As 2008 fades away, and a clean slate in front of you, it's the time of your life to let go and be more than you'd ever dreamed of being.

2009 is a new year to set new writing goals and resolutions. What are yours going to be? Find an agent? A publisher? Finish a book?

It's the first day of the first year of a new unwritten future. A blank page. You can write your own future.

In the loosely interpreted words of Natasha Bedingfield and her song "Unwritten", today is when your book begins. The rest is unwritten. You have a blank page before you. No one else has your book inside them. It's your gift. You must release your inhibitions and go for it.

And, you will get there, one step at a time. Keep your goals firmly set in your mind. Stay focused. Use the support of your writing networks. And, set your goals high. Reach for the stars!

So, what are your top five writing goals or resolutions for 2009?

Mine are:
1. Obtain a publishing contract for OUT FOR JUSTICE
2. Finish edits on 3 short stories and find them a published home.
3. Write erotic story for Ravenous Romance.
4. Enter writing contests.
5. Write at least 5 chapters of DRIVING ME CRAZY.

I'd like to hear what yours are.

Labels: agent, book, contest, Driving me Crazy, erotic, New Year, Out for Justice, Publisher, Publishing, Ravenous Romance, Resolutions, short story, Unwritten

Well, folks, tell us something we don't know, right?

But, here it is, in the New York Times. Posted 12/23/08.

According to the article, and correct me if I'm wrong, it sounds like they're crediting the success of the e-readers for the success of e-books.

Okay, I'll bite.

Don't you have to have something to READ before you want to have something to READ it ON?

I say e-books are a success because of the authors, and the e-reader products improved based on demand.

But, that's my humble opinion.

You can read the article here. Turning Page, E-Books Start to Take Hold. Skip the add that might pop up and go straight to the article.

I'd love to hear your opinion.

Labels: authors, e-books, e-readers, new york times

My husband and I recently returned from traveling to WV, PA, and DC. We decided it would be a great Christmas present to his nieces to take them to DC for a couple of days. So, we flew into to the Philadelphia airport, picked up our rental minivan, drove to Buckhannon, West Virginia (5 hours) stayed overnight in a hotel.

Uh Huh, they do have hotels in Buckhannon. A very nice one as a matter of fact. The Bicentennial. If anyone gets out that way, that's my recommendation.

We picked up the girls the next morning from my husband's sister's house. After finding it.

Thank God for GPS and Google Maps. She has no address. Nope. None. Just lives on this little one lane road in the middle on nowhere.

We drove to Washington, DC (5 and 1/2 hours later). Thank goodness for a laptop computer and a movie. It kept the girls occupied.

The first day of our tour we saw the National Archives and the American Indian Museum.

In the rain.

Cold rain. And wind. Oh yeah. Wind and cold rain.

Of course none of us had umbrellas. But, I don't think it would have done any good anyway. But, I digress. The next day we parked at Union Station and walked from there to the Lincoln Memorial and back and saw everything we could in between before traveling back to WV. (Another 5 1/2 miles)

By then it was snowing. And snowing. And, we're from Florida remember? We're talking 20 degrees and under.. Brrrrrr.

We got back to Buckhannon, dropped off our nieces, checked into our hotel again, burrowed ourselves into the covers and blasted the heater.

Ahh, family time.... two days spent with my in-laws. (I plead the fifth here).

Then, it's time to travel back to Philadelphia to catch our plane back to Tampa, Florida.

Easy peasy, right?

NOT!

First, we get there early, because, well, I'm an OCD, and have panic attacks and anxiety, and my hubby can't deny me when I get that way, so we get their early. About 4 hours early.

Then we wait.

He keeps himself occupied with his computer. I walk.

Then, we find out our flight's been delayed.

So, we wait some more.

He pulls out his computer again; I get antsy.

Then, you guessed it, our flight is delayed again.

NO!!!!

By this time, hubby is deep into his computer, and I'm tapping my toes and trying to do a puzzle while eating a turkey sandwich, because now I've missed dinner.

Finally, the plane arrives. They're excuse: Holiday Travel.

Okay. From December 10th to the 15th, they had excessive holiday travel. Hmmm.. Sorry folks, but if that's the case, I really feel for those of you who are traveling right through the holiday.

So, back to the story. We make our connection some how in Atlanta because, low and behold, our plane is late. Imagine that!!??!!

Eventually, we make it back to Tampa, tired and beat.. several hours late.

But, what didn't arrive??? Our luggage!!

After all that, our luggage never made it on the plane!!!

But we were so glad to be home. And, the airlines were confident they would find our luggage and deliver it the next day. (Miracle upon miracle, they did just that!)

And we woke up to 80 degree weather. Can't get better than that.

Here's an article titled 12 Secrets to Surviving Holiday Travel for tips to help you get through your holiday traveling.

Labels: airport, atlanta, Buckhannon, Christmas, cold, dc, holday, hotel, pa, philadelphia, travel, Washington DC, west virginia, wv

Walgreens Recalls 173 Teddy Bears With Chocolate Bars Sold Since Late September 2008

Contact:
Michael Polzin
(847) 914-2925

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE -- DEERFIELD, Ill., Dec. 5, 2008 – Walgreens is recalling 173 teddy bears with chocolate bars sold in stores since late September 2008. Analysis by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration found that certain samples of the chocolate provided with the teddy bears were contaminated with melamine. Customers who purchased any of the 173 teddy bears should return them immediately to the Walgreens stores where they were purchased for a full refund.

