Rescuing Hope

A new blog look! A new year!

I'm so humbled and honored to finish out 2012 and start 2013 with an amazing post about an amazing author, speaker and friend.

Actually, the post is not about her, but rather about a book she wrote.


A book she wrote to bring awareness to the fact that girls can be trafficked in any city, from any family, at any time.

Marietta, GA December 31, 2012 — As New Years Eve approached 150 years ago, America stood waiting in line to celebrate the promise of freedom, proclaimed for all people. This New Years Eve, 2012, many still wait to experience that freedom. According to a 2010 congressional hearing, 100,000 American children are trafficked for sexual exploitation in America each year. With annual revenues from this
crime continuing to climb, it’s now second only to illegal drug sales.


When suburban mom, Susan Norris, learned of this “crime hidden in plain sight,” she
determined to do everything she could to bring about an end to it. Her response, Rescuing
Hope, A Story of Sex Trafficking in America, releases New Years Eve, 2012. In it she
dares to dive into the grit of child sex trafficking taking place across our nation. Her story
of Hope, an innocent 14-year-old, weaves together all the stories of all the girls and all
the families, the pimp and the police detectives she interviewed.
It’s real life fiction for young adults, written to be a catalyst for conversation among
young girls and those who love them. It’s meant to raise awareness and call to action.
 

Why?
 

Because before you take another breath, the next victim will be tricked
and taken from her family by a profit-hungry criminal. She could be a
neighbor. A friend. Your sister. Your daughter. You.
 

At fourteen, Hope Ellis is the all-American girl with a good life—until the
day she tries to help her mom with their cross-town move by supervising
the movers. When they finish, one of the men returns to the house and
rapes her. Held silent by his threats, darkness begins to engulf her. But the
rape proves to be the least of Hope’s troubles. In a gasping attempt at
normalcy, she succumbs to the attention of a smooth-talking man on the

subway. He promises acceptance. He declares his love. He lures her out
from under the shelter of her suburban life.
 

Hope’s disappearance sets a community in motion. She’s one of their own.
They determine to find Hope, whatever the cost, before she’s lost forever.
 

 Early reviews include this from Annie Downs, author of Perfectly Unique
(Zondervan, 21012).
Susan Norris captured my attention and my heart from the very first pages
of Rescuing Hope. I was immediately drawn so deeply into the story, I
couldn’t put it down! Full of heartbreak and redemption, this eye-opening,
true-to-life novel will not only hold your attention but it will educate you
and motivate you to action in the process.


I met Susan three years ago at a women's retreat. I've had the privilege of reading Rescuing Hope. It's an amazing book of a truthful hurt that attacks many families all over the world.

Please help in promoting the awareness of trafficking.  

Join Susan and all the voices gathering for Hope across the nation. Tune into the live
simulcast event on New Years Eve at www.ctvn.org when Susan joins Matthew West,
Britt Nicole and others at Stage AE in Pittsburgh, PA to release Rescuing Hope and
launch Resolution Hope’s National A13 Campaign to end child sex trafficking in the U.S. 


WHAT PEOPLE ARE SAYING ABOUT RESCUING HOPE

Rescuing Hope brings the reality of human traffi cking to a tangible
place where your heart will understand and be compelled to action.
Hope, the main character, has become the face of the girls I pray
for in Atlanta and around the United States. Th e prostituted girl no
one wants to talk about became my daughter, her cousins, the kids
down the street. You’ll remember Hope too, long after you put the
book down. Don’t turn away. Let her move you. Together, we can
look evil in the eye and say, “No more!”
PATTIE HARRELSON,
Not for Sale Campaign,
State Director for Georgia
 


Author Susan Norris superbly captures the essence of child sex
traffi cking in America. Her compelling story will open your eyes
and heart to the horrifi c truth of what happens on the streets of our
country. On behalf of the thousands of voiceless children caught in
the net of commercial sexual exploitation, thank you, Susan, for your
endurance, perseverance and insight.
BRIAN L. SHIVLER,
CEO, Resolution Hope




A powerful voice for hope, international speaker Susan Norris helps teens
and women find freedom in the areas of purity and spiritual identity.
With a master’s of education from UNC-Greensboro, this former teacher
now networks for organizations such as Resolution Hope and Not for
Sale and raises her voice for victims of sex trafficking across the nation.
Susan serves as a catalyst for action among her peers and walks alongside
rescued girls as they piece together their shattered lives.
To learn more about Susan Norris or Rescuing Hope, visit Susan's Website. To request
review copies or for interviews, contact Susan directly at susan@susannorris.org.


Still Working on the Make-Over

As you can see, it's nothing fancy by any means. Right now I'm into simple. Clean lines, soft colors, nothing jarring. I've had this background before, but I believe I've 'fixed' it down a little this time, if that makes any sense.

Will continue to work this out this weekend. But I'm liking it so far--how about you? Suggestions?

A Blog Make-Over is Happening

Excuse the mess!! A blogging make-over is on the way.

