Take Me Downton: Series 4 Finale In Review

If you were expecting something phenomenal in the finale of the current series of Downton Abbey, well you were probably disappointed.

However there were some things that were fantastic about it.

Let's list them now

Daisy attracting the attention of Howard Levinson's valet

Howard Levinson played by Paul Giamatti was really the best part of the show. I'd love to see him back along with his mother Martha Levinson (Shirley Maclaine). For a gentlemen who doesn't care for debutante's his little romance was lovely.

Rose! How one young lady can almost bring down the monarchy!

Mrs Hughes and Carson. So sweet!

Lady Edith getting some gumption!

Is there no end to the stuff that Bates can do?

Branson coming into his own. Love him!

Now for the cons..

Lady Mary is just too snotty. I would have liked a better relationship with her and Edith, most of the time I want to smack her. And she doesn't deserve any of the gentlemen at her beck and call.

Dear god the Anna/Rape thing that would not go away....and it didn't help the characters develop.

The Prince Of Wales...they found actors/actresses that looked enough like King George V and Queen Mary, why could they not find one for the Prince.

No real closure for Edith..I want to know what happened to Michael.

I liked that the episode ended on an uplifting note, but overall this season has been a downer.

Take Me Downton: Downton Abbey Epi 7

Ah Downton Abbey, the most depressing show on television that you just can't stop watching.

This episode was terribly boring with too many stories taking up the hour.

Lady Edith is prepared to give up her baby and there still is no sign of Michael Gregson.

Really Mr. Fellowes, how much can one girl take?

Bates is prepared to avenge his wife, now that he knows who her attacker is.

~sigh~ more trouble there...

Then there's Rose. She's the exciting one right now, it is just a shame that you can't really like her all that much, because she's not genuine.

I really wish she loved Mr. Ross as much as he loved her.

Lady Mary is, as always surrounded by suitors, but she's still not over Matthew and may never be.

Ho hum.

I have to admit to being on Team Gillingham, because he really seems to care about her.

Then there's the whole Albert/Daisy/Ivy thing.

I could never understand this at all.

And while we're downstairs, Molesley seems to be striking up some sort of relationship with Baxter.

It is a shame that the only excitement of this series revolves around the terrible rape story arc.

While there have been many great guest stars this series, nothing has made it stand out.

Album Review: Tom Levin - Them Feet

Artist: Tom Levin

Album: Them Feet

Review by Andrea Guy

Tom Levin has one of those voices that will leave you scratching your head. You'll think you've

heard it before, probably sometime in the late 80s or early 90s. He sounds like two 80s Ians, Ian

Astbury and Ian McCullogh His music is dark and moody, without depressing the listener.

Them Feet is his fifth album. The opening track is also the title track. At first listen you might

lose the romantic nature of the lyric, because Tom's music doesn't have that shiny, bubbly tone

that most romantic ballads have. When you hear him sing "I'm going to dance with you, when

you get old," it is hard not to be filled with warm fuzzy feelings. "Them Feet" is a modern answer

to "When I'm Sixty-four."

"I Raise My Flag" has a melody that could be ripped from the Echo And The Bunnymen catalog.

Once again it can be hard to capture the message of the song, because of the song's tone. Tom

sings about celebrating freedom and sharing his view points, yet the song conjures images of a

night sky with a few vampires lurking in the shadow.

The acoustic, bluesy "As Long As It's Good," will have your toe tapping. Tom's deep voice is

almost hypnotizing along with the fabulous percussion, the guitar isn't too shabby either.

"Once I Almost Killed A Horse" is bittersweet. The lyrics really say it all, "Moments of love,

moments of truth, moments of life, led me to you." This song speaks of one man's life. The

opening line is almost humorous, but then quickly turn sad, "Had chickens as a kid, named my

favorite Goldie Hawn. Forgot to close the coop, and the fox came in at dawn.

Them Feet is full of songs with different messages and different styles, but none of them as

different as "Company Man." Not since "Take This Job And Shove It," has there been a song that

really speaks of the plight of most of the working class. Slow and bluesy, this is the white collar

worker's kiss off to a job that takes over life. In short, this song is pure brilliance. The best line; "I

gotta work hard to make this shit shine."

"June's Memory Lane" is more than a touch melancholy. Tom's voice is soft and deep as he sings

about a life in reminiscence. "A life passing by, the city in the rain, I took her on a drive down

memory lane." This is a song that will soften the hardest of hearts and will bring a tear to a few

eyes.

Tom keeps tugging at the heartstrings with "Father to Son." The haunting melody really brings

out Tom's vocal.

One thing that's consistent throughout this album is the quality of Tom's songwriting. His lyrics

evoke a myriad of emotions. They make you think as well as feel. None so much as "June's

Memory Lane" and "Father To Son."

Both are very emotionally charged and sometimes more than a little bit sad. He sings of life as it

passes.

The album ends with "King Neptune" a song in memory of Magnus "Magne" Olsson one of

Sweden's most popular sailors, and one of the best in the world, who passed away in April 2013.