Walgreens already has instructed stores to stop selling the product, which is specifically described as an approximately 9-inch high Dressy Teddy Bear with 4-oz. Chocolate Bar. The product's UPC number is 047475864485, and the product tag also includes the item number 291332. Walgreens has not received any reports of illness or injury related to this product.

Walgreens takes the safety of its customers seriously and is working with the FDA on this recall. For additional information, visit Walgreens Web site at http://www.walgreens.com/images/pdfs/recalls/TeddyBear_Product_Safety.pdf or contact Walgreens Product Quality department at 847-315-2755, Monday through Friday between 8 a.m. and 4:30 p.m. Central time.

Labels: Chocolate, Recall, Teddy Bears, Walgreens

Historical Vampire/Werewolf Romance
==============================

THE BLEEDING DUSK - Colleen Gleason - Signet Eclipse (Feb.)

UNDER THE BLOOD RED MOON - Mina Hepsen - Avon A (Oct.)

COME THE NIGHT - Susan Krinard HQN (Oct.)

LET THE NIGHT BEGIN - Kathryn Smith Avon (Jul.)

THE RAVENING - Dawn Thompson - Love Spell (Feb.)

Historical Romantic Adventure
========================

THEFT OF SHADOWS - Naomi Bellis - Signet Eclipse (Feb.)

HER EVERY PLEASURE - Gaelen Foley - Ballantine (Apr.)

THE TREASURE - Iris Johansen - Bantam (Dec.)

TO SEDUCE A BRIDE - Nicole Jordan - Ballantine (Apr.)

THE PERILS OF PLEASURE - Julie Anne Long - Avon (Feb.)

PRISONER OF THE FLAMES - Dawn MacTavish - Leisure (Nov.)

SEDUCED BY A SPY - Andrea Pickens - Forever (Mar.)

Sensual Historical Romance
=======================

A ROGUE'S GAME - Renee Bernard - Pocket (May)

DON'T TEMPT ME - Sylvia Day Brava (Apr.)

DOUBLE FANTASY - Cheryl Holt - St. Martin's (Mar.)

EXPLOSIVE - Charlotte Mede - Brava (Jan.)

JUST FOR HER - Katherine O'Neal - Brava (Jul.)

Historical Fiction -

THE DARK LANTERN - Gerri Brightwell - Crown (Mar.)

THE WINTER ROSE - Jennifer Donnelly - Hyperion (Jan.)

THE TSARINA'S DAUGHTER - Carolly Erickson - St. Martin's (Oct.)

PHYLLIDA AND THE BROTHERHOOD OF PHILANDER - Ann Herendeen - Harper (May)

THE WHISKEY REBELS - David Liss - Random House (Oct.)

Historical Biography
===================

TUMBLEWEED - Jane Candia Coleman - Leisure (Jun.)

THE OTHER QUEEN - Philippa Gregory - Simon and Schuster (Sep.)

THE KING'S FAVORITE - Susan Holloway Scott - NAL (Jul.)

THE KING'S DAUGHTER - Sandra Worth - Berkley (Dec.)

Historical K.I.S.S. Hero
====================

Trevelyn Deveridge - DISTRACTING THE DUCHESS - Emily Bryan - Leisure (Mar.)

Harry Morant - HIS CAPTIVE LADY - Anne Gracie - Berkley Sensation (Sep.)

General Merin - 22 NIGHTS - Linda Winstead Jones - Berkley Sensation (Dec.)

Chance Morgan - MAVERICK WILD - Stacey Kayne - Harlequin (Jan.)

Nicholas Ramsay - THE MIDNIGHT MAN - Charlotte Mede - Brava (Aug.)

Major Harrison - THE SCANDALOUS LIFE OF A TRUE LADY - Barbara Metzger -
Signet Eclipse (Jun.)

Wyatt Yarbro - THE RUSTLER - Linda Lael Miller - HQN (Oct.)

Gabriel MacBraedon - THE NIGHT BEFORE - THE WEDDING - Debra Mullins - Avon
(Feb.)

Historical Romantic Mystery/Gothic
===========================

SEDUCTION BECOMES HER - Shirlee Busbee - Zebra (Jul.)

DARK TEMPTATION - Allison Chase - Signet Eclipse (Nov.)

CONFESSIONS AT MIDNIGHT - Jacquie D'Alessandro - Avon (Jan.)

AFTER THE KISS - Suzanne Enoch - Avon (Jul.)

WICKED INTENSIONS - Lydia Joyce - Signet Eclipse (Dec.)

WHERE THE HEART LEADS - Stephanie Laurens - Morrow (Feb.)

THE SEDUCTION OF THE CRIMSON ROSE - Lauren Willig - Dutton (Feb.)

Best Erotic Romance and Erotic Novels of 2008

Paranormal/Fantasy/Paranormal/Fantasy
=================================

UNDERCOVER - Lauren Dane - Heat (Dec.)

SEDUCED BY DARKNESS - Delilah Devlin - Avon Red (Apr.)

THE MARK OF THE VAMPIRE QUEEN - Joey W. Hill - Heat (Feb.)

FULL CIRCLE - Ann Jacobs - Ellora's Cave (May)

ETERNAL DESIGNS - Gracie C. McKeever - Siren (Mar.)

ADDICTED - Lydia Parks - Aphrodisia (Sep.)

Erotic Romantic Suspense
====================

FORBIDDEN FRUIT - Eden Bradley - Delta (Nov.)

RIDING WILD - Jaci Burton - Heat (Feb.)