Shortest Day of the Year=Do You Mind The Dark?

Okay-this post may be random and short, but it's somewhat appropriate. I always look forward to December 21. It's the shortest day of the year. From this day, until June 21--the days will be staying lighter a little longer everyday.

The strange part is, I don't mind the dark nights. Really, I'm okay with them. And I'm okay with the cold weather we get here in Georgia. Cold weather, not cold, cold, windy, rainy, cold weather. I don't mind some 30 & 40 degree days now and then.

What about you? Do you mind the dark?

The Seduction Of Sebastian St. James Winners Announced

We had such a great time last week with the DINYB bloghop hosted by Ciara Knight and Alex C. aka Captain Ninja.
My author, (that sounds cool, doesn't it?) Rachel Van Dyken not only found her book, BUT she offered to give-away 2 copies. How awesome!

So I picked 2 names from those who commented and here are the 2 winners.

Congratulations to:
Sia Mckey and

Susan Gourley/Kelley!

If you ladies will email me at lindipeterson at tds (dot) net then I will get the books to you.

Thank you everyone for being a part of the DINYB blog hop! I can't wait for the next one.

Still love this cover!









Savvy Authors Workshop

Just wanted to give a shout out--I'm teaching an online workshop starting Monday titled The Cinder-Bella Theory. It runs for two weeks. Click HERE for more info. There's still a couple of days to sign up if you'd like to!

Did I Notice Your Book Blogfest

Fun blog day! It's the DINYB blogfest--The book I noticed is--- The Seduction of Sebastian St James by Rachel Van Dyken
When the angelic Duke of Tempest, Sebastian St. James, appeared unexpectedly at his boyhood friend’s home, he had but one goal: Find a suitable wife as soon as possible. However, his impeccable reputation made him a prime target for ambitious mothers of debutante daughters. He needed a plan.

Help came in the form of an unlikely alliance with Miss Emma Gates, the beautiful daughter of a wealthy viscount, who has deemed herself on the shelf, and only wants to marry in order to appease her parents. Together they could sort through the mire of would-be mates to find their perfect matches. That is, if they could keep their hands off each other long enough to pursue likely candidates.

When a man from Emma’s past makes a play for her hand, the truth about her life threatens to destroy Sebastian’s reputation, a reputation he has carefully guarded since his youth. In the end, the Angel Duke has to make a choice that will end up changing his reputation forever.


Reasons I noticed this book.
1. The cover--how beautiful is that cover? Amazing.
2. The blurb--if this book doesn't sound like a great read, I don't know what does.
3. It's an Astraea Press book. I REALLY like Astraea Press--they put out an amazing array of sweet fiction. Click HERE to check them out.
If you liked the sound of Rachel's book as much as I did you can order HERE!

Please join me in the FB, Twitter and whatever other kind of social media you can to see if Rachel notices I noticed HER book!

Free Book--Creston Mapes-You Don't Want To Miss This!

Full Tilt by Creston Mapes







I'd like to share with you today a FREE Kindle download! Yes,  FREE!

Author Creston Mapes is an amazing author. (He's also a great guy!) His second book in the Rock Star Chronicles is FREE today on amazon. And today is the last day you can grab this book by Creston.

So click above, or click below---either way, just click to grab this book. Come back and let  me know how much you liked it.

Click here to get Creston's book!

From Chocolate to Coffee

Well, we started the week chatting about chocolate, but there is another subject, that people are just as passionate about.

Coffee.



Photo courtesy of Christianphotos.net

People who love their coffee, love their coffee! And sometimes, it's only a certain type of coffee.


Personally, I like strong coffee. Not sure why. But I do like it strong.

Lately, I've been sweetening just a little with Agave and Vanilla Soy Milk. Okay, don't go crazy on me. It truly gives my coffee a great taste.

We just recently bought a Keurig, and the Starbucks is pretty pricey, so I've been going with a less expensive coffee. But when I make a pot of coffee, because we did not ditch out coffee maker, it's Starbucks Cafe Verona every time. I love that stuff!!


What about you? Coffee lover? Picky coffee lover?

Chocolate Confession-What's Your Chocolate Blog Hop




So glad to be a part of the 'What's Your Chocolate?' Blogfest.

Confession  time.

I didn't used to be a chocolate person. Give me fruity hard candy over chocolate any day. But well, things change, we change, tastes change.

And mine changed when I found dark chocolate!

Doves Dark Chocolate to be exact.

O.M. I love to buy a bag of the pieces and keep it in the fridge for whenever I want a piece. So yummy, good and not too sweet!

So there you have my chocolate confession.

What's yours?

Click here for a list of Blog Hop Participants! Join the Fun!

Weighted--Release Day!! Ciara Knight

August 21, 2012--a day we've been waiting for. Ciara Knight's Weighted is released!



