On to a better 2021

 On this last day of the year, I'd like to wish everybody who reads this blog all the best for the new year.

May 2021 bring you health, love, friendship, freedom to do as you like and go where you like, hug your family and friends, meet people without wearing a mouth mask.

May we go back to what life used to be, before corona. May we hope that this virus will be something of the past within a few months. The more people get vaccinated, the more chance is we'll get back to normal. 

Until then, keep it safe tonight.

The Calling

 Today we welcome Branwen Oshea, author of The Calling, a young adult science fiction available December 29, 2020 from Sigma Orionis Publishing. Branwen is doing a virtual book blast tour, which runs from December 28 to January 1, 2021.

Branwen will be awarding a prize pack of 1) one signed paperback, 2) one tote bag with the Finding Humanity series logo (Savas' Compass) and 3) two different bookmarks for The Calling, one sined by the author to one randomly drawn winner via rafflecopter during the tour. Please use the following link to place your comment: http://www.rafflecopter.com/rafl/display/28e4345f3604/

Blurb

Humanity’s wake-up call. Answer it or face extinction.

 

When Bleu’s little sister shows symptoms of the deadly Sickness, a strange vision directs him to leave humanity’s subterranean haven and seek the cure on Earth’s glacial surface. Joining the expedition team, Bleu expects extreme temperatures, not a surface ruled by ingenious predators.

 

Rana and her fellow star beings have co-existed with Earth’s top carnivores since the humans disappeared. But when her peers transform into Crowned Ones, the final stage of star being development, she fears remaining Uncrowned like her parents. To prove her worth, she undertakes a dangerous mission—contacting the hostile and nearly extinct humans.

 

But Rana’s plan backfires, and Bleu’s team retaliates. As war with the more advanced star being civilization looms, both Rana and Bleu separately seek a way to save their people.

Excerpt

A bloodcurdling howl pierced the darkness nearby. He startled, and the rover lurched to the side, the treads grinding against the ice. In all his years of secret studies, he’d never considered studying animal vocalizations. Anything, including the Undescended, could be making the howls beyond the range of his snow rover’s headlights. As much as he had longed for this world, he was lost here.

As he scanned the inky horizon, a large dark blob drew his gaze to an elevated area of ice. Did it move? He narrowed his eyes, straining to confirm reality. Just get to the camp. Just get to the camp.

It moved.

“Base, something’s out here…pacing on a hill above me. I’m maintaining course, but I’m going to have to pass below it. Should I change course?”

“You heard Commander Savas. Shoot it as soon as it’s in range. Continue course.”

“Continue course. Got it, sir.” Bleu hastily checked his gun, wishing for Stamf’s longer-range rifle. It’s not close enough yet… 

His hand tightened on his gun. I don’t even know what it is, and I have to kill it? The rover sped along as his indecision churned within him. Trust your instincts, Bleu, his mother had said. It lured us, Savas had said.

In his mind, Bleu replayed Neviah’s terrifying video footage. That creature could be stalking him right now. Orders were orders. He raised his gun. 

Author bio and links

As a young girl, Branwen wanted to become an ambassador for aliens. Since the aliens never hired her, she now writes about them.

Branwen OShea has a Bachelors in Biology from Colgate University, a Bachelors in Psychology, and a Masters in Social Work. She lives in Connecticut with her family and a menagerie of pets, and enjoys hiking, meditating, and star-gazing. Her previously published works include contributing to a nonfiction yoga book, wellness magazines, and her published science fiction novella, Silence of the Song Trees.

 Website: www.branwenoshea.com

Twitter: www.twitter.com/branwenoshea

Instagram: www.instagram.com/branwenoshea

Facebook: www.facebook.com/branwenoshea

Order Link: https://www.amazon.com/dp/1735915998

Christmas at the coast

Since long we won't be spending the Christmas holidays anywhere abroad. Last winter we were in Egypt, the one before in Mexico and the years before in Hungary, Denmark and Great-Britain. Now we're following the advice not to travel (won't do this before I get vaccinated) and have just taken the train to Knokke-Heist.

A stay at the coast is always something of a holiday. You have the fresh sea air, walks on the beach or in the dunes, cycling through the hinterland. The only negative is that restaurants and cafés are still closed. So you can't venture too far away in case you need the toilet... for which the only place is home.

I suppose it will be pretty busy here anyways. Lots of second-home owners will arrive this evening or tomorrow and when the weather is nice, lots of day tourists as well. Knokke-Heist has the most second homes of the whole Belgian coast. You could say we make their living and pay their taxes - inhabitants of Knokke-Heist don't have to pay city tax because the income of the tax on second homes is high enough (goes into the millions).

