Cover Art Weekend Blog Hop

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I'm sorry I'm a bit late with this everyone! Hope you enjoy!

This is a brand new meme to display all those beautiful, funny, crazy and even those that make you think book covers you come across each week. I don't know about the rest of you, but I love looking at different book covers. You may not be able to judge a book by its cover, but they are sure fun to look at. So, if you'd like to join in the fun, all you have to do is...

1. Take the button at the top of this post and post it on your blog.

2. Chose a book cover of your choice and post it. (You can post as many covers as you'd like.)

3. Please post the url that links directly to your cover art post in the comment section.

4. Visit other blogs on the list to see what covers they are featuring this week.

Instead of just one day, I thought I'd run this through the weekends - from Fridays to Mondays. That gives people more of a chance to blog hop.

Have fun!

In honor of today's marriage of the Royal couple, I'm posting wedding cover romance books...

Follow Friday Four Fill-in Fun Blog Hop - Week 10

This is a fun meme and it's hosted by Hilary at Feeling Beachie. Check out her lovely blog, if you'd like to participate.

This week’s statements

1. Lasagna is my favorite thing to cook (I don't really cook anymore, but when I did, I made a delicious lasagna.)


2. I don’t know if I could still do it, but when I was a kid, I was really good at playing the piano.

3. The best thing about last week was the weekend finally came!

4. The worst thing about where I live is it's far from most of the good stores.

Book Blogger Hop 4/29-5/2

The blog hop is hosted by Jennifer at Crazy-for-Books

This week's question...

"Summer is coming quickly - what 2011 summer release are you are most looking forward to?"

It's hard for me to choose, but I'm going with an old favorite of mine....



This one is being released on June 21, 2011. I always love this author's books. Here's a blurb from Fantastic Fiction:

Meredith Martin Delinn just lost everything: her friends, her homes, her social standing - because her husband Freddy cheated rich investors out of billions of dollars.

Desperate and facing homelessness, Meredith receives a call from her old best friend, Constance Flute. Connie's had recent worries of her own, and the two depart for a summer on Nantucket in an attempt to heal. But the island can't offer complete escape, and they're plagued by new and old troubles alike. When Connie's brother Toby - Meredith's high school boyfriend - arrives, Meredith must reconcile the differences between the life she is leading and the life she could have had.

Set against the backdrop of a Nantucket summer, Elin Hilderbrand delivers a suspenseful story of the power of friendship, the pull of love, and the beauty of forgiveness.

The Friday 56

This is a fun meme to do hosted by Freda's Voice. If you'd like to join on the fun go to The Friday 56.

Rules:
*Grab a book, any book.
*Turn to page 56.
*Find any sentence that grabs you.
*Post it.
*Link it here.

It's that simple.

This week I'm reading...



I hurried back downstairs, but couldn't find Mr. Silva anywhere in the emergency room area. The triage nurse was no help.

Follow Friday 40 and Over

This a fun blog hop hosted by Java at Never Growing Old. It's for all bloggers over 40. Here are the rules...

1. Grab the button
2. Add your link to the list
3. Visit as many other blogs as you can
4. Follow the ones you like (and comment on their blog to say that you are following)

Sign up at Never Growing Old.


see more Lolcats and funny pictures, and check out our Socially Awkward Penguin lolz!

Enquiring Minds Want to Know - Week 35

This is a fun meme hosted by Dollycas's Thoughts.


This feature will be open from Thursday at 12:01 A.M. and close on Monday at 11:59 P.M. to allow those that want to participate over the weekend the opportunity to do so when they have more time. So you may want to check back on Tuesday or check the previous week's link on Thursday to view everyone's answers.

WEEK 35 QUESTIONS

1. What is your shoe size?




Between an 8 1/2 and 9.


2. How many pairs of shoes do you own?



I have a lot of shoes - I have no idea how many, but most of them I no longer wear but I hate to part with them - on the off chance that someday I might wear them. LOL

3. How many do you actually wear regularly?




Let's see...two pair of dress shoes, one pair of sneakers and two pair of sandals in the summer. And...no, I don't really wear shoes with such a big heel - I'd fall. LOL

Theme Thursday - Atmosphere

This is a new meme hosted by kavyen at Reading between Pages.. “Theme Thursdays” will be open from one thursday to the next and anyone can post it. The rules are simple:

* A theme will be posted each week (on Thursday’s)
* Select a conversation/snippet/sentence from the current book you are reading
* Post it and don’t forget to mention the author and the title of the book
* Since we may take a few days to finish a book, this event is open for one whole week

This will give us a wonderful opportunity to explore and understand different writing styles and descriptive approaches adopted by authors.

