Thursday, September 26, 2013

A Few Lines from...The Bookstore Lady

Looking for a fun read? Check out A Few Lines from The Bookstore Lady...
 
 
When the hunched over, balding pharmacist next door called out, “Good morning, Katie,” her hand flinched and her heart raced. It took her nearly a full minute to remember she’d been Katie Mullins for two months and she’d better answer before he got offended.

“Hi.” She nodded.

The drugstore opened at eight every morning and it was now quarter to ten. Must have been a slow morning if he had time to stand in the doorway with a large cup of coffee rather than hanging out behind the back counter. “You’d best convince Ray to get some air-conditioning for that store before your new books curl up and warp. It’s beyond me how he’s never lost half his books every summer.”

“Dust absorbs the humidity.” She smiled wryly. “I don’t think we can afford air-conditioning this year.”

“I know a guy who’ll give you a quote. He’s not bad looking once you get past the bug eyes and scars. I can call him, if you’d like.”

“Maybe some other time.” Like when hell froze over.

He waved and went back into the drugstore.

Katie drew in a deep breath. The air was fresh from last night’s rain and the hint of a breeze mussed her hair. In two months, the only thing to find her was the sunshine and a case of withdrawals that made renovations hell. Nate, bless his heart, had had more compassion while she fought “the flu” than any man she’d ever met.

She blew a strand of stray copper hair out of her mouth and jiggled the door lock. Another thing that needed to be fixed before winter. She should have done it during renovations, but it hadn’t seemed as important as books and workmen. Luckily, Nate worked cheap and she hadn’t had to dig into the money from Dunnsforth. The money was tucked up in a box in the backroom, fastened with half a roll of duct tape. She’d ask him to fix the lock when he delivered her order later.

The door opened with a groan. “It’s about time.”

Want to read more? Order The Bookstore Lady (published by Books We Love) available at:
http://www.amazon.com/The-Bookstore-Lady-ebook/dp/B00DWKNGPQ/


 

Saturday, September 21, 2013

Robin's Round Robin Blog Sept 21, 2013


Welcome to another episode of Robin's Round Robin Blog our topic for today is:

As odd as it seems September, because of first day of school, university, etc. so the topic this month is beginnings, which can be exciting, terrifying and all together nerve wracking all at the same time. Some beginnings expand beyond your wildest imagination, others are disappointing, and some are downright disastrous.
 

 I have always loved September. Back to school, believe it or not, was my favourite time of year. New clothes, new school supplies, the smell of leaves turning gold and red, a slight chill in the air...those are still the things I love about it the most. September was also the start of my independence as a young adult moving 7 hours away from home to attend University. In fact, every September is when I make my "New Year's Resolutions" for the following year.

This year, September marks my oldest son's journey to his own independence. He has moved 4 hours away from home with a cell phone to keep in touch, which is one thing I certainly never had. He's learning to take the bus around his new city, do his own laundry and shop for his own groceries. While it's sad to see him "leave the nest" and grow up, it's exciting to see him take on life on his own terms. Some of the things we've instilled in him will follow him through life. Other ideas and concepts, he'll change and make his own.

As my kids grow up and tackle their own beginnings, I take on a few of my own. My first novel came out over the summer so I am learning how to market and promote my work and myself. I graded for my green belt in karate at the beginning of September, a huge step for me. Karate has always been something my husband and kids did, I washed gis, drove the kids to lessons and sat watching. Now I'm a karate-ka, a karate student, and will attend my first camp on my son's campus in October.

Being a writer, my creative time becomes scarce over the summer while the kids are home. In September is when I can begin creating anew. Sit and organize and plan and tidy up the summer sand from my workspace. New paper, new pens, new folders, new perspective.

September is when I begin anew.

Sip your coffee, sit back and click on the links to see what author Beverly Bateman http://beverleybateman.blogspot.ca thinks about September!

