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?

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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.