CHAPTER ONE

Subject: Raeth Arteres
Date: March 8, 2185
Species: Neumarian
Status: Captured

Tick-tock…tick-tock…I clutch the sides of the steel bed in my cell and push up on my elbows. The clock, with its bronze rim, hangs high on the wall, taunting me. The long black arm of the second hand struggles up the side of the enormous disc, ticking away the last few moments of my life.
Tap…tap. Footsteps, two by two, march to the cell door. Sucking in a long breath, I embrace the rhythmic sounds of the airship, with the occasional interruption of an engine sputtering.
Tap…thump.
The Queen’s unmistakable gait interrupts my dream-like state. It matches the sounds of the ship, as if she is an extension of the heap of metal propelling us across the desert wasteland.
“Open the door.” Her voice echoes down the narrow hall.
Tick…
The hand struggles to reach the twelve. If it doesn’t make it, maybe the door won’t open. It teeters and shakes, then slides straight up in unison with the door.
Tock.
“Be quick, before the parasite uses her curse on us.” Her raspy, artificial voice sends a quiver to my core.
A guard races in with a handheld device and points it at my neck. I’ve been collared like a dog. I clutch the slick metal ring around my neck, pulling it from my skin, but current zaps through my shoulders and my arm juts out to my side, shaking. Searing pain runs along my veins.
After all these years of my brother hiding me, it was inevitable I’d get caught.
Darkness swirls deep inside, brewing a storm. I can’t remember what it will do if I release it. Is it a gift, as my brother told me, or a curse, as the Queen believes? All I know is that if I unleash it, the Queen will have what she wants, so I push it down deep, keeping it hidden from her.
A man in a grey coat approaches with a syringe in his shaking hand. His left eye has been replaced by a bronze implant that clicks as it grows wide. I concentrate on remaining calm. “I-I see you s-still need me.” It is a struggle to speak against the rising will of the gift trapped inside me.
“Need you? I only need your wretched, cursed body. We must ensure your kind never threatens the world again. When I’m finished, you will serve me, and only me.”
Acid boils up in my throat but I force it down. The beast caged inside me longs for release.
“Make her cease that ridiculous tapping,” the Queen orders.
The guard grabs my hand and pulls me down on the bed. I hadn’t noticed my fingers rapping against the metal. My body sometimes has a mind of its own. A way of keeping me focused when my brain no longer can.
Princess Semara edges into the room. “Mother, must we—”
“Silence!” The queen whirls on her. “Do you question me, Semara?”
“No, Mother. I only wish to discover the truth about the Neumarians. It will help us in our fight to—”
“The truth? The truth is they are parasites that suck the life out of people, and no one on Earth is safe as long as they live.”
The long needle penetrates my arm and icy liquid shoots up my veins. The room spins. Focus. I must concentrate if I am to keep my secret.
“Take her to the Alteration Room.” The Queen smirks, her flaming-red hair dancing above her head and her mechanical eye widening to a pool of pleasure.
“N-no. I w-won’t—”
The Queen’s skirt billows with her movements. A cold metal hand brushes my cheek, sending a tremor down my arms to my fingers. “Tell us what we want to know, and you will be returned to your people unharmed.”
Princess Semara dances from foot to foot. Yards of red and black material sway with each step. Her eyes plead with me to tell what I should know, but can’t remember.
Or maybe I do, but am not allowing myself to.
“I know n-nothing.”
The edge of the Queen’s knuckles catches my cheek. A trickle runs down my face, the odor of my blood matching the smell of the ship.
“Take her.” The Queen stalks to her daughter. “And no lasers. Do it the old-fashioned way. No anesthetic.”
Tears well up in Princess Semara’s eyes, but she blinks them back.
“Take my daughter with you as a witness,” the Queen says to the man with the needle. “You’ll serve your Queen Mother, won’t you, darling?”
“Yes, Mother,” Princess Semara whispers. Her pale arms wrap around her black corset as if to hug her fear inside.
My stomach flops and the dark swirl inside me means to escape. I rock back and forth, trying to subdue it. “N-no, p-please. You must not—”
Thump…tap.
The Queen’s metal leg beats against the floor with every other step. Soon, I will be the same.
“Please, don’t l-let her,” I plead.
The Princess remains still, the corners of her lips arched down, marking her smooth face.
“Bring the gurney,” the grey coat yells out the door.
Squeak…squeak.
The screech of the wheels makes the hair on my arms stand at attention. Will my robotic leg mimic the high-pitched noise each time I take a step? Does it matter? Even if I escape the ship, my people will see me as a Slag now. Never again will they look at me as one of them.
Arms snake beneath me. My body lifts and lands on a coarse, white-sheeted surface. The gurney under me bounces.
“Raeth, please, you must tell my mother what your people are plotting.”
“They plan n-nothing.”
The grey coat pushes me down the hall. “Lies, that is all they do, tell lies and torment our people. They should all be exterminated.” His face hangs over mine with a derisive smile. Glaring lights fly past overhead until we turn into a room.
Doors swish, sealing shut behind us. Massive silver devices hang from the ceiling and walls. This is the Alteration Room, with all the tools of torture pointing in every direction. Why do they alter themselves, shove techno-implants into their bodies? Terror ripples through every muscle and my hand taps in a soothing rhythm.
They lift me from the gurney and strap me down to a cold, solid surface. Silver bands snap around my wrists, ankles, and head. Salty tears flow down my face and over my lips. Princess Semara wipes them away.
“Why do you fuss over her? You are a princess. If your mother saw you—”
“I only clean off what could interfere with the lasers.”
“You heard your mother. There will be no lasers.” The grey coat spins on his heels and stalks behind a wall. “Besides, I’m taking her leg, not her eyes.” A deep chuckle echoes in the room. “Not this time, anyway.”
My heart races so fast I wonder if one of the machines is pulling it from my body. I try to lift my wrists to clutch my chest, but my hands remain bound by my sides.
“There isn’t much time.” Princess Semara holds up another syringe. “This will keep you from suffering while he—he—”
“Removes my l-leg?”
“Yes.” Semara wipes a tear from her own face. “I’m sorry. I don’t want to see you suffer. Why won’t your people let us live in peace? Why do you want to harm us?” Her voice shakes and her lower lip trembles. Does she not believe her own words?
The deep revving of an engine brings the blackness close to the surface. I clutch my fists and scrunch my eyes shut, trying to free my mind from the squealing sound I know to be a saw.
My body shakes and rattles the metal binds.
The pinch of a needle causes my eyes to shoot open.
Princess Semara stumbles back from the table.
My insides feel gushy and my head floats despite the restraint.
I taste something sour and click my tongue. The saw quiets for a moment and the grey coat stands over me.
He grins, revealing crooked teeth. “Last chance to tell us of the plans to overthrow the Queen.”
My eyelids grow heavy. He slams his fist down on a large orange button, and the blades rotate at a rapid speed.
He lowers the saw and I hear screams. My screams.
Then darkness.

