For Christmas

 

What should Julia do when she catches her fiancé

cheating on her a week before their fabulous Christmas wedding? 

http://tinyurl.com/n9x4kqz

Of course, she calls off the wedding.
Tony is a dedicated psychiatrist. He is covering for a short while in his mother's travel agency when a desperate Julia comes in. Tony is there to pick up the pieces. Sparks fly between them and he is willing to put his life on hold to accompany her on the cruise that should have been her honeymoon. Nothing goes according to plan, but Tony believes the magic of Christmas will bring them together. 

A 5-star review by Seniorcitizen

Format:Kindle Edition

"A roller coaster of emotions we can all relate to. Add fabulous cruise ship, beautiful scenery, landmark locales and a budding romance, all during Christmastime, you cannot possibly go wrong. Julia and Tony forever. One terrific read again from Mona Risk."

Other books by Mona Risk:

http://tinyurl.com/ndvgf9d
 

HOLIDAY BABIES SERIES: A box set of three bestselling books at Amazon.com

CHRISTMAS BABIES: It takes a health crisis and two adorable orphaned babies to bring Dr. Madelyn Ramsay to her senses and force her to look life and love in the face.
VALENTINE BABIES: Can he love a woman expecting another man's baby?
MOTHER'S DAY BABIES: Can a woman from Kentucky teach an 'old dog' new tricks, even if he's a CEO?

DOCTOR'S ORDERS BOX SET: A box set of three bestselling books at Amazon.com

http://tinyurl.com/oaly3fu
 

BABIES in the BARGAIN: "ER" and "Grey's Anatomy" in the NICU.
RIGHT NAME, WRONG MAN: What's a girl to do when she whispers another man's name in her fiancé's arms?
NO MORE LIES: A lie that brings a smile or a truth drawing tears?

Boxed Set of Bestsellers

At Amazon.com

A boxed set of three Amazon bestseller contemporary romance novels, with medical theme, sizzling passion, emotion and humor.

At 99cents for a few more days.

BEST ROMANCE NOVEL at Preditors & Editors Readers Poll 2009.
2009 BEST CONTEMPORARY ROMANCE NOVEL at Readers Favorite

2011 EPPIE Award Finalist.
2010 BEST CONTEMPORARY ROMANCE NOVEL at Readers Favorite

 

BABIES in the BARGAIN: Problems separated them seven years ago. Can an orphan baby bring them back together? "ER" and "Grey's Anatomy" in the NICU.

RIGHT NAME, WRONG MAN: What's a girl to do when she whispers another man's name in her fiancé's arms? A comedy novel set in France.

NO MORE LIES: A lie that brings a smile or a truth drawing tears? Secrets and second chances with humor.

 

I miss my blog

I have been so busy during the past few months, I've seriously neglected my blog.

My reason: I wrote six new novels between November 2011 and March 2013, and I published them plus two others.

So I hope you'll forgive me and come back to my blog as I plan to dedicate more time to my favorite meeting place.

Here is my most recent banner.


The eight romance novels I published between November 2011 and March 2013.

FREE on Amazon.com

VALENTINE BABIES will be offered FREE on January 25 and 26, 2013.
Hurry and download your FREE Kindle copy at Amazon
http://tinyurl.com/avb2kbu

Four five-star reviews:
"This was a wonderful read, full of romance, danger and tender moments that
brought a tear to my eye."~ Loves Reading
"This is a great sweet and romantic read just in time for Valentines Day."~Snowdog
"Nobody writes a more tender love story than Mona Risk." Mary. R
"An emotional journey with characters you will grow attached to and cheer for."~ S. Hughes

VALENTINE BABIES is a heartwarming story that will take you from the heart of Kentucky to South Florida and Atlanta, and then to Iraq and Germany.

Fearless reporter, Roxanne Ramsay, doesn’t think twice before traveling for important assignments, even in a war zone—until her last trip leads her to a life-altering mistake.

At his best friends’ wedding, Dr. Greg Hayes, who has a serious phobia of planes, can’t take his eyes off the lovely maid of honor. But why is Roxanne blinking away tears? Getting involved with the strong-headed and too generous reporter involves more complications than the bright doctor had ever faced in the OR. Yet what wouldn’t he do to save the love of his life and her baby?