My sister is still at work. She had two online meetings today, one in the morning and one in the afternoon. That last one should be finished by 3.30 pm so with a bit of luck she can get the 16.02 train to Ghent and from there the 17.02 to Knokke.

For both Christmas Eve and New Year's Eve we've ordered take-away dinners. It's nice not having to cook on these occasions. We'll celebrate just the two of us, and although we're sisters we never hug or kiss, so that makes us less vulnerable of catching corona.

Hopefully the weather is somewhat nice the coming week and the next one. When it's dry you can go outside for a walk or a ride. Otherwise we have to keep busy by making some new furniture (Chris wants to redo a little sideboard because she's not happy with the present one). 

Happy holidays!

Secret Angel

 Today we welcome Cherry Christensen. Cherry is doing a virtual book blast tour for Secret Angel,  a Christian Holiday Romance available now. The Book Blast Tour will take place December 14 - 18, 2020. 

Cherry Christensen will be awarding a $10 Amazon or B/N GC 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/28e4345f3571/

Blurb

Doctoral student Hannah Wagganer has big dreams of leaving her hometown of Glen Arbor behind to teach at a large university. That is, until Jasper Morgan, the new mail carrier, arrives in town. Not only does he send Hannah’s heart racing, but he creates an instant bond with her cat, Jingles.

 

While Hannah is busy preparing for the church’s candlelight Christmas Eve service and running the family store, she keeps bumping into Jasper—right in front of the prying eyes of the locals, who suspect there’s more going on than business as usual.

But then, a series of unexpected blessings occurs that changes the town’s focus: first, an anonymous donor pays to have the church furnace repaired, and then other locals suddenly find solutions to their problems. Is it coincidental, or the work of a secret angel?

Excerpt

“I’m not sure about this color,” Naomi, the preacher’s wife, informed Hannah. “I look like a wad of pink chewing gum.”

“No you don’t.” Hannah tied a brown snowflake scarf around the woman’s neck. The color brought out the richness of her dark eyes. “Lovely.” Heavy footsteps sounded on the wooden floor behind them. Turning, she spotted Jasper coming their way. “I’ll be right with you.”

“Take your time,” he said.

“Hmmm. I was wondering if you’d run into him yet,” Naomi said, backing into the changing area. “I’ll take the sweater and the scarf,” she announced.

“Pastor Amos will do a double take when he sees you at the candlelight Christmas Eve service.” She laughed, envisioning the older man letting out a low whistle for his wife. Married forty years, they still managed to maintain an endearing fondness for each other.

“Speaking of the service, you’re planning to help us decorate the church, right?”

“I wouldn’t miss it,” Hannah said, strolling over to a small table where Jasper was thumbing through a stack of woolen socks. “See anything you like?”

He lifted his gaze. “As a matter of fact, I do.”

Hannah’s chest tightened while he held her stare. Swallowing hard, she noticed how his eyes sparkled like water when the sun danced across the waves. And how the color of his skin resembled the sand dunes.

Author bio and links

Cherry resides in the Mitten State with her husband of 19 years and a tabby cat named Caden. A true Michigander, she points at the palm of her right hand when telling people where she lives, drinks Vernors ginger ale when she’s under the weather, wears shorts and a sweatshirt at the same time, and measures distance in minutes, not miles. She also cheers for her favorite football team, the Michigan Wolverines. Go Blue!

A confirmed night owl, Cherry wholeheartedly agrees with whoever said, “I could be a morning person, if morning happened around noon.” It’s no surprise then she prefers to write in the evening. She’s a bit of a pantser writer, meaning she dreams up stories without using an outline, so every day is an exciting adventure as she waits to see where the characters lead her next!

A lifelong avid reader, Cherry turned to writing as a creative outlet. Drawing partly from her own experiences, and partly from her wild imagination, she weaves romantic tales with a smidgen of religion and a hint of mystery. Cherry’s first novel, The Fearful Heart, debuted in 2014, and she has never looked back. She continues to grow as an author, learning more about the writing craft with each book.

 

Social Media: 

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Cherry-Christensen-Author-1427146804175227

BookBub: https://www.bookbub.com/profile/cherry-christensen

Goodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/9872402.Cherry_Christensen

Pinterest: https://www.pinterest.com/cfyfechristense/_saved/

Buy Link:

Amazon US: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B081JCH37D 

Note: Secret Angel is regularly priced at $0.99. It’s the first book in my Secret Series.

 

Why Christmas songs are so popular now

 Much earlier than ever, you hear Christmas songs on the radio. The previous weekend, they only played songs that remind us of Christmas.

Why? Well, I don't know about you, but hearing those songs always puts me in a good mood. I guess it's the same for lots of other people. And good cheer is what we need in these dire times, filled with corona news.

