Posted in Birthdays, Cozy Mystery, Freebies and Special Offers, holidays

Mother’s Day/Birthday Sale and Two New Book Cover Reveals

A Stone’s Throw, the first book of my Cobble Cove cozy mystery series, is on sale for Mother’s Day weekend, Friday, May 6 through my birthday on Monday, May 9.

Check out the reviews:

*****5-stars “A Stone’s Throw is an engaging mystery and I was hooked from page one. At first, the ease and flow of the writing and the well-rounded characters kept my interest. Soon, the suspense took over and drew me in completely.”

*****5-stars “There are twists and turns which will throw you off–the ending will astonish you!”

*****5-stars “Just loved this story and characters.”

*****5-stars “Superb read that I highly recommend. Looking forward to continuing the books.”

*****5-stars “I read this book in a little over 2 days because I had to get answers. I simply couldn’t put it down. I just know you will love this book as much as I did.”

Pick up your free copy here: mybook.to/Stonesthrow2

Keep an eye out for updates on my two upcoming new releases, Sneaky’s Supernatural Mystery and Other Cobble Cove Stories, and The Case of the Cat Crazy Lady, the first book of my Buttercup Bend cozy mystery series.

Have a great Mother’s Day weekend!

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Posted in Between a Rock and a Hard Place, Books, New Releases, Solstice Publishing

Announcing Cobble Cove Mystery 2: Between a Rock and a Hard Place


cobble-cove-mysteriesbydebbie-de-louise

Between a Rock and a Hard Place: Cobble Cove Mystery #2

Welcome to book two of the Cobble Cove cozy mystery series.

If you had the chance to read A Stone’s Throw, you came to know widowed librarian, Alicia, and followed her through the mystery that brought her to Cobble Cove and her meeting with John, the town’s newspaper publisher. In Between a Rock and a Hard Place, Alicia is faced with several new mysteries and one that is particularly close to home.

This new story features the main characters from book #1 and introduces new Cobble Cove residents.

betweenarockandahardplacesolsticecover

Between A Rock and a Hard Place releases October 12, 2016

Purchase Links:

myBook.to/CobbleCove2 (ebook)

myBook.to/CC2paper (paperback)

Blurb

Librarian Alicia McKinney has put the past behind her…

Two years ago, Alicia discovered both a terrible truth and lasting love with John McKinney in the small town of Cobble Cove, New York. Now a busy mother of twin babies and co-author of a mystery series, Alicia couldn’t be happier.

brhp-teaser-2Alicia’s contentment and safety are challenged…

Walking home alone from the library, Alicia senses someone following her, and on more than one occasion, she believes she is being watched. Does she have a stalker? When the local gift shop is burglarized, the troubling event causes unrest among Alicia and the residents of the quiet town.

John and Alicia receive an offer they can’t refuse…

When John’s sister offers to babysit while she and John take a much-needed vacation in New York City, Alicia is reluctant to leave her children because of the disturbances in Cobble Cove. John assures her the town is safe in the hands of Sheriff-elect Ramsay. Although Alicia’s experience with and dislike of the former Long Island detective don’t alleviate her concern, she and John take their trip.

Alicia faces her worst nightmare…

The McKinneys’ vacation is cut short when they learn their babies have been kidnapped and John’s sister shot. Alicia and John’s situation puts them between a rock and a hard place when the main suspect is found dead before the ransom is paid. In order to save their children, the McKinneys race against the clock to solve a mystery more puzzling than those found in their own books. Can they do it before time runs out?

debbiedelouiseAbout the Author:

Debbie De Louise is a reference librarian at a public library on Long Island and has been involved with books and writing for over thirty years. She received the Lawrence C. Lobaugh, jr. Memorial Award in Journalism for her work as Features Editor on the Long Island University/C. W. Post student newspaper, the Pioneer. More recently, Debbie received the Glamour Puss Award from Hartz Corporation for an article about cat grooming that appeared on Catster.com. She has published a short mystery in the Cat Crimes Through Time Anthology and two novels, Cloudy Rainbow and A Stone’s Throw, the first book of her Cobble Cove cozy mystery series. Her short stories, The Path to Rainbow Bridge and Deadline appear in the anthologies, Realms of Fantastic Stories  and Project 9, Vol. 2 published by Solstice Publishing. She is currently working on a psychological thriller, the third Cobble Cove Mystery, and a new pet-related cozy series. She lives on Long Island with her husband, daughter, and two cats.