Order your copy here:
Weighted at Smashwords 
Weighted at Amazon 
Weighted at Barnes and Noble


Ciara writes to ‘Defy the Dark’ with her fantasy and paranormal books. Her debut novel, The Curse of Gremdon, was released to acclaimed reviews, securing a Night Owl Top Pick and five stars from the Paranormal Romance Guild. Also, book I, Rise From Darkness, from her debut young adult Battle For Souls series, secured glowing reviews and won July Book of the Month from Long and Short Reviews.

Her first love, besides her family, reading, and writing, is travel. She's backpacked through Europe, visited orphanages in China, and landed in a helicopter on a glacier in Alaska.

Ciara is extremely sociable so please feel free to connect with her at her blog, website, Twitter, Goodreads, or Facebook,
Weighted (Prequel Novelette)
The Great War of 2185 is over, but my nightmare has just begun. I am being held captive in the Queen’s ship awaiting interrogation. My only possible ally is the princess, but I’m unsure if she is really my friend or a trap set by the Queen to fool me into sharing the secret of my gift. A gift I keep hidden even from myself. It swirls inside my body begging for release, but it is the one thing the Queen can never discover. Will I have the strength to keep the secret? I’ll know the answer soon. If the stories are true about the interrogators, I’ll either be dead or a traitor to my people by morning.

Upcoming books in The Neumarian Chronicles:
Escapement (Book I) - Early 2013
Pendulum (Book II) - Mid 2013
Balance (Book III) - Early 2014

Other books by Cara Knight:
Battle for Souls Series
Ascension of Evil - Coming in October


Weighted---A Prequel







So,  I'm interrupting my autograph/find old friends posts to bring you this announcement. Ciara Knight's prequel, Weighted, will be available soon......and this is a must read. First, the cover is amazing and should make you want to read the book immediately. Then you dive in.

Better get ready.

Because you don't stop until you turn the last page. (Oh, and then you can release the breath you've been holding because it's that awesome and real.)

I have three easy steps for you to follow.

First.... CLICK HERE and add to your Goodreads page.

Then.....mark your calendars.
August 21st....be prepared to click that buy button.

You'll be glad you did.

I was fortunate enough to receive an ARC for this prequel. Read my review HERE.

Do you like to post reviews? Amazon? Goodreads?

July Fun--Part One

Okay--I'm going to do something a little crazy for the remainder of the month. Hang with me here, it's a trip down memory lane.
But hopefully not just my memory lane.

I recently found an autograph book of mine. Apparently I got it for my birthday, but I ended up moving that year, (1976), so it turned into a goodby autograph book.

So I thought I'd post the entries from 36 years ago. Now, I'm pretty sure kids now don't have autograph books. Their stuff is way cooler than that, but I'm sure some of you reading the blog will remember those days.

Not only will you remember those days, you'll probably remember reading these same lines in your yearbooks. :)

The saying at the front of the book says:

This paper may crumber,
The ink someday fade...
But never the memories
of friend I have made!

Okay--honesty time here. I keep in touch with one girl that wrote in this book.

One!

But it is fun reading back through these notes and such and I was wondering if I could track down some of my friends from the 1970's! You never know!! I have last names on some of these entries, so let's see how it goes.