This song helps to close the album on a sad note. The final three songs seem to be a sad trilogy,

yet they are also the most beautiful on the album.

"King Neptune" celebrates the life of a sailor who was known for his smile. This song is a

wonderful tribute to him.

Them Feet is a must listen for 2014. If you haven't heard Tom Levin, you are missing out on

some great music.

Rating: 4 out of 5 stars

Take Me Downton: Downton Abbey In Review

Watching Downton Abbey this season has truly been a depressing thing.

Rose is truly the only character that brings any amusement to the series, with her amorous antics and constant quest for fun.

This episode did bring some humanity to Lady Mary's character. It was great to see her acting more human and less of a robot, or rather a person with a very large stick up her bum.

Once again Penelope Wilton shows her great talent playing Isobel Crawley. I adore her and her determination to take care of people, especially the slightly curmudgeonly Violet.

Lady Edith is still going through some nasty trials, she's pregnant and contemplating an abortion. Yikes! Can this character have any happiness? Apparently not, if Julian Fellowes keeps on this way. It just doesn't seem fair when Lady Mary has....three or more men vying for her attentions less than a year after the death of her husband.

The Anna/Bates storyline is getting close to coming to a head. Mrs. Hughs did a splendid job giving a certain man whatfor. I would have liked to have taken a frying pan to that guy's head.

Lord Robert is off to the US to save Cora's brother's backside. Really wanted to sock him when he made a comment to take care of his dog...wait not sock Lord Robert but rather Hugh Bonneville, because he doesn't like the dog, which actually puts him on my list of actors I don't like.

Thomas is really coming out of his shell this season. I hope he sticks around the Abbey, his character really is breath of fresh air.

This was quite probably the best episode of this series.

I've Been Sherlocked: His Last Vow

His Last Vow is one of those episodes that just leave me speechless. It reminded me why I always say, Moffat is evil.

In fact this series proves how evil Moffat can be.

Sherlock is kissing girls all of a sudden...

Oye!

I object to this...as I am not one of them.

However props to Molly for getting to slap him senseful a few times in this episode.

But lets just say...

Mary Watson...OMGWTFBBQ! This is a plot twist on the evil genius that is Moffat, could come up with. I loved it and I hated it all at the same time.

Oh and I wanted to know all her dirty secrets, so Moff...I flip you the bird for keeping them secrets. This is not THE NAME OF THE DOCTOR!

Mycroft Holmes is a huge Asshat...that is all.

The ending...

Uh...I just don't know what to say about it. Sherlock is a sociopath, and one that will do whatever it takes to protect those he loves, but still...I wish Moff would've come up with something better.

But on a happy note...Yes, I've Missed You!

Take Me Downton Episodes 5 & 6 In Review

This season of Downton Abbey really is lackluster. Even with all the drama of Series 3, there were high points, with weddings and pregnancies etc.

This series is all about the gloom and doom. The only bit of excitement comes from Rose, who is a bit of a tart. (OK, no, she's slutty, but you have to love her) Rose's party girl behavior is about the only thing that makes this show tolerable right now.

First there was the whole Anna rape thing. As much as I love Julian's writing, this story arc was not done well.

Episode 5 is all about Bates finding out what happened to Anna and Alfred getting reading for his test at the Ritz to see if he can make it into their training program.

Episode 6 is more lively with Lord Grantham's birthday party. The ragtime was fabulous and Gary Carr's singing really made the show.

I do like that the little one's are appearing a bit more. Young Sybil is adorable and Tom is proving to be a loving father, which is more than we can say for Lady Mary. I have to say, her character becomes more unlikable with each episode.

And then there's Lady Edith. Why can this poor girl not catch a break? Every man in her life disappears, in one way or another.

I really loved Michael, and I shake my fist at Julian Fellowes for what is likely going to become the outcome of this relationship.

One can hold out hope that series 5 may see him return.

The other awesome story arc is with the Dowager and Lady Crawley over the gardener that may or may not have been a thief. I love when these two characters butt heads. (I also love Maggie Smith and Penelope (the Prime Minister) Wilton.

We watch tv for entertainment and fun. Downton Abbey is neither anymore, yet like any good soap opera, I can't stop watching.

Literary Nook Excerpt Tour: Ever Hopeful

 

Combining heart-soaring contemporary romance with heart-pounding suspense is a trademark of New York Times and USA Today bestselling author Lori Ryan—and in her novel Ever Hopeful she delivers spectacularly on both counts. Two-months pregnant and trapped in a violent marriage, Laura Kensington realizes that her ruthless and powerful in-laws will never let her go, even after the strange sudden death of her abusive husband.  Fleeing far away to the Texas ranch of Cade Bishop, a strong yet tender man who believes in second chances, Laura finds herself irresistibly drawn to Cade’s gentle passion and giving heart. But there is no escaping the shadows of her past and soon danger re-enters her world, pulling Laura into a deadly web of lies, betrayals, and murder.  And only Cade Bishop’s quiet strength and unwavering love can set her free.