Social Media Links:

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/debbie.delouise.author/

Twitter: https://twitter.com/Deblibrarian

Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/debbiedelouise

Goodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/2750133.Debbie_De_Louise

Amazon Author Page: Author.to/DebbieDeLouise

Website/Blog/Newsletter Sign-Up: https://debbiedelouise.com

 

 

Posted in Books, Cats

Announcing Sneaky the Library Cat’s Blog

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Sneaky the Siamese from my Cobble Cove mysteries complained that he was overshadowed by the human characters in the first book, A STONE’S THROW, even though he helped Alicia discover an important clue. Then, after he looked through my draft of the sequel, BETWEEN A ROCK AND A HARD PLACE, that is coming out soon, he wasn’t happy with the prime scenes I allotted him. Those who know cats are aware that felines can be very stubborn when they want to be, so I came up with an idea to appease his pride. I helped Sneaky start his own blog called Sneaky the Library Cat’s blog: Scooping the Shelves of Cat “Litter” ature. This blog, transcribed by me, will feature Sneaky’s interviews of other cat characters (and occasionally a special guest dog or other animal). It will also include timely news and articles of interest to cats and their humans.

Sneaky has had a large response from cats seeking to appear on the blog, but he is still on the prowl for more guests. If you’re an author who has a cat in any of your books who would like to be featured on Sneaky’s blog, please send an email to sneakylibrarycat@gmail.com.

To read about Sneaky’s venture in further detail, please visit his blog at:  https://sneakylibrarycat.wordpress.com.

Posted in blog challenge

#LifeBooksWriting Blog Challenge: 5 Things about Me

takeoveraboutmeIf you’re reading this post, there’s a good chance you know a lot about me already; so when I attempted to meet the challenge of writing five things about myself, I decided to include facts that some people weren’t aware of but might find interesting.

  1. debbienewpicI chose to become a librarian after taking a college vocational test in my Sophomore year at college that showed my interests and skills to be best matched to a career in librarianship  and writing. I’ve worked as a librarian for 25 years and will be publishing my third novel this fall.
  2. I grew up with cats, have written about them in short stories, articles, and books and am a long-time member of a wonderful organization known as the Cat Writer’s Association. I currently have two male cats of my own – a striped, 7-year old tabby my daughter named Stripey and my mother’s 16-year old Siamese, Oliver, who I adopted three years ago. oliverstripey
  3. bonesAlthough I don’t watch a lot of television, I enjoy The Librarians, The Catch, and my favorite series, Bones, that I recently started watching on Netflix.
  4. hollybabyMy happiest experiences were my wedding day 25 years ago next July; the birth of my daughter who will be 12 this October; and the contract offer from Limitless Publishing I received for my novel, A STONE’S THROW, that was published last November and which will soon have a sequel.
  5. blackforestcake2My favorite dessert is Black Forest cake, and I love dark chocolate. My favorite snacks are unsalted peanuts out of the shell and sugarless gum.

 

blogchallengegraphicupdated
It’s a pleasure to participate in the blog challenge Sophia Valentine of Lifestyle and Literature created (see graphic for topics and dates if you have a blog and would like to participate. If you’re a reader, I’m sure you’ll enjoy learning about some of the great participating authors).

 

 

 

 

Posted in A Stone's Throw, Authors, blog challenge, Books, Limitless Publishing

#LifeBooksWriting Blog Challenge: About My Recent Book

stonesthrowamazonI’m very excited to participate in the blog challenge Sophia Valentine of Lifestyle and Literature created (see graphics at the bottom of this post for topics and dates if you have a blog and would like to participate. If you’re a reader, I’m sure you’ll enjoy learning about some of the great participating authors).

This week, I will be talking about my recent book., “A Stone’s Throw.” that was published in November 2015 by Limitless Publishing. I am working on the sequel, “Between a Rock and a Hard Place” (2nd in the Cobble Cove Mysteries) series that will be released soon.