I was tagged by a special author and friend, Joan Leacott, author of ABOVE SCANDAL and here I am answering a few questions.

What is the title of your book?
CHRISTMAS BABIES, very appropriate for the Christmas season.

Where did the idea come from for the book?The story takes place in Florida where I live. While living in northern states, I have often wondered how people celebrate Christmas on the beach. Now I know and I love it. Like my daughter, the heroine is a pediatrician and neonatologist. But what if this heroine who deals with tiny patients all day long can’t have children of her own?

What genre does your book fall under?
Contemporary romance, with some medical scenes, although most of the story takes place out of the hospital or on the beach at Christmas time.

Which actors would you choose to play your characters in a movie rendition?
I love Kate Hudson. She’s sassy and confident. She can handle the role of Dr. Madelyn Ramsay. I can picture Matthew McConaughey in the role of Dr. Nick Preston.

What is the one-sentence synopsis of your book?
The best synopsis was given by my friend Mary Ricksen:
Would that we all realize about love without needing a health scare to convince us.

Where (or when) can we get your book?

CHRISTMAS BABIES is available at Amazon for 99cents. It’s a bestseller with a rank #180 in kindle store and #41 in Contemporary romance. Link to order: http://tinyurl.com/burgd9j

How long did it take you to write the first draft of your manuscript?
My manuscript is 36,000 wc. I wrote it in four weeks while ina cruise in the Middle East and India. I was relaxed. The words flew off my fingers.

What other books would you compare this story to within your genre?
This is my first Christmas story. I wrote several medical romances in the same genre. BABIES IN THE BARGAIN, NO MORE LIES, and RIGHT NAME,WRONG MAN.

What else about your book might pique the reader’s interest? The story involves an interesting look at foster care and adoption. Believe me, I did some intense research about these subjects. Stay tuned for VALENTINE BABIES, the next book in the Holidays Babies Series.

Blurb: A heartwarming holiday story set in South Florida.

Dedicated to her patients, the serious Dr. Madelyn Ramsay never had time for fun. An unexpected health problem jolts her into the realization that there’s more to life than just work. She longs to surrender to the magic of Christmas.

But can she handle the charming and secretive Dr. Nick Preston who carries his own package of disillusions? Can she allow two newborn twins to worm their way into her heart?

***The next stop on The next Big Thing (Monday January 16) will be with the talented

Susan R. Hughes, Romance author - Sweet with a touch of heat

www.susanrhughes.weebly.com

I was tagged by the fabulous Beth Trissel, author of SOMEWHERE MY LOVE, and here I am answering a few questions.

What is the title of your book?
CHRISTMAS BABIES, very appropriate for the Christmas season.

Where did the idea come from for the book?The story takes place in Florida where I live. While living in northern states, I have often wondered how people celebrate Christmas on the beach. Now I know and I love it. Like my daughter, the heroine is a pediatrician and neonatologist. But what if this heroine who deals with tiny patients all day long can’t have children of her own?

What genre does your book fall under?
Contemporary romance, with some medical scenes, although most of the story takes place out of the hospital or on the beach at Christmas time.

Which actors would you choose to play your characters in a movie rendition?
I love Kate Hudson. She’s sassy and confident. She can handle the role of Dr. Madelyn Ramsay. I can picture Matthew McConaughey in the role of Dr. Nick Preston.

What is the one-sentence synopsis of your book?
The best synopsis was given by my friend Mary Ricksen:
Would that we all realize about love without needing a health scare to convince us.

Where (or when) can we get your book?

CHRISTMAS BABIES is available at Amazon for 99cents. It’s a bestseller with a rank #180 in kindle store and #41 in Contemporary romance. Link to order: http://tinyurl.com/burgd9j

How long did it take you to write the first draft of your manuscript?
My manuscript is 36,000 wc. I wrote it in four weeks while in a cruise in the Middle East and India. I was relaxed. The words flew off my fingers.

What other books would you compare this story to within your genre?
This is my first Christmas story. I wrote several medical romances in the same genre. BABIESIN THE BARGAIN, NO MORE LIES, and RIGHT NAME,WRONG MAN.

What else about your book might pique the reader’s interest? The story involves an interesting look at foster care and adoption. Believe me, I did some intense research about these subjects.

Blurb: A heartwarming holiday story set in South Florida.