This week’s theme is – Atmosphere

This week I'm reading...



This sounded like a hard theme, but I think I came up with something...


Getting to Dr. Dan's house wasn't difficult, especially on a Sunday. There was very little traffic going north through town, and once I was off twenty-four and on the county road there was none. Dr. Dan did not live in a mansion. His lovely, brick ranch-style house sat about two-hundred yards off the road, nestled on forested acreage. Ceiling fans and what looked like track lighting adorned a very long porch. It was nicely decorated for Christmas with fake icicle lights and a stuffed Santa sitting in a rocking chair.

Cat Thursday - April 28th

Welcome to the weekly meme that celebrates the wonders and sometime hilarity of cats! Join us by posting a favorite LOL cat pic you may have come across, famous cat art or even share with us pics of your own beloved cat(s). It's all for the love of cats! Enjoy! This fun meme is hosted by The True Book Addict. Go over to her site to join in the fun.


see more Lolcats and funny pictures, and check out our Socially Awkward Penguin lolz!

WWW Wednesdays

If you'd like to play along with WWW Wednesdays, just click the button above.


To play along, just answer the following three (3) questions…

* What are you currently reading?
* What did you recently finish reading?
* What do you think you’ll read next?

What are you currently reading?



(Really good book - LOL funny!)

What did you recently finish reading?



(I enjoyed this one alot - blog tour on May 6th and I'll have a review and interview then.)

What do you think you’ll read next?




I'll be hosting a blog tour on May 23rd for this one. It's not listed on Amazon yet, but it looks to be another great read.

Miss Hildreth Wore Brown, Anecdotes of a Southern Belle by Olivia deBelle Byrd

Genre:
Non-Fiction, Humorous

Publisher:
Morgan James Publishing

Format:
Paperback

Release Date:

After years of repeating her many Southern stories to her husband, he suggests she writes them all down and write a book about them. That’s exactly what Olivia deBelle Byrd did. She does it with humor, grace, and class. She gives her readers hours of enjoyment.

Ms. Byrd gives the reader an insight into Southern life. She does it in an anecdotal manner. Each story is short, but makes the point as only she can make it – with laughter. She runs the gamut of topics from expensive cups of coffee to writing thank you notes to beauty pageants for six month olds. These stories will have you laughing-out-loud (and hoping nobody catches you doing that).

Every story is well-crafted and ends way too soon. Readers will be craving more of these delightful tales. It’s a one-sitting book and perfect for reading on those dreary days when you need something to perk up your spirits.



And I give this one my Socrates Great Book Alert!

Interview with Author Olivia deBelle Byrd

Please join me in welcoming the author of Miss Hildreth Wore Brown, Anecdotes of a Southern Belle, Olivia deBelle Byrd to Socrates’ Book Review Blog. I recently had the extreme pleasure of reading and reviewing Ms. Byrd’s book. She has graciously agreed to answer a few questions for us. So, let’s get the ball rolling…

1. What influenced you to write this book?


Like all good storytellers, I hate to waste a good story so I repeat my stories—often. Finally in exasperation one day, my husband said, “Why don’t you write this stuff down!” So I did. I actually started writing down stories for my children as a Christmas gift. Before I knew it, I had a book!

2. Do you have plans to write other genres?

Though I do have some ideas bouncing around in my head, my main goal right now is marketing Miss Hildreth.

3. How did you feel when you learned Miss. Hildreth was going to be published?

After all the rejection letters, my first reaction was disbelief. When I realized the gentleman was serious, I acted quite professional until I hung up the phone. Then I did a cartwheel, a somersault, and a double backflip ending with a split :)

4. Was your family supportive or did they give you a hard time about publishing a book?

My family was very instrumental in the writing of this book. I distinctly remember the day I read the first story to my daughter and husband. They had these amazed looks on their faces and said, “Mom/Honey, that is really funny!” My husband has been unwavering in his support and I think is quite proud of me. My daughter was my first reader, editor, and biggest cheerleader. My son designed my entire web site and continues to update it for me.

5. What goes into your process in writing a book? Making an outline? Research? Talking to people?

Writing down oral stories is very difficult. You tend to write like you talk and it often comes out confusing and opaque. There is an art to telling stories and an art to conveying those stories into the written word. I do make an outline and research anything I am not sure. I am continually writing down thoughts and phrases as they come to me even if it is the middle of the night. I keep pencil and pad by my bed, in the car, in my bathroom! I listen to people and am always alert for a funny story.