Below is the blurb, an excerpt, the book trailer, and some reviews of “A Stone’s Throw.” I am also including the purchase links for the book along with my social media links and Amazon and Goodreads Author Pages as well as my website/blog and newsletter sign-up link.

Widowed librarian Alicia Fairmont needs answers…

After her husband is killed in a hit and run accident, Alicia travels upstate to his hometown of Cobble Cove, New York, hoping to locate his estranged family and shed light on his mysterious past. Anticipating staying only a weekend, her visit is extended when she accepts a job at the town’s library.

Secrets stretch decades into the past…

Assisted by handsome newspaper publisher and aspiring novelist, John McKinney, Alicia discovers a connection between her absent in-laws and a secret John’s father has kept for over sixty years. But her investigation is interrupted when she receives word her house has burned and arson is suspected, sending her rushing back to Long Island, accompanied by John.

Back in Cobble Cove, cryptic clues are uncovered…

When Alicia returns, she finds a strange diary, confiscated letters, and a digital audio device containing a recording made the day her husband was killed. Anonymous notes warn Alicia to leave town, but she can’t turn her back on the mystery—or her attraction to John.

As the pieces begin to fall into place, evidence points to John’s involvement in her husband’s accident. The past and present threaten to collide, and Alicia confronts her fears…

Has she fallen in love with her husband’s killer?

Watch the Trailer here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bTL6s3a9Y1s

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EXCERPT

“Who is the other visitor?” Alicia was curious about the sleeping guest.

“Oh, John,” Dora chuckled. “He’s not a visitor. He lives up the road, but he stays here occasionally. I think it’s just to keep me company, but he says the atmosphere inspires his writing. He also does some chores for me.”

“He’s an author?”

Dora chose a cinnamon bun and spread some butter on it. “He’s actually our town’s newspaper publisher. He also keeps the town’s records, but he’s working on a book, too. He stays busy. I guess it helps him recover.”

This was interesting. If this guy John kept the town records, maybe he could track down Pete’s sister and mother. But what was he recovering from? Alicia was hesitant to ask. Maybe the man was in rehab for alcohol or drug addiction, or perhaps he had cancer or been in an accident.

“Talking about me again, Dora?” They hadn’t even heard him in the doorway. The man who stood there did not look drunk, sick, or injured. He was tall, even taller than Pete which would probably make him about six feet. He was thin but muscular, and he didn’t look like he spent a lot of time working at a computer. His hair was dark and thick with only a few strands of gray. He was clean shaven with deep blue eyes she noticed immediately.

“Ah, good morning, John. You’ve awoken before the rooster crows.” Dora got up. “I have some cleaning to do upstairs. Why don’t you come and meet your fellow guest, Alicia?”

John bent forward as if to bow. “Pleased to meet you, ma’am.” He  extended his hand. “John McKinney at your service.”

McKinney? “Are you a related to Mr. McKinney at the library?”

John smiled as Dora made her exit, muffin in hand. He sat in the chair she left. “He’s my dad.”

Kiev, Ukraine - October 17, 2012 - A logotype collection of well-known social media brand's printed on paper. Include Facebook, YouTube, Twitter, Google Plus, Instagram, Vimeo, Flickr, Myspace, Tumblr, Livejournal, Foursquare and more other logos.

Connect with me on:

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/debbie.delouise.author/

Twitter: https://twitter.com/Deblibrarian

Goodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/2750133.Debbie_De_Louise

Amazon Author Page: http://www.amazon.com/Debbie-De-Louise/e/B0144ZGXPW/

Website/Blog/Newsletter Sign-Up: https://debbiedelouise.wordpress.com

Buy links for A STONE’S THROW:

Amazon U.S.: KINDLE: http://amzn.to/1MjaJgN

Amazon Australia: http://bit.ly/1Sdh82D

Amazon Canada: http://amzn.to/1SdheHi

Amazon U.K.: http://amzn.to/1QutXBW

Barnes and Noble: http://bit.ly/1nQPyv4

Kobo: http://bit.ly/1KGYHep

Also available on iTunes and Ingram

blogchallengegraphicupdated

 

 

Posted in Contest

Enter Now: Two Contests Ending August 31st

bignewspic

ANNOUNCING TWO CONTESTS FOR AMAZON GIFT CARDS AND AN EXCLUSIVE ANTHOLOGY

BOTH CONTESTS END ON AUGUST 31

 Only Newsletter Subscribers are eligible to enter

Subscribe at https://debbiedelouise.com or email debbiewriter@yahoo.com with your address to ask to be subscribed. Prizes will only be awarded if a minimum of 10 people enter.

