Book Review

Loyalty's Web by Joyce DiPastena is a history, mystery and romance all bound into one book. My advice to anyone reading this is to make sure you have plenty of time, because once you start you won't be able to put it down.

The main characters, The Earl of Gunthar and Helene deLaurant, have many things get in the way of any feelings they may have for each other; arranged marriages, several assassination attempts, betrayals, and secrets, that need to be resolved to save all those they care about.

Joyce is a great storyteller and kept me on the edge of my seat. If you love a good mystery - men or women - this is the book for you.

The Party

My book launching party was a huge success. Both myself and the illustrator signed each book sold. Some friends came early, and then people just kept coming, even after the time alloted for the event. I appreciate the efforts that everyone made to come and for their support.

The children had fun with the games and someone said that some of them didn’t want to go home. I’m sure there were plenty of prizes and it would have been a perfect day if it had been a bit cooler outside. I regretted not having time to visit with each guest that came.

A wonderful woman brought an Underground Railroad quilt to display. The refreshements were unique, but enjoyed by those brave enough to partake.

I’m happy to report that I sold fifty-six books that day and a few since then. Several people have reported they read the book in one night and want to know when the sequel is coming. I honestly hadn’t thought about writing more of the story, but with this many requests I have started one.

If anyone is wanting a signed copy I still have copies to sell. Leave a comment here or contact me at connie.s.hall@comcast.net and we'll make arrangements to get one to you.

Launching Party

Finally, I'm ready to announce my book signing party. The big event will be held on Saturday, July 18 from 10:30 am until 1 pm at my home. It will be a party held for children with games and prizes for all those who attend. There will be drawings every 1/2 hour and delicious refreshments featuring the Journey cakes and prickly pear jelly, as well as buffalo jerky that I talk about in the book.

I hope to see many of you there. For directions you'll have to respond to this blog.

An Amazing Book

I recently read a book by my friend Jill Vanderwood called What’s It Like, Living Green? Kids Teaching Kids, By The Way They Live. This is an amazing book. I was surprised to learn some of the things that kids are doing to make a difference in our world. They are remarkable.

I don’t want to appear too dumb, but honestly, I haven’t paid a lot of attention to some of the things being said about living green. Yeah, I know about the recycling, but have never given reducing and reusing much thought. As a young girl, we did reuse lots of stuff, that’s just what you did back then. Now I just go buy new stuff, but I can see what I’m doing wrong, and I intend to correct this.

Actually, I’m not even doing the recycling thing correctly. The ABCS of recycling include lots more things than what I’ve been doing. Besides the aluminum, it also includes brass, copper, and stainless steel.

I’m sure the rest of you understand and are interested in healing the world for future generations. After reading this, I certainly want all my grandchildren to be aware of the ways they can save the world. Everyone can do many things to help. I hope every school will emphasize and start teaching this to all the students.

I learned that it doesn’t matter how old you are, kids can and do make a difference. Many kids are out there learning how to help the environment, helping others, and earning money in the process. Encourage your family to become a part of this.

A Contest I'm Entering

Sheila of whynotbecasueisaidso.blogspot.com is having a contest because Author Annette Lyon donated a copy of her new book, There, Their, They're: A No-Tears Guide to Grammar From the Word Nerd. I’m sure this is a great book for anyone to own, even if you’re not a writer. Annette is known in the LDS Writer's circle as the Queen of Grammar.

I’m only telling you this because I would love to win the contest. I’m not telling it to you so that you can beat me out of it. If I don’t win the contest I will spend the money to purchase this book because knowing Annette I’m sure there is lots of worthwhile material for every writer.

Martha's Freedom Train

This blog is to announce that I have a middle grade book coming out soon. In a few weeks, I'll reveal the date and time for a fun party (probably in July) to celebrate this event. Following is a brief description of the book.

With help from the Underground Railroad, Martha (age 12) and her parents escape slavery. When they find an entrance to a station hidden in a hill, they finally feel safe. Mamma has caught pneumonia because of the rainy weather and the cold rivers and streams they crossed. Papa learns about a wagon train of Mormons traveling west, and he takes Martha to meet them. Her heart almost breaks when he insists she go with these strangers. Martha encounters many exciting adventures. She helps put out a fire, and after Martha falls asleep beside the trail, they accidentally leave her behind. Upon reaching her destination, Martha wonders if she’ll ever see her mamma and papa again.

Crazy Eight

Just when I’m getting comfortable and think everyone has forgotten about the fun games of tag we played as children, someone tags me again. This time Nicole caught me and I guess I have to be a sport and do this.

Here be Da Rules:
1. Mention the person who tagged you.
2. Complete the list of 8's.
3. Tag 8 other bloggers.
4. Tell them they have been tagged.

And here are my answers:
Eight Things I Look Forward To:
1. Getting my next book published
2. My mother leaving the hospital
3. Holding my new book, Martha’s Freedom Train
4. A writing retreat
5. Not owing anyone any money
6. Good health
7. Time to write
8. Going on vacation

Eight Things I Did Yesterday:
1. Got up an hour early
2. Visited my mother at the hospital
3. Had a meeting with the case manager at the hospital
4. Went to lunch with my brother and sister
5. Checked out a rehabilitation center for my mother
6. Went to work for a couple of hours
7. Read some of my emails
8. Collapsed into bed

Eight Things I Wish I Could Do:
1. Go along ways away
2. Have more writing time
3. Have more time everyday to do what I want
4. Find someone to publish my next book
5. Travel to new places all the time
6. Have no bills
7. Have enough money to travel
8. Have no weeds in the yard

Eight Shows I Watch:
1. News
2. Perry Mason
3. Murder She Wrote
4. My Three Sons
5. I don’t know what else is on. I don’t start watching anything until after 9 pm
6. This is a hard question and I have no answers.
7. A good movie if there is any on.
8. I don’t watch much TV because I’d rather write or read.

Eight Friends I’m Tagging: I have no idea who has already been tagged so some of these may be repeats.
1. Karen Hoover
2. Mary Greathouse
3. Jane Sills
4. Janice LeFevre
5. Joshua Perkey
6. Jenn Wilks
7. Daron Fraley
8. Trina Boyce

There you have it. Have fun. Crazy eights!