Dedicated to her patients, the serious Dr. Madelyn Ramsay never had time for fun. An unexpected health problem jolts her into the realization that there’s more to life than just work. She longs to surrender to the magic of Christmas.

But can she handle the charming and secretive Dr. Nick Preston who carries his own package of disillusions? Can she allow two newborn twins to worm their way into her heart?

***The next stop on The next Big Thing (Monday the 31st) will be with the talented Celia Yeary, either at her blog: http://celiayeary.blogspot.com/

Christmas Babies

CHRISTMAS BABIES available in Kindle format at Amazon.

FREE TODAY AND TOMORROW.

http://tinyurl.com/burgd9j
A heartwarming holiday story, set in South Florida.


Dedicated to her patients, the serious Dr. Madelyn Ramsay never had time for fun. An unexpected health problem jolts her into the realization that there’s more to life than just work. She longs to surrender to the magic of Christmas.

What would be the best Christmas she could give herself?

A charming doctor to date, like the secretive Nick Preston, who hides his own package of disillusions?

Or a pair of adorable babies, like the newborn twins, Celia and Liana, who’d already wormed their way into her heart?

Treat No Trick

www.booktalk.com/Halloween

what to do:

1) Visit each author's website and collect the Witch's Brew ingredients. Enter the Witch's Brew Drawing (form below) and list each author's featured book (aka "ingredient"). All authors are contributing goodies for the Witch's Brew Basket! Contest ends on Halloween at midnight. Winner will be randomly selected from entries and winner will be notified on Thursday, November lst. Good Luck!!

Visit my Website: Witches Brew ingredient: Find the title of my newest book. http://www.monarisk.com

2) "LIKE" each authors FACEBOOK page to be eligible for "treat" from each author whose page you visit and "Like." Look for the Halloween contest tab to enter. Prize varies from author to author. All contests end on Halloween at midnight, October 31st. Winners will be notified via e-mail on Thursday, November 1st. Happy Halloween!

"Like" my Facebook Page:: "Like" my page between Oct. 28 - 31 to be eligible for a prize. Winner chosen randomly. Winner notified on November 1st by e-mail. http://www.facebook.com/MonaRisk?ref=tn_tnmn

All contests end at midngiht on Halloween, October 31st.

Neighbors and More is a romantic suspense, and the first book of the High Rise Series.

High Rises are like large families where members face love, hate, meddling, and gossiping. When the neighbor who was harassing her is found dead in the Jacuzzi, Alexa is a prime suspect.

Can she count on her dear neighbors,

including the delectable Italian, Dante, for help? With too many skeletons in their closets, would they save her or incriminate her?

First Day: Naples, Italy

Bay of Naples

Following a long tiring plane trip, we arrived in Rome, early morning and rode the bus for an hour and a half straight to the port of Civitavecchia where we boarded our ship. Needless to say I was so exhausted with a swollen ankle from a previous fall two days before the trip that I collapsed on the bed in our cabin and slept a few hours until dinner.



Volcano of Mt. Vesuvius


In the evening the ship sailed to Naples where we arrived the next day.


Castel del Ovo

We had a lovely day in Naples and took an open-top bus to visit this old city. 



The Cathedral




Downtown Naples

 Stay tune for pictures of Santorini, Greece, tomorrow.

Trick-or-Treat Free ParTay!

GOING FREE October 10-11

As part of the FREE Par-Tay

(Previously titled Sailing with You)
            When Greek billionaire Stefano decides to demolish the dilapidated villa inherited from his grandmother, the American co-owner refuses to sell his shares and sends his attorney—and pretty granddaughter—to contest the demolition. To check out the opposition before he faces her at the hearing, Stefano meets her incognito and convinces her to take a sunset ride on his yacht. Sparks fly and passion sizzles during a memorable night.
            In court, Ashley is in for a nasty surprise about her handsome Greek god and Stefano is about to lose the only woman who’s ever touched his heart. Will Stefano be able to convince Ashley he’s not the enemy anymore?

 

 

Trick-or-Treat Free ParTay!  For Two Days Only, Oct. 10^th – 11^th , "Her Greek Romance" will be FREE! If you like "Her Greek Romance" you might also like these other FREE books:

“Voodoo or Die,” A voodoo doll gift turns out to be anything but! By Stephanie Bond.