 PHOTO CONTEST FOR a $10 AMAZON GIFT CARD

 Submit a photo of you, a friend, or even a pet with my book, A Stone’s Throw. All photos submitted to me by email at debbiewriter@yahoo.com by August 31st. will be entered in a random drawing for the $10 Amazon gift card. Those who submit photos agree that they may be used on social media.

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PURCHASE LINKS FOR A STONE’S THROW

Amazon U.S.: http://amzn.to/1MjaJgN
Amazon Australia: http://bit.ly/1Sdh82D
Amazon Canada: http://amzn.to/1SdheHi
Amazon U.K.: http://amzn.to/1QutXBW
Barnes and Noble: http://bit.ly/1nQPyv4
Kobo: http://bit.ly/1KGYHep
Also available on iTunes and Ingram

Anthology Contest + $5 AMAZON GIFT CARD
For a $5 Amazon gift card and an anthology of romances written by 16 authors including myself, read the excerpt below and answer this question: What magical power did the stone have? Send your reply by August 31st. to debbiewriter@yahoo.com. Only newsletter subscribers are eligible to win, and this contest is not sponsored by Mailchimp or Yahoo. The winner will be announced in the September 1st. newsletter.

lovealwaysgiveawaypic

DeLouise TeaserExcerpt from The Seashell and the Stone by Debbie De Louise (c) 2016 Debbie De Louise

As Virginia and Stephen made their way toward the end of the boardwalk, the merry-go-round music that drifted along their path changed to a loud cacophony of whistles and horn blasts announcing “the greatest show on earth.” A man on stilts came hobbling toward them, his wide yellow polka-dotted pants flapping in the breeze off the ocean. “Good day, Ma’am. Good day, Sir,” he greeted them. “Right this way to the midway.” He chuckled at his use of words.

Up ahead, Virginia spotted the circus tents lined on the beach and the acrobatic high-wire strung high across two tall poles. 

“I guess you need to find the person in charge to ask about selling here.” 

Mr. Granger was scanning the crowd seated on folding chairs by the first tent where a magician was performing some tricks to the rapt audience. “Let’s look around first. Would you like to sit and watch the show?”

Virginia was pleased that he seemed more interested in her company than the business that brought him there. “No, but I would enjoy going there.” She pointed toward a tent that displayed the sign, “Madame Marie, Fortune Teller.”

“Are you serious? You know these carnival mystics are not worth the money.”

Virginia felt her anger flare again as it had when he had criticized her for feeding Seashell table scraps. “It’s my money to spend and that’s how I wish to spend it.” Her father had given her a $1 note as well as a few silver coins for carnival expenses. 

“Very well.” Mr. Granger followed her reluctantly toward Madame Marie’s tent. The psychic sat behind a round table covered in red velvet. She wore a matching red kerchief in her long dark curly hair. Several rings graced her hands as she sat turning over tarot cards and gazing into a crystal ball. At their approach, she lay down the cards and beckoned them with a smile missing several teeth. Virginia could smell the lady’s foul breath, onions mixed with garlic. She lay down one of her coins, but the woman pushed it away. “For you, I will tell a fortune for free. Please have a seat.”

Mr. Granger stood waiting by the side of the tent as Virginia took the chair opposite Marie. “Why are you not charging me?”

Marie shuffled the cards and placed them face down in a pile. “Direct your energy on the cards and then choose one,” the woman instructed ignoring Virginia’s question.

Virginia followed her directions while Mr. Granger stood with a bored look on his face shuffling from foot to foot.

“Ah,” Marie said as she turned over the card Virginia picked to reveal a man and woman with an angel above them. “The Lovers. How appropriate.”

“Does it mean I’ll be wed soon?” Virginia asked.