A bit of warmth, hope and well-being can do a lot of good. Take myself as example. I really can't complain - I do have cancer, but I'm feeling fine and don't suffer any other health issues. I haven't caught corona up to now. I have a financial situation that is stable (not rich, not poor) and allows me to live as I want. But what pains me is I can't travel. And I'm not much used to this. Normally my sister and I travel often in a year. Practically each school holiday and often some long weekend. Now we have to stay at home and can only go to our flat at the coast. It begins to weigh on my mood, as I think the prospects for 2021 aren't any better. 

But my mood definitely increased the last week. It's cosy in the house, with all the Christmas decorations put up and the lights in the tree. And then hearing and singing along with all these Christmas songs... I'm looking forward to Christmas and New Year's Eve, even when it's only with my sister and we have to get take-away food.

What's your favorite Christmas song? Mine is 'Lonely this Christmas' from Mud. Chris and I were big fans of this pop group in their time!

 

The Secret Life of Miss Anna Marsh

 Today we welcome author Ella Quinn. She is doing a virtual book blast tour for The Secret Life of Miss Anna Marsh, a historical romance available as of December 1st from Zebra. This book blast tour will take place from December 7th until December 11th.

Ella will be rewarding a $25 Amazon/BN GC 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/28e4345f3600/

Blurb

Now available in print for the first time, USA Today bestselling author Ella Quinn's second installment in The Marriage Game series is a witty, romantic historical tale about a young lady who must choose between her head and her heart...

Since she was a young girl, Anna Marsh has dreamed of Sebastian, Baron Rutherford asking for her hand in marriage. But that was in another life when her brother Harry was alive, before she vowed to secretly continue the work he valiantly died for. Now as Sebastian finally courts Anna, she must thwart his advances. Were he to discover her secret, he would never deem her a suitable wife...

Sebastian has always known Anna would become his wife someday. He expects few obstacles, but when she dissuades him at every turn he soon realizes there is much more to this intriguing woman. Somehow he must prove to her that they are meant to be together. But first he must unravel the seductive mystery that is Miss Anna Marsh...

Excerpt

Rutherford regarded the large, buff, fair-haired gentleman with a sapient eye. “What is it you need me to do?”

“We think we’ve a bit of a problem in your area of Kent.” Jamison glanced through some documents on his desk. “All along the coast actually. You’re not the only one we’re calling in.” His bushy brows drew together. “We’ve heard rumors out of France that some of Napoleon’s former officers might take up his cause. I’ve no doubt they’ll be trying to run information through the smuggling gangs. That’s where you come in.” Jamison put his elbows on his desk and leaned forward. “Harry Marsh used to keep track of the smugglers in your area. You’ll have to do it now.”

Rutherford frowned. “I thought they’d disbanded. That was the reason Harry could leave to work elsewhere.”

Jamison shook his large head. “No, my boy. Harry had got someone else to take them over. Never told us who it was. All he said was the man was responsible and would have good control over them. After all, it was only to have been for a few months.”

Rutherford leaned back in his chair and blew out a breath. “I wonder who? I’ll have to scout around and try to find out who the smugglers’ head man is. Harry always took the lead with them. I went a few times, but I’m not even sure they’d remember me.” Rutherford sat up and scowled. “I wish to hell he’d stayed and not gone over to France.”

The only good thing to come of this was that he would be able to escort Anna home after the wedding ceremony. He wondered how she’d take that bit of news and decided not to tell her until they were already at Marcus’s family’s estate.

Author bio and links

USA Today bestselling author Ella Quinn's studies and other jobs have always been on the serious side. Reading historical romances, especially Regencies, was her escape. Eventually her love of historical novels led her to start writing them.

 

She is married to her wonderful husband of over thirty years. They have a son and two beautiful granddaughters, and a Great Dane. After living in the South Pacific, Central America, North Africa, England and Europe, she and her husband decided to make their dreams come true and are now living on a sailboat. After cruising the Caribbean and North America, she completed a transatlantic crossing from St. Martin to Southern Europe. She's currently living in Germany, happily writing while her husband is back at work, recovering from retirement

Ella loves when readers connect with her.

Author Contact and Social Media:

 

Website:  https://www.ellaquinnauthor.com

Facebook:  https://www.facebook.com/EllaQuinnAuthor

Twitter:  https://twitter.com/ellaquinnauthor

Goodreads:  https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/7044274.Ella_Quinn

Bookbub:  https://www.bookbub.com/authors/ella-quinn

Amazon:  https://www.amazon.com/Ella-Quinn/e/B00CAE0FSQ

Buy Links for the Mass Market Paperback:

Kensington:  https://www.kensingtonbooks.com/9781420147292/the-secret-life-of-miss-anna-marsh/

Amazon:   https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/1420147293/

Barnes&Noble:  https://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/secret-life-of-miss-anna-marsh-ella-quinn/1115458071?ean=9781420147292

BAM:  https://www.booksamillion.com/search?query=9781420147292&where=All

Indiebound:  https://www.indiebound.org/book/9781420147292

Target:  https://www.target.com/s?searchTerm=9781420147292 

Walmart:  https://www.walmart.com/search/search-ng.do?search_query=9781420147292&ic=16_0&Find=Find&search_constraint=3920

Christmas Cookies on a Cruise Ship

 Please welcome Parker Fairchild today. Parker is doing a virtual book blast tour for Christmas Cookies on a Cruise Ship, a romance available as of November 17th, 2020 from 5 Prince Publishing. This book blast tour will run from December 7th until December 11th.