SHE'S ON TOP - Susan Lyons - Aphrodisia (Apr.)

JADED - Karin Tabke - Pocket (Jun.)

Erotic Romance Historical
==================

MIRAGE - Monica Burns - Samhain (Jan.)

CROSSED SWORDS - Marianne LaCroix - Ellora's Cave (Apr.)

ONE WICKED NIGHT - Noelle Mack - Aphrodisia (Jan.)

BLACK SILK - Sharon Page - Aphrodisia (May)

NATE - Beth Williamson - Samhain (Jan.)

Erotic Fiction
==============

SWAP - Jenesi Ash - Heat (Sep.)

THE PEOPLE YOU KNOW,THE SEX THEY HAVE - Aubrey Leatherwood - Lyrical (Dec.)

SLEEPING WITH THE DEVIL - Vanessa Marlow - St. Martin's Griffin (Apr.)

WHIP APPEAL - Méta Smith - Pocket (Aug.)

Best Science Fiction & Fantasy Novels 2008

Science Fiction Novel
=================

DUST - Elizabeth Bear - Bantam Spectra (Jan.)

ZOE'S TALE - John Scalzi - Tor (Aug.)

GALAXY BLUES - Allen Steele - Ace (Apr.)

SATURN'S CHILDREN - Charles Stross - Ace (Jul.)

HALF A CROWN - Jo Walton - Tor (Oct.)

Fantasy Novel
===============

THE HOUSE OF THE STAG - Kage Baker - Tor (Sep.)

SHADOWS RETURN - Lynn Flewelling - Bantam Spectra (Jul.)

SHADOWBRIDGE - Gregory Frost - Del Rey (Jan.)

GOBLIN WAR - Jim C. Hines - Daw (Mar.)

CAST IN FURY - Michelle Sagara - Luna (Oct.)

FORTUNE AND FATE - Sharon Shinn - Ace (Nov.)

KING OF SWORD AND SKY - C.L. Wilson - Leisure (Oct.)

Epic Fantasy Novel
================

PRINCEPS' FURY - Jim Butcher - Ace (Dec.)

THE IMMORTAL PRINCE - Jennifer Fallon - Tor (Mar.)

BLACK SHIPS - Jo Graham - Orbit (Mar.)

HAWKSPAR - Holly Lisle - Tor (Jun.)

THE HERO OF AGES - Brandon Sanderson - Tor (Oct.)

UrbanFantasy Novel
====================

MAGIC BURNS - Ilona Andrews - Ace (Apr.)

BITE THE BULLET - L.A. Banks - St. Martin's (Oct.)

MIDNIGHT'S DAUGHTER - Karen Chance - Onyx (Oct.)

PURE BLOOD - Caitlin Kittredge - St. Martin's (Sep.)

THE IRON HUNT - Marjorie M. Liu - Ace (Jul.)

STORM BORN - Richelle Mead - Zebra (Aug.)

MAGIC TO THE BONE - Devon Monk - Roc (Nov.)

Urban Fantasy Protagonist
=====================

Mercy Thompson - IRON KISSED - Patricia Briggs - Ace (Jan.)

Joanne Baldwin - GALE FORCE - Rachel Caine - Roc (Aug.)

Cat Crawfield - ONE FOOT IN THE GRAVE - Jeaniene Frost - Avon (May)

Sookie Stackhouse - FROM DEAD TO WORSE - Charlaine Harris - Ace (May)

Daunuan - HOTTER THAN HELL - Jackie Kessler - Zebra (Aug.)

Marla Mason - DEAD REIGN - T.A. Pratt - Bantam Spectra(Nov.M

Anna Strong - LEGACY - Jeanne C. Stein - Ace (Sep.)

Best Contemporary and Paranormal Romances of 2008

Contemporary Romance
===================

OVERNIGHT MALE - Elizabeth Bevarly - HQN (Jun.)

EVERYBODY LOVES EVIE - Beth Ciotta - HQN (Feb.)

THIGH HIGH - Christina Dodd - Signet (Mar.)

HELLO, DOGGY - Elaine Fox - Avon (Jan.)

ACCIDENTALLY YOURS - Susan Mallery - HQN (Jan.)

FLAT-OUT SEXY - Erin McCarthy - Berkley Sensation (Nov.)

UNRAVEL ME - Christie Ridgway - Berkley Sensation (Nov.)

Futuristic/Fantasy Romance
======================

MOONSTRUCK - Susan Grant - HQN (Jun.)

SOLAR HEAT - Susan Kearney - Tor Paranormal Romance (Feb.)

HIDDEN - Eve Kenin - Shomi (Jul.)

THE MAGE'S DAUGHTER - Lynn Kurland - Berkley Sensation (Jan.)

COUNTDOWN - Michelle Maddox - Shomi (Aug.)

PHENOMENAL GIRL 5 - A.J. Menden - Shomi (Nov.)

SHADES OF DARK - Linnea Sinclair - Bantam (Aug.)

Vampire Romance
===============

MIDNIGHT RISING - Lara Adrian - Dell (Apr.)

THE DARKNESS - L.A. Banks - St. Martin's Griffin (Feb.)

BECAUSE YOUR VAMPIRE SAID SO - Michele Bardsley - Signet Eclipse (May)

DARK CURSE - Christine Feehan - Berkley (Sep.)

DARKNESS EVERLASTING - Alexandra Ivy - Zebra (May)

SUCKER BET - Erin McCarthy - Berkley Sensation (Jan.)