“Yes, my dear. There is a special gentleman in your life or will be soon.” She placed the card at the bottom of the deck and tapped the glass ball in front of her. “If you’d like to know more or ask a question, it will be 1 greenback, please.”

“Wait one moment,” Mr. Granger interrupted. “You told the lady your predictions were free.”

The psychic smiled showing her missing teeth again. “The tarot reading is free. There’s a charge for the crystal ball.”

“I guess you have to make money somehow. Come on, Miss Vance, let us move on.”

“Wait.” Virginia did not like being ordered around, and she was curious as to what Madame Marie would see in her crystal ball. She had her fortune told at the circus last year but by a gypsy man. Marie seemed to be new to the troop. “I told you I’ll spend my money the way I wish.”

A fire flared in Mr. Granger’s blue eyes. “You mean your father’s money, but, go ahead. She will only tell you what you wish to hear and what she observes from your reactions. I am sure the Tarot card was planted too. Most young women are looking for love. You don’t have to be a psychic to know that.”

Virginia stood up. As much as she disliked his words, she knew he had a point. None of the predictions made for her last year proved to come true. “Thank you, Madame Marie, but I may return after seeing more of the circus.”

“As you wish.” Marie glared after Stephen as he walked away with Virginia.

“If you really want to know your future,” he said as they passed several more tents, “I have something that can help.” 

“Whatever do you mean?” 

“I was not exactly honest with you about my occupation.” Virginia felt excitement flood through her at the thought that Mr. Granger was about to share the information she sought without her having to resort to any of her tricks to pry it out of him.

“Let’s sit on a bench for a moment,” he suggested guiding her away from the crowd.

He seemed to hesitate briefly as if he regretted his haste in revealing what he was about to say. Then he reached into his trouser pocket and retrieved a translucent stone. For a second she thought it was a Cape May diamond, the crystals that resembled the real jewels that Cape May residents and visitors searched for along the beach. However, they had not spent any time on the sand, and he had just arrived in town.
“You may have wondered why I did not bring along my merchandise to show the circus leader.”

Her eyes were focused on the glittery stone. “I thought they were too heavy to carry on our walk.”

“I would’ve at least brought a sample.”

“But what is that you have in your hand?”

“This is the reason I’m here. I’ve been following carnivals and circuses along the East Coast to offer my services, and this stone is one of my tools.”

“Your services?” This was more intriguing than she expected. “What exactly are your services?”

He smiled and, unlike Madame Marie, exhibited perfect white teeth. “I’m a psychic. A genuine one, but I need the stone to aid me. It was passed down to me from my father who received it from his own father. I believe it was originally found by my great grandfather.”

Virginia was not convinced. “Are you saying that rock guides you in telling the future?”

His smile deepened, and she saw a dimple appear in his cheek. “I guess that’s a way of putting it. If I rub the rock and ask a question, the answer appears in my mind.”

 

Posted in A Stone's Throw, Authors, blog challenge, Books

#LifeBooksWriting Blog Challenge: My Five-Year Plan

blogchallengegraphicupdatedI’m very excited to participate in the blog challenge Sophia Valentine of Lifestyle and Literature created (see graphic for topics and dates if you have a blog and would like to participate. If you’re a reader, I’m sure you’ll enjoy learning about some of the great participating authors).

This week’s post is about where I’d like to be in five years. Although this can apply to many life areas, I’m going to concentrate on my writing right now. Since a “picture’s worth a thousand words,” here is my view of what I would like to see happen with my books in five years. I’ve only shown one possible headline, but I hope to have at least five more books published by 2021.newspaper3How do I plan to make this happen? I’ll continue writing, of course. Currently, my mystery tentatively titled, “Between a Rock and a Hard Place” has been contracted with Solstice Publishing. It is the sequel to “A Stone’s Throw” published last November.  I am also working on a completely new standalone I consider a psychological thriller. I’m hoping to submit it to an agent and/or publisher some time this fall.

Besides writing, I need to promote my books. I plan to continue advertising on social media but, more importantly, connecting with my followers. My five-year plan includes  making additional professional and reader contacts; increasing subscribers to my author newsletter; sending press releases to the media; and appearing at libraries, bookstores, author signings, and writing conferences. Maybe in five years I’ll be able to clone myself, so I can manage to do all this.  If not, I will try to prioritize my time as best as I can.