“Optical Delusions in Deadwood,” Packed full of humor, romance, sex, ghosts, suspense, and mystery! By Ann Charles.

“Light The Hidden Things,” A woman’s love saves a self-destructive PTSD veteran. By Don McQuinn.

“Stolen Secrets,” Danger threatens to tear them apart. By NancyRadke.

“Songs for Perri,” Danger wears a mask, nothing is as it seems. By NancyRadke.

To enter to win a Kindle and $25 worth of Amazon gift cards, simply visit FreePartay.com and sign up for our newsletter!

September Eleven (9-11)

Today is a day of remembrance and prayers. In my family, it is a day to give thanks to God for sparing my uncle and my cousin—his nephew.

On September 11, 2001, my cousin Alex, a twenty-five years old accountant was cursing himself for staying up late the night before, ignoring his alarm while still dozing, and missing his train from Long Island to Manhattan. His Mom had just arrived the night before and the whole family was celebrating her visit with a special dinner.

Alex took the next train and worried during the whole trip about what his boss would say. It was his first job after graduating with an MBA, a nice position as accountant in a firm on the 18th floor of the World Trade Center.

The train stopped for 20 minutes at the previous station and then zoomed without stopping for the next four stations. Alex and the passengers couldn’t understand why. They were told to evacuate the train and walk. While walking toward the World Trade Center, Alex saw the smoke and fumes darkening the sky. People were running in all directions. Someone told him about the attack. He tried to walk away, toward his home. From 9:30 am to 5 pm he roamed in the streets, not knowing how to find transportation and reach home. By 4 pm he finally found someone who agreed to let him use a cellular phone and he called home.

His mother had seen the attack on TV and collapsed thinking her son dead. The whole family gathered around her, supporting and comforting her with words of hope, as she screamed, prayed, cried for hours, until she heard my cousin’s voice on the phone.

That same day, my uncle, a VP in a contracting firm was meeting with important clients in the company’s office on the 80th floor of the World Trade Center. A man in his sixties, he often had health problems.

While driving at 8:30 on the Expressway, he felt sick and had to stop at a fast food restaurant to use the restroom. At 8:45 he called the office, talked to the administrative assistant and to the owner’s son and informed them that he would be fifteen minutes late for the meeting with the clients. A moment later, he raced on the highway. But at 9:15, his wife called him and said to make a U-turn. His office was no more. Later he learned that his boss’s son, a young man in his early thirties, ran down the 80 floors, but their administrative assistant and the old client waited for the elevator and never made it.

Today is a sad day for many. We will never forget 911.

At Story Finds

  http://storyfinds.com/section/author_spotlight
 

AUTHOR SPOTLIGHT

Author Spotlight

Neighbors and More

High Risk Series

Mona Risk

High Rises are like large families where members face love, hate, meddling, and gossiping. When the neighbor who was harassing her is found dead in the Jacuzzi, Alexa is a prime suspect. Can she count on her dear neighbors, including the delectable Italian, Dante, for help? With too many skeletons in their own closets, would they save her or incriminate her?

Excerpt:

Alexa couldn’t tumble into bed with him and later regret her bout of lust for months. But she wanted a night in Dante’s arms. A night of love, not of lust. She’d had her share of lust-without-feelings with her ex.

A banging interrupted her. Dante spun toward the bedroom door. “What’s that?”

She stiffened. “Damn it.”

“Someone’s at your door.”

“I’ll get it and be right back.” She checked herself in the mirror and smoothed her hair. Another knock on the door grated on her nerves.

 “I bet it’s your ex.”

“Probably.” Her recent euphoria died as she remembered the turmoil brewing outside her little haven.

“You should tell him to stop barging in without an invitation.”

Why was Greg here, now? Couldn’t he ever let her enjoy a moment of happiness away from him? She wanted her moment. She wanted Dante. Why was she fighting her desire for the man of her dreams?

A quick look at him had her groaning. All male and handsome, he lusted for her and his scorching gaze promised to take her to heaven and back. “Well, hurry up. It’s not particularly exciting to imagine you with your ex.”

As if to confirm it, another knock pounded loudly. After closing her bedroom door, she rushed toward the living room.

“Coming,” she called between gritted teeth.

I hate you, Greg Partson.