 


 

Sunday, September 8, 2013

Blog Tour

Since the release of The Bookstore Lady back in July, I've had to be creative about promoting my book. One of the fun ways to do this is through a blog tour. My upcoming appearances:
 
September 16: I visit Lorrie Striuff at:  http://lorriejuly.blogspot.ca/p/pick-your-date.html
 
September 21: I am part of the Round Robin Blog here at my own site with links to many others! This is a blog tour hosted by Robin Courtright: http://www.rhobinleecourtright.com
 
September 27: Read A Few Lines From... at Books We Love: http://bwlpp.blogspot.ca/
 
October 13:  I'll visit Pat Gligor at http://pat-writersforum.blogspot.ca/


Keep an eye on my fanpage on Facebook for upcoming news!
 https://www.facebook.com/pages/Diane-Bator-Author/263599617046736?ref=hl
 
 

 

 

Book Review: Rachel Brimble's A Man Like Him


 
 
 
 
 
 
 
  I will be the first to admit I don't normally read romance novels, but I had two reasons for reading Rachel Brimble's A Man Like Him. Number one, I've heard about her and her writing through the grapevine. Number two, while she lives "across the pond", her book kept appearing on bookshelves everywhere I turned since we both have the same agent!
And, I have to admit, I was also a bit curious about the cover blurb about having flash flood in a park and the need for a hero.
Rachel did not disappoint! From page one I was caught up in both Chris and Angela's lives--as well as his sister Cat's!--and followed them through twists and turns to a climax that kept me turning page after page late at night until done! She has a wonderful way of setting a scene and her writing is so full of vivid descriptions that keep the story moving well. 
A Man Like Him is a great read for the adventure, the romance and for the suspense of it!
And now for a little sample:
 
Changing her life…again
After two years in hiding, Angela Taylor knows her independence is worth it. As long as she can escape her past, she has everything under control. Until a flash flood hits the park where she works, and hot Chris Forrester shows up the exact moment she needs a hero.
Chris proves he can save lives—and weaken a girl's knees. But how can she make him understand that she's off-limits, that getting close to her will endanger his life? Her happiness or his safety: it shouldn't even be a choice. Because when you love someone, you protect them, no matter the cost. At least, that's what Angela keeps telling herself….
 
Like what you read? Order A Man Like Him at:
 

Friday, September 6, 2013

Expect the UnExpected Connie Vines


Been a busy few weeks getting Thing 1 off to University and dealing with a few other issues! Not quite back on top of things, but I'm getting there!
In the meantime, I'm welcoming the lovely Connie Vines to my blog today to promote her new novel Brede.
Here's A Few Lines from Connie Vines:



Brede swallowed, trying to ignore the thick, tight feeling wedged in his throat.  He didn't welcome the onslaught of emotion that filled his chest and caused him to stroke her jaw with an unsteady finger tip.  He reminded himself that he didn't need to be involved in her problems; he had enough of his own.  As soon as the roads were passable, he'd get her to a doctor and the police could take care of the rest.
     Still, no matter how hard he tried to remove himself from the situation, he kept remembering how fragile she'd seemed in his arms.  he felt as if he'd carried a sparrow, all feathers and tiny bones, out of the gully.

Connie Vines
Expect the UnExpected!
Stop back next week for a few lines from Joan Hall Hovey.


 

Monday, September 2, 2013

 
It's been a bit of a crazy weekend. We took Thing 1, aka our oldest son, off to University.
 
Up until Friday, I was scurrying around getting things packed, making sure he has what he needed, working, and writing. Then came the trip home yesterday. Long and quiet. Exhaustion had taken over. In need of a distraction, I read all the way home, Rachel Brimble's A Man Like Him. (Review to come soon!)
 
Today I'm cleaning and getting the other kids ready for school. Trying to not be a smothering mom to my 18 year old who just wants to be left alone to check out his new world. At least he has a roommate who is also athletic and has a great sense of humour. They should get along well! Like every mom, I just want to know he's eating well and happy.
 
Thing 2 brought along the manuscript of Four Possessions to read on the road trip. According to him, it's one of the best he's ever read and I'd better get it edited and printed soon. Love having such encouraging fans. At least with everyone back to school soon, I will have the time to sit and finish edits and all the accessories I have to send to my agent.
 
Sorry, a bit of rambling today. Just trying to get my head and everything else in order. A bit of clean up before I get down to work tomorrow. Speaking of which, time to change loads of laundry. The once constant in life.
 
Happy Labour Day weekend!
 

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