If I don’t achieve my goal in five years or sooner, I will still be happy if I’ve reached a good number of people who enjoy my books. I don’t intend to compete with anyone but myself or change my writing to please what I perceive the public wants. That doesn’t mean I won’t try to emulate some of my favorite authors or seek advice from fellow writers and readers. It simply means I will strive to improve my writing with each book and develop my own individual style.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Posted in A Stone's Throw, Contest, Newsletter

Have you Entered My $25 Summer Photo Contest?

photocontest1A photo contest I announced in my newsletter is running through July 31st. To enter, submit a photo of yourself, a friend, or even a pet with a copy of my book, A Stone’s Throw, by midnight EST on July 31st. The photo can feature a paperback or ebook copy on your Kindle or other eReader. The most creative photo will win a $25 gift card and be announced in my August 1st newsletter. The photo can either be emailed to debbiewriter@yahoo.com or posted to my author Facebook page: https://www.facebook.com/debbie.delouise.author/

By participating, you agree to allow your photo to be posted on social media sites and acknowledge that Facebook and Mailchimp are not responsible for this contest. Only subscribers to my Ruff Drafts newsletter (separate from this blog) are eligible to win. To subscribe, fill out the pop-up form at https://debbiedelouise.wordpress.com and confirm the email you receive. If you have any problems or prefer me to subscribe you, please send me your email address and request to be subscribed.

Love Always Anthology Cover (1)There are many benefits to subscribing to the newsletter besides being eligible to enter the photo contest. By being a subscriber, you will be updated on my book news with exclusive excerpts and other content, receive notices about my appearance schedule and other book news. I also run monthly contests only open to subscribers. A new prize that will be offered in the future is an anthology with stories by myself and 15 other authors. This book, Love, Always, features my historical romance, The Seashell and the Stone. It’s a departure from my mysteries, but I think you will enjoy the tale of a sweet current-day romance with a touch of the supernatural. It is set both in current-day and 19th-century Victorian Cape May. DeLouise Teaser

seashellstoneedited

Below are some contest photos that have already been submitted. Can you beat these great shots?

photocontest2photocontest3photocontest4photocontest5photocontest6

Widowed librarian Alicia Fairmont needs answers…

After her husband is killed in a hit and run accident, Alicia travels upstate to his hometown of Cobble Cove, New York, hoping to locate his estranged family and shed light on his mysterious past. Anticipating staying only a weekend, her visit is extended when she accepts a job at the town’s library.

Secrets stretch decades into the past…

Assisted by handsome newspaper publisher and aspiring novelist, John McKinney, Alicia discovers a connection between her absent in-laws and a secret John’s father has kept for over sixty years. But her investigation is interrupted when she receives word her house has burned and arson is suspected, sending her rushing back to Long Island, accompanied by John.

Back in Cobble Cove, cryptic clues are uncovered…

When Alicia returns, she finds a strange diary, confiscated letters, and a digital audio device containing a recording made the day her husband was killed. Anonymous notes warn Alicia to leave town, but she can’t turn her back on the mystery—or her attraction to John.

As the pieces begin to fall into place, evidence points to John’s involvement in her husband’s accident. The past and present threaten to collide, and Alicia confronts her fears…

Has she fallen in love with her husband’s killer?

PURCHASE LINKS:

Amazon U.S.: http://amzn.to/1MjaJgN
Amazon Australia: http://bit.ly/1Sdh82D
Amazon Canada: http://amzn.to/1SdheHi
Amazon U.K.: http://amzn.to/1QutXBW
Barnes and Noble: http://bit.ly/1nQPyv4
Kobo: http://bit.ly/1KGYHep
Also available on iTunes and Ingram

 

Posted in Authors, blog challenge

#LifeBooksWriting Blog Challenge: A Day in My Life

blogchallengegraphicupdatedThis week’s blog challenge is about A Day in My Life. Sophia Valentine of Lifestyle and Literature created this challenge (see graphic for topics and dates if you have a blog and would like to participate. If you’re a reader, I’m sure you’ll enjoy learning about some of the great participating authors).