THE ACCIDENTAL VAMPIRE - Lynsay Sands - Avon (Jan.)

Shapeshifter Romance
==================

THE ACCIDENTAL WEREWOLF - Dakota Cassidy - Berkley Sensation (Feb.)

KISS OF FIRE - Deborah Cooke - Signet (Feb.)

THE DRAGON MASTER - Allyson James - Berkley Sensation (Nov.)

THE LAST TWILIGHT - Marjorie M. Liu - Leisure (Feb.)

WALK ON THE WILD SIDE - Christine Warren - St. Martin's (Jun.)

Contemporary Paranormal Romance
============================

DESTINY KILLS - Keri Arthur - BantamSpectra (Nov.)

TURBULENT SEA - Christine Feehan - Jove (Aug.)

NOAH - Jacquelyn Frank - Zebra (Sep.)

THUNDER MOON - Lori Handeland - St. Martin's (Jan.)

DEMON'S HUNGER - Eve Silver - Forever (Dec.)

NIGHT SEASON - Eileen Wilks - Berkley Sensation (Nov.)

Paranormal Action Adventure Romance
==============================

ETERNAL PLEASURE - Nina Bangs - Leisure (Jul.)

DARK DESIRES AFTER DUSK - Kresley Cole - Pocket (Jun.)

PREDATORY GAME - Christine Feehan - Jove (Mar.)

DARK MAGIC - Cheyenne McCray - St. Martin's (Nov.)

HOSTAGE TO PLEASURE - Nalini Singh - BerkleySensation (Sep.)

BOUND BY SHADOW - Anna Windsor - Ballantine (Jul.)

Paranormal Fiction
===============

UNDEAD AND UNWORTHY - MaryJanice Davidson - BerkleySensation(UNDEA

PLAYING WITH FIRE - Katie MacAlister - Signet (May)

UP IN SMOKE - Katie MacAlister - Signet (Oct.)

Best African-American Novels 2008

African-American Romance
=====================

THE CRITIC - Dyanne Davis - Parker (May)

SUDDENLY SINGLE - Carmen Green - Dafina (Mar.)

SWEET LIKE HONEY - Kim Louise - Kimani/Arabesque (Apr.)

NOT EVEN IF YOU BEGGED - Francis Ray - St. Martin's Griffin (Feb.)

THE WAY YOU LOVE ME - Francis Ray - St. Martin's (Sep.)

African-American Fiction Novel
============================

LIFE ISN'T PERFECT HOLLA - Sandra Foy - Genesis/Indigo (Nov.)

HIS FIRST WIFE - Octavia Grace - Dafina (Oct.)

TANGLED WEBS - T.T. Henderson - Parker (Mar.)

YOU GOTTA SIN TO GET SAVED - J.D. Mason - St. Martin's (Apr.)

Best Inspirational Novels 2008
=========================

WHISPERS OF THE BAYOU - Mindy Starns Clark - Harvest House (Jan.)

MISCARRIAGE OF JUSTICE - Kip Gayden Center Street (Feb.)

FOREVERMORE - Cathy Marie Hake - Bethany House (Jan.)

HEALING STONES - Nancy Rue & Stephen Arterburn - Thomas Nelson (Jan.)

TAMING RAFE - Susan May Warren - Tyndale (Jan.)

Best Small Press 2008

Small Press Contemporary Paranormal/FuturistSmall P
======================================

CALL OF THE HIGHLAND MOON - Kendra LeighCastle - Sourcebooks (May)

HER EYES - Jennifer Cloud &Regan Taylor - Amira (Jan.)

PROMISE FOR TOMORROW - Liz Kreger - Samhain (Oct.)

CLOCKWORK HEART - Dru Pagliassotti - Juno (Apr.)

SHAKING OFF THE DUST - Rhianna Samuels - Samhain (May)

CRY OF SORROW - Holly Taylor - Medallion (Jul.)

Small Press Romance
=================

TAKING FLIGHT - Connie Cox - Avalon (Apr.)

SEALED WITH A KISS - Mary Margret Daughtridge - Sourcebooks (Apr.)

EVERYTHING BUT A BRIDE - Holly Jacobs - Avalon (Aug.)

WINDSWEPT - Ann Macela - Medallion (Feb.)

Best Mainstream and ChickLit Fiction Novels of 2008

Women's Fiction
====================

THE SUGAR QUEEN - Sarah Addison Allen - Bantam (Jun.)

FIREFLY LANE - Kristin Hannah - St. Martin's (Feb.)

THE GIRL WITH NO SHADOW - Joanne Harris - Morrow (May)

THE ART OF KEEPING SECRETS - Patti Callahan Henry - NAL (Jun.)

THE GIRL WHO STOPPED SWIMMING - Joshilyn Jackson - Grand Central (Mar.)

THREE MOTHERS - Sonia Lambert - Berkley (Jan.)

CERTAIN GIRLS - Jennifer Weiner - Atria (Apr.)

SNOWFALL AT WILLOW LAKE - Susan Wiggs - Mira (Feb.)

Chick Lit Novel
=================

THE BRIDE OF CASA DRACULA - Marta Acosta - Pocket (Sep.)

FIFTEEN MINUTES OF SHAME - Lisa Daily - Plume (Apr.)

NOTES FROM THE BACKSEAT - Jodi Gehrman - Red Dress Ink (Jan.)

THE HARD WAY - Julie Luongo - Forge (Jan.)

RECONSTRUCTING BRIGID - Lee Nichols - Red Dress Ink (Aug.)