****

Alexa skated to the front door and pulled it open while blocking the doorway.

“What took you so long?” The assessing gleam in Greg’s gray eyes turned suspicious as he peered above her shoulder and scanned the living room.

 

Struggling to control her rising temper, she stabbed him with a stern look. “Why are you here?”

 

“I came to see if you were okay.” His voice oozed with saccharine sweetness. “And tell you—”

 

 “I’m fine.” Damn it, she was fine a few minutes ago, but he’d spoiled her mood at the worst possible moment. She plastered on a perfunctory smile and held herself rooted to block the entrance, her hands gripping the door and its frame. “Get to the point.”

 

“I just came to tell you a detective will meet us at eight in the conference room.”

“I’ll be there.”

“He’ll interview the condo owners who saw the deceased recently.” Greg leaned forward and grabbed her shoulders. “Was Steve Bairey here last night or today?” His breath blasted with alcohol fumes. Alexa almost gagged. She tilted her chin, refusing to lie but hating Greg’s distrust.

Dante was in her bedroom getting impatient. Could she push Greg out? Physically push him out with her fists and all her strength? How had she been able to withstand five long years married to the autocratic sleaze ball? She hissed and tried to bang the door shut, but he blocked it with his foot.

“Alexa, answer me, damn it.” His bellow made her jump. “Did Steve come today?”

“Yes. Yes, he came two hours ago.” Who cares when Dante is here?

“Around two?” he specified after glancing at his watch. “And?”

“I threatened to report him for harassment. But he said he came to say goodbye.” She exhaled her exasperation. Greg focused a stern look on her.

“Did he stay long?” Disapproval underlined his tone.

“For heaven’s sake, why all these questions?” She tapped her foot, ready to kick it into Greg’s leg. Was he dense or what? He arched a suspicious eyebrow. Understanding dawned on her. “Oh my God, you thought I could have done something to ki... kill him? Is that why you’re bombarding me with questions?” Alexa rubbed her neck to soothe the lump in her throat.

“Well, I remembered you saying once you wanted to kill him for stalking you.”

Getting ready for storm and hurricane

Today in South Florida. Stormy but still sunny.
Two days ago, is was raining but the sun managed to shine on and off.

Today, I took the children--my grandchildren are here for two weeks--to the pool. It was a gorgeous day, sunny and warm, but at 11:30 am a black clud appeared on the east over the ocean and rapidly moved inland. We just had enough time to rush out of the pool, shower, dry and collect our things. The rain caught up with us while we were running to the building door. From my apartment we watched the rain pelt the windows and whitecaps burst on the ocean.

The supermarkets are bustling with a crowd eager to stock on water and non-perishable food as the TV announces that tropical storm Isaac is heading toward Fort Lauderdale. No one here can forget Hurricane Wilma and the damage it caused in 2005.

The problem is that I have my grandchildren here and I don't want them exposed to nature fury. I am not sure if we will stay or drive north to escape the storm.
 

LASR 5th Anniversay Bash

The celebration for all groups (romance, erotic romance, YA/Middle Grade, Mystery/Suspense and SFF) will begin August 18th and run through August 26,2012.

In addition to several other prizes (including books, author swag, LASR promo items and various gift certificates), we plan on giving away at least one grand prize of the winner's choice of either a $100 Amazon or BN GC, three first prizes of $50 GCs, a total of three second prizes of $25 Amazon/BN GCs, and numerous $5 gift certificates. Number and amounts of prizes may increase based on participation. We have two different participation options.

Option #1:

We're hosting two two-day blog fests on our guest blogs to kick off and end our anniversary. We did something like this for the Christmas Holiday and it was a HUGE hit with authors AND readers. The participation was amazing. You'll be required to write a blog post of at 250 - 700 words on one of the following topics: vacation, summer, summer reading, back to school, or "what I did during my summer vacation" and submit it within a week of your application.

Prize (for each weekend – for a total of at least two prize packages – prize number may increase based on participation): $50 GC, $25 GC + several small GCs and prizes (including books, publisher GCs and author swag) throughout each day (every comment earns an entry).

Option #2: -- 100 Total spots

We're hosting a week long scavenger hunt between August 20 - 24, 2012. Participants' name and a link to their site will be included on a sponsor page and they will participate in a scavenger hunt which should drive significant traffic to their site.