My day usually begins at 5 a.m. when I wake up, feed my cats, and make coffee for my husband in that order. Then I check my computer for emails, Facebook messages, and my handy Google calendar, so I know what else is on the agenda for that day. I spend the next hour writing and eating breakfast which is usually a high fiber cereal with bananas or blueberries and coffee with skim milk. At 6 a.m., after my husband is out of the shower, I wake up my 6th-grade daughter who takes an hour dressing and using the bathroom. While she is getting ready, I put one of my Leslie Sansone walk-at-home DVD’s into my computer and exercise for a half hour. I then make breakfast for my daughter who, like my husband, grabs something quick because they are both running late all the time.

hicksvillelibraryWhen everyone is gone, I shower and dress for work. I like to get there at 8:30 even though I start at 9. I work at my local library as a librarian. The best part of my job is ordering the new fiction and mystery books, but it’s also the hardest because I want to read them all and don’t have the time. I also enjoy helping people find new books and authors. I’ve been writing and editing the library’s monthly staff picks newsletter for the last three years.

2016-05-09 20.39.46I work at the library from 9 to 5 four days a week and from 1 to 9 once a week. I also work two Saturdays a month. When I work a Saturday, I usually get a Friday off. On my days off and on weekends, I try to catch up on household chores and social media/writing. But if my daughter is home, too, I try to spend time with her. She’s at the age where she’d rather be with her friends than her mother, so I usually take her out somewhere with a friend. Last weekend, we went to Old Westbury Gardens, a place she particularly likes, as she’s into nature. However, it was so hot that both she and her friend wanted to leave before we were there long. A week ago, my daughter unexpectedly asked me to read a book with her. We used to read together all the time when she was younger but, as she started getting more homework and I became involved in writing, there was less time for us to do so. The book she chose, The Bad Unicorn, is one of those pre-teen dramatic works with a mysterious ancient codex and a seventh-grade hero. I had to admit I found some of the parts funny, and she laughed through a lot of it, too. Despite its crazy plot, the book was written on a level that would help increase a middle-schooler’s vocabulary, and I was glad it was something we could share.

maseThis weekend, I’m headed to Foxwoods Casino in Connecticut for MASE (Mystic Author Signing Event) where I’ll be meeting authors and readers and signing both of my books, A Stone’s Throw and Cloudy Rainbow. My husband is coming along, so we’ll also try to fit in some much-needed together time. Most of the time we’re both too busy with our jobs and daughter. The single exception is the one night a week, usually on a weekend I’m not working, that we watch a movie or TV show together on Netflix while our daughter plays virtual games on her computer with her friends.

There’s not much more to know about my days except that I try to fit in reading and some time with my cats.2016-02-24 10.18.29

 

 

 

Posted in A Stone's Throw, Books

My Exciting Mystery Romance is on Sale This Weekend

salepicFor less than $1, you can read a great mystery romance this weekend. A Stone’s Throw will be 99 cents until Sunday, April 10th. Pick up a copy at this great price. http://amzn.to/1W9ogxj

Widowed librarian Alicia Fairmont needs answers…

After her husband is killed in a hit and run accident, Alicia travels upstate to his hometown of Cobble Cove, New York, hoping to locate his estranged family and shed light on his mysterious past. Anticipating staying only a weekend, her visit is extended when she accepts a job at the town’s library.

Secrets stretch decades into the past…

Assisted by handsome newspaper publisher and aspiring novelist, John McKinney, Alicia discovers a connection between her absent in-laws and a secret John’s father has kept for over sixty years. But her investigation is interrupted when she receives word her house has burned and arson is suspected, sending her rushing back to Long Island, accompanied by John.

Back in Cobble Cove, cryptic clues are uncovered…

aliciaintownWhen Alicia returns, she finds a strange diary, confiscated letters, and a digital audio device containing a recording made the day her husband was killed. Anonymous notes warn Alicia to leave town, but she can’t turn her back on the mystery—or her attraction to John.

As the pieces begin to fall into place, evidence points to John’s involvement in her husband’s accident. The past and present threaten to collide, and Alicia confronts her fears…

Has she fallen in love with her husband’s killer?