Sisters Kathy and Kriss McMullen gave me the book. They lived in Iowa--I lived in Ohio.

So here's Kathy's entry:

Lindi,
Happy Birthday and good luck in the future with everything including boys. Maybe you and Kriss and me can get together sometime and have a good time.
See you soon.
Love, 
Kathy McMullen

Kriss will sign when we see you! 
  

Kriss wrote:

Lindi,
Hi!
I just couldn't wait to sign it! See you soon.
No ink
No pen
Can't think
Amen.

Kriss McMullen


So, if any of you know sisters Kriss and Kathy McMullen---send them this way! 

Now it's your turn! First do you remember autograph books? If so, do you have one?

 

Book Promo--Fun Aspects




With the release of a new book there is always promotion involved. And now, with all the social media, there are so many avenues to navigate. It can seem overwhelming at times.

I have what I know is going to be a fun aspect to promoting my release, Summer's Song.

First, let me start off by saying my husband and I attend a house church on Sunday mornings. We love it and the people who attend are amazing. They love the Lord with all they have!!  So when one of us does something, like writes a song for her book, another one puts some music to it. And for the last six months or so we've been singing the song at church on occasion.

Last Sunday we video taped Mike singing the song. Our elementary-aged worship leading singers backed him up. The results were awesome!!

I'll be sharing the video soon. Mike has also agreed to come to the book launch with his guitar and sing the song. I'm thrilled!!

Here they are a few weeks ago singing worship!!

Here are two of the precious girls who are in the video.

I've been so blessed by all this!  I know you will be too when you see the video.

What is a fun aspect of promoting a book you've done or seen done?

Meds and My Hubby And How Well He Knows Me

So last week I'm in Reno and after I get home on Tuesday I'm at the doctor on Thursday with a really bad sinus infection. I get a shot and a prescription for a z-pak and a nasal spray. The z-pak is for 5 pills, the insurance will only pay for 3 at a time, the pharmacy doesn't have the nasal spray. So, I have to go back on Friday for the nasal spray and order the other 2 z-pak pills.
When I get  home Friday I notice the nasal spray says to not stop taking unless you consult your doctor.  ??? I'm thinking.
I'm weird about medicine anyway. I have side effects that are crazy at times. And if you tell me it's possible I might have a side effect, I'm thinking I'm gonna have it.
Yesterday some of the family are chatting about how they read that Dr's. may quit prescribing z-paks. My ears perk up as I have 1 more pill to take.
Why is this? Why would they quite prescribing them?
Some long term permanent heart issues, I'm told.
Really?
I ask my hubby on the way home if he thinks I should take my last pill.
He says yes. Then he tells me he read that last week, but didn't tell me.
Yeah--he knows me all too well.
Oh, and I did take my last pill.
But I never did use the $30 nasal spray.


My daughter, her guy, me and my yes-he-knows-me-well hubby!






Long Weekend :)


 We had an great Memorial Day weekend. Our Chicago Kids came into town, we had great food every day. Visited with a lot of the family and laughed a lot. Pool time was involved as well!

Now it's back to the work-week grind. But I guess if it wasn't for the work-week grind we wouldn't appreciate the fun long weekends that we have on occasion.



 

Chicago Kids!

Did you have a nice weekend?
Happy Memorial Day!!

Today is my day to post on the F.A.I.T.H. Blog.  Check out my Memorial Day post there.

Also, I want to know if your town is having a parade today. It seems to be a thing of the past--just checking.

Summer's Song Cover

Last week we had Ciara's beautiful cover reveal. I also received my cover for my June release, Summer's Song.
So I thought I'd share!
Let me know what you think!

Ciara Knight--Weighted Cover Reveal

 Sometimes you meet someone and you know right away you are going to be friends.  That's how it was with Ciara and I. The lady is terribly talented, extremely smart and she's so sweet and kind. I'm thrilled and blessed to call her my friend!
So when I had a chance to participate in the cover reveal, I jumped on it! 
I can't wait to read this book--the title hooked me in, even before the amazing blurb!


Weighted is a young adult post-apocalyptic with paranormal elements. It is a prequel novelette to The Neumarian Chronicles, and will be released August 2012. Book I, Escapement, will be released in 2013.
Blurb:
The Great War of 2185 is over, but my nightmare has just begun. I am being held captive in the Queen’s ship awaiting interrogation. My only possible ally is the princess, but I’m unsure if she is really my friend or a trap set by the Queen to fool me into sharing the secret of my gift. A gift I keep hidden even from myself.  It swirls inside my body begging for release, but it is the one thing the Queen can never discover. Will I have the strength to keep the secret? I’ll know the answer soon. If the stories are true about the interrogators, I’ll either be dead or a traitor to my people by morning.
Link to add Weighted to Goodreads shelf: http://www.goodreads.com/book/show/13647847-weighted

So tell me--what's your favorite aspect of the cover? I'll check in at the end of the day and tell you what I love about it.