Laura smiled but Cade’s comment sent her thoughts in a completely different direction. She was suddenly painfully aware that she wanted him to see her as a woman. How totally inappropriate was that? She was pregnant with her dead husband’s child and running from his family. She might be a grown woman but the fact was, she’d never been independent. She’d always been tied to a man—first her father and then her husband. This was the time in her life when she needed to take charge, learn to support herself, and be independent. Yet, here she was thinking about how gorgeous the man sitting across from her was and wondering if he liked what he saw when he looked at her.

Cade frowned at her. “What are you thinking? You seem like you took a little trip in your head for a minute.”

If only you knew.

Laura shook her head. She needed to figure out how she was going to take care of her baby when it came, how she would support them both. How she was going to get away from the Kensingtons and their powerful, seemingly endless reach. How she’d fight them if they tracked her down and tried to take the baby from her. The last thing she should be thinking was what it would be like to be in Cade’s arms, to touch him and feel his mouth on her skin....

“I was just thinking that I need to find a way to support myself and the baby. I can’t live off you guys forever.”

“Try telling that to Mama. I think she’s planning to adopt you,” said Cade.

Laura felt a sharp pain at his joke and had a feeling she probably grimaced. What would it have been like to be born to May Bishop? To have been raised in a place like this by someone who loved her? To receive the unconditional love that a parent is supposed to have for their child?

Fairy tales…. She’d given up on things like that a long time ago. It wasn’t useful to sit and pity herself and cry about her circumstances. But, being so close to a family like the Bishops...made her want to go back in time and rewrite her story. If not rewrite who she was born to, at least change her decision to marry Patrick.

“Well, I’ll have to come up with something,” Laura said, but in all honesty waiting tables was about the only thing she was qualified to do.

She forced a smile. She may not have ever had a mother like May Bishop, but she’d make damn sure her child did. Her baby would know she was loved no matter what. That nothing could ever take her mother’s love away. If Laura was sure of one thing in her life, she was sure of that. She would love this child with all her heart and all that she was.

Lori Ryan is a NY Times and USA Today bestselling author who writes contemporary romance with a twist of suspense. She lives with an extremely understanding husband, two wonderful children, two mostly-behaved dogs, and a lone little cat in Austin, Texas. It’s a bit of a zoo, but she wouldn’t change a thing. Lori published her first novel in April of 2013 and has written three more books since then. Each of Lori’s books have made their way to the Amazon bestseller list and she quickly climbed the Amazon bestselling author list, as well. In November, 2013, Lori and a group of romantic suspense authors landed on the USA Today and NY Times bestseller lists with an anthology only eight months after the release of Lori’s first book. Lori loves to connect with her readers. Follow her on Facebook or Twitter or subscribe to her blog. Oh, and if you’ve read Lori’s books and loved them, please consider leaving a review on Amazon.com or with the retailer of your choice. Writers live and die by their reviews and Lori promises to do a happy dance around her office every time you write one!

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Album Review: Jennifer Nettles - That Girl

Jennifer Nettles has managed to release a solo album that doesn't sound like Sugarland, and considering she is the voice of Sugarland, that's quite a fete.

What sets That Girl apart from her work with Sugarland, is the maturity in the songwriting, and the album is a lot more than just the run of the mill country album.

Take the title track "That Girl," which sounds just a little bit like 90s Cher. That's just the tip of the iceberg. "Jealousy" is pop gold with a touch of Nettles signature twang. There's a jazzy swing to this song that screams sexy. She keeps that vibe going with a touch of blues on "This One's For You."

This album is so vastly different from her previous work and that is what makes it so amazing. Even when she goes back to her country roots on "Know You Wanna Know" she doesn't deliver the expected. This is more rockabilly.

The songs on That Girl may not have the earworm potential that her work with Sugarland is known for, but she's proven that she's more than just a country singer.

Perhaps the quality of the songs she's written (10 of the 11 were penned by Nettles) with the help of notable writers such as Richard Marx, Sara Barielles and Butch Walker, make the album stand out. However its amusing to learn that "Know You Wanna Know" is the song co-written with Marx. That song is so lively and that is is hard to believe the ballad king had his hand in it.

Whatever the reason, That Girl is going to make more than the country fans sit up and take notice of Jennifer Nettles and for good reason. The lady has a voice that can twang, rock, swing and go all bluesy.

If there were any songs that stick out as better than any other, "This Angel" is one of them. It is a ballad that definitely can hold a candle to "Stay" from Sugarland's Enjoy The Ride.

So if you are looking for a Sugarland-ish album, you might want to step away. But if you want to hear Jennifer Nettles at her vocal best, than you don't want to miss That Girl.

I've Been Sher-locked: The Sign Of Three

Sherlock is definitely one of those shows  that get better each time you watch it, and you appreciate each episode more with additional viewing.

I'm not sure if it is a fangirl issue or if it really does prove that Steven Moffat and Mark Gatiss are bloody brilliant. If it weren't for the crazy way they treat Doctor Who, I'd lean towards brilliance.