Prizes: $100 GC, $50 GC, $25 GC + several small GCs and prizes (including books, publisher GCs and author swag) to be determined.

An amazing woman

Everyone knows Mother Theresa and her incredible work with the poorest of the poor in Calcutta, India. Her funeral was broadcasted on TV, a week after Princess Diana’s. But very few people have ever heard of Sister Emmanuelle—or Soeur Emmanuelle as she was called in France and in the MiddleEast where her volunteer work had paralleled the good deeds of Mother Theresa.

I read Sister Emmanuelle’s book recently. A book she wrote at the age of hundred! The title attracted me, I am 100 years old and I would like to tell you... In French: J’ai 100 ans et je voudrais vous dire... It’s a kind of memoir of her last years, the most interesting part of her life.

She was born in Belgium in a wealthy family, but she saw her father drown when she was only six years old. After studying philosophy at the Sorbonne in Paris, she entered the convent and dedicated herself to teaching in the same nuns’ school where I was educated. I never met her but heard about her much later.   

In her book, Soeur Emmanuelle explained how she was asked to retire from her active duty in the convent at the age of 75. Free to do as she pleased with her time, she traveled to Egypt and was appalled and touched by the poverty in certain parts of Cairo, particularly in the area where the trash collectors dwell, sorting through the garbage for something to eat. Horrified by the conditions she had witnessed, she decided to live among them, and remained in Cairo for twenty years. She raised money through various fundraising organizations and helped the trash collectors build a factory to process the waste. She also established schools and daycares in Sudan to educate the girls and prevent their families from giving them in marriage at eleven or twelve.

In addition to her charity work, Soeur Emmanuelle was known for her unorthodox religious views, her approval of using contraceptive and her notion that catholic priests should be allowed to marry. When she reached 95, her convent insisted she retire. The Belgium and French governments publicly honored her. She remained alert, writing nine books and fighting for justice and human dignity, until she died at 100 in her sleep, a few weeks after publishing this last book.

Her philosophy: To do everything with love.

Sailing with You

SAILING WITH YOU

http://tinyurl.com/7xwp8eo

A story full of passion, humor, and emotion, set in the Greek Island of Mykonos.

Offered as a FREE promotion at Amazon for three days.

32 reviews 4.5 stars average.

“This book is full of lovely descriptions of Mykonos that transported me to the island and provided a wonderful backdrop for the romance. ” Loves Romance | 13 reviewers made a similar statement

"I read this book in one afternoon. ” D. Gerber | 7 reviewers made a similar statement

“Torn apart, he hopes Ashley will save the villa, and he secretly hopes she will find love. ” Carolyn Smith | 5 reviewers made a similar statement

 When Greek billionaire Stefano decides to demolish the dilapidated villa inherited from his grandmother, the American co-owner refuses to sell his shares and sends his attorney—and pretty granddaughter—to contest the demolition. To check out the opposition before he faces at the hearing, Stefano meets her incognito and convinces her to take a sunset ride on his yacht. Sparks fly and passion sizzles during a memorable night.

In court, Ashley is in for a nasty surprise about her handsome Greek god and Stefano is about to lose the only woman who’s ever touched his heart. Will Stefano be able to convince Ashley he’s not the enemy anymore?

Show More

Show Less

Reading

My granddaughters are spending their summer vacation with us. That means pool, beach, lunch, pool, beach, dinner, games, TV, and finally sleep. By then I am more tired than they are and probably collapse before them.

Yesterday it rained all day. We drove to the mall and got two Lego games. My girls are incredibly talented at building things and I just sat there and admired. Or cooked while issuing encouragement and applauding the little marvels. By 5pm the sun decided to appear. It didn't take them five minutes to be dressed in bathing suit and ready their bag of towels. We stayed till seven at the pool.

Today is a B-day, means beach day. Of course I can't write and don't even try to edit. But I read a lot while they are busy on their own.

I read Sold on You by Sophia Knightly; Journey of the Heart by Stephanie Burkhart;A Matter of Taste by Carol Devaney; Letting Go by Roxy Boroughs; Golden Lies by Barbara Freethy; Kissing Adrien By Siri Mitchell.Soul and Shadow by Susan McLeod;

And now I am reading Kat and the US Marshal by Celia Yeary. Next on my list The Bachelor's Baby Promise, My Cheeky Angel by Mimi Barbour and A Cowboy's Kiss in Wyoming by E. Ayers.