6. Where do you do your writing? Do you have a special room in your house set up? Or do you have someplace outside the house you go to?

I can write in different settings as long as it is QUIET! I can not deal with noise, not even low background noise. A great deal of Miss Hildreth was written at a beach house. That worked very well because I was away from the every day interruptions and could concentrate totally on writing.

7. Of the anecdotes in your book, do you have a favorite? Are there any that still make you giggle?

My favorites are “Weddings,” “Robert Redford,” “We-Know-Mom’s-Crazy Rule,” and “Names.” I still giggle when I think about my husband’s pants in a pile around his ankles while trying to discipline our son, or Mrs. Brewton and her neighbor speaking to her deceased husband on the elevator, or my 94-year-old neighbor going into the Marines!

8. The cover is lovely and perfect. Did you have any input in choosing it? If so, how did you make your decision?

I am so glad you asked this question! The idea for the cover came to me before I ever knew the book would be published. I described it to my daughter and she agreed that it sounded perfect. After I found out Miss Hildreth was going to be published, my daughter had an artist friend draw my cover idea as a surprise birthday gift. When I saw it drawn, it was even more perfect than I envisioned. My publisher asked for my input on the cover and loved it. The only change they made was the font. I have given my daughter’s artist friend credit for the cover. I do speaking engagements for Miss Hildreth and I dress like the cover of the book!

9. Do you read much? Do you have any favorite authors or books?

I read as much as possible. I LOVE to read. My most loved book is A Tale of Two Cities—I love all of Charles Dickens’ works. My other favorite English author is Daphne du Maurier. William Faulkner, Taylor Caldwell, and John Steinbeck are all favorites. Pat Conroy is my favorite modern day author. The Prince of Tides is one of my favorite books. I have read and loved all of Pat Conroy’s books. He is a master of words and descriptions. You can sense and feel his settings and his characters become a part of you. Ann Rivers Siddons has especially strong women characters. As a Southern humorist, Fannie Flagg can not be beat.

10. Are there any plans for a sequel? I’m sure you have many more stories to share.

There are no plans for a sequel right now. But I have heard so many funny and clever stories from my readers since Miss Hildreth was published. My funniest comment came from Bill Duncan, a reviewer for The News-Review in Roseburg, Oregon. The title of the review was “If you accidentally cross into Alabama, have clean underwear.” Wouldn’t that be a great title for a book!


A very big thank you to Olivia deBelle Byrd for taking the time to talk to us and writing such a fun book.

Teaser Tuesdays - April 26th

If you'd like to play along on Teaser Tuesdays, just click the button above.


Teaser Tuesdays is a weekly bookish meme, hosted by MizB of Should Be Reading. Anyone can play along! Just do the following:

* Grab your current read
* Open to a random page
* Share two (2) “teaser” sentences from somewhere on that page
* BE CAREFUL NOT TO INCLUDE SPOILERS! (make sure that what you share doesn’t give too much away! You don’t want to ruin the book for others!)
* Share the title & author, too, so that other TT participants can add the book to their TBR Lists if they like your teasers!

This week I'm reading...



He looked me over, almost longingly. "Sedona, the last case you worked on, you almost got yourself blown up."

Spring Serenity Read-A-Thon 2011 Starling Line

So my first read-a-thon begins...here are my reading plans for the week...

1) Finish reading Opal Fire by Barbara Annino
2) Finish the audio book Friday Night Knitting Club by Kate Jacobs
3) Start the 2nd Knitting Club book
4) Read Executive Sick Days by Maria E. Schneider
5) Read Montezuma Intrigue by Linda Weaver Clarke
6) Start Midnight Cove by Sherryl Woods

I may have bit off more than I can chew since I'm working full time all week, but I figure I would give it a shot. If you'd like to sign up, this still time. Just go to The True Book Addict.

Musing Mondays - Family Reading

If you'd like to play along on Musing Mondays, just click the button above to join in.


This week’s musing asks…

Do the members of your family read? Do you think it was passed down to you? ((or, if you want you can answer this: Who do you think influenced you as a reader?))

My answer...

Honestly, I haven't a clue as to how I became such an avid reader. No one in my family is a big reader. I can't remember ever really being encouraged to do much reading when I was younger. I remember hating literature and English classes. I hated reading any of the assigned books. Somewhere down the line (in high school), I became a huge Harlequin reader and eventually I just branched out to read other lines and genres. I guess I just did it on my own.


see more Lolcats and funny pictures, and check out our Socially Awkward Penguin lolz!