The Sign of Three is an episode that bares watching again and again, just for Sherlock's Best Man speech. Benedict couldn't be any better in this part. He is crazy brilliant and vulnerable at the same time, especially as he is helping Mary with the wedding prep. (The napkin folding scene is hysterical)

Oh and Sherlock dancing = THUD

However there are two cases he has to solve and they all get tied into his speech, which in itself is pure brilliance.

Seriously folks Sherlock = Brilliant.

Mary, is the most impressive character ever. She's hit it off with Sherlock in a way that makes her part of the group. You have to love her.

But back to the wedding, Sherlock gets to play his violin, and that will bring a tear to every eye. Plus his interaction with the bridesmaid really brings some laughs.

It is impossible not to love this show.

I've Been Sher-locked: The Empty Hearse SPOILERS as River Song would say

Ah what to say about Sherlock's Series Three premier.

Let's start by saying, Moffat and Gatiss do Sherlock better than they do Doctor Who these days, and maybe it is time for a change of showrunners...

Sherlock was bloody brilliant.

Let's recap the best bits in no particular order!

~ Sherlock kissed Molly!!!!!!!



~ Watson's wife is in fact...Watson's wife...

~ Sherlock dressed as a waiter with drawn on mustache!

~ Headbutting Sherlock for being alive, but not telling you that he faked his death.

~ Moriarty/Sherlock shipping!

~ Mrs. Hudson thinking that Sherlock and Watson are a couple..and Watson freaking out about it!

~ Mary and Sherlock saving Watson's ass.

God I could go on, but really this episode was fantastic. It tied up the loose ends from The Reichenbach Fall in a way that only The Moff can do it, while still leaving you thinking.

It had the trademark hilarity that comes with Sherlock. Anyone that's that much of a genius has to be hysterical. Seriously...I want a crossover with Sheldon Cooper.

86 minutes wasn't nearly long enough! I need more Sherlock NOW!

Doctor Who In Review: The Time Of The Doctor

I've learned something in watching the last 4 full episodes of Doctor Who.

You have to watch them more than once to get the full effect.

On Christmas Day when I watched The Time Of The Doctor, I didn't shed a tear.

Today when I rewatched the episode, tears poured down my face when Handles died and when Matt slowly regenerated ...or quickly regenerated...however you want to look at it, into Peter's 12th Doctor.

There's so much I loved and hated about this episode.

Matt's interaction with the children in Christmas is really fantastic and the return of the giraffe dance...and of course the whole naked scene....followed by him clothed but naked at Clara's house.

And when the bowtie fell...oh god, I cried. I think it would have been even more powerful if it had been his original costume. If Moffatt had added a fez...I think I would have gone mental.

As far as regenerations are concerned, I think Matt's quirky as it were, was better and more poignant than David Tennant's. Perhaps because, Matt's looking back wasn't quite so...disgustingly perfect.

It is a shame that the story just isn't enough...it isn't good enough to be a send off for Matt Smith's fabulous Doctor.

Matt deserved better, especially after the stellar 50th anniversary episode.

The Time Of The Doctor just felt like a half hearted effort to say goodbye to an old friend.

I think the huge problem with the story is the total lack of action, until the last 10 minutes or so. It didn't feel like The Doctor was fighting to save anyone.

And poor Clara, who is not one of my favorite companions, but she really gets left in the dust here.

Maybe after I watch it a few more times it will win me over completely

Why Sherlock Is My TV Boyfriend....and my TV Boyfriend Harem

Until I tuned into an episode of Sherlock I was never sure what Benedict Cumberbatch's appeal was.

After watching, I realize, it isn't Benedict that the world is fussing about...it is Sherlock.

Sherlock is bloody brilliant.

He's a naive, genius. He's part Shawn Spencer from Psych and part Sheldon Cooper from Big Bang Theory.

It is these personality traits that make Sherlock a character that women...well at least this woman...want to grab and take care of...in more ways than one.

Now I'm not saying that Benedict Cumberbatch isn't a cutie on his own.

Cos lord knows this guy has some pretty baby blues...

But he's nothing to me outside of his character.

I also admit to having another TV boyfriend...

Cos I'm fickle like that....

That boyfriend is The Doctor.

First let me say this had nothing to do with David Tennant being a hottie...cos well...he is..he can't help himself...

But see...it is The Doctor character...I love

Quirky brilliance...and he's an alien on top of it all.

And yes, the fez is cool..

I have to admit though...even though 11 would be my favorite TV Boyfriend of the Doctor..I would also take 10, 8, 5, 4 and 3....

Again I'm fickle.

But as I've said repeatedly...its the character I love more than the actor...I'm hoping the 12th Doctor joins my list of TV boyfriends this year.

So ladies, who are your tv boyfriends and do you like them because of who they are or the character they play?

Take Me Downton: Downton Abbey In Review Series 4 Epi 2 SPOILERS

The second episode of Series 4 Downton Abbey aired last night and any fan of the show can come away with a few conclusions.

1. Julian Fellowes is an evil man and there are certain characters in this series that he really hates and others he really loves.