SLIGHTLY SUBURBAN - Wendy Markham - Red Dress Ink (Jul.)

QUESTIONS TO ASK BEFORE MARRYING - Melissa Senate - Red Dress Ink (Jun.)

Young Adult Novel
==================

AUDREY, WAIT! - Robin Benway - Razorbill (Apr.)

WHAT I SAW AND HOW I LIED - Judy Blundell - Scholastic (Nov.)

THE HUNGER GAMES - Suzanne Collins - Scholastic (Oct.)

PAPER TOWNS - John Green - Dutton (Oct.)

Best Mystery and Suspense Novels of 2008

Contemporary Mystery
======================

THE PRICE OF BUTCHER'S MEAT - Reginald Hill - Harper(Nov.)

SLEEP SOFTLY - Gwen Hunter - Mira (Feb.)

THE GENIUS - Jesse Kellerman - Putnam (May)

IN A DARK SEASON - Vicki Lane - Dell (Jun.)

THE LAUGHTER OF DEAD KINGS - Elizabeth Peters - Morrow (Aug.)

P.I./Procedural Novel
================

DEAD HUNT - Beverly Connor - Obsidian (Feb.)

THE DIRTY SECRETS CLUB - Meg Gardiner - Dutton (Jun.)

TWISTED - Andrea Kane - Morrow (Apr.)

NOTORIOUS - Michele Martinez - Morrow (Feb.)

FRACTURED - Karin Slaughter - Delacorte (Aug.)

Historical Mystery
==============

THE SPIRITUALIST - Megan Chance - Three Rivers Press (Jun.)

WHERE SERPENTS SLEEP - C.S. Harris - NAL (Nov.)

TOUCHSTONE - Laurie R. King - Ballantine (Jan.)

BUCKINGHAM PALACE GARDENS - Anne Perry - Ballantine (Apr.)

First Mystery - FREEZING POINT - Karen Dionne - Jove (Oct.)

STALKING SUSAN - Julie Kramer - Doubleday (Jul.)

DEFENSELESS - Celeste Marsella - Dell (Nov.)

WHAT WAS LOST - Catherine O'Flynn - Holt (Jul.)

FIRST TO KILL - Andrew Peterson - Leisure (Sep.)

Suspense/Thriller
==============

KILLING FEAR - Allison Brennan - Ballantine (Feb.)

THE BODIES LEFT BEHIND - Jeffery Deaver - Simon & Schuster (Nov.)

THE ARCHANGEL PROJECT - C.S. Graham - Harper (Oct.)

DARK SUMMER - Iris Johansen - St. Martin's (Oct.)

THE DARKER SIDE - Cody McFadyen - Bantam (Oct.)

SCREAM FOR ME - Karen Rose - Grand Central (May)

Amateur Sleuth
===========

ANTIQUES FLEE MARKET - Barbara Allan - Kensington (Oct.)

QUICK STUDY - Maggie Barbieri - St. Martin's Minotaur (Dec.)

WORKING STIFF - Tori Carrington - Forge (Sep.)

MURDER MELTS IN YOUR MOUTH - Nancy Martin - NAL (Mar.)

TOO PRETTY TO DIE - Susan McBride - Avon (Feb.)

Best Romantic Suspense/Intrigue Novels of 2008

Romantic Intrigue
====================

DARK AND DANGEROUS - Jeanne Adams - Zebra (Jun.)

NO CONTROL - Shannon Butcher - Forever (Feb.)

NO ONE LIVES FOREVER - Jordan Dane - Avon (Jun.)

PURSUIT - Elizabeth Jennings - Forever (Apr.)

MOVING TARGET - Cheyenne McCray - St. Martin's (Jan.)

TO CATCH A THIEF - Christina Skye - HQN (Sep.)

NAMELESS - Debra Webb - St. Martin's (Feb.)

Romantic Suspense
===============

THE MURDER GAME - Beverly Barton - Zebra (Feb.)

WEDDINGS CAN BE MURDER - Christie Craig - Love Spell (Jun.)

SHOW NO MERCY - Cindy Gerard - Pocket (Oct.)

LOST SOULS - Lisa Jackson - Kensington (Apr.)

LOOSE AND EASY - Tara Janzen - Dell (Sep.)

CATCH A SHADOW - Patricia Potter - Berkley Sensation (Mar.)

FIRE AND ICE - Anne Stuart - Mira (May)

Paranormal Romantic Suspense
=========================

NIGHT SHADOW - Cherry Adair - Ballantine (Dec.)

TOUCH OF DARKNESS - C.T. Adams & Cathy Clamp - Tor Paranormal Romance (Aug.)

BLIND INSTINCT - Fiona Brand - Mira (May)

DEADLY HARVEST - Heather Graham - Mira (Nov.)

ACHERON - Sherrilyn Kenyon - St. Martin's (Aug.)

MERCURY'S WAR - Lora Leigh - Berkley Sensation (Oct.)

DEADLY DECEPTION - Linda Lael Miller - HQN


Guys, some of these you might be interested in as well. So, start your list and hand it to your sweetie!!

Readers, here's your chance. If you have a book to suggest, add it to the comments list. Let's see how many books we can accumulate for our readers!

Labels: book list, Christmas, gifts, part II

Like the disclaimer says, she's no Barbra Streisand, but, hey, I think it's a cool video.

The 12 (Bipolar) Days of Christmas

Labels: bipolar, Christmas

It's that time of year again. Ho Ho Ho... Merry Christmas... and all that ... but even more important. The time to tip you friendly neighborhood postman and yardman and pool service and hair dresser and well you get the idea ... the list goes on.

