie was ready, too. She stared at
the door and growled a second time. She showed her fangs, too.
Letty felt like she almost couldn’t
breathe. A paralyzing combination of fear and fury immobilized her. She was too
banged up to be able to fight anyone. And whoever was on the other side of the
door couldn’t be a welcome visitor. Letty realized that beyond a doubt, she had
become a target.
The knob on the door began to turn
slowly as if someone were trying to quietly enter the room. At the sight and
sound of that turning knob, Millie barked a short warning bark. Teddy followed
with a deep woofing sound. Don’t even try it, they communicated to the
intruder. The door knob returned to its original position. Both dogs continued
to stare intently at the door.
Letty knew that the person on the
other side of the door knew now that there were two dogs in her room and those
dogs were not happy.
Letty quietly got up from her bed
and went to her closet. She pulled down a box from the top shelf, retrieved her
Glock, and quickly assembled it. Just as quietly, she loaded the gun.
Letty moved toward the bedroom door,
listening intently. She didn’t hear anything. She opened the door, gun in hand
aimed and ready to shoot.
Both dogs bolted through the door
past her and ran through the house. They were following the scent of the
intruder. The backdoor was open. Letty did a quick check of every room in the
house, gun ready. Nothing. The intruder had fled. Letty followed the dogs out
the back door and into the backyard. Teddy did a quick survey of the backyard
and Millie stood at attention close to Letty. Whoever had been there was gone
now.
Author bio and links
C.J.
Shane is a writer and visual artist in Arizona. In addition to her mystery
fiction, she is the author of eight nonfiction books. Her first fiction book,
_Desert Jade: A Letty Valdez Mystery_, (11-2017) is a finalist for Best
Suspense-Thriller novel, New Mexico-Arizona Book Awards.
Learn
more at https://www.cjshane.com/
Rope’s
End Publishing: https://www.ropesendpublishing.com/fiction.html
Buy Links:
Monday, July 1, 2019
Last day at home
Today is the last day here in Dendermonde. I'll be giving our house key to neighbor Willy, who'll take good care of it. It's great to have neighbors you can depend on. We're blessed with them, on both sides of our house. Also Ryszhard and Anna are good neighbors.
Tomorrow we'll have to get up pretty early because we have an early plane to Florence. We'll be able to spend most of the day there and look forward to it.
The big heat has gone to change for a somewhat milder temperature, and that's nice as well. This way our house can cool down a bit. I've put open the verandah window and all the upstairs windows; this way a wind blows through the house and lowers the inside temperature.
The suitcases are packed already. Just the handluggage needs to be taken care of.
On coming back from Florence, we'll just spend the one night in Dendermonde and then it's off once more to the coast. Hopefully we'll get more of the nice weather!
All this takes a bit of planning, of course. We have to foresee there's food in the fridge or freezer for Saturday night - we have a stew that just needs warming and I brought potatoes along this morning when I went shopping. I also bought milk for the cornflakes on Sunday morning. And at our flat in Heist, there's also the necessary in the fridge/freezer combination. Same goes for the pills I take daily. I always travel with a big sack of them in my handbag.
Tomorrow we'll have to get up pretty early because we have an early plane to Florence. We'll be able to spend most of the day there and look forward to it.
The big heat has gone to change for a somewhat milder temperature, and that's nice as well. This way our house can cool down a bit. I've put open the verandah window and all the upstairs windows; this way a wind blows through the house and lowers the inside temperature.
The suitcases are packed already. Just the handluggage needs to be taken care of.
On coming back from Florence, we'll just spend the one night in Dendermonde and then it's off once more to the coast. Hopefully we'll get more of the nice weather!
All this takes a bit of planning, of course. We have to foresee there's food in the fridge or freezer for Saturday night - we have a stew that just needs warming and I brought potatoes along this morning when I went shopping. I also bought milk for the cornflakes on Sunday morning. And at our flat in Heist, there's also the necessary in the fridge/freezer combination. Same goes for the pills I take daily. I always travel with a big sack of them in my handbag.
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