2. The storyline of Anna Bates was just shoddy.

Allow me to elaborate on these two points. Lady Mary always has a beau, even 6 months after her husband died, when she is still in proper mourning. (Heck for as backward as these aristocrats are...I have to wonder if her acquiring new beau is not de rigueur. Lady Edith on the other hand gets the short end of the stick with men and truthfully I think she has a much more pleasing personality. Lady Mary, please remove the stick from out of your bum, you'll have a much better time.

Oh and where was her baby?

GAH!

I just feel bad for Edith...she gets the gorgeous older guys and things always go wrong. I love Michael Gregson, he's been the best of her beau (I would do him in a heartbeat) and you just know something bad is going to happen, because Julian will not let Edith have happiness for any length of time. Julian are you good friends with Steven Moffat? Because you both know how to inflict misery on the fans of your shows.

Now onto the Anna Bates rape...Yeah...this was just bad. First of all, her behavior plays in with the boys club "She was asking for it" mentality. I mean, her behavior wasn't the Anna we're used to. It was like she was playing coy with Green, and you could tell he was up to no good.

I really felt that this story arc was done for shock value and it wasn't really well written at all in comparison to other parts of this show.

Now onto the awesomeness...Michael saving Lord Grantham's ass. Woot! I wish they'd start making Lord Grantham just a little bit more progressive. It is hard to imagine him and Cora as a happy couple. They really are two different people.

Any scene with Mrs. Patmore. And seriously Mr. Fellowes, don't you dare think of killing her off, m'kay?

Loved the house party and Lady Mary's new beau Lord Gillingham is quite a dish, though not as dishy as Michael Gregson.

I can't wait for next week!

Album Review: Sara Bareilles - The Blessed Unrest

Sara Bareilles is one of those artists that always make you sit up and take notice, even if she's isn't quite a household name. (And she should be).

Take the opening song of The Blessed Unrest, "Brave." This is the song that Katy Perry's "Roar" wanted to be, if it had some depth and if Katy had a little more talent.

Sara, is an artist that doesn't need the bells and whistles or in this case, the leopard print, skimpy outfit. Pick any song from The Blessed Unrest and you'll see that.

She's a songwriter and a girl with a piano. Yes, that's so typical with female artists, but Sara has that special something that makes her music different. "Chasing The Sun" follows "Brave." It is a more thoughtful song with a slower melody, yet the chorus grabs you and lingers in your head.

This album is a mixture of deep and introspective to fun and almost frolicking. "Little Black Dress" dares you not to tap you foot. "Cassiopiea" is dark and mysterious. The song's tone takes you to space, to that very constellation.

Sure, Sara's the type of music you can expect to here at your favorite coffee house. Her music makes makes you want to sit back and relax and simply enjoy. "I Choose You" is sweetly romantic. It is the type of song you expect to hear playing during a romantic comedy when the guy and girl finally have a crazy, awesome date. (Probably in a park)

"Eden" is super quirky tune, that sees Sara channeling The Artist Formerly Known As Prince. This song escaped from the 80s!

The album closes with "December." It is the perfect winter song. The lyrics "December, you have always been a problem child," will have many nodding their heads in agreement.

Sara Bareilles proves to all who will listen that there are some albums worth buying and The Blessed Unrest is one of them. Twelve songs that will make you remember what "good music" sounds like.

Kielbasa Soup

Ingredients:
2 cartons of chicken broth
2 carrots chopped into small pieces
1/2 small head of cabbage chopped
1 ring kielbasa or smoked sausage
1/3 cup of onion chopped (I like frozen onion)
Dumplings

Sweat the onions for a few minutes then add broth, carrots and cabbage.
Let simmer for 5-10 minutes
Add the kielbasa (I like it cut in rings but you can cut it smaller if you have the patience for it)
Continue to simmer for at least 45 minutes.

Prepare dumplings.

The basic dumpling recipes is easy peesy.

1 c flour
1/2 c water
1 egg
salt

When mixed together the batter will be slightly thicker than pancake batter.

Drop spoonfuls of dumpling batter into the soup until all the batter is gone.

Simmer for another 10 minutes and serve.

Goddess Fish Book Promotions Cover Reveal: Shannon's Law

COVER REVEAL

SHANNON'S LAW by Emma Calin

Thanks so much for hosting the Cover Reveal for my forthcoming contemporary romance SHANNON’S LAW. This is the second in my ‘Passion Patrol Series’ - steamy action-romances that feature sassy female cops who solve crimes, catch crooks and always get their man.

Blurb

Wild child inner city cop Shannon Aguerri walks a dangerous line between her methods and justice. When the bosses lose their nerve, after yet another maverick mission, she is transferred to green pastures to play out the role of a routine village cop. When she encounters signs of people and drug trafficking she homes in on serious millionaire criminals. As a loner she has attracted men but nothing has stuck. When she meets Spencer, the hunky and widowed Earl of Bloxington, there is an immediate rapport between them. Their social differences mean nothing to their passion and need. Already in the mix is an upper class female rival – who has long plotted her way into the Earl's bed. The jealousy is an evil shade of green and the anger is a violent scarlet. Often inhibited by a sense of duty and honour, Spencer is slow to reveal his feelings. When Shannon confronts him with the need to choose between her word and that of her rival, he does not immediately support her. All the same, when they are forced together to carry out a desperate rescue mission, their love is stronger than everything ranged against them.

