The SCENT of a SOUL Spotlight!

The Scent of  a Soul is getting a moment to shine as the spotlight on "Lost to Books" Blog today. A hearty thank you to the hostess of this wonderful blog for helping spread the word about my novel.

Please stop by for a visit by clicking here. (It's that easy.) :-) Thanks for your support!

Hey, hey! It's a Giveaway!!

I am so excited to share with you that "Penny For Them" Blog is hosting a Rafflecopter giveaway for my novel, The Scent of a Soul, along with a $10 Amazon gift card. So, click here to visit and enter to win!

A warm thank you to the hostess of "Penny For Them" Blog for hosting this giveaway. To read her review of The Scent of a Soul, please visit here.

Good luck to all that enter!!  :-)

Before He Was the "Man of Steel..."

When I finished writing my novel, The Scent of a Soul, a little over four years ago, I did what a lot of authors can't help but do...I mused about who would play the leading parts in the movie version. And way before I knew he'd been chosen to play Superman in Man of Steel, I pegged Henry Cavill to play Marek Jamison, lead hero in my story.

I was able to see Man of Steel, and there were many scenes that had me saying, "That is so Marek!" and I couldn't help but wish just a little bit that I was watching Henry Cavill play the role of  my character, Marek. I know I'm not the first author to think this way, nor the last, but it was a little bittersweet to experience.

As for the movie itself...I enjoyed it completely! I've heard some complaints that the slow parts are too slow, but I loved them, and didn't think them too slow. I love character building scenes that form the foundation for a solid story. I thought the writers did an excellent job. The fight scenes are tremendous---don't know that my eight-year-old is ready for them, but my fifteen-year-old will definitely love them.

Man of Steel is most certainly a popcorn worthy, summer blockbuster, but it's more than a thrill ride. It's a story about learning who you are and doing your best with what you've been given. I highly recommend it!

The Amazing "Croods"

Okay, I just can't help it...I must give a quick share about The Croods. I love it when I go into a movie with no (or in this case low) expectations and I come out more than pleasantly surprised. This movie's message is full of heart and is so much fun that my sister and I found ourselves laughing our heinies off on many occasions.

The writers of this movie infused it with wit, charm, heart, and a solid message about families. I liked it so much, I went back and saw it a second time with my children. It is perfect for every member of the family. I will be quoting from this movie for a long time to come.

One of my favorite quotes is when the Croods have to make a long family trip to get to safety on a distant mountain. Along the way they have the same angsts that we all face on long, family road trips. The youngest Crood, a feisty and fearless toddler named Sandy, attacks her older, and much bigger brother, Thunk. Mother Crood, Ugga, intervenes, ripping Sandy off of Thunk's head saying, "If you're not ready to challenge her, don't look her in the eye!"

I know that line is out of context for all of you, but it's hilarious. I highly recommend The Croods. Listen for the great "one liners" and enjoy the message along the way!

P.S. By way of update, I had some amazing suggestions for naming my fictional Boston high school. I am now in the process of trying to decide. I'll let you know when I do. Thx! :-)