Free Download from Smashwords

A few weeks ago I reviewed a great book by Raymond Rose called Better Together. I, also, had the great pleasure of interviewing the author as well. You can check out my interview here.

If you'd like to check out his books, Smashwords is offering a free download sampler of both his books Better Together and Fire Inside (I still have this on my list to be reviewed - a science fiction/ fantasy). It's free and can be put on your ereaders. Enjoy!

Spring Serenity Read-A-Thon 2011

I've been debating back and forth whether or not to do this. I've never participated in any of the read-a-thons before, but this sounds like something I could do. It's hosted by Michelle at The True Book Addict.

Monday, April 25th through Sunday, May 1st. The read-a-thon will run from 12:00am Monday through 11:59pm Sunday (adjust your time zones accordingly). Remember, you can join in any time through the week and read as little or as much as you want. It's all about personally challenging ourselves and also having fun as a community of readers.

Check out The True Book Addict for more details and to sign up.

Weekly Geeks: An ABC Author List

I never participated in Weekly Geeks before, but this sounds like fun. This meme is hosted Weekly Geeks.

You know how when someone asks you who your favorite author is? And you feel a bit crazy coming up with just one? Now is your chance to come up with 26 (at least) favorite authors by making a list of them ABC style. (See my above link from the past for an example.) There are no rules, list a couple per letter if you feel the need. Skip a letter if you draw a blank. Make it be categories if you want to. For instance, a favorite YA author list. A favorite classic author list. A favorite "new to me" author list. A favorite mystery author list.

Or simply an all time favorite author list... from A to Z!

I'm going to do an all time favorite author list from A to Z. I couldn't fill in all the authors and I'm sure I'm leaving someone out, but these are the ones I could think of for now.


A - Jane Austen, Kate Angell
B - Rita Mae Brown, Caroline Burnes, Stephanie Bond, Barbara Bretton
C - Robyn Carr, Harlan Coben, Mary Higgins Clark, Tori Carrington, Joanna Carl
D - Barbara Delinsky, Krista Davis
E - Janet Evanovich
F - Lori Foster, Barbara Freethy
G - Heather Graham, Tess Gerritsen
H - Charlaine Harris, Kristin Hannah, Elin Hilderbrand
I
J - Holly Jacobs
K - Sophie Kinsella
L - Ana Leigh, Laura Levine
M - Debbie Macomber, Shirley Rousseau Murphy, Susan Mallery
N - Brenda Novak
O
P - James Patterson, Jodi Picoult
Q - Tara Tyler Quinn
R - Luanne Rice, Christine Rimmer, Nora Roberts
S - Denise Swanson, Jill Shalvis, Kathryn Shay, Leann Sweeney
T - Cathy Gillen Thacker
U
V
W - Sherryl Woods, Heather Wardell, Gina Wilkins, Susan Wiggs
X
Y - Karen Young
Z


see more Lolcats and funny pictures, and check out our Socially Awkward Penguin lolz!

Sunday Salon - Happy Easter!

If you'd like to participate with The Sunday Salon, just click the button above.

glitter-graphics.com

Hope you all have a great Easter!

Cover Art Weekend Blog Hop

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This is a brand new meme to display all those beautiful, funny, crazy and even those that make you think book covers you come across each week. I don't know about the rest of you, but I love looking at different book covers. You may not be able to judge a book by its cover, but they are sure fun to look at. So, if you'd like to join in the fun, all you have to do is...

1. Take the button at the top of this post and post it on your blog.

2. Chose a book cover of your choice and post it. (You can post as many covers as you'd like.)

3. Sign up with Mr. Linky below. Please use the url that links directly to your cover art post.

4. Visit other blogs on the list to see what covers they are featuring this week.

Instead of just one day, I thought I'd run this through the weekends - from Fridays to Mondays. That gives people more of a chance to blog hop.

Have fun!


You know I love cats and cozies, so I had to post two cozy covers that feature cats :)

The Friday 56

This is a fun meme to do hosted by Freda's Voice. If you'd like to join on the fun go to The Friday 56.

Rules:
*Grab a book, any book.
*Turn to page 56.
*Find any sentence that grabs you.
*Post it.
*Link it here.

It's that simple.

This week I'm reading...



From page 56 of the ebook...

The more time I spent around this guy, the more I wanted to give him a wedgie. I wondered if there was a spell for that so I wouldn't have to touch him.