Shannon’s Law USA Shannon's Law UK

(Pre-order paperback only at this stage)

I will be revealing snippets from the story, photos of places and people that inspired the venues and characters on Pinterest during my pre-launch book tour. There are already some scrap-book cuttings posted, take a look and follow my board to get updates: http://www.pinterest.com/emmacalin/shannons-law-launch-reveal-on-pinterest/

There is also news about the book on Facebook:

http://www.facebook.com/ShannonsLaw

(‘Likes’ are always appreciated.....)

I’m having two launch parties “Afternoon Tea At Bloxington Manor”. The first is online on the 28th February on Facebook and the second is LIVE at the English stately home that inspired the home of my hero on Sunday 2nd March. A local favourite venue for me, Avington Park in Hampshire is steeped in history and tradition. (Think genuine Palladian style rather than Downton Abbey neo-Jacobean). The private owners have kindly agreed to open up for us with a tour of the house and then tea and cake – oh and launch the book of course!

ooooOOOO Shannon's Law Cover Reveal Draw OOOOoooo

$30/£20 Amazon voucher

A pair of tickets to my Avington Park Launch Party 2nd March (UK only)

3 Advanced Review Copies of Shannon’s Law

EVERY entrant will receive a FREE gift of an audiobook of my short story Escape to Love.

Just click here: a Rafflecopter giveaway to register to win - either 'like' the Facebook page or comment on this blog to qualify for an extra 2 chances.

Good Luck!

About Emma Calin

Emma Calin was born in London in 1962. She currently lives in France and the UK. She has been writing since childhood and has won numerous local, national and international prizes for poetry and short stories.

"Knockout!" is the first of the “Passion Patrol Series” a stand-alone love story set against a backdrop of international gambling corruption and deception. Interpol cop Anna Leyton finds herself torn between love and duty when her professional and private life intersects. This book is now available in both paperback and Kindle formats.

“The Love in a Hopeless Place Collection” is a bargain anthology of 5 short stories and novelettes, available in paperback and digital formats.

"Sub-Prime" is a prize-winning hard hitting short story about courage, exploitation and love. It is a raw and brutal exposé of life at the bottom in the aftermath of recession.

"The Chosen" is also a short story, set in modern times where working people struggle to keep their dreams alive. A world where the promise of love motivates desperate measures.

“Escape To Love” is a 'novelette' (longer than a short story but shorter than a novella), a gritty urban romance with suspense and mystery but a love story at it's core.

“Angela” a short story about a late-night taxi journey.

“Love in a Hopeless Place” a novelette about a middle-aged woman striving to find her true identity.

Amazon links to books by Emma Calin

Shannon’s Law USA Shannon's Law UK (Pre-order paperback only at this stage)

Knockout! (Passion Patrol Series)

The Love in a Hopeless Place Collection

Sub-Prime

The Chosen

Escape To Love

Angela

Love in a Hopeless Place

About.me page: http://about.me/emmacalin

Emma Calin Blog: http://www.emmacalin.blogspot.com

Emma Calin Website: http://www.emmacalin.com

Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/emma.calin

and book page: http://www.facebook.com/ShannonsLaw

Twitter:https://twitter.com/EmmaCalin

Pinterest: http://pinterest.com/emmacalin/

Goodreads: http://www.goodreads.com/author/show/4915751.Emma_Calin

For this cover release every commenter will receive an audiobook of Emma's short story "Escape to Love." Emma will be awarding a $30 Amazon GC to one randomly drawn commenter during the tour, another commenter will receive two tickets to the live launch (UK only), and three randomly chosen commenter will receive an ARC of SHANNON'S LAW. a Rafflecopter giveaway

Album Review: Charles Szczepanek - Winter Day Dreaming

Artist: Charles Szczepanek

Album: Winter Day Dreaming

Review by Andrea Guy

There has probably never been another CD so appropriately named as Charles Szczepanek's

Winter Day Dreaming. This collection of instrumental holiday tunes will put anyone in a festive mood.

Winter Day Dreaming consists of nine holiday favorites played by Charles Szczepanek and two

original compositions. This is the perfect addition to anyone's holiday music collection. Solo

piano brings a wintry element to the music. The tinkling of the keys seems to add a chill to the

air.

Holiday music is something people love or hate. There's no way that you can hate the music

of Winter Day Dreaming. Though the songs are nearly all classics, their is nothing cheesy or

gimmicky about the arrangements that Charles has done. These are just songs that everyone

knows, stripped down to their barest, just a piano bringing their melodies to life.

Whether you are listening to "What Child Is This" or "O Holy Night" you'll feel like you are in

an intimate setting, perhaps in front of the tree, or the fire, with hot cocoa at hand. Whatever you

visualize, you'll probably feel the stillness and peacefulness of the music.