Don't know what to tip? Well, have I got just the article for you!

The Ultimate Holiday Tipping Guide

Merry Christmas and Happy New Year... and Happy Tipping!

Labels: Christmas, tipping

Two pertinent lists from Jessica James, author of Shades of Gray, posted on Amazon:

Top Five Reasons Why Guys Should Give Books as Gifts

5: She can't connect with a new sweater like she can with a book.
4: Hey guys, they're easy to wrap!
3: They come in all sizes, shapes and colors--what could be easier?
2: It's cheaper than a romantic getaway but can produce the same result.
1: Books are gifts of love and joy--and can create everlasting memories.

Top Five Reasons Why Girls Should Give Books as Gifts:

5: They're easy to store--on coffee tables, bookshelves, nightstands or countertops.
4: They never go bad no matter how long they're stored--and they can be used quickly or savored over time.
3: Books can teach, educate, entertain--and distract him from football.
2: It's a small investment that can return dividends for life.
1: Books are the perfect gift of enjoyment that don't require him to leave his chair.

Guys, if you need any help, the Romantic Times Magazine just came out with the nominees for their books of the year. You can't miss with picking up one of these books for your lady. I've listed them out by category.



CAREER ACHIEVEMENT NOMINEES:

Historical\HISTORICHistorical\HIST
===============================
Victoria Alexander - Sabrina Jeffries - Anne Mallory - Patricia Rice -

HISTORICAL STORYTELLER OF THE YEAR
====================================
Celeste Bradley - Carol Finch - Susan Johnson - Paula Quinn

INNOVATIVE HISTORICAL ROMANCE
=================================
Lois Greiman - Lorraine Heath - Elizabeth Hoyt - Robin Schone -

Series\SERIES ROMANCE
======================
Roz Denny Fox - Jillian Hart - Emilie Rose - Debra Salonen -

SERIES ROMANTIC SUSPENSE
==========================
Jessica Andersen - Linda Castillo - Linda Conrad - Julie Miller - Joanna
Wayne -

SERIES ROMANTIC ADVENTURE
==============================
Kylie Brant - Kathleen Creighton - Kay David - Sylvie Kurtz - Marilyn
Pappano -

SERIES ROMANCE LOVE & LAUGHTER
================================
Susan Crosby - Lucy Gordon - Marion Lennox - Molly O'Keefe - Melanie
Schuster -

SERIES STORYTELLER OF THE YEAR
==================================
Leanne Banks - Jean Brashear - Jackie Braun - K.N./Ken Casper - Eve
Gaddy –

Contemporary\Contemporary\CONTEM
====================================
Carly Phillips - Christie Ridgway - Vicki Lewis Thompson - Sherryl Woods
–

PARANORMAL
===============
C.T. Adams & Cathy Clamp - Nina Bangs - P.C. Cast - Katie MacAlister -

URBAN FANTASY
================
Keri Arthur - Simon R. Green - Charlaine Harris - Kim Harrison -

Mainstream\WOMEN'Mainstream\WOM
==========================
Barbara Taylor Bradford - Joy Fielding - Lorna Landvik - Nicholas Sparks
-

Romantic Suspense\ROMANTIC SUSPENSE
=================================
Cherry Adair - Heather Graham - Tara Janzen - Carla Neggers -

Mystery & Suspense\MYSTERY SERIES
===============================
Laura Childs - Joanne Fluke - Elizabeth Peters - Kate Wilhelm -

FEMALE SLEUTH
==================
Nevada Barr - Carolyn Hart - Alex Kava - Nancy Martin -

SUSPENSE/THRILLER
======================
Kay Hooper - J.D. Robb - James Rollins - Karen Rose -

Inspirational\Inspirational
========================
Hannah Alexander - Terri Blackstock - Beverly Lewis - Lori Wick -

African-American\African-American
===============================
A.C. Arthur - Leslie Esdaile - Melanie Schuster - Janice Sims -
Jacquelin Thomas -

FOR BEST BOOKS AND AUTHORS OF 2008 -

Best Series Romance Novels 2008 - Reviewers' Choice Nominees -

First Series Romance
================

HIS MISTRESS BY ARRANGEMENT - Natalie Anderson - Harlequin Presents (Jun.)

STRANGERS IN THE NIGHT - Kerry Connor - Harlequin Intrigue (Jun.)

MARRYING THE BOSS - Megan Kelly - Harlequin American (Apr.)

MARRIAGE AT THE MILLIONAIRE'MARRIAGE AT THE MILLIONAIRE'S COMMAND -
(Jun.)

Harlequin American
==================

FOREVER HIS BRIDE - Lisa Childs (Aug.)

RELUCTANT PARTNERS - Kara Lennox (Jun.)

THE RIGHT MR. WRONG - Cindi Myers (Feb.)

THE PILOT'S WOMAN - Ann Roth (Mar.)

TEXAS HEIR - Linda Warren (Sep.)

Harlequin Blaze
================

UNLEASHED - Lori Borrill (Nov.)

RESTLESS - Tori Carrington (Dec.)

MS. MATCH - Jo Leigh (Oct.)

BELOW THE BELT - Sarah Mayberry (Jun.)

PRIMAL INSTINCTS - Jill Monroe (Feb.)

Harlequin Intrigue
================

BENEATH THE BADGE - Rita Herron (Aug.)

NICK OF TIME - Elle James (Nov.)