"A writer never has a vacation. For a writer life consists of either writing or thinking about writing." - Eugene Ionesco I would add: "Or reading".



And here is my tentative book cover for NEIGHBORS or MORE... the first novel of High Rises series. I am still using watermarked pictures as I'm still playing with the cover.

NEVER FORGET

HAPPY FOURTH OF JULY

Celebrate & Remember



USS New YorkUSS New York

It was built with 24 tons of scrap steel from the World Trade Center.

It is the fifth in a new class of warship - designed for missions th at include special operations against terrorists. It will carry a crew of 360 sailors and 700 combat-ready Marines to be delivered ashore by helicopters and assault craft.

Steel from the World Trade Center was melted down in a foundry in Amite , LA to cast the ship's bow section. When it was poured into the molds on Sept 9, 2003, 'those big rough steelworkers treated it with total reverence,' recalled Navy Capt. Kevin Wensing, who was there. 'It was a spiritual moment for everybody there.'

Junior Chavers, foundry operations manager, said that when the trade center steel first arrived, he touched it with his hand and the 'hair on my neck stood up.' 'It had a big meaning to it for all of us,' he said. 'They knocked us down. They can't keep us down. We're going to be back.' The ship's motto? 'Never Forget'Please keep this going so everyone can see what we are m ade of in this country!

Summer Already

Sunrise in Florida

Are you wondering with me how half of the year is already gone?

Was it a good half or ...?

Let see. The New Year started on the wrong foot with a friend in a bad accident, another in two surgeries, and my own stomach burning like hell with acute gastritis and ulcer. But even bad things come to an end. After three months in a hospital, several surgeries, and therapy, my friend is walking again. The other one is finally healthy, and my stomach problem is under control providing I don’t forget to take my pills.

On the publishing front, these past six months have been the best selling months I have ever had. My four self-published ebooks, NO MORE LIES; RIGHT NAME, WRONG MAN; BABIES IN THE BARGAIN; and SAILING with YOU have maintained a bestselling status at Amazon.com

Fort Lauderdale High Rises

I just typed The End on NEIGHBORS AND MORE... The first in a new series called HIGH RISES. This romantic suspense is set in a high rise building located on the beach in Fort Lauderdale. High Rises are like huge families where members face love, hate, meddling, and gossiping. When you deal with three hundred plus condos there ought to be friction between some neighbors, friendship with others, and more with a select few.

Bulrb: When her neighbor, and suitor, is found dead in the Jacuzzi, Alexa is a suspect. Can she count on her dear neighbors for help?

The lawyer she loves, a mafioso's grandson; her ex-husband who is trying to keep her to himself; her former friend, the victim's ex-wife who blames Alexa for her husband's infidelity; the ex-husband new girlfriend; the widow's secret lover...

All dear neighbors who may help save Alexa...or incriminate her.

Remembering Dad

Dad in Deauville, France.

Tomorrow is Father’s Day.

Today would have been my father’s birthday. If he was still around. But he's been gone many years ago.

On this particular weekend, I remember him fondly.

He was a quiet, kind, intellectual man, always busy at his desk, writing. When I was small I could never understand why he wrote so much, and when I asked, he’d say he was correcting his students’ assays. I thought his students had too much homework. Or sometimes he composed books, not fun books I could read but very serious, boring for me, literary critiques of famous dead authors. At other times, he’d be looking in the air, thinking and then scribbling, erasing, and re--writing. And I knew it was a poem for my mother. Dad wrote a whole book of poems about my mother’s beautiful eyes, telling her she was his princess and he was her knight.

When I told him, I, too, wanted a poem, he read those he’d written especially for me. At six, I was so proud to show my whole class two of my very own poems. Except my friends didn’t understand the words. I didn’t either, but I loved their sound. Almost like music.

As I grew up, I admired him so much and wanted to write like him, but he insisted I should go into a scientific career. After my early retirement as a chemist, I gave in to my love of writing romance. I inherited from Dad his love of books, his writing talent, and his ability to read fast.

If you like to travel and love to read, come and enjoy my international romances. I will take you around the world through stories that simmer with emotion and sizzle with passion.