Her Best Catch-Award Of Merit

Just had to share! Her Best Catch received an Award of Merit from the Virginia Romance Writers Holt Medallion Contest! The category---Best First Book. Praise to God--and thank you VRW!!

Blog styles

I belong to a group blog and we recently changed our blog template over at The F.A.I.T.H. Blog.

Even though I haven't had this template long, I find that the bright blue and the cartoon aspect isn't really to my liking. I don't feel like it truly represents who I am or what I write.

The thing is if you ask me what type of feel I'm looking for I don't think I could tell you. Crazy thing for a writer, huh?

But if I saw a template that resonated I would know it.

Have you ever had somebody say that to you? I'm not sure what I'm looking for but I'll know it when I see it.

So, what do you think? Do you like this template I have? Are you happy with your blog design? Let me know--meanwhile I'm going to be searching for just the right look.

A-Z Blogging Reflections

This was my first year to participate in the A-Z Challenge. I really enjoyed doing it. Since I did some of my posts in advance it taught me the value of scheduling and I truly believe I was able to focus more on what the challenge was about rather than getting that post up that day. I enjoyed my topic and what people had to say about reasons people fall in love. I feel like I got to "know" some people through their answers. I also found some really cool people who write really great blogs and I'll continue to read them. Thanks to all who put the blog hop on. I'll be ready to do it again next year. :)

Blog Winners!!

Hi all--- Guess I was taking a break after the big blogging month. The A-Z was fun!! Here are the winners for the books from the last week and Monday. Susanne Jaycee Kate O'Mara Jennifer Shirk and Lynn please email me (except Susanne and Jaycee--I have your info) at belindapeterson at tds dot net with your snail mail address and I'll be mailing the books next week. So great meeting you all!!!

A-Z WC-Why Do People Fall In Love-Z

Why Do People Fall In Love-Z

Zany!

Dictionary.com says: adjective 1.ludicrously or whimsically comical; clownish.

Check It Out!

Well I knew I liked the word the minute I saw the term whimsical in the definition. I think we all know someone who's a little zany. And I'm sure there are some people who are out there looking to fall in love with someone zany.

What do you think?

I can't believe it's the last day of the Challenge!! It's been awesome and I hope to be 'seeing' you after the challenge is done.

And to celebrate the new friends I'm giving away 5 books today. 4 U S residence only and 1 International. So it's a huge GIVE-AWAY DAY! Leave your name and email address to be entered in the drawing for a review/gift copy of Her Best Catch!

Thanks again!!

A-Z WC-Why Do People Fall In Love-Y

Why Do People Fall In Love-Y

Yummy!!

Dictionary.com says: adjective 1.very pleasing to the senses, especially to the taste; delicious: Check It Out!

Think what you want---ha!! But I know I use this term as slang a lot. And don't you think if you would describe someone as yummy--you might be falling in love?

Check yes or no!

A-Z WC-Why Do People Fall In Love-X

Why Do People Fall In Love-X

Xanadu!

Dictionary.com says: noun a place of great beauty, luxury, and contentment.
Check It Out!

Yeah--this didn't come to me right away--and it might be stretching it a bit, but hey--if you think somebody is your idea of great beauty, luxury and contentment then go for it.

Agreed?

And because it's a crazy X day it's also going to be a GIVE-AWAY DAY! Leave a comment and your email address to be entered into the drawing for a review/gift copy of Her Best Catch! (US residence only)

A-Z WC-Why Do People Fall In Love-W

Why do People Fall In Love-W

Wonderful!

Dictionary.com says:adjective 1.excellent; great; marvelous: Check It Out!

This is a 'wonderful' reason to fall in love. When you find someone wonderful you need to keep them.

What's your definition of wonderful?

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Why Do People Fall In Love-V

Vegetarian!

Dictionary.com says:noun
1.a person who does not eat or does not believe in eating meat, fish, fowl, or, in some cases, any food derived from animals, as eggs or cheese, but subsists on vegetables, fruits, nuts, grain, etc. Check It Out!

So trust me. If someone is a vegetarian this is a reason they will fall in love! I truly believe if you are a vegetarian it would be a hard life trying to live with someone who ate meat, cheese and fun foods like that.

What do you think? Are you a vegetarian? Do you know someone who is?

Why Do People Fall in Love-U

Why Do People Fall In Love U=Understanding Ah--U was a difficult letter for this topic. I thought of unusual, also, but decided to go with understanding. There are just some people who seem more understanding than others. Not that they always take your side or agree with you, but that they are willing to listen and let you talk through something and can at least get what you are trying to say. I also think it's a demeanor of sorts. Maybe more laid-back? What do you think? Am I on the right track or should I have went with unusual?

A-Z Challenge Why Do People Fall In Love-T

Why do people fall in love-T= Tell me! Okay, so all month love you've been dealing with my crazy and sometimes not so crazy versions of why people fall in love. Today it's your turn. I want to know why you think people fall in love. One word---a whole paragraph---or more--let me know.