ARMED AND DEVASTATING - Julie Miller (Jul.)

I'LL BE WATCHING YOU - Tracy Montoya (Apr.)

GUARDIAN ANGEL - Debra Webb (Feb.)

CHRISTMAS SPIRIT - Rebecca York (Oct.)

Harlequin NASCAR
=================

EXTREME CAUTION - Jean Brashear (Dec.)

PEAK PERFORMANCE - Helen Brenna (May)

HITTING THE BRAKES - Ken Casper (Jun.)

HOT PURSUIT - Wendy Etherington (Sep.)

TEAMING UP - Abby Gaines (Aug.)

Harlequin Presents
==================

THE MAGNATE'S INDECENT PROPOSAL - Ally Blake (Sep.)

BRIDE OF DESIRE - Sara Craven (Dec.)

BOUGHT: THE GREEK'S INNOCENT VIRGIN - Sarah Morgan (Aug.)

ACCIDENTAL MISTRESS - Susan Napier (May)

BEDDED BY THE GREEK BILLIONAIRE - Kate Walker (Nov.)

Harlequin Presents Extra
===================

THE ITALIAN'S PREGNANCY PROPOSAL - Maggie Cox (Aug.)

ANGELO'S CAPTIVE VIRGIN - India Grey (Sep.)

HOUSEKEEPER TO THE MILLIONAIRE - Lucy Monroe (Apr.)

MISTRESS - Kathryn Ross (Sep.)

THE GIANNAKIS BRIDE - Catherine Spencer (May)

Harlequin Romance
===================

THE BOSS'S UNCONVENTIONAL ASSISTANT - Jennie Adams (Aug.)

HIRED: THE BOSS'S BRIDE - Ally Blake (Oct.)

HER BABY, HIS PROPOSAL - Teresa Carpenter (Jun.)

THE SHEIKH'S UNSUITABLE BRIDE - Liz Fielding (Jan.)

THE HEIR'S CONVENIENT WIFE - Myrna Mackenzie (May)

HarlequinSuperRomanHarlequ
=====================

SECOND-CHANCE FAMILY - Karina Bliss (Nov.)

FINDING MR. RIGHT - Helen Brenna (Oct.)

TO PROTECT THE CHILD - Anna DeStefano (Jun.)

BABY BY CONTRACT - Debra Salonen (May)

HIS SON'S TEACHER - Kay Stockham (Jul.)

Kimani Romance
================

TENDER SECRETS - Ann Christopher (Oct.)

TAME A WILD STALLION - Deborah Fletcher Mello (Jun.)

MODEL PERFECT PASSION - Melanie Schuster (Apr.)

SECRET AGENT SEDUCTION - Maureen Smith (Sep.)

HER KIND OF MAN - Pamela Yaye (May)

Silhouette Desire
==================

THE DESERT LORD'S BABY - Olivia Gates (May)

QUADE'S BABIES - Brenda Jackson (Dec.)

DANTE'S BLACKMAILED BRIDE - Day Leclaire (Feb.)

DO NOT DISTURB UNTIL CHRISTMAS - Charlene Sands (Nov.)

FRONT-PAGE ENGAGEMENT - Laura Wright (Aug.)

Silhouette Nocturne
===================

VEILED TRUTH - Vivi Anna (Oct.)

LAST WOLF HUNTING - Rhyannon Byrd (Apr.)

LAST WOLF WATCHING - Rhyannon Byrd (May)

WILD HUNT - Lori Devoti (Jun.)

DEADLY REDEMPTION - Kathleen Korbel (Sep.)

Silhouette Romantic Suspense
=======================

COLD CASE COP - Mary Burton (Jan.)

HER BEST FRIEND'S HUSBAND - Justine Davis (Aug.)

A SOLDIER'S HOMECOMING - Rachel Lee (Jul.)

UNDERCOVER WIFE - Merline Lovelace (Oct.)

THE PASSION OF SAM BROUSSARD - Maggie Price (Feb.)

Silhouette Special Edition
=====================

THE SINGLE DAD'S VIRGIN WIFE - Susan Crosby (Oct.)

THE MILLIONAIRE'THE MILLIONAIRE'S MAKEOVER - L

THE CHEF'S CHOICE - Kristin Hardy (Aug.)

BACHELOR BOSS - Christie Ridgway (Apr.)

YOURS, MINE . OR OURS? - Karen Templeton (Jan.)

Steeple Hill Love Inspired
=====================

FINALLY A FAMILY - Carolyne Aarsen (Jun.)

MISSION: MOTHERHOOD - Marta Perry (Jul.)

A COWBOY'S HONOR - Lois Richer (Apr.)

FAMILY TREASURES - Kathryn Springer (Nov.)

TIME FOR GRACE - Kate Welsh (May)

Steeple Hill Love Inspired Historical
=============================

COURTING MISS ADELAIDE - Janet Dean (Sep.)

THE ROAD TO LOVE - Linda Ford (May)

HIGH COUNTRY BRIDE - Jillian Hart (Jul.)

LEGACY OF SECRETS - Sara Mitchell (Apr.)

SEASIDE CINDERELLA - Anna Schmidt (Jul.)

Steeple Hill Love Inspired Suspense
===========================

HIDDEN MOTIVE - Hannah Alexander (Apr.)

SHADOWS AT THE WINDOW - Linda Hall (Jul.)

THE PROTECTOR'S PROMISE - Shirlee McCoy (Nov.)

HER ONLY PROTECTOR - Lisa Mondello (Aug.)

