Good Books Aplenty!

Does anyone else have a to-be-read pile a mile high? I love, love, love books-romance, fantasy, Sci-fi, romance, YA, romance-I just love good books! And did I mention I love romance? I've decided I can't buy any more books until I get my stack down. Notice I said 'I've decided.' We'll see how long that little decision sticks:-) So, how many books are in your to-be-read pile? Leave a comment along with your email address and receive a free copy of my newest romance novelette, Sweet 21 Birthday Ball!

About the book
When Italian pastry chef, Marcello Giannini took the train to visit his parents, he could never have guess how much this one trip would change the course of his life.

Dominique Jensen has only loved one man her entire life, and she has been unable to open her heart to another. Discouraged, she wonders if the dreams and wishes she has fostered for so long will ever come true.

But how long is too long to wait for love?

Suggested Reading
Book Secrets After Dark
Author: Marie Higgins

About the book
Will Hannah be Thornton Manor's latest victim? Residing at Thornton Manor under the premise of courting Jonathan Thornton, Hannah Forester intends to find out who murdered her father - and why. After all, Jonathan's brother Morgan was the last person to visit Peter Forester before his demise. But upon her arrival at Thoronton Manor, Hannah is informed that Morgan perished the previous year in a house fire. She soon learns the manor is full of secrets: a ghost haunting the East Wing, a white wolf that roams the grounds by night, and the story of a curse-protected treasure on the neighboring island. Most disturbingly, Hannah discovers that numerous young women have visited the manor only to vanish without a trace. When a hooded, deep-voiced man visits Hannah's bedroom late at night, warning her to leave the manor for her own safety, she realizes he must be Morgan Thornton. But why does he hide in the East Wing, and why does his family insist he is but a ghost? As Hannah falls in love with the handsome older brother, she must continue to court Jonathan in order to remain at the estate. Can she convince Morgan where her true loyalties lie? And will she uncover the Thorntons' secrets quickly enough to solve her father's murder before she loses her own life?

Can I say I just love this book? Not only is it an awesome romance, it's a great mystery. From the moment Hannah entered the mansion, I felt this spine-tingling excitement because I knew her anguished and misunderstood true love was there just waiting for her. And oh, the lies and secrets that come to light! When Hannah is instructed not to enter the East Wing it made me think Beauty and the Beast and I was afraid for her. But she is made of some pretty strong stuff. And you gotta just love a woman that can desperately love one man, yet be good enough to deceive another. If you love a good romantic mystery, you will love Secrets After Dark. I'm Team Morgan all the way!

Positivity Is Power

Thought for Today

"The difference between can and cannot are only three letters. Three letters that determine your life's direction."
Remez Sasson
Yoda couldn't have said it any better:-)
When it comes to setting goals and reaching for our dreams, the sky's the limit! So, in which direction are you heading? It's something to think about.

The Jewel's World of Romance Podcast Series is officially up and running! To give broadcast one a listen, click on the link below.
Podcast Episode 1

Suggested Reading

Book: The Bridge-A Spirit's Journey Beyond the Veil
Author: Stacy Averett

About the Book
After chasing butterflies and a myriad of other creatures on their small Fallon Nevada farm, Lilly Stone found her mother s philosophy of reincarnation more frustrating then comforting as she searched for her beloved grandfather s new life form. Just when Lilly is about to give in to the loss of her grandfather, a local LDS boy (Cody James) unexpectedly steps into Lilly s life bringing with him an enduring friendship as well as hope in the miraculous possibilities of life beyond death.

However, as Lilly grows into a young woman, death once again visits the Stone s home challenging not only Lilly, but both the Stone and James families. As the two families struggle with conflict between their past beliefs and their present fears, they must lean on one another for strength and courage. Can Lilly and Cody find a way to cope with the dark chasm that lies between hope and doubt? Will their friendship and faith see them through? Will the love of their two families be able to build the necessary bridge that will ultimately span the gulf that has abruptly separated them? The Bridge is a poignant tale that is sure to inspire and comfort the human heart by reminding it of the miracles that accompany life and death and at the same time reassuring it of the unconquerable power of Love, Faith and Family.

This was a very thought-provoking story from a talented author. The story's view of the afterlife is very original and uplifting, and the book will touch your heart regardless of your religion or beliefs. The Bridge-A Spirit's Journey Beyond the Veil is available on Amazon.com

A New Year, and Lots of Fun Suprises In Store For Fans!

Thought for Today
"I have learned that success is to be measured not so much by the position one has reached in life as by the obstacles which one has overcome while trying to succeed." Booker T Washington


Thanks to all of my amazing fans, last year was a banner one in the writing department. The creative juices flowed and I released quite a few stories. This year will be even better!
I appreciate all of the support I've received from my readers. As I have said many times, you inspire me, and you're the reason I keep writing. Thanks so much for your emails sharing your thoughts and feelings about my books. I appreciate them more than I can express, and I am touched and amazed each time I read about the way the stories have affected you and how you've connected with the characters in some way. I hope and pray I can continue to write the stories you enjoy.

Now, on to the fun things I have planned for the year.
First, starting this weekend, I will be featuring podcasts where I will be talking about writing, reading excerpts from my books and briefly discussing them. I will feature the books of other authors as well. This is something I've wanted to do for a while and this is the year I will finally make it happen. Each podcast link will be listed on the blog sidebar so you can come back and listen whenever you choose.

Second, I will be releasing the final short story in the Passionate Hearts Novelette series, then releasing a the paperback of the entire collection. That way you'll have all of the emotion-driven mini romances in in one volume! How fun is that?
I will also be releasing more Legacy novelettes, as well as another Against the Odds novelette, and who knows how many more little trinkets I'll have in store for you guys?

We're going to have more contests and giveaways, and as always, I will include positive thoughts for the day.
So, to kick things into gear, tell me one of your goals for the new year. Leave a comment along with your email address and I'll send you a free ecopy of The Sound of Love, the newest short story in the Passionate Hearts Novelette series.

Happy New Year!