Week 3 Winners

Week 3 winners!! Letter Q day winner is Ciara! Letter R day winner is Jnana! email me your snail mail address to belindapeterson (at) tds (dot) net.

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Why Do People Fall In Love-S

Sensational!

Dictionary.com says:adjective
1.producing or designed to produce a startling effect, strong reaction, intense interest, etc., especially by exaggerated, superficial, or lurid elements: Check It Out!

Okay--I do admit the definition threw me off a little. Exaggerated? Okay. I guess sensational is a little over the top. But I love sensational people. What makes someone sensational in my book? People who are willing to do whatever it takes to get things done. People who go out of their way to help people. Do you know people like that?

What do you think is sensational?

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Why Do People Fall In Love-R

Ready!

Dictionary.com says:adjective
1. completely prepared or in fit condition for immediate action or use: Check It Out!

Wow! So are we ever really ready? Sometimes I think we are. We're just in that spot or have done enough that we know we are ready to get married. How about you? If you're married did you know you were ready? Or if you're not married, do you think you'll know?

And I know we just gave a book away yesterday, but since we're talking marriage here today I think it's fair we do a GIVE-AWAY DAY! Leave a comment and your email address to be entered in the drawing for a review/gift copy of Her Best Catch. (US residence only) We are going to have one more International Give-Away Day---keep checking back!

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Why Do People Fall In Love-Q

Quaint!

Dictionary.com says:adjective, -having an old-fashioned attractiveness or charm; oddly picturesqueCheck It Out!

Love a definition when the word charm is used! I think people can find people to be quaint. A little old-fashionedness might be nice in today's crazy, fast-paced world! I can kind of picture the girl next door for this type of falling in love.

What about you? What do you think of when you think quaint?

And because it's a Q kind of day it's going to be a GIVE-AWAY DAY! Leave a comment and your email address to be in the drawing for a review/gift copy of Her Best Catch. (US residence only)

A-Z WC-Why Do People Fall In Love-P

Why Do People Fall In Love-P

Pretty!

Dictionary.com says this:adjective --pleasing or attractive to the eye, as by delicacy or gracefulness Check It Out!

We all love pretty things. They catch our eye. They make us smile. Same goes with pretty people. But the inside needs to be just as pretty as the outside. Don't you agree?
I love how the definition uses the word gracefulness. That's just an all around-feel-good word if I've ever heard one.

What comes to mind when you think pretty?

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Why Do People Fall In Love-O

Off!

Dictionary.com says: adjective 33. slightly abnormal or not quite sane: He is a little off, but he's really harmless.Check It Out!

If you are a little off it might be that you fall in love with someone because they are a little off as well. Notice I said a little. I know there are plenty of days I feel off--and I hope my hubby is off as well so he doesn't notice.

Every had an 'off' day?

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Why Do People Fall In Love-N

Nice!

Dictionary.com says:djective, nic·er, nic·est. pleasing; agreeable; delightful Check It Out!


Don't we all love nice people? We all know them. Those who go out of their way to be helpful. Those who do things for you just because. I like the words the dictionary uses. Pleasing--agreeable--isn't that something to look forward to!

And what about delightful? Don't those words bring a smile to your face?

What's something nice someone has done for you lately? or what nice thing have you done for somebody?

A-Z Week 2 Winners!

Hi--we have 4 winners from last week.

H Day--winner is Donna


J Day--Winner is Sharkbytes


K Day--Winner is Susanne (yes, you already won once but there are no rules to how many times you can win--you can give this one to a friend!!)

Non-Challenge Day--Jaycee

Winners, please send your email address to belindapeterson (at) tds (dot) net.

Thanks for commenting---looking forward to week 3 of the challenge!!

Who's Stopping By on a Non-Challenge Day?


Hi---Just checking to see who's visiting on a non-challenge day. Everyone is probably blog-breaking, but if you happen to be here--leave a comment because it's a

GIVE-AWAY DAY!

Leave a comment along with your email address and you'll be entered into the drawing for a review/gift copy of Her Best Catch! (US residence only)

A-Z WC-Why Do People Fall In Love-M

Why Do People Fall In Love-M

Mesmerized!

Dictionary.com says: verb (used with object), -ized, -iz·ing.
1.to hypnotize.
2.to spellbind; fascinate.
3.to compel by fascination. Check It Out!


Okay--we'll hope the mesmerizing aspect actually is a real thing--otherwise being mesmerized by someone might not be the best reason to fall in love--agreed?

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Why Do People Fall In Love-L

Like!

How about that? We start off liking someone in a lot of relationships. Sometimes that like turns into love? Agree?

Dictionary.com says this:verb (used with object) to take pleasure in; find agreeable or congenial Check It Out!

I had to find the verb form. Because we are talking falling in love--actions--because loving is an action!

Just do it! Love!!

Oh--and it's Friday the 13th---Go out and LOVE IT!

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Why Do People Fall In Love-K

Kiss!