THE FACE OF DECEIT - Ramona Richards (Sep.)

BROKEN LULLABY - Pamela Tracy (Mar.)

Best Continuity -

FULL EXPOSURE - Diana Duncan - Mediterranean Nights (
Jan.)

PICTURE OF PERFECTION - Kristin Gabriel - Thoroughbred Legacy (Jul.)

FLASHPOINT - Connie Hall - Athena Force (Apr.)

BREATHLESS - Sharron McClellan - Athena Force (Feb.)

BIDING HER TIME - Wendy Warren - Thoroughbred Legacy (Jul.)

Best Historical Novels 2008

Historical Romance of the Year
========================

SEDUCTION OF A PROPER GENTLEMAN - Victoria Alexander - Avon (Sep.)

SIMPLY PERFECT - Mary Balogh - Delacorte (Apr.)

TRAITOR'S KISS/LOVER'S KISS - Mary Blayney - Bantam (Nov.)

NEVER ROMANCE A RAKE - Liz Carlyle - Pocket (Aug.)

TO TASTE TEMPTATION - Elizabeth Hoyt - Forever (May)

SECRETS OF SURRENDER - Madeline Hunter - Dell (Jun.)

THE SEDUCTION OF AN UNKNOWN LADY - Samantha James - Avon (Apr.)

A DANGEROUS LOVE - Brenda Joyce - HQN (Apr.)

SEDUCE ME AT SUNRISE - Lisa Kleypas - St. Martin's (Oct.)

THE BOOK OF SCANDAL - Julia London - Pocket (Aug.)

THE BRIDE PRICE - Anne Mallory - Avon (Nov.)

First Historical Romance
===================

THE SPYMASTER'S LADY - Joanna Bourne - Berkley Sensation (Jan.)

THE DUKE OF SHADOWS - Meredith Duran - Pocket Star (Apr.)

NIGHT FALLS DARKLY - Kim Lenox - Signet Eclipse (Oct.)

MISTRESS OF PLEASURE - Delilah Marvelle - Zebra (Sep.)

PRIVATE ARRANGEMENTS - Sherry Thomas - Bantam (Apr.)

Historical Love & Laughter
=======================

DESPERATELY SEEKING A DUKE - Celeste Bradley - St. Martin's (Mar.)

HOW TO PROPOSE TO A PRINCE - Kathryn Caskie - Avon (Mar.)

UNDER YOUR SPELL - Lois Greiman - Avon (Jun.)

THE TROUBLE WITH MOONLIGHT - Donna MacMeans - Berkley Sensation (Jun.)

American-Set Historical Romance
============================

GUARDED HEART - Jennifer Blake - Mira (Feb.)

THE LONER - Geralyn Dawson - HQN (May)

A REASON TO SIN - Maureen McKade - Berkley Sensation (Mar.)

TALL, DARK AND TEXAN - Jodi Thomas Jove (Nov.)

British Isle-Set Historical Romance
===========================

A LADY'S SECRET - Jo Beverley - Signet (Apr.)

THE WICKED WAYS OF A DUKE - Laura Lee Guhrke - Avon (Jan.)

IN BED WITH THE DEVIL - Lorraine Heath - Avon (Jul.)

THE DECADENT DUKE - Virginia Henley - Signet (Nov.)

DUCHESS BY NIGHT - Eloisa James - Avon (Jul.)

VEILED PASSIONS - Tracy MacNish - Zebra (Oct.)

THE CAPTIVE HEART - Bertrice Small - NAL (Oct.)

Regency-Set Historical Romance
=========================

TO WED A WICKED PRINCE - Jane Feather - Pocket Star (Apr.)

WICKED AS SIN - Jillian Hunter - Ballantine (Jul.)

LET SLEEPING ROGUES LIE - Sabrina Jeffries - Pocket (Mar.)

TO PLEASURE A LADY - Nicole Jordan - Ballantine (Feb.)

A BRIDE FOR HIS CONVENIENCE - Edith Layton - Avon (Dec.)

NO CHOICE BUT SURRENDER - Johanna Lindsey - Pocket (Jul.)

THE KISS - Sophia Nash Avon (Mar.)

Scotland-Set Historical Romance
===========================

SHADOW MUSIC - Julie Garwood - Ballantine (Jan.)

WILD ANGEL - Sasha Lord - Signet Eclipse (Jan.)

IN THE HIGHLANDER'S BED - Cathy Maxwell - Avon (Feb.)

A HIGHLANDER NEVER SURRENDERS - Pamela Quinn - Forever (Aug.)

BORDER WEDDING - Amanda Scott - Forever (Mar.)

Historical Paranormal
===================

TEMPTED BY THE NIGHT - Elizabeth Boyle - Avon (Sep.)

THE WIZARD'S DAUGHTER - Catherine Coulter - Jove (Jan.)

IMMORTAL WARRIOR - Lisa Hendrix - Berkley Sensation (Nov.)

MY IMMORTAL PROTECTOR - Jen Holling - Pocket (Mar.)

DARK EMBRACE - Brenda Joyce - HQN (Sep.)

PHANTOM - Lindsay Randall - Love Spell (Jun.)

MYSTIC RIDER - Patricia Rice - Signet Eclipse (Jul.)

THE SORCERESS OF BELMAIR - Bertrice Small HQN (May)


SEE BOOKS MAKE GREAT GIFTS PART II FOR THE REST OF THIS BLOG ARTICLE

Labels: book list, Christmas, gifts, part I