Saturday, May 18, 2013

Help Me Name My High School....Please!

So, I've finished writing the climax to my second novel, The Sound of a Silent Heart (Candice and Flynn's story.) It takes place in Boston, and I have Candice working at a high school there. I wanted it to be a fictional school, so when I started writing I researched the schools of Boston and came up with "Revere High School" home of the Patriots. Pretty cool, right?

Wrong! Feeling the need to do a little more research, I found out there is a Revere, MA, and that there is, of course, a "Revere High School" in their town, and guess what? Ta da...they are the Patriots. And, yes, they would more than likely, at some point, play Boston schools.

Some might say, "Big deal! It's just a book."

But, it is a big deal to me. So, please, I ask you...help me name my high school. I want it to be of some significance to both Boston and American history in both name and mascot. I would appreciate any and all input on this. Please leave a blog or email address if you give a suggestion, because I would love to send you my first novel, The Scent of a Soul, and use your name in The Sound of a Silent Heart (in some capacity) as a way to say "thank you" if I use your suggestion.

I eagerly look forward to hearing from you!!

Monday, May 13, 2013

Eternal by Chantelle Nay


"She hoped someday, someone would be able to break through her invisible brick wall, swim the moat of impossible expectations, and rescue her from herself. She didn't want to end up an old spinster."

Prepare for an emotional roller coaster ride while reading this book!!

Emma is a seventeen, soon to be eighteen, year-old girl who has pretty much been a loner her whole life. But, when she is saved by an angel and hears his voice, she no longer feels alone, especially as he begins to interact with her more and more. In fact, he begins to fill a void within Emma. Then enters Destry. He is the stuff dream guys are made of: smart, kind, witty, caring, and well...hot! This is where emotions begin to rise and fall like a fast moving roller coaster.

Chantelle Nay has created a story that is easy to read and where the reader becomes emotionally attached to both males in Emma's life. At times, I was rooting for the angel, Micah, others, it was all about Destry. The ending was a brilliant wrap up that left me saying, "Whew!" because for a while I wasn't sure we were going to get a "happy ending."

This story will appeal especially to the YA audience, but can be enjoyed by anyone that enjoys a sweet, paranormal romance. And, the teaser at the end for Nay's sequel will have you saying, "Where's the rest?!"

I give this book a solid four stars!!

Wednesday, May 8, 2013

Lovin' "42" (The movie, that is...)

By now it's no secret that I love a good movie, just as much as I love a good book. And, when you leave the movie theater wanting to be a better person, you know you've seen a great movie. So I can't keep quiet about the movie 42.  I believe I had heard the name "Jackie Robinson" before, but I never knew anything about him...until now.

This movie is inspirational and full of things I love about the human spirit: dedication, drive, self-control, humility, forgiveness, perseverance...to name a few. As you watch, you feel Jackie Robinson's passion for baseball and for the love of his wife. It's so easy to become his own personal cheerleader from your movie seat (with the added emotion of wanting to deck a few people along the way for him).

I love all kinds of "feel good" sports movies: The Natural, Hoosiers, The Rookie, Miracle, The Game of Their Lives, Invincible, Victory, Rudy (okay, the list is quite long).... And now, I've added 42. This is exactly the type of movie I will have my children sit down and watch (when they are age appropriate), because of all the beautiful messages it teaches. I'm a Christian and, as such, I loved the references to God and the Bible; Harrison Ford's character in this regard (and others) was endearing to me. He did a wonderful job portraying Branch Rickey.  

If you love a great movie, and don't mind it revolving around sports, then this is one not to be missed. Take a friend and have a good time!

Friday, May 3, 2013

An Interview with Me at "Jessabella Reads"

I had the fun opportunity to participate in an interview on "Jessabella Reads" Blog. Stop by and find out a little bit more about the methods to my madness. :-) She is also sweetly conducting a giveaway for my novel, The Scent of a Soul. Swing by for a visit!