Parker Fairchild will be awarding a $25 Amazon or B/N GC 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/28e4345f3590/

Blurb

On a Caribbean cruise, a platter full of cookies, and a shot of Christmas magic yields a perfect pairing.

Chemist and budding romance writer Olivia Chasen is on a cruise to avoid spending Christmas with her beautiful twin sister and new fiancé—Olivia’s ex. Now, thanks to her lonely, intoxicated ramblings on Santa’s lap, her fellow passengers think she’s in love with a fictional character.

 

Former Navy SEAL Commander Jace Morse has dealt with plenty of unusual situations in his career, but he’s never had the honor, the pleasure, or the privilege of being a beautiful and intelligent woman’s fantasy hero come to life. While he hasn’t officially met the sexy chemist, he’s sure eager to explore the chemistry that’s sizzling between them.

 

Bringing the charming SEAL together with the skeptical Olivia is going to take more than just Christmas cookies and a little help from Mrs. Claus; it’s gonna take a heaping dose of Christmas magic.

Excerpt

“Dr. Olivia Chasen,” Santa’s jolly baritone popped her mental fuzzy bubble.

She stopped as she struggled to whirl around. “Me?” She touched her chest with a dramatic flourish she didn’t know she possessed.

A powerful spotlight illuminated her; its heat burned her already flushed face.

She pressed a clammy palm to her chest. “How do you know my name?” The haze in her mind was paralyzing all cognitive function.

“My dear girl,” Santa chuckled, “you should know by now that Santa knows everything and everyone,” he tapped an index finger to his temple.

Santa Claus turned to address the waiting line. “Girls, Boys, Moms, Dads, everyone, if you don't mind waiting for a brief moment, I'd like for Olivia,” he pointed a white gloved finger at her, “to please come up here on stage, and tell me what she wants for Christmas.”

She stood dumbfounded as the audience and the people in line clapped and chanted her name, “Olivia! Olivia! Olivia!”

Oh no! What was she going to do? She couldn’t possibly go up onto that stage. She was far too shy to address a theater full of people.

But if she didn’t go that would be so unexciting and so like the old Olivia.

But she wasn't unexciting! She was the new Olivia, and she was exciting! And she wanted to have fun! Correction: She was determined to have fun. Besides, she’d never see these people—her fellow passengers—ever again.

Author bio and links

Parker Fairchild is a social media copywriter, a freelance writer with multiple writing credits, and a model. Recently, she finished writing a client's memoirs, which will be published in the next few months. 

A Virginia native, she and her husband have their own shipboard romance as they met on a cruise ship tender in Maui, and as her mom is fond of saying, "they haven't stopped talking since." When she's not busy playing with words, she loves spending time with her husband and family in Arizona where she now resides.

 

Links:

www.5princebooks.com/parkerfairchil

www.parkerfairchild.co 

parker@parkerfairchild.com

https://www.facebook.com/ParkerFairchildAuthor

https://twitter.com/ParkerFairchild

https://www.instagram.com/parker.fairchild/

https://www.pinterest.com/parker_fairchild/_saved/

https://www.linkedin.com/company/69048882

https://www.goodreads.com/user/show/120400979-parker-fairchild

http://amazon.com/Christmas-Cookies-Cruise-Perfect-Pairing-ebook/dp/B08N8P1G1P/ref=sr_1_1

 

Vaccinations start in January

 At last some good news: our country will start vaccinations as of January 5th! This will be with the vaccin of Pfizer/BioNTech, which already has asked for approval by EMA. Shortly after that Moderna will follow. They expect to have approval by mid January.

Today, the government will decide how the vaccinations will take place and who will be first. Probably they'll give preference to the ones living in care homes and those caring for them, then the personel of hospitals and such, then people over 65, then people between 45 and 65 with health problems, then all members of the police, firebrigades and education, and then at last the rest of the population. 

I guess it will depend on the time schedule in which group I'll be. I'll be 65 in May, but I'm a cancer patient and also have diabetes. Hopefully I can be vaccinated before summer. Our prime minister claims that half of the Belgians will be vaccinated by summer. Just cross our fingers!!!!