Dictionary.com says:verb (used with object)
1.to touch or press with the lips slightly pursed, and then often to part them and to emit a smacking sound, in an expression of affection, love, greeting, reverence, etc.: He kissed his son on the cheek. Check It Out!

Was this the easiest post of this month's theme? I think so! I mean thinking of love naturally leads to thinking of kissing. Don't you love to kiss someone who is a great kisser? Usually the person you're in love with is a great kisser--or at least you think they are because you love them. See, what a great circle of kissing love!!

And just because it's a fun kissing kind of post, and my heroine Allison is blown away by Ashton's kiss, it's another GIVE-AWAY DAY! Yes, 2 days in a row!

Leave a comment and your email address and you'll be entered in the drawing for a review/gift copy of my book Her Best Catch.


A-Z WC-Why Do People Fall In Love-J

Why Do People Fall In Love-J

Jewelry!
Dictionary.com says:noun
1. articles of gold, silver, precious stones, etc., for personal adornment. Check It Out!

Let's face it-some people fall in love with somebody because they give them nice jewelry. Or the fact that the person gives them nice jewelry leads to love. This post doesn't mean it's necessarily a superficial kind of love. But if a gal is on the fence regarding love a nice piece of jewelry could help tip the favor the guys way!

Agree?

Just to dispel the notion of superficial love, we'll give away a gift/review copy of my romance Her Best Catch. Leave a comment along with your email address in the comment section and you will be entered in the drawing!! Yes, it's another GIVE-AWAY DAY!!!


A-Z WC-Why Do People Fall In Love-I

Why do People Fall In Love-I

Interesting.

Dictionary.com says: adjective
1.engaging or exciting and holding the attention or curiosity: an interesting book. Check It Out!

Yes, some people fall in love because they think the other person is interesting. And don't we want to hang out with interesting people? What's interesting is the different things people find interesting. What I think is interesting in a person may not be interesting to you.

So, what do you find interesting about a person? The things they do? The way they act? A combination of many things?

Let me know!

A-Z WC-Why Do People Fall In Love-H

Why Do People Fall In Love-H

Happy!

Dictionary.com says: adjective, -pi·er, -pi·est.

1. delighted, pleased, or glad, as over a particular thing: to be happy to see a person.
2. characterized by or indicative of pleasure, contentment, or joy: a happy mood; a happy frame of mind.
3. favored by fortune; fortunate or lucky: a happy, fruitful land.
4. apt or felicitous, as actions, utterances, or ideas.
5. obsessed by or quick to use the item indicated (usually used in combination): a trigger-happy gangster. Everybody is gadget-happy these day Check It Out!



I had to list all the definitions for this one today. Quite the definitions! There are all different kinds of happy, aren't there? Some good, some maybe not so good.

But face it. We all, most of the time, like to be around happy people. They just have a great smile--a great disposition! What a great attribute to look for when you are looking to fall in love!


So, do you like happy people?

And because it's a Monday--well, it's going to be a GIVE-AWAY DAY! Leave a comment in the comment section, with your email address, and you'll be entered in the drawing for a review/gift copy of Her Best Catch! (US residence only)


Week 1 A-Z Challenge Blog Winners

Sunday--non A-Z day, but I'm announcing the previous week's winners for a review/gift copy of Her Best Catch.

Sunday's winner is Susanne!!

Tuesday's winner is Alex J Cavanaugh


Friday's winner is Shannon!!

Congrats to all!! Please email me at belindapeterson (at) tds (dot) net with your snail mail address and I'll get the books out to you!!

Happy Easter to all!! He is risen! :)

A-Z WC-Why Do People Fall In Love-G






Why Do People Fall In Love-G


Goodhearted!

Dictionary.com says:adjective/kind or generous; considerate; benevolent. Check It Out!

Goodhearted. Doesn't the word just make you feel warm and fuzzy all over? Aren't goodhearted people great! They just know what to do and when to do it. No one needs to tell them you need a helping hand or a shoulder to cry on. They just seem to know what you need when you need it. And they're the perfect type of person to fall in love with!

Who do you know that is really goodhearted?

A-Z Challenge

A-Z WC-Why Do People Fall In Love-F





Why Do People Fall In Love-F

Fairy-Tale romance:

Dictionary.com says: 1.a story, usually for children, about elves, hobgoblins, dragons, fairies, or other magical creatures.

2.an incredible or misleading statement, account, or belief: His story of being a millionaire is just a fairy tale. Check It Out!


Well, we've all had this fantasy--or we've known someone who's had this fantasy. The fairy-tale romance. Does it exist? I think it can--it all depends on your state of mind. I love the idea--I don't think the way it's portrayed on-screen is very realistic, but I'd like to think I've found my very own fairy-tale romance with my hubby. How about you?


This is us on vacay about 5 years ago.















In honor of fairy-tale romance day it's GIVE-AWAY DAY! You know the rules. Leave a comment and email address to be entered in the drawing to win a review/gift copy of Her Best Catch!!

Open to all!





A-Z Challenge

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