"O Holy Night" has a particularly quiet arrangement. This is a song that is usually comes with a

full orchestra, and yet, Charles brings it down a notch or two. It is so calm and so soothing. The

piano almost sounds like a music box playing.

"Silent Night" has a similar arrangement. It is hard to give words to the music that Charles has

created. It is easy to string adjectives along, such as beautiful, stunning, gentle and calming, but

those only touch the tip of what he's done here.

"Silent Night" is now a lullaby and that is perfect when you think of the lyrics that you aren't

hearing. (Even though they play through your head with each note.)

Charles does a marvelous job with "Carol Of The Bells." The keys ring out the tune, as lively as

any bells could do and without fanfare. This is probably the most energetic melody on the album,

especially as the melody reaches the crescendo.

"Snowfall" is one of Charles' original compositions. The arrangement, like those on the

traditional tunes, is one of lightness. This is music that is very visual. Without even knowing the

title of the song, you can easily picture a blanket of white covering a country landscape and feel a

bite of cold in the air.

"Winter Day Dreaming" has a lilting melody. It is easy to imagine this song in the background of

a holiday film, probably a romantic comedy. It would be playing as the guy finally gets the girl.

One of the most beautiful songs found in this collection is "Angels We Have Heard On High." As

Charles' fingers glide over the keys, it may be hard not to sing along with the melody, though the

piano keys do some lovely singing of their own. Charles has some drama and flair towards the

end allowing the song to pack a nice punch.

The album closes with "Auld Lang Syne" which is appropriate. Christmas is over and the New

Year is waiting. The solo piano seems to sound lonely sending off the old year.

In a world where big and flashy things are all the norm, Charles Szczerpanek delivers a holiday

album that is just the opposite. This album is beautiful in all its simplicity. One man, one piano

and eleven songs that will fill you with holiday spirit even in the middle of summer.

If you are looking for something that isn't all glitz and glamour for your holiday music collection,

Winter Day Dreaming is the CD you must have.

Rating: 5 (out of 5 stars)

Promo Spot: The Trust Me Trilogy

Trust Me?

The Trust Me? Trilogy

Book 1

KE Osborn

Genre: Adult Contemporary Romance

ISBN: 9780992333805

ASIN: B00F0G6JRW

Number of pages: 283 pages

Word Count: approx 89,000

Amazon    Smashwords

Book Description:

This book is for mature audiences 18+ It contains explicit language and sexual content.

Jenifer Taylor is content with her life, dull and boring as it is. Being absent from the dating scene means she doesn’t have to deal with the major trust issues she has with men that stem from a controlling and aggressive ex-boyfriend and an absentee father.  She’s happy being alone, sharing her life with her friends and family.

When Jeni starts a typical day in the big city of Mornington Vale, California, it turns from bad to worse when she’s involved in a chain collision on her way to work.

Her world changes forever that day because she meets Aiden O’Connell, the billionaire son of Alistair O’Connell, who owns Mornington Vale’s largest financial corporation. Aiden is an up-and-coming young businessman who's ready to take on the vice presidency of his father’s company. He is the good son, and it’s imperative to Alistair that Aiden succeed and follow in his footsteps. Life for Aiden involves working hard and not much else.

After the accident, however, Aiden’s world changes as well. He finds Jeni irresistible and instantly pursues her. With some coaxing, she eventually agrees to a date, and the attraction is mutual.

Jeni finds love quickly with Aiden, but trusting him is another issue.  When to trust is tested in many different ways but comes to a head when Aiden is investigated for a serious crime.  As her trust issues spark, she is forced to go through a journey of self-discovery.

She must decide once and for all whether she trusts the man she loves when she’s asked the ultimate question: “Do you trust me?”

This is book one in a series of three.  Book two "Love Me?" was released on November 18^th, 2013.

Short Excerpt Trust Me?

I turn to face him; he puts his other arm around me. We are in the same position as before when the last kiss attempt failed. My arms are tight around his neck, his arms around my waist. I look down. He lifts up my chin so I’m lost in his gaze. His hand goes back to my waist. He swallows; I think he’s as nervous as I am. He tilts his head and leans in … I back away quickly.

“What’s wrong?” he asks, looking hurt.

“Oh, no, it’s not you. I think … I might have garlic breath.”

He laughs and pulls me back to him. “So do I.” He pulls me in tighter, and before I know what’s happening, his lips are on mine. I give in and surrender to him completely.

This feels like one of my fantasies, only way, way better. He holds me tight as one hand moves from my waist to caress my cheek, kissing me softly but sensually. My hands move to the back of his head, and I grab a lock of hair in each hand. He moves our bodies so that I’m against the railing at the edge of the deck. He moves his hand from my waist to hold the rail as I still grasp his hair. The kissing becomes feverishly passionate; his tongue against mine as they intertwine with each other. Our breathing becomes faster and erratic. Our kissing becomes more intimate. We are in perfect sync with each other. I pull him closer to me, our whole bodies touching. My heart is pounding fast and hard. His hand moves from my face to the back of my head, pulling me tight. He moves my hair from the side of my neck, breaks our kiss and kisses my neck slowly and seductively. I sigh and breathe in a stuttering motion. I open my eyes to see the waitress standing there, gawking at us. I stiffen as I see her. He pulls back and looks at me. With my eyes, I gesture toward the waitress. He turns, looks, and lets out a little huff. He leans in towards me.

“Now that’s a first kiss,” he whispers as he grabs my hand and leads me over to the table. I can’t help but smile.

  

Love Me?

The Trust Me? Trilogy

Book 2

KE Osborn

Genre: Adult Contemporary Romance

ISBN: 9780992333812

ASIN: B00GMCILB0

Number of pages: 271

Word Count:87,000

Amazon   Smashwords

Book Description:

This book is for mature audiences 18+ It contains explicit language and sexual content.

In the first book of The Trust Me? Trilogy, Jeni Taylor finds the love of her life, but as the second book begins, she finds herself lost without Aiden O’Connell, who’s been wrongly convicted of embezzlement charges and incarcerated. She must find the strength within to help prove he’s innocent while dealing with other issues. Aiden’s father, Alistair, still taunts her, making life between Jeni and Aiden more difficult, and an unexpected visitor enters their lives, creating havoc and turning it upside down. Jeni’s trust issues return in a major way after an incident leaves her fragile and broken. Aiden and Jeni find themselves going through more trials and tribulations than ever before in this second installment of the Trust Me? Trilogy. In the end, Jeni will be asked the ultimate question: Do you still love me?

  

Short Excerpt Love Me?

       My nerves start to get the better of me, I start to feel nauseous; those darn pesky butterflies attack again. I’m not sure why I’m nervous, whether it’s the shoes making me unstable or whether it’s the memory of our first date, our first touch, or our first kiss that’s making me bashful.
       I turn the corner to see him standing there with a bunch of red roses, in the suit that he changed into earlier, this time with a baby pink tie on. Behind him is that gorgeous waterfall cascading down the cliff with the lush greenery surrounding us. As I take a step closer, I hear music playing. “Thank You for Loving Me” by Bon Jovi. It’s our song. I feel my eyes welling up as all the emotion and love I feel for this man is becoming too much to bear.
       His smile is beaming from ear to ear when I approach. Finally I reach him. He holds out his hand for me to take. I take it, and he pulls me into a tight embrace.
       “This is perfect,” I whisper.
       “Perfection for perfection, my love.” He kisses my cheek, and places the bouquet of flowers on the railing.

About the Author:

K E Osborn is the Adelaide based Author of the Trust me? Trilogy, a romance series with love, laughter and plenty of lust!

K E Osborn was born in September 1984 and raised in Adelaide South Australia. She had a love of writing throughout High School but went down a different path to Design instead. It wasn't until she had a vivid dream about a three car pileup that the characters of her first book came to life.

Aiden and Jeni are the amazing couple from the Trust me? Trilogy and they were born into the world through the imagination of K E Osborn in 2012.

https://twitter.com/KEOsbornAuthor

https://www.facebook.com/KEOsborn

https://www.facebook.com/trustmetrilogy

http://www.goodreads.com/KEOsbornAuthor

http://www.smashwords.com/profile/view/KEOsbornauthor

http://www.keosbornauthor.com/

Tasty Ham Salad

If you are looking for something quick and easy to make with your leftover ham, this super tasty sandwich spread is definitely the thing.

I improvised my recipe from Mr. Food.

Ingredients
2 cups cooked cubed ham
1/2 cup mayonnaise
1/4 cup sweet pickle relish
1/4 tsp pepper
1/3 cup onion

Directions
Place all the ingredients in a food processor with the blade attachment.
Chop 1 minute on medium then scrape the sides of the bowl and then chop again until you reach your desired consistency.

Serve immediately or chill

Oreo Cream Cheese Cookies

I found the recipe for these yummy cookies at Crumbs and Chaos

The original recipe only made 18 cookies, so I did some doubling and some tweaking (tweaking not twerking..m'kay!)

 Ingredients 
1 cup butter, softened
6 ounces cream cheese, softened
2 cups sugar
2 tsp vanilla
2 cup flour
1 cup dark chocolate morsels
26 oreo cookies, crushed (Double stuffed ...and even good generic oreos work..to save some cash)

Instructions 

 Preheat oven to 375 degrees.

In a mixing bowl, cream together the butter and cream cheese on medium speed until smooth and well combined.

Add the sugar and vanilla and mix until the ingredients are well combined.

Add the flour and mix on low until the flour is incorporated. Stir in the mini chocolate chips with a rubber spatula.

Place the Oreo crumbs in a small bowl.

Create 1½" balls and then roll in the cookie crumbs. (I do mine smaller, cos I don't like big cookies)

Place the cookie balls on a parchment lined baking sheet.

Bake for 12 to 15 minutes, or until the edges are golden and the tops are slightly puffed.

Cool on the pan before transferring to a wire rack to cool completely. Makes approximately 4 dozen cookies.